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T-Fal Signature Nonstick 12 Piece Cookware Set

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When it comes to pots, pans, and kitchen appliances (big and small), I am as brand-loyal as it gets. I figure, if I’m going to spend money on something, I want to make certain it’s something that…

  • I’ll love
  • will serve me well
  • will last
  • won’t make me regret it!

T-fal is one of the names I go to again and again and again. I have never bought a T-fal product and regretted it for a second. In fact, each time I use a T-fal pan, I ask myself, “Why would anyone buy any other brand?”

A bit overly-dramatic and flowery, but true.

Oddly enough, I have never (yet) bought a T-fal collection of pans. I always buy them piece by piece which, if we’re being honest, doesn’t make a lot of sense because that’s a sure-fire way to spend more money than if you bought them in a great collection.

The T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set  (12-Pieces) pictured  here is making me see the error of my ways and I can’t wait to add it to my already healthy T-fal collection. I love that this set includes a Dutch oven and griddle – I don’t have either one of these and can’t wait to cook pancakes to celebrate their arrival in their new forever home. I make pancakes, fried eggs, and French toast regularly and a griddle is absolutely the way to go.

T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set Features

  • Set includes: 7.75 inch and 11 inch fry pans, 1 quart and 2 quart sauce pans with lids, a 5.5 quart Dutch oven with lid, a 10.25 inch griddle, and a spoon, ladle, and slotted spatula
  • Dishwasher safe: Easy to clean and dishwasher safe cookware set; Nonstick interior and exterior for low fat cooking and easy cleaning
  • Use and care: Safe for all cooking methods except induction; PFOA, Lead, and Cadmium free. Wash the frying pan in hot water and washing-up liquid to remove any dust. Dry it and rub a little cooking oil into the non-stick coating before using for the first time
  • Heats evenly: With our thermo spot indicator, know when our T fal pan is ready for use; Oven safe up to 350 Fahrenheit
  • Ergonomic heat resistant handles for a comfortable grip; Vented tempered glass lids trap in heat and moisture

The fact that T-fal is easy to clean and dishwasher safe make me love it even more.

See  T-fal Signature Nonstick Cookware Set  (Amazon link) for a lot more details, pictures, and a video explaining the brilliance of the T-fal Thermo Spot. As soon as my set arrives, I’ll post the review. I don’t have to tell you what an AMAZING Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift this would make!


Summer Kitchen Towels, for that Summer State of Mind!

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I told my youngest daughter, Stephany, recently that I don’t think I’ve ever looked so forward to spring and summer in my life as I did this past winter. I mean, for one thing, I absolutely love winter and everything about it (Christmas, snow, fuzzy sweaters, hot chocolate, soup, curling up under a warm throw while watching movies with my husband…)

And yet, all January and February, all I could think about was baseball, grilled hamburgers, my flower beds, trips to the lake, watermelon, butterflies, bees, and feeling the warm sun on my face.

Suffice to say, I am as happy as a cat in a bed of catnip now that the weather is warmer!

As I’ve often said on the food blog, I love to decorate seasonally – changing towels, knick-knacks, and so forth with the seasons and upcoming holidays. I’ve been looking on Amazon for more summerlicious kitchen towels and…. tada!… like any shopper who puts her heart into her work, I have had success.

I’m including a few of my favorite towel finds, here, in case you are as ready as I am to embrace summer like it’s never been embraced before!

Details for the Watermelon Towel Set Above:

  • Polyester
  • Imported
  • Soft Material : 100% High-quality durable fibers, machine washable & tumble dry, ultra-soft so they won’t scratch your delicate cookware, plates, pots, or pans
  • Highly Absorbent : Absorbent enough for drying, cleaning, scrubbing or achieving any other household task. Keep absorbent even after multiple machine cycles
  • Includes : Brand new set of 2 stylish dish towels/tea towels 18 X 28 Inches (45cm X 75cm), long-lasting durability and performance
  • Kitchen Decor : Add flair to your kitchen decor with Artoid Mode colorful kitchen dish towels. Perfect for all of your daily drying and cleaning kitchen jobs
  • Unique Cute Design : Printed with stylish, unique and cute patterns. It is the perfect combination of seasonal decor and daily cleaning

I also love the Hello, Summer towels pictured on the right. I’ve already ordered popsicle molds to make plenty of healthy popsicles for my grandbabies (as well as the grown-up family members who love them just as much). Not only can you use organic juice to make healthier popsicles, you can add bits of fruit and even use yogurt to make creamy popsicles. I’m pretty sure I’m as excited about them as anyone.

