Cast-Iron Slow Cooker

The French-made Staub cast-iron lidded pot has a unique feature: self-basting spikes on the underside of the lid. As moisture condenses on the spikes, it drips down, basting the dish. We made a stew in the pot, and found that the beef browned well and the stew cooked evenly, with no hot spots. Serve your dish directly from the black matte enamel-coated cooker; it’s attractive and retains heat well, keeping food warm for serving. Staub cast iron does not need to be seasoned before use.

Round “La Cocotte” 5-quart slow cooker, $179.95, from Sur la Table stores or order from the Web site at www.sur latable.com; (800) 243-0852.

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Tomato Towel Set

These kitchen towels with the tomato motif are so attractive you’ll want to decorate your serving table with them or set one on the kitchen counter to bring admiring comments. One or two would also look good hanging on a wall or in a small window. The cotton and linen blend towels, from Italy, are machine washable.

Set of two (20x29-inch) towels, $20, from Williams-Sonoma stores.

Donna Deane