Enjoying One-On-One Time With My Little Chef

I don't know what it is, but every time I'm in the kitchen, my little two year old grandson wants to help his Gigi cook.  I can hear his cute little voice saying, "Gigi, I wanna cook."  Of course, I'm going to let him help me.  It's the only way for my grandson, Brody, to get interested in  not only cooking, but using his imagination and helping with the cleanup, afterwards.

This is the time we should cherish.  The time, when little ones wants to spend time with us.  It's a learning experience and what better way to learn, but to have fun doing it.  I try to make every time in the kitchen a fun one.  That is why this adorable apron set just set the mood, perfectly.  

My grandson was so excited to see this chef's hat and apron.  His first words were, "is this mine?"  Now, he could be a real chef; a real helper, in the kitchen.  Let me tell you, when we were in the kitchen pretending to cook, he did NOT want to take this apron and hat off.  Even after we were done in the kitchen and he brought his little self into the living room to watch tv, he would not take HIS apron set off.

This cute chef apron and hat set comes in several color options.  Some of which are blue, white, blue/white stripes, red/white strips, etc.  This little apron and hat set is by a company, Dapper &  Doll.  Dapper & Doll  is a family owned & operated company based out of Portland, Oregon.  Dapper & Doll aprons and hat sets are the perfect gift for children 3 years old and up.  The apron has an easy to adjust strap that allows you to fit the apron accordingly to your child.  The front of the apron has a nice size pocket, a pocket that can be used to hold your little one's utensils or order pad.  The apron also folds up in the front for children who are shorter and younger.  

Now...think about this. If you are not a baker, a cook or someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen, but you still have children who would absolutely love this...this apron set could also be used as a painter's apron.  Think about it.  How many times has your child wanted to paint, but you just hated the thought of him, or her, messing up one of this favorite shirts, and then...you have to yank the shirt off and either let him paint shirtless, or find an old shirt to paint in.  No worries...just throw on this apron, over his shirt, and let the fun begin.

Another fun thing about this apron set...you can bedazzle, bling and go all out on creating your child's very own customized apron and hat set.  Dapper & Doll has many solid colored apron and hat sets, that make it easy for your child to bling out or puff paint their own design.  The possibilities are endless!

You can grab your child's Dapper & Doll apron and hat set at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07S2DPQPB and I might add...if you have more than one child, you better order an extra one!






***I may have received a complimentary product, in exchange, for my honest and unbiased review.  REGARDLESS...all opinions expressed are 100% my own***

Spice Up Your Foods With Cocina Stina BBQ Rubs

I love to cook and grill, but only get to enjoy it maybe once a week - Sundays, as I work through the week and my husband just can't seem to wait,until I get home, to cook.  I love experimenting with new recipes, new foods and even trying to convert an oldie recipe into a new one.

I can probably say, 99% of the time when I prepare a dish, I'm using some kind of spice, herbs or sauces. Of course, salt and pepper are the main spices, but there are those recipes and everyday dishes, that just needs that extra something special...something that's going to make your dish stand out.

Shown here, are several different rubs, mainly for grilling and baking, but they can also add something extra to stove top dishes.  These BBQ rubs are by CocinaStina Etsy Shop.  CocinaStina has tons of different rubs to choose from, and are excellent, depending on what type of meat you are preparing. 

I was baking and frying up some chicken for Sunday night's dinner and decided to try the Sweet Mesquite Rub.  This rub is excellent for BBQ chicken and pork and contains a blend of: Smoked Mesquite Salt, onion, garlic, paprika, chili pepper, bell pepper, raw cane sugar, pepper and natural smoke flavor.  It's not too spicy and add a great texture to the skin of the chicken.

I also decided to do some wings and tried the Six Pepper Spice, as I was turning these babies into hot wings, but needed that extra kick.  The Six Pepper Spice contains: Salt, dehydrated chili pepper, white pepper, black pepper, red pepper flakes, mixed bell peppers, citric acid and caraway.  Can you see why this would be perfect for those hot wings?!!   Yes, it is a bit spicy, but that is what you want, when at times, your hot sauce just doesn't do the trick!

