Most couples are familiar with the joys of registering for traditional
wedding gifts: Toasters, blenders, and coffee makers are all classics that just about every couple wants and needs. But there is a whole slew of fun food-related stuff out there that that couple’s simply don’t think to register for –- so read on to find out which five appliances can add some “cool” to your kitchen.
1. Ice Cream Maker
Sure, you can pick up a quart of ice cream at the market, but where’s the fun in that? Breaking out an ice cream maker at parties and barbecues (or any old time you’re jonesing for something cool and sweet) equals a good old-fashioned time and fresh, made-to-order dessert with all-natural ingredients. You can register for a modern version of the traditional crank, or go high-tech with one that does all the work for you -– but still lets you watch your favorite concoctions come together.
2. Fondue Pot
This retro favorite is back in force, turning mundane get-togethers into meltingly good times. Not only are guests forced to mingle (it’s hard to ignore someone dipping into the same pot as you), but who can resist fresh strawberries dipped in molten chocolate? It only takes minutes to throw together a platter of dipping fruit for chocolate sauces, or veggies and breads for cheese dip, and your parties are practically guaranteed to be successful -– as are your romantic evenings at home.
3. Waffle Maker
There’s a lot to be said about breakfast that doesn’t come from the freezer –- and thanks to modern technology, cooking homemade waffles isn’t the messy, sticky, time-consuming misery of yesteryear. Nowadays you can register for restaurant-quality, non-stick makers that turn out beautifully golden treats with super-deep pockets for catching syrups and fillings. Shapes range from hearts, to sticks, to little mini flowers –- how darling is that? -– and there’s a variety of price ranges to choose from. Brunch and breakfast in bed will never be the same again.
4. Table-Top Grill
Sometimes you just want cook-out taste without actually having to cook out –- no charcoal, no lighter fluid, no figuring out what to do with smoldering coals. Indoor grills use a combination of radiant and contact heat to mimic the taste of your outdoor grill without the smoke (or the space). Rainy-day barbecues are only as far as your kitchen counter –- and if you choose one with interchangeable cooking plates, you can go from grill to griddle in seconds.
5. Espresso/Cappuccino Maker
We’re all aware that fancy coffee drinks are still all the rage; but did you know you can make them yourself at home? Restaurant-quality cappuccino makers allow you to brew up powerful shots of your favorite Italian stimulant, and can even come equipped with steamers for frothing up milk to make cappuccino. Advanced models let you choose the exact strength and temperature of your brew, then put the whole thing on a timer so you don’t have to do a thing in the morning except run for your cup -– and then get right back in bed where a newlywed belongs.