Delicious Apple Crumb Cake!

28 02 2007

Try this yummy apple cake!!

2 c. flour
1/2 c. oatmeal
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. melted butter

Mix all of these dry ingredients, add butter; mix well. Pat crumbs into 9 x 15 inch pan. Put aside 1 cup of crumbs for the top of the cake.

FILLING:

1 c. sugar
1 c. water
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all of the above except vanilla. Boil to form a paste. Add vanilla. To this add 5-6 cups of raw apples, peeled and sliced. Mix well and pour over crumb crust. Top with remaining crumbs; sprinkle top with a bit of cinnamon. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.



Melitta ME1MSB Smart Mill & Brew 10-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker

28 02 2007

From whole beans to brewed coffee without the guesswork or mess, this 10-cup programmable coffeemaker features a completely automatic, integrated mill-and-brew system. Simply add water and whole-bean coffee, select from seven grind selections or turn the grinder off to brew already ground coffee, then enjoy the freshest, most flavorful coffee imaginable. The unit’s brew-pause function allows for pouring a cup midbrew, and its clock display automatically springs forward, falls back, and resets after a power failure. Other highlights include a water reservoir with a large viewing window, high-quality stainless-steel grinding blades, a permanent stainless-steel filter basket, a warming plate with automatic shutoff, and hidden cord storage.

Not only does the coffeemaker brew great-tasting coffee, it also provides animated weather information on its large, bright-blue backlit LCD display. MSN Direct region-specific up-to-the-minute weather information is transmitted via an FM signal within minutes of plugging in the coffeemaker–there’s no setup, subscription, or Internet connection required. The appliance displays the current temperature and conditions, high and low temperatures, and chance of precipitation, as well as four-day weather forecasts. The coffeemaker also displays scrolling weather information; visibility; sunrise/sunset time; the UV index; and National Weather Service warnings and alerts (the display flashes when a warning alert is issued). In addition to its optional sleep function, where if the unit is idle for a period of time an animated, napping cat appears, the user interface can display a 12- or 24-hour clock; temperature in degrees F or C; along with English, French, or Spanish languages. The 10-cup programmable coffeemaker with animated coffee and weather information measures 8 by 11 by 14 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty. We all lead busy lives, and require real-time (and immediate), nonintrusive weather information (meaning: no pop-up ads on the internet or commercials). Melitta’s Smart Mill & Brew 10-cup programmable coffeemaker with MSN Direct region-specific weather information is a revolution in the coffee and kitchen world. It brings together the kitchen, the nucleus of the household, with up-to-date weather information, the information you demand in your recreational and work lives. Whether you’re brewing a cup of coffee for your morning ritual, or entertaining, or heading to the beach, gardening, playing tennis or golf, deciding whether or not to put sunblock on the kids, or walking out the door to work, you can access the weather information you need while brewing a cup of high-quality coffee. It’s your grind, redefined.

It Starts with the Mill & Brew System

The integrated Mill & Brew system is completely automatic, which allows you to go from whole beans to brewed coffee without the guesswork or mess. Simply add your favorite whole bean coffee and water. Then select the grind level for coffee as strong or mellow as you like it–then enjoy fresh, flavorful coffee. The system features a grind level selector, high-quality stainless-steel blades, an easy-pour water reservoir with large viewing window, pause-and-pour functionality, a warming plate with auto shutoff, a permanent stainless-steel filter basket, and hidden cord storage. Stop Wondering About the Weather

MSN Direct transmits region-specific weather data via an FM signal straight to the coffeemaker, making it easy to check today’s weather, or upcoming weather, on the large LCD display. It’s a plug-and-play system, so there’s no subscription fee, activation fee, needed Internet connectivity, or fuss (the user must check to see if MSN Direct coverage is available in their area–currently, it’s available in 125 cities in the U.S. and Canada). Within minutes of plugging in the coffeemaker, you will receive weather information specific to your area. The weather data is updated 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the most up-to-the-minute information, and the clock automatically springs forward, falls back, and resets after power failure. The bright blue, backlighted screen doesn’t only feature weather information though. It also lets you easily select your coffee grind and tells you what stage your coffee-making process is at. Don’t be afraid to seamlessly integrate the Smart Mill & Brew into your busy life. To find out if you have coverage in your area please visit www.msndirect.com/coverage or call 1-877-317-3281.

