JJ Household Emporium

Gardening Tips for Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:51:00 +0000

Gardening Tips come September

Fall is upon us.........

Don't Forget....

Last Week of August - Reduce fertilizers and watering plants only once a week. Pick vegetables from garden; divide perennials and water well until roots developed.

September

1st week - Ideal time to sow lawn seeds and repair bald spots. Begin to plant spring bulbs, before first frost.

2nd week - Move containers to sheltered location. Set up birdfeeders in the yard.

3rd - 4th week - Clean up last weeds; Check houseplants for pests before moving them indoors.

Happy Gardening Everyone!

Gardening Tips for July

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 19:42:00 +0000

Gardening Tips for JULY

Sunny days of July encourages us to sit back and enjoy all the hard work we've done 'til now.

1st week - continue to deadhead regularly the flowers to keep them looking their best. Cut some flowers to make indoor arrangements and continue to enjoy them. Generally, plants need less frequent watering, you'll just see them growing before your eyes, water deeply only about once a week according to climate.

2nd week - Continue to weed to keep beds tidy. Add organic compost to flowerbeds and veggie garden. Top mulch up where getting thin in garden. Helps to hold moisture and keeps weeds at bay.

3rd week - trim back perennials as they finish blooming. Trim hedges to keep them looking lush.

4th week - Find out the best location to ensure plant survival; best growing conditions for your new plant to thrive. For example, a shrub that needs full sun will never do well in a north-facing location. Keeping in mind your zone.

Planting Advice:

Use a mixture of annuals and perennials to create "garden rooms" that add privacy or keep flowerbeds interesting throughout the seasons.

Happy Summertime Gardening! Sit back and enjoy that Lemonade...mmmm! ahhh!

Father's Day Fun Facts

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:44:00 +0000

History

Originated in America; In 1910, Mrs. Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea during a mother's day.

In 1924,President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day.

In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.

In 1972, President Richard Nixon established Father's Day as a permanent holiday.

The Official flower is a Rose; wear red for the living father and white for the deceased father.

Some famous fathers are: Actors: Brad Pitt, Ben Affleck, Jon Stewart, Jude Law, Tom Cruise, Paul McCartney, Patrick Dempsey and Michael Douglas.

Common Dad's Sayings are:

This is the last warning I'm giving you!

We never did that when we were young!

Will you let me read the paper in peace?

If your friend jumped off the cliff, will you do the same?

It hit me just the other day, summer's just around the corner! My family looks forward to outdoor activities with friends, family and dear old dad!

We are making plans with the family to head out to the cottage in the Muskokas. We're getting the fishing boat out from winter storage, my brother Joe is tuning up the bikes and our Uncle Tony is our summer hiking leader, who checks out some interesting routes to explore that we vote on at our family meeting. Mom's checking our backpacks to have them ready at a moments notice for those weekend adventures! And of course, Dad whose the best BBQ-er ever! The whole family looks forward to his great barbecuing surprise recipes....yummm! I can smell it already!

And should you become more adventurous--check out the campsites around Ontario; RVing, Tenting, trails and when they open for this season.

Let's not forget all the water sports and summer options. The Stanley Cup 2010 won by Chicago Black Hawks!! With World Cup soccer 2010 in South Africa starting shortly with 5 favorite squads participating.

For years, the "Necktie" was a popular Father's Day gift..now more than 21 percent of us think of the "Grill" as a Father's Day gift. This is a great reason for family members to get together...so fill up that cooler with Dad's favourite "brew", and grill food, set up that patio furniture his favourite deck chair and tunes.

Check out JJ's Household grill and more outdoor products!

Have a safe and happy summer !

Springtime Gardening Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Fri, 21 May 2010 00:56:00 +0000

Gardening Tips for JUNE

Long warm summer days are approaching and our flowerbeds are flourishing.

1st week - Plant tender transplants such as pumpkins, tomatoes and begonias. Heat-loving plants such as beans and marigolds will germinate quickly in the warm soil. Continue to apply mulch to shrubs, perennials and vegetable beds. This will help shade roots and reduce watering.

2nd week - Prune early flowering shrubs to encourage young shoots for flowering the next year. Remove dead flowers from containers; deadheading encouraging more flowering and keeps display tidy.

3rd week - Pull weeds out of beds and place stakes for plants before they grow in. Water transplants until established. Plant annuals into containers; they work well in small spaces and can be moved around to light or shade. You can start plants in late March in containers.

