Tag Archives: cooking

Swiss Diamond® Cookware Review & Giveaway!!!

Pin It

Swiss Diamond

Swiss Diamond® is premium cookware made in Switzerland. It features a unique, super-durable, patented and award-winning non-stick cooking surface using real diamond crystals. It won’t blister nor peel or scratch. Due to the long lifetime and the large amount of renewable energies which are used in the production, Swiss Diamond®  cookware is a most sustainable product which offers you the highest cooking excellence. Swiss Diamond cookware is distributed in North and South America exclusively by Swiss Gourmet USA Inc.  Swiss Diamond®  cookware can be purchased through Amazon.com, ChefsCatalog.com and  CookingEnthusiast.com.

Recently, I was sent a 12.5″ Swiss Diamond®  fry pan to review.  We were really excited to try it out and we love it.  As my husband says it is the best pan in the house and we have a lot of high quality cookware.  We have  cooked just about everything in it and are so impressed with how evenly it distributes the heat, how nothing sticks and how easy it is to clean.  I also like that  it has a super-durable, patented non-stick surface that is made with real diamond crystals that is metal utensil and dishwasher safe.  It has a great glass cover and stay cool, comfortable handle.  This pan performs so well that my husband is saying we need to get a whole set, and I think he is right.  If you are looking for cookware that is durable, easy to care for, heats and cooks evenly then you should take a look at Swiss Diamond®  cookware.

Swiss Diamond® cookware is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Swiss Diamond® ”Try Me” pan that retails for $69.99.  Thank you Swiss Diamond® for the review pan and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US and Canadian residents.

Swiss Diamond® ”Try Me” Pan Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!!!

Continue reading


55 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

“The Organic Family Cookbook” by Anni Daulter, Review & Give-Away!!! 2 Winners!!! {Give-Away Ended}

Pin It

You may remember, this Summer we reviewed a book about healthy ice pops called, “Ice Pop Joy,” by Anni Daulter.  I was recently sent, Anni’s new cookbook, “The Organic Family Cookbook” to review.  This book is all about growing, greening and cooking together.

Anni Daulter believes that eating organic, fresh, nutritional foods are the key to good health, and that raising children to understand and appreciate this is the key to creating a healthy and happy family.

“When we decide to cook fresh, from?scratch foods, it does take some time and thoughtful planning, but when you sit down to that meal cooked with such love and care, it makes it all worth it,” said Daulter. “The in?between moments with our families — cooking, creating, and being together — make up the goodness of life, and nothing tastes better than that!”

The recipes in The Organic Family Cookbook, are wholesome, fun, and kid and family tested, and use ingredients easily obtainable from standard grocers, green markets or a personal garden.

“Anni understands how to cook and share a good meal with those she cares about. She knows that at the heart of a healthy family there is a strong relationship to unadulterated ingredients that come straight from the earth, whether it be from your own garden, farmers’ market, or natural food store,” said Anna Getty, founder of Pregnancy Awareness Month, and an author, cook, educator, and mother.

The book is divided into sections, based on the type of meal or snack the recipes create. These include:

  • Naturally Tasty Breakfasts (to start each day off well)
  • Simple Snacks (a necessity for every active family)
  • Wholesome Lunches (to pack or enjoy at home)
  • Savory Sides (tasty, healthy additions to any meal)
  • Family Favorite Dinners (for everyday meals and special occasions)
  • Homespun Favorites (with homemade staples no one can resist)
  • Table of Equivalents

Included in each chapter are sidebars offering tips about the way her family puts these principles into practice, and include everything from starting a garden to grow your own food to tips on turning a kitchen green to making your own, chemical?free cleaning products. Other sidebars suggest activities the family can do together, alternatives to plastic bags and dishware, recycling tips and much more.

“As inspiring as it is practical, Anni Daulter’s The Organic Family Cookbook combines delicious, healthy recipes for any day of the week with gorgeous photography,” said Pilar Guzman, Editor?In?Chief of Martha Stewart Living and co?founder of Momfilter.com. “It’s also very personal, offering a glimpse into one family’s beautiful — yet relatable — life with food.”

Anni Daulter is an eco?mama, professional cook, advocate for sustainable living, and author. Anni is the co?founder of a conscious family living magazine called Bamboo, and is author of Ice Pop Joy andOrganically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies & Toddlers. Anni lives in Los Angeles, California with her family

My Views:

I love gardening, growing things with my family.  It is so wonderful to see the little ones learn how food grows.  My kids love to garden with us. This book is great because it is not just a cookbook, it is a way of life, and it is a way of life that our family cherishes.  I am a huge VitaMixer and we love fruit and veggies.  I normally add things such as ground flax-seed to our green smoothies so I was glad to find it used in so many of her recipes.  Having four very ripe bananas, I decided the first recipe I would try would be the Goodwill Banana Bread.

Goodwill Banana Bread

2 cups of whole wheat pastry flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoons flax-seed

2 teaspoons wheat germ

2 pinches sea salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup raw agave nectar

1/2 cup pure cane sugar

2 eggs beaten

4 overripe bananas mashed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 5 x 9 inch loaf pan.

