before going in the microwave - flat like other brands

If you’re one of those people who think popcorn is popcorn is popcorn, let me tell you some differences I’ve noticed with O.R. Smart Pop.  Whether making popcorn from scratch in a pan on my stove top, in a microwave bag, or in our popcorn maker, we have definitely discovered that not all popcorn is created equal, regardless of how it’s cooked.  I guess I could be considered a picky popcorn eater, but I like to think of myself more as “someone who really knows what she likes”.  I HATE greasy popcorn (I almost never eat popcorn in theaters and am disappointed, nearly every time, when I do.)  Popcorn should be light, airy and crunchy crisp, without being tough.  It should be lightly salted and most definitely should NEVER be wet (from oil or butter).  Does that seem like an unreasonable request?  To be honest, the Smart Pop popcorn is the first microwave popcorn we’ve ever tried that can meet all those requirements, CONSISTENTLY, bag after bag.  As a matter of fact, it’s the first microwave popcorn we’ve ever tried that doesn’t come out of the microwave with a giant oil stain on the side of the bag.  I really love the taste and texture.  When making popcorn from scratch, we can control the oil slick better, but still can experience problems with texture, since popcorn can often be tough, not crisp and I think that can have a lot to do with the actual popcorn kernels.  So, how do I know which kernels will pop up perfectly?  Can you tell by looking?  I can’t.  I don’t have that kind of knowledge or time.  I’ve found my solution to the consistency issue.  The Smart Pop popcorn has popped up crisp and light and crunchy every single time; and that’s after EIGHT bags over the last two weeks!

Other things to love about Orville Redenbacher Smart Pop popcorn:

1. 100% whole grain
2. good source of fiber
3. low in fat
4. 0 grams of trans fat
5. only 100 calories and two servings of whole grain in SIX cups!
6. leaves you feeling full and satisfied, without being overstuffed on calories
7. No messy cleanup!  No greasy pan or popcorn maker to wash.  It pops in it’s own pop-up paper bowl and you can toss it when you’re finished.
8. Simple and quick for the kids to prepare on their own.

I’m so excited that you could be one of FIVE lucky Busy-at-Home readers who will win a box of Smart Pop for their own families.  Be sure to enter the giveaway, below!  And if your kids are looking for something to do while they munch on their healthy snacks, have them try out the hilarious, interactive “Pop Cam Game”, also found on the Orville Redenbacher Facebook page.  By using your webcam, they will “enter the game” and catch popping popcorn kernels in their own mouths, by moving their head from side to side to catch them as they fall.  (As much fun for the people watching as the ones playing the game!)

To enter the giveaway, you must be 18 or older and a resident of the U.S.  Mandatory Entry: What “snack” would you like to see your family eat less of and replace with Smart Pop popcorn, instead?  Tell me in a comment on this post, then come back here, click DO IT and then Enter, in the Rafflecopter form, to be entered and to unlock the optional additional entries.

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Orville Redenbacher. I received Smart Pop popcorn to review and test as part of the Healthy Snacking Challenge.   I will receive a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.  A positive review was not required and as with all Busy-at-Home reviews, the views and opinions expressed are wholly my own and based on my personal experience with the product.

EGGLAND’S BEST EGGS ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL RECIPE CONTEST

Eggland’s Best “Your Best Recipe” Contest Provides At-home Chefs A Chance to Win $10,000

May 7, 2012 (Cedar Knolls, NJ) –  No longer relegated to only breakfast fare, eggs are taking center stage in dishes across the country, being featured in inventive ways that showcase its versatility and ability to bring new tastes and textures to everything from soups and salads, to pastas and burger toppings.

Eggland’s Best (EB), the No. 1 brand of eggs in the country known for its superior nutritional profile, freshness and quality, wants to recognize the culinary talents of at-home chefs with the announcement of the brand’s first-ever national recipe contest.

Call for entries to the Eggland’s Best “Your Best Recipe” contest is open now through August 12, 2012 and at-home chefs can submit their best original recipe featuring at least two EB eggs online at www.egglandsbest.com/yourbestrecipe.  A $1,000 prize will be awarded in each of the following four categories: Breakfast, Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert and one at-home chef whose dish showcases the most creative use of Eggland’s Best eggs will be awarded a $10,000 grand prize.

