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Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #4

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date December 4, 2017

This post will be a little different because the bulk of it will be a compare and contrast of two pumpkin bread baking products I tested. But first, I’ll start will a fun beverage I tried while stopping at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.

Pumpkin Spiced Chai Tea Latte & Ice Blended

Now, I just want to make this clear up-front: I avoid caffeine. I have ADD and it makes me sleepy. I also have acid reflux, so the acid in most caffeinated beverages upset my stomach. That said, I can occasionally have a caffeinated beverage without ill effects.

So, when I was killing time at a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in Los Angeles and saw “Pumpkin Spice” as an option for Ice Blended drinks, I was intrigued. I asked the girl behind the counter what was in it. She told me pumpkin, vanilla powder, and water. That sounded like something I could drink, so I ordered one.

When I tasted it, it was clear there was caffeine in it. I thought it was coffee, but apparently, it was black tea. It was delicious. The melding of the tea, pumpkin and vanilla flavors were refreshing and autumnal at the same time.

I really enjoyed it and, thankfully, suffered no ill effects. Perhaps the chocolate muffin and blueberry scone I had with it helped!

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Pumpkin Bread Mix Compare and Contrast

There are several brands offering a pumpkin bread mix at this time of the year. This year I purchased a box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix and Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing. I chose Trader Joe’s because I wanted to try pretty much every pumpkin offering they had this year. And I picked up Libby’s kit because Libby’s is the only brand of canned pumpkin I’ll use. I figured I’d give their kit a try.

Trader Joe’s mix makes one loaf, while Libby’s kit makes two. I don’t own two loaf pans, so I make Libby’s kit in a Bundt pan, which was one of the options mentioned on the back of the box.

My first impressions of the packaging are that Trader Joe’s looked easy to use and Libby’s kit looked slightly more involved. The Trader Joe’s box gives you options to use one loaf pan or a standard muffin pan. There is also a creative suggestion for “Holiday Bread.” The Libby’s kit gives you options to use two 9” x 5” loaf pans, three 8” x 4” loaf pans, six mini loafs (you can buy a mini loaf pan with six loafs or use disposable aluminum pans), a 13” x 9” pan, a 12-cup Bundt Cake pan, 24 large muffins, 36 standard muffins, or 72 mini muffins. There is also a creative suggestion for Pumpkin Streusel Muffins.

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Pumpkin Bread Mix Compare and Contrast Specifics

[one_third] Quality [/one_third][one_third] Trader Joe’s [/one_third][one_third_last] Libby’s [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Packaging: [/one_third]
[one_third] Simple and small, easy to fit into your pantry. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] Larger, but still relatively compact. [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Extra Ingredients: [/one_third]
[one_third] 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup oil and 1 cup water [/one_third]
[one_third_last] 4 large eggs, 1/2 cup oil and 1 cup water [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Ease of Use: [/one_third]
[one_third] It took me about 3-5 minutes to mix all the ingredients and place the pan in the oven. Baking time was 55 minutes. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] It took me about 4-7 minutes to combine all the ingredients and place the pan in the oven. Baking time was 65 minutes [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Aroma: [/one_third]
[one_third] I could detect the pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. There was also a touch of baking soda to the aroma. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] I could detect the pumpkin and cinnamon, but not as strongly as with the Trader Joe’s bread. And, like the Trader Joe’s bread, there was a touch of baking soda to the aroma. [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Texture: [/one_third]
[one_third] Moist, crumbly and even. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] Moist and smooth … just like a pound cake. A tad more dense than the Trader Joe’s. [/one_third_last]

[one_third] Flavor: [/one_third]
[one_third] Pumpkin, cinnamon with light notes of cloves. Mild flavored. [/one_third]
[one_third_last] Spicy pumpkin. Strong cinnamon and cloves, with a hint of ginger and nutmeg. [/one_third_last]

What Worked for Me

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix was quick and easy to make. It has a light and breezy flavor. I believe this would be a nice option if you need to make some quick breakfast muffins for your Fall guests.

