Warming up to autumn
Quaker Simple Harvest multi-grain cereals bring another option to quick, hot breakfasts for cooler mornings. Each 1.5-ounce packet of the instant cereal includes a full serving of whole grains. Oats, wheat and barley are combined with nuts, flaxseeds and fruit in three flavors: apples with cinnamon; vanilla, almond and honey; and maple brown sugar with pecans. A box of eight pouches is $3.70-$5 at Meijer, Sunset Foods, Treasure Island and peapod.com.
Earning their baking stripes
Zebra Mix baking kits include an 18-by-24-inch “safari baking map” (one side for ages 4-9, the other for older kids) that is almost more fun than eating the finished treats. The mat contains amusing instructions, useful photos and tips, and puzzles and games that illustrate how cooking, math and science work together. Kits make brownie bites, cupcakes or chocolate chip cookies and cost $5 each at Wild Oats in Hinsdale and Evanston; to order by mail, visit amazon.com (six boxes for $23) or zebramix.com.
Casting a new line
Le Creuset, known for its cast-iron cookware, now has a line of three-ply pans (a layer of aluminum between two layers of stainless steel). We loved the heat retention, sturdiness and overall design of the 3-quart saute pan (pictured, about $150). An 8-piece set costs $400 at Bloomingdale?s Home & Furniture stores, ABT Electronics in Glenview, Fuller’s Home & Hardware in Hinsdale, and cooking.com. Some open stock items are at Bloomingdale?s; the other stores can order individual pans ($50-$200).