Helping to judge recipe entries are chef and cookbook author Candice Kumai, who also serves as a judge on Food Network’s Iron Chef America, as well as Elizabeth Ward, a nationally recognized registered dietitian.  Both experts will be evaluating each recipe based on the criteria of taste, presentation, availability of ingredients and creativity.

“The test of a true chef is in knowing how to cook eggs properly, and selecting the best ingredients to cook with,” says Chef Candice Kumai. “I personally use Eggland’s Best eggs because not only are they more nutritious than ordinary eggs, but the yolks are also plumper, creamier and brighter in color. Their freshness and quality ensure my egg dishes turn out consistently every time.”

For official contest rules and to submit your original recipe, visit www.egglandsbest.com/yourbestrecipe  or https://www.facebook.com/egglandsbesteggs/app_251842034899170.

Busy-at-Home has teamed up with Jen, from My Crafty Life and a group of awesome bloggers to bring you the third Take the Money and Run! Monthly Giveaway Event. Each month, Take the Money and Run, will bring you a new type of giveaway. You can expect PayPal Cash, Gift Cards (iTunes, Walmart, Amazon to name a few) and other fantastic prizes.

May’s Take the Money and Run Prize will be: A $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash, winner’s choice! All you have to do is follow each blogger’s social media link and you will be entered to win an awesome prize!

Rules:

*Follow each blogger/sponsor’s link please. Links are found in the Rafflecopter form.  This is mandatory.

*You must have a valid email.

*Please indicate on the form whether you would like your prize emailed or sent via the postal service.

*US or Canada only please. 18+

Sponsors:

This event is brought to you by My Crafty Life Events

I have had an absolute blast this week, cooking with my daughter, taking pictures and talking about the importance of making choices that make a difference, for ourselves and for others.  It’s important to me that my kids develop a servant’s heart and no matter whether we have a little or a lot, it’s critical to be wise stewards of what we do have, so we are able to share with others.  The CFK Jennie-O Healthy Switch Simple Service Project has been an awesome opportunity to put that into practice!  Since this project is about making a healthy switch that can benefit kids in need, I decided to give up soda and use the money saved to donate to our local food pantry.  I wanted to make our donation something that would inspire and encourage kids to make good food choices, so we decided to put together some recipe pages of healthy dishes that kids can make and then include the ingredients to make each one, in our donation.  My ten-year-old went through one of our cooking with kids cookbooks and helped me pick the recipes she wanted to make.  We chose Turkey Burgers, Dressed Up Baked Potatoes and Fruit Smoothies.  It turns out that the meat mixture from the Turkey Burgers also makes some fantastic meatballs, so we included them, too.

Enjoying a cool, refreshing fruit smoothie instead of indulging in the empty calories from soda. Woohoo!!!

Our first step was to make a shopping trip to Walmart for all the recipe ingredients, one set for us to prep for the recipe card pictures and one set for our donation.  You can see the shopping trip by visiting my Google+ album.  Then we brought everything home and started our fun cooking session.  By the time we were finished, our ten-year-old had completed an entire dinner for our family and modeled for lots of pictures, plus prepped a couple lunches for later in the week!  She was definitely feeling pretty accomplished and we had a lot of fun!

The recipes we made are below, and the recipe pages we printed out to include with the food pantry donation are here.

Once our cooking and picture taking session was complete, we printed up our recipe pages and slipped them into sheet protectors.  Then we were able to pack up the ingredients, for someone else to prepare all the recipes, and make our trip to the Blue Valley Community Action Center Food Pantry in our hometown.  Blue Valley Action operates the food pantry, here, as well as through two churches in the community and three FoodNet centers throughout the county.  They also oversee the WIC and Commodity food programs for our county.

Blue Valley Community Action Center Food Pantry

We made two plastic bags, one for refrigerated items and one for freezer items.  Then we packed the dry goods into a reusable tote and were able to fit one of the plastic bags on top.  Adding the recipe pages to the top of the tote finished off the project and it was time to make our delivery.  As we got to the Food Pantry, we got so involved in our conversation with the coordinator, I didn’t remember to snap a picture of our daughter actually making the donation.  She was so excited because the coordinator was explaining that hers would be a happily-received gift for a family who really needs it.  She praised her for being involved in such an important project and told her that the idea of putting a kit together with recipes is such a fantastic idea, because it provides a family with items that work together, instead of them just finding random items that have been donated and trying to figure out how to use them together.  I know this has instilled a new desire in my daughter to find ways to make a difference in the community and I’m so grateful to Champions for Kids and Jennie-O for including us.

