Breville Smart Oven - Indeed!

Best Review on Breville BOV650XL Compact 1800 Watt Toaster

I have not used a toaster oven for about 5 or 6 years, but I really was tired of using our kitchen oven, especially in the summer, and heating up the entire kitchen when cooking meals for two people.

The Breville Compact Smart Oven measures about 16.5 inches wide and 10.5 inches deep, but it takes up less room than my George Foreman grill did so George Foreman has been relegated to the pantry. It is surprisingly lightweight if you have to move it around.

It was very simple to set up. Instructions for use are clear. I really like the single touch feature for toasting and reheating is a breeze.

It is pricey, but is made of quality material. The door handle is metal and stays cool to the touch. The broiler rack/baking pan is enamel. The oven is very easy to clean and the crumb tray pulls out for easy washing. The metal rack slides easily. There is a display on the front of the oven that takes the guesswork out of where to place the rack for various cooking methods.

It would be a nice feature to have some sort of utensil to pull the metal rack out, but since I don't have that feature on my large oven, it does not detract from the Breville.

The LCD display is easy to read and while cooking, it turns orange and while in standby, it is blue and eventually will "dim out" when you are finished cooking.

I used a recipe in the instruction book and made Maple Glazed Salmon. It turned out very well. It is simple to add time to your cooking or to adjust the temperature if needed. The Oven remembers your last setting, which is really a nice feature.

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UPDATE-July 2010
I have now used every function on this oven and all functions work great. I really love the reheat feature because when I reheat in the microwave it sometimes dries food out, but with this feature I was able to reheat a turkey tenderloin and kielbasa and it tasted like it was just roasted.

This is such a simple oven to use and absolutely keeps my kitchen cooler in the summer than turning on my big oven to reheat, bake or broil.

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Fantastic!

Best Review on Krustbuster Multi Crust Remover Sealer

I was making uncrustables within minutes of receiving and washing this. My teenaged sons LOVED them and declared me a great lunch cook... I think this may be my favorite new kitchen gadget.

I just smeared some Goober in the middle of the bread, put it on the base, smashed it down and it was sealed nicely... no spill over and no mess at all. Then I took all the crusts out in the back yard and put them down for the deer, but I suppose you could save them and dry them out for turkey stuffing at holiday time (yum yum!) It was kind of nice having the crusts all in one pile on the counter to use up instead of having to toss out the picked at and pulled off crusts from the kid's lunch plates.

I am planning on making some with cheese in the center tomorrow and seeing how that works out for me... then maybe some kind of pizza pocket sandwich the next day. We are having fun planning uses for this.

Easy, easy, easy!

UPDATE -- We recently used some apple pie filling, sprinkling of cinnamon, buttered the top and toasted under the broiler until the center was hot. Tastes similar to a McD hot apple pie. The kids thought it was a good treat.

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Love it!

Best Review on Chefmate Sandwich Nonstick Upright Storage

I also bought this cheap at Target, and it is probably one of the most useful and most used kitchen appliances I own. Nothing takes any longer than five minutes to grill in it, and in most cases that's even too long. The other reviewers say it won't handle large bread slices, but that's not true. I don't know if it's deliberate design or happy convenience, but just place sandwiches made with wide bread slices in the middle instead of loading up two puny sandwiches, and grill as normal. It even comes out with a perforation down the middle to make it easier to cut in half.

Someone else mentioned a giant cheese mess, which did happen to me once, but that was because I was using processed cheese which is basically oil, so it runs like water at those temperatures. The few times I had a little bit of real cheese sticking out the sides, it stayed in a clump that slid right off the grill with the sandwich when removed leaving no mess behind. So just use real cheese, which is better anyway.

It also handles stacked sandwiches pretty well too. I made some really stuffed tuna melts with it, we're taking about half a can (before mayo and fixins) on each sandwich, and they came out clean without leaking or dripping cheese. The bread seemed to grill up a little better too.

So yeah, for my less than ten bucks this definitely rates five stars easy.

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Perfect

Read First Before Buy Catskill Craftsmen Drop Leaf Utility

I think this is the best pie iron out there. It is the same model that the sporting goods stores carry. Nice long handles and includes a bump in the handle so that the lock doesn't slide all the way down to the iron and get hot. The handles of mine came a little scratched up but it's for camping so it's going to get beat up anyways. I really like the cast iron construction! Like all square pie irons that I've come across, the bread doesn't seal well on all edges however it never seems to bother me. Some other people are used to the round makers that pinch the bread together and you have to cut off the edges but I think that is just wasteful and it means your pie ends up being smaller. I don't know what people use for seasoning of the cast iron but I find that the "Pam For Grilling" works great. I rarely have any issues with anything sticking in the iron!

