Latest news with #EverythingButtheBagel
Buzz Feed
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
'Chaos Cooking' Could Radically Change How You Use Leftovers
Chefs have long been combining ingredients that don't typically go together (just think about all the fusion restaurants out there), but this idea is being taken to the next level with an emerging social media trend. The hashtag #ChaosCooking has over 1.6 million views on TikTok and thousands on Instagram. (Yes, IG is still a place for plenty of food inspiration.) It's even namechecked in the Season 2 trailer of 'The Bear.' Aside from combining ingredients that wouldn't normally go together, another cornerstone of chaos cooking is using whatever you happen to have on hand. In other words, you peek into your fridge and pantry, see what you need to get rid of and figure out a way to combine them. A TikTok video by user @MyCursedBrain is the perfect example of chaos cooking in action. In the clip, she combines edamame pasta, peanut butter, Everything But the Bagel seasoning, chili powder, cucumbers and a handful of other ingredients for her take on a peanut butter noodle dish. Other of her creative standouts include Big Mac pizza and Filipino spaghetti and lumpia burritos. Stephen Chavez, a chef-instructor at the Institute of Culinary Education, is intimately familiar with the concept of chaos cooking. 'When I was growing up, my mom would make 'musgo salad' in the summer and 'musgo soup' in the winter. Basically, this was anything in the fridge or pantry that 'must go,'' he said, adding that he makes 'musgo meals' all the time himself. Chaos cooking can help cut down on food waste, but it's helpful to have a few tips tucked into your apron if you actually want your meal to taste good. Here are seven tips to keep in mind while you chaos cook your heart out, according to four professional chefs. 1. Center your dish around an ingredient you're already good at cooking. Part of the fun of chaos cooking is using ingredients you either have never cooked before or using them in a completely new way. But when you're getting this creative, James Beard-winning chef Ken Oringer said it's best to start with one core ingredient you're already comfortable cooking. For example, if you've already cooked rice, pasta, eggs or chicken countless times, start with that. Then, you can get funky with the other ingredients. 'It's those few surprise elements that bring the dish to the chaotic level,' Oringer said. 2. Figure out your theme. After you've landed on a core ingredient, Chavez said it's time to decide on a theme, or the flavor profile of the dish. 'This will make the combining of ingredients much easier and it will give you a direction,' he said. 'It's like that situation when you are deciding where to go out to eat. Usually, people will start with international flavors, [asking], 'Do you want Thai, Italian or Greek food?' Using that same thinking, create your own 'chaos cooking' dishes with a theme or specific international flavor profile in mind.' This doesn't mean that just because you've decided on pasta for your core ingredient, for example, you have to stick with using Italian seasonings. In fact, going an unexpected way is what this trend is all about. But Chavez explains that deciding on a theme will help you figure out what seasonings or sauces to pair together. For example, if you decide you want your pasta noodles to have a Thai theme, you know that all your sauces and spices will be Thai-inspired. 3. Add a wild-card ingredient. OK, you have your core ingredient and theme picked out. Now it's time to get weird. Chef Dafne Mejia, who was a contestant on 'Hell's Kitchen,' said chaos cooking can be an opportunity to cook with something you've never cooked with before. As a recent guest on the 'Bourbon Lens' podcast, she encouraged more people to cook with bourbon. 'If you don't have vinegar, you can use bourbon, which gives a dish a beautiful, smoky flavor,' she told HuffPost, adding that this makes for an especially yummy marinade for steak. Another way Mejia said you can get creative is by using baking soda: 'I've learned from Italian chefs that adding baking soda to tomato sauce-based dishes can balance out some of the acidity,' she said. 4. Cook your ingredients separately. Chaos cooking can sound like just throwing a bunch of random ingredients into the same pot or pan, but Chavez said to resist doing this and to cook each ingredient separately. 'If you are trying to cook [everything] at the same time in the same pan, you are destined to have sub-par results and poor textures,' he said. 'Almost always the pan is overcrowded, the temperature drops, and you end up with a soft, steamed mess instead of a combination of exciting textures and flavors.' For example, if you're making stir-fry, the protein (whether it's meat or tofu) will require more time in the pan than the veggies. Also, if the pan is too crowded and ingredients are piled up on top of each other, not everything will be cooked evenly. Instead, cook your protein in one pan and your veggies in another. If you're making a meal with a bunch of veggies, keep in mind that some need to cook longer than others. For example, potatoes are thicker than carrots, so they should be boiled in different pots. Otherwise, you risk either the carrots getting too mushy or the potatoes too firm. 5. Make sure your ingredients balance each other out, flavor-wise. Pro tip from Ann Ziata, a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education: Balance is key. 'For a meal to work, it needs to be balanced by flavors, textures and somewhat nutritionally, too,' she said. She adds that every great dish has at least some element of all the basic tastes: sweet, salty, bitter, sour and rich. 'They don't all need to be in equal measure, but they all should be present for a meal to be truly delicious,' she said. 6. Add spices and flavors incrementally. All four chefs say that another common mistake people make with chaos cooking is adding too many ingredients in an effort to make a dish more outrageous. 'Each ingredient should be there with the intention to serve the dish,' Ziata said. If you're debating adding another ingredient to your dish, she says to think about why you want to add it first. If it's to balance flavor or texture, go for it. If it's just for the heck of it or in an effort to make something 'viral,' you might want to skip it. Similarly, Oringer said it's important not to add too much of a spice or sauce. 'You can always add more, but it's hard to balance out a dish if too much of something is already in there,' he pointed out. If you're not sure how a combo will taste, try a small amount first before going all-in. 7. Consider the texture. Last, Ziata and Mejia both say to consider the texture of your meal. 'Texture will make or break a dish,' Ziata said. If your dish has a lot of baked or roasted elements to it, she recommends adding a sauce to prevent it from feeling too dry. If your dish is soft and mushy, she recommends adding something toasted or fried for a crunchy or crispy texture. 'No one wants to eat like they're 2 or 95 years old,' Mejia said, echoing Ziata in saying that soft dishes need something crispy or crunchy. 'You can really elevate a dish by balancing the texture.' With these tips in mind, you're ready to embrace the chaos. You just might find yourself obsessed with a completely new meal. Ramen bolognese, anyone?
