If you need new dinnerware, I hope that you aren’t having as much trouble as I am deciding on what you want to purchase. I have been going back and forth, for longer than I care to admit, trying to make up my mind. It’s driving my poor husband crazy!

First I thought I wanted something rustic. Then I thought I wanted more of a vintage (Victorian-like) look… dainty pink tea roses on a creamy colored background came to mind. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a pattern even close to what I had envisioned.

During my futile search, I came across several colorful Tracy Porter Dinnerware Sets that really caught my eye. I am seriously considering the Artesian Road Collection, even though it’s NOTHING like what I thought I wanted, in the first place.

As you can see in the photo, the colors are absolutely to die for… red’s, orange’s, brown’s, blue’s, green’s, yellow’s… you name it, it’s in there. Since, I’ve always been drawn to anything paisley, I really feel this set is calling my name. In fact, the more I look at it the more I want it.

It includes four dinner plates, salad plates, bowls and (large) 12 ounce mugs. All are dishwasher and microwave safe.

The only thing left for me to do, now, is order and make sure hubby never finds the receipt. He’s always been more of a paper plate kinda guy!

It’s that time again… time for Cadbury Crème Eggs. While I’m not entirely fond of the original version, I simply adore the caramel and orange flavors. (Hmmm… I wonder what a mixture of the two would taste like?)

Now for a bit of eggciting history. (Sorry, bad I know, I just couldn’t resist.) The Cadbury Company ‘hatched’ its first creamy egg, in 1923. However, the crème-filled creation we are familiar with today was not introduced until 1971. It actually became an Easter time favorite, in 1975, after being advertised on TV for the first time.

The original eggs are formed as chocolate is poured into half of an egg shaped mold. Each half is then filled with white fondant and finally a bit of yellow fondant to create the yolk. Since fondant is more dense than chocolate, none of these ingredients mix together.

When two halves become a whole, the eggs are cooled until the chocolate is completely set. Finally, they receive their foil wrappers and are shipped to a store near you.

Believe it or not, more than 300 MILLION Cadbury eggs are produced, every year. About 100 million of those are exported.

I just ran across an interesting muffin recipe that calls for a caramel crème egg in the center of each. It leaves me wondering just HOW you eat yours?

I’ve had this cookbook in my possession, for over a year. I absolutely love it! In fact, I use it several times a month. The Red Hat Society Cookbook is really just a GIANT community cookbook, compiled by Red Hat Ladies from all over the country.

The hard cover edition contains over 1,000 yummy recipes, including four chapters worth of desserts… the first four chapters. (If you have been searching for recipes that require boxed cake mixes, as a base, look no further.) Strawberry YaYa Cake, anyone?

Take the time to read some of the rave reviews about this inventive cookbook. You will soon discover that those who have ordered it, before you, believe it’s one of the wisest purchases they’ve made. Many have purchased extra copies to give as gifts.

Intermixed with all of the tasty recipes are fun stories, antidotes and photos submitted by these wonderful ladies.

I happen to love the Maple Glazed Ribs and the Ice Cream Crunch Torte… just two of the many recipes I have prepared.

If you are looking for a true down to earth, ‘tastes like Moms home cooking’, cookbook I urge you to order this one. If you only refer to it half as much as I do, it will still be well worth the purchase price.

I have yet to try Bobs Red Mill Baking Products. Until I did a quick search, I never realized that there are so many different products available. The majority of them are geared toward bread baking… one of my favorite pastimes. YUM!

The mill claims to be the most unique, in the northwest. I believe the claim, as they utilize century old equipment to grind and mill their whole grain products. In fact, that’s what makes them so fresh.

If you are in need of ingredients such as pearl tapioca, corn grits, baking powder, bean soup mix, rolled oats, brown rice, pancake mix or flaxseed… Bob is defiantly the man of hour.

If you are looking for date sugar, yes I said date sugar, I’m happy to inform you that your search is over. Honestly, I never knew such a product existed. So it was more than a little interesting to learn that it is sugar that has been entirely derived from dates.

This sugar can be used to replace white sugar, in any recipe. It can also be sprinkled on cereal, added to beverages, etc.

Have you used any Bobs Red Mill products? If so, feel free to share your feedback here.

I love our refrigerator, but I’ve always been rather disillusioned by the fact that the freezer isn’t equipped with an automatic ice maker… especially when hubby and I are entertaining guests (or when I’m REALLY in the mood for ice cold peach tea).

Yes, I know, we have the option of buying bags of ice or even ice cube trays to make our own. But for some strange reason, ice stored this way always ends up spilled and frozen to the bottom of the freezer.

The Sunpentown Portable Ice Maker just might be what we need to solve our icy dilemma. Since no water line or drainage outlet is necessary, it can be used virtually anywhere. It’s relatively small in size so you don’t have to worry about lugging around something that is extremely heavy.

This ice maker is capable of making up to 35 pounds of ice, per day. It produces a dozen cubes in roughly ten minutes and stores up to 2.5 pounds of ice, at any given time. There are 3 cube sizes to choose from, which is a very convenient feature. (Mini cubes have always been my favorite.)