Our donation packed up and ready to make the trip to our local food pantry.

There’s still lots of time left in May and a fantastic opportunity for you to “Be One of Millions” and get involved with this month’s CFK Simple Service Project!  Check out their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter to see what others are doing and get some ideas for your own family.  I gave up drinking soda to make my healthy switch and to help provide some healthy food for needy kids.  What healthy changes could you make to save money that could be used to impact your community?  Check out all the ideas and get started.  I can’t wait to hear about your Healthy Switch!

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #JennieOCFK #CBias #SocialFabric

I'm still getting used to our fabric and craft departments being flipped, at the local Walmart. I always have to hunt a little bit to find what I'm looking for, but I actually do like the new layout.

Love, love, love the individual markers and the fantastic selection of colors!

After the History Timeline, I got the idea to try the Painters Markers on a clear glass plate I picked up at a local thrift store.  The plate is square and super thick glass.  I decided to do a summer flower design that I could incorporate into a display on our fireplace mantle.  I’m pleased with the way the final project turned out, but I would definitely choose a design with fewer tiny details for my next project.  Painters Paint Markers are available in three different tip shapes – fine point, medium point and chisel (calligraphy ) point.  Most of my markers are medium points, though I did have a black fine point and both a black and a silver chisel point.

The plate markers and printed stencil. After I laid these out, I realized I had several more from my last project and ran to get them. It was a good idea, since some of them had different tips.

Originally, I had planned to paint the underside, of the plate, so I could still feasibly use the plate to serve cookies or something, and then just hand wash it; but as it turns out, I didn’t think through the need to lay the paint on in a sequence backwards to what I would normally do.  Painting the underside and then flipping the plate to see the painting through the top means all the highlight and accent details should have been put on first and then the main color added over that.  A rethink of the plan was necessary and it actually turned out to be better than I anticipated, because the thickness of the glass allowed me to create what looked like a three-dimensional art piece.  I went ahead and painted flowers on top of the plate, over the same general area as the ones underneath.

Stencil taped face down in the top of the plate.

Flipped over, I can clearly see the design through the bottom of the plate.

Here’s how I put together this simple and frugal piece of “decor”.  The thrift store plate was fifty cents, I think, and I printed out a line drawing to trace, for free.  The paint markers were $1.97 each and I bought 7, but used only a small bit from a few of them.  They will make it through many more projects and my guess is that I didn’t even use $1 worth of paint, but we’ll use that as a generous figure, bringing the grand total for a new piece of colorful art/decor in at only $1.50!  Not bad!

After tracing this first flower, with a fine tipped Painters Paint Marker from Elmer's, I realized I was going to need to use the chisel point for the control I wanted. Even with the chisel point, I was going to have to omit A LOT of detail.

Finished tracing all the details I'm going to add. This was done with the narrow edge of the chisel point marker.

The first step was to position the drawing face-down on the top of the plate, so I could see it through the bottom and trace my outline.  Remember, at this point I was still planning to only paint the underside.  I used transparent tape to hold the “stencil” in place and then flipped the plate, so I could begin painting the outline for my flowers.  I first started out with the fine-tip black marker, but could see that even that would be a thicker, less controlled line than I was hoping for.  Fortunately, I had a black chisel-tip marker and that worked much better for the outlining.

I was able to start adding color after that and began to carefully fill in my outline with the medium point markers, as that was what my local Walmart carried in the brighter colors.  This paint dries really quickly, so by the time I was finished adding one color to the plate, I could go back to the top and begin with another color.

Yellow centers in the flowers.

Adding more color to the project.

It didn’t take more than an hour to complete this project as the thin layers of paint dry quickly, allowing you to keep moving.  I did notice that a couple of the lighter shades needed a second coat to achieve the opaque look that I wanted.  Once I had finished the underside of the plate, I realized my mistake in not layering the colors on backward.  The back looked fine, but the top, not so much.  So I set to work painting flowers on the top of the plate, over the ones showing through from the bottom.  The glass is 1/4 to 3/8 inches thick, so the top layer of paint seems to float over the bottom and creates a really nice effect.  Who knew? 

