Non-Slip Knives

It seems that good serrated knives are something one can always use. These knives from Oxo are made of stainless steel with the signature soft rubber grip handle that will not slip in your hand even when wet. One serrated knife is offset, while the other is in the traditional shape. They’re dishwasher safe. A full line of knives is available.

Serrated knives $10.99 each from Bristol Kitchens, South Pasadena.

Grind Your Own

These whole Italian spices, each with its own grinder top, are handy for baking and cooking. You can also just set them on the table. The porcini mushroom was the most intriguing to us. It gave a great aromatic fresh mushroom flavor when ground and would be a great addition to pasta, scrambled eggs, omelets and salads. Others in the line include black peppercorns, nutmeg, cinnamon and garlic.

Drogheria Alimentari bottles with grinder tops, $3.89 each, at Pavilions and Albertsons.