Archive for April, 2009


George Forman Electric Grill

electric_grill.jpgThe George Forman Indoor/Outdoor Electric Grill will really come in handy for those who live in apartments or condos, don’t you think? It will also work well for barbeque junkie’s living in cold (winter) climates. In no way does grilling have to be a summertime only activity.

This 1600-watt electric grill features a 200 inch grilling surface. It can be used on its stand or removed and placed on a flat surface such as a tabletop, countertop or even the ground (should the spirit move you).

The unit has a nonstick coating, making it very easy to clean. Its unique center channel allows fat to drain away effortlessly, into a handy grease receptacle. Honestly, grilling has never been healthier.

If you take the time to read various reviews, you will see that this grill comes quite highly recommended. It heats evenly and doesn’t take up a lot of space.

Those who have used a small countertop George Foreman should consider this model as an upgrade, of sorts. Especially, if they tend to cook for larger crowds.

Let’s face it; there are so many yummy barbecue recipes to be had. There’s really no better time to start trying some of them.

Do you have a George Forman grill you can’t live without? Feel free to share your favorite recipe.

Posted on Thursday, April 30th, 2009 George Forman Electric Grill by Merry


Paula Deen Cookware Set

deen_cookware.jpgI really enjoy Paula Deen. So much so that I’ve featured several of her things, here, on Chefshopper.

(On the off chance that Alton Brown is reading this post, I just want him to know I love him too!)

Back to Paula… I think I’m going to have to repaint my kitchen. I just found her gorgeous 12 piece cookware set that I’ve added to my ‘wish list’.

The Farberware Paula Deen Signature 12-Piece Cookware Set (in olive green) includes: a 1 quart covered saucepan, a 2 quart covered saucepan, a 2.75 covered saucepan, a 6 quart covered stockpot, an 8 inch skillet, a 10 inch skillet, a slotted turner and a slotted spoon.

What I think is so unique about this cookware is the fact that the porcelain exterior of the set is speckled. It’s also stain resistant and easy to clean.

Each piece is nonstick and heats up evenly, with no hot spots. All handles are rubberized, which ensures a comfortable grip. This cookware is oven safe, up to 350°.

If you aren’t all that fond of olive green, Paula’s cookware set is also available in red, taupe, charcoal and stainless steel.

Have you purchased Paula’s cookware? If so, your feedback is welcome and encouraged.

Posted on Thursday, April 30th, 2009 Paula Deen Cookware Set by Merry


OXO Tool and Gadget Set

kitchen_gadgets1.jpgI have always been of the opinion that you can’t ever have too many kitchen gadgets. If you looked in my kitchen drawers, you’d see what I mean.

I just ran across the OXO 22 Piece Tool and Gadget Set and it looks like a winner. I have a family member who is getting married, in a few weeks. Since it is the first time she will be setting up house, this would make the perfect gift. Don’t you think?

I have several OXO products, myself. So far, I’ve been very pleased with the quality. This set includes gadgets such as: measuring spoons, veggie peeler, ice cream scoop, whisk, measuring cup, corkscrew, spatula, tongs, can opener, slotted spoon and more.

It is constructed from high-grade nylon and features easy grip handles. All pieces are heat resistant and dishwasher safe… top rack only.

You could easily split this set up into two smaller groupings. That way you would have two gifts, ready for giving, whenever you need them.

Since this is a top quality tool and gadget set, it will last for years to come. You won’t have the expense of replacing these items… over and over again.

Thanks to OXO you’ll always have the right tool, for every job in the kitchen.

Posted on Wednesday, April 29th, 2009 OXO Tool and Gadget Set by Merry


Fagor Home Canning Kit

home_canning_kit.jpgSpring has sprung in my neck of the woods. It’s time to start making a final decision as to what we will be planting in our little garden plot.

This year, I’m going to try my hand at canning. My grandma preformed this task, almost religiously. For my mom, it was more of a hobby.

