Two's a Trend: Matroyshka Measuring Cups

Worldwide Fred has updated the iconic matroyshka doll as a useful kitchen gadget. At right, Fred's M-Cups ($12.50 at perpetual kid) are a set of six plastic measuring cups that nest like the real Russian tchochkes. Anthropologie's version (left) -- a set of three Matroyshka Measuring Cups ($28) -- aim for a more traditional look, though they are dishwasher and microwave safe.

A Fork Fit for Noodles

It might look like one of those Japanese "unuseless" inventions, but the Calamete noodle fork is for real. Engineered specifically to enhance the journal of noodles from bowl to mouth, the design takes a standard fork and adds an extra short, stubby tine -- intended to simulate the thumb -- to help grab a forkful of noodles (or pasta).

$44 for a pair at Japan Trend Shop.

Building a Better Cake Server

Finnish designer Maria Kivijärvi's Magisso Cake Server takes an innovative approach to the art of cake-slicing. Press the server down vertically on the cake to make a clean cut, and then -- while squeezing the handle -- remove the slice to a plate, where it may be released by relaxing your grip. Made from stainless steel. $59.95 at Urban Butik.

[via Apartment Therapy]

Take Your Salad for a Swing

The Eva Solo salad spinner takes an unusual approach to the task of washing and drying lettuce. Start by filling the rubber bucket with greens and water and then rinse by hand. Next, squeeze the sides the top to form a spout to pour off most of the liquid. Then, swing the bucket around and around in the air until the lettuce is dried. The concept is that any remaining water will collect in the bottom of bucket, below a drainage plate.

Presumably, if you don't knock anything over or cause any injuries to yourself or your loved ones, your salad-spinning will then be complete.

For a demonstration, see the video below.

Stirr Stirs So You Don't Have To

Risotto alla robot, anyone?

Stirr is a battery-operated stirrer that struts around your saucepan, keeping your sauce moving so you have more time to sit on the couch and read that massive Michael Pollan article on the downfall of cooking. The device is made of stainless steel with heat-resistant silicone legs.

£14.79 (approx $24.94) at UK-based Lakeland (overseas shipping is available).

Via Oh Gizmo!

The Puzzle That Seasons

The Rubik's Cruet Salt and Pepper Mills take their inspiration from the iconic '80s puzzle. Behind the plastic exterior -- which has the look and feel of a Rubik's Cube -- lies a ceramic mill. Fill them with sea salt and peppercorns and twist the top row to season your food. They would be perfect if only you could twist all the sides like the original, but then they'd lose their functionality (and you'd never be able to figure out which was the salt and which was the pepper). $18 each, sold separately, at Unica Home.

Spill, Mop, Drink, and Save!

"In these tough times," use the Smart Mop to soak up your spilled soda and then "wring it back into the glass and it's ready to drink all over."

Squeeze in Style

I have no idea whether designer Laurence Brabant's mouth-blown Borosilicate glass citrus juice set actually functions as a juicing tool, but it certainly looks cool. Glass juicer plus a set of four juice glasses: $58 at Basic French.

Mini Microwave

Billed as the world's smallest portable microwave, Heinz's Beanzawave can be powered via a link to the USB port on a laptop computer.

Measuring Spoons for Odd Sizes

Flummoxed by how to measure an 1/8th of a teaspoon of salt? This set of five odd-sized measuring spoons includes tools to measure a "pinch," 1/8 Tsp., 2/3 Tsp., 1½ Tsp, and 2 Tsp. $15 at The Spoon Sisters.