Springtime and the cooking is easy.

• Position: WHAT'S NEW? - Buyers guide

There's nothing like the optimism and rejuvenation that comes with the beginning of spring. With visions of improvements in one form or another, many of us make plans to do things like take better care of ourselves, eat healthier, exercise, etc. Perhaps one initiative is to prepare more homecooked meals instead of takeout or store-bought fare. One way to keep that momentum going for more than just a few days is to have on hand some new tools to use in the kitchen to help facilitate the changes in our habits.

One such gadget that has us racing to the kitchen to prepare some different foods is the Bosch Universal Plus Kitchen Machine. With this appliance, we can make homemade salsa, pesto, whole wheat bread, etc. The mixer comes with both a dough hook, which can be used to knead yeast breads, cookie mix and pastry dough, and a twin beater attachment, which is recommended for very light substances, such as whipping cream, egg whites, sauces, etc. The Universal Plus ($399) has four speeds as well as a momentary "pulse" function, and the quiet, yet powerful 800-watt motor can handle up to 14 lbs. of dough. The 6 1/2-quart mixing bowl and attachments are dishwasher safe. For more information, visit www.boschappliances.com.

If you're looking to get your spices in order, the SpiceStack organizer from Todco, Bassett, Wis., can hold up to 27 full-size or 54 half-size spice bottles in a compact three-tiered cabinet. Each shelf has nine molded compartments for the...