Thursday, May 22, 2014
Delta Carbona Lp 320 2-in-1 Oven Rack and Grill Cleaner 16.9 Oz (Pack of 6)
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Breville BGR200XL Variable Temperature Panini Grill
I had heard rave reviews of this press and I could not agree more. Yes, some out there opt for "marketability" over quality. What do I mean? With removable plates you simply are not going to get as quality of a cooking surface. Because you have to cover the hot elements underneath and then put the removable plates on top of that so that no one gets burned. By doing this, you lessen the heating ability and true wattage of the cooking sheets that touch the sandwiches or meat and you simply cannot get a true quality sear when you use it as a grill nor a perfect crisp when you use it as a press. Why should this not result in inconvenience? As a chef, I happen to know that a perfectly seasoned non-stick pan is not one that is put through the dishwasher. A perfectly seasoned cooking stone looks horrible and black. A good seasoning has nothing to do with spices. It means you build up the surface over time. This doesn't mean bacteria as a home chef may be prone to thinking in it needing to run through the dishwasher. Because when you cook with it each time it burns off that part of what is left behind and the particles simply result in this perfect non-stick surface where food slides right off. So no, for those reasons and from owning one of the panini presses in the past where you remove the plates meaning you actually have a double plated surface that can never properly sear meats, get seaoned, or perfectly crisp a sandwich, this one was made for the chefs, or anyone else who reads Bon Appetit and "gets it". LOL
I don't eat meat and my husband does but this pleases us both. You can set it to sear and lock in the juices of a steak and then cook it perfectly with beautiful grill marks or you can stuff some country slices of bread with vegetarian sandwich fixings, or mozzarella and basil and pasta sauce and eggplant or make perfect breakfast egg sandwiches or use your leftover turkey and dressing as I did for him after Thanksgiving for the world's best paninis. Not like the home paninis you may come across with some brands, but more like the kind you would order at a French cafe.
I highly suggest the book "200 best panini recipes" to go with it; you only brush the surface of what all you can do in sandwich ideas until you explore the thick cookbook. You could go almost a year making a panini a day and still feel like you have unlimited varieties. Plus I have found they spur ideas for other things. Your recipes will just keep flowing...and use new sauces and spreads to keep them interesting like cranberry chutney with turkey and cheese or roasted garlic mayo on a burger with sauteed onions and smoked cheese, chipotle mayo on portobello mushroom with caramelized onions, ( I just mix some chipotle in adobo in a blender to taste with mayo to make that.) roast beef with thousand island dressing on pumpernickle with kraut, jalapeno mayo with beef and cheddar...you get the idea. Sure it makes a wicked 3 cheese grilled cheese but you mix up a few ingredients and you wind up biting into gourmet good enough that you could serve it with a simple soup for guests and still get wows.
For best results, put your sandwiches or meats in the back part. Any extra sandwiches or meats go in front of that. It has the perfect weight to crisp them and make your cheese gooey yet leave the bread crusts perfectly pannini.
What else does it offer you might not see elsewhere? Some have a flat plate on the bottom saying you can cook pancakes. Bypass it. That won't make good panninis or offer a good grill. Why? You need the double waffle for a perfect panini and you need a slant to be able to have the fat of your meats run off. None of which you can get on one made to double as a pancake maker.
This one also has variable temps and variable thickness for what you are cooking should you wish to stack a burger high and not have all the ingredients totally squeeze out and so you can cook whatever you wish perfectly.
This is the one for picky chefs. Trust me, after a few uses you barely need to wipe it. It is seasoned perfectly with just a light wipe each time.
