Tupperware Stack Cooker The Complete Set

This has quickly become one of my most used gadgets in the kitchen.  It is such a favorite that my neighbor borrows it all the time.  The great thing about the Stack Cooker is it's many layers.  You can actually microwave an entire meal at the same time.  There are 2  bowls and one slotted layer that allows you to cook and entree, steam a veggie and cook a dessert all at the same time.  I have to be honest though, I have yet to do this.  I have steamed veggies but my two favorite things to cook in it are meatballs and cake, YES, CAKE!  The set comes with a tube insert!!!

To make the cake all you have to do is prepare the mix per the directions.  Then spray the large bowl w/insert with non-stick cooking spray and pour in the batter.  Cook the cake in the microwave for 7-10 minutes (time varies w/wattage) .  The cake is done when it springs back at the touch and the edges have separated from the sides of the bowl.  Let the cake cook 5-10 minutes before removing from the bowl then cool completely on a wire rack.  I usually melt some frosting in the microwave then pour over the cooled cake before serving.  

I know it sounds crazy but its fantastic!  The cake comes out light and fluffy like angel food cake.  YUMMY!  This is a great way to make a nice dessert when you don't have much time and in the summer you don't have to heat up the kitchen by cooking in the oven.

I also steam meatballs in this awesome cooker!  Because they are steamed they come out so moist and juicy.  You can use your own recipe for meatballs then place them around the edge of slotted bowl.  Place an inch of water in the large bowl then put the slotted bowl on top.  Cover with the lid and microwave about 6-8 minutes (depending on the size of the meatballs).  This is quick, easy and really saves calories from the traditional pan frying recipe.  The cooked meatballs can be cooled then frozen or what I do is put them in the crockpot on low for a couple hours with either spaghetti sauce or BBQ sauce.  These meatballs are better than the frozen kind found at the market since they are homemade.  And really, they go together so quickly, it takes no time to make them ahead of time to freeze.  

Give this gadget a shot!  You won't regret it!

Tupperware Quick Chef Pro System

OK... I planned on making a post about the Tupperware Quick Chef but time got the better of me and I never had the chance.   Wouldn't you know it they made a bigger and better one!  I received it a couple of weeks ago and I am just in love!

This one has a bowl that is a little bigger and an attachment that has three YES THREE cutting blades.  I was happy with the two blade version but three is fabulous!  I can chop onions and other veggies much finer.  I love this because my daughter doesn't notice them in sauces like before.  Mom's have to be sneaky you know!

I also like the new basket attachment that allows me to rinse and spin dry fresh herbs and small salads.  If you're into making your own sauces and dressings there is also a paddle whisk and pour spout.  I love the new design.  It's ergonomic that makes turning the handle easier and the lid now fits snugly without having to lock and it still has the non skid bottom.

There are other choppers out there where you have to pound the blades.  I used to like that one until I found the Quick Chef.  There is no pounding to scare the kids and it holds more veggies.  In the Quick Chef, I can make home made salsa and guacamole all in the same bowl.  I have a fancy food processor that I like a lot but it takes up a lot of space.  My Quick Chef chops, whips and spins just as well and it stores so much easier.  It also comes with a lid to store unused veggies etc. in the fridge.

I just can't say enough about it.
Check it out!  It's a must have in your kitchen!

My KitchenAid Stand Mixer

I really could kick myself.  I’ve had my mixer for at least 10 years.  But I think I’ve used it more in the last month than I have in the entire time I’ve had it.  What an idiot I am.  This mixer is the greatest thing since sliced bread.  

The reason I haven’t used it much is that it’s been put away most of the time.  It was kind of an out of site out of mind situation.  Tim is active Army so we move quite a bit.  We live on Army installations, which I like very much but the homes are small and the kitchens and counter space are always minimal.  So, I’d store my beloved mixer on a shelf in the pantry.  These mixers are not some cheap, lightweight thing.  They are heavy and made to last for a long time.  So, I usually opted for my hand mixer instead hauling it out for the job.  Oh the horror.

Using this mixer makes cooking so easy.  You don’t have to hold it in place.  You turn it on and let it do its thing.  In the last month I’ve used every attachment it came with when I bought it.  The whip makes the best mashed potatoes!  Make them with sour cream and cream cheese.  Oh Man!  You wont be sorry.   I’ll post a pic and recipe for them the next time I make them.

You may notice that in time you will see more bread recipes posted here.  I hope I don’t offend the makers of bread machines, but I want to learn to make bread without it. If for no other reason then I need the counter space.  But voila!  my stand mixer has a dough hook too!  Making bread is an art, I know.  And one day I’d like to be an artist of fine homemade bread.  It will be a long process but I can’t wait to continue the lessons.

I checked out the KitchenAid website and found more accessories I can’t wait to try.  Maybe for mother’s Day I will ask for the Ice Cream Maker and then ask for the Grater and Slicer attachment for my Birthday.  Hmmm... check that.  I think I’ll ask for the Pasta Maker attachment.  I’ll make Tim and Elizabeth homemade spaghetti!  I’m really getting excited!

Now that I’m on my new cooking adventure, I’ve given my KitchenAid stand mixer a prominent place on my kitchen counter.   Right where it belongs.