Buzz Feed
11-05-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
29 Unique Products To Level Up Your Kitchen
A hybrid magnetic paper towel/dish towel holder that sticks to your fridge like your kid's crayon masterpieces, but you know, is actually useful. If counter space is basically a myth in your kitchen (same), or you're renting and not about to start drilling into walls, this makes life a lot easier without much effort. A BPA-free rotating 2-in-1 colander and washing basket so you can wash and drain food without almost accidentally dumping it out. The nifty rotating design means you can just pour the excess water as normal and trust half the rice you're washing doesn't end up in the sink. A wooden bread bow knife that slices through loaves like butter (and makes you feel very cottagecore doing it). Its design gives you better control, so you get clean, even slices instead of mauling your poor sourdough with a regular knife. A cat-shaped jar spatula for the people who refuse to leave a single molecule of peanut butter behind. This bendy little tool is perfect for scooping, swiping, and scraping so you get every last drop of your favorite condiment. A wineglass-washing dishwasher attachment that keeps your delicate stemware from clinking, crashing, or cracking mid-cycle. Think of these like little seatbelts for your wineglasses — because the dishwasher is basically a rollercoaster for glassware. A set of magnetic fridge spice organizers if you're in desperate need of more cabinet space or keep forgetting what spices you have because they're always getting lost in the back of the cupboard. No need to worry about them falling off — they're designed with heavy-duty magnets, and reviewers attest to how securely they stay in place! A single-brew pour-over coffee maker for when you want just one perfect cup — not a whole pot you forget about halfway through the day. Just pop it on your mug, add your grounds, pour in hot water, and let the magic happen. No fancy machines, no complicated steps — just a really good cup of coffee that didn't cost $8. A mushroom kitchen timer that looks like it came straight out of a whimsical forest but is actually just here to keep you from burning your garlic bread. Just twist to set, and it ticks down the minutes old-school style (aka no batteries). A set of convenient cup slicers so you aren't chasing rogue fruit pieces across the counter or dealing with juice-soaked cutting boards. Reviewers find them especially handy for making salads and prepping snacks for kids. A set of reusable Gripstic bag sealers to keep your precious "Everything But the Bagel" chips from Trader Joe's from going stale after a week. They slide across the entire top of the bag, ensuring an airtight seal, and will fit in even the most cluttered of drawers (unlike bulky chip clips). A glass cat cup with a fish tea infuser that hangs inside like it's casually swimming in your Earl Grey. It's cute, it's cozy, and it's ideal for cat lovers, tea lovers, or anyone who wants their drinkware to double as a serotonin boost. An Oxo soap-dispensing dish brush and stand with a built-in scraper for extra assistance against any food messes. The handle won't slip out of your hand, even when wet — and the durable nylon bristles are great for removing caked-on food or grease. A mushroom that keeps your butter out of the fridge and perfectly spreadable for up to a month, thanks to its simple water-seal method. Simply fill the bottom with about 1/2 inch of water, pack the top with softened butter, and say goodbye to dealing with cold, hardened butter. A ring can opener for anyone who's ever struggled to get that tab to lift. It's compact, easy to use, and gives you a smooth, safe way to open cans without making a mess or hurting your fingers. A "Taco Tuesday" kit with a heated pot in the center to keep your queso, meat, or beans warm, and a spinning tray with compartments for all your toppings. It even comes with four taco holders to keep your shells upright and ready for filling! Plus, since everything's contained in one setup, there'll be way fewer dishes to deal with. A microwave bacon cooker that only needs 3–4 minutes of cooking time, so you can have that protein for breakfast without losing the time it takes to stand there, flipping it in a pan. Plus, this saves you from dealing with stray hot oil burning you or staining your outfit. A rotating whisk blender if you've ever felt like whisking by hand was a mini workout you didn't sign up for. Just press down on the handle, and the internal mechanism spins the whisk for you, making light work of beating eggs, whipping cream, or mixing sauces. A bunny and bear egg mold set to add a sprinkle of joy to your regular breakfast of boiled eggs and toast. Because why settle for boring ovals when your eggs could be adorable little critters on your plate? A marble board wire cheese cutter for effortlessly slicing through cheese with precision — and when you're not using it, it'll just sit pretty on your counter, adding a touch of style to your kitchen. A magnetized wooden toaster tong because we've all played the dangerous game of retrieving toast with a fork (please don't) or have sacrificed fingertips trying to pluck it out. These heat-resistant tongs let you safely snatch your toast, bagels, or waffles without the risk. And the built-in magnet means they conveniently cling to your toaster or fridge, always within arm's reach and never lost in the utensil drawer abyss. A rectangular lazy Susan to save all that food from disappearing into the back of your fridge like it's the Bermuda Triangle. Now you might actually have a chance at finishing that container of Greek yogurt instead of finding it months later, covered in mold. Plus, its shape maximizes your fridge space way better than the traditional round ones! A vintage-inspired coaster set that make your coffee table feel like it belongs in a Jane Austen novel. They are extremely absorbent, with one reviewer even saying "they absorb better than ALL other coasters I've used". Plus, the cork backing ensures they stay put without scratching your surfaces. A Stanley cup spill stopper set designed to fit snugly into the straw opening and prevent leaks, even when your tumbler takes a tumble. