10 Genius Kitchen Gadgets for the Clever Chef

These days, there is no end to the amount of gadgets out there, especially for the kitchen. Let’s face it, not all of them are useful, and they end up taking up precious space in your kitchen. To save you some trouble, we’ve compiled a list of our favourite, affordable and genius kitchen gadgets, whether you want to up your own kitchen game, or surprise your favourite home chef.

Gotham Steel Bacon BonanzaGenius Kitchen Gadgets

Many chefs swear by cooking bacon in the oven. It reduces the fat, eliminates stovetop splatter, and guarantees a perfectly crispy result. The Bacon Bonanza makes cooking bacon in the oven even easier: the non-stick rack spaces up to 12 pieces of bacon perfectly, the non-stick pan catches the grease for easy cleanup, and both are dishwasher safe.

PL8 Fresh Herb Saver

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

Fresh herbs are a key ingredient to taking the quality of your home cooking up a notch. But unless you’ve got your own fresh herb garden, store-bought herbs don’t last very long in the fridge. This simple little item will add life to your fresh herbs so you can use them again and again, and save you the sadness of watching them wilt in your fridge. Its compact size fits easily in any fridge door. Works for saving asparagus, too!

Zipstrip Herb Stripper

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

Now that you have all of these fresh herbs just sitting around, you’ve got to use them! This little gem will save you loads of time; it easily strips, collects and measures herbs all in one step. Four separate sized holes fit any variety and size of woody, stemmed herbs (such as rosemary, thyme and tarragon) and the bowl easily catches the leaves and simply measures your portion.

Brooklyn Brownie Copper Pan

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

What’s the best part of a pan of brownies? The corners, of course! This time-saving brownie pan will give you 18 perfectly portioned corner pieces every time. The durable, non-stick surface allows you to mix the batter right inside the pan, no pre-greasing required. The slicer insert slides right out when the brownies are done, with no arguments about who gets the corners.

Ove Glove

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

Traditional oven mitts are awkward and bulky, and who hasn’t burned themselves on the oven using a tea towel? Never fear, because the Ove Glove is here to save your precious fingertips. Three layers of insulation protects from heat, flame and steam up to 540℉, and the five fingers with silicone grip will have you nimbly dashing around your baking and barbecuing like the kitchen hero that you are.

One Stop Chop Cutting Board

If you’re obsessed with keeping your cooking space neat and tidy through the dinner-making process, have we got the gadget for you. This beautiful bamboo cutting board hides secret, tidy prep drawers underneath to store your ingredients until you’re ready to use them, making room on your cutting board in the process. Aahh…satisfying, isn’t it?

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

 

So, you like precision, do you? Oh, we’re gonna get precise. Any good baker knows that winging it is a recipe for disaster, especially when it comes to making the perfect dough. That’s why the always-inventive Joseph Joseph gave bakers this ingenious rolling pin that measures the thickness of the dough while you roll it. Simply attach one of three included sets of discs to the pin for rolling thicknesses of 3/8”, 1/4″ and 1/16”. There are also measurements etched into the barrel help you roll sheets of dough to exact widths. Guesswork, you’ve met your match.

Soda Stream Source Soda Maker

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

If you’re trying to kick the sugary drink habit, the Soda Stream makes healthy, carbonated beverages at home, right on your countertop. Have your beverage your way with customizable carbonation settings, and optional low-sugar, natural flavours. Voted Best New Product in 2016 by Canadian Living, this handy, compact gadget will save you money on your grocery bill, and save hundreds of plastic bottles and cans from going into the waste cycle.

Crock-Pot Express 8-in-1 Crock Multicooker

Genius Kitchen Gadgets

This is not your mother’s Crock-Pot. This insanely useful appliance is the new rock star of the small appliance world for people who love to cook, and even people who don’t. This multi-cooker does the job of a slow cooker, electric pressure cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, sauté/browning pan, and warming pot. It’s a single appliance that does the job of seven! And we don’t know about you, but we definitely don’t have the space in our humble kitchens to store all seven of those appliances. Whether you want to prep your meal in the morning and cook all day, or have a fast healthy home-cooked meal in under an hour–this one-pot wonder does it all!

I Could Eat A T-Rex Pasta Measuring Tool

Genius Kitchen Gadgets
No matter how long you’ve been cooking, you’ll likely never be able to eyeball the perfect portion of pasta. A pasta measuring tool is essential to any cook’s tool kit, so why not make it fun, too? This adorable tool helps you portion pasta for a kid, woman, man or a visiting T-Rex. Warning: approach hungry T-Rex with care, and don’t make any sudden movements.

