Food briefs

Smashing success

It’s called the Grate Salsa Maker, but it’s essentially a large mortar and pestle from William Bounds. Grooves in the 7-1/2-inch-wide bowl (above) create friction for grinding; we had no trouble mashing garlic, grinding peppercorns and mixing an ample serving of guacamole with two avocados — which we served in the attractive porcelain bowl. Rubber pads prevent slippage, and it’s dishwasher-safe. It costs $35 at Bloomingdale’s and other retailers, and by mail: 800-473-0504 or wmboundsltd.com.

Sweet heat

A wonderful if unusual mix of flavors emerges in Robert Rothschild Farm’s hot pepper raspberry chipotle sauce. The sweetness of fruit tempers the chilies for an unusual effect. This versatile sauce can be used for grilled meats, as a dip, spread over cream cheese or even used (judiciously) on sandwiches. A 12.5-ounce bottle costs $6-$8 in grocers. To order by mail: 866-565-6790 or robertrothschild.com.

Spicy news

Three new products (below) at The Spice House in Chicago (312-274-0378) and Evanston, Ill., (847-328-3711) will bring aroma and flavor to many dishes. Aromatic Sichuan peppercorns from China, long banned by the USDA for their potential to harm citrus crops (never people), are now available (1-ounce jar, $1.60). Crystallized ginger nibs in 1/4-inch dice (3-ounce jar, $3.80) and bittersweet, crunchy roasted cacao nibs (3-ounce jar, $4) can be used for baking or as a flavored decoration. To order by mail, visit thespicehouse.com.

Disney freezer pops beat the heat

If you’re looking to create a fun frozen treat for kids, Ball, the makers of home canning products, have teamed with Disney and come up with Disney Ball Funsicle Kit and Disney Ball Jammin’ Kit. The Funsicle kit features a Winnie-the-Pooh character mold to make freezer pops. All you need is to combine fresh crushed fruit, unsweetened fruit juice and honey with the Ball Fruit Jell Freezer Jam Pectin, pour it into the molds and freeze it. The Jammin’ kit has all the fixings for kids to make their own freezer jam using their favorite fruits. The mixture is stored in a Mickey Mouse plastic jar in the refrigerator or freezer. The kits are available at Wal-Mart; the suggested price is $8.99.

Godiva unveils new drinks

Just in time to cool off for summer, a new chocolate drink is now available at Godiva Chocolatier. The Chocolixer is a blended drink made to order with Godiva chocolate. It’s available in three flavors: dark chocolate decadence, milk chocolate latte and white chocolate raspberry. But like most chocolate drinks, they can pack on the calories and fat. The 12-ounce Godiva Dark Chocolate Decadence Chocolixer has 660 calories, 30 grams of fat and 14 grams of saturated fat. It sells for $4.50.

Keeping your cool

“Icebox Desserts” (Harvard Common Press, $17.95), by Lauren Chattman, brings more than 100 frozen summer treats to home cooks. Unflavored gelatin and whipping cream, not an ice cream machine, are the secrets behind most of these desserts. Options include a potent and creamy frozen margarita mousse; luscious sweet ricotta and strawberry parfaits, and a lime cream and mango tart. The book is sold at some Borders and Barnes & Noble bookstores and at amazon.com.

Diet-friendly dessert

Craving ice cream but not the calories? Tasters found Weight Watchers ice cream sandwiches, cookies-and-cream bars and fudge sundae cones (vanilla or chocolate) satisfying, especially if you need a diet-friendly treat. They’re 120-140 calories each, and have 2-5 grams of fat. Each box of 4 to 6 treats costs $4-$5.50 at Treasure Island, Jewel-Osco, Cub Foods and Sunset Foods.

To grease or not to grease?

Q: I was just given a nonstick loaf pan for baking. Does this mean I’ll never have to grease a baking pan again? — E.D., Fairlawn, Ohio

A: Unfortunately, no. If nonstick pans were accurately named, they would be called “won’t stick as much” pans. You still should either grease the pans or line them with parchment paper before spooning in the batter. They clean up easily, though.

Betty Crocker bakes tasty new site

It’s been five years since we last checked in on Betty at www.bettycrocker.com. The metaphysical foodie has more than a few sweet Internet features.

Betty TV, for example, doesn’t require any fancy plug-ins from your computer. Simply click on the TV and you get wonderful sound and motion, while a couple of food fans stir the pot and chat about culinary delights.

The photographs are irresistible and meal ideas are a Trojan horse of inspiration.

Be sure to check in on the Dessert of the Month.

Retro Splurpee cups and flavors return

Guess who’s 40? 7-Eleven’s famous Slurpee is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. And in honor of this occasion, 7-Eleven will be selling retro Slurpee cups and flavors at participating stores.

The No. 1 Slurpee consuming city in the world is Winnepeg, Canada.

The frozen carbonated beverage was invented in 1959. Inspired by a Kansas hamburger stand owner who had come up with the idea of soft-serve frozen drinks, a Dallas manufacturer created a device that would freeze a carbonated soft drink and serve it in a sherbet-like form that could be sipped through a straw.

Other facts about the Slurpee from 7-Eleven:

• 7-Eleven began selling Slurpee, then called Icee, in its U.S. stores in 1965.

• Since its introduction in 1965, more than 6 billion Slurpee drinks have been sold. More than 11 million Slurpee drinks are sold every month.

• Half of all Slurpees are purchased between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.

• Slurpees are served at 28 degrees.

Grilling 4-1-1

“Taming the Flame: Secrets for Hot-and-Quick Grilling and Low-and-Slow BBQ” (Wiley, $24.95), by Elizabeth Karmel, packs a whole lot of information between its covers. The recipes range from low-end (beer can chicken, sweet K.C.-style Dr. Pepper barbecue sauce) to upscale (grilled zucchini torte, old vines zinfandel barbecue sauce) and span all courses, from starters to desserts. True-blue grillers will bring it to the night stand for the techniques, profiles, tips and charts. It’s sold at some Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores, and online at amazon.com.

— Wire services