Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy eating. Show all posts

4/28/2012

The Original Whirley Pop 6 Quart Stovetop Popcorn Popper with Bonus Popcorn Bowl Review

The Original Whirley Pop 6 Quart Stovetop Popcorn Popper with Bonus Popcorn Bowl
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this popper after reading the reviews. I love Kettle Corn, and have tried various microwave versions, which were OK, but were kind of expensive for the amount received. The reviews were mostly favorable on this unit and some of the remarks that the construction is rather flimsy are also valid. But friends it's a popcorn maker not a sledge hammer. The weak link is the crank and gear mechanism which could be improved without a huge investment, but that said if you don't force things I'm sure you will get many buckets of delicious wholesome popcorn, the best that I've tasted in many years, and with very few unpopped kernels. You will have to experiment to determine the heat range, I use a gas range, but the results are worth the effort. The regular popcorn is great using 2 tbsp of peanut oil and 1/2 cup of Orville's salt to taste you won't be disappointed. The key is to quit cranking when the resistance is great and remove from heat when the popping slows.
The Kettle Corn is delicious and you can have it whenever you wish without looking for a Fair or Carnival. I alter the recipe a little using 1/4 cup of peanut oil & 1/4 cup of sugar to 1/2 cup of Orville's and as I said when the cranking gets tough STOP and you won't strip the gears. Be sure to season the pot before using the popper for the first time by putting a tablespoon of oil swirling it around and heating. Allow to cool and wipe it out with a paper towel and you're good to go. Start enjoying popcorn like you haven't had since you were a child!

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Original Whirley Pop 6 Quart Stovetop Popcorn Popper with Bonus Popcorn Bowl

A fun and delicious gift, , the 6-quart Original Whirley Pop stovetop popcorn popper makes mouthwatering popcorn--twice as much as a standard bag of microwave popcorn--in less than 3 minutes. The patented stirring mechanism is designed like a commercial popper to prevent sticking and burning by stirring every kernel until it pops--up to 42 times its original size. The hardwood handle stays cool and keeps your hands away from steam and heat, and the removable lid features quick-release clips. Every Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper comes with a 25 year warranty on all moving parts. It cleans up easy with just the wipe of a paper towel. It's backed by a 25-year warranty.

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3/20/2012

The Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper Review

The Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
this popper is a good thing,far better than the pots and pans that i used in the past thank you.

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There is no better night at home than one curled up with a warm blanket, a great movie and a big bowl of buttery popcorn! This gift set includes the Original Whirley Pop Stovetop popcorn popper, 4 all-inclusive Real Theater Movie Style Popping Kits (pre-measured for the Whirley Pop … just cut, pour and pop!), an 8oz jar of mouth watering buttery popcorn topping and 4 disposable authentic movie time popcorn tubs.

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2/26/2012

Emile Henry Flame Top Wok Review

Emile Henry Flame Top Wok
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I love Emile Henry. They are completely eco friendly. The cookware itself literally comes from the earth! The Burgundian clay mixture comes from decomposed rock that is millions of years old. Even the glazes and finishes are derived from all natural sources and are non toxic.The Emile Henry factory is also eco friendly and adheres to strict environmental practices.
If I know I can throw some veggies into the wok and have a meal in about five or ten minutes with less than five minutes cleaning time, I'm in! Sometimes by dinner time you're tired and not up to the challenge of making a healthy meal. But you still want something hot and hearty. With this wok, there is no excuse not to eat healthy. With the wok, you only lightly cook the veggies, so there are more healthy enzymes in tact and the nutrient level is higher.
I put a tiny bit of coconut oil in the pan, along with a couple of garlic clove halves (to be taken out later, it's there just to flavor the oil). Then I toss in whatever veggies I have on hand. Always broccoli, maybe some bok choy or napa cabbage, some carrots. A little chili oil or grated ginger if it's a cold day, some green herbs like cilantro,Thai basil, or lime leaf. There are infinite possibilites and flavors to come up with. In five minutes or less you have a great meal, just like that. I like it served up with a big salad and if you need something heartier, some quinoa.
The wok is also oven safe and for Thanksgiving, I used it to make my stuffing. It was so easy! First I sautéed some minced onion, then added some diced mushrooms, then diced celery. I let the flavors mingle, then added whole grain bread cubes (already in the bag from the co-op). Then I poured some vegetable broth over it, added some herbs, mixed it up, put the lid on and baked for about an hour. It was crazy good and there was just barely any left to enjoy the next day. Clean up took just a couple of minutes even though some of the stuffing was pretty baked on. I will definitely be repeating this for our Christmas dinner.
The wok looks wonderful on the table and the ceramic acts as a warmer, keeping the food from getting cold. You can't go wrong with Emile Henry. I know it's a little spendy, but this is something you buy one time. And then you pass it down through generations, so I think it's well worth it. It would make a killer holiday gift for the foodie or cook on your list

