As of this writing, I don’t have a trash can in my kitchen. Instead, there is a large black trash bag sitting prominently in the corner. Since the room is small, it’s more than a little distracting.

Needless to say, I would LOVE one of these touchless trash cans. I ask you, ain’t technology grand?

Should you decide to purchase this can, an infrared light on the lid will sense when your hand or any kind of trash comes within six inches of it. Then, like magic, it opens… and you simply toss. The lid will remain open for a full three seconds after your hand leaves the six inch zone.

(There are manual buttons on top of the can, as well, should you decide to open it the old fashioned way.)

The improved touchless trash can features optimum sensitivity, which means there is no need to worry about it accidentally opening.

This particular model holds an 18 gallon size bag. It comes with a sturdy retainer ring, which holds the bag into place and keeps it hidden within the can. An AC power adapter is available, for an extra fee.

The same company also manufactures a touchless paper towel holder and soap dispenser.

The Christmas season is fast approaching. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? Be that as it may, it’s never too early to start your holiday shopping. (Some people are SO organized; they start the day after Christmas… I wish!)

One of the things on my list, this year, is a cookbook holder. I never realized that they were available in so many styles, until I started looking. I totally love the wrought iron ones, like the one in the picture. HINT… HINT!

There are acrylic cookbook holders, wooden cookbook holders, hanging cookbook holders and even glass cookbook holders. Their purpose is pretty self-explanatory. They protectively hold your cookbook so the pages remain clean and undamaged while you are busy baking.

These holders are available in different sizes, as well. If you will be purchasing one as a gift, consider the hanging style or one that folds up, when not in use. Counter area is an issue for many people. You don’t want to purchase a gift, which will go unused simply because of lack of space.

It seems to me that a cookbook holder would make a great gift for an avid crafter, as well. Since they deal with messy work areas, what could be better? Right?

Because I’m trying to trim, both, my grocery budget and my waistline we ate a lot of chicken around here. Thank goodness my husband loves it and my ‘picky eater’ son no longer lives at home.

I recently received a review copy of 150 Things to Make with Roast Chicken (And 50 Ways to Roast It), by Tony Rosenfeld. I honestly can’t wait to try some of the recipes. The Glazed Chicken and Sweet Potato Hash and Chicken with Sage and Cornmeal Dumplings sound especially yummy.

The cookbook includes ‘chicken basics’ such as cooking times, butterflying and carving instructions, roasting and grilling tips and additional recipes for things such as rubs, glazes, bread crumbs, stuffings, gravies, sauces and even mashed potatoes and other vegetable side dishes.

There’s no reason why you can’t throw an extra chicken into the roaster when it’s time to cook. It doesn’t take any extra effort at all and gives you twice as much meat to use for sandwiches, casseroles and salads.

This REALLY is an excellent cookbook. I recommend it wholeheartedly and would love to hear your thoughts about it, as well.

Isn’t it great that there are so many things you can do with chicken? Personally, I’m always on the lookout for new recipes, so feel free to share yours. I’d love to add it to my files… especially if it’s a potpie.

Currently, my kitchen is tan in color. But, after seeing this nifty retro Buick red bread bin, I may be heading to Home Depot to buy new paint.

I’ve mentioned before (yes I know… more than once) how much I love retro. My entire house would probably be decorated this way, if I thought my husband could stand it. Unfortunately, he’s more into calmer colors. Bad Jerry!

This bread bin is right out of the 50s. It’s constructed of enameled steel and oh so glossy. It features polished stainless steel trim and a handy bottom hinged door. Included is a wire rack which will help to keep your bread flat.

Because it opens from the front, your baked goods will be all the easier to access. (The doors top magnet catch helps to ensure a tight fitting lid, while it’s still easy enough to open with one hand.)

The bin is very roomy, measuring in at 10 x 17 x 9. For this reason you might want to make sure you have enough available counter space before ordering it. (Unless of course, you are willing to send it to me.)

This product would make a great wedding gift, for the retro-loving bride to be. Especially, if you tuck some non-edible ‘bread’ inside.

Do you love Bundt cake? Unfortunately, I think I fall under the ‘I love it more than I should’ category. But, the good news is, I’m learning to accept my downfall and am actually thinking about starting a 12-Step program for Bundt Cake Junkies. I’ll keep you posted.

If you’ve never made this type of cake before, there is no need to feel intimidated. Even though the finished products sometimes look as though they took HOURS to make… they really don’t.

Follow these tips and you will be well on your way to making the perfect Bundt cake. The hardest part will be choosing one of many cool pans.

Because so many of the pans produce cakes with intricate details, it’s important to properly prepare them. Spray with a cooking spray such as Bakers Joy. (It has flour in it.) Next, using a pastry brush, distribute the spray evenly into all of the little crevices.

Say no to air bubbles! For best results, slowly pour batter into pan, from one spot, allowing it to flow naturally around entire area. Gently tap pan on counter, to release any remaining bubbles.
Fill the pan three quarters full and spread batter up the sides a bit, into the crevices. This will help to ensure that the cake turns out as detailed as it should be.

Cool cake for at least 10 minutes, before turning it out on a platter. Glaze as desired.

I adore chocolate covered pretzels! There is just something about the combination of salty pretzels and sweet chocolate.

My ex-husbands best friend made the BEST chocolate covered pretzels. He would make them every year, around the holidays. YUM!

This year, I’m bound and determined to make my own yummy pretzel treats. You can add and drizzle SO much to them and on them, after they’ve been dipped. Everything from coconut to gated dried fruit to caramel to cake shots to nuts to peanut butter to cookie bits, to mini M&M’s to anything in between.

For dipping purposes, you can use melted chocolate chips, baking chocolate, white chocolate or something a bit more creative like butterscotch chips, chocolate raspberry chips or the combination of your choice.

You can use any shape of pretzel that your heart desires. I happen to think that large rods look the most festive, but that’s just my opinion. By all means, if you’d rather use twists… go for it!

If you decide to use pretzel rods, consider purchasing a variety of pretzel molds to embellish your treats. They are very inexpensive and are available in many holiday and event related shapes. Witches finger, anyone?

What is your favorite way to make chocolate covered pretzels? My inquiring mind wants to know.