The unit would be great to use in an RV or even at the office. If you use a lot of ice and prefer to make your own, this nifty product is worth your consideration!

I have never used a grill press. However, I am more than a little bit confident that it would work SO much better than the spatula I’m using, in its place. After reading the reviews, I’ve added the Lodge Logic Pre-Seasoned Round Cast Iron Grill Press to my ‘wish list’.

I’ve written about other Lodge Logic products, in the past. They are a very reputable company, manufacturing a wide range of must have kitchen items. This grill press is no exception.

Since it’s pre-seasoned, you can use it right out of the box with no problems whatsoever… a great feature if you are giving it as a gift.

Not only does it work perfectly when cooking meats like steak, chops, ham, bacon and burgers (extracting unwanted fats and keeping everything flat) it also works great for Panini’s and other grilled sandwiches.

This press has a cool grip handle that eliminates the need to grab a pot holder, when using it.
Lodge Logic recommends that their grill press be cleaned with hot water and a stiff brush. This method will produce the best results.

I don’t know about you, but I LOVE purchasing products that carry a lifetime warranty, as this one does. It really makes them stand out in the crowd, don’t you think?

I will be the first to admit, I need to lose a few pounds. Sometimes I really HATE the facts that my husband is a fantastic cook and that my willpower isn’t as strong as it used to be.

When I ran across the Fit and Fresh Soup and Salad Container I was a happy camper. Needless to say, I ordered it on the spot. On the days that I work away from home, it’s just what the doctor (or should I say my would-be diet) ordered.

My soup stays warm, in the top container. My salad stays cold and crisp in the bottom. (In the event that I want my soup a little bit warmer, all I have to do is microwave it for a few seconds.)

It features a nifty carrying strap that makes transporting the container all the more easier. Constructed out of durable plastic, it is also very easy to clean.

I must admit that I have grown quite fond of my soup and salad lunches on the go. The combination possibilities of the two are virtually endless.

Let’s face it; soup of any flavor is a comfort food. Eating a bowl of it, on a hectic day, can be a real lifesaver.

Since my last post was related to coffee and hot chocolate, I thought this would be a good time to talk about the Delonghi EC5 Espresso Machine. Believe it or not I’ve never tried espresso and honestly cannot tell you why.

Even so, I think a ‘make it at home’ espresso machine is a fantastic idea… especially if you drink oodles of it. If I’m not mistaken, it’s quite expensive. (Although that may only be because I’m associating it with Starbucks.)

Taking its affordable price into consideration, the unit gets great reviews. It is designed to make two cups of espresso at the same time. This beverage maker features both a swivel jet frother and a patented safety cup that ensures the safest possible pressurized steaming operation.

The carafe is crafted out of very durable, heat-resistant, glass… another safety feature, to be sure.

Delonghi thought of everything when making this particular machine. It includes a large drip tray, which helps to make clean up a breeze.

Since I’ve never had the pleasure of tasting espresso, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Was it ‘love at first sip’ or more of an acquired taste for you? Your feedback will go a long way in deciding whether or not I should take the plunge.

Originally this post was going to be about a wok. But, after performing a bit of research I decided to write about the KitchenAid Nonstick 4-1/2 Quart Open Stir Fry Pan instead.

This pan has received stellar reviews, which really isn’t all that surprising for a KitchenAid product. (I’m going to continue to ask Santa for a KitchenAid mixer, every year, until I finally get one!)

It comes highly recommended for several reasons… the PRICE (honestly, you can probably afford to purchase two), easy clean up, even cooking and its downright versatility. It also matches many other KA products.

This stir fry pan is shaped much like a salad bowl, so tossing ingredients around will no longer pose a problem. A 4-1/2 quart capacity means that the pan is roomy enough to cook for a small crowd… unless of course you happen to be cooking for my 19 year old son!

This method of cooking does not only produce very yummy dishes, it’s very healthy, as well. For a sneak peak at the type of recipes you could create, using this pan, just Google the term ‘stir fry recipes’. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results. I certainly was!

I have to say that I’m more than a little intrigued by the Micom Water Boiler and Warmer, which is manufactured by Zojirushi. (I have a Zojirushi Bread Bakery that I absolutely could NOT live without!)

At first, I was a bit skeptical about the unit because of the price. But after reading scads of reviews, I’ve added it to my wish list.

I don’t drink coffee, but I do consume more than my fair share of tasty teas and hot chocolate.

Typically, I heat the majority of water used in these drinks in my microwave. Unfortunately, I’ve never been able to get the timing and temperature just right. You guessed it; it’s either too hot or too cold.

The warmer holds enough water for two to three people to utilize, throughout the day. After the water initially boils (in 15-20 minutes) the water stays warm for as long as it lasts. You can even choose from several pre-set water temperatures, from 208 down to 140 degrees.

Of course, you can use the heated water for anything you like. It would work for things like ramen noodles and baby formula, as well.

If you are ‘temperature challenged’ like I am, please consider this nifty water boiler and warmer. It will soon be a permanent fixture in my kitchen.