Six Pepper Spice

Are you looking for a different take on a BBQ rub? Something that adds a little cafe flavor to your ribs, roasts and mole sauces?  Try this Cafe BBQ Rub by CocinaStina Etsy Shop.  It has a blend of organic coffee granules, organic sucanat sugar, sea salt, tomato, roasted chili powder, red chili, garlic, pepper, mustard, onion and allspice.  This is great as a dry BBQ rub or as a finishing seasoning.

Bayou Honey BBQ Rub

These are just a few of my favorite from CocinaStina Etsy Shop.  These, are by far, only a sampling as to what CocinaStina has to offer.  You have to check out CocinaStina Etsy Shop and view over 350 handmade spices, crock pot creations, soup mixes and more.  

Kristina Arnold is the owner of CocinaStina Etsy Shop and creates spice mixes from her kitchen to yours!  

CONNECT WITH COCINASTINA

COCINASTINA ETSY SHOP






***I received a complimentary product(s), in exchange, for my honest and unbiased review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

12 Qt. Stainless Steel Steam Control Stockpot

One of my all time favorites at home, is my kitchen.  When I say my kitchen, I mean my appliances, kitchen gadgets, blenders and cookware.  I am a freak when it comes to new kitchenware!  

The pot shown here, is the 12 Qt. Stainless Steel Steam Control Stockpot.  This 12 qt stockpot is a 3 gallon size and has riveted handles that are heat, cold and detergent resistant!  I love a pot where I don't have to worry about burning my hands on the handles!

The handles are very sturdy and very well attached to the pot.  It has a steam control valve, on the top of the lid, to minimize moisture, while cooking, steaming, etc.  Open the valve of the on the lid and when you hear the pot begin to whistle, turn your heat down between low to medium.  It's best to always cook your food on low to medium and never on high heat.

Before using this pot, it is recommended to wash the pot in sudsy warm water. The pot may contain oils from the manufacturer and if not washed, may turn the inside of the pot brown, therefore, making it hard to clean afterwards.  This pot has a lifetime guarantee, which is one think I love when it comes to kitchen ware!

You can purchase your 12 Qt. Stainless Steel Steam Control Stockpot, HERE!

Link to Steam Control Stainless Steel Stockpot:
https://www.amazon.com/Steam-Control-12-Quart-Surgical-Stainless-Steel/dp/B000N4M1X2/ref=sr_1_1?m=A2D4DW0NZBLRX4&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1466191211&sr=1-1&keywords=KTSP5


***I received a complimentary product, in exchange, for my honest and unbiased review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Cute Handmade Summer Delight Full Bodied Apron by Fadiddles on Etsy

I can't tell you how many t-shirts, tops and even pants, that I have ruined, all because I did not have an apron to protect my clothes.  Most of my cooking is done on Sunday, when I don't have to work and it never fails, there is always oil that will splatter onto my shirt!  ALWAYS!

Why in the world I hadn't bought a apron is beyond me, but I was thrilled to get the chance to review, not only an apron, but a handmade apron to my liking, by Fadiddles.  Fadiddles is an Etsy store, run by Rachel Marcussen.  She creates custom made apron from scratch fabrics and materials she has on hand and I can honestly say, this is a very unique piece!

This apron is called the Summer Delight Full Bodied Apron and right now, it is currently unavailable.  Although this apron is currently unavailable, Fadiddles has another apron that is...the Zig Zag and Pom Poms full bodied apron.  If you are looking for a specific theme or color, give Rachel a shout.  She may be able to accommodate your needs.

Rachel was very great at suggesting fabric and design preferences and her Etsy store features other items, besides the apron.  This Summer Delight Apron has a cute plaid skirt like bottom, resembling a school girl kind of skirt.  It has a matching plaid pocket on the side front of the apron, to hold any kitchen utensil. The apron comes with ties around the neck and ties around the back, which can also be tied in the front.

The apron is a vibrant yellow, mixed with complimentary colors of reds, yellows, blues and purples and is machine washable.  The apron is plenty big enough to fit around me, protecting my clothing from any mishaps!  Thanks for a great apron, Rachel!

Please check out Fadiddles on Etsy.  There, you will find stunning hand crafted jewelry, baby quilt and the zig zag and pom poms apron.  If you are looking for something in particular, send Rachel a message...I'm sure she would be happy to make you a one of a kind piece!