The back was finished and I was okay with it, considering the small detailed pattern I chose, until I realized my layering mistake. I'm too embarrassed to show you the way the front looked at this point, but the finished project that you will see next, is proof that even a goof of a non-artist can cover up her mistakes with these fun and easy to use Painters Paint Markers from Elmer's!

So, there's my thrift store remake. Not to shabby for a $1.50 and an hour of my time. FYI Those are paper flowers with floral wire stems and arranged in the holes of a thrift store salt shaker. I can't take credit for that one, because it was a gift from a sweet friend, but I love the simplicity of the amazingly frugal idea and how well it coordinates with my newly painted plate.

So, what frugal DIY dress ups can you do in your house this summer with a little time and some Painters Paint Markers?  I’d love to hear your ideas!  For news, tips and any special promotions, be sure you are following Elmer’s on Twitter and Facebook!

I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community.  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™.   As with all Busy-at-Home reviews, the views and opinions expressed are wholly my own and based on my personal experience with the products.  #ExpressYourself #CBias #SocialFabric

I wish you could touch this. It's so incredibly soft!

Think how far back the benefits of swaddling were understood.  Even the Bible refers to the infant Jesus being wrapped in swaddling clothes.  Swaddling is a method of wrapping an infant so that they feel secure and warm.  It prevents them from self-startling and helps them to fall asleep.  Swaddling should help to replicate the feelings of warmth and “snugness” that the baby experienced in the womb.  It can certainly be achieved with baby blankets or several different “swaddlers” that can be found on the market, today, but I promise nothing else will compare to this product.  I recently discovered the Baby Ota Swaddle and I am convinced that for parents, new to swaddling, and for the ultimate care and comfort of the infant, this is one of the most significant baby care tools a parent can own.

See how thick and plush the Baby Ota is? The quilted pillow liner can be removed for laundering and in summer.

When I opened the box and removed the Baby Swaddle, I literally sighed.  If these were made in an adult-size, I’d have two, because no one else would be allowed to touch mine and they would all have to fight over the extra one.  There aren’t words to describe the degree of softness of this gorgeous bamboo fabric or the plushiness of the quilted lining.  It provides warmth and the security that a baby feels from being wrapped snug, without being restrictive.  More importantly, it’s incredibly easy to use.  There’s no special folding technique to learn — just open it, nestle the baby at the top and then fold up the bottom, then the sides and tie – four simple motions.  The baby’s arms and hands are held snugly at their sides, which prevents the random flailing that startles and creates the sensation of falling.  Though the baby’s arms and hands are snug, the baby’s feet and legs are unrestricted and given plenty of room for natural movement.  As the baby gets older, their arms and hands can be left free, as well, while still providing the security of the Baby Ota.

As I mentioned, the Baby Ota is made from durable, naturally stain resistant and extraordinarily soft bamboo.  Bamboo is grown without the use of fertilizers or chemicals, is softer than even the softest cottons and is naturally antibacterial and antifungal.  It’s strong and durable, is a fabulous body-heat regulator, and is extraordinarily “breathable”.  Bamboo is truly an ideal fabric for infants.  The Baby Ota is fully double-stitched and designed to support a baby’s head and neck.  The inner quilting can be removed in one easy zip for summertime comfort.  It can also be used as a blanket, comforter or play mat as your baby grows.  Best of all, it’s easy to clean.  Zip open the lining and remove the quilted “pillows” from inside, then toss the Ota cover in your washing machine.

This beautiful, functional and unique baby swaddler is available on the Baby Ota website for only $59.  As a baby shower or infant gift, the Baby Ota will be received with delight and will certainly be passed from generation to generation.  One lucky Busy-at-Home reader is going to win a Baby Ota for the precious bundle in their lives.  Entering the giveaway is simple.

Visit Baby Ota, look around the site and let me know one thing you learned about swaddling or that you love about the Baby Ota. Leave your comment on this blog post.  After you leave your comment, use the Rafflecopter form, below, to submit your entry and open the additional optional entries1  Just click DO IT and then click Enter.  Super simple!

Have you ever lifted a purse or diaper bag to your shoulder and felt that drip, drip, drip down your side from a leaking tippy cup inside?  Or discovered a tippy cup lying on it’s side, dried and matted to the carpet in that corner behind the couch where your toddler plays?  Or enjoyed the revelry of three-year-olds, shaking their tippy cups to splatter the walls and floor with whatever beverage happens to be in their cups?  Then you’re a mom and you will definitely relate to this post.  Join the sisterhood and take a deep breath — believe it or not — the mess is over!  Woohoo!

