The Best Lemon Squeezer
Squeezing the juice of a lemon (or lime) over a salad or dish is easy if the task is done in the kitchen with a traditional citrus squeezer that holds 1/2 of a lemon or lime. But, what if you’re serving a dish and want to give your family or guests the option to squeeze fresh lemon or lime juice over their food (or tea) without getting the juice all over their hands and/or clothing? Then, you need to get the Press Art Lemon Squeezer: a handy little gadget made in France of Eastman Triton – a super strong BPA-free material – that squeezes the juice out of a lemon or lime slice without splashing or making a mess. Read more 
The Essential Round Food Molding Set
Several months ago, I was in a restaurant (Levél Veggie Bistro) by Retiro Park in Madrid when I was blown away by a dish called “Timbal Fresco de Quinoa” which means “Fresh Quinoa Timbale.” This beautiful plate of layered quinoa, sliced avocado, and chopped tomatoes with sprouts and ground black peppercorns on top was served with basil leaves along with a lemon squeezer and olive oil. I simply sprinkled the fresh lemon juice over the top with a sprinkle of salt and the flavor was magnificent. Read more
Plant-Based Tips
Living a plant-based lifestyle is a journey. No matter what anyone says, the vegan you are in year one is not the vegan you are five years down the road because you learn so much along the way. For me, going plant-based was very gradual (I never thought I could give up cheese on my bagel or real milk in my coffee) but once I started feeling so much better without dairy in my body, I became more committed to reading and learning more about the health benefits of a plant-based diet (thank you NutritionFacts.org).
Over the past few years, there are several important things I learned that I wish I knew way back then so I pass this information along and hope it helps anyone who is trying to gradually move towards a plant-based diet or who just wants to make their plant-based life easier. Read more
The Ultimate Brownie Spatula
Getting brownies out of the pan intact has always been difficult for me. First I cut the brownies in the pan with a knife and then try to maneuver a spatula under the brownie which invariably results in crumbled pieces in the pan or broken brownies.
The brownies still taste great but they just don’t look as delicious on the plate. For years, I’ve searched for the right spatula but most are just too big (12 inches long or more) for the job until I discovered the Fox Run Cookie Brownie Spatula: a 7 inch by 2.25 inch stainless steel spatula with a wood handle that makes cutting and serving brownies a breeze. Read more
The Ultimate Pistachio or Olive Server
Pistachios and olives make great appetizers and snacks but the question always seems to come down to what to do with the shells or pits? I often stand in the kitchen and eat pistachios right out of the bag holding the empty shells until my hand is full and then toss the shells in the trash can. Or, I enjoy the olives but then have to find a casual way to dispose of the pit so that no one sees what I’ve been gnawing on. An empty bowl can be placed alongside the bounty but this is often less than ideal because who wants to look at an olive pit that’s been munched on or a pile of empty shells? Read more
The Ultimate Veggie Brush: The Ring™
Keep your veggies as clean as your diet.
Full Circle Home is a New York-based company committed to making safe, functional, and more beautiful products that make our lives easier and also contribute to a healthier planet by using bamboo (strong and doesn’t require pesticides or fertilizers), bonterra (a petrochemical free plastic alternative made from plants), glass, recycled plastic, natural latex, organic cotton, cellulose (a sponge alternative that’s biodegradable), and plant-based materials. Read more
10 Gifts for the Busy Mom
I hear you. Raising kids and running a house keep me busy, too. I also have this little gig on the side called a full time job.
Finding just the right gift for the busy mom can be a challenge. Most moms usually have three things on their minds – family, work, and dinner – so the idea is how to make these three super important parts of her life easier and a bit more relaxing. With that in mind, here are ten gift ideas for the busy mom who doesn’t have enough hours in the day to get everything done: Read more
The Whirley Pop
Hot, fresh popcorn is best made the old-fashioned way: on the stove in a hand-cranked pot designed to turn crunchy corn kernels into one of America’s favorite snacks. In less than 3 minutes, 1/2 cup of corn kernels (or 2/3 cup of tiny kernels) can be turned into 6 quarts of hot, fresh popcorn with the Stainless Steel Whirley Pop: a durable pan and lid with a patented “crank and stir” mechanism that continuously moves the popcorn around, evenly distributing the oil (1-2 tablespoons per 1/2 cup of kernels, depending on the brand) while preventing the popcorn from burning. Read more
The Makers Apron
Most people don’t get too excited about aprons but I do because an apron not only protects clothes but also helps keep things – measuring spoons, spatulas, a tissue, or scissors – close at hand.
Years ago I read a cookbook (Vegan Chocolate by Fran Costigan) that gave me some invaluable advice: gather all your ingredients on the countertop before starting a recipe. The second great piece of advice that I had to learn through trial and error was to always use an apron that is functional and fashionable. Although the second aspect is arguably trivial, there’s no doubt a fantastic piece of clothing makes us feel happy and that’s what a Maker’s Apron does. Read more
Whose Your Daddio?
If aluminum is good then anodized aluminum is perfection.
Natural aluminum bakeware has been the standard for commercial bakeries for decades because of its strength and durability. By reflecting heat rather than absorbing heat, aluminum reaches baking temperatures faster and cools quicker (dark steel or heavy weight metal bakeware retains heat and continues baking long after the pan has been removed from the oven). However, aluminum is porous and will absorb fats, sugar, oil, dish soap, and detergents. The solution? Anodized aluminum. Read more
Paddock Post 