Stock up: Three things you need to upgrade your kitchen

A cutting board from the Market at Gabriel’s. Courtesy of Isabel Ohshiro

Credit: Isabel Ohshiro

Credit: Isabel Ohshiro

A cutting board from the Market at Gabriel’s. Courtesy of Isabel Ohshiro

While at home, many of us are cooking more. How about some new kitchen equipment to brighten your week?

Cutting board from the Market at Gabriel’s

You can stop by Gabriel’s Restaurant & Bakery in Marietta and pick up all manner of luscious desserts, copies of Johnnie Gabriel’s cookbooks, and, if you time it right, Southern favorites from the lunch menu, or a classic comfort-food family dinner and sides. But, while you’re there, you also can browse products from local food producers and craftspeople. Some of the handsomest items are the handcrafted wooden cutting boards, bread boards, cheese boards and even chess boards from Kennesaw woodworker Chuck Evans. Isabel Ohshiro, the market manager, said Gabriel’s opened the Market to support local artisans and food producers during the pandemic, by providing an outlet for sales. In addition to Evans’ wooden boards, you’ll find items from Hometown Honey, Apotheos Roastery, Front Porch Pecans and more.

$15 to $65 per Chuck Evans wooden board. Available at the Market at Gabriel’s, 800 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. 770-427-9007, gabrielsdesserts.com/the-market.

Merino wool trivets from Graf Lantz. Courtesy of Graf Lantz

Credit: Tracie Davis

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Credit: Tracie Davis

Merino wool trivets from Graf Lantz

Trivets are essential in any kitchen, but how often do you really pay attention to what you’re using? When we were introduced to these merino wool trivets from California-based Graf Lantz, we saw the error of our ways. Their trivets come in elegant, modern designs, ranging from small squares, rounds and ovals to the fun new cocotte trivet that mimics the shape of your favorite Dutch oven. Made of durable wool felt, and just shy of a quarter-inch thick, the trivets are water- and stain-resistant. The sophisticated styling and range of colors means they’ll look great on your dinner table. And, best of all, when you use your Graf Lantz trivet, you know you’re protecting your counter or tabletop, while also providing a cushioned surface for your hot pot or dish.

$19 to $34 per trivet. Available at graf-lantz.com.

Carbon steel oval roaster from Smithey Ironware. Courtesy of Smithey Ironware

Credit: Handout

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Credit: Handout

Carbon steel oval roaster from Smithey Ironware

Smithey Ironware of Charleston, South Carolina, was founded when Isaac Morton decided to use what he’d learned in restoring vintage cast-iron cookware to create a line of modern pieces. The artisans at Smithey make cast-iron cookware, but they also work in carbon steel, using designs inspired by American blacksmiths in the 18th and 19th centuries. Nealey Thompson, executive chef for the Cook’s Warehouse, said she is “in love” with their carbon-steel oval roaster. Hand-forged — and substantial in weight, at just over 4 pounds — the roaster has hammered handles that extend just far enough to provide a safe grip. Its size and shape make it just right for roasting chicken and vegetables. Sheet pan recipes, meet hand-forged carbon steel. It’s beautiful, and truly an heirloom-quality piece, one you’ll love using and will pass down with pride.

$275 for the oval roaster. Other pieces range from $80 for a 6-inch skillet to $295 for a 5.5-quart Dutch oven. Roaster and other pieces available at the Cook’s Warehouse, 1544 Piedmont Ave., Atlanta. 404-815-4993. Or, shop the full range of pieces at smithey.com.

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