Click Here to see more reviews about: Emile Henry Flame Top Wok

A versatile addition to any cookware collection, this innovative wok's curved interior promotes proper stir-frying, while its wide top and narrow bottom allow for frying with less oil than with a straight-sided pan. Simply heat the oil; add any favorite combination of fresh vegetables, tofu, or meat; then keep things moving with a long-handled wooden spatula. Measuring approximately 16 by 13-1/2 by 6 inches, the 5-quart-capacity wok retains heat and distributes it gently and evenly, making the cooking vessel a nice choice not only for stir-frying, but also for braising, simmering, sauteing, and steam cooking. It can also be heated to extremely high temperatures for searing. The cookware brings out the natural flavors of the food and maintains natural textures and colors for delicious results. An oven-safe tempered-glass lid and a handy tempura rack come included.
As with other pieces in the Emile Henry's Flame-Top ceramic cookware line, the wok is made of Burgundy Clay, which can be used on any stove top (gas, electric, or halogen), without any fear of cracking or breaking. Be sure to use Emile Henry's special induction disk when using the wok on induction stove tops. For exceptional convenience, the base can go directly from the refrigerator or freezer to a hot oven, under the broiler, in the microwave--or even on a barbecue grill. Its beautiful design also makes it a viable choice for use as a serving piece at the table. Other highlights include two integrated side handles, a footed base for heat diffusion, and a lightweight design (up to 30-percent lighter than all cast iron). Manufactured in France, the wok cleans easily by hand or in the dishwasher, and it carries a 10-year limited warranty.

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2/02/2012

The Sharper Image 8127SI Super Wave 1300-Watt 12-1/2-Quart Countertop Oven Review

The Sharper Image 8127SI Super Wave 1300-Watt 12-1/2-Quart Countertop Oven
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
We've never had a convection oven in our kitchen, and I looked forward to trying this hybrid convection/hybrid/infrared cooking unit. Overall, the negative aspects of this device outweigh its positives.
Some things to consider:
First: sheer size. I did the math, and at 15" tall (12" if you remove the metal extender ring) and 12" in diameter, you'll need to find a cool cubic foot of storage space when it's not in use. If your kitchen is like mine, and you already have a rice cooker, a slow cooker, a food processor and a countertop mixer competing for cabinet and counter space: good luck. I realize that the volume allows it to accommodate substantially sized contents. Just be aware that you'll have to find a place to keep it.
Second: weight. Approximately 17 pounds (advertised shipping weight is 18 pounds). Wherever you decide to store it, you'll be hefting it.
Third: lots of opportunities to burn yourself. See all that glass in the product picture? It all gets hot (as does the 3" metal extender ring). While it may be intuitive that these get hot, you'll be working in close proximity to them while turning items over or removing them from the cooking container.
Fourth: Clean-up. The main cooking bowl will take up most of a kitchen sink during clean-up. The heating and fan element, along with the power cord and power supply, are integrated into the glass lid. Obviously this is a "do not immerse in water" item. Cleaning up after the spatters resulting from cooking takes some thought.
One of the attractive features of this is the opportunity to cook meats from frozen. Great idea, and seems like a time saver. Here's a reality check for one such scenario: cooking a 6.7 lb frozen chicken.
-the giblet bag. It's frozen inside the body cavity. I tried both running water and a brief stint in the microwave to get is sufficiently thawed for removal...no success. Neither was it extractable at the halfway cooking point (when you turn the chicken over). So I left it in the chicken.
-the cooking instructions for a whole frozen chicken call for it to be turned halfway through cooking. The included tongs for lifting the cooking rack out of the container simply can't accommodate the size of a chicken this large. So turning becomes an adventure with opportunities to both burn yourself...and send your half-baked chicken sliding across the counter..and maybe onto the floor.
Also of note in the included cooking instructions was a surprising difference in cooking temperatures for "whole chicken, 4 lb" and "whole turkey, 6 lb". The instructions indicated the chicken should be cooked at 460 degrees (F),the turkey at 350 (F). As they are both poultry, I was surprised by this, and had no confidence that either was correct.
Bottom line:consider carefully the wisdom of the "whole frozen chicken" recipe selection!
A brief discussion about cooking times and energy savings:
The description of this item indicates "up to 3 times faster" than a conventional oven. Pay attention to the "up to 3 times", and plan on about 2 times faster as a rule of thumb. This is a 1300 watt (110 v) appliance, so it'll use about the same energy of a high powered microwave or hair dryer. I'll assume this is still less than a 220 volt conventional oven (but leave that bottom line to the electricians), bit it will still use significant electricity when operating.
So, if you have a place to store it, and if your kitchen and cooking are such that you often need to prepare multiple entrees in the oven, and IF you select the correct recipes (stuffed peppers, baked potatoes, air-fried french fries or cuts of meat that can be easily turned), this might be a good choice for you. If not, this may be one of those appliances that finds a distant storage place...and then remains there until your next garage sale or moving day.


