Dress up time for your baked goods. – LiStyle’s Cupcake Wrappers.

I love to bake. I find it very relaxing, and fun. These cupcake wrappers really bring baking up to the next level. These are literally clothing for your baked goods, lol. You do not actually bake with them, but you wrap them around your baked goods after you are done baking them. They are open, and are just wraps. These are not cups. They wrap and close with a tab. You get 100 of them in your package. They are made out of pearlescent art paper, in a filigree cut out design. They are quite gorgeous in person. The cut outs are such a fine detailing. It’s impressive what can be done with paper. The bottom diameter is 2.05 inches (5.2cm), and the top diameter is 3.19 inches. They are also 2.17 inches (5.5cm) tall. So, the perfect size for everyday cupcakes and muffins. These are great for parties, brunches, birthdays, get-togethers, anniversaries, weddings, showers, and more. They are even fun to dress up you every day muffin to make yourself feel special. I made a batch of chocolate chip muffins to test these out, and they really did dress them up! I wrapped them around the paper liner cup. If you choose a darker liner cup, that pretty color will shine through, adding to the design. This is really a no brainer way to dress up your baked goods for special occasions. I didn’t realize how easy it was.

I was afforded the opportunity to review LiStyle’s Cupcake Wrappers 100 Filigree Artistic Bake Cake Paper Cups, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to order this product. It can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Wrappers-Filigree-Artistic-Birthday-Decoration/dp/B01881ZR5A?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

So, so delicious!!!! – Black Tie Mercantile’s Guittard Organic 66% Cacao Semisweet Chocolate Baking Wafers.

I love cooking, especially baking. I find people either love to bake or they hate to bake, lol. Since I am plagued with an intense amount of life threatening food allergies, I am so glad I enjoy cooking. Chocolate, on the other hand, is an issue for me. I find that a lot of chocolate either is made with Vanillin, which I am allergic to, or processed where nuts are handled. I have had my throat shut under those circumstances too. So, I am beyond thrilled with these Non-GMO semisweet chocolate baking wafers. They are organic, and 66% Cacao. You get 2 sealed 12oz packages in your order. This chocolate is amazing. It is amazing to taste, and to work with. Even when I think I am buying a great quality chocolate, I find that it is hard to actually work with. It burns too easily, and doesn’t act like it should. I love the organic goodness of this chocolate. It melts into a creamy dream of goodness, just like it should. You definitely get what you pay for. It acts and tastes like it should, and you don’t have to second guess the actual ingredients in the product, or how it was processed. Companies do not have to list the ingredients your food was processed with. That is scary to me, and it is a lot of what I am deadly allergic to. The ingredients in these wafers are: Cacao Beans, Evaporated Cane Syrup, Cocoa Butter, and Soya Lecithin. This chocolate was processed on equipment where milk chocolate was made. That is it for the allergen warning. I love that! I made some very gooey and yummy brownies with my first batch of organic semisweet chocolate wafers. It’s a dream to cook with, as well as to eat it as is, lol. My chocolate arrived well sealed and packaged. Very professionally done. It is also a Fair Trade product, which I know a lot of people love. The chocolate melted perfectly. The taste is pure, and delicious. I really can’t express enough how wonderful this product is. It is everything I have been looking for, for a long time now. No nut or vanillin worries with this product. It’s healthy for you too! I whole heartedly recommend this product.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Black Tie Mercantile’s Guittard Organic 66% Cacao Semisweet Chocolate Baking Wafers, 12oz Bags in a BlackTie Box (Pack of 2), in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If your would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Guittard-Organic-Semisweet-Chocolate-BlackTie/dp/B01BUGZRVY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

The perfect pizza cutter. – Checkered Chef’s Pizza Cutter.