4th week - Keep an eye out for pest and disease problems. Easiest to deal with them when just beginning. Evergreens can be pruned once new growth has fully extended but still tender. But never cut back to old wood because most cannot regenerate from old wood.

Happy Gardening!

Springtime Gardening Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 18:57:00 +0000

Gardening Tips for May

"The promise of spring is fulfilled with sprouting and blooming of May, and winter soon forgotten."

1st Week - Move or divide perennials, prune flowering shrubs. Now is the time to finish tidying the garden and prepare the garden beds to get planting done.

2nd Week - Work compost into your flowerbeds and gently work them over removing weeds as you "fork" along. Remove mulch from perennials; trimming any of last year's growth.

3rd Week - Work on preparing your vegetable garden. Expand or create flowerbeds.

4th Week - De-thatch lawns in spring; only when thatch layer is more than 3/4" inch deep. Aerate lawn with garden fork; gently pressing fork tips with foot in rows, about an inch apart to allow water and air to move freely through the soil. Mow lawn to height of 2 inches, leaving grass clippings on lawn.

Cities across Canada are taking steps to ban pesticide use on lawns, and scheduling summer water bans to leave turf dry and crisp during hot spells. Alternative ground covers are the way of the future.

Planting suggestions for May

Begin to arrange rock garden flowers like: Rockcress and Phlox to attract butterflies and bees. "Chicks and Hens", while "Creeping Jennies" are hardy ground cover 'fillers', low maintenance plants for the rock garden, and are safe to walk on. Pick up interesting clay pots and containers at your local garden centre to grow herbs in.

***Remember to check your planting zone for the best selections of a successful planting season.**

Happy Gardening Everyone!

Springtime Gardening Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:25:00 +0000

Gardening Tips for APRIL

Springtime should start warming up by the end of April, but frost and flurries can still happen. We'll start to see the first shoots appearing. April frost is not uncommon in Ontario. Let's finish tidying up the garden and the first shoots should be just around the corner.

Things to Do

1st Week - Plant Trees, Shrubs and Vines once soil can be worked. Check out any power tools such as lawn mower and have them serviced if necessary. Bring out tools to clean and sharpen.

2nd Week - Gently pull back mulch from sprouting plants on warmer spring days. Place containers out on warm sunny days to help seeded plants grow; make sure to place them back indoors until warm temperatures are consistent and chance of frost has gone.

3rd Week - To improve soil drainage during cool wet spring add organic matter to drought-loving plants.

4th Week - Start pruning trees and shrubs to maintain health of plant. Prune before growth starts or wait until plant has leafed out. Tomatoes, snapdragons and spider flowers and can started from seed a few weeks before moving them into the garden.

Suggestions for Early Spring Plants

Many plants can be started before the last frost. These seeds can be planted as soon as soil can be worked: Spinach, Peas, Swiss Chard, Cabbage, Kale, Bachelor's Buttons, Phlox, Poppy, Sweet Pea and more. Take a trip to your garden centre for the best selection. Many garden centres will take your name and will call you when plants you are looking for come in.

**Remember to check your Zone before starting any of the suggestions indicate above.

Happy Gardening to All!

Springtime Gardening Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:11:00 +0000

Gardening Tips for MARCH

Warm spells lure us out to see what's sprouting in that garden of ours. Be aware of your Zone; these tips are for Ontario, Canada.

1st Week - Prune off any damaged growth from your trees and shrubs that happened over the Winter.

2nd Week - As the snow melts clear up debris such as leaves, sticks and garbage.

3rd Week - start indoor seeding; most can be started in late March.

4th Week - Before digging call your local utility company to prevent injury and save time and money. Do not plant vigorous spreaders in rock garden yet.

Things to Remember when Planting

Gradual expose annuals and harden perennials before planting them to adapt to outdoor weather conditions and reduces chance of transplant shock. Keep them in the shady spot if you need to wait to plant them.

Avoid planting at the hottest or sunniest part of the day. Choose overcast or later in the day.

Wait until plants, tree and shrub branches start "budding" before pruning them back.

Plants should be well watered when newly planted; check root zone before planting. Watering strongly but infrequently in the coolest part of the day will help establish strongest root growth.

Happy Gardening to All!

