8/24/2011

PowerBright VC-1000J Step Up and Down Japanese Transformer 1000W; Can be used only in 100 and 120 volt countries; Will convert from 120 volt to 100 volt AND from 100 volt to 120 volt.; Fuse protected; Heavy duty continuous use; Power ON/OFF Switch Review

PowerBright VC-1000J Step Up and Down Japanese Transformer 1000W; Can be used only in 100 and 120 volt countries; Will convert from 120 volt to 100 volt AND from 100 volt to 120 volt.; Fuse protected; Heavy duty continuous use; Power ON/OFF Switch
Average Reviews:

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If you have electronics which require 100VAC input, this is a must have.Don't listen to your friends who tell you the 120VAC outlet works just fine.It's not true.I had other Japanese domestic electronics which used on the 120VAC outlet.Yes, they worked for some time (like a year) and then died.I know it should have lasted for longer than a year if I used it at 100VAC source.20% Overvoltage and constantly stressing your equipment is NOT a smart idea, especially if you are running expensive gadgets.

Anyway, I got one of these from this seller is because either the local stores mark up the price (I got quoted $85 + tax!) or the online stores charge high S&H (the 1kW step-down transformer weights about 20lbs!). So I found this seller. They sell at a discount already. PLUS, the S&H is only $7. The sub-total is much lower than what the next cheapest seller would charge. Packing is good. It's basically 100% the same packaging from manufacturer.

This unit is Made In China, but rest assure that you'll get quality product.The manufacturer is a good one, and the transformer is tested to be reliable AND stable.

Recommended!!

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Product Description:
PowerBright VC-1000J Step Up And Down Japanese Transformer 1000W; This voltage converter can be used in 120 volt countries and 100 volt countries. It will convert from 120 volt to 100 volt AND from 100 volt to 120 volt.; Fuse protected; Heavy duty for continuous use; Power ON/OFF Switch; Dimensions (W x H x D) : 7.2 x 9.9 x 6 in.; Weight : 20.68 lbs.

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8/23/2011

Cuisinart DLC-2014N PowerPrep Plus 14-Cup Capacity Food Processor, White Review

Cuisinart DLC-2014N PowerPrep Plus 14-Cup Capacity Food Processor, White
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Edit, September 12, 2011: Just have to note that I have replaced the workbowl once but this machine is still going strong, and continues to get daily use. Its blades are as sharp as the day they came out of the box. The plastic over the buttons is worn from use... no big deal. When (or perhaps if) this food processor dies, I'll get the next-gen Cuisinart 14-cup and get multiple bowls in different sizes.

Original review (Jan, 2002):

I bought this machine using a gift certificate from my last place of employment plus a little of my own dinero, and have been absolutely thrilled with it.It has flawlessly and effortlessly kneaded pasta dough, mixed a double batch of heavy gingerbread cookie dough, grated parmesan cheese to a fine powder, rescued slightly lumpy gravy, whisked together cornbread in seconds, and most recently sliced a variety of vegetables for tossed salad for 25 people (which I was requested to bring to a party--I am not a "salad person," so I was tickled when everyone praised my contribution!).I had never used a food processor for slicing, but it did a beautiful job with bell peppers and cucumbers--artfully thin, but not too fine a cut.As promised, it even did a fine job mincing just a couple of garlic cloves and also a handful of parsley, meaning that I could do a dinner's worth of food-processing in just one machine.

The accompanying video can only be watched by people who take food equipment seriously; other family members had to be asked to leave the room during the viewing, as there was much giggling about the over-earnest instructions.Nevertheless, I picked up some fabulous tips about using the Cuisinart, and recommend you sit (alone, or with a true believer) and watch it beginning to end.

The surface of the machine is very easy to clean, and Cuisinart recommends the dishwasher for the bowl and blades.Do be careful with the latter--Cuisinart should really include the disk holder, as it is dangerous to leave these accessories lying around in a kitchen drawer.

This is the third food processor I have owned, and though I mourned the demise of my trusty Panasonic (rated highly by Consumer Reports ten years ago), with this high-end Cuisinart I have "been to Paree" and have no intention of going back to the farm.If you do any industrial-strength cooking, or if you (like me) are sold on using a food processor as a high-powered,self-contained unit for basic mixing duties, this is a wonderful accomplice in your prandial ventures.Bravo Cuisinart!