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Mortal

Best Review on Mortal The Books Mortals Dekker

I think this is the best pie iron out there. It is the same model that the sporting goods stores carry. Nice long handles and includes a bump in the handle so that the lock doesn't slide all the way down to the iron and get hot. The handles of mine came a little scratched up but it's for camping so it's going to get beat up anyways. I really like the cast iron construction! Like all square pie irons that I've come across, the bread doesn't seal well on all edges however it never seems to bother me. Some other people are used to the round makers that pinch the bread together and you have to cut off the edges but I think that is just wasteful and it means your pie ends up being smaller. I don't know what people use for seasoning of the cast iron but I find that the "Pam For Grilling" works great. I rarely have any issues with anything sticking in the iron!

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Wonderful cooker!

Read First Before Buy Romes 1705 Square Steel Handles

I think this is the best pie iron out there. It is the same model that the sporting goods stores carry. Nice long handles and includes a bump in the handle so that the lock doesn't slide all the way down to the iron and get hot. The handles of mine came a little scratched up but it's for camping so it's going to get beat up anyways. I really like the cast iron construction! Like all square pie irons that I've come across, the bread doesn't seal well on all edges however it never seems to bother me. Some other people are used to the round makers that pinch the bread together and you have to cut off the edges but I think that is just wasteful and it means your pie ends up being smaller. I don't know what people use for seasoning of the cast iron but I find that the "Pam For Grilling" works great. I rarely have any issues with anything sticking in the iron!

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Nice grill with good features

Read First Before Buy George Foreman GR0742S Griddle Cooking

I got this grill as a gift two Christmases ago. I love everything about it. I literally use this grill at least two or three times per week sometimes more.

I love making chicken, grilled cheese, sausage, even burgers on this grill. It is quick and easy to use and even easier to clean up. The removable plates are so nice and are definitely one of the best features of this grill.

The only thing that could be a setback to this grill would be if you have a lot of people to cook for. I can easily cook dinner for two or three, but more than that you would have to do more than one round of cooking. This may not be a problem though, because it grills the food so quickly!

I use mine all the time and have bought four as gifts. Everyone that sees me use mine wants one! I would absolutely recommend this product.

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Loud but makes wonderful stuff!

Best Review on White Mountain PBWMIME612 SHP Appalachian Electric

My wife and I have used our new White Mountain ice cream maker three times since acquiring it. I wanted to make sure we had a chance to try it with different types of ice cream before reviewing. At this point I am entirely satisfied with the product. We made coconut milk ice cream first, followed by dairy milk ice cream, then frozen yogurt. Each turned out very well, with smooth, creamy consistency. The motor is very loud, so you won't want to use this if someone's trying to take a nap nearby! It's easy to use, easy to maintain. It's expensive, and of course there are lower priced units available from a variety of other companies, so it really is up to your budget. We've made ice cream that was pretty comparable in quality with lower priced machines, but this one does a great job and allows for a very tight seal.

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5 stars

Best Review on Evriholder Sandwich DynoBytes FlipperBytes SweetBytes

I love it. Makes the best loaves of bread I have ever seen and tasted. Very light, fluffy and taste oh so good! It is also very easy to operate once you read the instructions and get used to it. Once thing I am not happy with is the recipe book. I have followed a couple of the recipes to perfect measurements, etc., but the loaves never come up right. They are either raw in the center or very hard crust. I had to get my recipes from the internet and now I am able to make great loaves of bread. I guess something went wrong in the measurement of the oz vs. cups, etc., but overall, I am very happy with it. Also love the design of it. Beautiful black glass on the top of it makes it look very stylish, which goes great with my decor. I would definitely recommend this product to others.

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I'm new to this...

Read First Before Buy DeLonghi DBM450 Bread Maker

I love it. Makes the best loaves of bread I have ever seen and tasted. Very light, fluffy and taste oh so good! It is also very easy to operate once you read the instructions and get used to it. Once thing I am not happy with is the recipe book. I have followed a couple of the recipes to perfect measurements, etc., but the loaves never come up right. They are either raw in the center or very hard crust. I had to get my recipes from the internet and now I am able to make great loaves of bread. I guess something went wrong in the measurement of the oz vs. cups, etc., but overall, I am very happy with it. Also love the design of it. Beautiful black glass on the top of it makes it look very stylish, which goes great with my decor. I would definitely recommend this product to others.

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Excellent purchase

Best Review on Breville RM BSG520XL Certified Remanufactured 1500 Watt

I had purchased an Oster Breadmaker virtually identical to this one several years ago. I use it mostly on the dough cycle to make dough for bagels and pizza. It was an excellent machine for that purpose, but eventually the seal at the bottom of the pan developed a leak. It was still usuable, except that I had to add the dry ingredients first. I decided to buy a new machine, and bought a Breadman brand at Target. It was a lousy machine from the beginning. While it was supposed to make 2 lb loaves, it would not as the motor would stall with that much dough in the pan. The motor also generated a lot of heat, and caused the dough to begin rising straight out of the machine, which is not good for bagels. I finally got tired of failed recipes and bought this new Oster machine. I have been unable to buy a new bread pan for the old machine. The new Oster machine works just as good as the oiginal. The motor has lots of power and does not stall with 2 lbs of dough, and the motor does not generate excess heat. A great machine for making dough.