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or just prone to clumsiness, these little silicone saviors keep your drinks where they belong — in your cup. A triangular silicone cavity pan for when you want eight different uniquely decorated brownie wedges without the hassle of cutting them out or the heartbreak of them crumbling apart. This mold delivers 👏 consistent 👏 results 👏 so you'll get perfectly shaped scones (or whatever you're baking) every time. Plus, it's oven-safe, dishwasher-friendly, and flexible enough to pop out your creations without accidentally ruining them. A hybrid digital food scale and measuring cup that takes the guesswork out of your recipes — because precision is the secret ingredient. Whether you're measuring flour, sugar, or liquids, it ensures you get the exact amount needed. And, its compact design means it won't hog counter space. A set of collapsible silicone microwave to-go containers to make bringing lunch to work a breeze — no more dealing with a bulky empty container all day. Plus, you can heat your food right in the container, saving you from transferring it to another dish (and avoiding extra cleanup). They're also freezer-safe, making them perfect for meal prepping! A spill stopper for when you walk away for a second, and suddenly your pot is bubbling over like a volcano. This heat-resistant silicone lid sits snugly on your pot, allowing steam to escape while collecting excess water. It's perfect for pasta, rice, soups, and any other dish that tends to foam over. A nonslip clear food prep and cutting board if you're over bulky, stained cutting boards cluttering your kitchen. It sticks securely to your counter, catching all the mess from your morning smoothie prep, while letting your marble countertops (that you spent good money on) shine through. A set of durable ~retro~ chip clips that bring a pop of color and a dash of nostalgia to your kitchen. Say goodbye to flimsy twist ties, generic clips, or digging through that cluttered drawer for a rubber band — these clips have you covered.
Buzz Feed
15-03-2025
- Business
- Buzz Feed
34 Ridiculously Clever Kitchen Products From Small Businesses On Amazon
We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page. In this economy, we definitely need our produce to last, and these freshness saver balls do just that. 1. A "Bread Buddy" dispenser that lets you enjoy your bread loaf at your own pace so you're not racing to finish it before it expires in just a few days. This airtight container keeps your bread fresh (and from being smushed) while conveniently releasing one slice at a time. And the clear design means you'll still be able to read the labels! Check out a TikTok of the Buddeez sandwich bread dispenser in action. Buddeez is a family-owned, Missouri-based small business that specializes in unique household products. Promising review:"This bread dispenser is great! It does exactly what it was intended for. I live alone and I don't quite go through bread often enough before the last quarter section of the loaf starts to go stale. I was originally looking for something to put a loaf of bread in as a shell for my vacuum sealer, that would keep the bread from getting crushed from the pressure. This dispenser solved all of my problems. Thank you!" — DRMcQuaig Get it from Amazon for $14.99+ (available in two lid colors). 2. A pack of stain-removing, nontoxic cleaner pods for when your Keurig is getting a little too clogged, and your beverages are tasting kinda funky. Just run it like normal with one of these pods, and you'll be shocked at what comes out — but then you'll get over it and be enjoying fresh coffee in no time! Quick & Clean is a small business that specializes in coffee machine cleaning products. Promising review:"I had no idea that cleaning a Keurig was a thing. I bought these because I saw them on TikTok, believe it or not. I wanted to give it a go because my Keurig isn't that old and I didn't think it would do anything. IT WORKS SO WELL! My Keurig wasn't as nasty as some I've seen, lucky. I would highly recommend, keeps everything running correctly and clean." — Lauren Get a set of six from Amazon for $9.95 (also available in a set of 12 and 18). 3. A set of reusable GripStic bag sealers so your precious "Everything But the Bagel" chips from Trader Joe's don't go stale after a week. They slide across the entire top of the bag, ensuring an airtight seal, and will fit in even the most cluttered of drawers (unlike bulky chip clips). GripStic is a small business that specializes in reusable chip clips. Promising review: "I'm a stickler about stale chips and have always used those little snapping clips. I thought they worked pretty well, but they really don't compared to GripStics. The snack that proved this the most was Pirate's Booty. If these are exposed to air for more than three minutes, they turn into styrofoam peanuts. I promise they're just as fresh as when you first open them with GripStics. They're going to be my go-to chip clips moving forward." — Rachel Campbell Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $23.95 (available in four sizes and an assorted pack). 4. A set of Bottle Bright tablets that turn cleaning your water bottle from one of the most laborious chores to the least. Just drop in a tablet, add warm water, let it soak while the tablet fizzes up, then rinse. Voilà — your bottle is sparkling clean without any scrubbing! Bottle Bright is a US-based small business established in 2009 that specializes in cleaning products. Promising review:"I seriously can't believe how well these little tablets work. I had the most disgusting Hydro Flask coffee mug; I tried everything — bottle brush, different kinds of soap, vinegar, EVERYTHING — and there was still a seemingly impenetrable layer of black sludge inside. It grossed me out so much that I bought ANOTHER Hydro Flask to replace it. Eventually they both got black inside, so I tried these little magic tablets. I let a tablet sit in each of my mugs for an hour or two, and the black sludge rinsed out COMPLETELY, without even scrubbing. They look brand-new. What a magical product." — Amazon Customer Get a set of 12 from Amazon for $7.90+ (available in a three-pack and in sets of 36 and 72). 