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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Preview of Yule Recipes: Edited!!

Here's a list of the recipes I'll be sharing over the next 12 25 days:
  • Pomegranate-Ginger Cooler
  • Easy Limoncello
  • Decadent Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte
  • Chocolate-Raspberry Cookie Trifle
  • Caramel-Banana Ravioli
  • Warm Spumoni Swirl Brownies
  • After-Dinner Mint Triangles
  • Mini Chocolate Tiramisu Cakes
  • Taffy Apple Tartlets
  • Lemon Gingertinis
  • Chocolate-Peanut Butter Crunch Bars
  • Apple-Ginger Egg Rolls
  • Glazed Lemon Cupcakes with Raspberries
  • Warm Chocolate-Ginger Cake
  • Truffle Brownie Cups
  • Upside-Down Caramel Apple Pie
  • Spiced Pumpkin Mini Loaves
  • Rosemary-Citrus Champagne Cocktails
  • Gingerbread Trifle
  • Cinnamon Buns
  • Spiced Apple Cider
  • Taffy Apple Pizza
  • Coffee House Cookies
  • Tiramisu Brownie Trifle
  • Apple Berry Salsa with Cinnamon Chips
    That's right, people. Twenty-five days of recipes. I'm excited. Look for the first one at midnight!

    Tuesday, November 29, 2011

    Post # 400, wherein I rage against the chat-n-cut.

    Happy 400th post blah blah blah whatever.

    We were at the Bread Co this morning for some delicious coffee, and right before approaching the register, Fiance informed that while I'd been engrossed in a riveting round of Canfield (a card game) on my phone, some woman wearing gym gear with her hair did and her make-up perfectly applied had performed a chat-n-cut on us. Naturally, I was irritated. Fiance was merely amused by it, but I berated him for not saying something to the woman. He was completely unfazed, and I had my coffee in hand, so I let it go.

    But I just want to say this. There is only ONE scenario where cutting is acceptable. If you are meeting a friend for lunch, and they are already in line and they are offering to pay for your meal as well as theirs, it is acceptable to join them in their place in line. Now, if they beat you to the meeting location but it was already agreed upon prior that YOU would be paying, their ass better wait for you before getting in line.

    But meeting up with a friend after they're already in line, jumping in behind them, and then paying separately? To that I say, fuck you. That is RUDE. Get your sneaky ass to the back of line where it belongs. I was in line first, I've been waiting longer than you, and I'll be DAMNED if you just jump in front of me like you own the goddamn place or your time is far more precious than mine.

    I wish Fiance hadn't told me about it. It's bothering the shit out of me now. I hope that hag breaks a nail on the treadmill.

    Sunday, November 27, 2011

    CYBER MONDAY: Stoneware

    In addition to my four-day weekend special, here is the final of my daily specials. Today's special is on our Stoneware on pages 26 - 29 in our Fall/Winter 2011 catalog. If you do not have a catalog, here is our online catalog. [Do no order online; e-mail me your order.]



    Spend $20, get any rub for FREE. Spend $40, get any two rubs for FREE.


    Spend $60, get any two rubs and a savory sauce for FREE.


    Spend $100, get any two rubs, a savory sauce, and a cookbook for FREE.

    Place a minimum order today for $40 and receive The Pampered Chef (r) Stoneware Inspirations cookbook for FREE. If you ordered on all previous days as well, you receive the above FREE items as well.

    Don't forget, you can take advantage of the special on Gift Giving sets all weekend, and everyone who places an order will receive 10% off,  FREE tax, and FREE shipping up to $4.75. If your order is at least $60, you can take advantage of November's guest special, a choice of any cookbook or the Bamboo Kitchen Towel for FREE. You'll also be entered into a drawing to be chosen as my Mystery Host for the weekend! The host automatically receives $15 in free product and the discount is bumped up to 15% with a chance to earn more free product and a higher discount!

    E-mail orders to DreadPirateDavi@facebook.com, and leave a comment so I know to look for the e-mail.

    Thanks for participating in my weekend-long specials!