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Product Description:
Introducing the next generation of food processors from Cuisinart, a name synonymous with superior quality kitchen appliances. The new motor has an alternate speed for dough mixing, it has the largest work bowl available to consumers, and its sleek rounded curves and one-piece extra large feed tube are easy to clean and handle. A newly designed dough blade, added safety features and a 10 year warranty update the classic food processor.

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Gingerbread style birdhouse - Style 30206 Review

Gingerbread style birdhouse - Style 30206
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Not sure why no birds moved in (been up for at least 7 months), but it does look cute.

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Product Description:
This gingerbread style birdhouse is really made of wood, but looks scrumptuously delicious anyway. 10 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 12 1/2" high.

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8/22/2011

Paula Deen Signature 9"x13" Baker Review

Paula Deen Signature 9'x13' Baker
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I picked up this baker on sale at Linens n Things.I was a much bigger fan of Paula Deen before she went so mainstream, but her name didn't sell me on this product alone.I really liked it's shape and color and how heavy it was.It's definitely well made, versatile, and the price can't be beat.It's quality alone convinced me I had to have it, no matter whose name was on it.

The picture shown here is not too appealing.The inside is a rich chocolate brown, and the outside has a rippled design to it and is a rich marbled green, almost tortoise shell-like.It's one of those nice pieces you almost want to leave sitting out on your counter with some fresh fruit in it.

We first used it just to cook some sausage in the oven.I was impressed in how easy the baker is to handle in and out of the oven, and clean up was a breeze!We later used it to bake chicken breasts and again, the baker was nice and really makes your food look appealing.I almost took a picture!

Very versatile too...it's oven safe up to 500 degrees and fine to put in the fridge, microwave, or the freezer.I quickly added the casserole dish, 9 x 9 baker, and loaf pan to my collection for a nice set.

Whether you like Paula or not, you will not be disappointed in this bakeware.Buy it for yourself or pick it up as a gift for the cook in your life.It is an excellent kitchen piece!

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Product Description:
51716 Features: -9" x 13" Stoneware Baker in Green. -Crafted in a unique swirl pattern. -Designed for oven, microwave, and refrigerator use. -Ideal for prepping, backing, serving & reheating. -Earthy and dramatic, this durable, textured stoneware is uniquely glazed so that no two pieces are alike. -Dishwasher safe and oven safe to 500 F. -Quality Assurance Guarantee. About Paula Deen Paula Deen's culinary career began in June 1989 out of her kitchen with the Bag Lady, a home-based lunch delivery service in Savannah. The bag lady was extremely successful and soon outgrew her kitchen. On January 8th, 1996 she opened her own restaurant, The Lady & Sons, in downtown Savannah. In 1999, USA today named the Lady & Son's the "International Meal of the Year". In 1997, Deen published her first cook book, The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cookbook. As luck would have it, a major publishing company house picked it up when one of their literary agents walked into the restaurant to escape a rainstorm. Shortly after that, Deen's cookware was appearing on QVC. In the next few years Paula published many more cookbooks. "Paula's Home Cooking" premiered on the TV Food Network on November 16th, 2002. The program features Deen doing what she does best-being herself, teaching people how to bring joy into their kitchens and homes. With Deen it is about teaching viewers to bring out the best in their families and creating happy memories no matter what the budget is. In Fall 2006 Deen launched her second program, "Paula's Party", on the Food Network. She invites guests to participate in her cooking classes. Viewers get an inside look at what makes Deen so special- her clever wit, her jovial laugh and shear genius at making people feel good.

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Victorinox Cutlery 10-Inch Round Tip Slicing Knife, Black Fibrox Handle Review

Victorinox Cutlery 10 inch Round Tip Slicing Knife, Black Fibrox Handle
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I have ,as a professional cook,done a lot of banquet and buffet duty using the 12" Granton edge version-rosewood handle. Cross rib,Prime Rib,tri tip,turkey,ham,the Forschner was up to the task. A couple years ago..I picked up the non-granton 12" for myself at a yardsale. At home,I rarely roast anything that big...so it didn't get used really until I wanted to slice a potato VERY thin. I was surprised...this second hand knife with it's over-long blade easily made potato chip thin slices and I'd never even properly sharpened it.

Inspired....I gave it a little tuneup on the steel...went to town and got some fresh salmon and wasabi and had a Sashimi binge. I was rather surprised how well it was working and just kept slicing thinner and thinner pieces. Sweet.