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Get the credit for homemade bread without all the work!

Read First Before Buy Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker White

I had purchased an Oster Breadmaker virtually identical to this one several years ago. I use it mostly on the dough cycle to make dough for bagels and pizza. It was an excellent machine for that purpose, but eventually the seal at the bottom of the pan developed a leak. It was still usuable, except that I had to add the dry ingredients first. I decided to buy a new machine, and bought a Breadman brand at Target. It was a lousy machine from the beginning. While it was supposed to make 2 lb loaves, it would not as the motor would stall with that much dough in the pan. The motor also generated a lot of heat, and caused the dough to begin rising straight out of the machine, which is not good for bagels. I finally got tired of failed recipes and bought this new Oster machine. I have been unable to buy a new bread pan for the old machine. The new Oster machine works just as good as the oiginal. The motor has lots of power and does not stall with 2 lbs of dough, and the motor does not generate excess heat. A great machine for making dough.

Get your Oster 5838 ExpressBake Breadmaker White Now!

fun

Read First Before Buy Japanese Pan Pita Uncrustable Sandwich

Ok, I will first admit that I bought this because it looked cute. I have never heard of it until I saw it here on Amazon, and thought I would give it a shot.

When I got it in a couple of days (and I mean a couple), I opened the package and started to make sandwiches. Here is a bit of caution, all of the directions are in Japanese, and if yours is as rusty as mine, you will get the idea, but miss some good information.

First, the bread does work a little better if it is microwave for a few seconds. Secondly, after centering your first piece of bread, the toppings should go in the center about 1/8" from the edge of the press. Thirdly, press as hard as you can to make the best seal.

This is perfect for 1 and 3 year old. Sandwiches tend to fall apart on them. This keeps them together in little triangle pockets (I fold one piece in half, an option that is on the package). I also like that chicken or egg salad sandwiches don't fall out the back while eating.

The only drawback is that this press takes a few tries to get it right. I had a tendency to overfill or place the fillings too close to the edge. However, a five or six pieces of bread is a small price to pay than uncrustable sandwiches in the freeze section of the grocery store.

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First impressions, used it for a day.

Best Review on Samsung Galaxy Note 10 1 32GB

This is my very first tablet and I love it so much!!

I visited this tablet at my local electronics shop many times, read reviews, looked at available software, and even the reviews for the software prior to deciding to buy my Note. I've had it for about a month now and I thought I should share my experience so far for anyone else who's doing their homework before buying.

I am a grad student. I've been carrying a laptop and tons of papers around for some time now. I had notebooks for random notes from meetings, TODO lists, and ideas. Notes from my classes, handouts, papers which I printed just so I could mark them up. Oh, can't forget the assortment of pens and pencils for that marking up. I also had all of my meetings and schedule info set up in my phone's calendar so I could have something beep at me with a reminder no matter what... with my schedule, forgetting things is very easy.

The Samsung Note changed everything.

I was initially excited about this product because of the Wacom stylus. I used to do professional graphic art and I loved my Wacom digitizer tablet. Anything less than that level of quality just won't cut it once you've experienced their tablets. I was tempted to try an iPad when I saw another student was able to take notes with that marker thing, but I'm so glad I waited and looked at the Note. Wacom really dominates and the quality just can't be beat.

The pre-installed apps are pretty good, though I can see ways to make them better. I love S Note and use it for all of my note taking needs. The way it integrates with the calendar/todo list app is particularly nice. I can take meeting notes where I'm given some task to do, then click to "Create Event" which will let me attach the note to a new event on my calendar or todo list, complete with reminders, groups, prioritization, etc.. S Note with Calendar is so useful, it alone nearly made the purchase worthwhile.

Another great feature of S Note (though the interface could seriously be improved) is the ability to recognize handwritten math functions, then look them up on Wolfram Alpha. I'm a CS student and I find that pretty useful and cool. The only trick to it is that it wants to open the browser in split screen mode. If you already have the browser in split screen mode, it doesn't work. Just close the split screen, then try it and it's fine. Like I said, interface could seriously be improved.

I also needed a good app for marking up all those PDFs. I wanted to stop printing papers just to mark them up, discuss them, and set them aside, hoping I'd remember when needed. My solution was ezPDF which takes a PDF, makes a copy for annotating, then lets me draw all over it. I hear there are others that might be better, but so far this has been wonderful. My printer is loving the break. (I literally have reams of printed papers I've read or written...it was crazy!)

