A kitchen torch isn't anything to sweat

Q: I recently watched Martha Stewart use a kitchen torch to brown a meringue and crème brulee. Can you give information on where to buy one and how complicated (and dangerous) it is to use?

A kitchen torch is just a miniature version of a blow torch, but it isn't dangerous as long as you can point and click.

The trick is to keep the flame pulled back a little from what you're browning and keep it moving continuously so you don't overbrown a spot. Use a gentle brushing motion, almost like combing someone's hair.

Kitchen torches are sold in most cookware stores and range in price from $30 to $60 or more.

However, I can share a trick we use in food styling: Go to a hardware store and look for a "pipe sweater," usually stocked with the plumbing supplies.

It's a basic blow torch with a replaceable blue tank that is used to tighten the seals on pipes. They're not as small as kitchen torches, but they're lightweight, easy to use, and usually cost about $15. They may not look as fancy, but they get the job done.