The blade is thin..a bit flexy,quite sharp with no drag.As a Sashimi knife...I think the round tip will get reshaped,but in case I need to fillet a salmon or carve a roast-I have plenty of faith. I'll be taking it to work after the holidays to fine edge it on the nice stone there.

For home....10" is plenty long,and if you can do slivers of raw salmon...a roast beef is way easy. Forschner's Fibrox handles don't look as good as the rosewood-but are less apt to get slippery. You can spend more for cosmetic reasons....get a brand with a more artsy looking handle. I'd rather be more fussy about the food and use one of these to get beautiful thin slices...like the pros

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Product Description:
From the inventors of the famous Swiss Army knife comes a line of fine cutlery designed for accomplished and aspiring chefs at work or in the home. Each blade in the Stamped collection is expertly made in Switzerland from high-carbon stainless steel and undergoes a special tempering process for an edge that can be resharpened again and again. The result is a knife that can keep its original sharpness throughout the entire life of the blade. Each blade is conical ground throughout its length and depth, and laser tested to ensure optimum cutting power and durability. Ergonomically designed to minimize wrist tension, the unique, patented Fibrox handles are slip resistant when wet. Plus, all Stamped cutlery with Fibrox handles is approved by the National Sanitary Foundation (NSF). Although cutlery steel is naturally sanitary, materials and construction details of these handles minimize crevices that may otherwise offer hospitality to bacteria. The Victorinox Stamped collection is an extensive range with open-stock pieces as well as handy and versatile sets.
For the person who loves everything about hosting, from prepping to serving, the 10-inch Slicer is an ideal tool. The slicer makes short work of carving roasts, poultry, and fish into neat and even slices in one continuous stroke. It makes a great gift for the home chef who already has everything else, or anyone looking to round out a collection. All Stamped cutlery should be washed by hand for best care, and Victorinox covers each piece with a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects.
From the Manufacturer
Who is Victorinox?
Although Victorinox is known the world over as the creator of the Original Swiss Army Knife, the company started out in 1884 as a cutlery workshop. By the time company creator Karl Elsener delivered his first pocket knife to the Swiss Army, his cutlery business was already booming. Over the next century, Victorinox cutlery became a top-rated choice among professionals worldwide, with over 300 blades to offer.
Victorinox knives have regularly appeared as highly ranked and recommended kitchen tools in Cook's Illustrated, Men's Health, The Cincinnati Enquirer, New York Magazine, and Natural Health, just to name a few. In 2009, the company announced a partnership with professional chef, Daniel Humm, of Eleven Madison Park in New York City. In addition, building on the success of its cutlery business, Victorinox has brought all the same quality and expertise to a wider range of products and accessories, including other kitchen tools, pocket tools, watches, luggage, and clothing.
Who is R.H. Forschner?
Victorinox had been a staple in European commercial cutlery for over 50 years when approached by New York's R.H. Forschner, known since 1855 as a builder of scales for butchers, to be their sole cutlery supplier. The two companies joined forces in 1937, and R.H. Forschner subsequently became North America's dominant professional brand, as ubiquitous in the bustling meatpacking plants of the Midwest as it is in the gleaming, four-star restaurant kitchens of Midtown Manhattan.
As a division of Victorinox/Swiss Army Brands, R.H. Forschner marketed cutlery under the brand name "RH Forschner by Victorinox" and distributed to the commercial, food service, and retail trade classes. That brand has been considered a top choice of professionals worldwide with over 300 styles of blades bearing the R.H. Forschner name. However, in 2009, in conjunction with Victorinox's 125th anniversary, the company, Victorinox Swiss Army, Inc., has decided to remove the "RH Forschner" name from all blades. Blades thenceforth only include the "Victorinox" name.
What is a stamped blade?
A stamped knife can usually be identified by the absence of a bolster. Stamped blades are cut into their shapes from cold-rolled pieces of steel and then ground, tempered, and sharpened. Creating them requires many less steps than forging and results in lighter, narrower blades. Some professionals prefer the thicker, heavier forged blades, but many pros, who spend much of their day cutting and slicing, enjoy a lighter knife since it's less fatiguing and easier to manipulate at speed.