There's also a nice deal Samsung has with Dropbox. I hadn't used this service prior to getting the tablet, but if you do a few trivial things like add another computer and watch a tutorial, the free Dropbox account is increased in size from 2 to 48 gigs. I added my laptop and desktop, then merged every paper I had plus class notes and more into the service so my resources are all pretty seamless between machines. Granted, you could use a cloud service like Dropbox with any device, so it's not really a selling point... still very nice though. I'm glad it was there in my face so I'd go try it. :) The interface with Google Drive is also really tight so you can easily sync apps like S Note with your Google Drive account. I was very concerned about how things would be backed up when I got the tablet - loss of data is a very scary prospect when getting away from paper.

I feel like I've had a definite quality of life improvement with this device, but I'm still just scratching the surface of what it's capable of.

Oh, I suppose I should address screen resolution, battery life, and all that.

The battery lasts for a really really long time. I'm not sure just how many hours. I suspect I could use it for maybe two days without charging, assuming I don't watch any TV shows on it or anything. I went on a Dr. Who marathon a couple of weekends ago and it ran low after several episodes, starting from less than full charge. Even when it says it's critically low, it keeps going for quite awhile.

The screen resolution is ok. It is not as high as the iPad's, but then, as I understand it, that sacrifice was necessary to support the Wacom tech in this form factor (low power processor, etc)- a worthy sacrifice. In any case, I can't say I've complained about the visible size of pixels in at least a decade so I'm not all that upset about it. I guess if I bought it just to consume media, I'd be upset, but for me, this is a tool first, toy second.

So, to wrap it up:

Pros:
- Great for class notes! (Also, no more smudging if you're left handed like me!)
- Mark up PDF presentations if your prof puts them up for download
- Create and mark up PDF slides while teaching or tutoring, then give them to your students afterwards.
- Like a brain extension when it comes to organizing.
- Save paper and toner!
- Stylus tech by Wacom - you just have to try it if you haven't before. It's really sweet, I swear.
- Fun for doodling, if you like that.
- You're free from Apple's walled garden, if you care about such things.
- Speakers are on the front. Nice when you want to curl up in your blankets and watch some TV. (Audio isn't terrible either, given the form factor)

Cons:
- Screen resolution not amazing, but really not terrible either
- S apps could use some UI improvements. Loads of potential, just not quite to the point of being stellar apps yet. I'm optimistic for them still and use them anyways.

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Not a Geek, buy the book!

Read First Before Buy The Toaster Project Appliance ebook

The essential premise behind Thomas Thwaites' The Toaster Project is that in this modern world of ours, we take a lot for granted. Like toasters, for instance.

The 20-something Thwaites decided to create a toaster from scratch for a college project. And by "from scratch", I mean going all the way back to the raw materials from the earth. He used as his model a toaster from a local department store in England that cost the consumer just under four British pounds, or around six American dollars. Deconstructing this toaster, he determined what the various parts were made of, and set out to mine and refine the minerals and whatnot he would need to make his own. He set certain rules for himself to make the experience authentic, and had nine months in which to complete it all. Along the way, Thwaites shares his project with numerous experts in the fields of mining and refining, as well as friend, relatives, and helpful drunks, meeting with various levels of enthusiasm. There is a toaster at the end of the book. I'll just leave it at that.

A fan of the late British sci-fi/humor writer Douglas Adams, Thwaites cites as part of his inspiration a quote from Adams' novel Mostly Harmless, wherein one of his main characters, a modern man from planet Earth, is dropped onto another world with only a very primitive civilization. At first, the man has big dreams of totally transforming these "backwards" people with the technology he knows from home. However, as Adams puts it, "Left to his own devices he [the modern man from Earth] couldn't even build a toaster. He could just about make a sandwich, and that was it." Instead of becoming a great transformer for their society, the primitive people make him their official sandwich maker. I suspect many of us would be lucky to even get that title if put in a similar situation.

The Toaster Project was a fun, fast read. Thwaites manages to be consistently informative and funny, folding in his views on the consumer culture and its environmental impact without ever being preachy or long-winded. His humorous, self-deprecating style permeates the account, and the technical portions are never dry and boring. On top of it all, he makes you stop and think about all of our "stuff", where it comes from, the people and resources involved in creating it, and what happens to it when we are through. Thwaites posits that if we were actually paying what our possessions were truly worth in terms of the overall labor, transportation, environmental impact, etc involved in their creation, price tags would be much heavier. Even by his admittedly ramshackle accounting, his final version of a toaster cost nearly 1,190 British pounds, or 1,880 American dollars.

A book that will make you both chuckle and think, The Toaster Project by Thomas Thwaites is one I highly recommend.