Some ideas you may not have thought of for dinner:
Roast beef panini with olive tapenade
flank steak, bacon, and tomato panini
steak, bacon, and blue cheese panini
turkey, avocado and spinach panini
roasted turkey, pear, and brie panini
shrimp, spainach and gouda panini
blackened tilapia with jalapeno mayo panini
fried catfish panini
tuna and swiss panini
refried bean and avocado tortillas cooked in panini press
stir fried mushroom and mozzarella panini
greek veggie with hummus panini on pita
goat cheese and sundried tomato panini
sundried tomato, basil pesto and parm panini on sourdough
spinach, goat cheese and sundried tomato panini
spinach, pear, walnut with pesto
crispy onion, barbecue steak with chipotle bbq sauce on hoagie buns panini
pot roast and horseradish mayo panini
French dip panini with au jus dipping sauce
fried bologna, american cheese and arugala panini
salami, prosciutto, and roasted red pepper panini
salami, mozzarella and fontini panini
summer sausage and pepper jack panini
pepperoni and mozzarella panini on ciabatta rolls with oregano and romano
ham, turkey, avocado and alfalfa sprout panini
classic club panini
You get the idea!I bought this as a new product, as a gift to my wife. Upon opening it recently (my wife's grandmother died on Christmas Eve, so we were delayed in "celebrating" the holiday), we discovered the top was dented in several places. The item was in the original box, but the box had clearly been opened and the packaging removed. When I tried to return the item for a refund, the seller refused to accept the return and provide a refund. For $250, this is more than a small disappointment. Suffice it to say, we are sorely disgusted with this lack of service and seller integrity. I do not know if the item works. It was clearly not "new" and we hoped after seeing it to return the item without using it. Shame on Amazon for tolerating this shoddy practice.
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Cook N Home Nonstick Aluminum Double Burner Reversible Griddle/Grill, 19-1/2 by 10-1/2-Inch
Buy Cook N Home Nonstick Aluminum Double Burner Reversible Griddle/Grill, 19-1/2 by 10-1/2-Inch Now
...for an opportunity to get a griddle/grill plate and this was it. Perfect! Thank you for a great product. I made cornmeal pancakes and they turned out perfect after I seasoned the griddle a bit with oil.we found the cook n home nonstick aluminum double burner reversible grill to a good value; easy to use and quite convenient. we use it on our outdoor grill to roast vegetables. it does an excellent job.Doesn't fit my stove very well, but light wieght and easy to use. Cleaning the grooves proves a challange but with a scrub brush it works okay.Friday, February 14, 2014
Bayou Classics Cast Iron Covered Skillet - 3 qt.
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We purchased this and use it daily in the kitchen and on the grill!!The only caution I would offer is: This is NOT a pre-seasoned pan!! You will have to season it yourself. I didn't realize this when i purchased this skillet. I enjoyed the process of seasoning it, so i didn't mind, but it caught me off guard.
Read Best Reviews of Bayou Classics Cast Iron Covered Skillet - 3 qt. Here
Use this skillet to make crusty breads. Works as well as other higher priced dutch ovens. Easy to clean and maintain.Want Bayou Classics Cast Iron Covered Skillet - 3 qt. Discount?
IRON PANS ARE GREAT, BUT THIS PAN WASN'T SEASONED PROPERLY. IT SEAMS AS IF THEY RUBBED SOME GREASE ONTO IT, AND CALLED IT SEASONED. I EVEN PLACED THE PAN IN THE OVEN TO HELP SEASON IT MORE, AND ALL I GOT WAS A LOT OF SMOKE IN MY HOUSE. IT TOOK HOURS TO GET THE SMOKE OUT.I ALSO FIND THAT THEY RUST VERY EASILY. MY OLD, OLD PAN WORKS PERFECTLY. I WIPE IT OUT WITH A DAMP DISH TOWEL, USE A PAPER TOWEL TO DRY IT, AND IT IS READY TO USE.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Better Chef Sandwich Maker - White
Friday, January 3, 2014
Breville BSG540XL Nonstick Panini Quattro 4-slice
While it does not have ridges (the press/grill is flat on top and bottom) it still grills sandwiches easily and perfectly.
My teenage children love using it too!
They have made bacon on it for BLT's and quesadillas. While it does not have a drip pan, it does have a shallow lip around the bottom and my husband has successfully grilled burgers on it.
It is very easy to clean and store.I recently purchased this Breville sandwich press as my second one. I had purchased the earlier model SG820XL in 2006 and it is still operating flawlessly, having been used about 20-30 times per year, over the 5 years.
