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Colonel Popper’s Popcorn Maker: Healthy (but Delicious) Snacking Made Possible

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Colonel Popper Microwave Popcorn Maker

Colonel Popper’s Popcorn Maker

I have a foodie confession to make. I am a snacker. What’s more, I am a snacker who is uncommonly passionate about her snacking. When I stop and think about it (which I’m doing now, for better or worse), I do very few things without a snack within reach.

  • Watching a baseball, football, or basketball game on tv
  • Watching an old movie on TCM
  • Posting on one of my blogs
  • Cooking supper
  • Working a puzzle
  • Reading

Yep… everything has to have a snack close by.

Popcorn

I have popcorn in front of me at the moment – made with my new obsession: Colonel Popper’s Popcorn Maker.

We’ve already established that I’m a snacker of the highest order, so it’s obviously very important to me that my snacks be as healthy and low-calorie as possible. Otherwise I’d be in a world of trouble.

Fortunately my favorite “go to” snack is popcorn and now, with this ingenious little popcorn maker, it’s healthier than ever.

Colonel Popper’s Silicone Popcorn Maker is super durable, safe, and eco-friendly. You can eat fresh microwave popcorn right out of the colorful popcorn bowl. I can say from experience – you’ll never want to pop popcorn without a Colonel Popper again.

Five things you’re going to love about Colonel Popper:

  1. Such an inexpensive snack! Use any popcorn kernels – which are about as cheap as it gets.
  2. BPA Free Silicone Microwave Popcorn Popper makes up to 14 cups of popcorn, plenty for your kids and family.
  3. MUCH healthier than microwavable popcorn you buy in stores. Who wants those harmful chemicals around their family? I certainly don’t.
  4. Easy and convenient. You simply pour the desired amount of kernels into the bowl, add butter/oil or (my personal favorite) ghee, and “pop” it into the microwave. After you remove the perfectly popped popcorn, add a little salt or other additions that float your boat (M&Ms, Parmesan, etc.)
  5. Easy to store. The bowl collapses, when not in use, to a height of 2 inches – freeing up counter space and minimizing cabinet space. Perfect for college dorm rooms or even an RV Camper with portable microwave.
  6. Dishwasher Safe – these words are always like choir music to my ears. You can either hand-wash your Colonel Popper or use your dishwasher.
  7. Available in eight gorgeous colors. You can match your personality, style, or favorite team colors. Truth be told, the Colonel Popper is so inexpensive, you can grab several different colors. Some of the colors are transparent and others are solid. Be sure to take a close look at each – and good luck choosing. They’re all beautiful!
  8. Makes a great gift idea – fun, original, and highly useful.

The Colonel Popper’s Silicone Popcorn Maker  comes with a handy guide that tells you everything you need to know to pop perfect popcorn time after time. You’ll want to hang onto this guide by either storing it right with the popper or keeping it in a drawer.

When you add the kernels to the popper, be sure it’s in the “up” position, as opposed to the collapsed position. It’s at this point you can add either oil, butter, or (my personal favorite, by far) ghee – my favorite ghee is the best ghee available, Ancient Organics Ghee. I fell in love with ghee on popcorn about a year ago and haven’t seen fit to eat it any other way since!

Topped off with a little salt (I love Rachael Ray’s Pink Himalayan Salt) and you have a fun, delicious, and guilt-free snack for any occasion.

Click through any of the links to learn more about this ingenious little popcorn maker and… trust me… even if you do buy several for fun gift-giving, you will want a Colonel Popper’s Silicone Popcorn Maker for yourself.

Colonel Popper Microwave Popcorn Maker 2


Kitchen Gadget Review: AnySharp Pro – World’s Best Knife Sharpener

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AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener
Today marks the beginning of a series of Christmas Gift Ideas for Cooks and Foodies, 2016 – since I pretty much live for this time of year, I’m beside myself with excitement. I chose the beauty pictured here to launch the series, which will go through mid-December.

I was sent this gorgeous AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener a few weeks ago to review on the Food blog and I’ve been waiting for this day to do so. When they asked which color I’d like, I must have stared at the screen for 15 minutes trying to decide. My cat thought I was in a trance.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpeners (So many colors to choose from!)

There are so many gorgeous colors to choose from (see the AnySharp Pro photo above for proof!). Understand the trance a little better now? In the end, I actually gave them a couple of colors I’d narrowed it down to and put the decision-making in their hands.

That right there tells you all you’ll ever need to know about me and the way my brain works. And, yes, you should feel for my family.

