Kitchen Gadgets That Make Cooking Effortless

Are you a whiz in the kitchen or a wizard with frozen meals?

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite kitchen gadgets that can help any level of cook.

My first and all time favorite is the KitchenAid mixer.  I know a lot of brides-to-be are adding these to their wedding registry and what a smart choice it is!

KitchenAid has been in the appliance business for many, many years.  It's no surprise either.  The KitchenAid mixer is a very versatile appliance.  It can be used for a number of things from mixing, kneading, grinding wheat to juicing oranges and slicing vegetables.  This is a workhorse in the kitchen.  Bed, Bath, and  Beyond is a retailer of KitchenAid products.

Along with preparing that dish in your KitchenAid, you're going to need some quality utensils.  My dad always taught me to buy the best you can afford.  Why?  Because using quality tools for any job makes the job much easier.  I highly recommend purchasing quality bamboo or wooden spoons and spatulas.  World Market carries a nice variety of wooden utensils.

Along with quality utensils, you're going to need quality ingredients.  We use extra virgin olive oil in our home like crazy!  The quality of your ingredients will affect the overall taste of your dish.  The Epicurean Olive Oil Company carries just that...quality olive oils, vinegars, and seasonings.  I guarantee you'll taste a difference in your dishes!

Finally, but not lastly, my final gadget for the kitchen.  Well, it isn't really a gadget but something I highly recommend and really wish (please oh please) would make a huge comeback...the apron!  I love aprons and I use aprons.  Vintage ones.  New ones.  Plain ones.  Pretty ones.  One of my current favorites came from Kirklands and has my initial on it.  It doesn't directly make cooking effortless but it definitely makes clean up effortless!

I'm so glad you stopped by!  God bless!

Angie

Quick & Easy - How to Repackage Bulk Ground Beef WITHOUT Getting Your Hands Dirty!

Today I'm sharing a super easy tip for dividing and repackaging bulk ground beef.  You know, those huge, bulk ground beef packages that we all get at the grocery store because the price of ground beef is cheaper by the pound that way, but then you get home and you're tired from shopping but that 5 pounds of bulk ground beef is staring at you and you're tempted to just throw it in the freezer as is!  Yeah, I've done it.  And regretted it.  That's when I came up with this oh-so-easy method of dividing the beef and putting it in freezer bags, all without even getting your hands dirty!

Start with your bulk package.  Save the plastic bag that you put it in from the store.

Using freezer bags, turn down the tops of each so that they stay open.  

Using a serrated knife, cut the beef into portions.  This is a 3 lb. package so I cut it into thirds.

Now, grab one of the portions.  The ends are easiest.   

Placing it in the bag, I begin twisting the end.  The beef will slide out nice and clean that way.

Here's the middle portion.  I pick it up by the plastic that's still around it.  Use the serrated knife to slice open the plastic, leaving the beef free to fall into the bag.

Now, the three pounds of beef are in bags and ready to freeze.  I try to remove as much air as possible.  I also pat mine flat so that they'll stack in the freezer AND take less time thawing.

Don't forget that meat department bag I told you to save.  I toss the packaging into it and throw it all away.  Now, you've just got a serrated knife to wash and you're done.  I can usually do this in just a matter of minutes and minimal mess.  No more dreading having to divide the bulk beef or regretting that I threw it in the freezer whole!

I hope this tip saves you some time in the kitchen!

Thanks so much and God bless!!

Angie

Here's a pic to pin!  

I'm linking here:

THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Brown Rice Salad - Great for New Year's Goal of Healthier Eating

Many years ago, my friend began experimenting with recipes for healthier eating.  She nailed this one!  I've made this so many times over the years.  It's so delicious and super easy to make.  There's just 6 simple ingredients.

Brown rice, sunflower seeds, purple onion, feta cheese, Craisins, 

and Newman's Best Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing

Begin with cooked brown rice that has already cooled.