5. A veggie chopper for keeping your counter tidy while speeding up your prep time. If you love to cook but hate chopping (who doesn't, right?) this thing is a lifesaver. It chops just about everything — onions, peppers, zucchinis, potatoes, you name it! Plus, it comes with different blades for slicing, dicing, and even spiraling your favorite veggies. Amazon Fullstar is a small business established in 2017 that specializes in kitchen gadgets. Check out a TikTok of the veggie chopper in action. Promising review:"Makes life so much easier. I can't imagine chopping onions or bell peppers by hand anymore, and it does so much more. We used to have a Prepworks chopper which was a similar idea, but you had to press so hard to chop, and it broke after not too long. This one requires very little effort to cut through the food and it has a generous container." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $22.99+ (available in four colors and four sets). 6. An airtight cold brew coffee maker so you can enjoy your morning coffee ritual without spending your entire paycheck (or having to leave the house). This makes the whole process super easy — just put coffee in the mesh filter, fill it with water, let it steep overnight, and wake up to a smooth, refreshing brew. Takeya is a small business that specializes in water bottles and pitchers. Promising review:"This coffee maker is my BEST FRIEND! I use this every day, it's so easy to use! My coffee comes out perfect every time. I'm a cold coffee drinker and I put about 8–10 scoops of freshly ground coffee into the filter. I let it sit overnight and the next morning, I remove the filter and dump the grounds. It makes four days' worth of coffee and I love that it's ready to go for me, especially since I wake up at 4:50 a.m. and I need to make my coffee quickly! It's very easy to clean as well." — Panda Get it from Amazon for $21.05+ (available in two sizes and three colors). 7. A 52-week tear-off meal planning pad if you just don't have the time or energy to figure out what to eat every. single. day. This takes that burden off your shoulders by giving you a nice place to organize your weekly meals and the ingredients you need. Since it's ~magnetic~, you can stick it to your fridge where it's much more visible than that notepad that always seems to disappear — and the perforation means you can easily tear off the shopping list on your way to the store! Check out a TikTok of the weekly meal planning pad in action. Sweetzer and Orange is a small business specializing in planners, stationery, and educational products. Promising review: "The magnet is great, sticks to fridge very well, does not slide or move. Perfect for planning meals and adding needed grocery items to the right side. Then you just tear off the right side and head to the store. This has made our family meal planning so much easier!" — SandyBeach Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in two styles). 8. A silicone oven push rack tool so you no longer have to finagle with a spatula or risk burning your fingers fishing your bagel out of the toaster oven. It's dishwasher safe and can withstand temps up to 450 degrees F, so that scalding tray of crispy potatoes you shoved too far back in the oven has got nothing on you. Check out a TikTok of the heat-safe grabbing tool in action. Infraovens is a small business specializing in accessories for ovens and air fryers. Promising review: "Very sturdy and has many built in functions — pulls out heavy oven racks, pulls out baking dishes. So easy to cover or add to your dish and easily pushes back the rack and tray! Love this product." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in a silicone or beech wood style). 9. A set of convenient suctioning "Food Cubby" dividers for the people who cannot *stand* their food touching. I mean, I get it — who wants the syrup from their waffle mixing with their eggs?? And the suction on this is *strong* so it really keeps runny food from spreading all over the plate. Amazon Check out a TikTok of the food cubby in action. Food Cubby is a small business specializing in family-friendly kitchen accessories. Promising review:"I love these! Even as an adult, I hate my food touching. Thought they might keep things apart but not juices or things, but they really stick to the plate, and the meat juice doesn't run into the salad. It saves me from having different plates for each food. I wish I had these a long time ago." — Superbeckee Get a two-pack from Amazon for $14.99 (available in two colors). 10. A magnetic microwave cover that conveniently attaches to the microwave ceiling, ensuring it's always ready when you need it. Now when you reheat your lasagna leftovers, it won't look like an actual crime scene. Hover Cover is a small business that specializes in microwave covers for home kitchen use. Check out a TikTok of the microwave cover in action. Promising review:"If you live in a small space like I do, this will seriously change your life. No longer do I have to struggle to find somewhere to put my cover if I'm heating up a cup of coffee. Just attach it to the roof of your microwave. Hopefully, you have a flat surface; check before you buy. There is a slight learning curve as to where to put it or the force or lack thereof needed, but after a couple of times it's second nature. Love, love, love this product. I'm probably going to get some for Christmas presents next year, it's one of those items that you wouldn't necessarily buy for yourself but it will change your life." — Rachel Get it from Amazon for $24.95 (available in a set of two). 