I really liked that I was adding in actual pumpkin pulp (rather than relying powdered pumpkin or pumpkin flavor) to the Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing. It made it feel fresher and more authentic. I believe the pumpkin was what made the pumpkin bread was moister than the Trader Joe’s mix, as well. I also liked that the quantity the kit made was more. I love making Bundt cakes and if I wanted to do that with the Trader Joe’s mix, I’d have to buy two.

Apples to Apples Comparison

On that note, I did the math for you: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix retails for $2.99 per box, which, apparently, is how much they’ve charged for this product since 2008. The Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing retails for anywhere from $4.99 (WalMart) to $10 (Amazon), depending on where you buy it.

If you wanted to make the equivalent amount of pumpkin bread using Trader Joe’s mix, you could use two boxes. To achieve the moisture that Libby’s kit had, I would add in 1 can of pumpkin (or the equivalent of fresh pumpkin pulp), while reducing the added water. You can leave off the icing or make your own by mixing powdered sugar with a touch of vanilla and some milk.

In order to get the equivalent Bundt cake using Trader Joe’s mix, you’d need to spend around $8 [2 x $2.99 (mix) = $5.98 + $1.88 (can of pumpkin) = $7.86, plus whatever the cost of your icing ingredients]. Therefore, not only does Libby’s kit provide a better tasting result, it’s more cost-effective, too!

What Didn’t Work for Me

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix had a tiny twinge of a baking-soda aftertaste. Not strong, but it may turn off some people.

As for Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing, I’m not a big fan of icing. I could live without it. It makes it look nice. But if I were to make icing for the bread, I’d make it thinner so it was more like a glaze.

Which Product Did I Like Better?

Although I liked how easy the Trader Joe’s mix was to use, the end product of Libby’s mix was clearly superior. The Libby’s pumpkin bread was moister, richer and had a more layered and textured flavor. Interestingly enough, the two pretty much smelled the same to me. It was the taste and mouthfeel that was different.

In addition, as I mentioned in my Apples to Apples Comparison above, the Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing ends up being more convenient and economical. Everything you need (besides the eggs, oil and water) are together in one kit and all for as little as $4.99!

Rating

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Bread and Muffin Mix

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Libby’s Pumpkin Bread Kit with Icing was the clear winner for me, resulting is a moister cake with a rich, complex flavor.

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Forthcoming Pumpkin Tastings

Pumpkin pancake mixes: Foodstirs Organic Pumpkin Spice Stacks Pancake Mix, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Pancake and Waffle Mix, and Krusteaz Complete Pancake Mix Pumpkin Spice Light and Fluffy
Pumpkin bar mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Bar Mix vs. Krusteaz Supreme Bar Mix Pumpkin Spice
Pumpkin cookie mixes: Betty Crocker Limited Edition Pumpkin Spice Cookie Mix vs. Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mix Pumpkin Spice
Krusteaz Supreme Muffin Mix
Foodstirs Organic Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix
Trader Joe’s Pumpkin O’s

Tags Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Libby's, pumpkin bread, Pumpkin Spiced Chai Tea Latte, pumpkin taste tests, Trader Joe's

Recipes

Johnny Appleseed Pie

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 30, 2017

Johnny Appleseed Pie is my husband’s favorite pie! I make it for his birthday every year.

Below you’ll find both traditional print directions, and photo-illustrated directions. Creative variations are included at the end.

Ingredients for Johnny Appleseed Pie

Filling

1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
6-8 tart apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced¹
1/2 to 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

Crust

1 pie crust, uncooked²

Topping

1 cup Bisquick
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter
1/2 to 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

Directions for Johnny Appleseed Pie

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine sugar and cinnamon from Filling ingredients. Mix with apples.
Turn into the unbaked pie crust.
Top with semisweet chocolate morsels from Filling ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine the Bisquick and sugar from the Topping ingredients. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the pie.
Bake until apples are tender, about 45 minutes.
After you remove the pie from the oven, top with semisweet chocolate morsels from Topping ingredients.
Let cool for about 15 to 30 minutes before serving.

Photo Directions

These photographs were taken when I made this pie on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017, for Thanksgiving.

[one_fourth]

Set the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Slice apples and warm refrigerated pie dough to room temperature.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Roll pie crust into your pie pan.