Stamped knives are easier to produce and therefore less expensive. They perform very well and can approach the quality of a forged blade, but not the weight or feel. Victorinox manufactures a complete range of stamped blades with unique, patented Fibrox handles and they are considered among the greatest values in the knife industry.
What knives do I need to own?
Knife choice or selection is determined by many factors--size, function, style, and preference. The most important factor is function. Different knives have different uses. It is important to use the proper knife for a specific task, since proper knife selection and the use of a proper-sized, sharp knife make for safe cutting. General kitchen tasks and the knife to use for them are as follows:
Paring: The most common to own and use, a paring knife is generally for small cutting jobs and peeling of vegetables or fruit. The blade size is usually from three to four inches. Choose the shape and size to fit your hand. Since this is one of the more versatile knives, owning more than one is recommended.
Chef's: The most important tool and essential to every cook, a chef‘s knife is most often used in a rocking method to mince, dice, and chop vegetables and herbs. This one is known as the chef's best friend.
Slicer: Most commonly used to slice meats, poultry, and seafood, the slicer is an important companion to any host or hostess.
Boning: As its name suggests, a boning knife is used to trim or remove meat and fish from the bone.
Bread: Designed with a special edge, a bread knife makes easy work of cutting through crusty bread, pastries, or any item with a crust and a soft interior.
Fillet: Most often used by pros and seasoned home chefs, the fillet knife is used to fillet meat and fish.
Cleaver: An important addition to any collection, a cleaver is often used to cut or chop through bones.
Santoku: This knife combines the features of a cleaver with a chef's knife. The curved blade helps the rocking motion used for chopping, and the wide blade works well for scooping sliced food off a cutting board and for crushing garlic. The santoku can also be used to slice meat and has a narrow spine for making thin cuts.
Utility: An all-purpose knife often referred to as a sandwich knife, the utility knife peels and slices fruits and vegetables, and even carves small meats.
Shaping: With its curved blade, a shaping knife is great for small precision cuts where control is essential, such as peeling, trimming, or garnishing.
What are the different knife edges and what do they do?
Straight: The vast majority of Victorinox knives come with a straight or fine edge. This means it has a perfect taper along the blade and no serrations. It is designed to cut without tearing or shredding.
Serrated: An edge designed with small, jagged teeth along the edge.
Scalloped: A blade with waves along the edge generally used to cut breads with a hard crust and soft interior, as well as tougher-skinned fruits and vegetables.
Granton: This edge has hollowed-out grooves or dimples on the sides of the blade. These grooves fill with the fat and juices of the product being cut, allowing for thin, even cuts without tearing. Even with the grooves, these are still straight-edge knives and can be honed with a sharpening steel.
How should I care for my cutlery?
After use, knives should not be allowed to soak in water. The best practice is to hand wash and dry them immediately. This is especially true if they have been used on fruit or salty foods, which may cause some staining, even on stainless steel. Most knives require very little maintenance and it is worth the effort to protect your investment.
Though Victorinox knives are dishwasher safe, this is strongly discouraged. The dishwasher's agitation may cause damage. Additionally, harsh detergents can be harmful and cause pitting and spotting on the blades. The handles may also discolor and develop a white film with constant use of the dishwasher. Plus, intense heat associated with dishwashers is not good for the temper of the blade.
How do I keep my knives sharp?
All quality knives require proper maintenance to keep them in perfect cutting shape. The best of edges will quickly dull if it strikes metal, glass, or Formica. A wooden cutting board makes the best cutting surface. And, if a slip occurs, a proper cutting board is safer for the user. Frequent use of a Victorinox sharpening steel will keep blades in tip top working condition. All straight-edge knives need steeling to keep their edges.