    Saturday, November 26, 2011

    CELEBRATING SUNDAY: Outdoor

    In addition to my four-day weekend special, here is the third of my daily specials. Today's special is on our Outdoor items on pages 24 - 25 in our Fall/Winter 2011 catalog. If you do not have a catalog, here is our online catalog. [Do no order online; e-mail me your order.]



    Spend $40 and get the Corn Cob Nobs for FREE.



    Spend $60 and get the Corn Cob Nobs and any rub for FREE.


    Spend $80 and get the Corn Cob Nobs, a rub, and any savory sauce for FREE.


    Spend $100 and get all of the above and any cookbook for FREE.


    Don't forget, you can take advantage of the special on Gift Giving sets all weekend, and everyone who places an order will receive 10% off,  FREE tax, and FREE shipping up to $4.75. If your order is at least $60, you can take advantage of November's guest special, a choice of any cookbook or the Bamboo Kitchen Towel for FREE. You'll also be entered into a drawing to be chosen as my Mystery Host for the weekend! The host automatically receives $15 in free product and the discount is bumped up to 15% with a chance to earn more free product and a higher discount!

    E-mail orders to DreadPirateDavi@facebook.com, and leave a comment so I know to look for the e-mail.

    TOMORROW'S SPECIAL: Stoneware, pages 26 - 29 in the catalog!

    Friday, November 25, 2011

    RECUPERATING SATURDAY: Entertaining

    In addition to my four-day weekend special, here is the second of my daily specials. Today's special is on Entertaining, pages 35 - 37 in our Fall/Winter 2011 catalog. If you do not have a catalog, here is our online catalog. [Do not order online; e-mail me your order.]



    Spend $40 and get the Bar Tongs for FREE.


    Spend $60 and the Bar Tongs and Ice Scoop for FREE.


    Spend $80  and get all of the above and the Beaded Spreader for FREE.


    Spend $100 and get the Wine Bottle Opener for FREE.


    Don't forget, you can take advantage of the special on Gift Giving sets all weekend, and everyone who places an order will receive 10% off,  FREE tax, and FREE shipping up to $4.75. If your order is at least $60, you can take advantage of November's guest special, a choice of any cookbook or the Bamboo Kitchen Towel for FREE. You'll also be entered into a drawing to be chosen as my Mystery Host for the weekend! The host automatically receives $15 in free product and the discount is bumped up to 15% with a chance to earn more free product and a higher discount!

    E-mail orders to DreadPirateDavi@facebook.com, and leave a comment so I know to look for the e-mail.

    TOMORROW'S SPECIAL: Outdoor, pages 24 - 25 in the catalog!

    Thursday, November 24, 2011

    BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL: Bamboo Collection

    In addition to my four-day weekend special, here is the first of my daily specials. Today's special is on our Bamboo Collection on pages 30 - 31 in our Fall/Winter 2011 catalog. If you do not have a catalog, here is our online catalog. [Do no order online; e-mail me your order.]



    Spend $40, and get the Petite Bamboo Spoon Set for FREE.


    Spend $60 and get the Small Bamboo Spoon Set for FREE.


    Spend $80 and get both spoon sets and the Bamboo Tongs for FREE.


    Spend $100 and get all of the above and the Bamboo Salad Claws for FREE.


    Don't forget, you can take advantage of the special on Gift Giving sets all weekend, and everyone who places an order will receive 10% off,  FREE tax, and FREE shipping up to $4.75. If your order is at least $60, you can take advantage of November's guest special, a choice of any cookbook or the Bamboo Kitchen Towel for FREE. You'll also be entered into a drawing to be chosen as my Mystery Host for the weekend! The host automatically receives $15 in free product and the discount is bumped up to 15% with a chance to earn more free product and a higher discount!

    E-mail orders to DreadPirateDavi@facebook.com, and leave a comment so I know to look for the e-mail.

    TOMORROW'S SPECIAL: Entertaining, pages 35 - 37 in the catalog!

    Pizza and wings, by yours truly.

