Sneak Preview

Caramel, nougat or creme?

When it comes to chocolate candy, it’s anyone’s guess what’s inside until it’s poked, squeezed or bitten into.

And it’s so unguest-like to put candy back on the tray once it’s been mutilated.

Getting to the core of the matter is easier with the Sneak-Peek candy sampler.

The candy sampler extracts a tiny core sample from the bottom of a filled chocolate. The sample pellet is so small its absence is nearly undetectable, making this a good tool for those tempted to poke or squeeze candy yet get away with the abuse.

“It is the ideal gift for notorious candy-box abusers,” says its inventor, Mike Bursk of San Clemente.

Bursk, a sportfishing boat operator, and his wife, Kim, came up with the idea four years ago. Kim, a nurse, first thought of a hypodermic needle because of the tiny hole it pierces. Mike modified the idea until he came up with the candy sampler.

The device (about $5, including shipping and handling) consists of a rod, plunger and spring. It comes apart easily for cleaning, and it’s dishwasher safe.

Sneak-Peek is available at Summer House, 105 Avenida del Mar, San Clemente, (714) 492-1855, or by calling (714) 496-3851.

Tiffany Style

High style and glamour, as only jeweler Tiffany and Co. can define it, is the topic of John Loring’s latest book, “Tiffany’s 20th Century: A Portrait of American Style” (Abrams, $60).

Loring, design director at Tiffany since 1979, says his book illustrates the glamour of American life and how it has been projected and marketed to the world.

“American style has greatly influenced the world through design and photography,” Loring says. “This book encompasses just a small piece of this.”

The book has nearly 350 illustrations, including drawings and photographs by Edward Steichen, Man Ray and Richard Avedon. It also showcases the works of designers Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso, both hallmarks of Tiffany style.

Panning Out

T-Fall’s Multi-Grill Excelio line of smokeless indoor electric grills heat things up.

There are three models in the line: the compact (about $80); the indoor barbecue (about $110); and the indoor barbecue plus griddle (about $140).

All are black and have rounded handles, adjustable thermostats and nonstick coating for easy cleanup.

The Maxi DeLuxe deep fryer (about $110) has a removable bowl with nonstick coating, an adjustable thermostat, pilot light, exterior basket controls and a sealed locking lid.

T-Fall products are available throughout the county in department and specialty kitchen stores.