Features and Specifications

  • Optional sleep function: If unit is idle for a period of time, an animated cat appears
  • Grind select: Select from 7 grind selections or turn grinder off to brew already-ground coffee
  • Easy-pour water reservoir with large viewing window
  • Pause-and-pour functionality
  • Warming plate with auto shutoff
  • Permanent stainless-steel filter basket
  • Hidden cord storage
  • User interface fluent in 3 languages (English, French, and Spanish)
  • Animated, region-specific 4-day weather forecast
  • Current temperature in Fahrenheit and Celsius
  • Current conditions, high/low temperature, and chance of precipitation
  • Visibility, sunrise/sunset time, and UV index
  • National Weather Service warnings and alerts
  • Display flashes when a warning or alert is issued
  • 10-cup capacity
  • Measures 8 by 11 by 14 inches
  • One-year limited warranty

This makes sense: We’re sure that coffee lovers have keen interest in the weather and Melitta puts it all together in a unique 10-cup programmable grind-and-brew system. Just add water and beans, choose one of seven grind selections, set the time and it’s all automatic from there. You’ll wake up to the aroma of fresh-brewed coffee. It includes a permanent stainless steel filter, pause-to-pour function, warming plate with auto shut-off, and water reservoir with large view window. The user interface is fluent in French, Spanish and English.MSN Direct is plug and play with no set up, no subscription, no Internet. Instead, you get specific region, up-to-the-minute weather data via FM signal right to the coffee maker! The info includes forecasts, NWS warnings and alerts, UV index, sunrise/sunset and more. The built-in clock is automatically set by radio signals it restores itself after power interruptions and springs forward and falls back all by itself! Measures 14″ x 11″ x 8″. One-year warranty. MSN Direct FM signals reach the top 100 U.S. cities and covers most but not all areas of the U.S. and Canada; visit the MSN Direct Website to check if your area is covered.



Bake with the Best Mixer!

28 02 2007

I’ll never forget this one…..I was in a mad rush and wanted to surprise my husband (shortly after our marriage) by baking him “his favorite chocolate brownie cake.” I thought, (since I consider myself a perfectionist) I can manage to bake a cake without a mixer! There I went….working with bowls…whipped, and mixed… by hand….and in less than 10 minutes it was in the oven! But…please…don’t follow me…..“Some cakes really need their mixers”….and this one was no exception!
Good advice to all of you “bakers” out there…“Bake with your best equipment!”
Kitchen Aid will never fail you!



Back to Basics Egg & Muffin 2-Slice Toaster and Egg Poacher

28 02 2007

Toaster, egg cooker, and meat warmer–this innovative unit combines all three functions into one easy-to-use appliance. The unit can be used solely as a full-functioning toaster, or it can simultaneously toast bread, poach or steam-scramble an egg, and warm a pre-cooked slice of meat–or any combination of these three functions–to make the ultimate breakfast sandwich at home in just four minutes. Simply add 2 tablespoons of water to the heating tray using the included measuring cup, lightly coat the poaching tray with oil or nonstick cooking spray, and crack an egg into the poaching tray. Then place a slice of pre-cooked meat onto the warming tray and replace the lid. Add bread, an English muffin, croissant, or bagel into the wide toaster slots, select “egg/toast” from the control panel, and push the lever down to begin the cooking process. In addition to making breakfast sandwiches, the unit can also be used to boil up to four eggs at a time. Other convenient features include light to dark toast settings, automatic shut-off, an easy-to-clean control touchpad, a removable crumb tray, and handy cord storage. To clean, simply wipe out the heating tray and poaching tray with a damp paper towel. The toaster measures 7-1/5 by 15-1/4 by 8-1/6 inches and carries a one-year warranty.