    The dinner plan for this evening was wings. Our Thanksgiving is postponed until the weekend, since Fiance has to work tonight. While the poultry was in the oven, I decided on a whim to make a pizza to go with the wings. What follows is the chronicle of my trials.

    First off, the pizza wasn't happening without this.
    O, yeah, did I mention I was gonna plug the shit out of my Pampered Chef business? Don't judge.

    Within this box there were four pouches; two containing the mix, and two containing yeast. One of each will make one thick crust pizza or two thin crust pizzas (or four,  if you're feeling feisty).
    Ladies and gentlemen, preheat your ovens to 425 degrees Fahrenheit ('cause this is America, bitches), and let's get started. Dump the above pouches into your Classic Batter Bowl and mix it up with your Stainless Whisk. Next, add 1-1/4 cup of hot water and 2 Tbsp of olive or vegetable oil (I used olive) using your Measure-All (r) Cup and the Tbsp of your Measuring Spoon Set.
    Man, am I shameless or what? Moving on. I have JUST ordered myself a nifty Pastry Blender, so I used a spoon to stir all that up. Then I floured up my Cutting Board.
    Like that. Then I dumped the mess onto the board, floured up my hands, and kneaded the dough 8 - 10 times...whatever that means. I just rolled it around until it wasn't too sticky anymore, then transferred it to my Large Round Stone with Handles and rolled it out to within 1/2-in of the edge.
    Then I added some lame sauce (haaaa) and un-lamed it with some Italian Seasoning Mix.
    I sliced up some ham and bacon and sprinkled that with some Monterrey and Colby cheese onto the pizza. For Fiance, I washed and sliced some baby Portabello mushrooms to add to the pizza. They were pretty dirty.
    SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: That's one of my Flexible Cutting Mats. It comes in a set of a three: red for meats, yellow for chicken, and green for veggies, to prevent cross-contamination. I use them alllll the time. Anywho, the mushrooms were for Fiance, so they went on half the pizza.
    Like that. I stuck that bad boy in the oven for 17 minutes. Box says 15 - 20. In hindsight, I could have should have done a couple of things different. One of them would be to leave it in longer for a crispier crust. I also should have maybe split the dough to make two thin crusts, and I should have spread the sauce and toppings closer to the edge. Lessons learned for next. Here's the finished product.
    Not bad looking, considering I NEVER make pizza. I don't think I'll subject Fiance to it, though, he's pretty picky. I enjoyed my slice alright, but like I said, I should have done a few things differently. I think I'll go with mozzarella next time, too. And a different brand of pizza sauce...Ragu kinda sucks. All in all, though, not a complete disaster.

    Now, on to the wings. I don't have pictures of the prep prior to putting them in the oven, but it's pretty simple. I watched Fiance's friend make wings at home one evening a few months back, so I had an idea of how to cut up the chicken to separate the drummies from the flats. Use a sharp knife (I used my 8" Chef's Knife; holy fuck, I love that thing) and cut the skin at the joint, and just gently nudge around the joint until you find the right spot to cut. Once you get to your third or fourth piece, you have a general idea of where you need to cut. Also, there's an extra bit on the other end of the flat you need to trim off. I sprayed my Large Bar Pan (still seasoning that bad boy) and layered the wings on it, then sprinkled some Buffalo Rub on them before putting them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 minutes. Make sure you use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked the whole way through! (I use my Digital Pocket Thermometer.)
    While those were cooling off, I made the sauce. I also got the idea from Fiance's friend. It's really simple, you just need some ranch dressing and some hot sauce.
    I don't use specific measurements here, I just sort of eyeball it and try to use equal parts. You really just wanna play around with the amount to make sure it's the level of heat you enjoy. What I got made my nose run, and that's how I like it.
    Once you have achieved the desired level of heat, dump in your wings and toss 'em around in the sauce until they're good and covered, then serve 'em up.
    And there's tonight's dinner. I wish the pizza could have been better, but the wings came out fine, and I know what to improve on for next time. It's really the only way to learn your way around the kitchen; no one is born a celebrity chef. And at least I made these mistakes at home, alone, and not at a show, in front of potential customers, amirite?

