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. 

Covid blather

I just realized I haven't time to type this out right now. sigh.

I think the virus itself shouldn't be a cause of concern for most people, but the government response should be. Of course, the outcome is the opposite - many people are worried about the virus, and few people are worried about personal freedom.
When I think about the levels of conspiracy, mistrust, corruption, and violations of rights, I get very frustrated and upset, and feel powerless to do anything about it. When I think about God's sovereignty, and His love and care, I feel peaceful and empowered. I know that all the schemes of man cannot stop His plan for us. I know that He can do what is needed, and so can I! I can pray. I can share. I can listen to those who need to vent. I can get lots of work done at home since all our appointments have been canceled.
The first week that Arkansas was "shut down" - in quotes because we haven't shut completely like some states have - our family did go to a church meeting anyway. It wasn't crowded, and people refrained from shaking hands and hugging. I enjoyed the meeting , but some others thought it wasn't worth going out if we couldn't go tour regular fellowship. So the following 3 (?) weeks, we have stayed at home, and either had our own service, or watched one online.
I was initially prepared to "dare" someone to stop me from going to church, or to arrest me, or whatever. I had my dander up, so to speak, and wanted to rebel against the stupidity and the system. Let me be clear: I never thought that "church" would protect against the virus. I felt that it was better to exercise my rights than to be safe from the virus. I thought it was right to do my reasonable service to God, whether or not it put me at risk. I remembered the martyrs and the persecuted church throughout the centuries, who risked life, limb, family, job, and just about everything else, in order to fellowship with believers. And I thought that the worst we can do is maybe get a ticket, or get sick. Since there are numerous viruses going around at any given time, we already risk getting sick when we go to meetings.
But, somewhere along the way, I felt that desire to fight was fading away. I still get frustrated when I think of the governments' behaviour, but I don't feel that I am on a personal vendetta against it. I believe God is making a way, even in this. And if it's the way to the end, so be it.

Meanwhile, we have plenty of food and toilet paper, and everyone is healthy. The boys haven't got their braces yet, but I guess that's ok. We are working on the house, anticipating a mortgage which will allow us to renovate the kitchen, replace the roof, and pay off our credit card debt. People in town display a lack of knowledge about how to stay sterile, and the recycle center is closed. The counting at the door of Walmart seems a little over-the-top, but so far I haven't had to wait outside.
And I was right; I didn't have enough time to write. Must go fix supper.

What else - Corona

I'm getting frustrated at this virus thing. Restaurants closed, churches closed, curfews, etc. Because of a cold!
Would love to blather on, but I have work to do