Thai Tool

The Super Zigzag is a handy little garnishing tool that has several functions. I like it best for shredding. In only seconds it will make a pile of beautiful shredded carrots like those you see garnishing Thai dinner plates. It has a corer on the end of the handle for hollowing out vegetables, a serrated V-shaped knife at the top for carving vegetables and fruits and an attachment for making citrus strips.

Super Zigzag, $2.99 from Bangkok Market, 4757 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, (323) 662-7990 and Silom Market in the Thailand Plaza, 5321 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. (323) 993-9000.

Hazelnuts Ready to Rumble

I like hazelnuts and anything made with hazelnuts, but I definitely do not like the time-consuming process of peeling whole hazelnuts. I was delighted to find these nuts that already are roasted and peeled--thus eliminating the entire process.

Dundee Orchards Roasted Hazelnuts, 1-pound package, $10.95 from HomeChef stores, 538 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, (626) 744-3399; and Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, 101-A, Newport Beach, (949) 718-0114.