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids (and Parents)

We’ve got just over a month until Christmas. Time to get your shopping sorted!

Starting with last week’s Holiday Gift Guide for the Home Cook, we’re posting gift guides every week until Christmas. Each will be aimed at different groups and include gift ideas from stocking stuffers to show stoppers.

 

This week, our guide has gift suggestions for all the kids in your life that parents won’t mind playing with either! Whether you’re a parent yourself, or you’re buying presents for other kids and parents in your life, London Drugs has plenty of ideas and options.

Board Games are Big Again

Board games have gotten incredibly popular over the last few years. Board game cafes and bars in Calgary and Vancouver can attest to their popularity! Board games are tried and true, and (actually) fun for the whole family. They make great gifts, but choosing between the hundreds of games available can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help!

Modern board games range from serious strategy games like Ticket to Ride or Settlers of Catan to classics with a twist like NHL-OPOLY. Strategy games tend to be better for older kids, but Dixit is good for kids three and up while still being super fun. Pandemic is a cooperative game, teaching valuable lessons about collaboration while players work together to save the world. Kids and parents alike will appreciate learning new games.

Gift Guide for Kids - Monopoly Deal

Or, you can give the parents in your life some classics from their childhood to share with their own kids, like Twister or Battleship. Monopoly Deal is a great new version of an old classic that is quick to play and won’t cause any family feuds!

Tech Toys

While board games are great, video games are really the modern classic. This year’s ultimate gift is the Nintendo Switch, especially bundled with Super Mario Odyssey. The Switch can be a home gaming system, or a portable device kids can continue playing on for those long car rides.

Gift Guide for Kids - Super Mario Odyssey

Image via Nintendo.com

If the kid on your list is into computers, teach them the basics of programming with this cool programmable robot.

Gift Guide for Kids - WowWee programmable robot

Image via WowWee.com

iPads are incredibly versatile techie gifts, good for young and older kids alike. They’ve got YouTube and Netflix for watching kids shows, tons of easy-to-learn games, and they make it easier to connect with family through FaceTime. There’s nothing better for grandparents, aunts, and uncles than a video chat with excited kids on Christmas morning!

Kid Crafts

For families wanting less screen time, crafty gifts are endlessly fun. Scientifically minded kids will be into these Cool Science Experiments, ranging from invisible ink to lava lamps to hoverboards.

Those who love to draw will appreciate a fresh set of pencil crayons. Pair them with a sketchbook to make a complete drawing kit.

Colouring books are always fun and relaxing. Give them a colouring book with their favourite movie characters (be it Minions or Spider-Man) or opt for beautiful shapes or animals and let the recipient tell their own stories with colour.

Lego

As frustrating as stepping on those tiny pieces can be, Lego is a classic toy for a reason. Get fancy sets for older kids, like this Star Wars Resistance X-Wing, or go back to basics with a  classic creativity set. You can make anything with Lego.Gift Guide for Kids - Star Wars X-wing lego

Personalized Presents

Personalized presents are great for kids—they love seeing pictures of themselves and their family! The PhotoLab can put your family photos on just about anything, but some particularly good gifts are personalized mugs, ornaments, and puzzles.

 

For more gift-giving advice for the kids (and parents) on your list, speak to an LD Expert today. To make a purchase, visit London Drugs in-store and online.

We’ll be back soon with a top gift guide for techies. See you then!

See all of our 2017 Holiday Gift Guides here:

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Techies

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the DIYer

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Music Lovers

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Home Cook 

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the Home Cook

The days are colder, the nights are longer, and we’ve fallen back, ending Daylight Saving Time. Time to start planning for the holidays! Do you know what gifts you’re going to get for your loved ones this year? We’re here to help.


Throughout November and December, we’ll be posting holiday gift guides for everyone on your list, with a wide range of gift ideas and price points on each. From showstopper items to smaller stocking stuffers, we’ve got you covered.

We’re starting our holiday gift guides with ideas for the home cook in your life. Whether you know an adventurous chef or a young person just learning the basics, you can’t go wrong with kitchen-y gifts. Everyone needs to cook!

Here’s our guide to buying the perfect kitchen goodie for the home cook on your list.

1. Introduce Them to the Joys of the Crock-Pot Life

The Crock-Pot Express 8 in 1 Multicooker is an outstanding gift for the home chef. It’s a convenient way to make delicious, hearty fare that will nourish an entire household. The bonus? It does all the work while you’re out preparing for the holidays or relaxing with a good book. 

 

This particular model is an 8 in 1 wonder appliance, with settings for rice cooking, yogurt making, and more. Include some recipes with your gift so the recipient can get started with it right away–we’ve got a list of 3 sensational crock-pot recipes right here.