Toss in the sunflower seeds, onion, feta cheese, and Craisins.

Pour in the salad dressing and combine until everything is well coated.

That's it!  Enjoy!  Brown rice salad is great for picnics or potlucks since you don't have to worry about spoilage from mayo or meats.  You can also cater it to add or take away any ingredients you like!  I'm including the printable recipe below.  I hope you give it a try!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!
Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES
MISS MUSTARD SEED
CONFESSIONS OF A PLATE ADDICT

Redneck Nachos for Game Day

It's week 2 of the Fall Blog Tour and we're sharing recipes this week.  We began the week with Jennifer of The Striped House and her Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes (how can you go wrong with those two!) and Lisa of Concord Cottage with Pumpkin Zucchini Lasagna looks delicious!  So, if you hopping over from their blogs, welcome!!

Here's my recipe for the week.  I'm not sure if this qualifies as a recipe or a "throw-together" but either way, it's one of my family's favorites for watching our favorite football teams on game day!

Here's the list of things you'll need:

• 1 large bag On the Border Tortilla Chips (may not take the entire bag but use the extra chips for afterwards)
• 1 pound pulled pork BBQ (If you have a local favorite BBQ spot, that works best but a prepared one from the grocery store will also work)
• 1 15-oz. can great northern beans (drained)
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup sliced banana peppers
• 1 bottle Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce (drizzle with about 1/4 cup but you may want the bottle for dipping later)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.  Now we're ready to assemble!

Cover a baking sheet with the tortilla chips, about one chip layer deep.

Now, spread the entire pound of pork barbecue over the chips.

Spread the northern beans on top of the pork.  I use a large fork or a slotted spoon to keep any remaining liquid in the can from making the chips soggy.

Oh, now for the good stuff.  You don't want to skip this...Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ Sauce!  We love this bbq sauce and it adds great flavor to the dish.  Drizzle the sauce over the entire pan, adding as much or as little as you want.  We normally use about a 1/4 cup.  My hubby adds more to his plate of nachos for dipping too!

Now you get to pile on the peppers and onions (or your favorite toppings).  My household is split so our nachos are half onion and half banana peppers.  

Top it all with cheese and they're ready for the oven!

Bake in a 375 degree oven for about 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and the outer chips are beginning to brown.  

Once they're out of the oven, you can add sour cream or jalapeno peppers or even Sriracha sauce for a kick!  I like them all on mine! :)

And, you're done!  Just in time because the game is on! 

Here's a printable and Pinnable (from the sidebar, sorry my hover Pin isn't working correctly) recipe card for you:

I hope you give these a try.  They're simple but always a crowd pleaser.  For another great fall recipe, don't forget to check out 2 Bees in a Pod tomorrow!!  The blog tour continues with CoCo and Bobbi later this week! :)

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE
HYMNS AND VERSES

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

"It's in the Freezes Beautifully section of my cookbook." - Annelle, Steel Magnolias.

Well, the recipe is actually from my sister but this dish does freeze beautifully and it's super easy.  We love Mexican food at our house and this recipe is one I can whip up quick on a busy weeknight.  This post is heavy on the photos but I've added this printable recipe card for you.

Here's the recipe (printable version):

Chicken ready for shredding

The ingredients for the mixture (ignore the olive oil...it's photobombing)

Chicken mixture ready to fill the shells

Just a couple of spoonfuls, then wrap

Pan is full and ready for cheese

Everything is assembled and ready to bake

25 minutes later and it's ready to eat

Drizzled with a little hot sauce for some heat and

serve with chips and Mamaw's Homemade Salsa!

I hope you enjoy this recipe.  For an even quicker version, you can purchase frozen, pre-cooked shredded chicken from most major grocery stores.

