My First Trip to Costco!

Yeah!! we have our first Costco in ND. Until now I had never even been in a Costco.
so...I kinda made my first trip a 3 day event.
First they had an open house, no membership required, look around try some samples etc. you just couldn't purchase anything. That was great for the first peek, and let me tell ya- they were NOT chinsy with the samples!
We ate lots....and didn't come close to trying everything!
 The next day I took my husband to look around, and we got our membership, he did not want a cart. I should have gotten a cart, after over an hour of meandering in the wrong shoes, he asked if I then wanted to buy anything- uhm yeah, tomorrow because I was not walking around the store again with sore feet.
 The next day- today I went shoppin'.
oh yeah.....

They had me at vanilla beans,

So until now, I have bought vanilla beans half this size for $3 a  piece, now here double the size, 10 of them for less than $12.  It's a beautiful thing.

 We just started making a batch of pomegranate cranberry wine, we bought a bottle of Pom juice about   half this size for $14 at the local grocery store, this 60 oz bottle???? $8!! I know!

A little Kirkland (their brand) cheese and some of the cutest pumpkin pasta-(my husband will not be interested)

Yummy Tzatziki sauce and olives with the pit still in them- my favorite way to eat olives

a ginormous pork loin and some mini beef wellington. Oh! I am so ready to cook!

a few veggies round out the groceries, I was a little sad because I wanted bananas and theirs were ripe, I like my nanners green, so I had to pass.

something to clean up after myself. 220 wipes for $8 great price!

I used my $10 sign up card credit and paid a total of $102. 10 vanilla beans and a smaller Pom juice alone would have been 45 bucks around here before.
They still were giving lots of samples, so I had a little lunch, stood around the Kuerig display waiting to try Nantucket blend, talked with a man from Bethlehem- We had a bit of a language barrier but we could speak of Christ and coffee and that was enough.




Yummy Yummy Yummy, this foodie loves Costco!
Do you have one? Have you been? What do you think?

GoodBye Gluten- Review

A few years ago I had some health issues that brought gluten free living onto my radar. Something I had not been familiar with suddenly became a possible way of life. Since then I have come to know many people with a gluten intolerance, allergy, Celiac Disease or just wanting to eliminate gluten from their diet.
 A staple of our diet is bread, trying to live gluten free is a challenge with toast and sandwiches the norm. Gluten free bread can be frankly, dismal.

A new option is hitting the market. Goodbye Gluten!
The main problems with the breads I had tried previously were crumbling texture, the need for storage in the freezer and a bland taste. Eating without toasting was a nightmare until now,

  I should tell you I don't live gluten free, I fortunately don't have to, but I would and I did eat this bread!

Goodbye Gluten has a wonderful texture that does not crumble, it makes great toast and great sandwiches. Sliced bread, fresh on the counter without being frozen. In fact recommended storage is not to freeze!

I tried both white and multi grain. I was quite partial to the multi grain myself.
A very good bread, for non gluten foodies as well as the gluten tolerant.

Stop by the Goodbye Gluten site, print a coupon and ask for it at your stores and enjoy. If you have tried this bread already please leave a comment letting me know what you thought and where you purchased the product.

multi grain shown here

Jack LaLanne Juicer

Do you juice? I never did until last year, while an unexpected hospital stay had me laying around watching cable tv, a luxury we do not have at home.  I was watching Jack and his wife on their infomercial, of course when you health is compromised, anything that seems  rejuvenating takes on new meaning and interest. 
so....you can imagine my surprise when my step mom called me and said, she just came across Jack LaLanne juicers for an amazing price at a salvage store. I asked, no begged her to get me one!  She did and I was thrilled, she came to help me out in my recovery and it was a good time to start giving this thing a try.

I began once in a while but stored it in the cupboard which made access....eh not so easy. I liked it but just didn't have the counter space. Recently I made the move and placed it onto the counter which is encouraging me to juice more often. Now I use it on average 3 times a week.

The Review
overall it is an easy product to use
assembly and disassembly is easy, you must use a gadget that is included to remove the sharp blade
quality of juice is good, the fibrous left over fruits and veggies are as dry as they say on the commercial
texture of the juice is smooth but will sometimes separate and will cling to glasses so, be sure to stir if not drinking immediately and to rinse your glasses right away
clean up...not nearly as easy as they show on tv, I recommend immediate cleaning or at least soaking and you will probably need a brush for the fine mesh sieve (shown above)

left behind apple

My usual juice contains
2 large carrots
1 piece of fruit ( apple, orange, pear)
any left over berries


 Remember
Citrus fruits must be peeled
this product can not use bananas
It does not make smoothies so be sure you don't order if that is what your expecting.
The model shown here sells for about $100. at this site Power Juicer
want to guess what Rachel paid for ours?

how about.....$20.00....score!!!

North Dakota Honey Rhubarb Cookie -BHG State Cookie Contest!

