Home Cooking

KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect: Everything you need to make a meal in one appliance

NEWS – Are you looking to replace a multitude of single use appliances that are sitting either on or under your counter? Is an InstaPot not exciting enough? Well then, the KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect might be for you. As the main cook in our house, I have an almost visceral reaction to gadgets lying around the kitchen that only do one thing, especially if they are large and need to be plugged in. The Cook Processor Connect goes one step further than simple appliance replacement, however, having the potential to replace smaller items as well such as bowls, scrapers, knives and a hotplate.

The Cook Processor comes with a 4.5L stainless steel bowl which fits into a base that houses the cooking controls. A number of attachments are included and can be used with the bowl to stir, chop, whip, emulsify, and knead. There’s also an insert for all of your steaming needs. Finally, a mini-bowl and blade are included for jobs that are too small for the main bowl.


The control base allows you to select what type of cooking you want to do, from frying, boiling, stewing, pureeing, sautéing and the aforementioned steaming. There’s also a built in scale that allows you to weigh ingredients right in the cooking bowl. Then, after you’ve added your carrots, celery and whatever else, inserting the stir assist attachment into the Cook Processor Connect will stir your ingredients while they are cooking.

In addition to being able to manually select all of the cooking functions that you want to use, the Cook Processor comes with an app that allows you to access recipes with step-by-step guidance .


The KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect will be available in Red and Black at an approximate price of $1,500. At the moment it’s only available in Australia but KitchenAid expects to release it in the US later this year. You can go to KitchenAid Australia to see all of its features in much more depth.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: ,

KitchenAid Cook Processor Connect: Everything you need to make a meal in one appliance originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 12, 2019 at 8:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Cuisinart Compact Automatic bread maker review

REVIEW – I owned my first and only bread maker about 20-years ago, I loved it, but it got lost somewhere along the way. Since then I’ve told anyone who would listen how much I missed it and that I needed to buy another one, but of course, I never did. So when I received an offer to review the Cuisinart compact automatic bread maker, I couldn’t pass it up. Time to see if the Cuisinart compact bread maker can rekindle my love for making homemade bread.

What is it?

The Cuisinart compact automatic bread maker is a compact automatic vertical bread maker that offers a variety of crust colors and loaf sizes, as well as 12 preprogrammed menu options.

What’s in the box?

  • Bread maker
  • Bread pan
  • Kneading paddle
  • Pan hook
  • Quick reference guide
  • Instruction booklet/recipe booklet

Design and features

The first thing you notice about the bread maker is how light and compact it is. It only weighs 10.75-lbs and has a very small footprint (10.25″ x 13.25″ x 11.25″). The size is perfect for me as I don’t have a whole lot of counter space in my kitchen.

I also liked the look of the bread makers contemporary brushed stainless steel exterior.

On top of the unit, there’s a bread door with a viewing window and a control panel with an LCD display.

The control panel has buttons for programming, crust color, bread size/light, and stop/start. Plus/minus buttons let you adjust the time for the bake only program and delay start timer. 

The easy to read LCD display shows program, crust color, and loaf size selections. You can also view cycle and delay start timing.

Features

Even though the bread machine is compact in size, it doesn’t lack in functionality.

To start with it has 12 different pre-programmed menu options to choose from, all fully automatic.

  1. White
  2. French
  3. Whole Wheat
  4. Ultra-fast
  5. Sweet
  6. Gluten-free
  7. Artisan dough
  8. Dough
  9. Jam
  10. Packaged mix
  11. Cake
  12. Bake only

Other features include your choice of crust color: light, medium, or dark and loaf size: 1-lb., 11/2-lb., or 2-lb. loaf.

A 13-hour delay start timer allows you to program the bread maker up to 13 hours in advance.

The included recipe guide has several foolproof recipes to get you started. Everything from gluten-free and artisan bread options to jam and sauce recipes. I found the recipes to be concise and easy to follow.

Let’s make some bread!

Making bread in this machine couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is add your ingredients, and the bread maker does the rest.