Click Here to see more reviews about: The Sharper Image 8127SI Super Wave 1300-Watt 12-1/2-Quart Countertop Oven

Combine the fast cooking time of a microwave with the quality results of a conventional oven. The Sharper Image Super Wave Countertop Oven works like a standard oven but cooks up to three times faster. Using a tri-cooking system, this 12-1/2-quart countertop oven bakes, boils, broils, air fries, steams, grills, or roasts your meals. Eliminating the need to defrost frozen foods first, the oven lets you enjoy a variety of dishes and low-fat meals with fewer calories while spending less time in the kitchen.
Super Wave Countertop OvenAt a Glance:

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12/30/2011

Whirley-Pop Gourmet Assorted Gift Set with Stovetop Popcorn Popper Review

Whirley-Pop Gourmet Assorted Gift Set with Stovetop Popcorn Popper
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I bought this when my air popper died & I am so glad I found this product! The popcorn is the best & it is very simple to make. The thing I like the best is that it is a healthy alternative to the chemically filled microwave popcorn. I can choose which oil to use & how much so I have total control over what goes into my popcorn so I feel confident that what I am eating is good for me.
The packaged corn that came with was ok & a good introduction to using the popper but I will not buy packages again as it is so easy to make a great tasting popcorn on my own. I did try the cinnamon popcorn recipe from the included book & it was fantastic!
I would recommend this to anyone, the popper is easy to handle, easy to clean & it makes the best, crisp & crunchy popcorn ever. It only takes about 3 minutes to be done & you can even use the stirring mechanism to stir extra butter in it or other salt or other seasonings. Sometimes simple & old fashioned is better & that is the case with this item.
Now we can't wait to rent a movie so we have an excuse to pop popcorn almost every night!


Click Here to see more reviews about: Whirley-Pop Gourmet Assorted Gift Set with Stovetop Popcorn Popper

The Original Whirley-Pop stovetop hand-crank popcorn popper brings it all back with its one-of-a-kind design.You can enjoy light, flavorful popcorn (makes up to six quarts) that you prepare yourself right on the stovetop in just three minutes.The pate

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11/23/2011

Norpro Deluxe 3-Piece Bamboo Steamer Set Review

Norpro Deluxe 3-Piece Bamboo Steamer Set
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
For healthy, nutritional, quick, low mess cooking, make almost any dish with a steamer. This steamer is mid range in terms of quality of material and build. It isn't the El Cheapo department store variety that is held together with metal staples, bound to end up in the trash can after several uses. With proper care, this steamer should last you several years. Soak the new steamer in cold water for a few hours when you first get it. Always store in an open air place to prevent mildew. Clean up is a breeze, just wipe with a paper towel, or if needed a quick dunk in soapy water and then rinse.
Steamers fit best on woks that are 2 inches larger than the steamer, therefore, a 12 inch wok would work best with this steamer. Other than the recipe on the side of the box, there is nothing in the box other than the steamer. You can cook or reheat your food by placing it directly on the bamboo, paper towel, leaves, parchment paper or by placing it on a heat resistant plate or in a bowl. Also, you can add or remove steamer layers while cooking. For even quicker food prep, if you're having noodles with the meal, you can cook them in the water in the bottom of the wok - a one pan meal.Steaming is truly quick and efficient cooking at its best.