Knowing that, eventually favorite tools can break or malfunction, I did not want to risk not having a sandwich press with flat plates. For a more detailed review on grooved plates versus flat plates, see two of my 2006 reviews...one for the DeLonghi grooved grill versus a companion review of the Breville flat plate grill. I had purchased the Delonghi first and was unsatisfied with grooved plates for my intended purpose of use and returned it for the much more satisfactory flat plate Breville. And I can say from much experience, that the Breville flat plate grill is at the top of the food chain, in performance and build quality (after 5 years of constant use).
And it is much more versatile than a grooved plate panninni press, since you can use it for everything from toasted sandwiches (providing a perfectly browned crust and thoroughly "heated through" ingredients), to hamburger patties, quesadillas, pancakes, and reheating pizza slices (placing cold pizza slices on the bottom plate, crisps the crust back to original consistency while using the stair step locker on the side to adjust the top plate to "hover" at various clearances, just above the pizza surface, to radiate heat to the top side ingredients from above, without touching, makes for a great "leftovers" result).
There is no temperature control because one is not needed. This unit is "set" to be very forgiving, so there is virtually no risk of burning a sandwich. However, to provide consistent browning, I do open the lid and flip sandwiches in mid stream to keep the browning consistent. But be sure to use only plastic spatulas on the non stick surface. Most everything will cook in this unit within 5-7 minutes (including hamburger patties which benefit from being cooked on both sides at the same time). If you do hamburger patties, be sure to use lean (90/10 or 95/15), because 85/15 or 80/20 usually has so much grease shed that you may end up making more of a mess, since the unit has somewhat limited capacity for retaining a lot of juice and fat run-off. There is a raised lip around the perimeter to contain this but again, it is somewhat limited and bears experimentation and watching. But realize that is not the primary intended use for this unit so that is not a factor to conside at all in the purchase for use. Another "not intended for use" is bacon. I love being able to cook bacon "flattened out" by the press. Simple and easy, however, don't put too many slices in at one time because there is a lot of grease shed and may overflow the lip. So experiment with a few slices of your favorite and then add as many as you think you can get away with, until you get to the magic number of maximum it can handle without overflow.
In the locked position, this unit will sit upright, taking up very little counter space or cabinet space. And it is a very handsome piece of chrome equipment if you care to leave it out as kitchen decor on the countertop.
Cleanup is a snap. I usually let the unit cool down in the open position for 3-4 minutes after removal of ingredients and then take a paper towel to both the top plate and bottom plate while they are both still fairly warm. This prevents ingredients from having time to cool down and get dried onto the plates. You can then do a quick wipe down with either wet rag with soap and water, to be rinsed, or a clorox wipe, rinse and dry.
You will find this to become an indispensible kitchen tool I would be lost without mine since it makes such quick work of many things that might normally find me dragging out the skillet and firing up the stove. Enjoy.
Buy Breville BSG540XL Nonstick Panini Quattro 4-slice Now
I did an extensive amount of research and waited several years to purchase a good Panini press. I wanted a bigger surface area in order to make more than two sandwiches at once. I also wanted a flat grill so as to have even cooking and easy clean up. All I can say is... happiness does indeed come to those who wait! OMG, I use this once a day and sometimes twice. Not only is it great for Panini sandwiches, I also do eggs, bacon, sausage on it, grill shrimp on skewers, hamburgers, stir fry vegetables, chicken breasts, etc. The graduated heights for the lid make it possible to do any number of things. Clean up is a piece of cake because with a touch of cooking spray nothing will stick. I especially like the flexibility of the larger size cooking area. The onlty negative is that it takes a little jimmying to adjust the lid to fit flat sometimes, but I have learned to live with it. Everything else is right on.Read Best Reviews of Breville BSG540XL Nonstick Panini Quattro 4-slice Here
I'm absolutely in love with this press, Very well made, no cheap parts here. This is my first panini press so I can't compare it any other brands. I do use it 3-5 times a week with no problems. Clean up is a breeze and it gets hot as I allow about 15 minutes to cool down to wipe clean. Again very impressed with this product and recommend it to anyone interested in a durable press.Want Breville BSG540XL Nonstick Panini Quattro 4-slice Discount?
