Kitchen Products

For the family member or friend on your holiday gift list who has a love of serving, eating, and cooking food, here are a few gift ideas.  Just be sure to double check with your cook that they don’t have what you want to give them!

~Corelle Dinnerware – a set of exquisite dinnerware for serving guests and family is an excellent conversation starter and will be treasured for years to come. 

~Kitchen Gadgets – melon ballers, jar openers, ice cream scoops; your cook will be satisfied with most any gadget they can use for cooking or preparing unique dishes. 

~Toaster Oven – if your cook doesn’t have a toaster oven, this is an invaluable tool that will allow for preparation of delicious hot meals, toasted sandwiches, and even pizza; it’s also great for when you need to cook two dishes at the same time.

Oneida was the name of a utopian society that briefly formed in Oneida, New York. Founded by John Humphrey in 1848, the ultimately failed city had a total of 87 members. Currently known as “Bible Communism,” the principle they were fighting to uphold was based on a mindset of sharing and selflessness. For that reason, the group was also known by outsiders as the Perfectionists.

The utopia, or commune, sustained itself with production of goods such as canned food and silk. But before long, they also began dabbling in flatware. While the Oneida community eventually dissipated, the Oneida brand of flatware flourished. Today, Oneida dinnerware and flatware is one of the most respected names in dishware, yet very few know of its commune roots.

In 1970, Corelle dinnerware was introduced.  Its construction was developed by research scientists, who developed a process thermally bonding three layers of glass.  The special enamels that comprise the decorative portion of Corelle pieces become an overall component during the dinnerware construction process, so the patterns last as long as the dishes do.  This construction also provides the versatility to reheat and cook food in conventional or microwave ovens.  Corelle also guaranteed to replace any of its dinnerware that became chipped, cracked, stained, or broken within two years after purchase, not even requiring a receipt.  This guarantee was a first for dinnerware in its price range. 

The everyday dinnerware field lacked a strong brand identity in those early days, and Corelle’s extensive research prior to introducing the line had revealed that people wanted daily-use dinnerware that looked like china but was dishwasher safe and durable.  Corelle found their niche quickly and sold 40 million pieces within 18 months, an industry record before and since that time.