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Steaming enhances natural flavors while retaining valuable vitamins and nutrients.Steamed foods are self basting, so moisture is retained.A clean, quick and economical method of cooking.The lowest tier for meat or fish; side dishes and vegetables in the upper tier.

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10/31/2011

Santa Fe QM2R 900-Watt Quesadilla Maker Review

Santa Fe QM2R 900-Watt Quesadilla Maker
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Napoleon Dynamite's grandma would be proud to own one of these! Works great. One little tip before you head to the grocery store... you must use the LARGE "burrito size" tortillas with this. If you try to use smaller tortillas like "taco size" or "fajita size," they won't extend out to the part of the grilling surface that seals the edges and your melting cheese will flow out the sides. The instructions say you must use a 10" diameter torilla. That's usually sold as "burrito size." I agree with Diane that an on/off switch would have been a nice feature, but it still works wonderfully.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Santa Fe QM2R 900-Watt Quesadilla Maker

Bake favorite quesadilla recipes right at home in four to five minutes with this easy-to-use quesadilla maker. The 900-watt unit accommodates 10-inch fresh, pliable, flour tortillas and soft filling ingredients like shredded cheese, salsa, and shredded or thinly sliced pieces of cooked meat, poultry, or vegetables. For best results, fillings should be spread as evenly as possible, up to a 1/2-inch from the edge of the tortilla so that the edges can seal together. Gently raise or lower the lid using a potholder or oven mitt and remove quesadillas with a plastic or wooden spatula only.
Other highlights include an "on/off" power light and "ready" light, a steam guard, and nonstick cooking plates for effortless food release. The unit's soft cool-touch pads and built-in nonstick drip tray provide added convenience. To clean, wipe the lid, base, and cooking plates with a damp cloth and towel dry. Compactly store the unit by latching the cooking plates together, loosely winding the cord around its base, and standing it in a vertical position. An owner's manual loaded with recipes is included. The quesadilla maker measures approximately 12 by 12 by 6 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.

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10/10/2011

Breville EW30XL Electric Gourmet Wok Review

Breville EW30XL Electric Gourmet Wok
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This Wok has some serious heat. As a professional chef with Asian style recipes on the menu I've used many a stove top wok. Until now I'd never found an electric wok that could generate enough heat to sear in the flavors of meats and vegetables. Not only does the Breville Electric Wok deliver as much heat as a top of the range stove top wok, its surface is non-stick so I can use less oil for healthier results. Every thing about the wok is clever, from the detachable base, to the dishwasher safe parts, to the cook and look glass lid. Whoever designed this is in to wok cooking in a big way. Very clever, very stylish, very hot.

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Whip up healthy and delicious stir fry dinners with this handsome and convenient electric wok from Breville. The variable heat control has 15 settings, including a high sear setting, so you can precisely control temperature and cooking time. One-year limited warranty. Model EW30XL.

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9/11/2011

Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper with 1 Real Theater Popcorn Kit - Red Pan Review

Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper with 1 Real Theater Popcorn Kit - Red Pan
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I love this popper. I was looking for a way to make homemade kettle corn & this is it. It is so easy to use. My 12 yr old makes popcorn by himself and my younger kids love to crank the handle. For kettle corn I use 1/2 cup Orville popcorn, 1/4 c white sugar(brown makes caramel corn) and a little oil, sprinkle with salt before serving. Dump all together and put on burner. 5 mins later you have delicious kettle corn. I highly recommend this if you are tired of microwave and really want delicious homemade popcorn. A little FYI we have tried the popcorn kit it comes with, while it is good(a wee bit salty in spots) it's really not all that necessary. You get delicious popcorn using Orville's and a little butter drizzled on.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Whirley-Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper with 1 Real Theater Popcorn Kit - Red Pan

