Crabtree & Evelyn -- maker of those fragrant bath products -- has come out of the boudoir. Now, the Massachusetts-based company has cooked up a line of items for the kitchen.

Aroma sprays in four "flavors" send mists of salad greens, gingered orange, pastries or cranberry wafting through the house, even if you haven't cooked all week. And when you do put on an apron, odor diffusers -- in the form of small candles -- cover up unpleasant food odors, and the Fruit & Vegetable Wash removes wax and pesticide residue from produce. Priced from about $5 to $20, the Cooks products also include potpourri, vegetable-based soaps, enriched hand lotion and antibacterial hand wash.

A timely recipe for peanut butter

Since March is National Peanut Month, why not whip up some homemade peanut butter? In a blender, place 2 cups dry-roasted shelled peanuts, 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if salted peanuts are used). With lid secured, blend until mixture becomes spreadable (about 3-4 minutes). Scrape sides and continue blending until desired consistency is reached. Store in tightly closed jar in refrigerator. Stir before serving. Makes about 1 cup.

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Pub Date: 03/03/99