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[one_fourth_last]

Press crust to edges of pan.

[/one_fourth_last]

[one_fourth]

Measure cinnamon and sugar into a small bowl.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Mix cinnamon and sugar together well.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Add sugar mixture to apples.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth_last]

Mix together until apples are evenly coated with sugar mixture.

[/one_fourth_last]

[one_fourth]

Place apple mixture into the pie crust.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Top with chocolate chips.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Measure Bisquick and sugar into a small bowl. Cut in butter.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth_last]

Top pie with crumble mixture.

[/one_fourth_last]

[one_fourth]

Bake until apples are tender, about 45 minutes. Then remove from the oven.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth]

Top with chocolate chips while still warm.

[/one_fourth]
[one_fourth] [/one_fourth]
[one_fourth_last] [/one_fourth_last]

Want a plain apple pie? Simply leave out the semisweet chocolate morsels!
Try using butterscotch or white chocolate morsels instead of the semisweet chocolate morsels.
Want a little more kick to your pie? Add in 1/4 tsp of cloves, mace or allspice to the cinnamon sugar mix.
Toss chopped pecans or walnuts in with the apples for a cruchier texture.
Substitute raisins, yellow raisins or craisins for the semisweet chocolate morsels.
Use half pears and half apples for a more mild flavored pie.
In the filling, instead of cinnamon, use grated fresh ginger, and instead of semisweet chocolate morsels use chopped candied ginger. Then in the topping, replace half the Bisquick with crushed gingersnaps.
Get creative with your crust and make a cinnamon crust. You can find a recipe for it in my book, Your Perfect Pie.
Use a lattice topping instead of the crumble topping.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Add in 1/2 tsp ground ginger to the cinnamon sugar mixture of the filling and replace 1/2 cup of the Bisquick with crushed gingersnaps for the topping.
Mix and match any of these suggestions, as well as any ideas of your own!

Notes

If you want to make the slicing task easier, use a apple peeler, slicer and corer. I show you how to use one here.
You can use one you make yourself, one that is pre-made and you roll out onto your pie pan or one that comes already in an aluminum pan. Regardless, I highly recommend using a deep-dish pie pan. I’ve also used a large tart pan.

Tags apples, Johnny Appleseed Pie

Cooking Techniques Tools of the Trade

How To Use an Apple Peeler-Corer

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 29, 2017

I may not use it all that often, but I love my apple peeler/corer. It may take a little getting used to — there are peculiarities to this gadget. But once you get the hang of it, you can cut your apple peeling and slicing chores in half — if not more. In addition, your apple slices will be more uniform and, possibly, thinner than you could achieve with a knife. If you make apple pie at least once a year, you’ll want to have one of these on hand. In this post and its accompanying video, I show you how to use one.

What Is an Apple Peeler/Corer?

Apple peelers, once called apply parers, are gadgets that peel, slice, and core apples, making this time-consuming kitchen task much quicker and easier.

Most models of apple peeler, slicer, and corer are mechanical in nature, using a crank to push the apple through the device. However, electronic versions also exist.

They first came into demand as early as the 1700s when a growing need for apples as a winter staple for both food and drink became apparent. In order to store this fruit, they needed to be processed and peeling, coring and slicing by hand were cumbersome, slow and, in some cases, wasteful. Therefore inventors started creating a variety of gadgets that would get the job done.

You can learn more about the history of apple peelers at The Virtual Apple Parer Museum and at the Museum of the City of New York.

Varieties of Apple Peeler and Corers

Apple slicers come in two basic types: One that simply removes the core and slices the apple into eight slices, and one that peels, cores and slices to whatever width you choose. In this post, I’m talking about the latter. The one I have is from The Pampered Chef, which I mount upon their apple peeler stand. You can purchase them separately, or as a set. However other companies make these kitchen gadgets, as well.

How To Use an Apple Peeler-Corer

In this video, I show you how I use my Pampered Chef Apple Peeler-Corer.

Step 1: Mount the peeler to a stand or other fairly stable surface.

Step 2: Choose a firm apple. If there are bruises, it will be more difficult to peel.

