Things We Like: Your New Cappuccino Machine, Very Personal Blending, and BUTTER

Our biweekly roundup of our favorite things.

Published January 23, 2026

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1. Breville Barista Express Impress

​If you want noticeably better espresso than what you get with pods—without a steep learning curve—the ​Breville Barista Express Impress​ really hits the sweet spot. It does most of the work for you, but still leaves a few hands-on steps that make you feel like a barista at home instead of just pushing a button. It’s become part of my morning routine, a relaxing way to start the day before I log on. Cleanup is easy, and the espresso is rich and creamy every time. I’m enjoying trying different coffee beans and learning more about better quality espresso. (It looks great on the counter, too.) It’s an easy upgrade for anyone who wants better coffee with minimal effort. – Mikee


2. Hamilton Beach Personal Blender

I got teased mercilessly when this gadget arrived, because it’s called a “​personal blender​,” which, to be fair, is pretty funny. That doesn’t stop it from being my salad dressing dream machine. I started using this little guy at my dad’s house—he uses a lot—and immediately ordered one when I got home. It takes up no room and makes a big batch of creamy, perfect salad dressing in no time. Now we’re never without a jar of it in our fridge. Emulsify away. – Kate


3. Churn x Fishwife Anchovy & Lemon Butter

​Omg, please stop me from eating this straight out of the tub. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s *not* a dip, ​it’s butter​. ​I’ve already talked about​ how much I love ​Fishwife’s anchovies​; and doesn’t butter make everything better? This is such a fridge staple for me—I’ve eaten it on crackers, stirred it into eggs, used it for pasta. Really, use it anywhere you want some of the flavor and depth that comes from butter and anchovies—which for me is just about everywhere. – Kate


4. 30% off at Thrive Market​

Thrive Market

Thrive Market​ is a convenient way to stock up on all your staples. Kate loves it for coconut milk and coconut oil, sea salt, canned tomatoes, crackers, sponges, cleaning supplies—and coffee! (Their coffee is really good.) The (small) membership fee is more than made up for with the discounts you’ll receive on every order. ​ Try Thrive Market today and receive 30% off your first order AND a free gift!


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Through our (more than a thousand, and growing) highly vetted recipes from the How to Cook Everything series, original food essays and reporting, thoughtful podcast conversations and introductions to new and responsible food products, we aim to showcase what’s possible, from farm to fork, and power a growing movement that encourages people to think about food not as a commodity, but as central to our health and happiness.

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