In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, flax-seed, wheat germ, salt and walnuts.

In another bowl, mix together butter, agave nectar, and sugar.  Stir in eggs and bananas until blended.

Combine banana mixture into flour mixture and stir just until mixed.  Pour batter into greased loaf pan.  Bake for about 1 hour, until edges are golden brown an inserted toothpick in the center comes out clean.  Let cool before removing from pan.

Makes 1 loaf

I used ground flax-seed and substituted honey for the agave nectar.  It came out so great, it was really moist and delicious.  I will definitely be using this as our banana bread recipe from now on.

I can’t wait to try the Nurturing Butternut Squash Soup with Parmesan Crisps using the butternut squash we grew in our garden.  I am definitely trying the Fall Pumpkin Spiced Cookies as well, we love making cookies with pumpkin in the Fall.  I highly recommend this cookbook and it has a wealth of information about different flours, kids composting, veggie dyed eggs for Easter and much more.

I am thrilled to let you all know that Sellers Publishing and Anni Daulter are sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  2 lucky blog readers will win their own copy of  “The Organic Family Cookbook.”  Thank you Sellers Publishing and Anni Daulter for the review cookbook and for sponsoring this great give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  Open to US and Canadian Residents.

“The Organic Family Cookbook” Give=Away on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Mandatory Entry: Go to Sellers Publishing, Inc’s Website and let me know another book or product you like. Leave your answer in a comment on this post.  (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted.)

Extra Entries-Make sure to leave a separate comment for each one or they will not count.

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook, and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

3. Subscribe to Mommy Ramblings by email and leave me a comment here that you did.

4.Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

5. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

6. Post this give away on your Facebook status and leave me a comment here that you did.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

7. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

8. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

Good Luck Everyone!!!  Give Away Ends October 26th at 12am EST.  Winners will be selected by Random.org.


313 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Chef’n Herb’n Shear Set Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

Pin It

Recently, I was asked to choose a Chef’n product to review.  I have to admit, it was hard to chose, after looking at all their great products.  Since I love gardening and growing my own herbs, I chose the Herb’n Shear Set.  I had never seen an item like this and thought it would be great for chopping up all the fresh herbs we use when cooking.

It came the other day and I could not be happier with it.  The quad blade herb chopper makes chopping herbs easy and fun.  It feels great in your hand with the nice rubber grip and the included bamboo bowl is great to chop and serve in.  You can also use these versatile herb choppers on a regular cutting board.  I highly recommend this Herb’n Shear Set if you like to use fresh herbs in your cooking.

Chef'n Herb'n Shears Herb Chopper and Bamboo Bowl Set

So do you think this is a product you would like to have in your kitchen?  If so, you will be thrilled to know Chef’n is sponsoring a give-away on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their very own Chef’n Herb’n Shear Set.  Thank you Chef’n for the review set and for sponsoring this awesome give-away on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US and Canadian Residents.

Chef’n Herb’n Shear Set Review and Give-Away on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Mandatory Entry-Visit the Chef’n Website and let me know another product you like, leave your answer in a comment on this post.  (If this entry is not done, all others will be deleted)

Extra Entries: (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry of they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Like Chef’n on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall that Mommy Ramblings sent you, then leave me a comment here that you did.

3. Follow Chef’n on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

4. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter, and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

5. Subscribe to Mommy Ramblings by email and leave me a comment here that you did.

6. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

7. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

8. Post this give away on your Facebook status and leave me a comment here that you did.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

9. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.  (You can do this every day for an extra entry, just make sure you leave a comment.)

10. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

Good Luck Everyone!!!  Give Away Ends August 15th  at 12am EST.  Winner will be selected by Random.org.


303 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Jillie Willie Suzy Q Apron Review & Give-Away!!! {Give-Away Ended}

Pin It

If you have never heard of Jillie Willie, then you are in for a real treat.  These super cute and feminine aprons are so functional and nostalgic.  I love aprons and I love using them for cooking, baking and even carrying in the veggies from the garden.

“There’s something about aprons that conjures up unforgettable memories of days gone by, of mothers and kitchens.” -Jill Grover, owner of Jillie Willie.

daypron black

Jill sent me the Suzy Q Apron to review and I will just tell you, that I adore it!!!  It is so functional with the attached towel and handy lined pocket.  It is done in adorable coordinating fabrics and is very cute and trendy.  I think it is very unique and love that it has an attached terry towel that can be used to wipe your hands or the hands of your kiddies.  I love wearing this apron when cooking and baking.  It is also going to come in very handy in the vegetable garden this summer.  Jillie Willie is also providing Mommy Ramblings with another Suzy Q apron for a give-away for one of our lucky blog readers.

Jillie Willie, Suzy Q Apron Give-Away Rules:

Mandatory Entry: Go to the Jillie Willie Website and tell me another apron or product you love.  Leave your comment here.

