As the season for entertaining arrives, HIC – Harold Import Company takes a look at the simple and well-loved pairing of cocktails and cheese.

Perfectly crafted cocktails can elevate the moment, offering a wide range of flavors from strong and refreshing to sour, sweet, and bitter. Like cocktails, cheese offers a variety of flavor profiles that are especially delicious when complemented with the complexity of the cocktail flavors. 

With a beautiful and tasty cheese presentation paired alongside perfectly crafted cocktails, anyone can add the perfect touch to any New Year’s celebration. The HIC Bar and Maison du Fromage brands offer the perfect complement of barware and cheese service items, destined to build sales for the New Year’s celebration.

Barware for the Season and New Packaging

HIC’s barware collection continues to grow to include all the essentials for preparing delicious cocktails and mocktails – with style. NOW this line of barware essentials features new elegant and eye-catching packaging. With its black backdrop, complemented with crisp and clean imagery and copy, the HIC Bar collection is all ready to catch customer attention this holiday season. With the new packaging, it is easy to create a coordinated merchandising look with carded and boxed HIC Bar items, and build out your offerings of this well-rounded profit-making line of barware.

The Japanese-Style Double Cocktail Jigger (#48029) is an integral part of any bartender’s repertoire. Two-sided for convenience, the tall and slender shaped jigger lets you measure like a mixologist. HIC Bar’s Japanese-Style Double Jigger is made from 18/8 stainless steel with a brushed finish, truly a versatile addition to flatware and barware accessories. 

When cocktail and mocktails call for the fresh flavor of fruits, spices and herbs, turn to HIC Bar’s Muddler (#48035). Featuring a textured end that extrudes juice from firmer fruits, along with a rounded end to gently muddle delicate ingredients such as herbs, the Muddler is a perfect barware tool for any home or professional bar. Also available is the Bamboo Muddler (#51000 and the Wooden Muddler (#21000).

Why search for the right bar tool when you have the 4-in-1 Bar Tool (#93255) on hand. Serving as a bottle opener, can punch, fruit and veggie peeler and channel knife for decorative garish, this versatile tool is crafted from Japanese stainless steel with BPA-free plastic.

Whimsical and functional, the Penguin Cocktail Shaker (#48024) adds more style to the presentation. Made of 18/8 stainless steel, the shaker, shaped like a penguin, holds 18 ounces.

For wine lovers, HIC Bar’s set of 2 Expanding Bottle Stoppers (#43971) effectively reseal bottles to create and airtight, leak-proof seal. The handy lever design expands the stopper inside the bottle for a tight leak-proof fit so wine can even be stored horizontally, making it a must for any home bar.

Complement with Cheese

With these essential tools for creating and serving a delicious cheese plate for cocktail hour, the Maison du Fromage line of cheese tools the collection is ideal for serving all types of cheese, with an elegant and coordinated touch. 

The Cheese Tools, set of 3 (#22038) feature a spade knife, rectangular knife and pronged fork for cutting, crumbling, chunking and serving all types of cheese from firm to semi-soft. The stainless-steel blades get the job one, and the beautiful marble handle adds style to the presentation.

Coordinating nicely with the Cheese Tools is the Maison du Fromage Cheese Markers with Pen, set of 6 (#22037), designed to allow you identify cheese for gatherings. Made from fine-white porcelain, the 2.5” cheese markers are easy to use. Simply write on the marker using the pen (included), then insert into the cheese. They won’t smudge, but are easily cleaned by hand or in the dishwasher.

Rounding out the cheese service items is the Marble Cheese Slicer (#22042) – perfect for slicing all kinds of cheese, especially hard cheeses. Great for everyday use or entertaining with cheese and charcuterie boards, simply set cheese on the slicer base with the wire up and lower the wire to slice. Create slices, cheese sticks or cubes.

Remember cocktails and cheese are always in season, and HIC is here to help you with product for all your needs for New Year’s celebration, and beyond.

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to transition to new recipes, highlighting all the great flavors that the new season has to offer. From asparagus and peas, to rhubarb and ramps, HIC — Harold Import Company offers up a bit of inspiration for transforming delicious ingredients into delicious meals.

