My Favorite Kitchen Gadgets

I have posted a bunch of gift ideas and DIY info here lately.  I even posted about Seed Starting for the garden because here in South Florida we're growing!

My mom and I used several kitchen gadgets to make her famous Karat Cake!

So far I've shared

5 Hostess Gifts for Under $40

Small Business Saturday & Cyber Monday

Mushrooms for Christmas

Herbal Remedy Starter Kits

Seeds of the Month Club

Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite Kitchen Gadgets and a few that might be on my wishlist for 2015. 
The info below contains affiliate links.  If you choose to purchase using my links I might make a small commission.  Every little bit helps!

My absolute favorite item in my kitchen is the BREAD MAKER!
This one makes 1, 1 1/2 and 2 pounds loaves AND comes with recipes & measuring cups!

Cuisinart BMKR-200PC Fully Automatic Compact Bread Maker, 2-Pound

• Removable bread pan and kneading paddle  
• 12 pre-programmed menu options; 3 crust colors; 3 loaf sizes - 1, 1-1/2, and 2 pounds 
• 13-hour delay start timer; 15-minute pause; bake-only option  
• LCD display; removable lid with viewing window
• Includes measuring cup, measuring spoon and instruction/recipe book

At the top of my wishlist is a Food Processor!

Hamilton Beach 10 Cup Food Processor with Compact Storage

• Chop onions, mix sauces, grate cheese, shred cabbage, prepare pesto or slice salad ingredients in seconds
• Powerful 500-Watts
• Large feed tube fits a whole block of cheese
• Reversible slice and shred discs and chopping blade are included
• Lid flips over for compact storage to save cabinet space

Another favorite kitchen appliance is my Blender!  I use it almost daily!

Oster 6878-042 Core 16-Speed Blender with Glass Jar, Black

• Oster brushed chrome blender
• Powerful motor
• 16 different speeds
• Food processor attachment
• Counter-worthy design

Another gadget on my "wishlist" is a new Convection Oven!  
Mine died a while ago and since it's so warm here in Florida, I try to avoid using the oven during the summer if possible.

Black & Decker CTO6335S Stainless Steel Countertop Convection Oven

• Extra-large digital display
• Preset one-touch functions
• Fits a 12-inch pizza or large casserole
• 120-Minute Timer
• Removable crumb tray

My "go-to" gadget is an Immersion Blender! I love it!  Using an Immersion Blender saves me the trouble of using the blender for making small batch stuff and I can place the blender end in the freezer when I make whipped cream.

Cuisinart CSB-79 Smart Stick 2-Speed 200-watt Immersion Hand Blender with Attachments

• Brushed stainless steel housing with embossed Cuisinart logo
• Includes blending, whisk, and chopper/grinder attachment
• Also includes 16-ounce mixing/measuring beaker
• Powerful 200-watt motor
• Push-button control for continuous or pulse action; comfort grip handle

I've been dreaming about Dehydrators!  At the moment I don't have the space or the harvest for one.  However, in the near future we will be expanding our garden and this will definitely be a hot item in my kitchen!

There are small and large dehydrators available.  I'll share a few!


Nesco FD-80A Square-Shaped Dehydrator Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging

• Easy-to-use dehydrator for drying fruit, vegetables, herbs, and jerky
• Air-circulation system ensures fast, even drying; no need to rotate trays
• Adjustable thermostat; printed guidelines on motor housing
• Bale handle; dishwasher-safe parts; instruction manual
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging
• Adjustable thermostat
• Bale handle dishwasher safe parts instruction manual

Waring Pro DHR30 Professional Dehydrator

• 5 stackable, interlocking trays
• Fruit roll-up sheet included
• Adjustable temperature: off, fan only, lo, medium, and hi
• Great for beef jerky, dried fruits and herbs
• New fan system promoting better air flow