11. A set of collapsible silicone microwave to-go containers to make bringing lunch to work a breeze — no more dealing with a bulky empty container all day. Plus, you can heat your food right in the container, saving you from transferring it to another dish (and avoiding extra cleanup). They're also freezer-safe, making them perfect for meal prepping too! Amazon SuperDee Corp is a small business that specializes in food storage products. Promising review:"I keep one of these in my bag at all times, and now I can bring home leftovers from restaurants and not have to deal with single-use plastic or Styrofoam to-go containers that will just be floating around the planet a thousand years from now. They have never leaked or spilled. They are well made, easy to open and close, and take up little space in my bag." — Kristen Nicoletti Get a set of four from Amazon for $24.95. 12. A slim magnetic stove shelf that attaches directly to the top of your stove and gives you easy access to the spices, oils, or utensils that you frequently use while cooking. It's a great way to maximize every inch of space in your kitchen — especially if you have a tiny one. StoveShelf is a US-based small business that specializes in stove shelves for various sizes of stoves. Check out a Tiktok of the StoveShelf in action. Promising review:"There was no it out of the box and place it on the stove. The magnets are very strong keeping the shelf fixed in place. The magnets are raised allowing air flow underneath preventing the shelf from heating up. Sizing was perfect. I love it!" — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $39.99 (available in three sizes and three colors). 13. BluApple freshness saver balls to help keep your fruits and veggies fresh longer by absorbing ethylene gas, which is what causes them to ripen and spoil too quickly. Simply pop it in your fridge's crisper drawer, on the shelves, or in your fruit bowl — each packet in the apple can last up to three months! Amazon BluApple is a small business that specializes in products to keep produce fresh and prevent food waste. Promising review:"These REALLY work! We have to move them away from our fresh fruit so it would ripen! My produce is lasting at least three times as long without spoilage. This is a great product, and I have already bought many as gifts. They don't seem to work on tomatoes, but they are great with bananas, apples, kiwi, pears, grapes, plums, peaches, lettuces, mushrooms, and many more fruits and vegetables." — Jacki Get a pack of two BluApples (plus one year of refills) from Amazon for $26.99. They also sell additional refills separately, when it's time to restock! 14. A fast-drying sink stone caddy that absorbs water so quickly, you'll think you hallucinated it ever being wet. It stands on four tiny legs, which helps prevent buildup, keeping your counters dry and ready for the next time you do the dishes. Momo Lifestyle is a small business that specializes in family-friendly homewares. Promising review:"We got this for the bathroom that the kids use. Anybody with little kids will know that they make a constant mess. We had water all over the counter, mainly around the soap dispenser, and it was causing problems. This has helped a great deal. There is less water on the counter and I even like to put water on it sometimes just to watch it evaporate within about 60–90 seconds. It was totally worth the money." — David P. Get it from Amazon for $14.90. 15. A rolling egg dispenser because it's more fun and convenient than taking the whole carton out just for one egg. It has a nonslip base to keep it in place and can hold up to 14 large eggs. If you're someone who starts every morning off with some fluffy scrambled eggs, then this will be your new best friend. Check out a TikTok of the egg storage roller in action. YouCopia is a woman-owned small business that specializes in home storage solutions. Promising review: "Here it is! The best egg container on Amazon! How can I say that? Easy! Engineering! The slight tilt angle on the bottom of the container that the egg drawer sits on forces eggs to lightly roll forward, keeping all your eggs in the front, and never in the back, where you don't need them. It's super easy to use, so easy to clean, comes apart and can hold a full can organizer on top without issue, so no issues with sturdiness. It can easily hold 14 large size eggs. Easily one of my favorite purchases." — Karingen Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in a larger size). 16. A plastic-bag dispenser for your plastic bags' drawer that's so stuffed with boxes, it keeps jamming every time you open it. It even comes with optional labels to keep everything *extra* organized so you always know which size bag you're grabbing. Check out a TikTok of the plastic bag dispenser in action. This also comes from woman-owned small biz YouCopia! Promising review:"I like it very much. Not so large. Lightweight. Would look nice on top of the counter. What I like is that you do not have to wrangle the box into the slots. Simply pick up the roll of bags from their packaging and put them in the designated slot." — Amazon Customer Get it from Amazon for $24.99+ (available in three-, four-, or five-slot models). 17. A Crack'em egg cracker and spoon rest to replace the edge of your counter, which does fine work, but if you're ready for an upgrade that'll get you a perfectly cracked line every time (ensuring shell-less omelets), then this is the thing for you. Plus, it's ~eggcellent~ for kids who are first learning how to cook! Amazon Crack'em is a veteran-owned small business established in 2013 that specializes in family-friendly kitchen accessories. Check out a TikTok of the egg cracker in action. Promising review:"I absolutely cannot believe I'm doing this. I got this because I am ALWAYS having to pick out the shell when I crack an egg, whether for breakfast or my baking. Since buying this, I have cracked dozens of eggs without ANY shells in it. To say I am happy is an understatement. If you don't have one you should rush to get one. We are going to get them for wedding gifts when we know that the couple loves to do their own cooking. Kudos to whoever thought of this. It works perfectly, every time." — Edwin Myers Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in six colors and a three-pack). 