One disappointment for me, a problem with the publisher and not the author, is that the photographs on my Kindle e-ink reader were distorted and nearly indecipherable. These photos were fair important in documenting the project. They looked fine in the Kindle Cloud app on my computer, however. Amazon, don't leave your e-ink reader users behind!

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Great product!!!!

Read First Before Buy Diablo Stovetop Toasted Sandwich Snack

The NY Times dining section recently featured an article on the popular Toastite maker from the '50's. For me, it immediately conjured memories of amazing childhood sandwich lunches that my grandmother would make...I hadn't had one of those sandwiches for 40 years, but I could still taste it like it was yesterday. The article described a new version of the Toastite and I excitedly checked it out. I was on the verge of buying it when I saw this product also on Amazon. What I like about the Diablo compared to the new Toastite is two-fold: price and clean up. (1) The Toastite is approximately $40 (no free shipping) vs $15 for the Diablo (free shipping) (2)The Diablo is dishwasher safe, the Toastite is not. I think the fact that the Toastite is not dishwasher safe is a major design flaw. It's really convenient to just pop it in the dishwasher when done. I've been making 3-4 sandwiches a day and the only problem I've had is the hinge came off during a wash in the dishwasher. So, I went to the hardware store and purchased a cheap 1" clamp to keep it locked while cooking. It's worked great! Another option would be a strong rubber band. Either way, you'll find this makes addicting sandwiches and is well worth the price.

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The bread that fools them all!

Best Review on The Gluten Free Pantry Favorite Sandwich

I made a gluten free meal for my Bunco group. My menu was early Thanksgiving. The main item was hot turkey sandwiches. I mixed the Gluten Free Pantry Sandwich Bread Mix according to manual directions. I divided it into 12 greased 8 oz.Corelle bowls, covered them with plastic wrap sprayed with Pam. I put them on two cookie sheets in the oven preheated to 250 with a pan of boiling water and shut the oven off to rise until I liked how they looked. I removed the plastic wrap and heated the oven to the temp. on the box of mix and baked until golden brown and sounded hollow when I tapped the top. I cooled them on a rack and then froze them in zip lock bags. The day of my party I took them out of the freezer and cut them in half. I placed them on a serving tray and put them in a paper grocery bag to warm them in the oven just before serving. My gluten free friends were elated to have real food that everyone was eating as well and they didn't have to worry what they could or couldn't eat. By the way, the rest of the menu was Sweet Potato Oven Fries, Cranberry Applesauce, Relish Tray of Carrots, Celery, Ripe Olives and Pimento Olives and Pumpkin Mousse for dessert.

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Great when your wife's out.

Best Review on BIC Fashion Retractable Assorted Fashion FHAP21 ASST

I received this set of two ball points as a gift. At first I was a little flummoxed--having never before been able to flaunt a pair like this--but once I started using them I understood how useful it is to have a set. When I pull my sparkling pair out at business meetings, everybody notices, especially when they eye the lush, full pink color and the gushing reddish purple. My ideas are heard and heeded. Low level employees rush to get me coffee. I get more respect from co-workers. I make faster decisions unimpinged by thought or reason, based solely on the size of these, and I've made so many useful business contacts with my confidence improved just knowing I now have such a fine set. Of course there are others who own similar instruments, but since we frequently compare, I know that these are just, well, better. Since I got this set I speak more confidently regardless of the logic of my arguments. I have become a 'take charge' person who gets things done, I take more risks--and I even got a pay raise! I frequently take these in hand just to play with and admire them. Thank you, Bic, for opening up this whole new world for me!

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Works perfectly.

Best Review on IMUSA VICTORIA 85008 Tortilla Pre Cured 8 Inch

I love this tortilla press! It does all of the work for you. I use a gallon sized plastic storage bag, cut it around all edges to get two halves. Place one on the bottom of the press, place ball of tortilla dough on top, place the other half of the bag on top of that, close the top of the press, press down, and there you have your flattened tortilla ready to cook. It is that simple. When I say you "press down" you don't have to press and press to flatten it. The weight of the press is all you need. Clean up is so easy because I covered the press with the plastic so the dough does not stick to the press. I also tried wax paper and plastic wrap but the tortilla stuck to it, So definitely go with the plastic storage bags. I will never buy corn tortillas again. With this press, there is no excuse not to make your own and they taste so much better, in my opinion.

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My Favorite Gluten-Free Cookbook

Read First Before Buy The Gluten Free Gourmet Bakes Bread

I am by no means a kitchen geek, but since I retired, I have enjoyed puttering in the kitchen and doing a lot of the cooking. In the last year we've learned that my wife is gluten-sensitive and a lot of what I have been preparing is now very much out of date: pastas, breads, etc. One of my favorites was pecan roll sticky buns, a batch of which was expected when the kids come to visit. My attempts to experiment with various G-F ingredients were spectacular failures.