Mrs. Anderson’s Baking Non-stick Round Quiche Pan is just what you need to make a delicious quiche or casserole. Made from professional-quality carbon steel and premium non-stick coating for uniform baking, the removable base pops out of the pan to serve food easily. Perfect for quiche, mac and cheese, shepherds pie, pot pies, apple pies, tarts, tortes and more.

Cutlery-Pro s Chef s Santoku Knife is the all-around, go-to knife for chopping and rocking through ingredients. Made from German carbon steel, the perfectly ground edge stays sharp longer, and the hollow ground blade keeps food from sticking. The result is superior performance for prepping all your ingredients. 

HIC s Lasagna Pan is a durable and versatile baking dish for all your season’s finest recipes – from baked pastas to casseroles, quiche, and veggie creations. Made from fine-quality porcelain, the generous depth supports layered recipes and the easy-hold handles provide for a comfortable grip and secure transfer into and out of the oven and under the broiler. Safe for microwave, oven, broiler (to 500-degrees Fahrenheit) and freezer.

Visit HICKitchen.com for all the seasonal food prep and cooking tools you’ll need to create and serve delicious meals.

As food tastes evolve, home cooks are continually taking a closer look at the ingredients they use when preparing meals. With growing knowledge of ingredients, home chefs realize that using better-quality ingredients can raise the bar on the final results.  When it comes to everyday table salt and pepper, home chefs are embracing different varieties in an effort to add subtle nuances of flavor to their creations. From Maldon Sea Salt to Pink Peppercorns, HIC has the tools you need to store and serve a wide range of specialty salt and pepper.

HIC Kitchen’s Salt Shaker and Peppermill is made from rubberwood with a ceramic grinding mechanism that is strong, durable, and will never corrode. The set includes 6-inch salt shaker and adjustable peppermill. Sprinkle salt and grind fresh pepper. Easily adjust the peppermill to various textures, ultra-fine to coarse, with a quick turn of the locking nut. Perfect for indoor or outdoor entertaining.

HIC Kitchen’s Fine Porcelain Mortar and Pestle Set for grinding items into a fine paste or powder. Made from fine-quality porcelain, you can quickly grind and break down delicious pepper and salt varieties, then add directly to your dish, or use when creating an aromatic dry rub or delicious curry pastes.

Helen’s Asian Kitchen Bamboo Salt Box with Spoon stores all types of cooking salts conveniently within reach and portions it out as needed. Made from 100-percent natural bamboo, the salt box features a rotating magnetic lid for easy access, along with a matching spoon. Perfect for indoor or outdoor cooking and entertaining.

HIC’s Diner Style Square Salt and Pepper Shaker is a classic way to serve salt and pepper. Featuring a traditional diner-style shape, the glass shaker, with stainless steel lid, is the perfect addition to the table

HIC Kitchen’s set of 3 Condiment Funnels with handles are for easily refilling containers with liquid and dry ingredients with less mess. Made from stainless steel, the set includes 1 each 0.5-ounce, 0.75-ounce, and 2-ounce funnels.

Head on over the www.HICKitchen for all your cooking, baking and serving needs.

Italian food is a staple on our dinner tables. But now that we’re all drooling over Stanely Tucchi’s Searching for Italy show, you might want to upgrade your at-home Italian cooking skills. Until you can travel to Italy in person, why not enjoy some Italian food at home. HIC ­— Harold Import Company has just the tools you need to prepare delicious pasta, pizza and other Italian favorites.

Olive oil is an essential ingredient of Italian cooking. Fante’s Cousin Patricia’s Olive Oil Can is beautifully designed to store your olive oil (or other oils) for easy dispensing. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, the can has a 16 oz capacity, and features a specially vented spout that pours without splashing. 

Enjoy perfectly crisp pizza or flatbread without soggy dough or burnt spots when using Fante’s Pizza Stone. The natural stone absorbs moisture to eliminate soggy crust, distributes heat for even browning, and prevents burnt dough from hot spots.

Make your own pasta like the Italians do, with Marcato Atlas 180 Pasta Machine. Made in Italy, the original, world famous machine rolls and cuts pasta dough for making traditional lasagne, fettuccine, and tagliolini at home. Easily roll of dough to 180-millimeters wide at 10 thicknesses (0.6 to 4.8-millimeter) for consistent texture, cook time, and taste. Available in a variety of different colors including blue, stainless steel, red and more.