These towels will be perfect for a popsicle-filled summer!

These colorful polyester kitchen towels, like the ones above, come in a set of two and measure  18 X 28 Inches (45cm X 75cm).


Melamine Dinnerware Set (These Dishes are to DIE FOR!)

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These gorgeous outdoor dishes, the Melamine Dinnerware Set, isn’t just on my “buy for this grilling season,” it’s at the top. In fact, if I only get one thing on the list this year… it MUST be this set.

The set for four includes 4 large 10.5″ dinner plates, 4 8.5″ salad (or dessert) plates, and 4 6″ wide x 3″ high bowls.

These beauties are sturdy, food grade and BPA free. They’re even top-rack dishwasher safe, which is quickly becoming a must for every dish I buy. What can I say, especially in the pretty months, I don’t want to be at my sink when I can be… well… anywhere BUT at my sink!

Something else I love about them is the fact they’re perfectly willing to serve you and your family & friends indoors or outdoors. They’re made for both, and I fully intend to use them for both.

I’ve always felt strongly (and lived by the code, if we’re being honest) that you should fill your home with things that make you smile, things that resonate with joy for you. These dishes speak to me on that note – I love the rustic look, often referred to as “farmhouse” decor, but truth be told, they’d go with any type of decor or family personality.

I hope you’ll click through and take a closer look at this gorgeous set. There are larger images (trust me, the closer the look, the deeper in love with them you’ll fall) and even a video.

See Melamine Dinnerware Set (Amazon link) for more information.

LOVE THESE!!!

Great New Obsession: Silicone Loaf Pans!

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Silicone Pans

Silicone Loaf Pans

These Silicone Bread Loaf Pans are my newest obsession. Obviously, these silicone pans are available in many colors, from many different companies but these beauties happen to be from SILIVO, sold on Amazon. I’ve always been a huge Amazon shopper, but since the pandemic, I shop almost exclusively online and Amazon is the one I trust the most. They proved their reliability again this past Christmas – of the different online stores I ordered gifts from, they are the only one who had everything delivered in time to wrap and give for Christmas.

I’m still waiting on a few things (that I ordered in November) from Zulily! I know it’s a pandemic and things are slower… but dang.

These silicone pans are everything you hope for them to be when you buy them – they bake perfectly, nothing sticks (HATE STICKING!), cleanup is a breeze, and… to be perfectly honest.. they just look downright gorgeous in the cabinets.

Product Description from Amazon:

  • Set of 2：2 pack silicone bread&loaf pans
  • Multi-Purpose:Size:8.9×3.7×2.5 inches
  • Perfect for Bread, Cake, Brownies, Rice crispy treats, Meatloaf, Cobbler cake, Lasagna, Fruit cakes, Quiche, Pot Pies and more
  • 100% Food Grade Silicone: The silicone cake pan constructed of high-quality Eco-friendly 100 % pure food grade silicone, conforms to the American quality.
  • Non-stick Pan: The flexible silicone and non-stick finish allow for easy and quick release of baked goods and desserts, stain- and odor-resistant.
  • Easy Life: Fridge,Microwave & Oven safe
  • Operating temperature:-20℉~450℉(-30℃~230℃).
  • Easily hand wash by warm soapy or put in dishwasher.

While the Silicone Bread Loaf Pans are ideal for bread (lemon loaves, zucchini bread, banana nut bread, sourdough bread, cranberry orange bread..), my favorite uses may be meatloaf, brownies, and fudge. It may seem unusual to cook brownies in a loaf-size pan, but I had rather divide my brownie mix among two loaf pans than one 8×8 pan – you get more uniform cooking. Nothing messes with a chocoholic’s day quite like baking brownies that are smooshy in the middle and hard around the edges.