Kitchen Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:59:00 +0000

Today I was leafing through a recent 'Oprah Magazine' and found this lovely poem of inspiration by Molly Wizenberg, relating to 'home' particularly the 'kitchen'. Take some time to reflect..I'm sure it will be interesting to all.

"When I walk

into my kitchen today,

I'm not alone.

Whether we know it

or not, none of us is.

We bring fathers

and mothers and kitchen

tables, and every meal

we have ever eaten,

Food is never just food,

It's also a way of

getting at something else

who we are, who

we have been and

who we want to be".

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 04:03:00 +0000

3.5 Quart Stainless Steel Fondue Pot...Fully immersible for easy cleaning.

Eight fondue forks and fork holder ring included.

Hey there everyone...Party-time season has arrived!...."don we now are gay apparel..." What about a casual, winter get-together with friends held over a fondue pot! How did we let the fondue pot of the 70's go out of style in the first place? Fortunately it's back! Great for 'foodies' - who seek fun in culinary fare! Sales of Fondue Pots are booming!

Plan a 'theme' party to stir the interest among friends. Why not be the first to 'rejuvenate' the '70's party-time fare; while playing '70's pop tunes? Serve wine from the '70's? You don't have to be the one who prepares all the selections; tell your friends about it and have them bring their favorite crusty breads, fruits and veggies for dipping; wine and '70's music!

Can't think of a "New Year's Eve" theme this year?...what about a Fondue Party? Why not rent '70's party ware or check your storage boxes for '70's clothing. The party will be the talk of the town!

Here we feature the Stainless Steel Rival Fondue Pot, is just the right size for a party of eight. For such great deals why not buy 2 fondue pots; one for cheese sauce another for chocolate sauce. Surprise your friend...buy one as a gift and share the experience joining the "Fondue" craze! Check out the video below.

And as my husband says...Fondue is fun to do (lol)!!

Check us out or to purchase item click here jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood cook - Julia

Cookware for Soup, Stew or Boiled Vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 02:48:00 +0000

16pc Heavy gauge Surgical Stainless Steel

Extra Thick Bonded Bottom for even heating. Including 6pc SS Utensil Set

Tips and Trivia on the Potato

Trivia

The definition of the 'Potato' - also know as white potato, Irish potato, murphy, spud, tater -an edible tuber native to South America; a staple food of Ireland. In about the year 1570, the first potato made its way across the Atlantic to make a start on the continent of Europe. It was one of the three major crops including tomatoes and corn that was introduced to Europe. It took thirty years for the potato to become popular throughout the rest of Europe. Resistance was due to population's eating habits, the tuber was considered a poor man's food. Unlike any other major crop, potatoes contain most of the vitamins needed for sustenance.

Our personal favorite recipe we often enjoy is Roasted Potatoes with Onions and Carrots. Clean Potatoes, Onions, and Carrots; cut all into wedges-- place in roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper and garlic. Prepare at desired ratio mix of potatoes/onions/carrots. Roast at 350F Degrees in center of oven uncovered for 45min-1hour. Tossing after 30 minutes. Serve warm. Yummy!

Today, you will find a 'multitude' of potato recipes of many cultures from around the world. Why not try a new one today?

Tips

Best way to make mashed potatoes - to prevent "gluey" potatoes never boil, simmer, just enough water to cover potatoes. After straining place cooked potatoes back into pot- adding 1/4 cup milk and small amount of butter, using potato masher or beat on low speed with electric mixer until potatoes are just 'mashed'.

Optional

Add 2-3 boiled diced parsnips and mash with potatoes. Other: grated garlic, chopped parsley or grated parmesan cheese for flavor. Check us out or to purchase item click here jjhouseholdemporium.com

Your friendly neighborhood cook - Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:21:00 +0000

Sunbeam Motor Stand Mixer- includes 2 SS mixing bowls, Heavy Duty Beaters; wire whisk and dough hooks.

NOVEMBER 17th is HOMEMADE BREAD DAY!!!!!

This is a superb mixer! Easy to operate. With 12 variable speeds for complete mixing versatility! The beaters included, creates anything from 'whisking meringue' to 'kneading pizza dough' and everything in between.

I have had the Motor Stand Mixer for over 10 years. There it sits on my kitchen counter. When Mom visits she admires it every time--calling it the "Trophy" of small appliances! Its the most reliable appliance for any recipe preparation! I chose to post the "Banana Bread" recipe which comes from The Good Housekeeping Cookbook 2001. I make this 'bread' on a weekly basis. - 'a la Julia' - is a combination of chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. As its baking, a wonderful aroma fills the air. Each morning my husband, Tony and I enjoy our coffee and tea as we savour a 'microwaved' slice for breakfast; for that 'just-baked' flavor every time.

