Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes in a Box Reviewed

Scalloped Potatoes are the only potato side dish that I do not make from scratch.  

I decided decades ago that it was not worth my time in the kitchen to peel & thinly chop fresh potatoes when Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes were available in a box at the grocery store. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I rarely cut corners when cooking, but my family loves the Betty Crocker scalloped potatoes and they would be the measuring standard used if I did make homemade scalloped potatoes.  That is a challenge I have not been willing to accept!

The boxed scalloped potatoes are easy to prepare and allow me to focus on the main dish.  They simply make meal preparation simpler and I allow myself this break.  I liken the choice to use the boxed scalloped potatoes to opening a can of peas or green beans that I have not had to shell.

There are several varieties available, but I have only tried the basic Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes shown below.

Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes 

Betty Crocker Scalloped Potatoes Made with Real Cheese 7.1 oz

Real scalloped potatoes in a creamy sauce seasoned to perfection.
These 100% American Grown Potatoes
make a perfect side dish for your family meal.

The box of scalloped potatoes can be cooked in the microwave, cooked on the stove-top, or baked in the oven.  I always bake mine.  On occasion, I bake them at the same time, in the same oven, as the meat for dinner.  There are baking instructions on the box for several oven temperatures to make baking them at the same time easier.

For the family size box shown on the right, you would need 2⅔ cups water, 1½ cups milk, and 3 Tablespoons butter.

Simply stir the included sauce mix with water, milk & butter together, then add the potatoes and bake uncovered for 32 minutes on 450°F.

If you wish to make the potatoes while roasting meat, you can increase the time and decrease the temperature to the appropriate meat temperature.

• 325° for 65 minutes
• 350° for 60 minutes
• 375° for 55 minutes 

Please refer to the box if you select a different size other than the family size box for specific ingredient measurements. 

 

Some of the Varieties Available on Amazon

Check PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

 

Homemade Scalloped Potatoes

Betty Crocker does offer a homemade scalloped potato recipe on their website.  You can see it by clicking here

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Lipton Cold Brew Iced Black Tea Bags Review

A few months back, my husband's uncle invited us to dinner.  He is an excellent cook and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal.  

He served delicious tea with the dinner, which I drank without adding any sweetener.  However, I did sweeten my second glass of tea.  It was tasty both ways.

The brew was the perfect strength.  When he told us how he made it, I was shocked.  I couldn't believe it was cold brew, meaning it was made in cold water and not boiled.

When the uncle came to dinner at our home a few weeks later, he was sweet enough to gift me with a box of the Lipton Cold Brew Iced Black Tea Bags.  I have made it several times since and my husband loves it.

The one thing I, personally, miss is the smell of brewed tea, but the taste is still delicious.  

Iced tea is always a welcome and wonderful compliment for meals. 

Lipton Cold Brew Iced Black Tea Bags

The 4.8 oz box contains 22 large (family size) tea bags.  The box states that you use 2 bags in 8 cups of cold water.  However, my glass pitcher only holds 6 cups of water and I still use the 2 bags.  It is the perfect strength when made that way. 

Allow it to "cold brew" for 5 minutes.  My husband's uncle did tell us that he has left it for 15 or 20 minutes and can tell no difference for the longer time. 

Cold brew tea does contain caffeine, but is generally considered to only have about half the caffeine of boiled black tea.  There are no artificial flavors or sweeteners added to Lipton Cold Brew Tea.

It is also available in decaf.

 Lipton, Cold Brew Family Size Iced Tea Bags (Pack of 4)Check Price Lipton Black Tea Bags, Cold Brew, Decaf, 22 ctCheck Price

 

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SentrySafe Safe Box Lock Box Review

When our daughter went to college, we made sure she had a lock box for her spending cash and jewelry.  

One of our biggest concerns about dorm living is that she wouldn't know all of her roommates.  She was allowed to request one roommate, but the other two would be assigned.  Plus, they would all have guests visiting the dorm room.  Again, they would be students they had just met on campus.

Our daughter didn't have expensive jewelry or a lot of cash.  Mostly, she had her class ring and cash for the laundromat.  We made sure she had several rolls of quarters so she could use the washing machines.  Ironically, the quarters were highly sought after.

Something we did not think about in advance, was is the need to lock up her wallet, car keys and computer flash drives when she went to the swimming pool or gym.  That little lock box turned out to be an essential item for her dorm room.

Yes, someone could carry off the entire box, but they would not be able to slip it in their pocket like you could keys, cash, or flash drives.  

After graduation, she was able to continuing using that box for her passport, birth certificate, etc.  The SentrySafe lock box adds the additional protection for those documents by being fireproof and waterproof for an hour.

The only downside that we have found with the box is that it is heavy.  However, since she rarely lifted it, that was not a problem. Better to have the fire and water protection than to have a lighter weight lock box.

Because she had so many uses for this lock box at college and afterwards, we also purchased one for our son when he went to college.  