When I opened the package, I was thrilled that they’d chosen orange. It’s extra, extra beautiful! I collect Rachael Ray and Pioneer Woman dishes, gadgets, and… well, everything… and orange goes beautifully with the bright, beautiful things in their collections.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener

Why the AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener is the Ideal Gift Idea for Cooks

  • It does an outstanding job. I have to say, given its great looks and miniature size, I wasn’t sure it was “up for the task.” I was crazy wrong. It sharpened even my dullest knives and made them seem as good as new.
  • Minimal effort involved in using. Anyone, of any age, will be able to use this knife sharpener. It doesn’t take strength (for which I’m very grateful) or dexterity – you simply have to be able to guide the knife, the AnySharp takes it from there.
  • It’s small and compact. Is it a nightmare to find room for kitchen gadgets, tools, and small appliances or what?! Just this morning, I rearranged three shelves to make room for a new juicer. In the process, I decided that I have to have more shelves. My husband’s going to love that revelation. When something comes along like this that can easily sit out on the counter or a shelf without taking up a great deal of space, I get a little excited. Sure, it could easily go in a drawer but it’s simply too good looking to hide away.
  • It’ll make cooks better cooks. I often say that, when it comes to cooking, you’ll only be as successful as you set yourself up to be. If you surround yourself with the best tools and gadgets (and, of course, ingredients), you put yourself way ahead of the game. Dull knives don’t just slow your roll, they make your vegetables and everything else you’re cutting look dull and amateurish. A beautifully sharp knife makes everything quicker, easier, and better looking.
  • I love that so many different colors are available – Pink Cream, Pistachio, Almond Cream, Royal Red, British Racing Green, Royal Blue, Orange Zest, Citrus Lime, Silver… Choosing a color you know someone loves makes the gift even more personal.
  • Did I mention the AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener is a beauty? I did? Well, I’ll mention it again. I’ve been a food blogger for a lot of years and a cook for at least twice that many (suddenly I feel 110).  Knife sharpeners just aren’t supposed to be this pretty. Normally they’re pretty plain and even a little on the unattractive side. The ones I’ve seen and used in the past were the type of gadget you insist on hiding away in a drawer. THEN, you end up forgetting it even exists and you go right on battling with your dull knives.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener

Why You’ll Want an AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener for Yourself

When you’ve chosen colors for the cooks or foodies in your life, you’ll also want to pick one for yourself. Why? In addition to the aforementioned…

  • It’s a lot cheaper than replacing knives! My husband recently bought me a set of knives and when I happened to see the price, my eyes spun in their sockets. Good knives are worth the price, I assure you, but the last… last, last, last thing you want to do is replace them. Buying a great knife sharpener (and the AnySharp Pro may just be the best) is the best way to ensure that your investment in knives is a wise and lasting one.
  • This is the most sturdy and well-constructed knife sharpener I’ve ever seen. It is obvious that this is a very well crafted kitchen tool. Great thought went into making this the only knife sharpener you’ll need. Since it lasts for years, it’ll be a long time before you have to think of replacing it. While I’m FAR from that happening, I know that when it does – I’ll replace it with another AnySharp Pro.
  • They’re so darn pretty. Yest, it is worth repeating.
  • Sharpens straight blades and serrated. 
  • The suction cup grips to the counter as though they’re one. When you put the AnySharp in place and pull the top black lever down, the suction cup on the bottom “becomes one” with the counter or surface it’s placed on. This makes it so sturdy and safe – it literally feels as though the knife sharpener is part of the counter. However, as soon as you’re through, and you pull the black lever back up, it lets go immediately.
  • The AnySharp Pro is a cinch to use. The box opens into a set of easy to follow and accomplish instructions.

AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener
I cannot possibly say enough good things about this little beauty. I hesitate to call kitchen gadgets, tools, gizmos, or small appliances “must haves” simply because of this: When I DO, I want everyone to KNOW that I mean it from the bottom of my food blogger, kitchen tool and gadget-obsessed heart.  Having said all of that, I just have to say this…. the AnySharp Pro knife sharpener is a must have.

Furthermore, it’s a gift you can feel extra good about giving because it’s a unique and thoughtful gift that will be used, appreciated, and loved.

Where can you buy the AnySharp Pro Knife Sharpener? Black, Blue, and Silver are available through Amazon (just click the link). I’ll let you know if any additional colors are ever available on Amazon – fortunately blue, black, and silver are three of the most popular colors for kitchen accessories. What’s more, the blue (pictured below) is one of the most beautiful.

Blue AnySharp Knife Sharpener
You can also visit AnySharp’s Where to Buy Page for a list of retailers. I’d visit the retailer’s websites and see if they’re available to order online if one isn’t located near you.

If you have any further questions, contact or connect with AnySharp through their following channels:


Silicone Cooking Gloves from HighFive (Review)

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HighFive Naturals Silicone Pot Holders and Oven Mitt
In my last post, I did a review for the beautiful HighFive Silicone Pot Holders.  Today’s review is for their equally beautiful sister, the great Silicone Cooking Gloves .