    For more information about The Pampered Chef items featured in this post, e-mail me at DreadPirateDavi@facebook.com. ¡Buen provecho!

    Tuesday, November 22, 2011

    Major change.

    I changed my major today. I'm dumping History Education (sigh), and taking up Computer Information Systems. It's what I did on active duty, it's what I'm one class away from having an associate's in, and it's what will be more likely to get me hired when I graduate. Plus, this way I can switch back to the monthly evening classes on base and get me a full time job again. Being poor sucks.

    More Black Friday specials!

    Starting Friday, I'll be posting daily specials thru Monday. They will be one-day-only deals, ending with a final special on Monday that will depend on which sales you took advantage of prior! Again, no charge for sales tax or shipping up to $4.75!! Stay tuned!

    Sunday, November 20, 2011

    EXCLUSIVE BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL

    Order any one of the following gift sets or a gift certificate, and I'll give you 10% off with no shipping and no tax!

    Place your order with me between 12:00 AM Thursday, 24 November, and 11:59 PM Sunday, 27 November, to take advantage of this great offer!! (This offer is exclusive to me; the order must be placed with me to get the discount and free tax/shipping.)

    In addition, each customer that takes advantage of this deal will be placed into a drawing to be my Mystery Host, entitling you to choose ANY item from the catalog at 60% off! ANY item of your choosing at 60% off, and then another 10% off the total?! PLUS a minimum of $15 in free product!! (Not to mention the possibility of half-price items if guest sales are high enough.) You'd be crazy not to go for this!



    Holiday Entertaining
    Put this set on the invite list to all your holiday get-togethers! Includes our Holiday Dots Square Bowl, Beaded Spreader and, exclusive to this set, Cranberry Orange Sauce.
    #2382, $42.50




    Decadent Dessert Sauces
    Imagine your chocolate-lover unwrapping this exclusive set - - Chocolate Peppermint, Chocolate Caramel and Chocolate Peanut Butter Sauces!
    #2387, $28.50

    Bamboo Snack Set
    Great for game-day snacking! Four Bamboo Petite Snack Bowls, four Petite Bamboo Spoons and the Bamboo Cracker Tray.
    #2388, $45.00
     











    1-2-3 Dip! Set
    Our exclusive Lemon & Rosemary Oil Dipping Seasoning, Parmesan-Garlic Oil Dipping Seasoning and Small Bamboo Spoon Set in a muslin gift bag.
    #2384, $18.50

    Sauce It Up
    Instant flavor! Our Sweet & Sour Sauce, Spicy Pineapple Rum Sauce and Raspberry Habanero Sauce tucked in a muslin gift bag.
    #2386, $35.00


    Pizza Party Set
    Get the holiday party started! Features our Large Round Stone with Handles, Pizza Cutter, Microplane(r) Zester and Pizza Crust Mix with Rosemary, exclusively available in this set.
    #2389, $59.50

    Sweeten It Up Set
    Treat your favorite sweetheart! In a muslin gift bag you'll receive our Sweet Cinnamon Sprinkle, Sweet Caramel Sprinkle and Sweet Honey Vanilla Sprinkle, which is only available in this set.
    #2373, $20.00
    Great Grilling! Seasoning & Recipe Collection
    Give your grill master a gift that really sizzles: Chili Lime Rub, Smoky Applewood Rub, Smoky Barbecue Rub and The Pampered Chef(r) Grill it Quick! Recipe Collection in a muslin gift bag.
    #2383, $20.00












    In addition, spend $60 and you receive your choice of ANY of our cookbooks or the Bamboo Kitchen Towel for FREE! 

    E-mail: DreadPirateDavi@facebook.com

    Testing new Blogger app...

    The blogger app worked on my last Android phone, but I've struggled to make it work on this phone. It's been updated a couple of times and I've re-added the account I use for this, so hopefully it works!