I’m going to pick up the Fagor Home Canning Kit, within the next few weeks. (If I wait until it’s actually time to start canning, I’m afraid it will be hard to find. I’m sure you know how that goes.)

This particular kit looks as though it has everything a beginner canner, like myself, needs to be successful on their maiden canning voyage… except for the pot and jars.

It includes: a full-color (bilingual) step-by-step cookbook with recipes, stainless steel ladle and funnel, canning rack, bubble freer, jar wrench, jar lifter and magnetic lifter.

Since our garden is going to be on the ‘smallish’ side, I’m thinking I’ll only attempt something like stewed tomatoes or chili sauce this year. Both seem to be relatively easy and I go through a lot of them.

Do you have an easy chili sauce recipe; you’d be willing to share with a novice? I really want to carry on this family tradition and make mom and grandma proud.

Posted on Tuesday, April 28th, 2009 Fagor Home Canning Kit by Merry


Taylor Kitchen Scale

kitchen_scale.jpgEvery kitchen, including mine, can benefit greatly with the addition of a Taylor Kitchen Scale. This particular model weighs items up to 6 pounds or 3 kg… meaning it will tackle almost any job.

The platform on this scale is glass, which makes it very easy to wipe clean and completely stain resistant. The buttons are rubberized for easy cleaning, as well. (You have the option of weighing things directly on the platform or in a bowl. It’s really up to you.)

A scale such as this is particularly nifty for those who are watching their weight. There are many diet plans that still require you to weigh your food and this unit will make that chore a breeze.

I’m thinking it would also be great to use for measuring things like homemade Christmas cookies and candy. You won’t have to worry about the kids fighting over the biggest bag.

This scale is the perfect size to keep handy on the countertop, as it doesn’t take up much space. Another great feature is the lithium battery… just like the Energizer Bunny, it lasts and lasts.

Cast your vote for the kitchen scale. Do you think you would use one on a regular basis or would it gather dust in the corner?

Posted on Monday, April 27th, 2009 Taylor Kitchen Scale by Merry


Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Slow Cooker

slow_cooker.jpgMy crock pot isn’t old enough to justify replacement. But, if it was I would be replacing it with the Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Slow Cooker. This is such an inventive idea, especially for those of us with small kitchens. (The divided crock slow cooker is a close second.)

What makes this so unique is the fact that it comes with three, various sized, cooking vessels that all fit on the same base. The single lid fits on each of the stoneware crocks… 2, 4 and 6 quart, as well.

If you’ve ever eaten leftovers, for a week, simply because you didn’t want to make half a crock of your favorite dish, this is for you.

When it comes to storing the unit, the crocks fit comfortably inside one another so only a minimal amount of counter or cupboard space is necessary.

The lid and crocks are dishwasher safe, if you prefer to clean them that way. However, since I utilize the nifty crock pot cooking bags, which are readily available today, my slow cooker clean up detail is an easy one. A few light swishes with hot soapy water and it’s usually good to go.

How often do you use your slow cooker? If it’s gathering dust in your cupboard, give it a second chance. I can almost guarantee that you’ll be glad you did!

Posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 Hamilton Beach 3-in-1 Slow Cooker by Merry


Cuisinart Electric Sandwich Grill

sandwich_grill.jpgI have been looking at the Cuisinart Electric Sandwich Grill as a possible replacement for my current sandwich machine… that I am sad to say is on its last life. (But, I guess that’s expected since it gets used almost every day.)

This particular sandwich grill gets good reviews and can be used to prepare things such as omelets and French toast, as well. It makes two grilled sandwiches and approximately 2 minutes and doesn’t heat up the kitchen in the process.

(Speaking of omelets, this is great for those of you, who like me, can’t flip an omelet to save your life. Since both sides actually cook at the same time, there’s no need to do any turning.)