Some of our favorite breads are from a wide range of categories many of them are biscuits, muffins, coffee cakes even pancakes and waffles. The 'Sour Cream Coffee Cake' from The Goodhousekeeping Cookbook is always a hit at Tony's office Christmas party. It's a classic and even tastes better the next day! Click here to check out a great selection of mixers and other great deals! jjhouseholdemporium.com

Your neighborhood baker - Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 01:59:00 +0000

SS Amana Countertop Microwave 2.0 Cubic foot.

Easy to clean -Microwave a cup of lemon and water until boiling remove cup. Wipe grease with damp sponge.

In the early years of our marriage, everything was cooked from scratch...you know...defrosting the day before, reheating on top of the stove, baking in the oven etc. Then came the Microwave! a kitchen wonder! The domestic model was introduced in 1967 by Amana.

In the early '80's we bought our first microwave, it was grand! We purchased it from the local appliance store where my friend worked part-time, so we could give her the commission.

As we brought it home and place it on the counter it modernized the kitchen right away. It had the capability to cook meat, eggs, or bake a cake... in no time..Oh My! Once I got the hang of it I was able to coordinate; placing a full meal on the table in under 20 minutes.

Today my husband and I are diet conscious, love vegetables. Frozen veggies is one of the easiest foods to cook in the "mike". Just place desired amount of vegetables with a pinch of salt or spices and a teaspoon of butter (don't tell my hubby)(lol) in microwave safe container with cover, set on defrost by weight. Vegetables come out just right without losing vitamins and color everytime! Sometimes add potatoes, another five minutes depending on size. I set the table and hubby slices the roast...Viola! Dinner's On the table in no time. Today I have a microwave from Amana. Getting home late? Don't know what to cook --limited time? Just take a full size Frozen Pizza place in "Mike", follow directions on box or press auto button and it turns out crispy and bubbly in 15 minutes! Yuuummy! Check us out or to purchase item click here jjhouseholdemporium.com

Your friendly neighborhood cook - Julia

Sunday Afternoon Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:47:00 +0000

As a child, I remember Sunday Afternoons as a special time for Mom, Dad and me. Mom would bake her famous thick crusted apple pie made with apples from the orchard of the property we lived on. With this freshly baked pie Mom made tea using her special tea service set. This time was appreciated by the family; I felt particularly grown-up when using the special china. This childhood memory made me learn to appreciate the finer things, specifically tea sets.

When I would go shopping, I'd find myself stopping and admiring these wonderful works of art. My husband and family members knew what I collected so when a special occasion such as my birthday, anniversary or Christmas came they'd purchase items towards my collection.

Throughout the years I've continued to build my collection of both fine china as well as one-of-a-kind and unique style teapots and teacups. I am always open to try many varieties of tea, but for a long time my favorite tea has been, not just any Earl Grey but Twinings Earl Grey.

How to serve tea: First, pour small amount of milk not cream into the teacup; then gently pour hot tea into cup and stir. This pouring method helps prevent porcelain from cracking. Some tea connoisseurs place the teaspoon into the cup pouring the hot tea onto the spoon into the cup.

Tea Party: Between 2-4pm. Set the table into a "buffet-style fashion" with flowers of the season. Use cloth tablecloths and napkins. Bring out a variety of cups and saucers (don't have to match) have friends bring their favorite teas and if they want--special teacups to the party. What about using souvenir spoons and trays? a great conversation starter. Bake some scones serve with homemade marmalade and make some simple finger sandwiches and shortbread cookies. Provide 2-3 kinds of teas in teapots. Maybe some light music with no vocals; they have a variety of CDs in the Music Stores for Teatime.

Right now I'm collecting a limited edition 2003 collection Royal Albert Teacups/saucers of the month; each one has a theme flower with the month displayed in gold script on the inside edge of the cup; onebeing more beautiful than another. I display my collection in my dining room china cabinet. I then prepare a place in cabinet for the next piece in the tea ware series.

History of the Teapot - Originated thousands of years ago through Chinese culture. Made from materials such as clay,metal or porcelain. Earliest teapot example dated 1513 that has survived is displayed in the Flagstaff House Museum of tea ware.

