Small Bites: Dishing it up, second helpings and cleaning up after

The old adage that you “eat with your eyes” too is so ingrained in our collective mindset that you’ll find more than 12 million results for that phrase on Google. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, chances are you’re always looking for ways to improve the visual appeal of your meals. And if you’re a food blogger, you’re always on the prowl for new dishes and accessories to mix it up in your photos.

New York magazine to the rescue! In a recent edition of Shop-A-Matic on their website, they featured an impressive 135 plates, bowls and assorted dishes, conveniently arranged by price. And most of these finds aren’t exclusive to New York; you’ll find them online and in-store at places like IKEA, Pier 1, CB2 and—in the case of the $8, 11-inch plate shown here—Urban Outfitters.

Second Helping: Arugula Salad with Peaches and Goat Cheese

Last year was a stellar one for peaches. And while they may not be quite as wonderful this year, peaches are still an iconic taste of summer. So before the season draws to a close, try this Arugula Salad with Peaches and Goat Cheese. It combines sweet, savory and creamy notes in a delicious, lively first course. A second helping from the Blue Kitchen archives, it was first posted in August 2007.

Stuff we like: Bon Ami

With all the new cleaning products available for the kitchen, one of our favorites has been around since 1886. Bon Ami, French for good friend, really is a good friend in the kitchen. The original Bon Ami Cleaning Powder, a blend of feldspar and soap, can be used on everything from windows to porcelain, tile and even nonstick surfaces.

Bon Ami Polishing Cleanser, the one we use, is a blend of biodegradable detergent and calcite and feldspar mineral abrasives. It’s perfect for tougher jobs, like “dried on splatters and spills, burned-on grease, baked-on food, and sticky messes,” according to the website. Whichever you choose, both labels proudly and rightly proclaim, “Hasn’t Scratched Yet!” We use the Polishing Cleanser on the stovetop, counters, pots and pans… just not on nonstick. Best of all, neither Bon Ami product contains chlorine, perfumes or dyes. Turns out they were green back when it was only a color.

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