How does it work? The Back to Basics® Egg & Muffin Toaster™ toasts bread, English muffins, bagels, or croissants at the same time it steams-poaches the egg and warms pre-cooked meat. Simply add about two tablespoons of water to the heating tray, spray the poaching tray with a non-stick coating, add an egg, place meat on the warming tray, and close the lid. Press “Egg/Toast” on the front panel and push the toaster lever down. In about four minutes, you’ll have the ingredients ready for a delicious egg and muffin sandwich at home.

Can it just make toast?

Yes, the Egg & Muffin Toaster is just that … a toaster, with a whole new level of functionality! Because we’ve added wide toasting slots, it toasts bread and much more…English muffins, bagels, and croissants. And, there’s a crumb tray as well for easy clean-up.

Does it cook meat?

The Egg & Muffin Toaster is designed to warm pre-cooked meats. This includes pre-cooked bacon, ham, and sausage. Be inventive and try your own pre-cooked meats in the warming tray or substitute the meat with a tomato or pineapple slice!

What other kinds of eggs does it make?

You can make up to four hard-boiled eggs in the steamer tray. The Egg & Muffin Toaster is designed to optimally steam-poach eggs — hard or soft. You can also steam-scramble or create a mini-omelet. The accompanying instruction manual includes several additional recipes.

Is it messy and hard to clean?

The Egg & Muffin Toaster is fast and easy to clean. By spraying a non-stick coating on the poaching tray, your cooked egg will easily slide out. Then, simply rinse and dry the steaming and warming trays. We also recommend wiping the heating tray to eliminate hard water deposits.

Will I need special ingredients to make an Egg & Muffin sandwich?

An Egg & Muffin sandwich has many variations and uses base ingredients commonly found in the typical kitchen: eggs, bread, and pre-cooked meats such as Canadian bacon and sausage patties. And, any type of cheese and a variety of condiments make for a tasty sandwich.

How large is the Egg & Muffin Toaster? Will it take up a lot of room on my counter?

The Back to Basics® Egg & Muffin Toaster™ easily fits on kitchen countertops, with dimensions of: 8.18”h x 15.25”w x 7.2”d.

Can I leave it and do other things while my ingredients are cooking?

The Egg & Muffin Toaster meets the same testing standards as other toasters on the market and is ETL-listed. Since the Egg & Muffin Toaster also cooks eggs, it was designed with additional safety measures, including a “Cancel” button to stop all operations and a built-in timer that turns off the egg cooker and the toaster when the ingredients are done. Take advantage of its intelligent operation and leave the “cooking” to the Egg & Muffin Toaster.



Kitchen Aid KSM150PSWW Artisan® Series w/Pouring Shield - White on White

28 02 2007

Brand New! - Not Refurbished.

Kitchen Aid KSM150PSWW Artisan® Series w/Pouring Shield - White on White

Artisan® Series model has a 325-watt motor, 5 quart stainless steel bowl with ergonomic handle, two-piece pouring shield and a tilt-back mixer head design that provides easy access to bowl and beaters.

Retro styled and easy to use, the KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer is the perfect kitchen companion. Employing a unique tilting head to facilitate bowl and content removal, this mixer is undeniably handy. The mirror-polished stainless steel mixing bowl features an extra-large 5-qt. capacity and an ergonomic handle, while a powerful 325-watt motor effectively mixes even the toughest dough and batter. Includes pouring shield. Hassle-free total replacement warranty and one-year full warranty.