To start out I wanted to make something easy, that didn’t call for a lot of ingredients. I chose to make the French bread recipe from the included booklet.

I added the ingredients to the bread pan and placed it into the unit. I then chose the French program option and my loaf size. I chose to make the 2lb loaf because I wanted to see what this bread machine could really do. Because I was making French bread, I didn’t have the option to choose the crust color.

After selecting my preferences, I pushed the start button and let the machine do its thing. The unit automatically takes care of each step of the process until the loaf is done. An indicator on the LCD display shows the current function: Knead, Rise, Bake, or Keep Warm.

Before the bread begins baking, you have the option to remove the kneading paddle which I did. There’s a signal of 10 short beeps to let you know when it can be removed. If you miss the initial beeps, the display will show “paddle” for one minute.

Being as curious and impatient as I am I really liked having the ability to check in on the bread as it went through the process. The viewing window and built-in light made that very easy.

As the bread was baking, I remembered why I loved making homemade bread so much. The AROMA! The entire house was filled with the wonderful smell of fresh baking bread.

After the bread is done baking the unit beeps 10 times, and the LCD display window will read 00:00. There is a keep warm cycle that will keep your bread warm for 60 minutes. At the end of the keep warm cycle, the unit will emit one long beep and then it will shut off.

When the bread was finished I took the bread pan out of the machine and gripping the bottom turned it over, my finished loaf slid right out. I then placed it on a wire rack to cool. As you can see from the pic below my French bread loaf turned out fantastic.

Time to taste my creation(s)

After cooling and slicing my French bread loaf, it was time to give it a taste. It tasted great! The bread was soft on the inside, and the crust had that perfect French bread crunch. Needless to say, I was pleased with my first loaf of bread from the Cuisinart compact bread maker.

Since then I’ve made two other loaves, jalapeño cheddar, and cinnamon swirl. The jalapeño cheddar recipe called for ingredients to be added during the kneading process. The unit lets you know when it’s time to add them with an audible signal of 4 sets of 5 long beeps. Then you just lift the lid and add your additional ingredients.

Like the French bread loaf, both loaves turned out perfect and tasted wonderful.

I found that the 2-pound loaf was too much for just myself, so when I made the cinnamon swirl bread, I opted for the 1-pound loaf which turned out to be a perfect size (see the pic below).

What I like

  • Compact size
  • Easy to use
  • Can make up to a 2lb. Loaf
  • Easy to clean
  • The included recipe booklet

What needs to be improved

  • Nothing

Final thoughts

The Cuisinart compact automatic bread maker is easy to use, doesn’t take up a lot of space, and produces perfectly baked great tasting bread. It does everything larger bread makers do and for a fraction of the price. In my book that makes it a winner. And more importantly, it rekindled my love for making homemade bread.

Price: $99.95
Where to buy: Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Home Depot.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Cuisinart.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged: , ,

Cuisinart Compact Automatic bread maker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on February 11, 2019 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

Gerber’s ComplEAT is a like a spork multi-tool

NEWS – Backpackers, tailgators, preppers, and others will want to check out the ComplEAT cutlery set from Gerber which includes a spork, a deep basin spoon, spatula, and a food prep multi-tool. The multi-tool has a built-in bottle opener, veggie peeler, serrated package opener, and a can opener.

But wait, there’s more! The spoon or spork combines with the glass filled nylon spatula to convert into a set of tongs and when you’re done cooking and eating, everything nests together for easy transport.

The Gerber ComplEAT is available in several colors and is priced at $28. Visit gerbergear.com to buy one.

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: , , ,

Gerber’s ComplEAT is a like a spork multi-tool originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 30, 2019 at 1:11 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

A Cajun Life Seasonings and Spices review

Parade – Mardi Gras is coming, people! And what better way to celebrate than with some Cajun-inspired cooking? The fine folks at A Cajun Life sent me a whole heap of different seasonings and spices to play with, and I’m in the mood for a party. Let’s cook!

What’s in the box?

