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 with Asian cooking in mind, but appropriate for other types of cuisine as well, this five-piece bamboo tool set includes a 12-inch mixing spoon, 12-inch slotted spatula, 11-inch tongs, and 13-inch stir-fry spatula, complete with a bamboo canister. All the tools 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.