Step 3: Place the apple in your peeler. Try to get the two ends of the core as straight as possible so that the three prongs go in the side where the stem was and the coring circle will meet the other end and evenly as possible.

Step 4: Turn the crank so that the apple moves toward the coring circle. I didn’t mention this in the video, but the peeler can be set at different depths so you can get a thinner or thicker slice of the peel. Be sure that it isn’t so thin that much of the peel remains on the apple, or so thick that you waste a lot of the actual fruit.

Step 5: Once the apple is through the coring circle, simply remove your spiral-cut apple and cut at least on one side to create slices.

Step 6: Remove the skin that was peeled off and the core from your apple peeler and you are ready for your next apple.

This Thanksgiving I made two Johnny Appleseed Pies (it’s my husband’s favorite pie). I’ll share the recipe, along with some creative alteration ideas tomorrow.

Tags apple corer, apple peeler, apples

Tools of the Trade

Keeping a Minimalist Kitchen

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 22, 2017

One of the biggest keys to a happy life is keeping things, in general, simple — not too complicated — and free from drama. An easy-to-navigate life without erratic highs and lows helps reduce stress, too. This idea has morphed into the minimalist movement, where design is pared down to its bare necessities.

There are many books out there that can teach you to make your bedroom simple and minimal. There are books to teach you how to declutter your living spaces so that you can live harmoniously. But what about the kitchen?

Carma’s cow cluttered kitchen — Not a minimalist kitchen

Now, if you’ve seen pictures I’ve shared on Facebook of my kitchen and living space, then you know I’m not a minimalist. That said, I know that starting from a minimalist perspective and adding on from there can be a great way for newer cooks to cut their teeth and gain confidence in the kitchen.

Even if you’re not a particularly enthusiastic cook, you probably spend a lot of time in the kitchen. It’s a place to entertain, to laugh, and to eat, so simplifying the space could be an amazing decision! The trouble is that we live in a world where we are continually pressured to clutter up the kitchen space that we have with multiple gadgets and gizmos. There aren’t many people who know how to brew coffee without a coffee maker these days, and it’s because of the influx of café quality machinery that you can buy for your own home. The question that you have to ask yourself, is do you really need all these gadgets? Can you get by without them? Well, check out my tips below to take you to kitchen simplicity.

Minimalist Kitchen Idea #1: Evaluate your microwave use

If you own a microwave but you barely use it, it’s time to dump it. You may well be heavily reliant on your microwave for those quick meals, but your stovetop and oven can do the exact same job your microwave can do, and far better. (Not to mention more healthfully!) Microwaves may heat up your food conveniently and quickly, but they also zap away all the goodness from the food you’re eating. It might just be time to get used to cooking meals from scratch. I was without a microwave for two years and never missed it! I only have one now because it is built into the kitchen cabinet of the home we’re renting.

Minimalist Kitchen Idea #2: How many knives do you really need?

Did you know that knife sets are a very popular wedding/housewarming gift? We got a few more knives that we were bargaining for when we got married. But it turned out OK because that let me donate all my old ones! That said, you’re probably looking at your countertops and counting all the knives you’ve got. It might be time to declutter the knife sets that you have and invest in one good quality set instead.

Minimalist Kitchen Idea #3: Do you have too much dishware?

How many sets of dishes do you own? Do you really need that much? Ditch the dishware that you don’t use! I know you have it. You know you have it. So ‘fess up! Dishes for occasions and dishes for everyday use are a good idea, but if you have more than one set for each, that’s unnecessary. I did a dish purge when we got married. I got rid of all the dishes we didn’t need and we kept the nice new sets we got as gifts. A fresh start with fresh dishes!

Minimalist Kitchen Idea #4: Do you need all those gadgets?

OK. I know I’m one to talk on this count. I went gadget crazy when pulling together our wedding registry — and got most of what I asked for. Now I’m finding that I use some more than others and may have to pare down. The rule of thumb is to get rid of the gadgets that you don’t use. How often do you really use your spiralizer? (I still haven’t taken mine out of the box!) What about that popcorn machine you used three years ago? Don’t be sentimental about gadgets that you don’t use when you could make a little cash out of them. Get them sold and use the cash to decorate the kitchen with new lighting and another fancy décor!

