Archive for the ‘Product Reviews’ Category

Oh la la. When it comes to cooking, nothing has changed my life quite like Le Creuset. I hinted to the giveaway yesterday in this Cranberry Swirl Bread post. For the past month, I’ve used Le Creuset’s 5 qt. Oval French Oven more than anything else in my kitchen.

My cherry red oven has also made its Milwaukee Journal Sentinel debut in Sunday’s paper. I used it to make and display a creamy stovetop mac and cheese. Baby Tristan loved it (and the kid in me did too).

The feature I love most about this Dutch oven is that you can go directly from the stovetop to the oven because it’s made of heavy-duty cast iron. So a mac and cheese that you finish in the oven to crisp up the top would be perfect. In addition to three batches of mac and cheese (yes, we’ve been on quite a kick lately), we’ve also made a venison loin with roasted vegetables, Ginger and Pear Butternut Squash Soup and gumbo (to name a few).

Besides how gorgeous it is (seriously, I leave it on my stove 24/7 — it’s way too pretty for a cupboard), it also distributes heat evenly, features ergonomic handles and the interior enamel resists chipping and cleans easily. Other features include:

• Colorful, long-lasting exterior enamel resists chipping and cracking; interior enamel is engineered to resist staining and dulling
• Sand-colored interior enamel makes it easy to monitor food as it cooks, preventing burning and sticking
• Oversized handles provide even weight distribution and a secure grip
• Ergonomic composite knobs are heat resistant to 500°F
• Built-in lid stabilizers provide a secure, no-slide fit
• The lightest weight per quart of any premium cast iron cookware available

My French oven is the traditional Cherry color, but Le Creuset also offers a variety of stylish hues to match your kitchen perfectly, such as Quince (this cheerful yellow is my new favorite), Dune, Caribbean, Flame, Cassis and much more.

Le Creuset Giveaway!

My Le Creuset French Oven is one of those things that I’ll have for 50 years (and leave it to my favorite grandchild in my will). I love it so much and can’t wait to offer this cooking experience to one (1) lucky She’s on the Run reader! The winner will receive his or her very own Le Creuset 5 qt. Oval French Oven (VALUED AT $270!!). To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment below telling me what you’d make if you won this Dutch oven. Also, you MUST like Le Creuset on Facebook (this will also give you a second entry).

For EXTRA ENTRIES (please leave a comment for each additional entry), you may:

3. Tweet about the giveaway, saying something like, “I entered the @lecreuset #giveaway from @Shesontherun! http://shesontherun.com/?p=3636″

4. Follow me on Twitter @Shesontherun

5. Follow me on Facebook

6. Follow me on Pinterest

7. Follow Le Creuset on Twitter

The giveaway will be open from today until March 14, 2013. Good luck!!!

Disclaimer: Le Creuset has given me this product to review. I was not given the product in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.

As someone who loves to cook (and write about it), I often have doubles or sometimes triples of things in my kitchen. This may seem like a great thing, but take my “blender” situation. I have two blenders, yet each of them are horrible and the motor stops when you put something as hard as an ice cube into it. (Side Story: I tried to make a smoothie with kale the other day and instead of drinking it, I ended up chewing most of it —  and whatever I didn’t chew was stuck in my teeth. #BlenderFail)

My grater situation is a little better. I do have one box grater and three zesters. I thought they were doing a good job until I discovered Edgeware.

With my other graters, I was used to pushing really hard or using different areas of the blade to get a good zest. The second I used the V-etched Better Zester! I could immediately feel the difference. Las night I made pineapple salsa and needed to zest a lime. Not only was the whole process easier and faster, but I also got way more zest out of the lime than I usually do.

Another feature that differentiates this zester is the storage container with squeegee, which keeps all your zest in one neat place instead of flying around the kitchen and on your clothes.