Tommee Tippee Explora 9 oz Drink Cups

I can’t think of when I’ve liked a toddler product more than this.  The Tommee Tippee Explora 9 oz. drink cups we reviewed are designed for children 2-years-old and up.  They are actually the absolute PERFECT transition for the toddler who wants a “big boy/girl” cup, but still forgets not to tip their head all the way back and pour milk down their neck!   The cups look and feel like a regular cup, but they have a lid with a small opening that allows the child to drink.  They get the “feel” of drinking from the rim of a regular glass, but the protection of a lid with a built-in active sensor valve that allows liquid to flow on demand, yet makes the cup truly leak-and spill-proof.

With three simple pieces that are easy to assemble and disassemble, the Tommee Tippee Explora cups are easy to wash and use.

The cups are sold in two packs and in a variety of colors.  We reviewed a pack that held a pink and a green cup, which was perfect for our grandson and granddaughter.  They were my happy testers and Grandma was super happy that these bright-colored, insulated beverage tumblers lived up to their promise and remained absolutely spill and leak-proof! The cups were easy for the kids to grip and hold and they were VERY excited about the fun designs on the cups.  The first thing that I, personally noticed about the cups is that no other tippy cup I have never owned has had a valve similar to this one.  It’s completely new and unique, to me; and I’m convinced it must be responsible for the great success we’re experiencing with these cups!

This truly unique valve *snaps* into the lid and is held securely. It's hard plastic and there is no way it can wiggle loose and pop out, causing leaks, the way the soft plastic ones from our old cups did.

For my two-year-old grandson, especially, this is a brand new sense of being “grown up”, giving him the confidence to drink from a “regular” cup, without risking a spill.  For our four-year-old granddaughter who is very busy and on the go, this cup means independence and Grandma doesn’t worry so much about where she might lay her cup down, when she gets distracted with her playing.  With no leaks or spills to be concerned with, big or little, attentive or easily distracted, your child can make the Tommee Tippee Explora 9 oz. drink cup part of their everyday routine without any additional work or worries for you.  That’s exceptional news!  You can pick up a set for the little sippers in your life by visiting Target, in the store or online.  From infant to toddler, there’s a Tommee Tippee Explora cup with spill-proof design that fits each stage of learning to use a cup.

After a top-speed foot race, making the loop through Grandma's kitchen, dining room and parlor, both these cuties were ready for some refreshment. Their new Tommee Tippee cups were a HUGE hit! (See what I mean about milk down the neck?)

Busy-at-Home readers can enter for a chance to win this fantastic product, too!  You must be 18 or older and reside in the U.S. to enter.  Visit Target online, check out the varieties of Tommee Tippee Explora Cups.  Pick the one you like the best and then leave a comment on this blog post with the name of the specific set you would like to have if you win.  After you leave your comment, use the Rafflecopter form to submit your entry and open the additional optional entries!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Tommee Tippee Sippy Cups. I received a Tommee Tippee Explora Sippy Cup product as well as a promotional item as a thanks for my participation.  A positive review was not required and as with all Busy-at-Home reviews, the views and opinions expressed are wholly my own.  While Busy-at-Home administers the giveaway and randomly selects the winner, the prize is provided by Tommee Tippee through Mom Central Consulting.

Our Zoku Duo Quick Pop Maker, cartons of our favorite 100% fruit juice and we experienced popsicle bliss after only 5 or 6 minutes!

How many of you have had the experience of making popsicles with your kids?  Remember calling them in to help you and how excited and enthusiastic they were – filled with anticipation?  Somebody helped to measure the sugar and someone else stirred the Kool-Aid.  Then you stood by with a wash cloth and spray bottle of stain remover to catch the spills as they filled the tiny popsicle molds and inserted the sticks.  Then you had the delightful chore of sounding incredibly excited while stating, “Now, we’ll put them in the freezer and TOMORROW when they’re frozen solid, we’ll have a yummy treat!”  The deflated and disappointed expressions at that point were hard to take.  Thanks to Zoku, that never has to happen, again!  We tested their Duo Quick Pop Maker and froze delicious popsicles in minutes, on my kitchen counter, with nothing but 100% fruit juice!

