July 1, 2008

Smart Spice.

Introducing Smart Spice. These spices, herbs, and kitchen essentials are of the highest quality. They’re fresh, organic, and packaged in pre-measured, single-use packets. Just tear one open, toss it in, and the unused packets stay freshly sealed awaiting their turn. Instead of having a crowded spice cabinet with bottles of spice growing stale and tasteless, cooks have on-demand freshness.

A more than genius idea. As much as I love my spice rack it doesn’t get as much love as it deserves. I’d love to be able to buy top shelf goodies to fill its jars, but because I don’t use them all the time things tends to end up clumpy and stale. So what’s the point? Problem solved. Each of the Smart Spice packets is pre-measured into one teaspoon. Each box contains four packets. I love the design as well and that the prominence rests on the name of the spice.

NOTE: Smart Spice is not available yet. Hang in there for Fall 2008!

:: via Cool Hunting

Posted In food, grand design, packaging
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June 27, 2008

The Daily Eat: Mojito Jelly-O.

Mojito Jelly-Os lie somewhere between a tastier version of the Jello shots you did in college and an alcohol-infused dessert. I understand this one might be a little out of the comfort zone for some of you, but it’s too unique not to include in Lime Week. And in my experience Tartlette’s concoctions are never a letdown!

:: photo and recipe via Tartlette

Posted In recipes
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June 27, 2008

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

Columbus, OH-based Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is well known for its creative flavor combinations and quality ingredients used in all of their ice creams, sorbets and frozen yogurts. All flavors are inspired by local dairy and fruit. It’s also interesting that Jeni’s uses NO eggs because she believes they distract from the flavor of the cream. Instead she uses small amounts of corn starch and gelatin as thickeners.

There’s nothing better than a quality product in equally outstanding packaging. Jeni’s is spot-on, relying on clear plastic containers and a handwritten font that really allows the ice cream to be the star. At the same time it also reminds you that all of Jeni’s frozen treats are handmade in small batches.

Founder Jeni Britton is featured in this month’s Food & Wine magazine in How to Make Ice Cream Like an Artisan. I’m pumped that the article contains lots and lots of her recipes as well.

Posted In food, packaging, recipes
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June 26, 2008

Fill-In Baby Invites.

Almost all of my good girl friends are married, most of them with at least one kid or onto number two already. I wish I’d known about these fill-in baby invitations when they were having their baby showers. Then again, they’re pretty non-descript with no rattles or ducks or anything, so you could just as easily use them for a party of your own. I would!


Posted In invitations, kids, paper goods
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June 25, 2008

Mr. Fizz.

Love the aerodynamic chrome design of this Mr. Fizz seltzer bottle! I don’t own one, but I’d love to make the addition to my “bar” at some point. A lot of what I see are vintage pieces that don’t function any longer, so a seltzer bottle that works would be a bonus!

Posted In entertaining
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June 25, 2008

On the Rocks: Blueberry Smash.

I first met the Blueberry Smash at a rooftop bar last summer and was instantly hooked. It’s the perfect blend of bubbles and subtle sweetness. (Although I don’t think the champagne in mine was pink!)

Ingredients:
– 1/4-1/3 c. blueberries
– 1 oz. (pony) lemon juice
– 1 oz. simple syrup
– 1 1/2 oz. (jigger) Stoli Blueberi Vodka
– Pink champagne
– Several blueberries, for garnish.

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. In a separate glass, muddle the blueberries. Add lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir. Pour into ice-filled glass. Add blueberry vodka. Stir. Fill glass to top with pink champagne. Mix. Top with several blueberries. Serve with a straw.

:: photo and cocktail via Loulies

Posted In cocktails
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