A real corker
This cork wood cutting board from Architec is made with cork tree bark, a high-density material that is culled from the trees without harm (the bark grows back). Though durable, the board is not as rigid as hardwood (no karate-style exercises over the knees, please), which also means smaller cooks will like its light weight. The board repels moisture and has an appealing soft texture. The 18-by-12-inch board is $27 at Crate & Barrel (crateandbarrel.com).
Taking the heat with the sweet
Robert Rothschild Farm’s plum garlic Thai sauce brings sweet complexity to a versatile condiment. The plummy foundation is spiked with crushed red peppers. We loved it with chicken, but it could dress up salads and sandwiches, and make a great dipping sauce for spring and egg rolls. A 12-ounce jar is $7-$10 at Sunset Foods, Little Traveler in Geneva and Front Porch in Mokena; by mail, robertrothschild. com or 800-356-8933.
Petite pastas
Barilla’s Piccolini pastas will appeal to kids, but grown-ups will like the way these smaller shapes work in pasta salads and soups. Plus, they cook up more quickly. Five varieties (fusilli, farfalle, wheels, ziti and penne) cost $1.60-$1.80 per 16-ounce box at Jewel, Dominick’s, Sunset Foods (fusilli and ziti only) and peapod.com.