Nothing could be simpler or faster when it comes to frozen treats!  I had three cartons of 100% fruit juice and so Sunday evening, when the grandkids were ready for a treat at Grandma’s house, I pulled the Zoku out of the freezer and in minutes I rated pretty high on the Cool Grandma meter. 

The first thing to do after you receive your Zoku is to stick it in the freezer for 24 hours.  We found that after it had been frozen solid, once, it didn’t require very long to refreeze, again, after making three batches of pops.

Once you’ve done the initial freeze, making the pops is simple!  Set the Zoku on the counter, or any level surface, and insert pop sticks into the open cavities.  Be sure the sticks are seated into the grooves designed for them on top of the Zoku.

There are grooves in the top of the Zoku, that allow the popsicle sticks to be firmly seated into the appliance.

Next add your juice or whatever liquid you will be using to make popsicles.  (Carbonated beverages cannot be used in the Zoku, unless they have gone flat and no bubbles remain.)  This is the point where creativity can go in a hundred different directions.  You can fill the popsicle cavity completely and just wait a few minutes for your pop to freeze, OR you can fill it partially, allow that to freeze then add another layer, allowing that to freeze and then the final layer.  The whole process took us about 12 minutes to freeze three separate layers and I place banana slices in the middle layer!

I found it was easier not to overfill the popsicle cavities, by pouring the juice into a container that would allow a narrower stream as I filled the Zoku.  The cartons I purchased my juice in, were not conducive to filling the small opening, neatly.  Using the measuring cup made it a breeze to fill!

The juice poured more easily from a measuring cup, than from the carton.

Fill the cavities to the level you want to start and as each level freezes, add the next layer. This picture shows the last layer, filled to the fill line and waiting to freeze. You can see the narrow ring of juice already beginning to freeze and form around the outside edges of each pop.

Pops freeze completely in about 7 minutes and layered pops take only a little more time. The cool thing is that after removing the first batch of pops, you can immediately turn around and freeze another batch. You can do two to three batches before needing to refreeze the Zoku.

Once frozen, I simply used the included Super Tool to take the pops out of the Zoku. The tool screws onto the popsicle handles, loosens the pop from the sides of the appliance, and lifts it out smoothly. Remove the tool from the pop handle and repeat with the second pop. Beautifully simple!

Did I mention before, that I bought three cartons of fruit juice, all different flavors, so we could make pretty layered pops?  No one was more surprised than Grandma when each flavor was EXACTLY the same color!  Even so, we could distinctly see the three different flavor layers, even if there was no difference in color.  The banana slices were visible in the sides of the pops, too!  This was cool, even for a Grandma who has seen about every kind of kitchen gadget you can imagine.  I love the simplicity of this little machine!

I don’t need to plug it in or use batteries.  I don’t have to have buy a box of 100 popsicles (with two flavors, about 40 of the 100, that no one will eat).  I filled it with 100% fruit juice and fruit.  It was a healthy snack and yet, satisfied the sweet tooth of the waiting grandkids and our ten-year-old.  Plus, I have the versatility to make so many different types of pops — breakfast pops with yogurt, fruit, nuts or granola; dessert pops with pudding or custards, fruity snack pops like the ones we made this time.  There are lots of fun options and the Zoku website can give you some excellent ideas and tips.  And the Zoku blog is a wealth of recipe ideas — everything from these Spicy Mexican Chocolate Paletas, to simple Strawberry Lime Pops, or even very unique, grown-up frozen treats like Cucumber Mint Margarita Quick Pops.

If I had to select one thing I wish were different, I would have a Zoku with more cavities.  Granted, the original does have three slots and they can be used up to three times before having to refreeze the Zoku, but five or six slots would allow you to freeze the number you need for a birthday party or large gathering all at once, and much more quickly.  Given that I can make six dye- and preservative-free popsicles in around fifteen to eighteen minutes, though, you won’t hear much complaining from me!  And Zoku has a Storage Case and extra Sticks and Drip Guards available, too, if you want to expand your pop-making ability. 

Orange Banana Strawberry, Orange Banana Mango and Orange Banana Pineapple formed their own individual layers with banana slices "floating"in the center. Do you see the lines where one layers stops and the next one starts?

We will definitely be experimenting with other ingredients and trying out techniques and recipes from the Zoku blog, but in the meantime, we just enjoyed the simple refreshing treats from our first experience with Zoku!

Our granddaughter enjoying the very first popsicle made in our Zoku.