18. A Frywall for keeping hot oil from splattering on you, your clothes, and your counters. Save yourself the pain of being burned and losing your favorite top to oil stains! Amazon Frywall is a New York-based small business that specializes in protective kitchen accessories. Promising review:"This thing works great! It saves me loads of clean-up time from splatter on the range and surrounding areas. I am a messy cook! It allows steam to escape (unlike the flat splatter guards I have always used), so that whatever is cooking is dry cooked and does not get mushy or collect water. There is ample space to get to the food to move it around or add ingredients. It goes into the dishwasher and cleans without having a greasy residue. It folds up into the sleeve it came in for storage, so it resides with my other pot lids without taking up additional space. I have recommended this to friends." — Robin Riley Get it from Amazon for $28.95 (available in four colors). 19. A little "Bacon Bin" allowing you to reuse your bacon grease to elevate other dishes — imagine how much better your scrambled eggs will taste (I'm drooling thinking about it). It can withstand temps of up to 500 degrees so you can immediately pour your leftover grease into it (while it's still pourable), and the removable strainer makes sure no actual bacon bits get in there. Amazon, Check out a TikTok of the bacon bin in action. Talisman Designs is a small business that specializes in at-home cooking and entertaining products. Promising review:"This thing is awesome. Big enough to hold plenty of grease without taking up a ton of space. I keep mine in the butter compartment of my fridge next to the butter. I poured the grease right from the pan, still very hot right into it, and popped the lid on and put it in the fridge. Next time I needed some grease, I scooped some out with a spoon, no muss no fuss. Much better than the glass jar I was using. My only warning is if you get it out when people are visiting keep an eye on it. It's so cute and so good at its job everyone will want one." — John Dollard Get it from Amazon for $20. 20. A Cherry Chomper because we've all experienced the pain of chomping on a cherry and almost breaking a tooth. Now you can eat your favorite fruit without the annoyance of manual de-pitting! It's super kid friendly and a great way to entertain little ones without worrying about them choking on a cherry pit. Amazon, This is also from small biz Talisman Designs! Promising review:"Hands down, one of the coolest and cutest kitchen gadgets I own. I bought this pitter because my father is a HUGE bing cherry fan. When cherry season is in, you can guarantee he'll be sitting in his recliner with a bowl full of cherries. He normally eats cherries and pits them in his mouth, but in his older age, I worried about him cracking a tooth or choking on the pit. So I bought this pitter and it was an INSTANT hit! He loved how cute it was and the pitter does an amazing job. Easy to use, not a ton of force needed, and then the pits are in one place and easy to throw away!" — cocade27 Get it from Amazon for $17.99. 21. A Scrub Daddy sponge holder that gives your favorite cleaning tool a designated spot (and the appreciation it deserves). This suctions to the side of your sink, keeping your sponge from ending up at the bottom or sitting in its own puddle at the edge of the sink. Storage Theory is a small business that specializes in unique storage solutions for every room in your home. Promising review:"Finally a nice place to keep my Scrub Daddy. Holds great on the side of the sink. The suction power is strong for its size, and it rotates with ease. This is a good holder for the price." — Luis peralez Psst — you can get a Scrub Daddy sponge here on Amazon! They are extremely beloved because they're mildew-resistant, dual-sided with different scrubbing textures, and designed with a smile that lets you more easily clean utensils. Get it from Amazon for $6.99 (available in a two-pack and a combo pack). 22. A very innovative space-saving yogurt organizer to make use of the ceiling or sides of your fridge so you can stock up on all the yogurt your heart desires and *still* have space for your 10 different types of cheese. Check out a TikTok of the yogurt storage rack in action. This also comes from Storage Theory! Promising review: "Works great, wish I would have gotten more!! So very handy to have and see how many yogurts we have. Comes with two super-strong 3M adhesive stripes. Highly recommend product!!" — The Adams Family Get it from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in packs of one or two). 23. A rapid ramen cooker because even though ramen is marketed as a quick, easy meal, there's still the hassle of filling a pot, waiting for it to boil, cooking it, and then cleaning up afterward (I'm tired just thinking about it). This actually matches the convenience associated with ramen — just fill it with water, pop it in the microwave, enjoy your meal, then toss it in the dishwasher! Rapid Brands is a California-based small business that specializes in dishwasher-safe, microwaveable, BPA-free kitchen products. Promising review:"This thing may seem like just an ordinary Tupperware, but I assure you it will blow that thin plastic garbage out of the water. It retains heat amazingly and does not bend nor falter under extreme temperatures. I'm a college student, and I have never felt such joy from making ramen in my small dorm microwave; for a 900 watt, I recommend five minutes. Buy this product if you live and breathe air, because it is beautiful." — Theron Get it from Amazon for $8.99 (available in 11 colors and two sizes, a cup version, and a two-pack). 