Well, last week I "discovered" Bette Hagman's gluten-free bread book and it arrived yesterday. I amassed the various flours and additives (well, almost all of them) and set to work this Sunday morning to make her sticky buns. In no time, I had hot sticky buns on the table. They were light, fluffy, and very tasty! Even in my first attempt, without the "dough enhancer," which I will search for more thoroughly for the next batch. Instead of a spectacular failure, I would have to count this first attempt by this novice a spectacular success. Maybe G-F doesn't have to be so boring after all.

The chapters leading up to the actual recipes are also interesting and informative. There is NO DOUBT that I would recommend this book to anyone (not just G-F folks). In fact, any of us would probably be better off limiting our gluten intake, and this book would be a great beginning.

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Awesome chopper

Best Review on Black Decker EHC650 2 Speed Chopper

I have joint and muscle ailments that make chopping foods a challenge so I have owned small choppers since they first appeared on the market. Most of these choppers have a small piece on the plastic lid that must lock into the base in order for the chopper to work - a wise safety device, but that piece broke off my first 2 choppers and replacement lids were not available.

When I was shopping for my third chopper 2.5 years ago, I found this one at a local discount retailer. I was immediately struck my two things: 1) it is made in such a way that there are fewer important small plastic parts to break off and 2) the ergonomic top and controls are infinitely easier on my hands than my previous choppers. The dual speeds have also proven to be a great advantage, providing more options of how finely to chop foods. I have happily used this chopper for 30 months and have recommended it to my similiarly "hand-challenged" friends. I am still amazed by how comfortable the top of this chopper is and how gentle to my hands the controls are.

I have not found cleaning the underside of the top to be a problem. I use a wet soapy dishcloth to wipe it off well, using an old toothbrush on any areas that might need scrubbing. Then a quick rinse of the underside ONLY of the top and it's clean. No problem - much easier to clean than the bases of the more common small chopper shape - and when you use choppers as much as I do, you find yourself cleaning them a lot!

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Loved this book!!

Read First Before Buy Callum Harper Sleepless Series ebook

I love this breadmaker so much! My co-worker turned me on to it so I bought one in an effort to be healthier and to be able to make bread with ingredients I can actually pronounce. Not only is the bread healthier this way but it tastes delicious! I let my friend sample one of my breads and she was hooked instantly. I actually bought one for her as a housewarming gift. This machine makes it so easy--just put in the ingredients and a few hours later you have a fully baked loaf--no kneading, nothing. At first I was worried that this might be one of those appliances that you use once and then it ends up sitting there collecting dust afterwards, but I have been using it regularly for months now and never buy bread from the store anymore. I love knowing what's in the food I am eating. I am trying hard to stay away from chemicals and processed foods and this machine definitely helps me do that.

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Wonderful machine

Best Review on West Bend 2 Lb Breadmaker

I love this breadmaker so much! My co-worker turned me on to it so I bought one in an effort to be healthier and to be able to make bread with ingredients I can actually pronounce. Not only is the bread healthier this way but it tastes delicious! I let my friend sample one of my breads and she was hooked instantly. I actually bought one for her as a housewarming gift. This machine makes it so easy--just put in the ingredients and a few hours later you have a fully baked loaf--no kneading, nothing. At first I was worried that this might be one of those appliances that you use once and then it ends up sitting there collecting dust afterwards, but I have been using it regularly for months now and never buy bread from the store anymore. I love knowing what's in the food I am eating. I am trying hard to stay away from chemicals and processed foods and this machine definitely helps me do that.

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excellent for two people

Read First Before Buy Cuisinart GR 35 Griddler Compact

I was in the market for a griddle, and came across this. Most griddles (in the $30-$40 range) had mixed reviews with people siting dead spots and difficulty to clean as things they didn't like. We have been using this for a month now, and love it. The plates come off so they can be cleaned easily, and we haven't found any dead spots. In fact, we haven't found anything to complain about. We are just cooking for two, so this size is perfect. Originally I thought we needed the bigger one, but now I can't see the need for it. Even though this is labeled as "compact", It has more than enough space to cook for two. If you are cooking for more, then the bigger size is needed.

Looking back, I laugh at thinking I was spending extra for this. It does so much, and it does it so well, I feel like it was a bargain. This is our first Cuisinart product, and we will definitely be buying from them again.

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Finally Feel Safe at Home

Best Review on Avery Durable Binder 11 Inch 17032

While I've found all the reviews of this product most enlightening I couldn't help but notice that they all seemed to be penned by women. I thought I'd set the record straight with a male perspective. Ladies, take note.

