January is a time for cleaning and reevaluating. I’m spending all of my free time getting rid of the stuff I never actually used last year, and making room for—you guessed it—even more stuff. Because while January is the time for downsizing, it’s also the time of after-holiday sales, gift cards from that uncle you see once a year, and TikToks convincing you that this one product will help you keep your fridge organized forever. So, after you’ve cleaned out the kitchen cabinets and are ready to buy more stuff to fill them, here’s some inspiration from the Epi staff. Here’s what we’re buying to start 2023 off right.
Fancy dessert plates
I only have regular size plates in my apartment because, truthfully, I thought it was a little silly and frivolous to get any other sizes when I first moved in. But this year I’m embracing the frivolity because it endlessly annoys me how much plate real estate is left over when I serve my friends (or myself) a slice of cake or some other dessert.—Megan Wahn, associate commerce editor
Cake stand
And while we’re on the topic of my pursuit of decadence in 2023, I want a cake stand to display all my baked goods. Otherwise, they’re just going to go on one of my very limited number of plates.—M.W.
Meat and cheeses
January calls for easy dinners, and while a full charcuterie board may sound like it went out with last month's holiday celebrations, I plan on eating a plate of cheese, meat, and maybe some sliced fresh fruit for dinner at least once a week this month. I love Iowa-based La Quercia for all things cured pork. Theacorn prosciuttois A+, and thespicy pepperoniis a must. For cheeses, anything from Murray’s is a good bet, but I especially love a nicegoat cheddarthis time of year paired with a littlefig jamor a slice of crisp Asian pear.—Joe Sevier, cooking editor
Baggu Cloud Carry-On
I’m planning an upcoming trip to Japan and already panicking about how I’ll get all of the tiny ceramic dishes, bottles of sake, containers of miso, and limited-edition Kit Kats home in my tiny suitcase. This is why I’ve been eyeing the Baggu Cloud Carry-On, which promises to fold down compactly and expand into an extra carry-on that can sit on top of a roller bag.—Anna Hezel, senior editor
Dishwashing gloves
It’s a new year, so it’s time to recommit myself to using dishwashing gloves. My hands are dry enough in the winter—they don’t need the help of lots of harsh, hot water. Plus, the bright pink color will brighten what is typically my least favorite chore.—Emily Johnson, associate commerce director
