Rice Zapper

This microwave rice cooker provides a quick, easy way to cook small amounts of rice. Measure the rice and water into the cooker, using the beaker included in the kit, then put on the inner lid, lock the cover in place and zap the whole thing in the microwave. In 13 to 15 minutes, you’ll have 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice. The accompanying booklet gives instructions for cooking up to 3 cups of raw rice. The cooker is small for easy storage.

Progressive microwave rice cooker, 6-cup $12.99 and 8-cup $14.99, from Macy’s, Kmart, T.J. Maxx, Ross Dress for Less and Wal-Mart stores.

Pear Surprise

Add a touch of elegance to your cheese or appetizer tray with these wax pears that look like the real thing, blush and all. Cut them open and surprise! They’re filled with Cheddar cheese.

Cheddar English Pears, 7 ounces, $7.99 from Mayfair and Bristol Farms stores.