For the true popcorn lover who wants perfect popcorn every time. Only the Genuine Whirley-Pop Original Hand-Cranked Popping Machine pops up popcorn the way professionals do (like movie theatres). The unique hand-cranked stirring paddle coats each kernel evenly for great taste with less oil. The aluminum pan and stainless steel stirring system create high heat and prevent burning so every kernel pops up to 42 times its original size. Built in steam vents eliminate soggy popcorn and makes every bite light and crispy. Hardwood handles stay cool. Includes a pouch of real theater popcorn (makes 6 quarts of popcorn) and instruction and recipe guide.Red.6 quart capacity.

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9/08/2011

The Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper Theater Style Popcorn Set Review

The Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper Theater Style Popcorn Set
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I have purchased several Whirley Pop Popcorn Poppers from Amazon and other locations. Everyone who sees me use it wants one and thus I have given them to friends as Christmas presents. Rather than restate many things covered in other reviews I will point out a few things.
Before popping make sure the tips of the arms that stir the popcorn are pointed up. If these become flipped while cleaning and the tips point down the tips grind the bottom of the pan.
The directions tell you not to use butter but I have no problem using a mix of half butter and half olive oil.
When buying packages of premeasured popcorn/salt/oil do not buy the 8 oz. size. These are too large for the popper and you have to take it off of the stove before it completes. This results in very salty and oily popcorn. Stick with the 4 or 6 oz. packages.
Remember, solid oils are bad for you and this is what is used in most packages that include the popcorn, oil and salt. If you are buying a Whirley Pop to get away from the hazards of microwave popcorn then consider using olive oil.
Crank slowly. All you need to do is move the popcorn around for even heating. Cranking too fast causes the popcorn to push up onto the side of the pan.
Once the popping is done it may seem convenient to shake a cheese mix into the pan and use the crank to mix it into the popcorn. If you do this the cheese with stick to the shaft and arms of the popper. Pour your popcorn into a bowl before adding flavorings.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper Theater Style Popcorn Set

Having the gang over for the big game?This is the perfect party set, house warming, birthday, christmas or unique gift for that special occasion.The set includes everything needed to make Movie Theater Style Popcorn at home in just 3 minutes in the Original Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper available now in a festive red color.

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8/20/2011

Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper Review

Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Mine lasted less than a year with light use. The problem lies with the two plastic gears that turn the sweeper.Heat melted the way the gears are attached to the metal rods.I fixed mine with"Liquid Nails" but after further use the gears became brittle and cracked and I gave up. Don't buy!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper


We love popcorn ... and we absolutely love the Whirley Pop Stovetop Popcorn Popper! It makes the most delicious popcorn and kettle corn. We love to make fresh popcorn at home and sneak it into the movie theater!
If you love popcorn this six-quart Whirley Pop Stovetop Popper is for you! This is the ultimate popcorn machine. Use any popcorn, add as little as one teaspoon of healthy oil, and in less than three minutes you'll have six quarts of healthy, delicious, mouthwatering popcorn to enjoy. Every popper comes with the Secrets to Great Popcorn guide containing complete instructions and dozens of recipe.
Now you won't have to wait for the fair to enjoy delicious kettle corn. Make it at home and add as much sugar or salt as you like! Make Cinnamon Crunch, Chocolate Mint, Butterscotch Maple, Cheddar Cheese, Mesquite BBQ, White Chocolate Almond, Poppy Cock, Candy Corn, and lots more!
Makes 6 quarts of theater style popcorn with as little as a teaspoon of oil Snap-tight lid with steam vents helps keep popcorn light, crisp and flavorful A patented stirring system ensures most every kernel will pop A 50 page book with detailed instructions, recipes and fun popcorn facts and history The wooden handle and crank stay cool while popping making it safe to use
Manufacturer:Wabash FarmsModel:44CM-000-44WPMaterial:AluminumHandle Material:HardwoodSize / Capacity:6 qt.Length:17 inchesWidth:9 1/2 inchesHeight:9 1/2Weight:2 lbs.Warranty:25 year

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