Source

In addition to the zester, I’ve also been having fun with Edgeware’s V-etched Coarse Grater with V-etched Grater Attachment and the V-etched Spice Grater. You can’t deny that each of these are designed very ergonomically. The handle features a no-slip grip that makes everyday kitchen tasks much easier. Whereas before you may have dreaded shredding cheese or grating fresh nutmeg, Edgeware makes those tasks much more enjoyable. (And since I love each of these graters so much, I’m pitching my old ones…or at least donating them at our next clothing swap.)

Edgeware Giveaway!

Because the folks at Edgeware are some of the most awesome people you’re ever going to meet, they’re offering one (1) lucky She’s on the Run reader his or her very own set of graters and zesters! The winner will receive one (1) Edgeware V-etched Better Zester!, one (1) V-etched Coarse Grater, one (1) V-etched Grater Attachment, and one (1) V-etched Spice Grater. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment below telling me your biggest kitchen pet peeve. Also, you MUST like Edgeware on Facebook (this will also give you a second entry).

For EXTRA ENTRIES (please leave a comment for each additional entry), you may:

3. Tweet about the giveaway, saying something like, “I entered the @SmithsEdgeware #giveaway from @Shesontherun! http://shesontherun.com/?p=3602″

4. Follow me on Twitter @Shesontherun

5. Follow me on Facebook

6. Follow me on Pinterest

7. Follow Edgeware on Twitter

The giveaway will be open from today until March 6, 2013. Good luck!!!

Disclaimer: Edgeware has given me these products to review. I was not given the products in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.

Happy Thursday! As we speak (or as I type, rather), I’m making my second Alpha Bakery Banana Bread of the week. We’re headed to Appleton for a funeral tonight, and Brenton’s family could use some comfort food (don’t we all?!). Unlike my healthified version from Monday, I don’t have any white whole wheat flour or cacao nibs. So I’m making this loaf exactly like my dad and I used to make it, complete with walnuts because every good banana bread needs nuts. Here’s what else I’ve been up to:

1. When it comes to comfort food, there’s nothing higher on my list than a casserole. After writing this article for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, I discovered that you can make a casserole out of pretty much anything (baked mac and cheese, lasagna, even a breakfast strata).

One of the coolest things about researching and writing this article was that I got to interview Bobby Deen! (yes, that was an inaudible squeal) He was the epitome of southern charm and so down to Earth. He has a complete chapter on casseroles and one-dish meals in his new book, “From Mama’s Table to Mine.” I included a recipe for his Mexican Fiesta Casserole, which fed Brenton and I for days (the consequence of making any casserole in a two-person household).

2. I’ve been living in Zensah’s Seamless Power Running Jacket. The fabric is ultra breathable, soft and moisture wicking. You can tell this is a quality fabric as soon as you pick it up (I was introduced to Zensa when I first tried their compression socks). One thing I especially like about this jacket, besides the thumb holes, is the pocket in the back. Most people would use this for a key. I use it for poop bags. #TheLifeOfADogOwner

Source

Giveaway Winner!

Thanks for everyone who entered the Dreamfarm giveaway. The winner is…

Congrats, Tara! Please send your address to Alysha@Shesontherun.com by Saturday, Feb. 23, so I can get your prize out to you asap! If I don’t hear from you by then, I will choose a new winner.

Of Possible Interest:

Restaurants Turn Camera Shy (The New York Times)

10 Terrific Food Documentaries to stream on Netflix Tonight (The Kitchn)

Question: What’s your favorite casserole recipe? (links welcome!)

I’m sure you read the title of this post and thought, clongs? chobs? huh?

These are just a few of the products made by Dreamfarm – an innovative company that offers brilliant solutions for cooking, brushing your teeth, and even feeding your cat.

I was lucky enough to receive a set of their clongs (tongs that can stand up on their own without a spoon rest) and a set of chobs, which allow you to use both sides of your cutting board.