Enter this fun Zoku giveaway and you could be whipping up delicious and pretty frozen treats in your own kitchen, in no time!  You must be 18 and a resident of the U.S. to enter.  Visit Zoku online, check out the recipes on their blog and let me know which one you would most like to see demonstrated on Busy-at-Home. Leave a comment on this blog post with the name of the recipe.  After you leave your comment, use the Rafflecopter form, below, to submit your entry and open the additional optional entries!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a Zoku Duo Quick Pop maker to test in my own kitchen and gather data for writing this review.  A positive review was not required and no monetary compensation was received.  The views and opinions expressed are wholly my own and based on my personal experience with the product.

This tasty, make-ahead barbecue meat made fantastic sandwiches and a quick-to-serve meal after church on Sunday! We gobbled up the potato salad, before I had a chance to take pictures, but it was delish! That's yummy Tango lettuce from our garden, grown from our Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Collection.

I put my new Bamboo Cutting Boards and Landmark Knife Block Set, from Chicago Cutlery, to good use Saturday evening.  The next morning being Sunday, meant a great morning of worship and fellowship, (and our ten-year-old being baptized!).  It also meant that by the time we got home, no one was going to want to wait for lunch to cook, before we eat.  Since, we almost always have company for lunch on Sundays, I try to plan ahead, so we avoid the temptation to just go out to ate.  That high, high, HIGH humidity summer heat, that Nebraska is known for, has also kicked in, so I really didn’t want to heat up the kitchen any more than was necessary.  I needed a meal to satisfy a large number of people, without a lot of after-church-prep, and that didn’t heat the kitchen.  I decided on Barbecued Beef Sandwiches and I could just use the crockpot to cook the meat.  It would be hot and ready to serve when we arrived home from church AND a fresh potato salad could be made ahead and would be just the ticket to put David over-the-top, since that’s one of his favorites.

Isn't it gorgeous? The Landmark 14-Piece Knife Block Set from Chicago Cutlery! Normally, $139.99, this gorgeous set is on sale, right now, for only $79.99!!!

I ran down to the freezer to grab the meat and wouldn’t you know it, I had one 2.5 pound beef chuck roast and one 2.5 pound pork loin roast, neither of which was enough to feed 10 to 15 people after church and have any leftovers for supper (I don’t cook on Sunday nights.  We have what is fondly referred to as “pick-up”, which is basically fixing yourself something from whatever leftovers are in the fridge.).  So, an experiment was born.  Testing out new recipe ideas, even though I’m not sure of the final outcome, is part of what I do.  Some really great recipes have been born that way; so have some real stinkers.  Thankfully, I have a patient and forgiving family.  And after all, the meat is going to be shredded, barbecued and served on a bun, right?  I’m not even sure if anyone will notice I mixed two different kinds of meat.

Landmark Chef's Knife and bamboo cutting boards.

I have to tell you, that when it works, success is sweet!  These are scrumptious and I diced the veggies and apple in nothing flat with the gorgeous 8″ Chef’s knife in the Landmark Block Set I reviewed from Chicago Cutlery.  Have you experienced the wonder and amazement that is sharp knives? Quality cutlery?  After trying these, you’ll be a convert, just like me.  The wood storage block included in the set is pine, stained a gorgeous mahogany and has stainless accents.  Even if you discount the fact that they are beautiful and look amazing on my counter, the list of things I love about this set of knives is lengthy:

1. The knives have a full metal tang that runs from the tip of the blade to the end of the knife and on into the handle.  This makes them incredibly strong and durable and much less likely to have a handle that snaps.  It also means the Landmark knives are comfortable to use, balancing well in my hand, which gives me more control.
2. The set includes a sharpening steel and thorough directions on how to keep a wonderful, sharp edge on your knives.  I am known to often lament that my old knives “wouldn’t cut hot butter”.  What a treat to have proper kitchen tools and the information on how to properly care for them.
   

   The sharpening steel is included in this beautiful, high-quality and high-function set of professional cutlery!

3. Full Lifetime Warranty – Fantastic!  I love a company that stands behind their products!
4. I would have said there is a molded metal thingy at the end of the blade that keeps your fingers from sliding off the handle onto the blade, when you’re cutting; but, since I am so much better educated in all things knives, now, I can tell you that it is called a forged bolster.  This is another feature that adds weight and balance to the knives, making them comfortable to use.
5. Chicago Cutlery’s Landmark knives have professional, high carbon steel forged blades which are stronger and harder than other knives and resist rusting, pitting and staining.