This appliance is very easy to use. The flat surfaces of this panini press ensure even toasting and cooking. There are no ridges on the cooking surfaces which makes it a snap to clean.Once you lock to panini press plates together, it is very easy to store this unit in an upright position. There are four small feet on the end of this device (across from the main handle) that you can use to store in an upright postion. I don't have a great amount of counter space in my kitchen. Being able to store it in this manner is a big plus if you don't have much counter space.
This panini press has been a very big hit with my family.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Cast Iron Grill Cooking Grid
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
KRUPS 654-75 Waffle Chef 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker with Nonstick Plates LED Indicators and Stain
1. The machine must be preheated until the green light turns off, which tells you that it has reached the correct temperature for cooking.
2. It should then be lightly sprayed, top and bottom, with a cooking oil spray.
3. Add a bit less than 1/2 cup of waffle mix to each section of the waffle maker. Be careful not to overfill if the batter runs over the sides, this will make it more difficult to clean. A slight run over shouldn't be a problem, though, as it will come off when the waffle is removed after cooking.
4. After filling all the bins, close the waffle maker (do NOT latch the cover down!) and cook for 4:00 minutes (you can go over this by a few seconds for crispier waffles). Do not pay any attention to the lights while cooking they have nothing to do with cooking time. One simply tells you that the power is on, and the other shows you when the cooking element cycles on and off to maintain temperature. (Yes, I agree that the lights are not very useful at this point.) Just use an accurate timer.
5. Open the lid (I use the latch to avoid touching the handle, which does get somewhat hot, but not to the point of burning in my experience) and use a plastic spatula to remove the waffles.
I also suggest using a quality Belgian waffle mix such as Krusteaz to make waffles as good as any restaurant waffles.I ordered one and during use the handle became too hot to touch. I had to open with an oven mit which is very clumsy. I called Krups and they said they have gotten a few calls about this and to exchange it. I asked if my new one will have the same problem and they said "no". Well, I exchanged it for a new one and it had the same problem. Obviously, I returned it and am now shopping for a different brand.Okay, the handle does indeed get hot. This is annoying to me and I think calling it a cool-touch handle is a bit insulting to my intelligence. Nevertheless, my kids got this for me for a very reasonable price and it does make excellent waffles. The trick is to get one of those heat-proof silicon brushes to apply oil on the grids and use exactly 1/3 cup of batter in each waffle. Too much batter and it gets very messy, making it difficult to clean. Cook 4 minutes max. I undercook the last 2 batches and then save them in the freezer. The kids get them out and toast them in my toaster oven for breakfast on another morning. I usually use the Krusteaz Belgian waffle mix. I also use a blunt wooden spoon to wedge the waffles out of the grid. I wipe it down as soon as it is cool and it isn't so hard to clean (as long as you don't let batter dribble everywhere. This is where technique comes in. No machine can help you with that. You just have to get it by experience.) It does store conveniently upright in the cabinet. So all in all, for the price, I'm happy with it.Another thing to add to the list of problems (hot handle, ridiculous tiny, deep crevices to clean with a toothpick) other reviewers have mentioned is the lack of a "floating hinge". It is unable to keep the two plates parallel as the waffle expands. So the front opens further, resulting in a back dark half and light front half. Of course, if you underfill, you'll get a dark bottom and light top.
The Krups brochure included has a motto on the front: "Quality by design." Well, quality is indeed directly related to design and this unit has rather little of either.
(BTW, some reviewers seem to have misunderstood the purpose of the "ready" light. As explained in the manual, it merely indicates whether the heating element is on. You can start baking when it first turns off, but when it comes back on it doesn't necessarily mean the waffle is done. It just means the plates cooled to the point where the thermostat kicked back in.)The Krups Belgian Waffle Maker is a great appliance, make no doubt about it. Don't pay much heed to the review that are 8 years old... they must have improved the product since then because it's is not a problem in 2009.