Silicone pans, by their very nature, make it all but impossible for brownies to pull off this trick.

I love the same approach to fudge and, again, the silicone beautifully keeps anything from sticking.

(Review Continued Below…)

Silicone Bread Loaf Pans

Silicone Loaf Pans

You can click through to take a closer look at the beautiful Silicone Bread Loaf Pans  shown here. While there, be sure to check out the other silicone cookware and kitchen tools. I am on a mission to cover my kitchen in silicone pans and gadgets – I love them that much.

Testing them out will give me something to do while waiting for my Zulily order!


Quick and Easy Meal Ideas: “Nights Off” at Home with Less Stress and Less Mess

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Freezer Meals for Nights Off

I love cooking. I mean… LOVE LOVE cooking. Everything about it. In fact, most of the time I don’t even mind the time and effort it takes to clean everything up. I figure it’s a great opportunity to use up a few of the calories I just consumed.

Yesterday, my husband and I were out of town most of the day and went to a local restaurant for supper (more about restaurants in a minute!) when we got back in town. Last night, it hit me… I missed my kitchen time!

Having said all of that, however, I find that some nights (usually once… sometimes twice a week), I just want everything to be as simple and easy as possible. I don’t want to be in the kitchen for 30 minutes to an hour making the meal, followed by another 30 cleaning it up. I want food on the table fast and dishes that can either be tossed or washed in record time. Basically, my comfortable chair in the den is calling me and I want as few obstacles as possible before I answer the call!

I call these my “nights off” because instead of the normal, full-fledge, photo-worthy meals I make, I either pull something out of the freezer I had made and frozen previously or I pull out something ready to roll, pretty much as is.

Everyone needs nights or days off, right? Can anyone who works 5 days a week imagine not having a day off?! No way. Having days or nights off keeps you sane, keeps you rested, and most definitely keeps you from burning out.

Reasons for Eating Home More and Eating Out Less

I have nothing against eating out on occasion. I mean, let’s face it, it can be fun. Letting someone else do all the work while you sit and let them bring it to you… sweet luxury!

However, eating at home is almost always healthier – especially if you have food allergies, are on a special diet, or have any of the many diseases that can be greatly effected by the wrong food. Even trace amounts of the enemy foods build up and can be very bad for you.

Add to this the fact that we are in a pandemic AND coming up on cold and flu season (not to mention all the bugs that show up as soon as the weather cools) – even the biggest fan of dining out has to admit – you are safer at home.

I honestly hate to say  it, but my experience lately is that many restaurants are “going down.” I don’t know if they’re having trouble getting or keeping good help or if cooking is a dying art but, just in the last year, four of my five favorite restaurants (two locally-owned and two chain restaurants) have gotten so bad I don’t care if I ever go back. The one of the five that’s still as good as ever is a local authentic Mexican restaurant.

Stay strong, guys, stay strong!

Another reason to keep your pantry, refrigerator, and even freezer stocked is that (as this global pandemic has taught us) you just never know what lies ahead. It’s always better to be able to take care of yourself and your family without having to count on others. You never know when their doors will close.

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Tips for Nights Off Meals (As Many Times a Week as You Want Them!)Frozen Meals

You may be like me and actually love to cook, but simply are human and want a night off every now and then. Or, you may be like one of my daughters who had (literally, y’all) rather go to the dentist than cook! Whichever group you fall into, the following tips and ideas will, hopefully, help you as much as they do me.

