Stone Bar Pan

 

The Stone Bar Pan is my favorite stone.

Top features:

It’s an inch deep, so you get good circulation for things like chicken nuggets, but they don’t slide off when transporting or flipping or stirring.

Biscuits brown nicely without burning, and no danger of the butter cooking out and dripping on my oven floor.

Perfect size and shape for sheet cake (or jelly roll).

Two of the pans fit side by side in a standard American oven, so you get more pizza in less time.

Like all stones, it improves the texture and consistency of the food baked on it, and will develop a non-stick surface over time.

Now, Pampered Chef has improved on a classic by making the stoneware safe for use under a broiler, and dishwasher safe! (Please refer to the use and care guide for details)

Rapid-Prep Mandoline

 

Being a YouTube sensation in harder than it looks. Sigh. I wanted to do videos of several of the products, but it hasn’t worked out that way so far. Anyway, The Pampered Chef has already created professional videos on most of the product pages, showing best techniques and features.

The Rapid-Prep Mandoline is one of the items with videos, so go check them out.

For myself, I have used my mandoline a few times now, and am really impressed. If I have a complaint, it’s that I’d prefer an even smaller slice option, and maybe a “waffle” cut. Not that I’d use that much. So why am I impressed? I’ve had 2 other mandoline slicers before, and enjoyed them immensely (especially at pickle-making time). But both of those, with their various features, leave a good chunk of waste at the end of the useful slicing abilities, especially if you use their included food holders. I got around this some by wearing cut-resistant gloves and pushing the food through up to my fingertips. Not exactly ideal.

BUT… the Rapid-Prep Mandoline managed to safely push through every last bit of carrot! I lifted the food pusher, ready to pull out the waste chunk, and there was nothing there! I was really excited.

In addition, 99% of the sliced food landed in the container, which snaps very cleverly to the legs of the mandoline, which have suction cups on them so it doesn’t go sliding around.

It’s really easy to use, very well designed, and safer and more efficient than any other mandoline that I’ve seen. Two enthusiastic (and intact) thumbs up.

Mix 'N' Chop

I first saw the Mix ‘N’ Chop at a party about 13 years ago, where the consultant used it to break up Italian sausage she was browning to make a copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Tuscona. I was so impressed that I added one to my order on the spot.

So, yeah, I’ve had this tool – which comes with a five-year guarantee – for 13 years.

I use it about twice per week, whenever I cook ground beef (usually from frozen).

Reading the reviews on the official website, I see that people also use it to shred chicken, break up canned tomatoes, and to mix meatloaf!

Mine has dulled over the years, so I’m swapping it out for the new one that come in my Consultant Kit 

 

enrichables

 

If you watched my unboxing video, you saw a small green package called “Enrichables Pea Protein.” I didn’t really know what to say about it, as I’d never seen or heard of it before. So, if you are curious, as I was, read on!

It is a very fine powder, pale yellow/off white in color, with no discernible taste. 

 

What is the purpose? Why should anyone want to buy it?

Well, many people want to include more protein in their diet, for various reasons, and this is an easy and inexpensive way to do so. Each scoop of the powder has 2.5 grams of protein. Without adding flavor, texture, or strange additives, you can easily enrich your own loved recipes by simply stirring in a scoop or more of the Pea Protein.

It is non-GMO, vegan, and free from the major allergens.

I have successfully added Pea Protein to spaghetti sauce and chicken casserole. I would have added some to a smoothie, but I forgot. We seriously couldn’t taste it!

You can buy this one bag at a time, but once you use and love it, The Pampered Chef offers a subscription service on a monthly, 3-month, or 6-month plan which can be paused or canceled at any time. A really cool bonus feature of the subscription is that each month The Pampered Chef offers a list of items that can be purchased as an add-on, that will ship for free along with your Enrichables! Who doesn’t love free shipping?

In addition to the Pea Protein powder, we also offer a Super Veggie Enrichable, and a Kale & Fiber Enrichable. Bob is always looking for fiber, so I have purchased the Kale & Fiber packets, and will be subscribing. I made this recipe https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/smorrow1/recipe/Breakfast+%26+Brunch/Deluxe+Cooking+Blender/Green+Monster+Muffins/1606000 twice now, and the children are begging for more. The recipe could be adapted to other mixing methods, I’m sure.