Your kitchen doesn’t have to be kitted out with the latest and greatest styles to be beautiful, but it does have to be functional. Minimal gadgets and gizmos make for a spacious kitchen you can really work with.

Tags minimalist kitchen

Product Reviews

Pumpkin Season 2017 Taste Test #3

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 21, 2017

This is the third in my series of tastings of the current pumpkin offerings. I found some new items just this weekend!

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup

[two_third] Of the selections I’m reviewing this week, this is my favorite! I love pumpkin soup and when I saw this on the shelves, I had to give it a try. It smells rich and earthy with notes of cinnamon. The texture is smooth and creamy. The flavor is light, without too much nor too little seasoning. I ate this two days in a row!

Here you’ll see that I served it with a dollop of sour cream, and Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup Crackers, which is reviewed below. Sour cream enhances the flavor of many soups and is often served with soups made from winter squash, such as pumpkin and butternut squash. If you don’t have sour cream, I suspect a dollop of plain regular or Greek yogurt would go nicely, as well.

I have a favorite pumpkin soup recipe that I make from scratch, but this is a very good alternative. It is quick to prepare — simply open and heat on the stove or in the microwave. One box makes a good meal for one.

The last time I went to my local Trader Joe’s they were out. The next time I see them on the shelves, I’m stocking up! [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Soup Crackers

[two_third] These gluten-free treats are made with seasoned brown rice, pumpkin puree, and oats. Their texture reminds me of almond crackers. And they are lightly sweet, like Wheat Thins.

I ate them alone and dunked in the pumpkin soup, reviewed above. Both were tasty, but frankly straight out of the box was almost addictive. They are lightly sprinkled with salt, so you get both the salty and sweet flavors, but neither is overpowering.

These crackers make good snacks, alone or topped with cheese (I used Meunster). They are a lovely shade of orange, so they would make an interesting display if you’re serving them at a party.

Of the products reviewed in this post, these are my second favorite. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Isagenix IsaLean Shake Seasonal Flavor Pumpkin Spice

Through a Facebook friend, I found out about this one and had to buy it to add it to this series. I’ve had Isagenix shakes before and although pricey, they do taste pretty darn good.

I feel mixed about this season flavor, however. It was good but had a bitter aftertaste — almost like they added a bit too many cloves or allspice to the mix. At home — with a blender — I tried this product with just water, with oat milk and frozen vanilla Greek yogurt, and with oat milk and half a frozen banana. The banana really helped to tone down the after taste.

I also tried taking it to work with me in a shaker bottle with some greens added in. I used the cold water from the dispenser and shook until blended. The consistency was perfect and the apple-flavored greens I used also helped with the aftertaste.

Overall, I think this is a good mix-in protein to give your smoothies a bit of variety. However, you have to add something sweet, such as banana, apples or peaches to cut the bitter aftertaste. If you’re looking for an Isagenix distributor, I know three and will happily refer you.

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Tortilla Chips

[two_third] My husband and I were unimpressed with this Trader Joe’s offering. They mostly tasted like ordinary tortilla chips, but with an undertone of whole wheat. I couldn’t detect the pumpkin at all, and only noted the cinnamon and nutmeg if I concentrated on those flavors.

I ate these plain, straight out of the bag, and with some cheese melted on them. They were better with the melted cheese.

If you just want to serve something different, but don’t want to throw everyone off with a radically different flavor, then these are good options. They are a brownish-orange color, so they can make an autumnal food spread look harvest-y.

Would I buy them again? Probably not. There are so many other items at Trader Joe’s that are off-the-charts good, that I don’t feel inclined to waste my time and tastebuds on something that is just O.K. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Spiced Pumpkin Odwalla Almondmilk Shake

[two_third] I picked this up while looking for orange juice this weekend. I like Odwalla products in general, so I thought it would make a nice addition to this taste test round-up.

It was not as thick as I expected, but it has a nice balance of pumpkin and pumpkin spice flavors. You might even detect a note of banana, which lends it a nice sweetness.

