With its 400-watt macho motor, it provides quiet, effective ice crushing in a designer matte chrome finish. It's definitely not Mom's old avocado-colored model. The popularity of grilled food is also reflected on wedding registries. Linda Lee, who supervises the registry at Macy's East Coast stores, has seen a surge in requests for nonstick grill pans. The pans, which cook meat on elevated ridges in the pan, so the fat drains off, appeal to people interested in healthful cooking.
Tradition still has an impact though.
At the Happy Cook, in Charlottesville and Richmond, couples base at least part of their wish lists on what worked in their mothers' kitchens. Le Creuset French ovens, for example, are showing up on many registries, according to manager Antoniette Nelson. At Bloomingdale's, Hindin says brides are asking for the KitchenAid mixer because that's what Mom had. Trends aside, Mom still may know best.