  • When you make soup, chili, or casseroles, make a little extra to freeze for a future meal. I have perfected this routine to where I always have at least two soups and one chili in the freezer and ready to go at a moment’s notice. Amazon has countless sizes and shapes of freezing containers (link to Amazon) – you’ll want to find a set with different sizes. This has been such a wonderful system for me. Soups and chili, in particular, taste like they were made that day.
  • Don’t think the freezer has to have just food you’ve made! As you can see from the sample pictures here, I’m a huge fan of Amy’s frozen meals, as well as her burritos. While I keep them on hand, primarily, for my lunches while my husband is at work, I have often fixed them for both of us on one of my luxurious “nights off.” The burritos are excellent with rice, a salad, eggs, or (simpler, still) tortilla chips and salsa. The frozen meals are even easier because the only dishes you mess up are your forks and glasses! Frozen pizzas, corndogs, fries (top with a can of heated canned chili and cheese and call it a meal)… the choices are limitless. Just be sure to always have your “night off” section of your freezer locked and loaded.
  • My favorite night off meal is actually one of my husband’s favorite meals – bacon, eggs, and a few vegetables cooked in the same pan (broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers… whatever combo you like). The one pan strategy helps with clean up considerably and, let’s face it, it doesn’t get any simpler than bacon and eggs.
  •  Oatmeal or grits is another filling, warm, comforting, and delicious meal. I could eat either of these all by themselves, but my husband loves a couple of fried eggs with his.
  • Never, ever underestimate soup and sandwiches – they’re filling, healthy, and most definitely perfect for your night off.
  • When possible, keep salad makings on hand and your favorite salad dressing ready to pour. Simply adding chicken, beef, boiled eggs, or bacon to a great salad makes a healthy meal.
  • Have you seen those little packets of instant potatoes? They cook in less time than it takes to brush your teeth and, frankly, taste darn good. They come in lots of flavors and varieties and are outstanding. Keep plenty of these on hands for accompanying deli chicken or soup or chili from the freezer. Soup and chili, both are great served over these guys.

Some people think certain foods are only “acceptable” for breakfast or lunch and wouldn’t consider them for supper. They’re nuts! Breakfast suppers are downright addictive and traditional “lunch” suppers are right there with them.

I have seen some people schedule these types of nights and call them things like “cheat nights” or “lazy nights” – and scheduling them is certainly an option. For me, personally, however – I never know quite when the “My chair is calling me and I don’t want to be on my feet another minute!” mood is going to hit until it does… so, I simply have my options on stand by.

One final word about restaurants…

I actually put this post together because of something that I experienced last night at what was once a favorite chain restaurant. I ordered the grilled catfish as I normally do (along with greens and pinto beans). I took a bite of the catfish from the end… all seemed normal… ate some of the greens and beans… then picked up my fork and knife and tried to cut into the catfish. It would not cut… it was completely undercooked. I literally could not cut through it.

Undercooked meats can host a whole world of trouble for a person – salmonella, food poisoning… and if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of either of these, you know how horribly sick they make you. I am very, very lucky that I only took a small bite of this fish that was all but flopping around on my plate.

Now I know for certain that, in the future, whenever I order meat, I will never again assume that restaurant cooks use food thermometers as I do in my own kitchen. I’ll also cut into the middle of the meat before even thinking about taking a bite.

As I said before, I don’t know why it is but a lot of restaurants are, collectively, getting worse. You just can’t be too careful – certainly not when it comes to your health!

Stay safe and stay well!

~ Joi (“Joy”)

Amy's Burritos

Clorox Scrubmates with Handheld Scrubber

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Clorox Scrubmates with Handheld Scrubber

Clorox ScrubMate Handheld Kitchen Scrubber and Refill Pads

What with the Coronavirus and upcoming cold and flu season, I find myself cleaning (scrubbing, if we’re being honest) more than ever. Doorknobs, sinks, countertops, refrigerator, dishwasher… everything any of us come into contact with!

The way I see it, you stand a chance of running into germs outside the home… so it only makes sense to make sure to reduce the odds inside the home as much as possible. After all, “Safe at Home” is a phrase none of us are likely to forget anytime soon.

I was sent a Clorox Handheld ScrubMate and Refill Scrubbers (Amazon link) to test out and tell you about. I’ve used the Clorox Scrubtastic Power Scrubber (Amazon link) in the bathrooms but had never seen the handheld scrubber. I’m hooked! The scrubbers are “preloaded” with cleaner, so all you have to do is add a little water and scrub the food and germs away.

I use my Handheld Scrubber exclusively in the kitchen (doesn’t seem quite sanitary, to me, to use it in different rooms). Ideally, you’d have several in your home and leave them locked and loaded and ready to go at a minute’s notice.