Features:

  • 10-Speed Solid-State Control
  • Includes Flat Beater, Dough Hook and Wire Whip
  • Power Hub for Additional Attachments
  • Unique Mixing Action
  • 325-watt mixer
  • 5-quart stainless steel bowl
  • Tilt-back head for easy access to mixture
  • 2-piece pouring shield with large chute for adding ingredients
  • Assembled with Pride in Greenville, Ohio
  • Dimensions: H 13.9″ x W 8.7″ D 14.1″ 22.8lbs
  • 1-year warranty

Specifications:

  • Power output: 325 watts
  • Speeds: 10
  • Bowl capacity: 5 qts.
  • Color: White on white
  • Body material: Metal
  • Bowl material: Stainless Steel
  • Manufacturer: KitchenAid
  • Country of manufacture: USA
  • Tilt-up head: Yes
  • Dough hook: Yes
  • Pouring shield: Yes
  • Outlets for attachments: Yes
  • Height: 13.9 inches
  • Length: 8.7 inches
  • Depth: 14.1 inches
  • Weight: 27.9 lbs
  • Product: 1-Year hassle-free replacement warranty
  • Service: 1-Year hassle-free replacement warranty
  • Included accessories: Flat beater, dough hook and wire whip

Product Detail:

The Artisan mixer’s strong 325-watt motor delivers the power to handle the heaviest mixtures, and mix large batches easily.

The 5-quart polished stainless steel bowl with ergonomic handle is big enough to handle large batches of heavy mixtures. Its ergonomically designed handle is contoured to fit the hand and makes lifting the bowl more comfortable.

Unique Mixing Action

The beater spins clockwise as the shaft spins counter clockwise; moving the beater to 67 different points around the bowl. This unique mixing action creates a thorough blend of ingredients and eliminates the need to rotate the bowl.

Multiple Speeds

10 speeds allow the user to select the right speed for the mixing job; from very high to very slow stir. It’s easy to select the precise speed needed for a perfect mix.

Versatile Accessories

The flat beater, dough hook, and the professional wire whip add to the versatility of the mixer. The flat beater is the ideal accessory for mixing normal to heavy batters. From cake mixes to firm cookie dough, the flat beater mixes quickly and thoroughly.

The dough hook mixes and kneads yeast dough, saving both time and the effort of hand-kneading. The wire whip incorporates the maximum amount of air in whipped mixtures for fluffier whipped cream and angel food cakes.

All attachments are solidly constructed, and attach easily to the stand mixer.

Easy Clean Up

The pouring shield fits around the top of the bowl and prevents ingredient splash-out. The chute makes it convenient and easy to add ingredients.

The tilt-back mixer head allows for easy access to bowl and beaters. A lock lever holds the mixer head securely in place and the bowl fastens tightly to the base.

Optional Attachments

Optional attachments (sold separately) complete the package to make cooking a pleasure. From citrus juicer to sausage stuffer, KitchenAid stand mixers can handle just about any job in the kitchen.



Laura Bush vs. Hillary Clinton

27 02 2007

Wandering minds still debate….who played “First Lady” better…..Hillary or Laura?
White House employees who worked under both administrations, report that when George and Laura Bush moved into the White House in 2001, staffers were relieved.
White House staffers are quick to note that Laura was apparently the opposite of Hillary! They claim while the Clintons’ weren’t friendly, George and Laura Bush are “very courteous!”
White House elevator operator, Harold W. Hancock once told a visitor about the Bushes: “I love these people. The previous inhabitants never knew my name.”
With the “run-for-the-president” deeply set in, Hillary is trying to build up her image. With Vanity Fair Magazine backing her, it might just help!…But…here comes advice for the Clintons….first take care of the Charity Tax Scheme! AND….then…only time will tell…….
Will She make it to the top??



2 of 5 Bosses Don’t Keep Their Word!

27 02 2007

A recent study at the “Florida State University” showed that…“Nearly two of five bosses don’t keep their word!” The College surveyed more than 700 working people (including men and women)in variety of jobs, asking how their bosses treat them. Overall, only an astonishing 40-45 percent were content with their jobs!!


42 percent of workers said their boss failed to keep promises.
31 percent said their boss gave them the “silent treatment.” (which employees know that it’s a “no” or to their disadvantage)
37 percent said their boss failed to give credit when due.
24 percent said their boss invaded their privacy.

Job Researchers warn that…”Employees stuck in this sort of job tension, and feel they deserve better, Should leave their boss! “No abuse should be taken lightly.”