[Photo: J. Kenji Lopez-Alt]

2. Elevate Their Coffee Game

Chances are your foodie friend loves coffee just as much as they do cooking. But do they have all the tools needed to make a truly great cup of coffee? A real chef will appreciate a grinder to grind their own beans to the perfect coarseness for their coffee maker of choice.

Do they need a new coffee maker? Why not a cold brew coffee maker to make delicious cold brew at home! If they love design as well as functionality, this beautiful Bodum pour over coffee maker with a classic cork band will look gorgeous on their shelves. And for those that would prefer to spend their time cooking rather than making coffee, a Keurig K-Cup machine to make the perfect cup every time with no effort on their part. Help them end their dinner parties with just the right amount of coffee, and without stress.

3. Restock with Beautiful Basics

Chances are, the home cook in your life has a solid set of pots, pans, and knives, but those good reliable basics may need some upgrading. Non-stick coating wears off and pans get scratched–it happens to the best of us. This Gotham Steel 10 Piece set is made with stainless steel, and the cooking surface is scratch resistant and oven safe. If your friend is a little more traditional, you can’t go wrong with a good cast iron skillet.

 

Even if they have a good set of kitchen basics, no home cook worth their salt can resist a beautiful new tool that’s good for cooking and serving. Think colourful enameled cast iron dutch ovens, cookware classy enough to go from oven to table, and quintessential white CorningWare dishes.

4. Give a Gaggle of Gadgets

The best part about being a cook is that there’s always a cool new tool to try. Specialized utensils, gadgets designed to make a job easier, or niche appliances would make great gifts for the kitchen connoisseur in your life. Add some tools to their toolbelt!

It can seem overwhelming trying to find something that they don’t already have, but if you pick something related to a recent food trend, you’re generally good to go. Think spiralizers, cupcake carriers, and milk frothers.

Or go the other way, and pick up tools that will always be useful: multi-blade herb scissors, a knife sharpener, or an egg poacher. This knife mat will corral their blades and keep them sharp, while this covered bowl with included serving set is perfect for bringing to parties. No matter who you’re buying for, there’s a gadget out there for them.

For more gift-giving advice for the home cook on your list, speak to an LD Expert today. To make a purchase, visit London Drugs in-store and online. We’ll be back next week with a gift guide for kids (and parents). See you then!

See all of our 2017 Holiday Gift Guides here:

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Kids (and Parents)

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Techies

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for the DIYer

2017 Holiday Gift Guide for Music Lovers

7 Favourite Fall Décor Ideas to Try Now

Fall Decor Ideas - London Drugs Blog

Sweater weather, pumpkin spice and family dinners are just a few of the things that make fall one of the best times of the year. The weather may get chillier and the days shorter, but there’s no denying that the fall season inspires a festive vibe and overall cozy feeling inside the home. The following is a list of DIY fall décor ideas that are bound to get you (and your home!) in the mood for fall.

1. Place Cards

Fall Place Cards - London Drugs Blog

Thanksgiving may have already passed, but there’s always an excuse to throw a dinner party! During the rainy season, it’s easy to entice friends and family to gather for a hot meal. If you’re in a pinch or want to keep it simple, liven up the dining room table with this (pine) fresh take on dinner place cards.

2. Leaf Decor

Fall Garland Decor - London Drugs Blog

Not ready for Christmas décor yet? A quick and easy decorating tip for the kitchen table or hallway is to use the natural décor around you. In this case, use clean fallen leaves (or pick up fabric leaves at your local craft store) and hang them with string to create a colourful fall garland.

3. Autumn Wreath

Fall Wreath - London Drugs Blog

Wreaths are not just for winter! Opt for making your own wreath or purchasing a base at your local dollar store, and add orange fairy lights, plastic fruit and fall flowers. Once December is here, add some fabric ornaments to transition into a holiday look.

4. Cinnamon Candles

Cinnamon Stick Candles - London Drugs Blog

What sparks memories of fall more than the smell of freshly baked apple pie and cinnamon? To recreate this scent in your home, take a tall pillar candle with your favourite fall scent, and line with cinnamon sticks. Not only do they smell amazing, but these candles also make a fantastic centrepiece.

5. Fall Basket

Fall Centerpiece Baskets - London Drugs Blog

Chances are, you have a few wicker baskets stored away in the closet for summer picnics or Easter treats. Make even more use out of them this season, and stack them to create a gorgeous fall centrepiece. Add pinecones, ribbon, and green foliage until you’re decorating in December…then add Christmas bulbs!