I have insane food allergies and cook almost everything from scratch. That includes my pizza dough as well. I have finally got my pizza dough down pat, and it’s fun to make for my family. I have the usual wheel type pizza cutter, so I was very intrigued with this one. This Checkered Chef pizza cutter will make you feel like a professional. It’s a solid piece of stainless steel, and makes cutting a pizza a breeze. The blade on this cutter is actually pretty sharp for a factory edge. It sliced through my pizza so easily. You just rock it through. This pizza cutter is 14.4 inches long, and 4.2 inches tall. It is made out of 18/0 stainless steel. It’s a breeze to keep clean. Stainless doesn’t naturally harbor mold, fungus, or bacteria. That is one reason why it’s so popular with professional chefs. It can take a beating, and go through the dishwasher. It should last you a very long time. You can cut thinner cakes with it as well, like cheesecake, coffee cake, and the like. One big difference I noticed is that when I was cutting my pizza, it didn’t pull the cheese like my wheel pizza cutter does. Sometimes the wheeled one will almost pull the pizza off a slice of pizza, and I have to push it back on. I did not have that issue with this one yet. I definitely believe the claims that it won’t pull off your toppings. It’s a very well made pizza cutter. It even comes with a great sheath to keep the blade protected. I am very comfortable recommending this product.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Checkered Chef’s Pizza Cutter, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this pizza cutter, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pizza-Cutter-Checkered-Chef-Protective/dp/B01A7PYVS4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Portion control – Fit Simple- 7 Piece Portion Control Containers.

This fun set of containers is a set of 7 from Fit Simple. Besides food storage, and traveling with food, their purpose is for portion control. A lot of diets have portion sizing. That can be hard to do, so people like to use containers like these to help manage their lunches for work, on the go, and even at home. This set has locking lids, but they can be tricky to do. When locked properly, these are also leak proof, which is highly handy. The lids literally push down, and lock into place. The trick is, getting all four tabs to lock in. I can always get three, but the 4^th is a little harder. Hopefully they will get easier with use. You just need to push down hard on each corner, and you will hear and see that they are popped in. When they aren’t, you can see one corner sit up higher than the others. There is no not knowing with this set. That I like, especially when storing liquid items. Opening them is a breeze. You literally just push in the grey tabs, and the lid comes right off. The sizes of these containers are: “Vegetables- 10oz. , Fruit- 10oz. , Protein- 6oz. , Carbs- 4.25oz. , Health Fats- 2oz. , Nuts, Seeds and Oils- 1oz.” The names of the foods are printed right on the lids. I like how they broke the sizes down with food ideas. I find it very helpful. These containers are BPA free, DEHP-free, and dishwasher safe. You will get a little flyer with this set that gives you a recipe too. If you are on a diet that requires strict portions, these will be very helpful. Calorie counting will still be up to you though.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Fit Simple- 7 Piece Portion Control Containers, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Portion-Containers-Comparable-Included/dp/B011X7G9IA?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Yea, food storage! – Be-Lighthouse’s Portion Control Food Containers with Lids.

I love the containers that have locking lids, like these. I have a knack of dropping things, and I have been known to knock a container or two out of the fridge. That always creates such a mess. The same goes with traveling with food. I’ve sent food with my guys when they head out for work and I’ve had to hear back about lids coming off, and food leaking in their cars. That is always a messy and smelly scenario, which is also never a fun experience. This set contains three containers: 1-41oz, 1-17oz, and 1-6oz container. They are leak proof, microwaveable safe, dishwasher safe, and freezer safe. I had no trouble filling mine with water and shaking them all about either. Not one drip leaked out. The lids lock down on all sides. They are simple to do. If you are on a special diet, and need to know your portion sizes, the smaller two will be perfect for lunch on the go. There are no BPA worries with these containers either. They are also FDA approved, which I always find funny when you’re dealing with containers. They are also air tight, which helps keep your food fresher, for a longer period of time. If you are looking for a solid set of leak proof containers, I am comfortable recommending these.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Be-Lighthouse’s Portion Control Food Containers with Lids, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase these containers, you can find it here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Portion-Control-Containers-Microwave-Dishwasher/dp/B015H4OXFG?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

There’s nothing like homemade pizza! – Kit-Chef’s Round Cordierite Pizza Stone.