Click here to check out more Great Deals! on this site. www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood Cook - Julia

Our Annual Tomato Preserves

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 22:06:00 +0000

Precise Heat Surgical Stainless Steel Stock Pot 42 Quart with Steamer
Limited Lifetime warranty

My mom, who is Hungarian and her 3 female neighbors; one Greek and two Italian ladies would arrange a day every year in the fall to make tomato preserves. One neighbor would buy bushels of Romano tomatoes. They would each provide their own stock pots and mason jars; one person would wash tomatoes in the laundry tub, others would trim and blanch the tomatoes in the stock pots.

This assembly line would go on for most of the day--sometimes past midnight. As the day progressed the preserves would begin to take shape. After blanching I would scoop out tomatoes pouring cold water over each batch until cool enough to handle. The ladies and I would remove the peels, placing the tomatoes in stock pots on our basement gas stove bringing the tomatoes to a gentle boil and stirring until softened. Depending on preference, we would process the softened tomatoes through a large food mill. During this time mom would share memories with the neighbors about the old days and how they prepared each family's favorite preserves.

After the tomatoes cooked in batches we would place the tomatoes in the dishwasher-cleaned jars with a sprig of basil and a tbsp of lemon juice; leaving about 1/2 inch head space screwing the lids on. Placing the jars in the rack with the stock pots and water to boil on large gas element in the open garage for about 4 hours. After about 4 hours we would turn off the heat and dad would remove the pot from element and wrap an old blanket around the stock pots overnight.

The following day we checked the jars out to make sure they were vacuum sealed if not, those were the jars we would use first. We would split the preserves up among the families. Often the Italian neighbors would only have a few jars left from the previous year. As I close this post---the memories are flooding back--a vision in our basement "cold room" our shelves full of wonderful jars of tomatoes--what a beautiful sight!--remembering that annual tradition! Ohhh! the fragrance reminded me of an Italian Trattoria! Arrivaderci!

Mason Jars - In 1858 John Landis Mason worked with glass-blowers to develop threaded clear jars for preserves. Over 100 billion Mason Jars have since been sold worldwide.
Click on photo to purchase product. Click here to check out more Great Deals! on the site. www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood Cook - Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 01:13:00 +0000

DeLonghi CGH800 Retro Panini Grill
Adjustable thermostat for grilling and toasting. Non-stick cooking plates.

Easy to clean. Instruction book included.

My Aunt Franca has a Delonghi Panini grill which she uses on weekends. As she takes care of her grandchildren on the weekends she prepares special lunches with this grill. Often at family gatherings at Auntie Franca's place we would bring our favorite bread,cheese,and cured meats with roasted vegetables to the table. Tony enjoys roasted red peppers in garlic and olive oil, with shavings of Asiago cheese on Foccaccia Bread, while I on the otherhand enjoy Naan Bread with Smoked Meat w/Dijon Mustard and Swiss Cheese--mmm! Called into work at the last minute? Even in a hurry you can be creative-throw some coldcuts,veggies and cheese

combinations from your fridge to make quesadillas. It saves time and electricity with quick and easy clean-up.

History of the Sandwich- National Sandwich Day - November 3rd
John Montague (1718-1792), was the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, He was a patron to Capt. James Cook who named the Hawaiian Islands after him, calling them the Sandwich Islands. Montague was a hardened gambler who played for hours at a time at a restaurant, refusing to get up for meals. He ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread and that's how the sandwich was born.

In the early 1900’s-The sandwich became very popular in the American diet when bakeries started selling pre-sliced bread, thus making sandwiches very easy to create. They became an easy, portable meal for workers and school children alike. Click on photo to purchase product or click here to access our site. www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood cook - Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:36:00 +0000

T-Fal Deluxe 4 Slice Toaster
has Bagel Toasting feature
My husband and I have gone through a few toasters in our married life. Every type from the basic 2-slicer to our present toaster the T-Fal 4 slicer with bagel feature which we've had for years. Most mornings Tony and I enjoy toast; I with peanut butter and jam while Tony enjoys margarine or Hazelnut Cocoa spread with sliced bananas. We have the occasional toasted bagel "binges" with cream cheese and lox. Or for lunch as a bagel tuna melt--mmm! mmm!

