Category: Product Reviews

Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Herbs Are Easy to Use

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date April 23, 2018

Have you ever bought a ginger root or bunch of fresh herbs only to use a small portion and have the rest go bad? I know I have!

I’ve tried freezing ginger root — it makes it hard to cut into cubes later. I’ve tried refrigerating ginger root — it goes bad before I can use it all. I’ve even tried storing it in potting soil — it takes up up a lot of space, is messy, and if you don’t remember to water it, it goes bad. That’s why when I was given the opportunity to try out Dorot’s all-natural frozen seasoning products, in particular, its crushed ginger, I was intrigued.

I was sent samples of Crushed Ginger, Crushed Garlic, and Chopped Basil. Below are my thoughts and ideas about the product.

About Dorot’s Frozen Seasoning

Dorot Garlic & Herbs specializes in developing, producing and marketing frozen seasoning products throughout the world. The company was established in 1992 and is fully owned by Kibbutz Dorot in the southern part of Israel. The kibbutz has more than 3,500 acres of field crops, which are picked, and then immediately chopped, packaged and frozen in a unique fast freeze process, maintaining their taste, freshness and nutritive value.

Dorot’s frozen herb and seasoning products help cooks have on hand fresh, flavorful ingredients they can use in a pinch. It solves the problems of food waste while not sacrificing flavor. And it saves you time in the kitchen – no prep or clean up needed!

The herbs are packaged in miniature ice cubes and can last up to two years in your freezer. All Dorot products are natural, raw, and vegan. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and soy-free, and contain no preservatives or artificial flavors. Dorot is kosher and halal.

You can find it in the frozen veggie aisle at most major grocery retailers including ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Kings, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Wegman’s, Ralph’s and Safeway, among others. They retail for about $2.99 per package.

What I liked about Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

They are so easy to use and take up very little space in the freezer. The selection I received, as well as others that are available, are all flavors that I’ve personally struggled with issues of food waste or preparation. These are really handy to have around, and because they last up to two years, you will have a lot less food waste.

What I didn’t like about Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

I really couldn’t come up with something I didn’t like about these seasoning cubes. They were quite handy and I noticed no reduction in flavor.

How I tested Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

I used the basil and garlic in a couple of soups I made from scratch. I also added the ginger to smoothies. Each seasoning added flavor just as well as fresh or dried versions of the same herbs I’ve used before. An added benefit is that because the ginger was frozen, it helped chill my smoothie, so I used less ice!

Overall Comments on Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning

I really enjoy having these seasoning cubes around. Once you get in the habit of looking for your herbs and spices in your freezer, you’ll rarely go back to fresh!

Who Is Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning Suitable for?

Home cooks will love these, especially the garlic and ginger, which can be so problematic for many. Garlic can be hard to prep and often leaves your counter and hands smelling of garlic for days. Ginger is hard to grate or chop, can be really stringy and is hard to store for long. Dorot’s Fresh Frozen Seasoning solves all those problems.

For More Information

Dorot’s Website
Flavors available: Garlic, Ginger, Basil, Parsley, Cilantro, Dill and Sautéed Glazed Onions

Score: 5 out of 5

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

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NOTE: I received a free copy of this product in exchange for an honest review. If you’ve read past product reviews, you’ll know that I don’t pull my punches when I believe they are warranted. I also try to provide balanced information so you can make your own decision to buy or not buy this product, even if you disagree with my opinion.

Tags Dorot's Gardens, herbs

Creative Cookery Product Reviews Taste Tests Video Podcast

October 2017 Foodstirs Kit – Little Monsters Cupcakes

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date April 18, 2018

Carma’s Cookery Foodstirs Series, Part 2

October 2017 Kit – Little Monsters Cupcakes

My second Foodstirs Kit was perfect for Halloween … but I made them much later. These Little Monsters Cupcakes are fun, creative, adorable and tasty!

Extra Ingredients You’ll Need

The kit comes with all the non-perishable ingredients you’ll need to make the cupcakes. What you’ll need to add to the list are these perishable ingredients:

Butter
Eggs
Milk
Yogurt

Unboxing and Baking Video

What I Liked About Foodstirs Little Monsters Cupcakes Kit

First, even when I was impatient and screwed up, the kit turned out adorable.

Second, they tasted fabulous! I could barely bring myself to share them!

As with the last kit, the instructions were easy to follow and simple to implement.

I had a lot of fun assembling the monsters. They were creative and well-designed.

