Kitchen Charms

The Kitchen Charms section contains my favorite kitchen tools, power tools, and machines.


Enameled Cast Iron:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my new enameled cast iron pot. I want to replace all of my pots with these. It heats and maintains heat very well, food doesn't stick, and it cleans up very easily. I can't believe I have lived this long without it. 




Rolling Pin:
This is my favorite rolling pin. It's not fancy, but it works fantastic. It came with bands to place on the ends which help you with the thickness of the dough you are seeking. It's simple design is its magic.




http://www.amazon.com/J-K-Adams-PRP-2-Plain-Rolling/dp/B000IYYG26/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1313334529&sr=8-9








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Bread Machine: It's the easiest appliance to use. Just follow these simple instructions:


Add liquid ingredients first - water, milk, sugar, egg, etc. (water and milk should be warmed to at least room temperature or 80-85 degrees.
If recipe calls for salt add it to the wet ingredients.
Pour in flour and any other additives such as nuts, herbs, fruit etc.
Make a well in the top of the flour and add the yeast.
Set bread machine to desired setting and press start.


Some bread recipes need to be altered, so if you are unsure just look for one on my blog or on-line.
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Tortilla Press: LOVE IT! Buy the cast aluminum or cast iron one for best results (Amazon.com has the best prices.) Read the instructions on the side before discarding the box. It works great and freshly made corn tortillas can't be beat. You can also make a batch of tortilla dough and place it in the refrigerator with a wet towel on top for use later in the week. If it feels too dry when you pull it out, just wet your hands and slightly wet the dough ball before smooshing in the press. A cast iron pan works best for cooking, but it's not necessary.
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Vacuum Sealer: Couldn't live with out. I freeze everything (see Freezing section in my blog). I have seen these on sale lately, but for the most part they are the same price no matter where you buy. Like Nintendo, the price is locked by the manufacturer. The bags are sometimes on sale, but again, very close in price at most locations.