I purchased the Avery binder about a year ago. Before I had this product, my women were everywhere. I ran into them in the halls, they were in my home, sometimes occupying the bathroom for long hours, it was basically chaos. Once I acquired my binder, however, everything just made sense. Whenever I need someone with an innate capacity for home economics to rush home and cook my dinner, I open my binder and presto, there's my lady. I usually let her know how much I appreciate her contribution with a firm open-palmed smack on the behind. In my experience, women love that kind of affirmation, and if they don't get it they lose self-esteem. If by chance, a woman I pull out of the binder doesn't live up to my expectations or objects to the pat on the bum, I've created a special section deep at the back of my binder and I consign her there never to be called upon again.

In short, the binder has created order from chaos. In many ways, it helps to restore what I think we all feel deep in our hearts to be the natural order. I recommend this product most highly.

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Very happy with the grill :)

Best Review on Kalorik 1400 Watt Non Stick Contact Panini

I've had this grill for at least a month now and I'm overall very happy with it. It's a little on the heavy side which I don't mind as I associate that with quality. The machine heats up relatively quickly and only needs about 5 minutes to reach top temperature. I adore the floating hinges as it can accommodate everything I've cooked in it. The only real complaints I have on it is the upper parts of the grill don't see to be as hot as the rest of the grill so I have to move my food around a bit and the machine isn't angled enough for the grease to drip out on it's own (you sometimes have to pick the machine up and angle it to the side for all the grease to run - especially with burgers when the blood cooks into those little clumps that will block the flow). The other complaint I have is clean up but I knew going into this that the plates are not removable and clean up would take a little more on my part. Other than that the machine is perfect and having the drip cup on the side works great for me!

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Heidi Levan's SOUL SONGS Speaks to You Just Where You Are

Best Review on Soul Songs Heidi Levan

We are all so busy right now, and the world would have us believe that there is no time to do anything but go go, go. In her book SOUL SONGS we are reminded by author Heidi Levan that not only should we take out the time to enjoy the moment but our lives could become better off by doing so.

The book takes you into various areas that the author has explored personally and is able to share with all of us what the benefits are. It can be as easy as taking 15-20 min a day to enjoy the little things. It can be the stillness of nature or the warmth of the sun or a cup of coffee. If we can just slow down enough to build our appreciation for where we are there is really nothing that should seem impossible.

One of my favorite chapters in the book reminders us of a flame: it's power, it's purpose and its ability to be something more. Sure it can give light and warmth, but unless it is fed there is no way for it to survive. That is where we are as well. We have to learn where we are and where we want to go in order to see how we can get there. Like the flame we might dim, but we never have to go out. There is always that spark within us that just needs to be fed---and we have what it takes to do just that.

Written in a way that is practical and certain to get you thinking about your life and what is possible for you, SOUL SONGS speaks to the part of ourselves that desires to learn, to expand, to grow.

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Cool multi-tasker appliance

Best Review on West Bend TEM500W Muffin Toaster

This is a clever little device. When our old toaster bit the dust we had to find a replacement. I saw this on Amazon and was intrigued. I ordered it and I'm very happy I did. The whole family uses it. It takes no time at all to make a great sandwich.
In fact, since time is of the essence in the morning, I've developed a little routine to try to challenge myself how fast I can make a sandwich.
My record is one minute and 19 seconds.

That involves:
1. putting water in the machine
2. spraying Pam in the little egg tray (the manufaturer cautions about what type of spray to use but so far so good with Pam...and it is needed if you want your egg to fall out gently)
3. cracking an egg and putting it in the egg tray
4. adding a piece of precooked sausage or bacon (both readily available at the supermarket) to the warming tray
5. cutting the muffin and putting it in the toaster, pressing the right button an pushing down the handle..

It does about four minutes to cook after that; but during that time I take the dog out in the morning and by the time I get back in I have a tasty breakfast sandwich. I would definitely recommend this to others.

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If You Love Pie...

Best Review on Breville BPI640XL Personal Pie Maker

I got this for Christmas, and I haven't gone more than a week without using it since! It's a great way to use up leftovers- or you can open a can of anything you want, dollop a bit into each pie, then 7 minutes later you'll have a hot, crispy lunch or dinner. I started off making my own dough, but like another reviewer mentioned it leaves a slightly uncooked bit at the top unless you overstuff it. I'm still giving 5 stars because the puff pastry that they recommend using instead is great for any filling and cooks the top perfectly.

It's easy to clean- the oil left on the plates comes off with paper towels and seasons the pans for the next batch.

The pies are also very portable- they're small enough to hold and the dough is sealed extremely well. I eat them at my desk at work sometimes- they don't make a mess and you can hold them in a napkin like a small calzone.

Great alternative to sandwiches- and the whole family looks forward to them!

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grilling bags are great !