Check out these Chobs:

In my opinion, you can never have too many spatulas or tongs in your kitchen. What I especially like about Dreamfarm’s clongs is that they’re made of silicone so they won’t scrape any of your pans. I’m just as jazzed about the chobs. In addition to letting you use both sides of a cutting board (such as one side for produce and one for meat), they help prevent your board from sliding around the counter. Not to mention they fit very securely so you won’t be fiddling with them every time you need to slice and dice.

Giveaway!

Dreamfarm has so graciously offered to send (1) She’s on the Run reader (1) pair of clongs and (1) set of chobs! All you have to do to be in the running is leave a comment below telling me what you would do or make with either of these products. Also, you MUST like Dreamfarm on Facebook (this will also give you a second entry).

For EXTRA ENTRIES (please leave a comment for each additional entry), you may:

2. Tweet about the giveaway: I entered A @WeAreDreamfarm #giveaway from @Shesontherun! http://shesontherun.com/?p=3545

3. Follow me on Twitter @Shesontherun

4. Follow me on Facebook

5. Follow me on Pinterest

6. Follow Dreamfarm on Twitter

The giveaway will be open from today until February 20, 2013! Good luck!!!

Disclaimer: Dreamfarm has given me these products to review. I was not given the products in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to winter produce, squash is where it’s at. This season, I’ve made Roasted Butternut Squash Salad, Roasted Acorn Squash with Mascarpone and Fig Jam, and my favorite: Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Gnocchi.

So when KitchenAid sent me their new 5-Speed Hand Blender to try out, I immediately thought of smoothies, soup, fresh salsa and squash.

Source

As a cook with a smaller kitchen, I love appliances that can do double duty. This blender can do a whole lot more. From chopping nuts to whisking egg whites to blending my morning smoothie, the 5 attachments can tackle nearly every kitchen project. Not to mention, it comes in an adorable carry case that keeps everything together (and yes, only I would use the word adorable to describe anything kitchen related). Other features include:

• 5 Speeds
• 5 ft Power Cord
• 8″ (20.3 cm) Removable Stainless Steel Blending Arm
• BPA-free Blending Jar Material
• Blend, Puree, Chop, Shred, Mince Froth/Mix and Whisk/Emulsify/Aerate
• Clean and Store
• Easy Clean Up
• FIRST EVER Removable Pan Guard
• Hand Blender
• Industry’s First Interchangeable Stainless Steel Bell Blade Assemblies
• KitchenAid® Hand Blender
• KitchenAid® Hand Blender with Accessories
• Quiet, Powerful DC Motor
• S Blade
• Stainless Steel Frother Beater Bell Blade Assembly
• Stainless Steel Multipurpose Bell Blade Assembly
• Stainless Steel S Blade Bell Blade Assembly
• Storage Case
• The premium stainless steel blending attachment reaches an 8″ immersion depth
• The stainless steel whisk maximizes air in mixtures for fluffier egg whites and whipped cream
• Twist Lock Blending Arm
• 3 speeds provide greater processing control that adjusts to handle a variety of foods, beverages and soups
• Whisk Attachment
• 1 Liter Pitcher with Splash-Free Lid
• 1-Year Hassle Free Warranty
• 2.5 Cup Chopper
• DC Motor
• The stainless steel splashguard covers the blending blade to prevent splattering of ingredients
• Twist Lock Stainless Steel 8″ (20.3 cm) Blending Arm

To really test this hand blender out, I decided to create a new recipe. I love butternut squash soup, but I wanted to add a twist to it. Instead of adding the typical carrot/onion mixture, I wanted to infuse the soup with flavors of pear, ginger and nutmeg. I was going out on a limb with this one, but I love how it turned out.

One of my favorite features of the hand blender is that it comes with a pan guard so the blades don’t scratch your cookware. I also love the fact that I can control the speed. Our old immersion blender doesn’t even have an “on” button, so this is a major upgrade :)

This soup will definitely make it into my lunch this week (and it’s even DietBet friendly!). Although it’s only been in the teens in Wisconsin with several inches of snow, I vow to make as much soup as a can before spring (which is our neck of the woods means May).

