Cool tools for school

Something salty, sweet, smooth
Even in the cyber age, you can’t go to college without popping some corn. This year’s hot popper is Cusinart’s PartyPop Popcorn Maker. The retro-style popper makes up to 10 cups (1/2 cup of kernels and 1 tablespoon of oil) in five minutes. You supply the corn and the oil. Watch the corn pop into the clear plastic container mounted on the stainless steel base. An auto shutoff device that ensures the heater will turn off when the popping is complete. Flip the 4–quart bowl and serve.

In theory, the popped corn is healthier than the microwave variety, at least according to company literature. It’s a bit pricey at $49.99 but who knows? Watching corn pop may even be more entertaining than turning on the tube or surfing the Net.

Cuisinart What’s a party without a popcorn maker? Check out Cuisinart’s PartyPop Popcorn Maker, $49.99

You can go to college without making a blended drink but dorm life would be so much smoother with a blender in toe. One of the best deals out there is Back to Basics Blender Express. Designed to make smoothies, at $19.99, it’s a no-brainer. I mean, how much does a smoothie cost? In New York City, smoothies start at $3 to $4 a pop or more.

Back to Basics One of the season’s best deals is the Back to Basics Blender Express, $19.

It’s also simple to use and takes up little space. Just throw some juice, a little yogurt and fresh fruit into the 24-ounce clear plastic container, which mounts onto the base of the machine, and pulse, then spin on low, then high. Voila! Drink straight out of the travel mug or pour into a glass.

Also suited for dorm room décor, the express blender comes in white, brushed chrome and blue.

A few tips: Freeze the fruit. Makes a huge difference. The container bounces around a bit when you first start pulsing, so at least initially, hold the top of the container with the palm of your hand. Stick to healthy, nutritional ingredients and hopefully you’ll live a long, healthy productive life. And of course, study hard!

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