Oxo products are known for stylishness and practicality, and this excellent new colander is no exception. It’s a handy multitasker thanks to a silicone basket that can withstand boiling-hot temperatures. That means you can use it to steam vegetables over a hot pot of water as well as rinse them after they’ve cooked. And the basket is collapsible, so it’s easy to store. When you’re ready to use it again, give a quick snap of the wrist and the basket pops out, ready to go.
It’s $19.99 at Hardware City in Kensington (301-933-2207), My Organic Market in Alexandria (703-535-5980), and Fischer’s Hardware in Springfield (703-451-3700).
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
