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Gone are the days of 12-piece serving sets and lacy linens. Brides and grooms want high-end gadgets and gourmet gear to make their kitchens sizzle.
Since many couples these days already have the household basics when they marry, retro-futuristic gourmet gifts -- think Judy Jetson rather than Betty Crocker -- are the hot new ticket thanks to specialty stores.
“Specialty stores like Crate and Barrel and have replaced the standard-issue department store as a place to register,” said Denise and Alan Fields, authors of “Bridal Passport: The Dollars & Sense Guide to Planning Your Wedding” (Windsor Peak Press, $14.95). “These registries mean more high-tech gear.”
Wherever you register, these latest kitchen contraptions are sure to appeal to your sense of fine taste and enjoyment in your new home together:
-- Keurig Gourmet Single-Cup Home Brewing System ($170)
There is a reason Keurig tops all other single-cup coffee brewers. It’s not the great selection of more than 70 gourmet coffees packed in single-serving pods, the convenience of the automatic timer or the ability to customize the strength of java flowing from this futuristic fountain. It’s the combination of all these things. At 6 in the morning, this little coffee wizard pulls all its resources to brew a piping hot cup of joe in less than a minute. It’s like having a barista on call day and night. Caffeine addicts don’t have to sacrifice great taste, either. The final product tastes as good as the best java joint.
-- Bodum Assam 4-Cup Tea Press ($25)
Whether brewing up a batch of Bergamot-scented Earl Grey or steeping fragrant floral leaves, tea fanatics will adore this cool caffeine-optional brewer. The perfectly round glass tea press makes an artful addition to any tea party. Simply set a few loose leaves in the strainer, pour hot water over the mix and wait for the perfect infusion. This stunning, sleek little orb holds enough to savor alone or share with a friend, and the dishwasher-safe strainer and teapot make for quick cleanup when teatime is over.
-- Villaware Uno Propress Panini Grill ($85)
This restaurant-style panini grill turns ordinary sandwiches into cultured cuisine. The sleek lines and chrome finish means this modern marvel will have a permanent spot on even the most crowed kitchen counter. With a wide grilling surface, the ability to handle foods up to 3 inches thick and 1400 watts of power, this grill goes way beyond simple sandwich press. Chefs can also cook meat or chicken -- and still have time to entertain dinner guests owning to the quick cleanup factor. The grill features an external cup for draining fats and oils and a non-stick finish.
-- VillaWare Uno Petite Flower Gravity Waffler ($120)
Forget foraging the freezer for those dinky checkerboard waffles. This handy waffle iron takes this much-loved Belgian treat to the next level. The people at VillaWare are on a roll, this time combining the art of waffle making with high design. Each batch from this slick stainless-steel iron produces three petite floral-shaped waffles: a sunflower, rose and daisy. Using the same technology found in high-end restaurants, the rotating waffler spreads batter for evenly baked, extra-thick waffles. With seven settings, it’s easy to achieve that perfect balance of crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
-- T-Fal Ultimate EZ Clean Deep-Fryer ($100)
The deep-fryer could be man’s best invention, but forget dieting with this in the house. From homemade chicken fingers and cheese sticks to classic french fries and onion rings, yummy appetizers just got a lot easier. The folks at T-Fal designed the Ultimate EZ Clean with convenience in mind. This is the first and only fryer that drains, filters and stores the oil after each use. After whipping up a batch of crispy snacks, simply remove the cooking unit from the base, place it on top of the oil canister and the automatic oil filtration system does it’s magic. Plus, the cooking unit is dishwasher safe.
-- Dansk Graves Studio Cheese Board ($58)
It may not be high-tech, but it is forward thinking. From designer Michael Graves, this Asian hardwood cheese board is the perfect blend of form and function. Now cheese connoisseurs have everything they need in one gadget. The rectangular board features a unique groove for serving crackers and three stainless-steel cheese knives that can be stored inside the board. Whether serving as the centerpiece at a wine-tasting party or just pulling duty during a Friday night DVD marathon, this handy all-in-one serving solution will make any gathering a little more artful.
-- Tupperware Sheerly Elegant Olive Oil Bottle and Caddy ($17 each)
The latest from Tupperware is an unexpected blend of practicality and subtle style. This clever caddy holds three bottles of oil, vinegar or soy sauce while chefs toil in the kitchen or preside over a luxe dinner party. Whether seasoning a salad or creating a dipping sauce for bread, gourmands will appreciate the twist-shape bottles that contour to the hand for better pouring control and the handy triangular caddy with its decorative amber-colored carrying ring for toting bottles to the table.
© Copley News Service
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