6. Framed Prints

Framed Prints Fall - London Drugs Blog

For fall inspired decor that can also work year-round, pick out a couple of rustic wooden frames for accompanying prints. These can be of leaves, pressed flowers, photographs or paintings, and can also be used to display kids’ seasonal artwork.

7. Pumpkin Succulents

Pumpkin Succulent - London Drugs Blog

Flowers may not be the most popular gift during the fall season, but that doesn’t mean we have to shy away from plant-based decorations! Recycle the outer shell of a cored pumpkin and plant your own succulent terrarium. Fill with moss and dirt, and display in lieu of a carved pumpkin.

Growing Demand for Multicultural Toys in Canada as Share of Immigrants Reaches Highest Level in Almost a Century

Canadian Retailer London Drugs Debuts Exclusive “Diversity Dolls” Collection

The share of immigrants in Canada has reached its highest level in almost a century, according to 2016 census figures released in October.1 This population diversity in Canada is driving demand for more variety and inclusion in everything customers purchase, including toys. This holiday season, Canadian retailer London Drugs is responding to the demand by expanding its toy category to include Diversity Dolls; a collection of six dolls from different cultural backgrounds. The hope is with more options on store shelves, parents can select toys that provide children with a more authentic representation of the ethnic diversity in Canada.

“The country’s makeup is more diverse now than in any other generation and we’re factoring this into many of the merchandising decisions we make; including the toy category,” explains Dan Moy, London Drugs’ long-time merchandise buyer, and father of three. Moy worked directly with the doll manufacturer to select and assemble the individual dolls as a set, which is available exclusively at London Drugs with anticipation the dolls will be a popular toy for gift-giving during the upcoming holiday season.

Moy says there is little doubt that the multicultural toy category will continue to grow particularly when you look at the immigration trends.

Today, 7.7 million Canadians belong to a visible minority. Additionally, four in ten Canadian children under the age of 14 have at least one parent born abroad. If recent immigration trends continue, nearly half of the population of Canada will likely be immigrants or children of immigrants by 2036.2

Products like London Drugs’ Diversity Dolls are a progression toward creating a toy aisle that reflects the diversity of Canada today and in the future.

Diversity Dolls are now available in stores and at LondonDrugs.com.

 

[1] Immigration and ethnocultural diversity: Key results from the 2016 Census

[2] Study: A look at immigration, ethnocultural diversity and languages in Canada up to 2036, 2011 to 2036

You Need These 5 Kitchen Appliances for Hassle-Free Family Dinners

Excess kitchen equipment can take up valuable cupboard or counter space, but there are a number of amazing kitchen tools that are worth the extra real estate. We’re highlighting five kitchen appliances here that will make family dinners easier, as well as fantastic recipes for you to use with them. Bon appetit!

Family Dinners - London Drugs Blog

Wok

The wok isn’t your typical frying pan. It’s a particular type of round-bottom cookware that can be used to stew, braise, poach, boil, steam, pan fry, deep fry, and stir fry. It’s almost a pot and a pan in one dish, but the distinct shape makes it easy to toss food around with a spatula and it heats better than a flat pan. It’s simply the best tool for stir-fries, which make super quick weekday meals.

Bok Choy Stir Fry - London Drugs Blog

Recipes to try:

Indoor Grill

Indoor grills bring the flavour of the summer inside, all year long. Instead of struggling with coals or barbecuing in the rain in the fall, turn on your indoor grill. It has a more even cooking temperature than an outdoor grill and is dead simple to use. Everything tastes better grilled.

Thai Chicken Skewers - London Drugs

Recipes to try:

Rice Cooker

The rice cooker sounds like it’s only good for one thing–cooking rice–but it’s far more versatile than it seems. You can also use it to make curry, oatmeal, soup, polenta, and tons more. Surprising, but delicious! We’ve listed recipes here that go beyond the classic use, although rice cookers do make cooking a side of grains pretty darn simple as well.

Yellow Split Pea Dal - London Drugs

Recipes to try:

Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are for the perfect tool for someone who wants a meal ready to go by the time they get home. Prep in the morning, set it, and forget it. You’ll come home after a long day with your house smelling amazing and dinner waiting.

Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon - London Drugs

Recipes to try:

Multi-Cooker

If your kitchen space is truly at a minimum, don’t fret. The Instant Pot is an amazing kitchen appliance that basically combines many features from the previous tools into one: it’s a slow cooker, pressure cooker, rice cooker, and more. It even makes yogurt! And it uses much less energy than many stoves. Easy, simple, and environmentally friendly.

Pressure Cooker Crispy Chicken Carnitas - London Drugs Blog

Recipes to try:

For more Instant Pot recipes, check out our 6 Sensational Recipes for the Instant Pot post!