 

 SentrySafe Fireproof and Waterproof Safe BoxCheck PriceSentry Safe Lock Box

We opted for the smaller lock box since it was plenty large enough for their needs.  

• Key Lock
• Exterior: 14.3" depth x 15.4" wide x 6.6" high
  
• Interior: 12.8" x 8.5" x 4.4"
• Fireproof for 1 hour (depending on temperature)
  
• Waterproof for 72 hrs. of submersion
  
• Approximately 27lbs.
• Made in Mexico
• Great for Dorm Rooms or Home
• Perfect for Under the Bed Storage
  

For a full college dorm room checklist, click here! 

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Lego Flowers & Lego Bouquet Sets Reviewed

Lego flowers and Lego bouquet sets are a wonderful way for Lego lovers to give flowers for any occasion.  

It isn't always easy to think of a unique gift for someone we love.  We often send flowers for holidays because they let the recipient know we are thinking of them.  Sadly, flowers don't live very long and the gift gets thrown away too soon.  Unfortunately, while they are lovely for a short time, unless you take pictures, they are quickly forgotten.

If you make and send Lego flowers, they are not only unique, but they won't die!

There are several Lego flowers and Lego bouquets available now that would be an awesome Mother's Day gift, birthday gift, Christmas gifts or any "thinking of you" gift.

Any handmade gift is a treasure for the recipient.  Lego builders now have a fabulous gift they can make and give to someone they love.

Even children can build these Lego flowers and give them as a gift.  What better way to tell someone you love them then with a handmade gift of flowers.

 

Lego Flowers & Lego Bouquets

Build and give a single rose, tulip, or sunflower.  If you have time, you could even build and give a Lego bouquet.  You could even mix several sets to make a completely unique, one of a kind gift for that one of a kind loved one.

 LEGO Iconic Rose - Set 40460
A red rose has long been the flower that represents love. The set makes 2 roses, has 120 pcs, & is recommended for ages 8+Check Price LEGO Tulips - Set 40461
Tulip also symbolize perfect and deep love. The set makes 3 tulips, has 111 pcs and recommended for ages 8+Check Price Lego Sunflower - Set 40524
Sunflowers brighten any day! They represent adoration. Set makes 2 Sunflowers, has 191 pcs. Recommended for ages 8+Check Price

 

 

Lego bouquet sets include everything we need to build a lovely bouquet of flowers.  There is also a lovely orchid Lego set.  For someone like me who loves orchids, but cannot keep a real orchid alive, this would be the perfect bouquet gift.

Choose between a wildflower bouquet, a traditional mixed flower bouquet, the orchid, or even a succulent bouquet.

 LEGO Icons Wildflower Bouquet - Set 10313
8 species of wildflowers on adjustable stems. Set has 939 pcs and recommended for ages 18+Check Price LEGO Icons Flower Bouquet - Set 10280
15 stems mix of flower and leaf varieties such as roses, snapdragons, poppies, asters, daisies. 756 pcs for ages 18+Check Price LEGO Icons Orchid
Set 10311
Orchid has 6 large flowers and 2 newly opened flowers, plus the blue fluted vase. 608 pcs and recommeded for ages 18+Check Price LEGO Icons Succulents
Set 10309
Set makes 9 different LEGO artificial decorative plants, has 771 pcs and recommended for ages 18+Check Price

 

 

Regardless of which Lego bouquet or flower set(s) you choose, there is no doubt it will be a gift that is loved and reflects your love for the recipient.  Plus, it will be a precious piece of decor that can be displayed in any room of a home without having to worry about watering, sunlight, or feeding.  It will always be lovely!

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Pull Out Drawers For Kitchen Cabinets Reviewed

I have recently been focused on getting my kitchen cabinets better organized.  I have a tall cabinet pantry with deep shelves.  Items or cans stored toward the back of the cabinet pantry are very hard to get out.  I am required to take everything out from in front of whatever I need and then put it back afterwards.  That process is time consuming and rather tiresome.  

I was thinking one day that what I really need are pull out shelves in that cabinet that would allow me to easily access things in the back, plus see what is there.  I went in search of a solution and found the SlidingSusan Pull Out Drawers for Cabinets.  I measured my cabinet and immediately ordered one drawer to try it.

I was very excited when it arrived and my husband offered to install the drawer for me.  I took everything off the shelf and he went to work.  According to him, it was easy to install.  

This drawer makes a world of difference! It is like doubling the size of the cabinet simply because I can easily access everything stored on that shelf.  

Previously, I forgot what I had and would end up buying more as needed for a specific recipe.  Unfortunately, that meant I would end up with a few cans of food that passed their expiry date before I used them.  