Fante’s Cousin Liana’s Gnocchi Board easily forms pasta dough into authentic Italian gnocchi. Made in Italy from natural beechwood, the easy-grip handle maintains the perfect angle and keeps board steady for easier use. The ridges help shape pasta and add texture which will hold more sauce.

You can prepare a range of Italian classics with HIC’s extensive selection of Italian Cooking Tools. Head on over to HICKitchen.com and explore. The world of cuisine awaits.

Pizza night is a great way to connect with family and friends – a wonderful tradition that is made even better with homemade pizza. HIC–Harold Impost Company offers a wide selection of pizza prep and serve tools that are essential for making your pizza night memorable. This Friday is National Cheese Pizza Day, and while mozzarella may be the most popular cheese for topping pizza, followed by provolone, there are many options that can transform your next pizza night. 

Here are a few of our kitchen tools and gadgets that will help you make the most of your cheese pizza celebration. 

HIC’s Pizza Stone is for baking perfectly crisp pizza, flatbread, sourdough and scones, or reheating leftover pizza without soggy, doughy, or burnt spots.

• Made from natural, food-safe ceramic stoneware
• Heat resistant to 480-degrees Fahrenheit
• Absorbs moisture to eliminate soggy crust
• Distributes heat evenly for uniform browning
• Contoured rack safely transports hot stone to serve pizza
• Safe for gas, electric, convection, microwave oven, and on the grill

Fantes Uncle Tony’s Classic Pizza Cutter is the fastest and easiest way to cut pizza slices in seconds!

• Made from Japanese stainless steel with a plastic handle
• 3.75-inch blade
• Works left- or right-handed
• Larger wheel rolls easily to cut through pizza crusts of all thicknesses
• Thumb rest allows for a secure grip and finger guard protects hands from cuts

Fantes Cousin Nico’s Suction-Base Cheese Grater is for grating cheeses, nuts, breadcrumbs and chocolates and shredding vegetables.

• Suction base grips clean, smooth surfaces securely for effortless operation
• Easy to use, simply insert food into the hopper and turn handle to grate or shred. Use the safety pusher to guide food through the grater
• Includes Suction-Base Grater, 2 stainless steel drums (1 for finely grated, the other coarsely grated), and a safety pusher
• Easy to clean with warm, soapy water

HIC’s Classic Box Kitchen Grater is ideal for grating, slicing and shredding cheeses, vegetables, nutmeg, onions, garlic, chocolate and more.

• Made from stainless steel, the sharp cutting surfaces are for fine, medium and coarse grating
• The 4-Sided grating surfaces features: straight cuts, 0.25-inch shredder holes, 0.13-inch shredder holes and a very fine grating surface for harder cheeses and nutmeg
• Handle affords a firm grip for smooth functionality and provides stability
• Measures 9.25-inches top to bottom and approximately 4.25-inches x 3.5-inches across

Protect against sharp and abrasive objects, such as cheese graters, with Cutlery Pro Mesh Cutting Glove, Medium.

• Certified ASTM ANSI Level 5, the highest level of safety available
• European LFGB food safe certified
• Unbeatable cut resistance with a strength-to-weight ratio that is 15 times greater than steel
• Made from high-performance 1000D polyethylene (HPPE) string at 10 gauge string knits
• Blended with basalt fiber and spandex for ultimate protection, breathability, and dexterity
• Elasticized wrists for comfortable fit
• Fits most hand sizes
• Hand wash and air dry

Pizza Night is a tradition that is made easier to enjoy with HIC–Harold Import Company. Head on over to our website for more great kitchen tools and gadgets and start making memories in the kitchen.

For many, the allure of raw oysters is hard to beat. They’re briny, buttery, and sometimes sweet, with their taste varying according to the conditions of the water in which they live. With oyster season approaching, now is the time to stock up on all the great items from HIC that will make the most of oyster enjoyment, whether you’ll be preparing them roasted on the grill, broiled, served raw, or in a stew.

HIC Kitchen Oyster Plate (NT301) is the perfect plate for serving oysters raw, baked or broiled. HIC fine white porcelain performs beautifully in the oven, broiler, freezer and table. It is also dishwasher safe. The 9″ plate cradles 6 oysters in the half shell, and recessed center holds lemon or dip for enjoyment.

