Pampered Chef founder remembers 30 years of gadgets
Thirty years ago Doris Christopher set a modest goal: To use her skills and interest in home economics to help other busy moms.
Packing her trunk with an array of hand-picked kitchenware and gadgets, she presented the first Pampered Chef home show.
“It this works, wouldn't it be wonderful,” Doris remembers hoping at the time. “It did work and it was, is, wonderful. It's in the dream-come-true category.”
As Pampered Chef marks its 30th anniversary, Doris and I chatted about the Addison-based company's beginnings, its growth and her favorite items through the decades.
“I picked things I knew and loved,” she said. “It was exciting to me to introduce people to something new in their kitchen that did make a difference.”
Garlic presses, apple corers and pizza stones were early items in her line.
“Stoneware became a big component of our line,” she said. Indeed, her clay-colored pizza and baking stones have evolved into glazed stoneware bakers.
The Food Chopper has been another shining star for Pampered Chef. While company officials don't disclose numbers, the website calls the hand-operated, multi-blade device “our most popular kitchen tool.”
“We introduced that within the first few years of electric food processors coming on the scene and people weren't sure if they wanted to spend the money on a food processor to dice and chop food,” Doris says. “People are always telling me they love the Food Chopper; it has had amazing staying power.”
What hasn't had staying power? Onion goggles, green-banded safety glasses that prevented tearing “they did work, for they were clearly funny” and kitchen scales. “I wouldn't be without a kitchen scale, but it's something people don't get that excited about; it's a little scientific for some.”
Talking with Doris made me take inventory of my own kitchen and I realized how many Pampered Chef products are in residence.
Among my favorites are the bamboo spoons “when we started with bamboo products it was revolutionary at the time,” Doris says and the Classic Batter Bowl. I don't think I've mixed up pancakes in anything but that since I got it. I'm eager to see what the next 30 years bring.
Gourmet gathering: Talk about a good thing getting better with age! This year's Great American Cooking Expo boasts new vendors, a bigger venue and a smaller ticket price, making the Nov. 13 and 14 event a must-attend for anyone interested in food... and really, isn't that everyone?!
Teddy's Liquors and Whole Foods Market have joined on as major sponsors of the food and beverage festival, as have Taste of Korea, Veronica Foods and The Olive Oil Place.
Besides tasting wine and sampling gourmet fare from the 140 vendors, attendees can learn how to create stunning tablescapes, learn the art of coffee brewing and watch local chefs create holiday-friendly recipes.
Tickets cost $15 at the door, but just $10 if you get them online at thecookingexpo.com.In previous years admission was limited to adults 21 and older, but that restriction has been lifted this year. Children 12 and younger will be admitted free with an adult.
Deborah Pankey
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