Stoneware has been a big part of my kitchen for around 15 years now. I love cooking on stones. I needed a new pizza stone though, so I am thrilled about this new one from Kit-Chef. It is wonderful. This stone is also the thickest stone I have ever had. It is 14” in diameter and ¾’s of an inch thick! That is thick. It is quite substantial in weight and size. It works like a dream too. I can’t wait to see how much better it gets with seasoning. Seasoning occurs over time. The more you cook on it, the better it gets. This is definitely a product that gets better with age, just like us cooks, lol.

When you first use this stone, you need to rinse it thoroughly with water only. Never, ever, use soap on this stone. It will soak it up, and your food will taste off. Then, let it dry overnight. The next day, cook it in your oven at about 450 degrees, for up to 2 hours. They state as high as your oven can go. Now, you are free to cook on it. Don’t rub oils on your stone, they can end up smoking a little in the oven. If you want to put something down on your stone so your food doesn’t stick, place some cornmeal on it. My pizzas came out beautifully on this stone. I need another one now, lol. I cook two at a time. Of course, you can cook anything on a stone. I just have fresh made pizza on my mind. Included in the box with the stone, is a great instruction sheet. To get a crisper crust, you can preheat your stone, and then place you pizza down on it, or rolls, breads, etc.. Do not place a hot stone into water though. It will crack on you! You need to make sure it cools off before you wash it off with water only. I love how evenly stones cook. They really do add a special something to baked goods.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Kit-Chef’s Round Cordierite Pizza Stone 14″ x 3/4″ – Thick Sturdy Stone, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

If you would like to purchase this stone, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011FNLO6Y?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Easy to use. – Ozeri’s Savore Soft Touch Electric Pepper Mill and Grinder.

Honestly, I never thought about using battery operated pepper grinders before living with my mother again. She is 70 and has arthritis in her hands. You start to look at things differently when you watch someone have difficulties with a task you find simple. She loves pepper too, and Himalayan Pink Salt. There is a big difference in flavor too, between freshly ground, and pre-ground. Freshly ground is sooooooo much better. This particular pepper grinder from Ozeri is pretty easy to operate. It does require 6 AAA batteries, and they are not included. No tool is necessary to access the battery compartment either. The top half of the bottle unscrews. You unscrew this area to both fill it with your spice of choice, as well as to access the battery compartment. Once you unscrew it, turn the handle upside down. You will see two white tabs. Press these towards each other, and this unlatches the battery compartment. Pull it out and you will see the area for the 6 batteries. Now that you’ve both filled it with your spice and batteries, close it up. Now, on the outside of the unit, you can choose your ground size: small, medium, and large. It’s so easy to adjust too. I like the small. It allows some fine and larger grounds thru. We chose to put some pink Himalayan salt in ours. Then, just press the large silver button on the top of it. So easy, and it works so well. The motor doesn’t sound like it’s even near to struggling to grind it. It uses a ceramic grinder. I love ceramic grinders. Our coffee grinders are ceramic. They stay sharper longer, and enable a consistent grind for a much longer period. This unit’s outer container is clear and rubber coated plastic materials. The food itself sits in the clear container, so you know how much you have. The handle has a rubbery coating, which gives it a soft feel, but affords an easy and comfortable grip. It also doesn’t gather finger prints as fast as others. This is such a great working unit. It’s a soft touch to operate, and it works so well. This pepper mill is a great addition to our home.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Ozeri’s Savore Soft Touch Electric Pepper Mill and Grinder, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. This product arrives as shown.

If you would like to purchase this grinder, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007TB31QS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Yummy. – Bellemain’s Ravioli Maker with Cutting Frame and Mold.

