Several months ago, I bought a Zojirushi Home Bakery Supreme Bread Maker. It is the third bread maker I’ve purchased in the span of about 18 years. It’s WONDERFUL and definitely worth the investment.

Yes, it is a bit pricey. But, the quality of the finished product is outstanding. This bread is so much better than the bread I made in my Welbilt (one of the first bread machines) and my Breadman. It doesn’t even begin to compare!

Some of the secret to a better loaf, I think, is the fact that the Zojirushi Bread Bakery has two kneading paddles… one on each end of the pan. The bread seems to turn out lighter and fluffier. Honestly,  it’s almost the perfect texture.

Notable features include: a sourdough starter function, crust control options, a user friendly LCD touch control panel, a quick baking cycle (fresh bread in less than two hours), a dough cycle and a traditional loaf shaped pan.

A basic cookbook and instructional video are also included. It won’t take long before you’ve mastered those recipes and will probably want to get more creative. There are literally thousands on yummy bread machine recipes, floating around in cyberspace. How do I know? I have about 300 of them on my ‘gotta try’ list.

If you have a favorite bread machine recipe, feel free to post it below.

My sister-in-law, Chris, makes the best pizza I’ve ever tasted. She starts with perfect crust, sauce that screams ‘homemade’ and her secret blend of cheeses. (O.K., you guessed it… I’m jealous.)

The good news is, out of jealousy stems my desire to duplicate her close to perfect pie. So, I’ve dusted off my hardly used, deep-dish, pizza pan, eagerly anticipating my success.

The not-so-good news is that success is still lurking somewhere in my future. While my attempts have been tasty enough, they are nowhere near Chris’ finished product.

But, all is not lost. I have discovered several new uses for my pizza pan. I’ve broiled in it, I’ve cooked bacon in it, I’ve made a double batch of cinnamon rolls in it and even baked spaghetti in it. It has proven to be quite versatile.

One day I hope to share with you the fact that I have, indeed, created a pizza that my sister-in-law will enjoy, as much as her own.

Until then my pizza pan has a new lease on life and no longer resides in the darkest recesses of my cupboard.

I challenge you to dust off your unused deep dish pizza pan or purchase one, if you don’t. They are handier than you might think… and not just for pizza anymore!

I am the proud owner of a Magic Bullet Blender. I decided to buy it on kind of a whim, but can honestly say… I’m glad I did.

My hubby, on the other hand, muttered something about my cooking gadget addiction and firmly believes that if I keep buying them we’ll have to move, AGAIN! But, that’s why I have a BIG office closet.

The Magic Blender is perfect for those with limited space. At first, I stored mine in the cupboard. Honestly, I use it more now since I decided to give it a permanent home, on the counter. (I guess out of sight really is out of mind.)

I bought the complete set so I have the base, two sizes of blending cups, two lids, an actual blender size attachment, four large mugs, two blades, the shaker top, the steamer top and a cookbook.

I’ve whipped up all kinds on things in mine. Everything from soups to salsa to dips to sauces to shakes and smoothies. I’ve even made homemade powdered sugar, simply by processing regular granulated sugar for a few seconds.

I’m considering the purchase of a couple of extra sets of mugs. It is so easy to make individual drinks in them… for kids and grown-ups, alike. Everyone can request their own unique concoctions. The mugs are suitable for hot or cold drinks. Cappuccino, anyone?

Do you have a Magic Bullet, in your kitchen? Feel free to share your favorite recipe with all of us.

I am, among other things, a cookbook junkie. I don’t have as much time to cook as I used to, but that hasn’t stopped me from adding to my collection.

I recently acquired a copy of The Deen Bros. Cookbook – Recipes from the Road and can’t say enough about it. (It was a gift from the publisher.)

I love cookbooks that feature restaurants and recipes, from around the country. There are so many smaller, family-owned, establishments that have a great history and serve up a wonderful menu. If it wasn’t for this type of cookbook, these eateries would probably remain unnoticed for the most part… except to the locals.

Most of you are probably aware that Jamie and Bobby Deen are the sons of Paula Deen. They worked right along side of her when she started her first business, The Bag Lady. This successful venture eventually evolved into their restaurant, The Lady & Sons.

This cookbook is filled with yummy recipes, interesting history and amazing photographs that almost jump off the page. (Let’s face it; what’s a cookbook without tantalizing pictures?)

To date, I have tried several recipes and have been pleased with all of them. So far, my favorite is the Turkey and Cranberry Mayo Pretzel Sandwiches. For convenience, they are made with frozen pretzels that have been toasted to perfection. To say that they are to die for is an understatement!

If you are a fan of the Deen Brothers and/or great recipes that come from family-owned diners and other restaurants, consider adding Recipes from the Road to your collection. You won’t be disappointed.

If you already own this cookbook, please feel free to tell us the recipes, you’ve enjoyed the most.