Read First Before Buy IMCG C19X3 Grilling Bags 3 Pack

"Death By Supermarket" is a five star book. The author's Grandma, the first healthy eater in the family, who is quoted a number of times in the book, would be proud of her Granddaughter. Even though Grandma was seen as the family oddball, she stuck to her beliefs and eventually passed them on to her Granddaughter Nancy.

For years my philosophy concerning food has been to "Let your food be your medicine bottle." To finally have an author echo these beliefs and gives additional insight as to how to walk them out is truly refreshing. We should shop for fresh, locally grown foods as much as possible. When going to the supermarket, we are to shop the outside isles of the store, where the whole foods such s meats, eggs, dairy, fruits and veggies are found. You want to stick with whole grains, which haven't had all the nutrients processed out of them as have refined grains, with only a few of those nutrients being replaced with synthetic vitamins, etc. It's also important to buy 100% free range meat, dairy and eggs, which don't have growth hormones or antibiotics, aren't crowded into farm factory facilities or fed species inappropriate food and are slaughtered most humanly. It's also important to purchase Alaskan Salmon, which isn't full of mercury and other toxic industrial waste contaminants. As Chief Seattle said, "How we treat the land, we treat ourselves." This is also true of how we treat our animals.

The whole food always contains various nutrients in the proper amounts that work as a team to nourish your body. Some of these nutrients haven't even been discovered yet. You determinately can't desperate one or even several of these nutrients from the whole food and receive the same nutritional benefit. Also different foods are high in different nutrients, which is why you need to eat a variety of whole foods from all of the three main food groups, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Having said that, much of our soils have become nutritionally depleted, because of unwise farming practices and so you want to purchase organic grains and produce when that is possible. You also want to eat the freshest food possible. Wilted organic produce, which has been shipped long distances and sat for extended periods of time on the supermarket shelf is unhealthy at any price. You are better off purchasing really fresh non organic produce.

Nancy's message really needs to be read and embraced by every American, especially those with the strongest Puritan ethics, who really believe that food isn't meant to be savored or celebrated. Our Creator gives us all things richly to enjoy. Mouth watering real food is meant to be eaten with gratefulness, leisurely enjoyed with family and friends as the good gift that it is to us from an all loving God. Also our bodies are more than a machine, and food is more than the fuel. Our bodies are a fearfully and wonderfully made creation and food is a gift meant to enjoyed as it nourishes us.

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Immediate Impact

Read First Before Buy Death Supermarket Fattening Dumbing Poisoning

"Death By Supermarket" is a five star book. The author's Grandma, the first healthy eater in the family, who is quoted a number of times in the book, would be proud of her Granddaughter. Even though Grandma was seen as the family oddball, she stuck to her beliefs and eventually passed them on to her Granddaughter Nancy.

For years my philosophy concerning food has been to "Let your food be your medicine bottle." To finally have an author echo these beliefs and gives additional insight as to how to walk them out is truly refreshing. We should shop for fresh, locally grown foods as much as possible. When going to the supermarket, we are to shop the outside isles of the store, where the whole foods such s meats, eggs, dairy, fruits and veggies are found. You want to stick with whole grains, which haven't had all the nutrients processed out of them as have refined grains, with only a few of those nutrients being replaced with synthetic vitamins, etc. It's also important to buy 100% free range meat, dairy and eggs, which don't have growth hormones or antibiotics, aren't crowded into farm factory facilities or fed species inappropriate food and are slaughtered most humanly. It's also important to purchase Alaskan Salmon, which isn't full of mercury and other toxic industrial waste contaminants. As Chief Seattle said, "How we treat the land, we treat ourselves." This is also true of how we treat our animals.

The whole food always contains various nutrients in the proper amounts that work as a team to nourish your body. Some of these nutrients haven't even been discovered yet. You determinately can't desperate one or even several of these nutrients from the whole food and receive the same nutritional benefit. Also different foods are high in different nutrients, which is why you need to eat a variety of whole foods from all of the three main food groups, fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Having said that, much of our soils have become nutritionally depleted, because of unwise farming practices and so you want to purchase organic grains and produce when that is possible. You also want to eat the freshest food possible. Wilted organic produce, which has been shipped long distances and sat for extended periods of time on the supermarket shelf is unhealthy at any price. You are better off purchasing really fresh non organic produce.

Nancy's message really needs to be read and embraced by every American, especially those with the strongest Puritan ethics, who really believe that food isn't meant to be savored or celebrated. Our Creator gives us all things richly to enjoy. Mouth watering real food is meant to be eaten with gratefulness, leisurely enjoyed with family and friends as the good gift that it is to us from an all loving God. Also our bodies are more than a machine, and food is more than the fuel. Our bodies are a fearfully and wonderfully made creation and food is a gift meant to enjoyed as it nourishes us.

Get your Death Supermarket Fattening Dumbing Poisoning Now!