I do all of my own cooking from scratch. I have no choice really, since I suffer from an immense amount of food allergies. Because of this I haven’t been able to serve my family ravioli in a long, long time, and they love it. I also can’t tolerate cheap, inferior cooking tools. I was really excited to get this ravioli maker the setup is definitely quality made. It should last a long, long time. The base is a thick aluminum metal base. It has the cut outs for 12 large square, ravioli. Each square is framed by a metal ridge. You drape your pasta dough over the metal squares. Then you take the nonstick plastic press, and push it down gently into the pasta, and then remove it. This leaves the cup indents for the ravioli. Then take a spoon, and add a dollop of your chosen ravioli filling. Now, it’s time to place the top layer of pasta dough on. You can use a roller or your hand, and press it down, working out all the air, and pushing the two layers together. Using a long plate or a cutting board, turn the press over to release the ravioli from the press. You can also just use your hand too. Then take a knife, or ravioli wheel to separate the ravioli and excess pasta. I do not own a ravioli wheel. If the pasta sticks to the metal frame, just tap it a few times. I am really happy with this ravioli press. It’s pretty impressive. Now, I really have to create a solid pasta dough, before making an edible meal for my family, lol. You can think both dinner and dessert with these. People make dessert raviolis as well. The finished raviolis are an inch square. This set needs to be washed by hand. The suggested pasta sheet size to be used with this press is: 14 inches long x 6 inches wide, with a thickness of 1/16^th of an inch. I could not find anything I didn’t really like about this press.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Bellemain’s Ravioli Maker with Cutting Frame and Mold, at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. This product arrives as shown. In your package you will get 1 metal base and 1 plastic form. The directions are printed on the box.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C7KWFBC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Slicing it good. – Brandobay’s Professional 10-Inch Cheese Knives (Green).

We are a family of cheese lovers, and I mean across the board too. Since I was a child, wherever we would gather, there would always be sliced cheese and crackers, etc.. Owning a good cheese knife is a must have. I am very pleased with Brandobay’s 10 inch cheese knives. You actually get two in the package. I love the bright cheery green, but they are also available in a deep purple or red too. The handles are made out of plastic, and the serrated blades are made out of stainless steel. They are pretty sharp too. The cut through a block of hard cheddar like butter; very evenly. The cheese word cut out in the blade is a fun touch. When you ask someone to help you out by getting the cheese knife for you, there is no mistaking this one. The ends have the double points on them, so you can even use them to help you serve. These are even dishwasher safe. It’s a solid set of cheese knives, and I am comfortable recommending them.

I was afforded the opportunity to review Brandobay’s Professional 10-Inch Cheese Knives (Green), at a reduced cost, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. This product arrives as shown.

If you would like to purchase this product, it can be found here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ASC0O3W?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

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The Culinary Shops’ PrepStor 3 Compartment Food Containers with Lids.

I think we all need leftover containers. Even if you do not work out of your home. I love being organized when I can, and these containers really help in regards to food and meals. They are BPA free, as well as microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe. For thin plastic containers, they can do a lot. They can handle temps up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit. There are 3 divided compartments in each container. With these containers, you get 2 – 8oz compartments, and 1 – 160z compartment. So, if you are on a special diet, you can use these to help you stay on tract. The lid snaps on very securely and keep these leak free. You really need to work your way around the lid, making sure it is fully snapped shut. Otherwise, they will probably leak on you. When you are not using them, they stack into each other so well, and take up minimal space. They are lightweight, and won’t add a lot of weight to your bag when you head out for work or a trip. These feel like throw away containers because they are so lightweight, but they can be used over and over, which I love.

I was afforded the opportunity to review PrepStor 3 Compartment Food Containers with Lids, Bento/Lunch Box, Divided Plate. Freezer, Microwave, & Dishwasher Safe, Leak Proof, 7 Pack, in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. This product arrives as shown.

If you would like to purchase these containers, you can find them here on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BFVJC3I?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

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cspierdowis' Product Review Blog

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