Skinny spoons just for spicesWhy didn’t they...

Skinny spoons just for spices

Why didn’t they think of it sooner? This set of stainless-steel measuring spoons simplifies measuring from herb and spice jars. Each elongated spoon is designed to fit right into a spice jar -- no fuss, no bother. And each of the five spoons is clearly imprinted with the measure size and its metric equivalent in milliliters.

Spice jar measuring spoon set, $9, from Williams-Sonoma stores.

The grater good -- save your fingers

Microplane graters make grating small objects a snap, but sometimes they’re not so easy on your fingers. This slider attachment helps protect your fingers. It fits the 35000 series of Microplane graters with the plastic frames. Use it to grate small items such as garlic, shallots, ginger root and nutmeg.

Microplane slider attachment, $4.95, from Sur La Table stores and www.surlatable.com.

An East-West vinegar fusion

This combination of rice and balsamic vinegars makes for a light-tasting, slightly sweet oil-free dressing. Try it drizzled on top of salads and vegetables or on grilled fish or chicken. You also can serve it as a dipping sauce for shrimp.

Nakano seasoned rice vinegar balsamic blend, 12-ounce bottle, $2.39 from Mayfair and Gelson’s markets.