I also like that this set is so complete, with a knife for every imaginable job.  I peeled an apple for the barbecue, and potatoes for the potato salad, with the 3″ parer and diced the veggies and apple for the barbecue with the 8″ Chef knife.  But, the set also includes an 8″ bread knife, that is going to get extraordinary amounts of use in this bread-baking household,

I love this serrated bread knife. Not only will we put "miles and miles" on it with all the bread we bake, but I love the beautiful job it did slicing thin, even tomato slices for sandwiches.

a 4.5″ utility knife, six 4.25″ steak knives, kitchen shears and a wonderful little blade called a Partoku knife.  The name Partoku is an exclusive trademark of Chicago Cutlery.  This specialty knife is a sort of a hybrid of a paring knife and a Santoku knife (which is like a narrow cleaver).  The blade is designed for quick, easy chopping, dicing and mincing, then scooping up the diced ingredients with the wide blade.   It has Chicago Cutlery’s exclusive Taper Grind edge technology, which provides optimum sharpness for precise cutting and is easy to re-sharpen.

Landmark Partoku knife from Chicago Cutlery - I initially grabbed automatically for the chef's knife when I was dicing and mincing vegetables, but fell in love with this Partoku when I tried it. It's shorter in length and so seay to handle, plus the blade is wide and perfect for scooping chopped food to the cooking vessel! It will easily become my go-to chopping utensil.

Did you know you really shouldn’t wash your knives, any knives, in the dishwasher?  If they have wooden handles, soaking them in water can remove the natural oils from the wood and cause drying and splitting.  Plus dishwasher detergent and heat can have a corrosive effect on the blades and the edges may become nicked in the dishwasher.  Washing by hand with soap and water then drying and returning to the block is best for long-life and maintaining the sharp blades of your knives.

Having a good, safe cutting surface is important when using knives in your kitchen, both to protect your countertops, your hands and your knives.  The bamboo cutting boards I reviewed for Chicago Cutlery are a spacious 12×16, easy to clean and won’t dull your knives.  Again, handwashing is recommended and if you need a little extra scrubbing ooomph to get one clean, you can sprinkle salt on 1/2 a lemon and use it like a scouring pad to clean the board.  Dry standing up, overnight and every 60 days or so, use food safe mineral oil or wood conditioning oil to seal and preserve the wood.  The cutting boards are not only functional, but beautiful, and left out as “decor” in your kitchen, they will lend to the welcoming warmth that decorating with rich woods brings to a home.

Gorgeous Bamboo Cutting Boards from Chicago Cutlery.

Chicago Cutlery has knives and knife sets in a style and a price-range to fit every budget.  Whether you are a professional chef or a novice in the kitchen, there are knives to meet your specific cooking needs and currently, their sale prices are extraordinary!  If you’ve been in the market for high-quality cutlery, this could be the perfect time to make your purchase.  Visit their website and see all the quality products they offer for your well-equipped kitchen!  I’m so pleased to tell you that Chicago Cutlery is sponsoring a giveaway of the same Landmark 14-piece Block Set and Bamboo Cutting Board that I received!  One lucky Busy-at-Home reader will get to make these fine tools part of their everyday cooking routine!

FABULOUS NEWS!!!!  One lucky Busy-at-Home reader will win a Chicago Cutlery Landmark 14-pc Knife Block Set and a Bamboo Cutting Board!  You need to be 18 or older to enter and reside in the U.S.  To enter, visit World Kitchen online, (World Kitchen is the parent company for Chicago Cutlery, Pyrex, Revere, Corning, and more!) and find another product you would love to see reviewed at Busy-at-Home (Chicago Cutlery or any of their other brands). Leave a comment on this blog post with the name of the product and a link to the page on their website.  After you leave your comment, use this Rafflecopter form to submit your entry and open the additional optional entries!

I received the Chicago Cutlery Landmark 14-pc Knife Block Set and Bamboo Cutting Boards to test them in my own kitchen and gather information for this review.  No monetary compensation was received and a positive review was not required.  The views and opinions expressed are wholly my own and based on my personal experience with the products.  While Busy-at-Home administers the giveaway and randomly selects the winner, the prize is provided by Chicago Cutlery.