A Cajun Life offers their mixes & seasonings in a variety of packages. I’ve got the following samples in my test kit:

  • All Purpose Cajun Seasoning
  • Seafood Rub
  • Chicken Rub
  • Mesquite BBQ Rub
  • Blackening Rub
  • Jambalaya Mix
  • Gumbo Mix
  • Red Beans & Rice Mix

Design and features

A Cajun Life produces a wide range of seasonings, mixes, rubs, and boxed meals that are all certified Cajun, non-GMO, and have no MSG. I’ve tested most of the items in the sample kit.  Let’s get down to it!

Rubs and Seasonings

A Cajun Life makes 5 different rubs & seasonings, each of which puts a different spin on traditional Cajun flavors. They’re all naturally gluten-free and, while they still contain salt, are much lower in salt content than some other Cajun seasonings and rubs I see on the market. While each variation shows its roots with Cajun flavors, they each present with a noticeable (and tasty) difference in the flavor profile.

The All-Purpose Cajun Seasoning is the multitasking workhorse. Salt and spice are the big flavors in this all-purpose mix, with heavy hits of chili powder, paprika, and spices. It still has noticeably less sodium than some other Cajun seasonings I have in my cabinet, allowing the spice to be the featured attraction. I use Cajun seasoning on just about anything: vegetables, seafood, chicken, pork, beef, etc. I tested this one on a green bean side dish sauteed with roasted peppers, garlic, and onion. The Cajun seasoning adds a pop of extra flavor that you don’t get with salt & pepper. Finished product below, served with roasted Andouille sausage and red beans and rice (more on that below): 

The Blackening Rub is the simplest of the rubs in the set with an emphasis on paprika, garlic, and onion flavors. Some sugar and spice round that out to add some balance when you bring the heat. I tested this out on Tilapia steaks, the blandest of fish, which I seared in a skillet on the stovetop:

It turned out great. The fish developed some nice blackening, and the flavors level out nicely when put to the fire. My tilapia was singing a whole new tune when I was done:

The Mesquite Rub is a classic barbecue rub. It’s got a touch of Cajun spice to keep things interesting, but a sweet & smokey flavor is what you’ll get here. You can use this on anything from fish to beef to pork. I really like it for ribs or chicken (bone-in thighs and legs are my faves) that’s going for a long, low, slow cook on the grill. If your guests aren’t big on spices, they’ll be very happy with this one.

The Chicken Rub takes things in a completely different direction with a rub specifically designed for poultry. You’ll find a bit of Cajun heat here, but the blend adds earthy, herbal, and citrus notes that give it a distinct flavor that compliments chicken nicely. I rubbed down some thick chicken breasts with this mix and put it in the electric smoker for an hour to see how it would do:

You know what? It really does bring a unique flavor to the bird. The earthy and citrus notes complement the natural chicken flavors in a really interesting way. Check out the crust that formed on the chicken breasts… it tasted as good as it looks. I’m going to try this on whole chicken next time.

To close out the rubs & seasonings, we have the Seafood Rub. This is another Cajun variant that dials up the peppery heat and lemon/lime citrus flavors to compliment the proteins that swim. I created a cajun shrimp Scampi variant for this test, tossing shrimp in the seasoning and doing a quick saute in a combination of olive oil and butter:

The citrus and pepper accents highlight the shrimp nicely. I’d throw this on just about any seafood, really… salmon, tuna, scallops would all benefit nicely from this rub.

Meal Boxes

The boxed meal sets are designed for quick and easy preparation of a whole meal. You’ll add your base ingredients, water, and the mix for a complete dish in 25-40 minutes depending on which meal you’re preparing.

I started by testing the Jambalaya mix. This is a mix designed for use with other proteins like chicken, sausage, and shrimp. I wanted some extra vegetables since I was doing a one-pot meal, so I started by building a base of sauteed peppers and onions and added a pound of Andouille sausage.

Once those were browned a bit, I added the Jambalaya mix and water.

I brought it to a boil, covered the pot, and simmered the dish for 20-25 minutes until things started to thicken up.