In short, this product line has my hearty endorsement.

Who loves popcorn??

Do you love popcorn but hate paying $3 per bag for the stuff? Or the NOISE of a traditional hot air popper? Or the W A I T?

Let me introduce you to the Microwave Popcorn Maker from the Pampered Chef.

It’s made of collapsible silicone for easy storage.

The vented lid doubles as a measuring cup.

Add butter or oil if you want, and just “pop” it in the microwave ;)

Ovens vary, but it averages two minutes for a bowl full of fresh, hot, chemical-free popcorn

You can make multiple batches back-to-back with no worries of overheating, and when you are done, the whole thing goes into the dishwasher for easy cleanup.

Personally, I’m regretting that shiny new hot air popper I bought on Black Friday. The Microwave Popcorn Maker is going to see a lot more use, and its smaller and easier to clean. The hot air popper left fewer kernels unpopped in our home test, but the benefits of the Microwave Popcorn Maker outweigh that by far.

Any comments or questions? Let me know, so we can learn together.

 

Smooth edge can opener

 

Who hasn’t struggled with a can opener?

There are so many styles: manual and electric, side cutters, top cutters; even people who use side cutters as if they were top cutters!

I’ll be honest; I had a Pampered Chef brand can opener before, but didn’t love it. It seemed to struggle with generic brands of cans. But they must have noticed, too, because it was redesigned several years ago.

Since I received my Smooth-Edge Can Opener with my Consultant Kit, I have used it exclusively. The other three can openers in my cabinet are quite neglected. I can say with confidence that it is the best can opener I’ve ever owned. My memory is faulty, but I’m pretty sure it’s the best I’ve ever tried.

Why?

The Smooth-Edge Can Opener can handle a variety of cans – even the pull-tab style! It is easy to operate (my daughter can manage it, and no other). It doesn’t leave a sharp edge on the lid OR the can. It doesn’t cut into the can, spilling liquids. It doesn’t tear the paper and make a mess in the food. It stays clean. It’s easy to grip, with a single handle rather than two parts that must be held together. It’s compact, fitting easily in a drawer or pocket. It comes with a 3-year warranty. Why buy a “cheap” can opener that leaves you struggling, frustrated, and shopping again? This beauty will do the job. Guaranteed.

The product page has a nice video demonstrating the best use, for those of us who need a little help.

Rockcrock

The Rockcrock Dutch Oven

I’m traditionally a stainless-steel-and-cast-iron kind of cook, but I didn’t sign up to be a Pampered Chef Independent Consultant because I like boring!

So, what makes the Rockcrock unique? It’s safe for the stovetop, broiler, oven, microwave, and grill. It’s also lighter than cast iron, and it’s fridge, freezer, and dishwasher safe.

 

Is easy cooking and cleanup enough to pull me away from the familiar? Well, I did give it a try, using one of the included 10 recipes. Actually, I modified the recipe a bit, using chicken instead of pork in the Mexican Pork Stew.

The first thing I noticed was that the chicken actually browned nicely. It developed a bit of buildup on the pan – sometimes referred to as “fond,” though Wikipedia says that isn’t quite right – much like my cast iron. I was proud of the browning, but worried about cleaning the buildup, as I didn’t want to scrub vigorously on the glazed surface.

 

The next step of the recipe was to add flour (except I used half as much cornstarch instead, to make the dish gluten-free), and slowly stir in broth. That buildup deglazed easily, making a beautiful fond, and easing my concerns regarding cleanup.

 

The recipe was delicious, and the pot cleaned up so easily that I didn’t even put it in the dishwasher; just wiped it with my dishcloth.

In conclusion, I’m glad that this piece was included in my Consultant Kit, and (while I won’t be tossing ALL my old cookware) I’m sure I will use it often. The size, shape, and versatility are just too convenient. It also looks mighty fine simmering on my stove.

 

It should be noted that the Rockcrock Dutch Oven comes with a 5 year guarantee for noncommercial use, and is eligible for host discounts for even greater value. Also, all opinions and experiences relayed are my own, and I’m not compensated for them.

 

Consultant kit

 If you ever wondered what it's like to get a whole lot of Pampered Chef product at once, here's my unboxing video:

https://youtu.be/AhRrD6bxln0

I quickly show everything  and make a brief comment about each item. I used my high-pitched voice, which I'm not sure I like, but at least it's not mumbly. :) Also, my script was on my laptop (printer connectivity issues), and the mic picked up the fan noise after a minute of recording. :/ It could be worse.

