Image Courtesy of PriceGrabber

I've long been fascinated by AeroGrow's AeroGardens, which use soil-free aeroponic technology to bring year-round gardening indoors. But I'm most impressed by the array of available herb seed kits, which make it possible to grow hard-to-find herbs like chervil, epazote, and savory right on the countertop.

With all the collective belt-tightening, this might not seem the best time to invest in a kitchen gadget that ordinarily runs between $100 and $230. But right now, AeroGrow is discounting all of it's AeroGardens by at least $20, and throwing in the Herb Appeal collection and free shipping when you shop on their website. Considering that in the long run it's cheaper to grow herbs than to continually purchase them, I'm wondering if this wouldn't be a good time to finally spring for one. Cooking for Kids Guide Stephanie Gallagher gave the AeroGarden a great review, but I'd love to hear from others. Do you have an AeroGarden, and if so, how do you feel about it? Have you considered buying one, but decided against it? Comment below, or share your thoughts in my forum.

© Flickr user davedash3

I recently wrote an article on spice cabinet organization, and ever since, I've been imagining artful displays of herbs and spices in some future perfect kitchen. It's just been fleeting images of magnetic spice boards, and a kitchen herb garden à la the HGTV dream home, though -- nothing that's coalesced into a strong vision of my ideal kitchen storage situation.

But forum reader Starr asked " What is your dream setup? ," and I can't get her question out of my head. I've been so preoccupied with the icky industrial linoleum floor in my apartment kitchen that I'd forgotten to imagine the possibilities. Starr "...dream[s] of having an old fashion still room, a walk in pantry with a small sink, and shelves for drying, storing and making herb and spice blends..." Sounds divine. What's your perfect setup? Are you living your dream, or dealing with a kitchen challenge? I'd love to hear about it, and discuss your herb and spice storage ideas (and ideals!) in my forum.

© 2009 Miri Rotkovitz

Moroccan Food Guide Christine Benlafquih recently polled readers to find out How Precisely Do You Measure Spices?. I wasn't sure how to answer at first. If I'm baking, I'm quite careful to measure ingredients precisely, because baking success relies so much on food chemistry. If I'm trying a new recipe, I'll measure as well, because I don't think it's really possible to evaluate a recipe without following it as it's written. And if I'm developing, testing, or writing a recipe, I'll definitely measure precisely, because I want whoever follows that recipe to have the best shot at a delicious result. But like many of those who responded to the poll, I don't tend to measure much when I'm doing everyday cooking -- I just play around until whatever I'm making looks/smells/tastes right.

Usually I'm happy with my improvisational nature in the kitchen. But sometimes I get frustrated, because I'll hit on a great recipe, but won't be able to recreate it, or I'll have an idea that seems to elude execution. I had some great curried cauliflower while visiting the Berkshires a few years ago, and despite countless efforts, I just couldn't seem to figure out how to make it. Then Benlafquih's spice measuring poll inspired me to get out the measuring spoons and approach things more systematically. This Curry Roasted Cauliflower is the happy result. Lighter than the cream-laden recipe that inspired it, this cauliflower gets its complex flavor from roasting-induced caramelization, and just the right amount of curry powder. From now on, I'll always know how to spice this dish right. And I couldn't have done it without my measuring spoons.

© 2009 Miri Rotkovitz

Spice giant McCormick is recruiting consumer product testers to help provide feedback essential to product development. Maryland residents who fit the demographic profile for a particular product test may actually be called into the company's Hunt Valley headquarters to participate in tastings. People who've done it say it's a cool experience, and as a bonus, on site testers are compensated between $25 and $75.

If you're not local to McCormick, you can still sign up to participate in at-home product testing and internet surveys. Whether on site or off, selected testers can participate in McCormick's market research efforts up to 4 times a year. Given my gig as your About.com Guide to Herbs & Spices, I doubt I'd qualify to participate, but I filled out McCormick's consumer testing enrollment form in the name of research. It's a simple online form, and takes only a few minutes to complete. You may score a product to test, and help shape the future of McCormick's product line.