Like the vibrant pot holders, the silicone cooking gloves were sent to review on the food blog. I’ve used them countless times over the past few weeks and, each time, I ask them the same question, “Where have you been all my life?!?!”

HighFive Silicone Cooking Gloves
They’ve removed the cumbersome, unattractive, and frequently painful practice of grabbing for threadbare pot holders or – worse still – trying to fold dishtowels in half and hoping against hope that they’re thick enough to allow the aloe vera gel to stay inside the refrigerator!

These cooking gloves are so great looking, I was almost afraid to test them out. As someone who happens to cook A LOT and happens to be the most accident prone person to ever live, I have burned my poor hands and fingers more often than I care to admit.

Understand now why I always have a bottle of aloe vera gel chilled in the refrigerator?! It’s always on the door, ready to spring into action – which, if we’re being honest, is pretty darn often.

It may, however, now get a chance to kick back and socialize with the ketchup and mustard (he’s French… French’s to be exact).

HighFive Silicone Cooking Gloves 2
I got my chance to test them out with a heavy casserole. I couldn’t help thinking, as I reached into the oven for the heavy, HOT dish, “If these gloves aren’t good at their job, I’m going to be in a whole world of hurt.”

Fortunately, they’re experts at their job!

I had never used silicone cooking gloves or oven mitts, so I simply didn’t know how they’d function. I mean, they seem so pretty and the brain just can’t comprehend something non-cloth-like standing between sensitive skin and scalding hot dishes.

And yet they do!

I’ve used them again and again and again and again and the aloe vera gel has stayed in her rightful place getting to know the mustard better.

What I love about these cooking gloves:

  • Okay, let’s be honest – the first thing I love about them is that they keep this accident-prone gal from burning herself multiple times a week.
  • I also LOVE that they have little holes that allow them to be hung in the kitchen – always ready for use. No hunting around in drawers or laundry piles for thick towels or oven mitts.
  • They’re not only excellent for removing dishes and pans from the oven, they actually work ideally for opening tight jar lids! My hands aren’t terribly strong – make that, they aren’t in the least bit strong. Jar lids (pickles, coconut oil… especially coconut oil!… olives…) can drive me batty.  I got a wild hair yesterday when a jar of olives was kicking my butt. I grabbed a silicone cooking glove and… BAM!… it gave me just the traction I needed to address my olive fixation.
  • Ideal for working with boiled potatoes. Holding the potato in one hand and gently peeling it with the other… priceless.
  • They’re also perfect for handling hard-boiled eggs. Those little buggers can be murder on fingers.
  • I, admittedly, have not used them for outdoor grilling, yet, but I can see that they’ll be ideal for handling aluminum foil-wrapped vegetables, kabobs, meat, hot dogs, etc.
  • They’re also great for handling meat as you take it from the crock pot. Perfect for holding onto a hot turkey or chicken while you carve it up.
  • They couldn’t be easier to clean – they’re 100 percent waterproof and even dishwasher safe. They don’t soak up odors like oven mitts or towels. Just use, rinse, and reuse.
  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic.
  • They’re 100 percent customer satisfaction guaranteed. That only happens when people are fully ready to stand behind their product because they KNOW it’s excellent.

Like the beautiful silicone pot holders, these cooking gloves would make perfect gifts for any cook in your life. Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Christmas, Birthdays, Wedding gifts, or “just because” gifts – these would be greatly appreciated and used for years.

Either click through the images or Silicone Cooking Gloves for more information. The gloves and pot holders are available on Amazon, my personal favorite place to shop for anything and everything.

Even aloe vera gel.

Well, when I needed it, that is…..

Convenient Edamame and Vegetable Steamer

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Edamame and Vegetable SteamerOne of my favorite snacks, appetizers, and side-dishes is edamame.  LOVE it.  Steamed edamame sprinkled with a little sea salt is the stuff dreams are made of.

Useful Things (the same place I got the cool herb scissors I told you about in the last post) has a super unique little microwaveable steamer basket for edamame or vegetables.

Product Description:

Quickly and easily steam edamame or other vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, and more, with this Japanese microwave steamer. To use, place a small amount of water in the bottom of the shallow part of the steamer. Set the perforated basket over the water, and place your vegetables on top. Line up the slots on the top lid with the slots on the bottom part of the steamer. This is where the steam will escape, so be sure the slots are open. Place the steamer in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, depending on how you like your vegetables steamed. The steamer is the perfect size for 1-2 servings, and is small enough to pack in a lunch box.

The fact that it is small makes it ideal for taking to work.  Just transport your vegetable(s), bottled water, and your microwave steamer and voila!… you’re fresh out of reasons you can’t eat healthy lunches.

For more information, see the Edamame & Vegetable Steamer on Useful Things.com.  As for the price, you’re going to love this.  This durable little steamer is less than $5.00.