I don’t think this is an example of the best that Odwalla has to offer, but it is a nice change. I enjoyed it for breakfast Sunday.

Although I wouldn’t seek this out, I would definately purchase it again. At 240 calories a bottle, it makes a nice meal-replacement for breakfast or lunch … or even a light dinner. [/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Frosted Pumpkin Pie Pop-Tarts, Limited Edition Toaster Pastries

[two_third] I saw these this weekend when I stopped at Wal-Mart to pick up some supplies. I generally like Pop-Tarts, although I miss the days of when you could get them without frosting.

Anyway, I’ve tried these fresh out of the box and heated in the microwave. The latter is definitely better, however, I’m generally disappointed by the flavor of this offering.

Frankly, these tasted like a Pop-Tart. Not especailly pumpkin-y. Not especially pumpkin pie-like, either. They tasted good, but not like what I would expect something called “pumpkin pie” would taste like.[/two_third][one_third_last] [/one_third_last]

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Keebler Fudge Strip Cookies, Limited Batch Pumpkin Spice

I’m going to preface this with that I’m not a big fan of Fudge Strip Cookies. I can take them or leave them, but I grabbed these because of the magic words “pumpkin spice.”

I was pleasantly surprised! They are quite tasty. The sweet frosting is balanced, mostly, by the softer flavor of the cookie. Hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger are evident and make this cookie a fun fall treat.

They are a little to sweet for my tastes, so the serving size of two cookies is about right. Good thing, because if they were less sweet I’d way more than my waistline needs!

Rating

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth] [/one_fifth][one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Previous Pumpkin Tastings

Tags chips, Cookies, crackers, pumpkin, pumpkin taste tests, soup, toaster pastries, Trader Joe's

Creative Cookery

4 Hassle-Free Cooking Ideas

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 20, 2017

Photo by Herson Rodriguez on Unsplash

Some people find the ideas of working 9-5, then coming home to cook everyone dinner a tad stressful. And, I’ll admit, on particularly long days, I’m one of those people! And even if you aren’t rushed around dinner time, making dinner after work can still be a bit chaotic. (Why do you think TV dinners exist?) However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Cooking should be enjoyable for everyone, regardless of time constraints. There are so many different recipes to try and flavors to experience that you should often be expressing your kitchen creativity and experimenting with your food. Yet so many people will prefer to stick a ready meal in the microwave and be done with it. Or, they have a small set of recipes they fall back on all the time. If you’re one of those people, then let this post open your mind to the possibility of hassle-free cooking and better eating.

Photo by Herson Rodriguez on Unsplash, Design by Carma Spence

Hassle-Free Cooking Idea #1: Get Everyone Involved

Obviously, if you’ve got really young children you might want them to stay out the way, but if you’ve got tweens or teens there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be helping you in the kitchen. Getting them excited about cooking can also help to keep you motivated in making good food rather than taking the easy option. Even if you just get help with the manual labor side of things such as chopping or peeling vegetables, it all takes a bit of the burden from you. Plus it is a great way of bringing all of the family together. If you do have younger children and want to try and get them involved then you could get them to help with the safer tasks such as sprinkling the cheese if you’re making a homemade pizza. They’re more inclined to try foods if they’ve helped to prepare it.

Hassle-Free Cooking Idea #2: Kit Your Kitchen Out

If you want to make cooking hassle-free, you need to have a decent modern kitchen. Of course, you could renovate and give yourself a brand new one — if you can afford it. Or you can make do with what you have, and fill it with the latest appliances. Something from Kitchenaid will literally aid you when it comes to fun tasks such as baking. (I LOVE their standing mixer!) It has so many capabilities, and they actually look really pretty, as well. They’re a tad on the expensive side, but worth it in the long run, since they are long-lived.

Another cool addition you could put in the kitchen is a food smoker. They give off that gorgeous smokey BBQ taste that you’d get from an outdoor BBQ, but without the hassle. If you’re stuck with deciding which one to chose, get help deciding here.

The one thing every kitchen needs though is a good oven. But what’s the one thing people don’t seem to have? A good oven. If you’re looking for something that’s going to make cooking hassle-free, then you should look into the price of a double oven. People’s biggest complaints are not having enough space when it comes to cooking, a double oven will solve all your problems. Frankly, I wish I had one for this Thursday! Luckily, I have two slow cookers and will be making three of my usually oven-made dishes in those!

