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Misc Blogging Stuff
Jan
29
AeroGarden Part 3
Filed Under Kitchen Gear | 2 Comments
The basil was doing great until the whiteflies that had moved indoors with my overwintering mint found the AeroGarden. Believe me, we did battle for several weeks. One nice thing about the AeroGarden is that you can lift the growing platform off the tank, turn the plants upside down over the sink, and rinse the flies off the plants.
We did eventually lose the basil due to a combination of factors: the whiteflies, and the pump. The pumps tend to get clogged with roots and sometimes even residue or debris from the nutrient tablets as they don’t always dissolve completely. I followed the instructions to clean out the filter and the pump, but it never started up again and mold and mildew began to grow in the tank. A huge disappointment, to be sure. The cost to replace the pump is $9.95, which is pretty reasonable given the importance of the pump. I do think that the filter is pretty flimsy and wonder if there isn’t a better solution for an item that probably costs pennies to manufacture. I’m looking into a filter that will still allow enough water to pass through but does a better job of keeping out the roots and the nutrient debris.
You might also be interested in these reviews:
AeroGarden Part 2 (12/13/2007)
Jan
24
VillaWare Prego! Pizzelle Baker
Filed Under Kitchen Gear | 2 Comments
Michael and I both love pizzelles, a crispy Italian cookie, and we have talked about making our own for a long time, so I was thrilled when Michael got us an electric pizzelle maker for Christmas. We decided to use it the very next day so we could enjoy some pizzelles over the holidays. This is a VillaWare product, the Prego! model, which makes two cookies at a time and comes with a user manual/cookbook. The unit stands on its side for easy storage.
I chose this model over the Cuisinart and other brands mainly because it claims to cook the pizzelles in 30 seconds. When you’ve got curious little boys that get into absolutely everything, speed is very important! Other models stated cooking times of 30 to 60 seconds or longer, and some came with cone rollers or cannoli forms, as well as a higher price tag. Read more
Dec
13
AeroGarden, Part 2
Filed Under Kitchen Gear | 4 Comments
The basil plants are going strong and currently stand 4 to 5 inches tall and are very fragrant, though the Globe Basil for whatever reason is still only about 2 inches tall. The roots extend well into the water and are as long as 10 inches.
Over the weekend the unit reminded me to add water and nutrients, but this time was different from the first. At four weeks, the plants now need growing nutrients and the kit provides enough for six feedings. This and every other feeding hereafter require the unit to be emptied, rinsed, and refilled before adding nutrients. The water tank lifts easily off the base and the pump shuts off automatically. I carried the tank to the sink and easily lifted off the growing surface, the roots dangling like something seen in a sci-fi movie. Michael held the plants while I emptied and rinsed the container, then we put it back together just as easily as we took it apart. I put the water back in, added the nutrients, then put the tank back on the base and pushed the Reset button. Simple as that.
Dec
5
AeroGarden
Filed Under Kitchen Gear | 16 Comments
As a gardening enthusiast and cooking addict, I enjoy growing my own herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Because the climate in Northern Virginia does not permit year-round outdoor gardening, I keep an indoor herb garden most of the year in an attempt to have a regular supply for cooking. Over the years I’ve grown many different kinds of herbs indoors with varying degrees of success, and I’m always looking for ways to improve herb yield and quality.
I first saw the AeroGarden® on television over a year ago and thought that it looked interesting. I tried hydroponics several years ago when I was growing alfalfa sprouts, but this was different and definitely a step or two up from the very basic non-motorized system I had used. I wanted to learn more and decided that I should review it myself. I contacted the company to see if they would consider allowing me to take one for a test drive and write an honest review, and they graciously agreed. They packed up a Classic AeroGarden and sent it to me. Read more
Oct
23
Testing Stand Mixers
Filed Under Kitchen Gear | Leave a Comment
For the home baker, a standing mixer can make mixing and kneading tasks so much easier and faster. When I bought my standing mixer in 1995, there weren’t many choices of models, but that has changed and the range of choices can be downright bewildering.
Enter America’s Test Kitchen and their newly updated test and reviews of standing mixers.
“How much mixer does a home cook need? To test the field thoroughly, we bought 18 different mixers of every shape, size, and price–from a budget $100 model up to the $1,500 Hobart. Our lineup included Bosch (two models), DeLonghi (two), Electrolux, Farberware, Hamilton Beach (two), Hobart, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid (four), Sunbeam (two), and Viking (two).”
Read the full review and download the test results at America’s Test Kitchen - Mix Masters - Standing Mixers - Updated.
Note: ATK’s review available for free only for a limited time.