It Slices, It Dices...

Giving a special "thank you" nod to the good people over at Epicurious for calling my attention to this nifty item, I ran over to my nearest Williams-Sonoma and bought this sweet little Tomato Knife. And after using it, I’d also say that it's probably the neatest kitchen utensil purchase I’ve made in a while.

Although there are scores tomato slicers and knives on the market, this one does exactly what it advertises it will do, and slices the skin of the tomato "cleanly" without "shredding" it and creating the usual seedy, pulpy mess that follows. (Don’t even think about achieving the same result with a regular, serrated-edge tomato knife, folks...or then again, maybe you already have.) And, as an extra-added bonus, the broad, rounded tip of this little gem very easily lifts your delicately cut tomato slices onto a plate, no muss, no fuss.

So if I’m beginning to sound like an infomercial right about now, that’s okay. No doubt, if you do just happen to see this handy utensil at 3 AM on one of your local TV channels -- buy it. Otherwise, hop on over to your local Williams-Sonoma and pick one up.

Food Shopping 101

Chefs David Myers and Jill Davie

Okay, just in time for your “indoor” summer entertainment, is yet another food-related TV show. This one, very aptly titled, Shopping With Chefs, debuts this Sunday on the Fine Living Network . Check local listings for the exact time in your area.

It’s basically a showcase that's primarily set up to help beginners "cook better by shopping smarter." And that certainly seems to make sense, so far.

L.A.-based chefs -- David Myers, chef/owner of Sona, and Jill Davie, chef de cuisine at Josie -- introduce viewers to a variety of ingredients and kitchen equipment. And with episodes covering everything from salad greens to knives -- I'd say give this one a definite look-see, especially if you decide to take a short break from backyard grilling and other "outdoor" summer actvities this weekend.

So do check it out, if you can.

Let 'Em Eat Cake

Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale is a national campaign where participants host their own bake sale anywhere in the U.S. from May 19 - August 31 and send their proceeds to Share Our Strength to help organizations in their community end childhood hunger.

Find out more about this campaign and how you can participate in this worthy cause to help feed our nation's children at the SOS website.

Just Grill...And Then Chill (Seriously)

No special rubs, glazes, Dijon-balsamic-chutney-honey mustards, or wasabi marinades this time around. (Trust me...none) All you'll basically need here, is kosher salt, a good cracked pepper, olive oil, a bag of soft buns, a good American Cheddar cheese, and the right meat, veggies, and charcoal -- in order to cook right along with this video over at New York Metro.

Just in time for some great backyard (or "tar beach" rooftop) grilling. Ice-cold beer, unfortunately, not included, but left to your own best judgment -- and choice.

See it over at New York Metro's Grub Street, and Happy 4th!