Maine Man Oyster Knife is for prying open and removing delicate meat from shells. Made from extra sturdy 2.0mm thick 18/8 stainless steel with ABS. The knife measures 7-inches long and features a pointed blade with tapered edge for added precision. The contoured grip provides leverage, even when hands are wet, and the safety guard protects hands. Dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.

HIC Oyster Forks are for serving and enjoying oysters, clams, mussels, and other seafood on the half-shell. Made in Japan from 18/8 stainless steel, the attractive 3 prong fork with wider splayed tips easily pick up oysters. Extra-wide left tine offers more leverage to separate oysters from their shell. Great for appetizers, finger foods, small bites and tapas, the forks work for =everyday meals and special occasions.

Head on over to the HIC website for more great seafood tools.

Summer is in full swing, and home gardens and markets are bursting with the bounty of seasonal fruits and vegetables. From tomatoes, beans and peas to peaches, cherries and beyond, it’s time to prepare for canning season so you can enjoy the fresh flavor of summer all year long. 

Check out some of our canning essentials so you can preserve them at the height of freshness with HIC, Harold Import Co.

Mrs. Anderson’s Deluxe Cherry Pitter quickly and easily removes pits without bruising or crushing cherries (and olives) for less waste and mess. The sturdy and durable pitter features an automatic feed tray for rapid and efficient removal of pits. A powerful suction base securely attaches to any smooth surface. Easy to use, simply fill automatic feed tray with cherries, and press plunger to extract pit. A bowl catches pitted cherries and the catch bin collects the pits. Perfect for canning, freezing, dehydrating, and baking.

HIC’s Home Canning Supplies Kit includes all the essentials for canning the flavors of the season. The set includes a Canning Funnel for transferring liquids and dry goods into dispensers and storage containers effortless with less mess. The Canning Jar Lifter holds canning jars securely for filling, lifting and transporting. A Canning Jar Wrench is for easily tightening lids, and the versatile Tongs aid when canning your tomatoes, salsa, pickles, peaches and more. The Magnetic Canning Lid Wand securely lifts and transports metal canning jar lids to keep hands safely away from heat.

HIC’s Magnetic Canning Lid Wand is for secure lifting and transporting of metal canning jar lids to keep hands safely away from heat. Made with a sturdy magnet and square plastic handle for secure grip and effortless control. Lifts all sizes of metal canning lids safely to cover small glass jars, jelly jars, standard-sized and larger mason jars.

HIC’s Canning Funnel makes transferring liquids and dry goods into dispensers and storage containers effortless with less mess. Made from 18/8 Stainless Steel, the funnel is lightweight and strong and will never rust. Wide opening for easier pouring with less mess.

HIC s Food Mill processes foods and removes seeds, skins and other fibrous bulk for smoother, creamier textures with an even consistency. Made from 18/8 stainless steel for durability, the funnel won’t rust or transfer flavors. To use, simply insert the disc, then place blanched food in the millbasket and turn the handle to force the food through the disc, directly into a bowl. Perfect for fresh pasta sauce, creamed soups, applesauce, mashed potatoes, fresh pea or parsnip puree, homemade baby food, and more.

Mrs. Anderson’s Apple Peeling Machine peels, cores and slices apples simultaneously in just seconds with an easy turn of the handle. Made from heavyweight aluminum with a powerful suction base, the enclosed C-clamp secures to porous surfaces. 

Visit www.HaroldImport.com for more kitchen tools and gadgets for canning the best of the season.

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with summer.”

–F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Summertime definitely brings new beginnings as we look forward to the warmth, the relaxation, and the time spent in the great outdoors with friends and family. 

When weather heats up, refreshing summer cocktails (and mocktails) are the perfect way to enjoy the season. Enjoy a bit of recipe inspiration for entertaining or to simply on a hot weekend afternoon in the backyard with your feet in the pool.