Extra Entries (make sure you leave a separate comment for each entry of they will not count)

1. Like Mommy Ramblings on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

2. Follow Mommy Ramblings on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

3. Subscribe to Mommy Ramblings by email and leave me a comment here that you did.

4. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Picket Fence Blogs (Button is on the side of our blog, “We’re on the Fence) and leave me a comment here you did.

5. Vote for Mommy Ramblings on Top Mommy Blogs (button is on the side of our blog) and leave me a comment here that you did.

6. Post this give away on your Facebook status and leave me a comment here that you did.

7. Tweet this give-away on Twitter and leave me a comment here that you did with your Twitter name.

8. Like Blueberry Hill Photography on Facebook and leave me a comment here that you did.

Good Luck Everyone!!!  Give Away Ends May 12th  at 12am EST.  Winner will be selected by Random.org.

daypron black


27 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract Review & Give-away!!!

Pin It

I was so excited when asked to review this Nielsen-Massey Vanilla.  Excited, because this is a product I use and love.  I remember our first bottle had to be purchased through Chefs Catalog but now it is available at Wegmans.  We use this in so many of our recipes and love the flavor.  We use it in our ice cream that we make, all of our baking and we especially love the flavor it adds to our belgian waffles.  If you have never tried it, then you are in for a treat.  Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc. has an exclusive cold process method that extracts the essence from selected vanilla pods, the finest available, producing rich and delicious flavor that is unsurpassed.  Nielsen-Massey Vanillas is proud to announce that its Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste was a 2010 Silver finalist for the NASFT Sofi Awards in the “Baked goods, baking ingredient or cereal” category.  Take a look at their website for more information at www.NielsenMassey.com.

Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla

The world’s finest and most consistent vanilla comes from Madagascar. Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla from Nielsen-Massey has a creamy, sweet, velvety flavor that is perfectly suited for a range of products from baked goods to ice creams, salad dressings to barbeque sauces. Madagascar Bourbon vanilla does not have anything to do with the American whiskey of the same name, but is rather named for the Bourbon Islands off the coast of Africa. Madagascar supplies more than 60% of the world’s vanilla.


Give-away rules:

The Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc.  is being gracious enough to let one of my readers try this vanilla by sending out a  2 ounce bottle of this great vanilla to the winner.  To be eligible for the give-away you MUST subscribe to my blog, LIKE my blog Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mommy-Ramblings/142284565832382, and send as many friends over to my Facebook Fan Page to post a comment that “you” sent them.  The person with the most referrals by this Thursday night 12am will be the lucky winner.  Good luck everyone and thank you Nielsen-Massey!!!


1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

The Original GreenPan!!!

Pin It

Yesterday, on Valentine’s Day, I received a very green present.  Jessica, from The Original GreenPan, sent me a nice little gift bag chock full of goodies.  It contained a 8″ high end, commercial grade non-stick pan, a very nice apron, pot holder, and care sponge.  I am so anxious to try this baby out.  As a mother, I am always so concerned with what are children are exposed to .  I mean, we are long aware of the dangers of most non-stick cookware.  If heated without anything in it, it can kill pets such as parrots.  This does not sound like something we want to use near our growing and developing children or when we are pregnant does it?  The ambitious goal of GreenPan™ was to create a new, healthy cooking experience in non-stick cookware. In 2007 GreenPan™ was ready to take off and succeeded in bringing to the market the first healthy, eco-friendly non-stick pots and pans with the revolutionary new PTFE/PFOA-free coating,Thermolon™

My Gift Bag!

The pan they sent me is from their Rotterdam Collection.

Here are some important facts from GreenPan’s website.  You should visit it yourself to learn all about their extensive line of products,  www.green-pan.com.

  • Our non-stick pots and pans are the first to be made with a non-stick coating made of minerals instead of plastics.
  • PTFE coatings are manufactured with the aid of PFOA (PerFluoroOctanoic Acid), which is classified as a ‘persistent pollutant of the environment’*. Besides that, PFOA is a tough chemical that the body has the greatest difficulties in expelling and is known to be a ‘likely human carcinogen’*. We don’t use PTFE, so no PFOA can be emitted in the environment. * According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency, a US federal agency in charge of the protection of human health and the environment) 

  • Less energy is used when Thermolon™ is applied on GreenPan™ products, which means 60% less CO2 emission compared with the production of PTFE-coated pans.

The best thing I like about Greenpan is that their products are healthy for us and our environment.  They do not produce any harmful fumes!

I also like that the coating is designed for superior performance, better cooking, better taste and is easier to clean.

I am going to be doing a full review by cooking in this great pan very soon.  I will let you know what I think of these environmentally friendly pans.   GreenPan has a variety of collections and also includes baking and roasting pans.

 

 

Here are some of the other goodies and other views of the pan they so graciously supplied me with to review.

The handle on the pan is removable.


I will test this pan out very soon and let you know what I think.  I have been very impressed with the literature they sent and the wide range of products available.  I plan to do some reading later on tonight and learn more about this healthy alternative non-stick cookware.  Hope you all are having a great day!!!


Leave a Comment

Filed under Uncategorized