Disclaimer: KitchenAid sent me this hand blender for a review. I was not compensated in any other way and not under any contract to write about it. All opinions are my own.

While visiting Chicago for work yesterday, I started thinking about how food can change in a matter of miles. Take Milwaukee for instance, we’re known for our craft beer, brats, cheese and all things deep-fried. Travel just 90 minutes south to Chicago and you get a completely different culinary experience. In this city, it’s all about deep-dish pizza, Italian beef and Chicago-style hot dogs. (For lunch yesterday we had neither. We actually went to a cafe on top of a health food store for baked falafel, spinach soup and vegetable juice.)

This brings to my next point: barbecue.

I don’t think just one region can claim this cuisine. Each area (St. Lousis, Kansas City, Memphis, etc.) has their own BBQ that’s unique to them. So when Pig of the Month BBQ contacted me about reviewing their products, I figured it was necessary in the name of research.

At Pig of the Month, you can buy individual packages of rips, bacon, sausage, sauces and more or you can sign up for a BBQ of the Month Club. This would be a great gift for dads…or the meat lover in your life. Food gifts are one of my favorite things to give because they answer that age-old question, “What do I get for the person who has everything?”

I tried their Bacon Sampler, which included 3 1-pound packages of bacon.

My favorite was the Applewood Smoked Maple Sugar Bacon. It was slightly sweet and took my Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese up several notches.

Imagine this with bacon on top. Delectable.

In addition to meat, Pig of the Month BBQ also offers loads of sweets. I tried their White Chocolate Ginger Pistachio Sea Salt Toffee and their Dark Chocolate Cashew Sea Salt Toffee. As a bonafide toffee lover, I was immediately drawn to their unique flavors. Each were rich, sweet and tasted like true, gourmet candy.

Although Father’s Day is still months away, keep this one in your files for a winning gift (or if you just love meat!)

Question: What is your favorite food gift to give or receive?

Disclaimer: Pig of the Month BBQ has given me these products to review. I was not given the product in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.

With our marathon relay coming up in January, taking the winter off really isn’t an option. I still try to run 2-3 days a week in addition to other cardio and strength training. This past weekend I ran 3 days in a row (3.5 miles on Friday, 4 on Saturday and 6 on Sunday). This was also to combat going to Wine and Dine Wisconsin. All this running gave me several opportunities to test out these Argyle Compression Socks from Zensah.

What sold me was the pink.

This is my first article of compression clothing. To the non-runner, compression socks just look like funky-colored tube socks. In reality, they’re designed to improve oxygen delivery to your muscles, speeding lactic acid removal and improving muscle efficiency. They are also said to increase recovery after a tough workout or race.

I feel like the witch under the house in the Wizard of Oz.

When you put them on, they’re snug but not too tight. Since I wear a size 9 shoe, I got the medium. The socks fit perfectly.

Side story: Whenever I start putting on any type of running clothing or shoes, Oliver immediately thinks he’s coming with. He starts wagging his tail and whining, which makes it super fun when I’m tying my shoes and his tail is whacking me in the face.

Anyway, since It’s chilly in Wisconsin (we’ve been in the 30s lately), I paired the compression socks with my Lululemon Sun Sprinter Crops, a t-shirt and a technical jacket with thumb holes that Brenton got me for Christmas last year.

What I loved about these compression socks from Zensah was that my calves felt great wearing them, and I didn’t have any pain after running. Ok, you may find this a little gross but I wore then 3 times without washing them and they weren’t sweaty or stinky. In fact, there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about them. Since I’ve suffered with knee pain in the past, I’d be really interested to try compression clothing that covers that area.

Question: Have you ever worn compression clothing? If so, what have you tried?

Disclaimer: I was given this product by Zensah. I was not given it in exchange for a positive review. All opinions are my own.