Hassle-Free Cooking Idea #3: Safety First

Hassle-free cooking is safe cooking. Nothing creates more hassle than a sliced bloody finger leaking into you bolognese mix. So, you need to find ways to make your kitchen as safe as possible. Let’s start with the major issue that a lot of homes face, fire due to lack of fire safety equipment. We aren’t talking about a fire extinguisher in your kitchen, but a simple smoke detector could save the lives of everyone in the house, as well as your lovely dinner from burning too much. They don’t necessarily go off because your house is burning down, you could have just left the pie in the oven for too long. (Or you’re cooking bacon with all the windows open like I was yesterday and it goes off because there’s a little smoke in the air. Erg.) Keep in mind, that if you rent where you live, in many states it is against the law not to have a working smoke detector.

In addition to fire safety, you may need to think about making the kitchen safe for little ones. Make sure knives are well out of reach and cupboards are childproofed. The last thing you need is a child rummaging through your cupboards and ruining the contents.

Hassle-Free Cooking Idea #4:Cook What You Like

Hassle-free cooking is fun! You need to actually enjoy what you’re cooking. If you look forward to the meal you’re making, you’re less likely to consider the making part of it a hassle. But at the same time, it can be so repetitive making the same foods over and over again. Try and experiment a little and challenge yourself in terms of cooking. Don’t just go for the simple chili, switch it up and create a chili nacho cheese feast. Sounds good right? All you need is your normal chili con carne mix. Get an ovenproof fairly large dish and layer with nachos, top with the chili, add a layer of cheese, repeat until done. Microwave for 3 minutes to melt the cheese and you’re in for a treat.

Tags cooking tips

Product Reviews

Product Review: Lasten Silicone Baking Mat

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date November 18, 2017

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, and my plan to make three different types of pie for the menu, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of the Lasten® Silicone Baking Mat with Measurements. It promised to not only be a guide to my pie crust making but also be a non-stick surface for my other types of baking.

The main reason this product appealed to me, however, was the concentric, measured circles and measurements along the side. How many times have I struggled to know how much to roll out a dough? Using a ruler never quite worked that well. This product looked like the perfect solution. And from what I can see, it is!

What Worked for Me About the Lasten® Silicone Baking Mat

There are two mats in the package. One small one that measures a little more than 10 inches square. And a larger rectangular one that measures a little over 21 by 13 inches. These are perfect sizes for most baking projects. I think the non-stick surface will be good when kneading bread dough, as well.

When I received the mat, it was folded up in a plastic bag inside a box from Amazon. Unfolding it, I found that each of them to mats was packaged inside addition plastic bags of their own. When I tried to remove one, it stuck to the bag, something I remember from the first silicone baking mats I’ve purchased.

The thin, sticky surface of the back promised to keep the mat in place as you kneed and roll out your doughs. So much better than lining your surface with flour or wax paper!

What Didn’t Work for Me About the Lasten® Silicone Baking Mat

The larger sized mat, although perfect for pie crust up to 12 inches in diameter, it a bit big and ungainly for actual baking.

Conclusion

If you’ve been looking for a durable surface on which to work for your baking projects — if you’re tired of using floured wooden cutting boards or Formica counter tops, this is an excellent option! And at only $14.99, it is a good deal, as well. The only caution is to keep the plastic bags for storage, or you might find the mat sticking to everything in your cupboard!

Rating

I give this mat four out of five stars because although it was pretty much what I was looking for, I would have liked to have the larget mat be just a tad smaller so I could actually use it to line my pans.

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View the Lasten® Silicone Baking Mat Up Close

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NOTE: Reviews are based on usefulness, portability, durability, value, and “cool factor.” Some review products are sent to me free of charge or at a discount and with no incentive to offer a favorable review. I offer my unbiased opinions, positive and negative. If you have any questions or comments concerning my reviews, or would like to suggest a product for review, please email me at editor@carmascookery.com.

Tags baking, baking mat, kneading, pie making