Gung-ho grilling
Silicone, able to handle superhigh temperatures, makes these tools from Grill Friends ideal for barbecue season. The 15-inch Angled BBQ Brush and Angled BBQ Mop keep hands away from the heat and ease basting; the 10-inch Blending Fork protects cookware too. They’re heat-resistant to 500 degrees on indirect heat and dish-washer-safe. They are $10-$15 each at The Wooden Spoon in Chicago, Backyard Barbecue Store (or online at backyardbbqstore.com) in Wilmette and online at bbqproshop.com.
Cooking for the Corps
“Command of the Grill: A Salute to Steak,” from Wheeling-based Weber-Stephen Products Co., offers 41 recipes from celebrated former marines–such as flatiron steaks with salsa verde from golfer Lee Trevino–and active Marines who entered Weber-sponsored grilling contests across the U.S. There’s a grilling primer too. Proceeds benefit charities that help Marines and their families. The book is $10 at Weber Grill restaurants in Chicago, Schaumburg and Lombard and by mail-order: commandofthegrill.com or 800-474-5568.
Good cookies
Tasters who loved the decadent chocolate chip and brownie chip cookies from Gak’s Snacks were unaware that they were created for folks with food allergies. The certified-organic cookies contain no peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, wheat or dairy. Each 11.3-ounce box of eight cookies costs $6 by mail-order only (gakssnacks.com or 800-552-7172); individually wrapped cookies are $1.90 each at Kramer’s Health Foods, 230 S. Wabash Ave.