Excalibur 2400 4-Tray Economy Dehydrator, Black

• 4-tray dehydrator, 4 square feet of drying space
• Economy model performs like larger models, but has no frills
• Starter - great way to try dehydrating
• Includes adjustable thermostat
• Easy to clean polyscreen tray inserts

Excalibur 3900B 9 Tray Deluxe Dehydrator, Black

• 9-Tray dehydrator, 15 square feet of drying space
• Built in on/off switch, 110 Volts
• Great for large families and gardens
• Includes adjustable thermostat
• Easy to clean Polyscreen tray inserts

I find that having the right tools in the kitchen makes cooking from scratch much easier.  Most of these appliances cut down on prep time or hands-on time in the kitchen.  Did you find anything you like?

Fresh and Pure Recipes with Seminole Pride Noble Juice

This is a compensated post written for Seminole Pride™Noble® juice.   All opinions expressed are my own.

I've always loved the taste of fresh orange juice.  It's cool, refreshing and especially welcomed after working in the garden under the Florida Sun.  Recently I made a trip to my local Publix to pick out a few varieties of Noble Juice. 

Why Noble Juices you ask?  
First, every variety of Noble contains no added sugar, no artificial ingredients or preservative, no added colors or flavors and no GMOs!  Noble Juice is the real deal!
And if that wasn't enough to convince you, "The bottles used are 100% sustainable and are even made at the juicing facility; keeping the total business carbon footprint environmentally friendly."

The Roe family has been in the citrus business for almost 100 years.  Since 1927, the Roe family, now in their fourth  generation of citrus aficionados produces the sweetest, hand-picked fruits for the finest juices around.

Living in Hollywood, FL we have thousands of members of the Seminole Tribe living right next door. "The Seminole Tribe of Florida is now unselfishly developing a future that will in a sense bring a recollection of the past, one of freedom, stewardship and the strengthening of a nation of people. While the technology and modern culture may bring new appearances, the ancient values will remain strong."

"In 2014, the Roes joined in a partnership with Florida’s first family — the Seminole Tribe of Florida, to establish a foundation of commitment to conserve and treasure the land, air, water and start a new era of Seminole Pride^™ Noble^® Juice."   It's no wonder the Seminole Tribe has joined with the Roe family "in pursuit of providing the purest juice." All of this and more is available at Seminole Pride^™ Noble^®

Finding Noble Juice in my local Publix was easy.  I walked right over the the produce section and found the huge selection of fresh juices.  Choosing Noble Organic Juice is the perfect option for our health-conscious family. 

How do you choose between delicious citrus varieties such as Tangerine, Clementine or Blood Orange?  You don't!   I brought home all three!

Besides making mimosas, there are so many recipes that call for fresh orange juice.
Today I made Organic Orange Ginger Sauteed Vegetables.

Ingredients:
1 cup Seminole Pride^™ Noble^® Organic Orange Juice
OR Seminole Pride^™ Noble^® Tangerine Juice
 2 Tbsp. powdered ginger (or use Fresh ginger)
1 ½ tsp. sesame oil
1 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
4 cups mixed, fresh cut vegetables
*I used all organic veggies: red onion, broccoli, carrots and dwarf pak choy*

Directions:
Heat a sauce pan over low. Add organic orange juice and reduce down by half.
Remove from stove and add to blender along with ginger.  
Turn blender on high and slowly add the sesame and olive oil until emulsified.
Heat a sauté pan over high. Add enough orange ginger oil to coat the pan. Once hot, add vegetables and sauté for 4 – 5 minutes.
Place remaining orange ginger oil into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.  I'll use the rest of the dressing for my Kale Salad!

Follow Noble Juice on Facebook, Twitter and Instragram to receive the latest news!
Noble Juice even has a youtube channel!

Check out The Pure Family Moment Contest:
Enter the #purefamilymoment photo contest by submitting a photo of you and your closest. You can enter as often as you like.  