What I Didn’t Like About Foodstirs Little Monsters Cupcakes Kit

I wish I had been more patient and let the cupcakes cool off before putting on the frosting. Also, the frosting is very soft at room temperature, so I would advise trying a little less liquid when whipping it up.

Overall Thoughts on Foodstirs Little Monsters Cupcakes Kit

Since I started this Foodstirs project, I received four kits and have only done three of them. The third, I didn’t even think to photograph or video record, so I won’t be able to share it with you. Out of the three, this kit was my favorite. They were fun, delicious and so very cute!

Who Is This Kit Suitable for?

Foodstirs makes kits that are suitable for parents to do with their children. I think kids would really get a kick out of this kit.

Score: 5 out of 5

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Tags baking, cupcakes, Foodstirs

Creative Cookery Product Reviews Taste Tests Video Podcast

August 2017 Foodstirs Kit – Campfire S’mores Brownie Cupcakes

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date April 16, 2018

Carma’s Cookery Foodstirs Series, Part 1

August 2017 Kit – Campfire S’mores Brownie Cupcakes

I’ve had my eyes on Foodstirs for awhile for three reasons:

One of the founders is Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy from the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer
The kits are very creative, which I believe helps home cooks unleash their kitchen creativity easily and safely
The kits use organic ingredients

I purchased a three-month subscription. Today’s post is for the first kit I received, which were Campfire S’mores Brownie Cupcakes. I made them for a house-warming party I hosted and they were a hit.

Extra Ingredients You’ll Need

The kit comes with all the non-perishable ingredients you’ll need to make the brownies. What you’ll need to add to the list are these perishable ingredients:

Butter
Eggs
Oil
Yogurt

Unboxing Video + Baking and Display Images

What I Liked About Foodstirs Campfire S’mores Brownie Cupcakes Kit

The kit comes with pretty much everything you’ll need, including a frosting dispenser and cupcake liners. The frosting mix is da bomb. I pretty much could just eat that (and I did with the leftovers!). The brownies were tasty, as well.

What I Didn’t Like About Foodstirs Campfire S’mores Brownie Cupcakes Kit

The kit made eight cupcakes, which turned out to be just the right number for my party. However, under normal circumstances, I probably would have wanted to make more.

I’m not sure if it because the mix is organic, but I found the brownies to be a bit heavier than I like them. I like my brownies to be a little more cake-like in density.

Overall Thoughts on Foodstirs Campfire S’mores Brownie Cupcakes Kit

This was a fun kit to make and resulted in a tasty treat that my company loved. Although the assembly was a bit trickier than it looked, so I probably wouldn’t buy another kit. That said, it certainly was fun the first time!

Who Is This Kit Suitable for?

I think that this kit would be good for parents to make with their kids, as well as adults who want to present a different kind of treat at a potluck, but don’t have a lot of time to get creative on their own.

Score: 4 out of 5

[one_fifth] [/one_fifth]

[one_fifth_last] [/one_fifth_last]

Tags baking, brownies, food delivery service, Foodstirs

All Things Pumpkin Product Reviews

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

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

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.

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

View the Lasten® Silicone Baking Mat Up Close

Get Yours on Amazon!

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

Product Reviews

Product Review: The Magic Opener

Post author By Carma Spence
Post date February 1, 2016

Have you ever struggled with opening opening cans, bottles and caps? I know that I often have hurt myself opening a soda can … and those ubiquitous water bottles are sometimes quite stubborn to open.

Picture courtesy of Magic Opener

Well, I’ve happened upon a product that will make those difficulties a thing of the past. I received a free sample to review and was quite impressed.

Magic Opener Overview

Summary:
An easy-to-use, portable can, bottle and cap opener made from thick sturdy plastic and metal. It will help you open most water bottles from Costco, Walmart and convenience stores, as well as open plastic soda bottles, aluminum soda cans, pull-tab soup cans, traditional glass bottles and many more.

Price: Retails for $24.99, but you can often get it for less on Amazon.com.

Video Tutorial from Magic Opener

Who is the Magic Opener Suitable For?

Although anyone can use it, I think it would be especially useful for people with arthritis or limited wrist or arm strength. It uses the physics of leverage to make opening a variety of containers much easier. Watch my demo & review below.

Overall Thoughts

I really got a kick out of using this product and am impressed with the quality. I’m not crazy about the color choice … maybe the makers will eventually give people a variety of colors to choose from?

Not only is the product utilitarian, but it is convenient to store, as well. Just stick it to the side of your frig!

Would I recommend this product? Hell yes! Grab yours at Amazon.com.

Tags bottle opener, can opener, magic opener