The Cuisinart sandwich grill is non-stick so it should be easy to clean. If it’s anything like the one I have now, a couple swipes with a paper towel should do the trick.

Small appliances such as this are great, when it comes to whipping up a quick snack. I’ve made little cakes and brownies (using a box mix) and cinnamon rolls (from the dairy case), just to name a few. The Pillsbury doughboy never had it so easy!

To you already own a sandwich grill? If so, feel free to share your favorite recipe.

Posted on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 Cuisinart Electric Sandwich Grill by Merry


Door Mount Spice Racks

spice_rack.jpgThose of you that read Chefshopper with any frequency (thank you, by the way) know that I live in a small house, which lacks storage space. This is especially true, when it comes to KITCHEN storage space.

That being said, I have been shopping around for a door mount spice rack. Honestly, I’m seriously considering buying two of them.

(I can try more new spices, that way, right? At least that’s how I’m going to explain the duel purchase to my husband.)

I was happy to learn that there is a wide variety of this type of spice rack available. All of them are actually quite affordable.

I am leaning toward getting the one I’ve chosen to include in this post. I happen to prefer racks made of wood, but I’m wire the wire racks work just as well.

This particular model looks like it holds twelve to fifteen bottles of spices. Of course it really depends on the size and shape of the bottles.

I’m ashamed to admit it, but I’ve needed a REAL spice rack for so long. I’ve gotten into the bad habit of using a spice and putting it back into the cupboard I’m standing closest to, at the time.

Drives my husband crazy. He’ll be so happy to discover help is on the way. Won’t he?

Posted on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 Door Mount Spice Racks by Merry


Nostalgia Popcorn Machine

popcorn_maker.jpgI’ve ALWAYS wanted a popcorn machine like this one! I think it would be fun to take to birthday parties and other holiday events, especially child related ones. (It would also be a welcome sight, at fundraising events or your next garage sale.)

As you can see, the Nostalgia Popcorn Machine is fashioned after the theatre style popcorn cart, of yesteryear. It makes up to a gallon of popcorn at a time. So, in the event that you decide to invite the neighborhood over, to watch a movie, you’ll be good to go.

Unit comes complete with a nifty measuring spoon for the oil and measuring cup for the kernels. It also features a kernel catcher to keep out the old maids.

Typically movie theater popcorn is made using coconut oil. But, for ‘healthier popcorn’ peanut oil can be substituted and works just as well.

This popcorn machine is small enough to fit on a table or countertop. Clean up is easy, just hand wash with hot, soapy, water. Dry completely, before re-use.

Even though I LOVE theater butter flavored popcorn, I enjoy other flavors as well. What’s YOUR favorite popcorn flavor or seasoning? I’m always willing to try something new.

Posted on Sunday, April 19th, 2009 Nostalgia Popcorn Machine by Merry


Brown Sugar Softeners

brown_sugar_softener.jpgIf you do a lot of baking, chances are you use a lot of brown sugar. On the other hand, if you DON’T do much baking, chances are there is a bag of HARD brown sugar in your pantry, right? (Not to worry, it happens to the best of us!)

Enter the Brown Sugar Softener. These nifty little ceramic disks will prevent your brown sugar from hardening, even under the most extreme weather conditions. They come in a variety of designs and are inexpensive enough to allow you to buy several.

Why on earth would you need more than one? Well… the disks also keep things like popcorn kernels, cookies, raisins and other dried fruits moist and ready to eat or use in your favorite recipe. Pretty cool, to say the least.

The softeners are simple to use. Just soak in water for twenty minutes and add to the storage container, with your brown sugar, cookies, etc. They will keep things moist for up to 3 months.

When you notice that things are starting to harden a bit, remove the disk from the container and let it dry overnight. Re-soak it and place it back in the container.

I think these would make great stocking stuffers or even wedding shower favors, don’t you?

Posted on Saturday, April 18th, 2009 Brown Sugar Softeners by Merry