Visit Fadiddles, HERE!


FADIDDLES ETSY STORE


***I received a complimentary product, in exchange, for my honest and unbiased review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Kitchen & Style Stainless Steel Garlic Press & Silicone Peeler Review

This is the first time I've ever used a garlic press and I'm so glad I have one now! This garlic press is so lightweight, but sturdy and easy to fit in hands. The handles are non-slip with a nice grip and has an elegant look about it. I love this garlic press, due to the fact, the other I've seen, do not have the non-slip grip.

The silicone peeler that comes with it AMAZED me! I can't believe that this simple silicone peeler, peels garlic as easily as it did! Both garlic press and silicone peeler were very very easy to use and the garlic came out, finely minced, just the way I like it. What I also love about this press, is that it's dishwasher safe!


All this time, I've been peeling my garlic they way they show on the Food Network Channel.  Take a knife, give it a whack and the peeling cracks to where it just slides off.  Now....there are times, where I don't want my garlic smashed, therefore; I would have to patiently pee the garlic.  With the Silicon Peeler, all you have to do is put your garlic clove inside the peeler.  Roll the Silicone Peeler back and forth a couple of times and Voila!  Garlic comes out peeled!  It's so simple and I don't think I will do without it.  

The Stainless Steel Garlic Press by Kitchen & Style made it easy and fast to finely mince my garlic.  It was more of a puree garlic, but I prefer this.  All you have to do is pop the peeled garlic clove in the press, give it a squeeze, and out comes your perfectly minced (or puree) garlic.  You will have to take a knife of small spatula to get the remainder of what left over garlic there is, hanging around on the press.

Kitchen & Style has a lifetime guarantee on their garlic press.  That says a lot about a company, who believes in their product, to stand behind it with a lifetime guarantee.  You can grab not only your garlic press, but also the silicone peeler that comes with it, by visiting Kitchen & Style's Amazon page.   




***I received the above product, free, in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% purely my own.  Regardless, I only recommend products I personally use myself.

Calolea Extra Virgin Olive Oil Review

Olive oil has become a very popular oil to cook with, mainly for the use of marinades and as a salad dressing.  It's healthy, light and an overall great cooking oil.  It has it's own distinct flavor that can bring out the best in foods.

I love to cook, anytime I get a chance, and I love to cook new things.  There have been many recipes that have called for Olive Oil, but I just couldn't bring myself to pay a high price for it (the frugal part of me) and used Canola oil instead.  

Calolea Olive Oil was generous enough to give me a chance to review this awesome product.  I couldn't wait to use it, as I love using Olive Oil in a lot of my dishes.  The Calolea Extra Virgin Olive Oil was a generous 8.5 fl oz size and is derived from Manzanillo olives...which makes this bottle of Olive Oil green in color.

Not only was I happy to receive this Calolea Extra Virgin Olive Oil, but I was even more surprised, happy and ecstatic that the company ALSO sent me an additional three small bottles of their other products, as well as a disc of Olive Oil Complexion bar!  YAH ME!!  The three sample bottles were: California Orange Crush Olive Oil, Garlic Olive Oil and White Balsamic Vinegar.  My Calolea also came with a nice postcard type, that had info regarding their olive oil

I really love the labeling of the Calolea EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil) and really love the distinct flavor of the Manzanillo brand.  All of Calolea Olive Oils have been awarded the "Seal of Quality" from the California Olive Oil Council since 1999 and numerous awards from around the world.  

The superior tasting of the Calolea Olive Oils are attributed to their unique growing terroir.  The Olive trees were planted 100 years ago in the same way the Spanish missionaries planted their orchards.

Calolea harvest their own olives and rush them from the fields to the mill, ensuring the most flavorful olive oil possible, with the health benefits you would expect from a fresh pressed Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

If you would love to try the unique and great tasting Calolea Extra Virgin Olive Oils, you must visit their site: Calolea.com.






 ***I received this product, free, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.  All opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.  Regardless, I only recommend products I personally use myself.
  

Sim Prium #KitchenGripsPro Silicone Baking Gloves Review & Giveaway

The Sim Prium's Kitchen Grips Pro Silicone Gloves are the perfect kitchen accessory to have on hand.  These gloves have a lifetime guarantee, which makes it all the better to have these.  They can withstand temps up to 450 degrees and are perfect for indoor cooking as well as grilling outdoors.