Each time you share your photo, you will also be in the running to win our grand prize, a year’s worth of Seminole Pride Noble juice and a handmade, sustainable artisan carafe with two juice glasses. A prize worth over $2,000 - that’s a lot of juice to share with your friends and family! 
I just entered! 

Another simple recipe I created is a
Red Kale Blood Orange Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh red kale
1 cup Seminole Pride^™ Noble^® Blood Orange Juice
1/2 cup organic greek yogurt
1 frozen banana 

Directions:
Blend until smooth.  Enjoy your cool, nutritious snack!

Stop by your local Publix and choose between 10 varieties of Noble Juices! Or better yet, get one of each! 

I get by with a Little Help from my Friends

I've met so many amazing people since I started blogging and since I opened Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  Many of you I have never met but still consider friends.  Sharing organic gardening info is so much fun but introducing YOU to new and chemical-free, eco-friendly goodies is my favorite!

Today I'm talking about Kelani Organics.  I met Kelly a few years ago through Mary's Heirloom Seeds.  Earlier this year we had an opportunity to offer a giveaway of her goodies.

At the moment I am using Ache-Away and Lemongrass Natural Deodorant.  
About Ache-Away: Sore Muscle and Joint Oil Rub - 2oz
This wonderful organic vegan oil is helpful for achy muscles, arthritis and joint pain (including carpel tunnel), and will help provide non-toxic pain relief.

From Kelly...

Kelly in her first booth at a Charity Event for a friend with cancer

Trying to help others live a less toxic lifestyle...

About 3 years ago I met a woman who helped me realize that organic and natural is the only way we can be our healthiest "selfs".

I started growing my own organic foods and herbs, researching all I could about how to live a less toxic lifestyle.

I started making products for my family and that turned into friends asking me to make things for them as well.

I absolutely LOVE helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle and am constantly learning and growing my knowledge about new ways to improve the world around me.

I have worked (and currently work) for an e-commerce company for 4 years now and I'm hoping that one day I can make a full-time company of this passion I have for Organic and Natural products.

I've always been crafty and making things to help others soothes my soul.

I hope you enjoy my products as much as I enjoy making them.

Please don't ever hesitate to contact me for questions, concerns, custom made products, or anything else you might want to know.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Much Aloha,
Kelly 

So let's talk goodies...I'm making up my wishlist right now!

The Yoga Mat Cleaner spray is an excellent choice.

"When was the last time you cleaned and disinfected your yoga mat?? I bet you don't want to be doing downward dog and smelling your own old sweat instead of being able to concentrate on your yoga practice and meditation."

The Lavender Organic Sugar Scrub comes in a 16 ounce recycled container.  "Use this Gentle Exfoliating and moisturizing organic sugar scrub on those rough body parts, feet, legs, knees, elbows, or whole body with the soothing scent of Pure Lavender."

**If you have a nut-allergy THIS is a great product for you as it contains grapeseed oil**

Organic Sugar Scrubs also come in Peppermint, Lemongrass, Citrus Blend, Juniper Berry and Rosemary/Lavender.  Kelly also takes special orders so feel free to message her with your order request!  

Many of the Organic and Natural products at Kelani Organics are also Vegan.  How cool is that?  Check out the Natural Air & Fabric Spray. 

 Disinfect your home, fabrics, and linens with this Natural Room Freshener which is a blend of powerhouse oils to "Steal those germs away" (same blend as another popular oil blend which can't be named) Great for your office or work environment too!

Check out Kelly's facebook page and give her a like.  Tell her Mary sent you!

Another Trip to the Yellow Green Farmer's Market

If you follow me @ Mary's Kitchen then you know I'm all about REAL Food and local foods.  I even co-host a linky called REAL Food Friday which showcases "Real Food" recipes which means NO processed ingredients, non-gmo, locally grown, locally and humanely raised.

One more reason to LOVE your local Farmer's Markets!
 If you live in cool or cold climates than you may not have access to something as amazing as the Yellow Green Market which is open YEAR-ROUND. With over 300 "under-roof" booths, this 100,000 square foot facility is THE place to be on Saturday and Sunday in South Florida.