24. A Stojo collapsible travel cup that collapses down so you can throw it in your bag instead of carrying around an empty full-size travel mug! It's also great if you like to bring your morning cup of joe with you to work (instead of trying to chug it in five minutes) — it's microwave safe, so you can reheat your lukewarm beverage instead of dumping it out! Check out a TikTok of the Stojo collapsible cup in action. Stojo is a small business that specializes in dishwasher-, microwave-safe storage and travel products with the goal of eliminating single-use plastics. Promising review:"I take my lunch to work, and mid-day I like to use the Keurig to brew a cup of coffee. The 12-ounce Stojo cup I purchased is very practical. It is thick and durable. The plastic collar enables you to hold the cup without squeezing it or burning your hands on the hot walls of the cup. It seals well so you don't have to worry about leaking your drink on your shirt. It even has some reasonable thermal properties." — ViciousCycle Get a 16-ounce cup from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four sizes, 26 colors, and with or without a straw). 25. A microwaveable "Pizza Pack" since there's no real easy way to store leftover slices — until now, of course. This airtight container is expandable, holds up to five pieces, and comes with divider trays to keep the individual slices from sticking together. *Plus* the trays double as plates for when you're reheating a single slice! Gone are the days of having to rearrange your entire fridge for just one box of pizza. Pizza Pack is a small business that specializes in sustainable food storage solutions. Promising review:"It's always a pain to put away leftover pizza. It never seems to work. UNTIL THIS PRODUCT!!! I am very happy with my purchase. It's easy to keep the pieces separate from others and you don't have a large bulky box letting your crust dry out. You can use it for one piece or several — it is very easy to expand. The best part is that it is very easy to clean. Storing the Pizza Pack when not in use doesn't take up a lot of space either. Try it." — B. Cirincione Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in eight colors and packs of two, three, four, or five). 26. A height-adjustable tray table for posting up and chowing down while watching your favorite show — and not missing all the good parts because you're hunched over a coffee table. It's also amazing for remote workers who love to do their job from the couch but run into the same issue of the uncomfortable hunchback! Table-Mate is a small business that specializes in height-adjustable table trays. Promising review: "This table is exactly what I was looking for to be able use my mouse and keyboard for the computer while working from home. It's plenty stable and easily moved to the side for storage or when I need to get up from the chair. I also use it as my lunch table and to hold my iPad when not on the computer." — sleuneberg Get it from Amazon for $49.99+ (available in four colors and a larger size). 27. A Souper Cube freezer tray so you only need to go through the labor of making soup ~once~ to enjoy it several times. (Four to be exact!) It comes with a lid to prevent spilling and keep that weird freezer taste out, and reviewers have used them to store all sorts of things, including chicken broth, meat sauces, curries, and much more. Plus, this bad boy can be put in the oven (up to 415 degrees), so you can even use it to make mini banana bread loaves! Souper Cubes is a US-based small business that specializes in bake-and-freeze storage products. Promising review:"So happy that I found these. I'm the only one in my household who enjoys soup year-round. Have you ever tried to make homemade soup for one? I say it's impossible! But no longer. I can brew up the stock pot with bone broth or my favorite home soup. Fill up my Souper Cubes, freeze, pop out, store my goodies in a freezer bag, and I'm ready for the next batch!" — Debbie R. Texas Get it from Amazon for $19.95 (available in four colors and packs of two). 28. An Icebreaker that solves the two main issues of regular ice trays 1) the careful balancing act to prevent the water from spilling all over your freezer and 2) battling the tray to get the cubes out. With this, all you do is fill it with water, freeze it, then push and pull on the straps until the ice is loose and then dump it into a cup! No spillage and no banging it on the counter. 😌 Amazon Icebreaker is a Texas-based small business estabished in 2020 by Danish engineer Kim Jensen. Promising review:"We have a small freezer and no icemaker, and have been using fiddly trays for years. Icebreaker Pop has changed everything! No more leaky ice trays spilling in the freezer, (or on the way to the freezer), and no ice picking up weird smells and tastes from the freezer. Icebreaker Pop is self contained and easy to use: you fill it up with water (but be careful not to overfill, because it does expand as it freezes. Physics!), seal the top, and put it in the freezer. Once it's frozen, you lay it on a flat surface, press down hard on it a couple of times on each side to crack the ice, and pull apart with both handles. You now have 18 cubes of clean ice that dispense from the opening, eliminating the need to touch the cubes as you add them to your glass. — Leah Koepp Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in three colors, two styles, and packs of two or three). 29. A "HiccAway" straw to save the day when all other hiccup remedies fail. Just place it in a shallow glass of water, sip forcefully and swallow immediately. After repeating a few times, your hiccups should cease to exist! It's much easier than trying to hold your breath or scare yourself. Amazon HiccAway is a small business that specializes in hiccup relief products. Promising review: "It's rare for me to say that a product needs to be in every home but the HiccAway is one of those products that really should be in every household. If you or your children suffer from the occasional hiccups, this is a lifesaving device. It usually takes me 20 minutes to get rid of my hiccups using old fashioned methods like chugging water, holding my breath, etc. However with the HiccAway, hiccups are gone almost immediately. I have purchased three of these and will continue buying them for friends and family, especially those with little children." — Michelle S. Get it from Amazon for $16.95 (available in five colors). 