Thursday, October 31, 2013

Steak and Egg Flatbread

So, I know this has nothing to do with my regular posts on the blog, but one of my friends posted about the steak and egg flatbread on FaceBook, so I just had to try it. Let me tell you, it was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I fell in love with it, and it's too tasty not to share! If you haven't had it yet, you're missing out. I got onions, spinach, olives, jalapeƱos, banana peppers, and chipotle sauce on mine. S/o to Subway for making it, and coming up with it in general because it is well worth the $3.00!!!

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The Panini Maker

I love paninis, but places like Panera Bread can get expensive, so I decided to buy my very own panini maker. I am not only able to make paninis in the comfort of my home, I feel as though a void in the pit of my stomach is now filled.

Kohl's has the Kalorik Maker, online only, for $89.99. Now, I know this seems steep, but if you think about it, the number of times a panini fanatic goes to Panera would eventually add up. Also, this will be well worth every penny. Back to the Kalorik, some beneficial features of this handy maker include: a large surface for the entire family, a drip tray, good for capturing fat and grease for healthier cooking, and temperature control.


The second maker from Kohl's is really neat because it's also a grill. I know! It's called the Wolfgang Puck Gourmet Grill and Panini Press (first image). It's available online for $59.99 and has nonstick ribbed cooking plates for easier cleanup, an indicator light to let you know when the grill is preheated, and a drip cup for oil and grease.


Amazon has the Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Panini and Sandwich Press for $89.99. It has non-removable grill plates and is brushed in a stainless-steel housing.

They also have the Brentwood Maker, Black and Stainl Small for less money. This costs $14.12 and has a non-stick coating, along with cord storage, and cool touch housing and handle.

Walmart has the Oster DuraCeramic Maker, Black for $29.92. This one is four-times more durable, cooks up to 20% faster, and works as both panini maker or grill.

The next from Walmart is the Proctor Silex Indoor Grill with Panini Press for $45.80. This bad boy has a nonstick surface for easy cleanup and adjustable heat for maximum cooking control.

Target has the Sunbeam Maker for $29.99 (online price). It has a 180-degree rotation, is nonstick, and the metal finish is stainless steel. It can also hold two slices of bread at one time.

The next from Target is the Bella Maker-to the left and online only-for $29.99. It's nonstick, has an 800-wattage, and has grill plates that allow for two-sided cooking.

Williams-Sonoma has the Krups Maker for $79.95. It has cast-aluminum cooking plates to guarantee even browning and a convenient latch to lock the maker closed for easy storing.

They also have the Breville Panini Press and Grill for $119.95, if you're looking for something a little fancier. It can be used to grill meats and vegetables, as well as toasting the sandwiches, and has a nonstick cast-aluminum plate for even browning.


Thursday, October 10, 2013

The Deep Fryer

Have you ever had a hunkering for some french fries, but been inconvenienced by the lack of a deep fryer? Say no more, for I have the answer! Here's a list of five different stores full of fryers: 

Bed Bath and Beyond: Presto FryDaddy for $29.99 is made of aluminum, has large capacity, is nonstick, and prepares four big servings with four cups of oil at a time.

To the right is the Big Boss Oil-Less Fryer from Bed Bath and Beyond. It has three cooking elements with little or no oil as well as a tight-sealing glass dome that allows you to monitor the cooking process. The glass dome keeps the hot air inside so your kitchen does not heat up as well. The Big Boss is available for $99.99. 

Lowe's has the Cuisinart 1.16-Quart for $51.00. The maximum oil capacity is 1.1 liter with an adjustable thermostat as well as a nonstick die-cast bowl with attached heating element for superior heating. It also has a stainless steel housing as well as removable charcoal filter for odor removal.

There's also the Waring for $99.99. This has a dishwasher-safe lid, basket, and bowl, as well as a tilt and drain feature for easy cleanup. There's also a 30-minute mechanical timer and heavy mesh basket with cool-touch handle.

Walmart has the Farberware 4L Dual Stainless Steel for $49.96. It has a charcoal air filter, two small fryer baskets, and one large fryer basket.

The second from Walmart is the Premium 3-Liter Capacity Fryer with Adjustable Thermostat, Stainless Steel. The online price is $39.00. It comes with a stainless steel cover with clear window and filter, as well as a non-stick removable enamel inner pot.

Amazon has the Presto Dual ProFry Immersion Element Deep Fryer for $64.00, which will save you $35.99. It has oblong-shaped baskets for frying large pieces of chicken or fish and a 12-cup food capacity.

The second from Amazon is the DeLonghi 2-1/5-Pound-Capacity Fryer. This one is selling for $79.95 and has a hose for draining to make collecting the oil safer. 

To the left is the Hamilton Beach Black HB Cool Touch Fryer from Target for $39.99. It has a glossy finish with a see-through lid, and adjustable thermostat. 

The second one from Target is the T-Fal ActiFry Black for $249.99. It has a digital control and display, nonstick coating, locking lid, and is made of ceramic, which explains the price.



Thursday, October 3, 2013

Dr. Kurt Hochenauer

It was neat getting to hear from Dr. Hochenauer in that, not only has he had experience, but he's also a former journalist. I liked the fact that when he got tired of his job, he left. Sometimes people stay and complain, or make themselves a martyr, (whether consciously or not), but he chose to take action on it. I like that he writes three times a week, as to stay up to date on current events, as well as to keep the practice of his writing skills up in general. I thought it was interesting when he said he gets along well with ultra religious people, because, I was under the impression of them being most judgmental out of everyone else.

 I thought the good writing and be unique comment was important because it makes sense. You have to play a game, so to speak, of standing out and giving people something they're not going to get bored with within ten seconds of reading. I think being able to post to other sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, is a good idea, so that you get more readers. I thought the comment on how the blog follows one forever is significant, in the sense that, if you don't want someone to read it, don't post it. I also agreed with him when he spoke about writing being a centering act.