I have used these Silicone gloves many many times, as I am very careless when reaching inside the oven.  It never fails, when I am not wearing these protective gloves, I always end up burning my hand or finger, by either reaching inside the oven or accidentally touching the hot baking dish.

These gloves are 100% HEAT PROOF and WATERPROOF! The Kitchen Grips Pro Silicone gloves are easy to care for and easy to clean.  You can either wash them off by running them under warm to hot sudsy water or throw them in your dishwasher, as these gloves are dishwasher safe...making it even easier to clean!

These gloves are made with 100% food grade silicone and are completely non-toxic.  PERFECT gloves to have on hand (no pun intended!)  They are one size fits most and are have a totally comfortable fit.

If you want to protect your hands and have the perfect accessory to your kitchen, you MUST try these gloves!  They are almost a necessity to have in the kitchen!  You can grab your pair at Amazon, for only $24.97!  

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!  WE ARE ALSO DOING A GIVEAWAY FOR A PAIR OF THESE AWESOME SILICONE GLOVES!


a Rafflecopter giveaway <span style=">**I received this product, free, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own.  Regardless, I only recommend products I personally use myself and believe would interest my readers. 

Western Cedar Grilling Planks (8 Pk) Review

I have never grilled with any type of wood chips, let alone, wood planks, but I've heard so much great things about grilling with them to add flavor to your food.  I was thrilled when I received my Western Cedar Grilling Planks in the mail!  I couldn't wait to use them, to see what all the fuss was about.  

Let me begin by saying....THE WOOD PLANKS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  They add that hint of flavor to fish, Salmon, chicken, steaks and vegetables.  You can actually cook anything you want on these Cedar planks, just to give it more flavor.

These planks will give your ordinary seasoned food more OOMPH!  Instructions say to soak these planks for 1-2 hours, although, I would recommend soaking them for the full 2 hours, to eliminate some of the burning.  If not soaked for the recommended time, you may end up with burnt edges around your planks.  If soaked fully, you should get about 2-3 uses out of each plank.  

The planks, once they've been soaked, will begin to smoke when you put them on the grill and begin grilling.  This is normal. The planks are 15" x 5.25" x 3/8".  Separating the meats from the vegetables, when grilling with the planks, is recommended.  We don't want any cross contamination!

You can grab these full of flavor planks by visiting Amazon.  The list price is $39.99, but they are marked down to $24.95 + shipping.



 *** I received this product, free, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are 100% my own.
 

Sweet N Sour Chicken Recipe

About once or twice a month, I love to cook up some Sweet N Sour Chicken. It seems like anything that takes me longer than 30 minutes to an hour, is not very time consuming, especially when I have to do the cooking.

I've been making this recipe for about a year now, and it's always a hit.  Seems like there is never any leftovers when I want a quick lunch!  Below is my version of Sweet N Sour recipe.  Approximate cost: $11.02.  This cost is taking in consideration that I have the pepper flakes (optional) and onions on hand and no coupons have been used.

 SWEET N SOUR CHICKEN

INGREDIENTS:

2.5 lb - 3lb bag frozen or fresh chicken breast or tenders
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
2 La Choy Duck sauce (10oz bottle)
Flour (to batter)

Begin by cutting your chicken into 1 inch cubes. This is easier when your chicken is half frozen.

Chop your onion and bell pepper into small to med size chunks. Set aside.

Roll your chicken in flour ( I don't necessarily use egg, but you can if you wish).

Add about 1 inch of cooking oil to your skillet and fry the chicken on med to med-high heat.  Fry your chicken til it's just about done. (the chicken will continue to cook in the oven when you get ready to place it in the oven).

Drain the chicken on paper towels.

Next:  Line your baking dish with the chicken, chopped bell pepper, chopped onion and cover with the duck sauce. (You can also use Kraft's Sweet N Sour Sauce).  Mix all ingredients well.  Sprinkle with Red Pepper Flakes (optional). Put into a 400 degree oven and bake for approx. 20 minutes or until all is heated through.

Simple and easy!

What is your favorite chicken dish?  Comment your recipe and you may see if featured on Not Just Another Southern's Gals' blog!!