If you prefer to read a thing rather than watch a video, here's my script (I didn't follow exactly word-for-word):

This is the Ultimate Kit, which cost $279. There is also a Deluxe kit and a Starter Kit that are even cheaper. You can find those under “Be a Consultant” at pamperedchef.com/pws/smorrow1

I intend to do reviews of each item separately in future videos, but this is just an overview of the kit.

Silicone Prep Bowl set – It lists at $27. I bet this gets a lot of use

Mini Measure all cup – at $9, it’s so handy for sticky stuff!

Citrus Press – $23; this is really heavy duty

Smooth edge can opener – $28; a classic favorite; I’m so happy to get one

Manual Food Processor – ON SALE NOW for $53.55 I look forward to trying this. The blades are safely packages, as they are very sharp.

Mix n Chop – $16; so handy for breaking up ground beef

Coated Chefs Knife with protective cover – only $22 and well-designed

Microwave Popcorn Maker – $26. Collapsible silicone

Mini Serving Spatula – $10 I use mine all the time

Large Chefs tongs – $26; also available as part of a set; they lock open, down; they lock closed, up!

Rockcrock Dutch Oven – This sells for $140. this is new to me. Well packaged; nice and sturdy, glazed ceramic; there are other pieces in this collection

Garlic Press! $22; A classic favorite

Flexible Cutting Mat set $21– keep foods separated and safe

Stoneware Bar Pan – $49 I’ve had one for YEARS, but this is a new and improved version; broiler and dishwasher safe?! Awesome!

Box #2! There are SO MANY products in this kit! I’m running out of room on my counter

The Iconic Apron! Every consultant gets one

A box full of recipes and catalogs

Classic batter bowl –$22; great design on this piece

The Lid for storing in the manual food processor

Enrichables Pea Protien- $20, or as a subscription for savings

Long Skinny Scraper - $13 Designed for the Deluxe Cooking Blender

Small Mix'n'scraper – $15 - great tool

Adjustable Measuring Spoon set - $12 for the set; every kitchen needs this – they seal for liquids and accuracy

Salad Chopper – $39 - we’ll see how that does

Mini oven mitt set – $17; I bet the children love this

Garlic and Herb seasoning – sounds yummy

Consultant Tote – cool; nice size

Rapid Prep Mandoline – normally $70, on sale now for $59.50 this really caught my eye; I can’t wait to test it out

What sets apart the ultimate kit is the choice of an appliance – and I chose the Deluxe cooking blender. It retails for $349; more than the cost of the whole kit

This is a tamper, a dual-sided cleaning brush, the base, the pitcher

I can’t wait to try this out – grinding flour, making creamy soups and smoothies, maybe even almond butter!

Thank you for watching; if you like what you see, you can sign up, too, with no contract or obligation. Stay tuned to my page as I review each item so that we can learn together.

Pampered Chef Consultant

 Hey, I'm back! And better than ever, since I've started selling Pampered Chef!

I had a Facebook page

And my very own website

I ordered the Ultimate Kit because of the great value. Starting as a consultant also helped out my friend who recruited me, and may prove to be profitable for me. It's already been a lot of fun, just looking through all the gear and trying to get my head around the idea. Bob and Ced helped me do an unboxing video, which isn't QUITE finished yet. And I wrote my first item review. I'll probably do some video and some written reviews.

So, here's my first item:

Up for review today is the dual-sided cleaning brush!

I’ve had this brush for exactly two days now, and can say with confidence that every kitchen needs one. My grandma used to say that her favorite cleaning tool was an old toothbrush; this is like a toothbrush on steroids. The head is angled (as are the semi-stiff bristles) for ultimate reach into corners and tight spaces. On the other end is a hard tip, like a super toothpick. I used mine to clean my coffee maker basket, and it looks better than it has in a long time. Then I cleaned my sink drain, and it worked great there, too.

I’m thrilled that my Ultimate Consultant Kit came with two brushes – one with my mandoline  and one with my blender. I’ll keep one at my kitchen sink and one in my Consultant bag. Unless Bob finds out, and takes one to his shop! ;)

 

Update 3-7-2023

I am no longer a consultant.