Anyone out there enjoy trivia? Well the other day I was looking on the Internet for some information. I came across an article about the 1st electrical appliance---you guess it--the toaster which is 100 years old this year--before the radio. Many prototypes were attempted since. In Britain, the first attempt was in 1893 which only toasted one side. I remember as a child in the 1960s, in Britain mom and dad made toast by hooking bread onto a space heater

with a controlled heat level. We would sit around it watching carefullythat it would not burn.

It was a real treat, with mom's rhubarb strawberry jam preserves.

The toaster was re-invented in the U.S.A. in 1909, so it could be toasted on both sides.
GE Company got the 1st patent in July 1909. The first pop-up toaster was invented
by C. Strite in 1919. Electric power was not widely available at the time. Other companies
were working on many versions of the "faithful" toaster. Just after the electric light,
more than 90% of American homes have a toaster.

If your interested in more history of the toaster check out the cyber toaster museum
for interesting facts click here http://www.toaster.orgmuseum.html
Click on photo to purchase product or click here to access our site. www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
For more Great Deals check us out!
Your friendly neighborhood cook Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:32:00 +0000

Oster Breadmaker
Easy to operate.Easy to clean. Exact measurements and order important.
Includes a step-by-step instruction, hints and recipe booklet.

My mother-in-law bought me the Oster breadmaker one Christmas. I use it faithfully....about once a week; mostly for basic bread, my husband's favourite recipe. Having guests over? As easy as 1-2-3-! You'll be known as the best Mom on the block as kids go back to school; fresh bread made for their lunches with Expressbake button feature in under an hour.

As you peek at the breadmaker quietly kneading the dough the wonderful fragrance fills your home air reminding you of your local bakery during those early morning walks. Going to friend's for dinner? Make sure to bring it freshly baked, for perfect bread every time! It also makes great garlic bread, bagels....and yes even pizza dough! Next time I'm planning to make cinnamon raisin bread for a french toast breakfast with warm maple syrup...can't you just smell it now?
Click on photo to purchase. See you next time in the series
of small appliances I just can't live without!
www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood Cook - Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:31:00 +0000

Oster Household Juice Extractor
Easy Cleaning and Storage. Powerful 300W motor for tough tasks.
Sturdy Stainless Steel Filter/Grater with Pulp collector. Removable
parts dishwasher safe on top shelf. Operate under adult supervision.
Today we live in a fast-paced health conscious society, always seeking alternatives in consuming food on-the-run. Cereal companies are marketing ‘snack bars’. Beverage companies produce single serving drinks in cartons with additives and preservatives. Natural juices play a major role in a balanced diet. The benefits of juicing; all-natural ‘chock’ full of flavor, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to purify your system. When you taste that first serving of fruit or vegetable juice from the juicer; I guarantee you'll never go back to store bought juice again, you know exactly what you’re drinking. It is vital in improving your health and energy level and 100% natural. Don’t forget to include daily servings of whole fruits and vegetables for your fiber intake. There are endless benefits in owning a juicer; its quick and easy to operate, dishwasher safe, makes refreshingly healthy low calorie juices, gives you a boost to a busy day, and within minutes you can make enough for the whole family. Many of us tend to be ‘choosy’ about our veggies, especially children. There is an array of ‘juicer’ recipes to suit anyone’s taste. Get your children involved in enjoying tasty juice combos.

The juicer I’m using in the photo is of an older model. I’m making carrot juice here in a matter of minutes (about 1lb = 1 cup of juice). I often double the recipe; pouring remaining juice into a container, refrigerate for maximum of 2 days, shake well before serving. There is no waste, save and freeze pulp in small plastic bags label and date them. You add saved pulp to soups, stews and even cake recipes creating a unique taste everytime!

Summertime Juice Party Tips: Or Promote healthy eating-have a "Juice day" at work.
Have your friends bring over an assortment of their favorite fresh fruits or vegetables. As the host provide your “signature” natural fruit punch with fruit ice cubes and herbs for juice flavoring. Cheers! What about frozen fruit pops for the kids, fruit ices for the adults.– yummy! Encourage everyone to try a selection of featured fruit/veggie flavours. Have recipe cards handy for guests to write out their recipe choices. How about some crudite, (raw carrots/celery) organic dips and crackers?