(Continued Below…)

Clorox Scrubmate Handheld Cleaner

Features:

  • Make cleaning tough stains easy with the versatile ScrubMate. Use this as a hand scrubber or with power scrubbers. Transforms in just a few clicks.
  • The adapter enables use of ScrubMate Refill Pads; replace messy scrub heads with clean, easy-to-use, disposable refill pads.
  • Safe and effective for most surfaces including granite and marble counters, glass, tile, grout, linoleum, porcelain, and more. Not recommended for use on stainless steel.
  • Simple to use; attach ScrubMate Kitchen Refill Pads to the Adapter and top it with the enclosed cap to scrub surfaces clean.
  • Product is a handheld scrubber. It includes the adapter that also fits on power scrubber tools, a cap that enables hand scrubbing, and 3 kitchen scrubbing pads.

The Hand Scrubber is pretty addictive. It’s simpler to use the disposable refills and just toss them when you’re through than it is to worry if you’re getting your used sponge or cleaning rags clean enough.

Seriously, I think this year is making us rethink germs more than ever before.. not to mention the fact that we’re creeping up on the season where all kinds of illnesses love to show their ugly faces.

I especially love the Clorox Hand Scrubber when…

  • Cleaning the handles of the refrigerator and doorknobs. It’s easy to maneuver around tight spots – especially if you take the refill pad and use it without the the hand scrubber (you can reach everything then!).
  • On the fronts and insides of the dishwasher and refrigerator. True story: I took pictures to post of how sparkling clean and beautiful my black refrigerator and dishwasher were after using the hand scrubber but can’t use them because they showed my pajama-wearing reflection too clearly! The last thing I need is people seeing just how exotic my pink floral pjs are! (After I saw the pics on my iPhone, I thought, “Why couldn’t you have at least been wearing something besides pajamas… pandemic or not!?”)
  • While it would take quite some doing if your kitchen is large like ours is, these scrubbers are AMAZING on tile floors. I spilled some coffee earlier and had my handheld locked and loaded to clean the countertops, so (after wiping the spill up with a paper towel) I used it to clean the area. It made it shine so much, I used it in the whole vicinity.

These are a really ingenious invention and I’m certain you’ll love them as much as I do. See Clorox Handheld ScrubMate and Refill Scrubbers (Amazon link) for more information.

Clorox Handheld ScrubMate and Refill Scrubbers (Amazon link)

 

 

The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook: A Cookbook Deserving of the Name!

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The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook

The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook

My undying, unwavering passion for the following foods and drinks is legendary:

  • strawberry sundaes
  • fried catfish
  • chocolate
  • coffee
  • tea
  • cauliflower
  • shrimp tacos
  • coconut… on anything, in anything
  • big, take-up-the-entire-plate salads

But there’s only one condiment I’m associated with – Duke’s Mayonnaise (Amazon). Why? Easy – I’m as loyal as loyal gets when it comes to my mayonnaise. If I had little packets of it, I’d keep them in my purse to use at restaurants!

Yes, it IS that much better than any other mayonnaise or (yikes!) salad dressing in the world.

When I was contacted about reviewing the new cookbook, The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook (amazon link), I thought, “Little do they realize they just contacted an absolute fanatic.”  I kept my composure… played it cool. Instead of all-cap yelling, “YES! I’LL REVIEW IT! HOW SOON WILL IT GET HERE?? DO YOU NEED ME TO COME GET IT?!” – I simply said I would be delighted to review the cookbook.

Screaming banshee inside, calm adult on the outside. I’ve mastered the performance.

Amazon’s Description:

Celebrate the South’s favorite mayonnaise and learn how to cook with it in new delicious ways with this cookbook from food writer and Duke’s lover Ashley Freeman.
Mayonnaise is one of those polarizing culinary debates akin to putting pineapple on pizza. Those who do love mayonnaise know that no mayonnaise is more beloved than Duke’s, a Southern staple with a cult following that is expanding its reach north.
The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook will show you how to make the most delicious chicken salad or deviled eggs — and introduce new approaches to everyday recipes. Think of what mayonnaise actually is: a beautiful emulsification of eggs, oil, and a touch of lemon for acidity, which are all elements vital to cooking and baking. Adding mayonnaise can help you make the flakiest pie crust, the fluffiest scrambled eggs, and the most delicious chocolate cake.
The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook is a compilation of recipes inspired by author Ashley Freeman’s travels across the country. From classic favorites like Tomato Pie to unexpected dishes like Miso-Glazed Salmon or Sticky Toffee Puddings, you’ll discover how versatile the South’s favorite mayonnaise really is. And with stories and testimonials from beloved well-known chefs and food writers, The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook is a must-have book for loyal fans and newcomers alike.
While Duke’s Mayonnaise is absolutely the only mayonnaise I use on wraps and sandwiches, it’s been my experience that it’s just as important when using it in recipes. Early in the global pandemic, my grocery store did an abysmal job of keeping it in stock. While it made me ecstatic that so many people in my community had such excellent taste in condiments, when I had to use another brand in my chicken salad, tuna fish salad, potato salad, pimento cheese, and deviled eggs, I realized what I knew all along – Duke’s isn’t just better… it’s unimaginably better. I have zero idea how and I have zero idea why….. it tasted better and it makes everything you use it in better as well.
When I finally found a store that had a healthy stock of Duke’s Mayonnaise, I stocked up. In fact, each time I’ve made my “pick up” order since, I throw in another jar just to make sure I don’t run out again. The workers are going to think I bathe in the stuff.
Hmmm….

While the thing I love most about this cookbook is the fact it is packed with easy, creative, recipes I will use over and over again, I also love all of the big, beautiful photos. I get a lot of cookbooks to review (I love my not-a-real-job job!) and many don’t have full-page gorgeous photos lately. I want pictures! Maybe it’s because I’m a visual person… or maybe it’s because I want to see the presentations… or maybe I simply love pretty things.. but whatever the reasons…

I. Want. Pictures!!!

This beauty is filled with gorgeous photos accompanying the recipes and I am here for it.

The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook Review

A Few of the Wonderful Recipes in The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook:
  • Secret Ingredient Scrambled Eggs
  • Chicken Salad Sandwiches
  • Ultimate Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomato Soup
  • Overnight Churro Waffles
  • Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders
  • Lemon Shallot Tartar Sauce (excellent!)
  • Corn and Basil Hush Puppies with Creamy Lemon Dipping Sauce
  • Maple Cupcakes with Candied Bacon (!!!)
  • Shrimp Tacos with  Firecracker Sauce and Cilantro-Lime Slaw
  • Twice-Baked Potatoes
  • And many, many more just as creative and delicious recipes…

While The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook (Amazon link) is not a gluten-free cookbook, all of the recipes can certainly be used simply by replacing ingredients with gluten with ingredients without gluten – easy peasy. You really only run into this with a couple of the recipes – and those of us who have to eat gluten-free are pretty well experts at substituting. This is absolutely a cookbook you will love and use whether you have to eat gluten-free or not.

The Duke's Mayonnaise Cookbook Review
Another thing I love about The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook is something I always look for in a cookbook but can be pretty rare, if we’re being honest…. it has personality. I love the illustrations, the creative chapter openings, and the “Tasty Tips” throughout the book. These always feel kind of like the author, Ashley Strickland Freeman,  pops into your kitchen and shares her personal experiences. Love these little visits.

I love this cookbook and hope you’ll grab a copy for yourself.

Find The Duke’s Mayonnaise Cookbook on Amazon. I highly, highly recommend this one. You will use these recipes again and again.


The Way to this Rachael Ray Collector’s Heart….

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Rachael Ray Measuring Cups and Dokkie

My husband went and did it again… he proved to me, for the billionth time, that I didn’t just marry a great guy, I married my hero. I wrote a post on my food blog a while back about a gorgeous set of Rachael Ray measuring cups. I wondered how in the word I didn’t already have them… given how I collect all things Rachael Ray and am in love with the colors.

Well, not only does he apparently read my food blog (awwwww), he takes hints even when they weren’t intended to be hints!

You guessed it.. I now own the gorgeous measuring cups and a ridiculously beautiful Purple Rachael Ray Moppine Towel as well.