Original Recipe by ND Kitchen

 Better Homes and Gardens is sponsoring at State cookie contest. Please go to their Facebook site  BHG Live Better and vote for your favorite cookie! Ahem...North Dakota's. Voting begins Thurs June 29 and runs until Tues July 27th. You will see the tab on the side that says State Cookie Contest.
I was completely surprised and honored to be the representative for North Dakota.  There will be prizes so be sure to stop by and like them on facebook and then keep up with the voting. I would so appreciate you helping me spread the word!
 BHG will be bringing their new Kitchen Collection Cookware Line  exclusively to Walmart. I baked these cookies on the  non stick 15 X 9 baking pan, I have to say I was impressed. The non stick surface is amazing, it has a quilt like surface that truly keeps your baked goods from sticking and makes clean up easy. Lightweight but sturdy with nonslip grips are also a unique feature to this pan.

 The Cookie

1 c butter, at room temp
4 oz cream cheese, at room temp
1 c sugar
3/4 c brown sugar
1/4 c honey
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
4 c flour
1/2 c ground flax
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Filling
3 c diced fresh or frozen rhubarb
1 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
3 Tbs cornstarch
2 Tbs water
red food coloring (optional)
 Directions
Cream butter and cream cheese, add in sugars and honey. When incorporated add vanilla and eggs, mix well. In another bowl combine flour, flax, soda, powder salt and cinnamon, add to creamed mixture.
Place about 1 rounded Tablespoon of dough 2 inches apart on lightly greased cookie sheet.
Dip your finger in flour to prevent sticking and form a small well in the center of each cookie.

 Filling
in medium saucepan over med high heat, place rhubarb and sugar. Note: to use frozen rhubarb   place in colander until thawed, do not press any extra moisture out.
Cook about 5-7 minutes until rhubarb is soft, add vanilla and food coloring. Mix water and cornstarch  add to pot, continue heating until thickened stirring constantly.

 Fill wells with 1 Tbs of filling. Bake at 350 for 8-11 min.

 Cool on wire rack. You may drizzle chocolate on top for a finishing touch.
The light nutty taste of the flax mixed with honey set a great base for the sweet rhubarb filling. If you do not have access to rhubarb you could add any fruit filling or jam. Makes 5 dozen.

Why rhubarb honey?

Did you know North Dakota is the leading honey producer in the United States? 

Did you know rhubarb is a staple here! It is hard to find a yard without it growing in some corner. Rhubarb is a tart vegetable or fruit...the debate goes on. Usually because of the tartness lots of sugar is added to recipes which means..How can it be bad?

 The leaves are poisonous so don't eat them! 

And did you know...

 Flax is a nutty grain full of good for you nutrients that...yep, North Dakota grows 90% of in the US!

Voting goes until July 27th, 2011. 

Thanks!!

Joining

Foodie Friday

Sweets for Saturday

Funky Junk

Full Plate Thursdays

Makin Bacon ~ Product Review

 Have you ever used Makin bacon? Invented by an 8 year old, it is one of the best kitchen products around. It folds down (above) for easy  storage and easily assembles. The biggest advantage is your bacon cooks without lying in the grease. All that unwanted fat collects in the tray and can be used for something else...if ya still cook old school, or if you let it set, it will solidify making it easy to scoop out and throw.

Just hang bacon, (turkey bacon shown here and NOT recommended- it does not do so well in the microwave on this gadget)  and cook. Remember bacon continues to cook for about 2 min when remove it, so don't over heat.
You can see and order the Makin Bacon product here, or at a local kitchen store. If you have used this product please comment and tell us how you would rate it.

Cooling Racks

 Stackable cooling racks, I have two sets and use both often, I highly recommend them, they fold flat so they take up very little space. Clean up is easy because of nonstick surface.
When choosing a set one main difference I have found is stacking height.

 The above racks are Wilton, they are wider in width but lower in height. Perfect for cookies.
Below next to them you will see another set, these are Baker's Secret (if I remember right) you will see they are not as wide but higher,
 two stacks equal the height of 3 Wilton.

This extra height makes them perfect for cooling cakes.

If you purchase a set decide what you will be using your racks for the most or just get two sets! They usually sell for aroun 10-12 dollars and the Wilton is sold at Michaels and Hobby Lobby where you can use a 40% off coupons.

Product Review- silicone

NOTE Giveaway is NOW CLOSED

 Have you tried cooking with silicone? The advantages are easy clean up and storage. They come in nearly every shape and size and function.

 You will still have to grease or spray your pans, and they often need baking sheet underneath for support. Two varieties I use regularly and do recommend are the muffin cups seen below. I spray these and use with cake or brownie mixes, you can still use paper liners but they do not require it which makes it nice for some recipes. Note: if not using liners, let cool COMPLETELY before removing, then gently loosen from mold.

 I also like the oven mits, they do get hot, but are sufficient for removing pans from the oven. They improve grip for me and unless really stressed will keep your hands comfortable.

