Look What's Cooking

By Heather Eubanks

	Messermeister Serrated-Edge Swivel Peeler A useful helper for removing the skin of any fruit or vegetable, or creating Parmesan “curls.” The serrated edge can “zest” any citrus fruit or accentuate a presentation of fresh vegetables. Santoprene molded handle and stainless steel blade, $5.50 from Sur La Table, Carlsbad, 760-635-1316; surlatable.com.
	Salt and Pepper Wobblers Ergonomic construction and spill-free design features a rounded base. Weighted perfectly, shakers wobble only briefly if bumped and feel comfortable in your hand. Made from brushed stainless steel and crafted with a plastic inner sleeve. The easy-to-fill shakers open with a twist. $25 from Brookstone, Fashion Valley, 619-296-4091; brookstone.com.
	Chef'n Switchit™ Spatulas Use both ends of this spatula to scrape bowls or mix sauces. The asymmetric design reaches any angle in a pan, pot or bowl. Work ends glide with ease and won't scratch nonstick cookware. Made of stain-resistant silicone with steel core, the spatulas are heat resistant to 650°F. Dishwasher safe. 10 inches, $7.95; 111/2 inches, $9.95 from Sur La Table, Carlsbad, 760- 635-1316; surlatable.com.
	Remote Thermometer Don’t stay tied to the kitchen while roasting meat. Let a digital thermometer page you. A wireless transmitter pages you within a 100-foot radius. Programmed for six types of poultry and meat, the thermometer also lets you customize settings. A built-in timer tracks two tasks simultaneously. $50 from Williams-Sonoma, Fashion Valley, 619-295-0510; williams-sonoma.com.
	Petite Orka Silicone Cooking Mitt This heavy-duty mitt is sized to fit smaller hands. Translucent silicone offers unparalleled heat protection—up to 500°F. Fully waterproof, it performs at the same high level when wet, protecting hands from boiling water and hot oils. The silicone also resists stains and odors through years of service. Dishwasher safe and machine washable. Fits either hand. $22 from Williams-Sonoma, sold on williams-sonoma.com (Internet or catalog only).
	Silicon Basting Brush Soft-grip design is unbeatable for applying oils and sauces. The silicone resists stains and odors, eliminating the need for multiple brushes. Heat resistant to 500°F. Available in pesto, espresso and persimmon, $7.95 from Sur La Table, Carlsbad, 760-635-1316; surlatable.com.
	Diablo This versatile piece of cookware makes anything from a simple cheese sandwich to a calzone or an apple pie. Recipes are included to get you started. Titanium-strength coating for scratch-resistant, nonstick cooking. No mess, no plug, and it’s dishwasher safe. $25 from Brookstone, Fashion Valley 619-296-4091; brookstone.com.
	Garlic Twist This invention uses a simple process to chop garlic. Pop peeled cloves inside the two-part polycarbonate drum and give the top and bottom a few opposing twists. The more you twist, the finer the resulting pieces. Dishwasher safe. $15 from Williams-Sonoma, Fashion Valley, 619-295-0510; williams-sonoma.com.
	Chop & Chop Flexible Cutting Boards Chop your vegetables, meat, poultry or fish without fear of cross-contamination. Not only can you bend, funnel and shape these flexible cutting boards, they’re a great space-saving set as well. Set of four translucent colors, $7.95 from Sur La Table, Carlsbad, 760-635-1316; surlatable.com.

	50 People to Watch Party 2012 This year's event held at the Saltbox at the Hotel Palomar on January 20 honoring San Diego's best and brightest.

	47th annual Presentation Tea Photos of the 47th annual Presentation Tea at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe

	Air Supply: Filling Lungs with Love Photos of an event to raise money for Sharlie Kaltenbach at a private estate in Olivenhain

	Super Stars... Let it Shine! Photos from an evening to raise money for the Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad held at La Costa Resort