In today's rapidly changing world, using renewable resources makes sense, even in the kitchen. Joyce Chen's burnished bamboo utensils are beautiful and practical. Bamboo, a grass, grows quickly to harvestable size and is considered an environmentally-sound replacement for slow-growing trees. Stronger than wood, the tools in this set won't scratch nonstick surfaces and are so tough they won't swell, split, or absorb moisture like wood can. Moreover, these are dishwasher-safe. The burnished honey color comes not from a stain but from oven-roasting, which caramelizes the bamboo's naturally occurring sugars. Designed for stir-frying, this three-piece set includes a 9-inch rice paddle, 12-inch mixing spoon, and 13-inch stir-fry spatula, each with a hole for hanging. All are safe to use on any nonstick surface. Joyce Chen produces an impressive range of burnished bamboo kitchen tools and cutting boards, along with traditional woks and Asian-style cutlery for the dedicated home chef. --Ann Bieri.