 As far as cake pans, you can see they tend to cook unevenly. Even with support the cake often comes out with sink holes. Smothered with frosting and no one will really care, but if you bake for special occasions I recommend staying with the tried and true. Cake pans with patterns, or bunts work better. The only silicone pan I actually got rid of was my loaf pan, the bread expanded to much and did not come out in a nice loaf shape. I have not decided if I like the cookie sheet liners yet, I think I prefer parchment paper.

 Overall I recommend trying it to see if you like it, especially the muffin cups!
so why not try these.......
a set of 2 personal steamers.

I will be giving away this set of steamers and

a set of 3 tea infusers.
 Giveaway Rules Giveaway now closed

To enter; (all comments must be left on this post.)
1. leave a comment about silicone cookware, have you used it? what do you think? never tried it? just let me know.
2. Help spread the word about the giveaway by blogging about it. Come back and leave a comment  stating so.
3. Blog about or take the holiday treat hookup button seen on side bar, this is an ongoing linky that will be open for you to share your favorite holiday recipes. Please leave separate comment that you have done this.
4. Link a recipe on the holiday treats page, see page tabs across the top, and come back and tell me, here on this post.
5. Like ND Kitchen on Facebook, leave a comment stating you are a fan.
That is 5 chances to enter!
Each entry MUST be a separate comment! Comments with more than one entry will only be counted as one.
You must have a blog that I can contact you at or you must leave an email address on your comment. if there is no email a new winner will be drawn.
Give away will end on December 30th.

Magic erasers???

Ever tried these?
They work!
If you have tough stains, or that bumpy texture on your fridge or fridge handle, that course finish on your tub, this is a great product. They still require elbow grease, but they work, it removes stains and build up. As you use it, it kind of disappears into a nothingness....weird really, kind of crumbles away. I have used off brands and they too have worked but I think they crumble easier resulting in more waste and a little annoying.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this product if you have tried it.

Kuerig coffe maker

It has been about 10 months since my family bought me a Kuerig coffee maker for my birthday. And .....I still love it! 

One touch coffee, one cup at a time, perfect for your first morning cup, an afternoon break or quick cup of decaf in the evening.

There is a large variety of coffees, teas, and cocoas available for use with the machine. On average you will pay about 50 cents a pod.  A mesh cup made to fit the machine is also sold, it uses your own ground coffee, making for a much more economical option, it sells for around $15.00. Machines sell for $80-$140.

The water reservoir on the large size hold 12 cups.

You have the option of a small or large cup options, if you LOVE coffee and use big cups, you will have to probably hit the button twice for one cup, lifting the lid in between to "reset" the machine and make it think, so to speak, it is making two cups. Each pod can be used twice, in these ways......two brews into one cup (for an extra large cup) or one good strong cup for those who love rich coffee and the second much weaker brew for the faint of heart. Up here we call that either Norwegian coffee or church basement brew.
Note, if you are tempted to get the small version, here is what I overheard at the kitchen store......you will be refilling the reservoir a lot!!

Hint, a great way to save money on the pods is to watch for stores that sell them and have mail coupons. One example is Bed Bath and Beyond, generally a pack of 18 sells for $10.00 there, they will often send 20% off coupons or $5 off $15 purchase, this will greatly decrease your cost. Kohl's also has coupons and you can bet if I get a free $10 to spend there or Penny's I get coffee! Yes JC Penny sells them too. 

In case your wondering how long they will be around, I always ask the sales person how much they sell of the product, everyone I have asked says it is a great seller!

Stone Ware

  If you have never tried baking or cooking with stone ware, now is the time. I was skeptical years ago, I had a Pampered Chef party and if my demonstrator hadn't talked me into it and had my party not reached the level of attaining it as a free item, I never would have bought it. I was worried about the "not washing" in soap and water, the seasoning process, the weight etc.
  My first piece was a bar pan, when you get it the color is very light clay, see newer pieces above. After use, it continues to darken, my first bar pan became black, completely black I used it almost every day. It eventually broke and I am now breaking in a new one.
 It is a little pricey, but worth every penny. Often you can find a piece at a garage sale, from someone who went to a party and probably bought one out of guilt (because they have to buy something) or they just never started using it. Shame really. But it is a great way to get a lower price and try it out. There are a few other brands at stores, I have some of those too. They work fine, I think Pampered Chef's product is a little better but I use it all just the same.

Bar pan on bottom, a store brand cookie sheet and various pizza pans. I use all of these when baking cookies.
I also make pizza, cook fish sticks, buns, cresent rolls- from the dairy aisle, etc on these pans.

The bowls are wonderful for oven stews, bread bowls and can be used as a dutch oven with bottom round stone cake pan.

I have a multi loaf pan, it works very well, loaves are just right, not too small.

 

  Over the years I have owned several pieces, a few have broken, it is stone so you have to be careful. I was had a serious lapse in judgment and actually added water out of the tap into the hot pan in the oven, duh! that would even break glass!! 

Seasoning requires only spraying or buttering and/ or cooking high fat foods the first few times.
Clean up is hot water with a scraper, soon a dark slick coating will develop and less fat is required.
Pans are heavy, keep them in an easy access place.
If you have stone ware, like it or not, leave a comment and let me know what you think.