The Yellow Green Farmer's Market is IMHO the Mecca of "slow foods" and small businesses.

One of my favorite booths is Rawpertion.  They offer RAW energy bites made with cacao, nuts, seeds and maybe a bit of coconut or agave.  My favorite so far is the Vegan Coconut Pie!!!

The next stop on my journey takes me to the cheese guy.  Locally made, no added chemicals and
Oh-So-Fresh cheeses.  This weekend I decided to buy 2 mozzarella containers.  One large ball and one with small balls for appetizers.  I also had a taste of the Burrata...YUM!

Fresh Produce?  Absolutely!
There are so many to choose from that sometimes a buy a little bit from each!

There are so many shops to choose from.  There are fresh honey booths, raw honey booths, Non-GMO foodies, a caricature artist and even specialty clothing booths.  Whatever you do, don't leave with out sampling (and buying) from Dr. Pickle.

While I was walking around the huge facility I received a text from a friend in Ft. Lauderdale.  She wanted to know if the Organic Shea Butter booth was still open.  YES!  My friend makes natural and organic health and beauty products so she hopped into her car and made it to the market just in time to buy her goodies.

Since I had plans to meet my husband I didn't stop for a bite to eat in one of the many food vendors.  There's something for everyone to eat at the market.  The organic outdoor restaurant (Chillbar), several Argentinian booths, the Non-GMO guy on the west side is my favorite...And there are 2 NEW places out on the back patio that I'll be stopping by new week.  One is a appetizer bar and another, authentic Mexican food (I hear they make the tortillas fresh with your order).

Before I left I had to stop by Pepe's for a little chat.  He is so knowledgeable about plants and soil conditions.

 
Whether you live in South Florida or you're just visiting, make your way over to the Yellow Green Farmer's Market.  They're open Saturday and Sunday from 8am-4pm.  If you have a small business or you'd like to start one, the YGFM is a great place to set-up shop!

SUPER Indoor / Outdoor Lighting for Any Space!

Wow!  I'm so excited to share with you my new indoor / outdoor LED rope for YesComUSA.  When YesComUSA offered me the chance do reviews their products it was a no-brainer.  I love trying new things so of course I said yes.  The hard part was choosing from their huge selection!!! 

I've been looking for ideas to bring a little "POP" to my booth at the Yellow Green Farmer's Market.  When I found the outdoor holiday lights I was hooked.  These little babies came just in the nick of time!!!

Holiday Lighting LED Rope Light Spool Green 50 ft

The rope light is so versatile and easy to install.  From their website:
Sub-miniature bulbs encased in flexible PVC tubing enhancing durability and easy to bend into shapes to create mesmerizing effects. 2-Wires features steady burn and much less energy consumed. Suitable for decorating or illuminating your home or business, creating figure or building sign display in many occasions such as corners, ceilings, staircases, decks, driveways, boats, galleries, clubs and parties.

You can upgrade the rope lights for different lengths (longer or shorter) or several colors with Free power cord and Tow power connectors set.

Features:

• 6 LED Colors: Cool White, Saffron, Green,Blue, RGB, Warm White
• Crystal Clear PVC Tubing for Durable Use and Brighter
• Cuttable Every 3 Feet (At Marked Intervals)
• Easily to Bend into Any Shape
• Energy-Saving and Longer-life
• High Flexibility, Temperature Sustainability, and UV Resistance
• UL Listed and CE Certifications

The rope light comes in different colors like White, Red, Orange Blue, Multi and my favorite...GREEN!!!

 

Oh the things I could decorate if I had ALL of them!!!

Disclaimer: I received this item free in return for sharing a review with my honest opinion on my blog. There was no other compensation, and I was not instructed to provide any information other than the fact that this umbrella is from YesComUSA.  All opinions are my own.