Come on now… no excuses! Let’s start today and promote healthy eating in society. Click on photo to buy the product! Coming soon...next in the series of small appliances I just can’t live without! www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood cook- Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 16:04:00 +0000

Black & Decker 6-cup non-stick Rice Cooker/Steamer
Easy to Use measuring for rice and water; simply flip on
switch; has sensor for foolproof cooking time. Comes
in a variety of sizes. Easy to clean: removable non-stick bowl
and lid. Dishwasher safe.
I recently purchased this small appliance and it’s foolproof!
My husband has been requesting rice for many dinners, not just
as an accompaniment to Chinese food night. It was a chore to
cook rice just right! Now I look forward in trying out a new recipe
so we can enjoy delicious fluffy rice every time.

Cooking Tip: Add a preferred combination of spices to the
Black & Decker Rice Cooker, replacing water with liquid of choice
like tomato or orange juice, chicken, veggie or beef broth, measure
amount of dry rice according to recipe, add a 1/2 cup of your favorite
cooked or frozen vegetable, stir before placing lid on cooker, turn it on;
no need to watch and stir. Prepare the main course; chicken, beef or
veggie dish to complete the meal. Discover the endless combinations of
convenient meal preparation and enjoy everytime! Great for leftovers too!
Click on photo to buy the product! www.jjhouseholdemporium.com See you next time.
Check out the next installment in the series of small appliances I just can’t live without!
Your friendly neighborhood cook- Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:25:00 +0000

Cuisinart SmartPower Duet Blender/Food Processor
Comes with multi attachments, changes to blender in seconds.
Easy to use quick rinse container and attachments.
I purchased this Cuisinart a few years back and it sits next to my crockpot. I use it in meal preparation and it saves alot of time. I just love it! It’s great! I don’t know how I lived without it! Once you become confident with its attachments the possibilities are endless. It gives me incentive to always cook from scratch expanding my recipe ideas. I can whip up the most luscious tasting soups and salads in no time at all! Yeah..I know what your thinking… the clean up.
Here's a quick cleaning tip: place some warm water in the container
with a few drops of your dish soap and lemon juice keep attachment connected so it gets a thorough cleaning without handling, turn food processor on, let it whip for a few seconds, turn it off remove container from base, rinse and your done! Gotta go now....my Cuisinart is calling! Click on photo to buy the product! www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
See you next time, Check out the next installment in the series of small
appliances I just can’t live without!
Your friendly neighborhood cook- Julia

Small Appliances I just can't live without!

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:14:00 +0000

RIVAL “Smart Pot” Crockpot- 6qt Oval
Has easy programmable touchpad with automatic temperature settings. Removable stoneware. Dishwasher safe.

I received the crockpot as an anniversary gift from Mom, placed it on my basement shelf and a year later decided to try it out. It was wonderful!
In the photo here I cooked a Beef Stew with vegetables...the gravy turned out soooo tasty!

The benefits of the crockpot is that it's easy to clean and operate. Not a confident cook? You can purchase more economical cuts of meat creating ‘melt in your mouth’ dinners good enough to serve to guests. Come home to a ready meal; a hearty stew or soup! Slow cookers preserve nutrients and make the meal taste even better with minimum risk of over-cooking.

I assemble meals in it, turn on the temperature timer settings and go on my way. It turns out perfect everytime! Uses less electricity than a conventional oven, keeping the kitchen cool in the summer. The crockpot now sits permanently on my kitchen counter, with a series of cookbooks, inviting me to cook with it again! I recommend the crockpot for any household out there! Click on photo to buy product! www.jjhouseholdemporium.com

Check in next week to find out the next small appliance I just can’t live without….”
Your friendly neighborhood cook. - Julia

Introduction

noreply@blogger.com (Julia) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Hello there everyone! I'd like to introduce myself; my name is Julia and I love to cook, no not the famous cook Julia Childs. I'm always thinking up new ways of changing up recipes. Well, I worked as a customer service representative in some of the nation's popular department stores; often processed customers small appliance purchases from your basic mixer to deluxe expresso maker and everything in between. The purpose of my blog is to share opinions about a series of small appliances I just can't live without. My subsequent postings will be about household products, sharing recipes, trivia and origin of how they enhance today's busy family's lifestyle. Check out our household site for great deals anytime! www.jjhouseholdemporium.com
Your friendly neighborhood cook- Julia

DISCLAIMER*****
The following posts on this blog are the sole opinion and suggestions of the writer and are not intended to offend any ethnic, religious, group, club, organization, company or individual. Any individual that finds any comments sensitive please contact writer by email jangel1377@gmail.com. and the information will be removed immediately.