Disaronno Mule

• 1-1/2 oz. Disaronno
• ¾ oz fresh pressed lime juice
• Ginger beer
• Ginger & Lime slice

Pour Disaronno and Lime juice over ice in a mule cup and top with ginger beer. Garnish with freshly grated ginger and a lime slice

Pisco Punch

• 2 oz. Pisco
• 1 oz. pineapple cordial
• 1 oz. lime juice
• ½ oz. Lillet Rouge
• Dash of aromatic bitters
• Expressed orange peel for garnish

Pour liquid into a mixing glass, add ice, shake vigorously, finely strain into a cocktail goblet 

Recipe from Drinking in Devil’s Acre, by Duggan McDonnell

Blackberry and Cabernet Caipirinha

• 6 lime slices
• 2 orange slices
• 3 blackberries
• 2 oz. cachaça
• 1 oz. California Cabernet
• 1 oz. cocktail syrup

Muddle the produce in a mixing glass, then pour in the liquid, add ice, and shake vigorously. Pour into a large glass and stir.

Recipe from Drinking in Devil’s Acre, by Duggan McDonnell

Mix, Stir and Drink It Up with HIC

With HIC’s barware, preparing and enjoying summer cocktails (or mocktails) is simple, stylish, and refreshing. Here are a few classic cocktail accessories for your summertime enjoyment.

HIC’s Hammered Cocktail Mug is the perfect container for enjoying a classic Moscow Mule, Mint Julep, Dark and Stormy, or Cuba Libre. Made from copper-plated 18/8 stainless steel, the 16-ounce mug features a hammered surface with a contrasting handle with thumb rest for secure grip.

HIC Stainless Steel Muddler is designed to mash and crush fruits, spices and herbs to infuse your favorite beverages and cocktails. The rounded handle allows for a comfortable grip, and the textured end easily extrudes juice and essential oils from fruits and herbs. Made of FDA-approved stainless steel and polypropylene. Dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.

The World’s Greatest 4-in-1 Bar Tool is THE multi-functional tool you need for preparing your favorite beverages. Crafted from Japanese stainless steel with BPA-free plastic, the bar tool is a bottle opener, fruit and vegetable peeler, potato eye remover and channel knife for decorative garnishes. 

HIC Cocktail Mixing Spoon is just the spoon you need for reaching into bottom of taller glasses and pitchers. The twisted design in the handle also assists in building layered drinks. Perfect for sweetening iced tea or blending in infusions of muddles fruits, spices and herbs, elevating party drinks and cocktails to new heights.

Visit HaroldImport.com for more great ideas on summer entertaining.

Cinco de May is a day celebrated mainly in the Puebla State of Mexico, where it commemorates the day the Mexican army defeated France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it may be considered a minor holiday in Mexico, here in the U.S., Cinco de Mayo is more about celebrating Mexican heritage and culture. And one of the many ways to do that is through food and drink.

This Cinco de Mayo, make a feast to remember with all the right essential tools from HIC.

Tacos are very versatile – from store-bought crispy corn taco shells to flour and corn tortillas. For the truly adventurist, there are those who make their tortillas at home! HIC’s Tortilla Press is a great way to make homemade tortillas into consistent thickness. The heavyweight aluminum press has a sturdy handle for easily creating tortillas for tacos and wraps.

To create, simply line the press with plastic wrap, add the dough and flatten slightly with your hands. Close the press and apply pressure with the handle to flatten the dough into griddle-ready 6” rounds.

 

 

---

 

One of those favorite tools you thought you’d never need (until you try it), is the Taco Shovel. It is designed to make cooking, scooping, and transporting taco fixings to fill shells faster than using a spoon – and, with less mess. The contoured shovel, which is made from FDA-approved silicone, has ample scooping surface to easily pick up and deliver your fixings exactly where they’re needed. Heat safe to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

 

---

The taco salad may have originated in Texas in the 1960s, but it’s Tex-Mex flavors make it a wonderful option for Cinco de Mayo. You can bring this restaurant favorite to your home with the HIC Tortilla Bowl Maker.

The professional-quality carbon steel pan comes with a nonstick-coating that aids in removal of tortilla once baked. Fill with a delicious taco salad fixings, with chili, party dips, salsa, or an enchilada casserole.

 

 

---

 

Easily fill crispy taco shells for a crowd with the HIC Taco Rack, Six Shooter Chef Series. Designed for warming, baking, grilling, filling and serving hard shells up to 7”. Made from 18/8 stainless steel, the rack is safe for use on direct heat. Fill the rack with empty shells, bake 5-7 minutes, then fill shells with meat, cheese, and return to oven until the cheese is melted.

Get the party started with HIC! Visit www.haroldimport.com for more great ideas and essential cooking tools needed to keep you cooking!