On a better and different note, 30 percent said they offered additional tasks, such as working longer or on weekends, (tried being nice…and loyal to their company when needed) AND it worked!! They were generally satisfied with their job!!

One group at a large firm told me……“We bypass the boss or supervisor, (whenever we get irritated) and think positive!!…A good working environment, with lots of fun buddies around is often more important!!”

Go Figure This Out!



Should Employers offer Free Medical Coverage?

27 02 2007

For years, many employees have been forced to pay for their own health care. The raising premiums and out-of-pocket medical expenses for workers, has brought this issue to the frontline for “Employers.” Workers are now requesting…more and more, that the company should cover the most necessary health costs.

Now (hopefully) some employers are reversing course, convinced that their pennywise approach does not always reduce long-term costs. In some firms, a number of employers are now giving away drugs to help workers manage chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and depression. One clear motive, (for the employers own benefit) is to help workers stay well! Especially, when an employer is extremely satisfied from the employee.

We think medical coverage should be mandatory…..What do you think??



Germ Guardian Kill Germs With The Nursery Sanitizer Dry Heat

27 02 2007

It effectively reaches sanitizing temperatures to kill 99.9 of germs in 30 minutes.Germs can be passed on toys, especially moist soft toys, where a wet environment is the perfect breeding ground for germs. Help stop the spread of germs on toys, pacifiers, bottles and other baby items, with the Germ Guardian™ Nursery Sanitizer.

It effectively reaches sanitizing temperatures to kill 99.9 % of germs in 30 minutes.

Dry heat is used which is a safe, natural way to kill germs without the use of chemicals.

Kerry B. Testimonial: “I received the Germ Guardian Nursery Sanitizer as a baby shower gift.
Thinking about protecting my little one from germs every time I use your product gives me great peace of mind. Every mother should have one!

I bought two more and donated them to my sons day care center. They love it too!”

The Nursery Sanitizer kills germs that cause:

  • RSV
  • Colds and flu (influenza & coronaviruses)
  • Pneumonia (pneumococcus)
  • Ear aches (haemophilus influenzae)
  • Diarrhea (e.coli & salmonella)

It sanitizes hard and soft toys , pacifiers and bottle nipples in thirty minutes and automatically shuts off when cycle is complete. It won’t shrink or fade colorful fabrics or melt plastic or rubber items. It is an easy and convenient way to sanitize breast pump attachments. Use it in the home or daycare. Perfect for new moms.

  • Kills 99.9% of germs in 30 minutes
  • Uses no chemicals
  • Automatic shut-off after cycle completes
  • Works great on bottles, too
  • Safe - won’t shrink or fade colorful fabrics or melt plastic or rubber items.

Product Specifications:

  • Model Number: NS-2000
  • Construction: Plastic
  • Power: Cord
  • Working Weight: 4.5lbs
  • Special Features: Dry Heat
  • Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 8 inches
    • Width: 7.5 inches
    • Height: 7.5 inches

Features and Benefits:

Effective - Proven 99.9% effective against germs*

Safe - Automatically shuts off when cycle is complete

Natural - Dry heat kills germs without the use of chemicals

Can be used to sanitize the following items:

  • Breast pump attachments
  • Bottles
  • Bottle nipples
  • Hard toys
  • Soft/plush toys
  • Rubber toys
  • Plastic toys

Won’t shrink or fade colorful fabrics or melt plastic or rubber items.

(Sku: NS-2000, NS2000)

sold on LunchHourSale.com for $29.95! on 2/27/07



Carrot Juice - Drink for a “Healthier You!”

26 02 2007

“Carrot juice”, because of its many healthful benefits, is frequently called the “miracle juice.” A large number of people, in all walks of life, suffering from various ailments have found that the inclusion of carrot juice in their diet has greatly improved their health and vitality!

Try this one and see the results….
6 carrots - Peel the skin off
add 2 stalks of celery

Process in the juicer and that’s the start for a “Healthier You!”

If you like it sweet…..add 2 peaches or nectarines….but, omit the celery