Before first use, use a pastry brush and spread on a layer of shortening. After heating, hit it with a coating of spray cooking oil and your first waffle might just release... there is always a risk of the very first waffle sticking... no matter what you do. Spray it once before each use (each batch, not each waffle) and it should be smooth sailing. Don't ever try to clean it... that will just make it sticky again. Waffle irons are like cast iron cookware... wiped, never washed. Wipe off any batter with a dishrag when it's cooled off and if the excess oil bothers you, wipe it down with a paper towel. As long as you're using it about once a month, it will be fine. If you're a once-a-year user, then, absolutely clean it as the oil will go rancid.
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Cuisinart GR-35 Compact Griddler
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Jensen JGA8200ADX Jenn-AirR Designer Line Gas Griddle Accessory
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I have used this gridde just a few times now, but what an amazing accessory that expands the usefullness of my Jennair range. It is so easy to use, and to clean, and food tastes great, too. Salmon never tasted so good from the oven. Grilled sandwiches come to life on the griddle. Really, can't say enough good things about it. It's fun, and it looks really good besides. Wish i found out about this before. But i only heard about it when researching for the grill attachments, and like so many have said elsewhere, who needs the grill when you have the griddle? So glad i got turned on to this thing, and if you are on the fence, i think you will really like it.Read Best Reviews of Jensen JGA8200ADX Jenn-AirR Designer Line Gas Griddle Accessory Here
This makes so much more sense than the grill section. It's easier to clean up and can be used for multiple purposes.Want Jensen JGA8200ADX Jenn-AirR Designer Line Gas Griddle Accessory Discount?
The description says gas or electric. The griddle shown is electric model. To make this work ,it will have to modify it to fit my electric cooktop.Monday, August 19, 2013
Grill Wizard Grill Brush China Brush with Hardwood Handle
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No longer have to worry about metal bristles getting into my food.The stainless steel pads can easily be cleaned.
Made with a hardy treated wood handle that won't melt.
Read Best Reviews of Grill Wizard Grill Brush China Brush with Hardwood Handle Here
The Grill Wizard China Brush is the best solution for cleaning grill grates, particularly if combined with a squirt bottle filled with water. The materials used will stand heat and abuse. The hanging strap is sturdy and firmly attached. The wooden handle is comfortable and will not melt if it accidentally contacts hot parts. The dual folded scrubbies clean both the top and sides of the grill grates and the cutting action quickly removes debris, and is far superior to a single scrubbie or wire bristles. This is a quality product that works superbly and is very durableThe following summary gives my experience with many different brushes I own or have tested. The only way to know how they work is to buy and try them. I think I have now tried all the steaming brushes that are available.
Weber wood handle grill brush (Good mine has brass bristles, currently they have SS bristles)
http://www.amazon.com/Weber-6464-18-Inch-Bamboo-Grill/dp/B0045UBBO0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352813501&sr=8-2&keywords=Weber+grill+brush
Weber long handle grill T-brush (Fair)
http://www.amazon.com/Weber-6424-21-Inch-T-Brush/dp/B000WEMFSO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352813617&sr=8-1&keywords=Weber+grill+brush
Grill Wizard China Brush (Excellent use with spray bottle for steam)Grate Chef Steaming Grill Brush (Very good but leaks See Amazon Review by Product Reviewer)
http://www.amazon.com/Grate-Chef-501-1100-Steaming-Grill/dp/B000WEKM5W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352813893&sr=8-1&keywords=steaming+grill+brush
Grill Daddy Pro (Fair, steaming See Amazon Review by Product Reviewer)
http://www.amazon.com/Grill-Daddy-GD12952S-Pro-Brush/dp/B00198IUKY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1352813982&sr=8-3&keywords=steaming+grill+brush
Grill Dozer (Totally useless, steaming see Amazon Review by Product Reviewer)
http://www.amazon.com/Grill-Dozer-Steam-Cleaning-Tool/dp/B001RIY9HY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1352814130&sr=8-2&keywords=steaming+grill+brush
Mr. BBQ Hydro Blaster (steaming). ABSOLUTE JUNK Doesn't work -returned to Amazon for refund)
http://www.amazon.com/06405-Hydro-Grill-Brush-Blaster/dp/B0043M5RJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352814265&sr=8-1&keywords=grill+pro+hydro+blaster
GrillPro Steaming Grill Brush (Fair very poor instructions, mistakes are likely to destroy the brush)
http://www.amazon.com/GrillPro-77675-Deluxe-Steam-Grill/dp/B002B8REIA/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1352814568&sr=8-12&keywords=grill+brush+steam
Brinkmann Grill Scrubber (Excellent for use when grill is cold can also use regular ScotchBrite on it).Grill Stone (Terrible sheds lots of gritty fine glass dust debris)GrillFloss (Excellent for clearing hanging junk from grate rod bottoms)
http://www.amazon.com/Grillfloss-Barbecue-Cleaning-GFLXL-Stainless/dp/B000PAV28E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352846295&sr=8-1&keywords=grill+floss
I have not tested these brushes, but they are possible alternatives to the Grill Wizard although the scrubber design does not look as good in conforming to the sides of the grate rods.