How to "Steel" a Knife
1. Hold the steel firmly in your left hand with the guard positioned to stop the blade should it slip.
2. Hold the knife in your right hand and place on top part of steel as shown.
3. Raise back of blade one-eighth inch.
4. Now, moving the blade only, draw it across the steel in an arching curve, pivoted at your wrist. The blade tip should leave the steel about two-thirds of the way down.
5. Repeat the same action with the Blade on the bottom side of the steel. Always maintain the same pressure and angle on both sides of the steel.
6. Repeat five or six times.
When a sharpening steel no longer does the job, it's time to take the knife to a qualified knife sharpener who will place a new edge on it. This, along with use of the sharpening steel, will give you many years of sharp, safe blades.
Please note that electric knife sharpeners can be harmful. They have to be used carefully as they remove too much metal, can harm the temper of the blade, and most important can change the factory-applied edge angle.
How should I store my knives?
Safety is the biggest concern of storage, both to the user and to protect the knife's edge. Choices include a knife magnet, knife block, drawer insets, and also individual knife protectors.

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8/21/2011

Christmas Advent Ring with Light Candles & Gingerbread Decorations Review

Christmas Advent Ring with Light Candles & Gingerbread Decorations
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The lights are not nearly as bright in the picture. They broke within 3 weeks and are very difficult to change.

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Product Description:
This Christmas Ring will look great on your dining room table or coffee table. Comes with 4 light up candles pine and ginger bread decorations. A great way to decorate your home for this holiday season.

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8/20/2011

Blendtec Home TB-621-BHM The Professional's Choice 1500-Watt Total Blender, Black Review

Blendtec Home TB-621-BHM The Professional's Choice 1500-Watt Total Blender, Black
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I am a smoothie person who drinks at least one smoothie a day. I got tired of spending ten minutes a day making smoothie with one of the cheap blenders, so I decided to buy a more high powered blender.

The Breville 550 was my first choice for its reasonable price/power and great looks. Unfortunately, my first smoothie was a disaster. I filled the smoothie 2/3 with fruits and ice, and I stood there pushing the smoothie button three consecutive times to no avail. Then I smelled something burning and figured it was the motor. After spending 10 minutes getting the thing to make smoothie, the result was no better than my old cheap Cuisinart blender. Apparently, 610 watts is just not enough if you want to make thick, smooth smoothie.

I promptly returned the Breville. I then went on a mission to research for a real blender. Apparently, when it comes down to power and industrial strength blenders, it comes down to either a Vita-Mix or a Blendtec. A Costco near me had a demo for Blendtec so I decided to buy one there to try out.

Wow! Now this is a blender! This thing sucked the fruits and ice down into its vortex amazingly well. With the "Whole Fruits" button, I had great smoothie in 50 seconds or less. I usually just hit the button and go the bathroom. By the time I get back, I got instant smoothie! I've tried the the ice crush button and this mode literally makes snow; not just crushed ice, but snow!

There is a con though. Without a tamper, sometimes the fruits do get stuck and doesn't go down. When that happens, I take the jar out and shakes it a couple times and blend again. It works every time. It's an extra step, but it sure beats standing there and holding a tamper to push the fruits down for entire blending time. Many reviewers here claim that they wished they had a tamper, but I think it may be due to their preference and how they've always done it with their Vita-mix. It isn't wrong, but there are more than one way to skin a cat, and for me, shaking it is much easier than using a tamper.

It's also very easy to clean. Instead of disassembling the jar like the Breville and other blenders in its class, I just put a dash of detergent, fill it 1/3 with water, and pulse it for 5 secs. I then wash it out further with water, no dishwasher needed.

Since I bought this at Costco, I got a full 7 year warranty. It's a lot of money, but since there are no alternatives at a cheaper price, it does make my decision easier. Considering the Breville blender probably would've smoked and blown within 6 months of the abuse I'd subject it to, a $400 blender that lasts a minimum of 7 years is not a bad deal. So far after a week of use, I've blended a total of 38 times (the LCD displays the # of uses on its front.). I think I may just keep it.

Pros: It blends virtually anything!
Lots of power. Doesn't smoke when it gets stuck.
Easy to clean.
It doesn't require you to stand there with a tamper.
Great warranty.
Makes amazing smoothies and margaritas and mixed drinks.

Cons: Occasionally requires a good shake to loosen things up.
Expensive.
Loud. (although with a 3HP motor, it's actually quiet compared
to my lawnmower. LOL)

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Product Description:
This New Blendtec "Home" Blender simply out performs the competition and is designed to last. Unlike the competition, this blender will fit under most standard cupboards, and this blender will grind grain for bread making without the expense of an extra container or attachment. The Blender is the innovative leader in the blender market. The Home Blender is designed to do it all. From smoothies, fresh juice, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos, margaritas, to soups, sauces, breads, dressings, salsas and more! The unique square jar is the same used in the best coffee shops, juice bars, and restaurants.This Blender is preprogrammed to do specific jobs like Food Processing, Smoothies, Drinks, and many many more, simply select the job and the blender will adjust to blend in the most efficient way possible. No old fashioned knobs, switches, or dials to wear out. No other blender offers the power, ease of operation, and state of the art engineering. our powerful 3-peak horsepower motor makes any blending chore a breeze. The new model Home Blender features 25 pre-programmed cycles viewable on the blue LCD screen.

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