In the pictures, here, the purple measuring cup looks more gray, but it is unmistakably a beautiful purple. One of our cats, sweet Dokkie, seems to be inspecting the colors above, doesn’t she??! When you’re a cat mom who is also a food blogger, you do not…. absolutely do NOT…. take photos of anything without help from at least one little Nosy Parker.

Some might would shoo the cat away and take professional-level pictures but not me. I simply take what I consider to be the cutest picture!

Rachael Ray Mopine and Measuring Cups

Rachael Ray Moppine Towel and Measuring Cups

As you can tell, the purple moppine towel is absolutely gorgeous – such a deep, bold shade of purple. I love the way Rachael Ray Moppine Towels (Amazon link) are made – you can put both of your hands into the hand pockets, allowing the rest of the moppine towel to cover your forearms, protecting you entirely from the hot deliciousness you’re removing from the oven. When you click through the link Rachael Ray Moppine Towels (Amazon link), you’ll see the WIDE array of colors available. I’ve had the red before as well and it’s also a beauty.

You can find the gorgeous Rachael Ray Measuring Cups on Amazon, too.

Rachael Ray Measuring Cups and Dokkie

Rachael Ray Measuring Cups and Dokkie

Gorgeous Rachael Ray Measuring Cups (How do I Not Already Have These?!?)

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I may have mentioned once or a thousand times how obsessed I am with Rachael Ray products, shows, and recipes. Heck when she had the Food Network series where she ate out on $40 a day, I never missed an episode even though I would never try such a thing. Truth be told, I very seldom eat out, but if I did, I wouldn’t do so more than once and there’s NO way I’d be able to keep it at $40.

So why watch such a show? Two words: Rachael Ray. Love her – always have.

I collect her cookbooks, kitchen gadgets, pans, bowls, utensils, etc. Even though I am such a big fan of her cooking shows, the reason I collect everything with her name on it isn’t due to that… it’s simply because her line of products is the best, period. Apparently she has a very high standard for anything with her name and lovely face attached – smart.

I also love vibrant colors and her products are always so fun, happy, cheerful, and colorful.

I was on Amazon earlier, ordering a new set of deep purple moppines and I saw the gorgeous Rachael Ray Cucina Kitchen Measuring Cups, pictured here. I, literally, asked my cat Guennie, “How do I not already have these?!”

She had no answer.

From Amazon:

  • MEASURING CUP SET INCLUDES: 1/4-Cup Brown Measuring Cup, 1/3-Cup Orange Measuring Cup, 1/2-Cup Lavender Measuring Cup, 1-Cup Red Measuring Cup, 2-Cup Blue Measuring Cup
  • HIGH QUALITY, SAFE CONSTRUCTION: Measuring cup set is made from sturdy BPA-free melamine; cup capacities are marked on inside rim
  • STACKABLE MEASURING CUPS: Cups stack inside each other from small to large for compact, convenient storage
  • EASY CLEANING COLOR: Each measuring cup sports a unique color for easy identification; top-rack dishwasher safe
  • MAKES A GREAT GIFT: The perfect complement to other clever, colorful Cucina kitchenware from Rachael Ray
  • Quality Assurance Guarantee

Take a closer look at these beauties Rachael Ray Cucina Kitchen Measuring Cups. You may bump into me and Guennie on Amazon… looking for what else we may have missed!


Bee K’onscious Raw Montana Clover Honey… Spectacular!

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Sunflowers and Bees

Sunflowers and Bee

Whenever I tell people I grow flowers primarily for the visitors they attract, “… hummingbirds, songbirds, butterflies, bees..,” they inevitably say, “Bees?! You WANT to attract bees?”

Absolutely! I love them with a passion. Not only do they serve a great purpose in life as we know it, they’re responsible for one of my favorite culinary loves in the world – honey!

I have been a honey fanatic since a very early age. Most kids would put syrup or jelly on their peanut butter sandwiches, but my favorite thing was honey. Honey and Peter Pan made a most excellent couple.

As an adult, I’ve found that cooking with honey makes just about everything tastes better. But here’s the thing… there’s almost always a thing, isn’t there??… not all honey is created equal. Some honey is so fantastic and out of this world that it makes other honey seem like sticky, slightly sweet thick water.

