Cookstuff

A drizzle or two from the Rhone

These delicately flavored artisan fig and raspberry vinegars come from Ardeche in the Rhone region of France. Set the bottles on your kitchen counter, and you’ll have instant conversation pieces.

Drizzle the vinegars over a salad, a smoked duck breast or grilled fish.

They also work well in a marinade for chicken, a salad dressing or a reduction sauce.

Vinaigre-De-Cidre-Aux-Framboise; Vinaigre-De-Cidre-Aux-Figues, $13.99, from Picholine, 3360 W. 1st St., Los Angeles; (213) 252-8722.

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Good enough to eat -- well, almost

This jar of hand cream might fool folks into thinking you have a mustard crock on your counter. The olive oil-based lotion has a pleasant scent -- a combination of ginger and lemon. It’ll soak into your skin without leaving an oily residue.

Cucina Repairing-Action Hand Cream, 8.8-ounce jar, $14.75 from Surfas, 8825 National Blvd., Culver City, (310) 559-4770. Or order on the Internet at www.fruits-passion.com.

More color on the table

Sometimes you want a different look for your kitchen, but don’t want to spend a lot. These affordable Ashley collection plates will brighten your table. Choose from green, pink, blue, lavender and mauve. Set of four dinner plates, $12.99; set of four dessert plates, $9.99, at Target.