Gizmos for Cooks

Sometimes the simplest ideas pave the way for the coolest gadgets. And I think this qualifies.

How many times have you only needed a dollop of an ingredient for a recipe — sour cream, tomato paste, ricotta cheese — and then put the container back in the fridge, only to forget when you initially opened it? In this case, the listed expiration date isn’t going to be much help. If you’re like me, you worry about using an item that’s past its prime and end up throwing out a practically full jar or bottle of something extremely yummy, and your heart breaks as it makes that resonating thud in the garbage can.  

Well, now there’s the DaysAgo Digital Counter — a small device that attaches to a variety of surfaces with a magnetic or suction backing and counts the days that have elapsed since you opened that can, jar or bottle. It counts up to 99 days and can be reset and reused over and over. It’s water resistant (ideal for the fridge) and uses a battery that lasts approximately 18 months (and can also be changed). It’s perfect for use with all kinds of foods, including soups, salsa, fruit juice, and pasta sauce, as well as stored leftovers (a biggie for this cooking enthusiast). You can even use it for jarred baby foods, mixed baby formula and countless other items. 

Simple yet brilliant. I can’t wait to get my hands on some of these nifty little gizmos.

Price: $10.00 for a two-pack of magnetic, suction or band DaysAgo counters