I have always, always known that, most of the time, you get what you pay for. The delightfully cheap honey in bear shaped plastic bottles will serve its purpose UNTIL you taste what honey is actually supposed to taste like. There’s truly no comparison and I was recently reminded of this.

Bee K'onscious Honey

Bee K’onscious Honey

I am often sent food, drinks, tea, coffee, and similar products to review on my food blog as well as my tea review blog, Crazy Tea Chick. Very often, the products I’m sent are so good, I regularly buy them as a result. I was recently sent a jar of Bee K’onscious Montana Raw Honey and will darn sure make certain I never run out of it!

Now, keep in mind, I am a lifelong devoted and fiercely dedicated honey lover. I’ve bought them all it seems – so when I tell you that this is the best honey I’ve ever had, you can rest assured it is extraordinary honey.

Here’s what Bee K’onscious Honey’s website says about the Montana Raw Clover Honey:

Montana Clover.  Many consider clover honey to be the standard by which all other honeys are measured. The mild, sweet flavor like a sugary treat with hints of cinnamon and vanilla makes this a top favorite for honey lovers and not. The color ranges from white to light amber. The texture is thick and creamy with a very pleasant aroma.  For any delicious treat add this to some yogurt or fresh bread with ricotta cheese. How about pancakes topped with berries and then lathered on top with a spoon full of honey? There are many folks that simply spread this on toast and say it tastes like a cinnamon roll.

Nailed it!

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Honey

Baked Sweet Potatoes with Bee K’onscious Montana Raw Honey

I’ve used the Montana Raw Clover Honey the following ways and have been completely blown away each time…

  • Drizzled on freshly fried chicken tenders. Tossing a little red pepper flakes onto the honey makes a delicacy.
  • In smoothies to add a little guilt-free sweetness.
  • On gluten-free toast – either with cream cheese, ghee, or butter, it is a knock-out.
  • In tea… this honey is now an addiction for excellent evening tea!
  • On sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes (all potatoes, if we’re being honest) are a great passion of mine. I’ve always baked them, then added butter and a combination of brown sugar and cinnamon. The most recent time I made them, I also added B’konscious Honey – phenomenal! By adding the honey, I was able to add less brown sugar than I normally do. The honey provides the sweetness naturally.
  • One of my favorite ways: Each night, after supper, my husband and I have a small “dessert” that I schemed up a while back. It’s a good way to get good fat (healthy) and daily dark chocolate (healthy, healthy) – We take a small square of dark chocolate and spread some ghee on top, then top that with a little pink Himalayan salt. Lately, we’ve been adding a touch of Montana Raw Clover Honey and I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to go back to the other way! It adds so much extraordinary flavor that I look forward to the after-dinner treat pretty much all day.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has an impressive list of health benefits, but my favorite has to do with allergies. I suppose this is simply because I have the worst seasonal allergies in the world! I have noticed that, while I’ve been fiercely enjoying B’konscious honey, I have had to use my Benadryl (or as I call it, Liquid Zombie because it makes me feel like the walking dead!) far less often. Given that I use honey so often, something tells me that the benefits of honey are superior when the honey, itself, is superior.

Honey is also beneficial for great sleep as it promotes the release of serotonin.  The body converts serotonin to melatonin, which regulates quality and duration of sleep. Maybe that’s why I’ve been sleeping so soundly lately. I’ve been entering a deeper sleep because my dreams have been pretty darn entertaining. Seriously, nothing out of Hollywood could even hope to compare.

Other Health Benefits of Honey From B’konscious Honey’s Website:

  • Anti Microbial:  Honey is a natural antibiotic.  Honey has been used for centuries to remove bacteria from cuts and burns.
  • Superfood:  Honey contains many life sustaining substances – enzymes, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and water.
  • Boosts energy:  With 17 grams of carbohydrates per serving, its unprocessed sugars enter the bloodstream quickly giving extra energy.

You can buy this exceptional honey directly from the B’konscious Honey website. You’ll find all of their gorgeous products, recipes, health benefits, and more.