31. A produce "home" storage container to bring to the potluck instead of a veggie tray that goes stale after about 45 minutes. It's also great for outdoor events as it protects the food from bugs, making this a perfect hack as we head into picnic-ing season! And as a bonus, it even has little solar lights that'll probably have people ooh -ing and aah -ing. Amazon Lite N' Fresh is a small business that specializes in product storage products. Psst — reviewers also love that it has a solar-powered, remote-controlled nightlight built in! Promising review: "Love my veggie house! Veggies stay fresh on the counter for about four days. Generally mine is empty by then. Having prepared veggies ready to eat has changed my eating habits for the better. Besides that, it's really cute on my counter." — SueV Get it from Amazon for $34.99. 32. A bicycle-shaped pizza cutter because why on earth would you use a regular one when this exists? It even comes with a little stand, so when not in use, it doubles as a charming piece of decor for your counter. Soho Kitchen is a small NYC-based business established in 2015 that specializes in quirky pizza products. Promising review:"Cuts really nicely and super cute. My husband loved this idea as it looks just like his road bike!" — Courtney Get it from Amazon for $19.95. 33. A pair of shredder claws for getting the perfect consistency for delicious pulled pork sandwiches or homemade chicken empanadas. It is definitely easier than using forks and honestly seems pretty cathartic to tear into meat like a monster. Bear Paw Products is a US-based small business established in 1993 that specializes in grilling tools and accessories. Promising review:"I used to use forks to shred chicken after cooking but now I use these and it only takes two minutes tops to shred. They work so well I'm shocked they don't cost more!! They are top rack dishwasher safe which makes for easy cleaning." — Grace Mattimore Get it from Amazon for $14.99 (available in four colors). 34. A "Cup Cozy Pillow" with expandable cup holders that keep all your drinks and snacks organized so you don't have to keep unwrapping yourself from your blanket burrito to grab your popcorn. Plus, the foam is insulated, so it keeps your drinks hot or cold for longer! Cup Cozy Pillow is a small business that specializes in family-friendly snack and drink organizers. Check out a TikTok of the Cup Cozy Deluxe Pillow in action. Promising review:"This thing is great! I'm home on maternity leave with my new baby and spend most of my time on the couch under a sleeping baby. This product makes it easy for me to keep my drinks, remote, etc close by even with dogs running around. It's a little more expensive than I would have liked but it works and I love it so money well spent!" — Amber Get it from Amazon for $34.99 (available in nine colors). Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
CNN
04-02-2025
- CNN
South Korean airport officials confiscated almost 11 tons of kimchi last year
Freshly prepared kimchi, a traditional Korean dish of spicy fermented cabbage and radish Seoul CNN — Security officials confiscating bottles of water, tubes of shower gel and pots of face creams are a common sight at airport security. But officials enforcing the no-liquids rule at South Korea's Incheon International Airport have been busy seizing another outlawed item: kimchi, a concoction of salted and fermented vegetables that is a staple of every Korean dinner table. Last year, officials at Incheon International Airport (ICN) confiscated a total of 10.7 tons of the country's must-have side dish from passengers violating the ban on liquid in carry-on luggage, according to the airport. That's because pre-packaged kimchi often comes in a bottle or plastic bag and is soaked in spicy sauce, meaning it counts as a liquid. Like many other airports around the world, authorities at ICN ban liquids and gels exceeding 100ml in carry-on luggage. South Korean workers wash cabbage as they make kimchi at the Pulmuone Kimchi factory south of Seoul. Across 2023, the airport officials say they also confiscated 10.5 tons of jang, a word covering a wide range of traditional fermented sauces and pastes. One YouTube video posted last year by a popular Korean travel influencer reminding travelers that kimchi was check-in-only has racked up 1.2 million views. The confiscated food items are either thrown away or donated to a local community welfare center along with other confiscated items, according to airport officials. Related article This grocery store item is beloved in the US. But it's banned in South Korea And this isn't the first time that Korean officials have taken a strong stance on a popular food product. In 2024, Korean Air, the country's flagship airline, announced that it would no longer serve ramyeon instant noodles to passengers traveling in economy on long-haul flights. The airline cited 'the increasing trend of turbulence' making it too dangerous to serve the snack –- which is made by adding boiling water. In addition, travelers bringing Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel mix into South Korea reported running afoul of authorities. The product, which is only sold in the United States, has gone viral on TikTok and is a popular 'souvenir' for travelers who are returning from America. The popular seasoning mix was deemed illegal because it contains poppy seeds, an oilseed banned in Korea. One South Korean blogger reported that she brought back 20 bottles of the seasoning upon returning home from a visit to the US. However, she said, the bottles came out of the luggage conveyer belt with a yellow lock on them and were later confiscated by officials. Now, signs in Korean and English have been placed throughout the terminal warning travelers against trying to bring Everything But the Bagel seasoning mixes into the country.