Tool Wizard Grill Brush Recommended by America's Test Kitchen
http://www.amazon.com/Tool-Wizard-Grill-Brush-Scrubber/dp/B000216X6M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352898835&sr=8-1&keywords=tool+wizardCharcoal Companion Scrubber Brush Uses plastic head to hold the single scrubbing pad.
Want Grill Wizard Grill Brush China Brush with Hardwood Handle Discount?
This grill brush sets a new standard.Pros:
Replaceable steel wool cleaning heads
Steel wool gets into all the nooks and crannies
Long wood handle resists weather and stays cool over a hot grill
Durably made
Cons:
None
Friday, August 16, 2013
Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set
You dont have to use high temperatures in the oven.I love looking at it, handling it ( quite hefty-nothing lightweight or modern about it) and most of all cooking with it. I bought the flame ware set and and I leave one pot on the stove range to admire. I always wanted this set and although it is worth it, I simply could not justify paying full price. I saved almost 500.00 on this set-I also bought a separate pot and saved 150.00 on the smaller pot. I bought them all used and they were in perfect condition. Money well spent.
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This Le Creuset Signature Enameled Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set is wonderfully made. It arrived in great condition. I look forward to cooking with this set in the near future. Thanks, Amazon.Read Best Reviews of Le Creuset Signature Enameled Cast-Iron 6-Piece Cookware Set Here
We started off with one Le Creuset pot and are since converted so we bought this entire set. We use one or more of these everyday and do feel they contribute to the quality of the cooking. These pots are designed to give a very even heat and will last a long time but care instructions must be followed.The clean up is fairly easy tooif there is any sticky residue in the pot we just soak it overnight with some detergent and it comes right off the next morning.
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Friday, July 5, 2013
Kalorik GR 25125 1400W Family-Size Healthy Table Grill/Griddle
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I bought this grill because I need to decide whether I can get along without my JennAir range/grill at the new house I will be building soon. This is a very nice grill/griddle appliance. It is well designed and heats evenly,and easy to clean too! I can highly recommend buying this grill for indoor grilling and griddle cooking. I fit 6 slices of French toast on it (a specialty of mine)with no problems. I made burgers on it the first time I used it, and they were juicy and delicious.I looked at several brands of grills and almost bought one with a gourmet chef's brand name, but they all had some negative reviews and complaints about uneven heating. Then I found this one, and I'm glad I did.
I still haven't decided about the range yet I do miss the "flamed" flavor I get from my JennAir grill. But if you want a nice indoor grill/griddle, I recommend this one!
Read Best Reviews of Kalorik GR 25125 1400W Family-Size Healthy Table Grill/Griddle Here
I use it on my table to make pancakes. It heats up quickly, and makes 3 or 4 pancakes faster than you can eat 'em. And, clean-up is a snap. What's there not to like?Want Kalorik GR 25125 1400W Family-Size Healthy Table Grill/Griddle Discount?

