Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kitchen. Show all posts

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Found a Solution to my Cookware Issue

A constant struggle in our house is how my husband treats our cookware. Sounds silly, right? But if you saw the current state of pristine cookware that I brought with me when we moved in together, you might want to cry a bit too. I finally had to make two cabinets for pots and pans: one for him to use (his older stuff, things that weren't as easy to burn/ruin, and dishes I didn't care about) and one for everything else.

I believe his issue is that he cooks on super high heat for everything and lets the pan get to like 500 degrees before putting anything on it. I never goes well. Tons of grease all over the kitchen, burning of the pan and food instantly. It is really hard for me to watch. (BTW, if you ask him, what I call 'burnt' he considers cooked and I eat my food undercooked)

I have been on a mission to find a nice frying pan that he won't be able to ruin, but is that even possible? After trying like 3 or 4 different kinds--stainless steel, non stick, teflon, etc--I was about to give up.

Enter Ozeri, AKA my Savior! I found this on Amazon and I was excited about the green color alone, but I was not sure that even this amazing looking pan would be the answer to my problem, but one can hope right?

So what did I think after using it for a couple months now?

This pan and withstand anything! Remember I told you how my husband cooks and abuses cooking utensils? Well that hasn't changed at all. So this pan has really gotten a workout around here. Eggs, bacon, ground meat, mushrooms, peppers, onions--you name it and my husband and fried it on highest heat in this pan.

The non stick coating on the pan is still totally intact and I can't see any signs of wear or damage to this pan at all. I have other nonstick pans that you can see were the coating is coming off and bubbling in places, but not this one!

I love that the surface base of the pan has a texture to it, I think that is an extra added feature to assist in nonstick and I think it stops food from getting burnt and and staying on the base of the pan even more.

One of the other things that are significantly better on this pan over the many, many others I have tried is the handle. Its heat resistant silicone so its comfortable to grab and hold and never gets hot. That is one my biggest annoyances is when I can't pick up a pan because the whole handle is hot to the touch.

I love this pan! I am planning to get a couple more sizes and replacing every other piece of cookware in my home. I am very much looking forward to having just one set of pans again--you know like a normal person.

I received this product at a discount in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

Sunday, October 5, 2014

California Kitchenware Butterfield Silicone Cupcake Molds Review

Have you ever tried silicone cupcake molds? I am in lots of co-ops that often run buys for them, but I have never been brave enough to try them. I had a silicone bread pan once, but it was the WORST to clean so I was afraid the cupcake molds would be the same--that kept me from ordering any.

Until California Kitchenware contacted me about trying their silicone cupcake molds found here. Since I have a four year old with a mouth full of sweet teeth, cupcakes are a frequent flyer in my house so it was just a matter of the occasion to arise to try them. That day was today and I was oddly excited about making a cupcake mess in my kitchen that would allow me to try these adorable molds.

First of all, they are shipped in a plastic container that would probably be useful to keep for storing them (mine was stolen and mostly eaten by my one year old). Secondly I have to mention the colors--these molds came in a set of 12, which had 4 blue, 4 yellow and 4 pink (my daughter says its purple so it could go either way). The colors are very vibrant and bright! My daughter was excited to bake in such pretty colored molds.

Instantly I was in major like with these molds. My biggest peeve of paper cupcake molds are that they don't really stay down in the pan until they have some cupcake mix to weigh it down. Since the silicone molds keep their shape, they fit into my cupcake pan perfectly.

I prepared on pan of silicone molds and one pan of paper liners (I'm making marble swirl cupcakes):


All the cupcakes were done at the same time, but I think they silicone molds cooled a little faster for some reason (they were definitely hot to the touch out of the oven though--I checked). I was most excited to see the difference between the cupcake after you peeled away the mold and liner.

The cupcakes baked in the silicone seemed to hold the moisture a bit better so they are just a bit softer and fluffier. Also, the difference of the amount of cupcake remaining on the liner/mold was drastic. Aside from cupcake mixture I dripped on the edge of the mold, there are almost no cupcake stuck to the mold, but the usual amount stuck to the paper liner.


Both sets up cupcakes were delicious, but the cupcakes baked in silicone were prettier looking, more consistent in size and shape and easier to peel. A plus is that silicone is reusable, so less waste for the environment!


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Bru Joy Manual Can Opener Review

Bru Joy sent me their manual stainless steal can opener to try for review (along with two other products I will be reviewing soon) and I am so glad they did.

About this can opener (According to their Amazon listing)
*** Requires Minimal Efforts*** Thanks to its ultra-sharp cutting disc blades, ergonomic handles and extra-large turning knob, you will open any cans like a piece of cake, even if you have arthritis or weak hand strength! 
***Saves You Time*** Opening cans in seconds, Bru Joy Can Opener is extremely simple to use and easy to clean – just rinse the cutting discs in running water then put the opener in dishwasher! 
***Saves You Money*** Made of unbreakable, heavy duty stainless steel from head to toe, Bru Joy can opener will never break and is the only can opener you ever need to buy. 
*** Protects You*** Ultra-precise cutting drive leaves a smooth edge which means the opened can will not hurt you! 
Features: 
1) Made of top quality 18/10 stainless steel – heavy duty and will not break – even suitable for commercial/restaurant use 
2) Ultra-sharp cutting disc blades – it requires minimum grip strength – leaves smooth edge for extra safety 
3) Sleekly packed in a gift box, this gorgeous deluxe stainless steel can opener serves a perfect wedding/bridal shower/birthday gift!

How I tested it
I opened cans with it, duh! OK, OK Just kidding!
I used this can opener in place of my then-current can opener for all my can opening needs. I opened cans that were small like tuna, medium sized cans like soups and large cans like spaghetti sauce. I also opened cans that were new and some that were older and a bit more worn, dented or rusty.

My thoughts
This seriously is the EASIEST use can opener I have ever used. Seriously. My almost 4 year old can (and did) open a can with it (I am very bummed I missed getting it on video). It takes less effort than normal to clamp down onto the can and start the opening process and it takes NO EFFORT to turn the handle. The handle is made of black strudy plastic and it is wide and shaped just right for your hand so you don't have to worry about your hand slipping or getting hurt or tired from turning. I have early onset mild arthritis in my wrists so an easy to use can opener is really important to me. This can opener from Bru Joy definitely made the cut and I am so thankful they sent me this to try.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.