Do you love your Instant Pot or your rice cooker? Find all of these kitchen appliances at your local London Drugs in-store or online.

Changing of the Gourd: 9 Perfectly Pleasant Pumpkin Recipes

We are well into #PSL season, as you’ve probably gathered from your Instagram feed. (That’s Pumpkin Spice Latte season, for you non-coffee drinkers.) Luckily for foodies, there is so much more to this versatile autumn gourd than just coffee shops and Thanksgiving pie, so we’ve put together some of our favourite pumpkin recipes to help you celebrate everyone’s favourite fall flavour.

1. Pumpkin, Beef and Black Bean Chili 

This hearty, savoury dish has a surprising hint of sweetness from the pumpkin that will warm up any cool fall night. Double the recipe and save for a freezer full of leftovers to enjoy throughout the season—it’s no secret that chili is always better the next day (or week, or month). Don’t forget the chipotle sour cream!

[Find the recipe at Country Living]

pumpkin recipes - chili

2. Savoury Pumpkin Pancakes

Pumpkin for breakfast? Of course! Inspired by traditional Indian cooking, these healthy and simple pancakes are also known as besan ka puda. Ingredients can be substituted to make custom flavours, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Perfect for getting you out of that breakfast rut.

[Find the recipe at Ruchi’s Kitchen]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin pancakes

 

3. Glorious Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Even the people who aren’t into the whole #PSL thing will find it hard to pass up a nice, hot bowl of velvety, spiced pumpkin soup. Top with pecans or goat cheese, throw on a pair of fuzzy socks and a cable knit sweater, and you’ll be a Pinterest board come to life. A fall classic.

[Find the recipe at JamieOliver.com]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin soup

4. Pumpkin Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Got a craving for a creamy pasta dish, but trying to cut down on the fat? We’ve got you covered. The richness of the pumpkin in this recipe takes the place of the loads of cheese traditionally found in a baked pasta dish. Comfort food level: EXPERT.

[Find the recipe at Country Living]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin shells

5. Easy Pumpkin Curry

Pumpkin and curry go together like a pile of leaves and a jumping toddler. Skip the take-out and instead whip up this spicy crowd-pleaser, even if you’re short on time. You can pour this delicious concoction over your favourite rice, vegetables, or tofu, or whichever combination of the three satisfies your current craving.

[Find the recipe at A Beautiful Mess]

pumpkin recipes - pumpkin curry

6. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

We hope you hung on to the innards of your jack-o’-lantern, because these crunchy snacks are a fall must-have. Packed with iron, magnesium, fibre, zinc, potassium, healthy fats, protein, and tryptophan (which can boost your mood and help you sleep), vegans and vegetarians have been using pumpkin seeds for years as a natural source of nutrients. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavours: soy sauce, cayenne, cinnamon, nutmeg – time to get creative!

[Find the recipe at Oh! She Glows]

pumpkin recipes - roasted pumpkin seeds

7. Savoury Pumpkin Pizza

Yes, it sounds strange on paper, but we promise this will be on your top 10 list of best pizza EVER. Mild and creamy havarti cheese is the perfect flavour accompaniment with the veggies in this dish, and a fun change from mozzarella. Don’t skip the sweetened onions step—they’re the secret ingredient that will put this dish over the top into OMG territory. Meat eaters and vegetarians alike will be instantly addicted, and gluten-free foodies can use their favourite GF crust.

[Find the recipe at Love Lola]

pumpkin recipes - savoury pumpkin pizza

8. Chipotle Pumpkin Veggie Burger

Looking for an alternative to your pre-packaged veggie burger option? Try these quick and healthy pumpkin patties. Spices can be dialed up or down to your preference, and toppings are open to creative interpretation. Don’t get boxed in by the bun—these baked, crunchy beauties can also be tucked into a super-healthy lettuce wrap or crumbled on salads. They also freeze nicely, so they can be made ahead of time. Future you will heartily thank present you.

[Find the recipe at Peas & Crayons]

pumpkin recipes - chipotle pumpkin burger

9. Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love a trip to the Cheesecake Factory during a visit south of the border? Well, someone did us all a favour and broke down their creamy, decadent pumpkin cheesecake recipe, and now we’re here to share it with you. (Yeah, you’re welcome.) Next to the prevalent pie, this modern classic is a fall dessert staple. Pro tip: replace white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, richer taste.

[Find the recipe at Genius Kitchen]

pumpkin recipes - cheesecake factory pumpkin cheesecake

Tuck into these perfectly pleasing pumpkin recipes and enjoy all that fall has to offer. Happy eating!

« Previous Page Next Page »