I was feeling fancy with this one, so I added some big ol’ sea scallops during the last couple of minutes of cooking. Check out this beauty! A total of 35 minutes from start to finish on a weeknight. It was so good, my teenager was pilfering leftovers for three days. Dad is winning in the kitchen.

The Jambalaya has a nice blend of Cajun flavors, but I wouldn’t categorize it as overly spicy. That’s ideal for a base so that you can add extra heat as you need it. The Andouille added that extra kick at the end of cooking, but you could add some hot sauce if you’re feeling feisty (I like Crystal personally).

I also tested the Red Beans and Rice Mix. This one I did as a side dish, so I did not add any extra proteins during cooking. Add water and the mix, bring to a boil, and simmer for 20-25 minutes. No sweat.

Some red beans and rice mixed are just… bland. Not this one. You’ll get that earthy goodness that makes red beans and rice so tasty, along with a nice dose of spice to give it pop. It’s got a well-rounded flavor that stands on its own, or can be used with a protein as another one-pot meal.

Gumbo is religion in my household. I have a personal recipe that I make from scratch that I’ve refined over the years and takes several hours to cook. I have not yet tested the Gumbo Mix. It’s designed as a flavoring mix to which you add a lot of water (4 quarts) along with your proteins and Okra. Simmer for 40 minutes, and serve as a soup over rice. I’ll be putting this one up against my recipe soon, and I’ll let you know how it does!

What I like

  • Great flavor balance in all the samples I tested
  • Lower sodium than many competitors
  • Non-GMO and no MSG
  • Really variety in the flavors of each seasoning and mix
  • Easy to work into a wide variety of dishes for just about any cooking application

What needs to be improved

  • None to be found yet

Final thoughts

I’m really enjoying the products by A Cajun Life. You won’t miss the Cajun roots in any of these seasonings, but there’s a lot more going on than just spicy heat. Each item I have tested has a well-rounded, balanced, and unique flavor. Whether you’re looking for quick options to spruce up a weeknight meal or you’re settling in to cook for company on the weekend, the variety of products also gives you all kinds of options to play with. Break out the cold beer, and crank up the Zydeco. We’re ready for a party!

Price: Prices vary based on the item, or if you buy combination packs. Single-serve samples like the ones seen in the featured image for this article are also available.
Where to buy: Go to A Cajun Life’s web page. Also available on Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by A Cajun Life.

Filed in categories: Reviews

Tagged:

A Cajun Life Seasonings and Spices review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 21, 2019 at 9:00 am.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.

The Egg on a Bagel Maker makes eating a hearty breakfast on the run easy

NEWS – They say that Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But grabbing a delicious, hearty breakfast while you’re hurrying to get out the door in the morning isn’t easy. The Egg on a Bagel Maker makes it easier to do just that.

This handmade ceramic dish was designed to quickly and easily cook up a fresh bagel sandwich. And who doesn’t like bagels?

All you have to do is whisk some eggs into the dish and pop it into the microwave for 60 seconds.

If you want you can add some veggies and cheese, or if you’re watching your cholesterol, you can just use egg whites. When the eggs are done, they’re the perfect shape and size to put on a freshly sliced bagel, complete with the hole in the center. How egg-tastic is that?!

Each dish is handmade in New York using stoneware clay and then finished off with a food-safe glaze.

The Egg on a Bagel Maker is oven, microwave, and dishwasher safe.

You can buy The Egg on a Bagel Maker for $25.00 from Uncommon Goods.

More from The Gadgeteer

Suck it with a Titanium Straw

Tend’s Lynx security cam recognizes faces

Say good-bye to harsh fluorescent lighting with Sk…

Is that a Shark in your cup of Earl Grey?

Prevent socks from going MIA with the SockDock

Fool potential intruders into thinking you’r…

Filed in categories: News

Tagged: , ,

The Egg on a Bagel Maker makes eating a hearty breakfast on the run easy originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 23, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

Note: If you are subscribed to this feed through FeedBurner, please switch to our native feed URL http://the-gadgeteer.com/feed/ in order to ensure continuous delivery.