Cooking Improv

Cooking has come a long way. Electric mixers, no stick pans, digital timers, all are new conveniences and cooking continues to improve.

Taylor kitchenware has picked up the Smart Measure, a new and improved measuring cup. Who thought you could improve on a cup? Well, you certainly can. The LCD screen on the cup handle tells you exactly how much is in the cup (no more straining the neck to stare down at hatch marks. The cup also comes with preset measurements for a bunch of popular recipes, and (best of all) it can do measurement conversions!

Cooking takes enough work to begin with why not simplify the process? No complaints here.

Feeling adventurous?

OK so maybe you can’t afford to travel around the world,  but you can eat around the world from home with Destination Dinners.

This innovative company will send you a package with the authentic spices and sauces needed to cook up to four servings of international dishes such as

In addition each kit includes a shopping list for fresh ingredients, cooking instructions and cultural information about the place the recipe is from.

Current destinations include:

New Orleans, USA  Creole Style Jambalaya

Boston Beach, Jamaica — Jerk Chicken & Shrimp Barbecue

Beirut, Lebanon — Kibbeh bil-Saneeyeh, Baked Spiced Lamb

Haifa, Israel — Falafel with Hellfire Harissa Sauce and Chickpea Croquets with Hot Sauce

Kyoto, Japan — Saikyo Miso, Black Cod in Miso Marinade

Tokyo, Japan — Katsudon, Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl

Dhaka, Bangladesh — Chicken Garam Masala, Chicken with Warming Spices

Bangkok, Thailand — Khao Ob Sapparod, Baked Pineapple Rice with Chicken and Cashews

Ayutthaya, Thailand — Kaeng Khiaw-Waan Kai and Kanom Tuay Foo, Green Chicken Curry with Puffy Cups

Seoul, South Korea — Bulgogi, Marinated Fire Meat

Destination Dinners recipe kits are $25 and are currently only sold online.