Walking through a Forest of Cookware, Bakeware and...Cakeware

I'm just back from the annual International Home + Housewares Show in Chicago. It was cold, in the 20s each day, and I got out just ahead of a snowstorm. It's always exciting to see what's new in housewares, small appliances and home care, and this year it seemed there was more to see than ever!

One highlight of the show that pushed every one of our sweet buttons was the introduction of a vast line of new products by "Cake Boss," Buddy Valastro, dubbed "cakeware." The extensive array the line is expected to encompass is as mind-boggling as it is welcome. The products range from bakeware and baking necessities like pastry bags (both cloth and silicone), pastry wheels, and icing spatulas, all designed to Buddy's specifications, to nice-to-haves like cake stands, dessert plates and cookie jars.

When I mentioned the ambitiousness of the project to Buddy, he was quick to point out that part of the reason for his involvement was his desire to see families do more caking and baking projects together. "Family's what it's all about," said Buddy. And to back up his words, Buddy's kids were featured helping other youngsters to decorate cakes in a demo kitchen, while Buddy enthusiastically posed for pictures nearby with those who waited in a conga line that seemed to go on forever. Plans are for the first wave of goodies to hit store shelves in the fall. Look for more on this in future issues.

My next discovery is one those items that you don't know you need until you see it. Then you might slap your forehead and say, "Why didn't I think of that?" The Dippr® is a hook on handle that hugs your cookie by the filling for clean-finger dunking, and keeps it from falling into your milk—unless you really like that part of dunking! Priced at about $2.99, it comes in 5 colors, so each to his/her own, and it's a cute item to attach to a birthday gift or keep in mind as a holiday stocking stuffer.

There are lots more new and wonderful items that we'll be covering in upcoming issues, so stay tuned.

As winter turns to spring, I'm still training and so excited about traveling to Washington, D.C. to run with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon. As a group fundraising effort, my teammates and I will be taking orders for and baking yummy cheesecakes (triple chocolate, anyone?!) or go to  http://pages.teamintraining.org/pb/nikewhlf13/dscocozza

Wishing you many sweet moments and a happy spring!

Back to top