New Stone Age

We love Le Creuset for its sturdy and beautifully colored pots. Now stoneware and bake ware are designed to go from freezer to oven without cracking--and to your table with style. We especially like the classically designed pitcher in citrus yellow. The new Poterie collection is also available in the more traditional flame, blue, white and green. The pieces are microwave- and dishwasher-safe.

Pitcher, $40, and 1 1/2-quart casserole, $50, from Williams-Sonoma stores and Bloomingdale’s. Or call (800) 877-CREUSET.

Roasted But Real

The roasted sweet corn from Melissa’s looks as if you’re going to be nibbling on hard little corn kernels. Not so. They’re very light and airy in texture and have a true sweet corn flavor. At only 76 calories per 3-ounce serving, with no fat or preservatives, they make a great snack garnish for salads or soups.

Melissa’s Roasted Sweet Corn, $2.69 for 3-ounce package, at Bristol Farms stores.

Tray Chic

Artist Lawrence McRae’s passion for Cubism and Art Deco shows up in his designs of twin cups on a tray and four square bowls on a tray. What we love most, however, are his contemporary color combinations. All pieces are finished with lead-free glaze and are dishwasher- and microwave-safe.

Oversized cups on oval tray, $57, and four square bowls on square plate, $141, from Freehand, Los Angeles.