What's your favorite Mexican dish?  :)


Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS
JENNIFER RIZZO
HOME STORIES A TO Z
FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON
COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW 
SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE
UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE
ART IS BEAUTY

CLEVER CHICKS BLOG HOP DIY SHOWOFF IT'S OVERFLOWING

THREE MANGO SEEDS

ELIZABETH JOAN DESIGNS

WEEKEND CRAFTS

PRETTY PINTASTIC PARTY
THOUGHTS FROM ALICE

Pancake and Chocolate Syrup Recipe

Since I whetted your appetites with the post about Birthday Breakfasts, I thought I'd answer your questions on how to make the incredible (and incredibly simple!) Homemade Chocolate Syrup and how to add more flavor to your basic pancakes.  So, here we go.

First for the pancakes, you begin with a simple baking mix.  I don't like to see a bunch of ugly boxes sitting in my pantry so I use old pantry jars to hold most dry goods.  If you need the measurements for biscuits, pancakes, etc., just copy it from the box and taped it to the jar.

Did you know that most old teacups hold exactly one cup?  That makes them perfect as scoops in flour and sugar jars.  And, the look nice too.  This one is a vintage Homer Laughlin teacup.  I assume it was made for a restaurant or hotel because of the JC monogram. 

Here are the other ingredients for the pancakes.  It's a pretty basic, by-the-box recipe except, for more flavor, I add a splash of maple flavoring.  I also substitute part of the milk with flavored creamer.  If the recipe calls for 1 cup of milk, you can add 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup of creamer.  When I substitute with creamer, I do not add any sugar that the instructions list.  Flavored creamer has enough.

Mix well!

Here's a pancake trick that I picked up from Julia Child's cookbook.  Let the batter rest for a few minutes before pouring it in your pan.  You can see in the photo above, there are a lot more air bubbles in the second photo than the first.  Those bubbles will help make fluffier pancakes.

Whether you're using a pan like this one (which I happen to think is the bomb-diggity for making pancakes) or a griddle, always preheat it before adding your batter.  Otherwise, you batter will continue to spread and your pancake will be thin instead of thick and fluffy.

Enough with the pancakes, you're here for this!  Hot, chocolaty syrup!  I didn't take a picture of the ingredients but they are very basic.  Here's what you'll need:  1 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup cocoa powder (I just use store brand or whatever may be on sale), 2 tablespoons of butter, and 1/3 cup of sugar.  Put everything in a saucepan and gradually heat to a slow boil.  Once it begins to boil, turn the heat down to simmer.  I like my chocolate syrup thin so that it saturates the pancakes.  If you would like it thicker, you can add a little bit of cornstarch before the boil.  But I wouldn't...just saying :)

So we've got everything prepared.  Let's put it all together.

Mmmm....hot buttery pancakes.  Just waiting for the chocolaty goodness.

Are you ready for this?

Ok. Here goes!

Oh my goodness...hurry up!

Wow, if your screens were scratch and sniff, you'd be envying me about now.

That will just about do it!  See the chocolate syrup puddled around the pancakes?  That's when you know you've got enough on there.  It won't stay a puddle for long.  It's going to soak right into those pancakes, making them incredible!

Oh my!

I hope you get a chance to try these and you'll know what I mean.  I normally eat pretty healthily but, hey, birthdays are special and come once a year.

Tomorrow I'll eat some yogurt but for now...

Stick a fork in me.  I'm done!

Thanks for stopping by and God bless!

Angie

I'm linking here:
THE STYLE SISTERS

JENNIFER RIZZO

FROM MY FRONT PORCH TO YOURS

COMMON GROUND

HAVE A DAILY CUP OF MRS. OLSON

COASTAL CHARM'S NIFTY THRIFTY TUESDAY

FRIDAYS UNFOLDED

FEATHERED NEST FRIDAY

ONE MORE TIME EVENTS

TWIRL AND TAKE A BOW

SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

STONEGABLE

UNDER THE TABLE AND DREAMING

A DELIGHTSOME LIFE

ART IS BEAUTY