After using the first SlidingSusan drawer for a few weeks, I bought two more pull out drawers for additional shelves. They are truly fabulous and save a lot of time when grabbing a can of something from the cabinet.  Plus, I will no longer discover unused cans that have expired because they got pushed toward the back.  The Sliding Susan pull out drawers are expensive, but when I consider how convenient they are, plus how much of a toll they spare on my back and shoulders, I believe they are well worth the cost.

 

The Sliding Susan Pull Out Drawers for Cabinets

 SlidingSusan Pull Out Cabinet Organizer - Fully Assembled Pull Out Drawers For Kitchen Cabinets - Dovetail and Soft CloseCheck PriceThese drawers come in several different sizes.  It is important to measure the opening and depth of your shelf before you place your order. 

The drawers have 3" sides which do a great job of holding cans in place so they won't slip off and hit the floor.

The slides allow the drawers to fully pull out, plus they have soft closure that helps keep the items secure.  I did put a liner on my drawers to help keep the cans and bottles from sliding around on the shelves.

The drawers arrive completely assembled. We only had to screw the base to the original shelf.  

I love being able to pull out the cabinet drawer and grab whatever I need quickly, without having to take everything out every time I need something.

 

Additional Tools Needed for Installation 

• Center Punch (to start the holes in the existing shelf)
• Drill
  
• Screwdriver
• Pencil
• Ruler
• Wood Glue (my husband used wood glue in the drilled holes to make the screws more permanently secure)

  

 

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Mini Cheesecakes Recipe and Mini Cheesecake Pan Review

I have always preferred making cupcakes because they offer a way to have individual serving sized cakes without requiring utensils and plates.  When I came across the Norpro Mini Cheesecake pan, I had to have it!  

My family loves cheesecake and I thought it would be awesome to have individual serving sized cheesecakes.  They have been quite a hit!  I've made them several times since receiving the pan.  Having the mini cheesecakes has allowed everyone to serve themselves whenever they wanted a snack or dessert.  The pan makes 12 mini cheesecakes, which is the perfect number for my acrylic cake plate that fits in my refrigerator. 

There is a cheesecake recipe on the side of the Norpro Mini Cheesecake pan, but I preferred to use my own easy cheesecake recipe since that is the cheesecake my family loves.  I also lightly butter the individual cups in the pan to make the mini cheesecakes lift out easily.  Since it is a nonstick pan, they might push out without the butter, but I haven't been willing to test that theory.  Also, I do hand-wash my mini cheesecake pan. I want it to last for many years.

Mini Cheesecake Recipe by Sylvestermouse
ReviewThisReviews.com

Prep Time	Cook Time	Cool Time	Total Prep Time	Fridge Set	Ready In	Yields
15 min.	15 min.	45 min.	1 hrs. 15 min.	Time 4 hrs.	5 hrs.	12 servings

Ingredients 

For the crust: 

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (8 graham cracker sheets) 
• 2 tbsp sugar 
• 5 tbsp butter melted 

 
For the cheesecakes: 

• 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature 
• 1/2 cup sugar 
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 
• 1 egg 

 

Instructions 

1. Set out the cream cheese and butter to soften at room temperature for at least an hour before you start
   
2. Wrap the mini cheesecake pan (or muffin pan) with aluminum foil in preparation of water bath baking.  (I wrap each cup separately and then wrap the bottom & sides of the pan with a single sheet of aluminum foil
3. Lightly grease each mini cheesecake cup with softened butter
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. (Convection Oven 325°F) 
   
5. Combine the crust ingredients until well combined
   
6. Using the crust tapper tool, press the crust firmly into the mini cheesecake pan cups (about 1½ tablespoon each)      
7. In a large bowl with spout, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth
   
8. Add egg, beating until just until incorporated (do not overbeat)
   
9. Pour mixture evenly over crusts in the mini cups
   
10. Place mini cheesecake pan in larger pan for water bath (Pour enough HOT water in the pan to reach half way up the pan.) It is easier to set it on the shelf in the oven and then add the water. Pan is really heavy when filled with water 
11. Bake at 350 degrees for 17 minutes in waterbath. Do not over-bake – middle of cheesecakes should be set
    
12. Turn the oven off, open the door slightly and allow the mini cheesecakes to cool in the oven for 45 minutes. 
13. Remove from oven 
14. Remove from mini cheesecake pan and cool completely in the fridge at least 3 hours   

Serve topped with cherry pie filling or other toppings if desired. 

 

Rubbermaid Folding 1-Step Steel Step Stool Reviewed

I recently purchased a Rubbermaid 1-step step stool because I need that extra 10 inches of height to easily reach the upper cabinets and shelves in my kitchen.  I especially need the extra height to access the cabinet over my oven where I store my baking pans.  It seems I need that extra step up somewhere in my kitchen on a daily basis.   

I have several step stools that range from two steps to four steps stored in various places throughout my home.  The more steps they have, the heavier they are to move.  While I love my 4-step foldable step stool, it really is too heavy for me to constantly be moving around or using on a daily basis.  While the 4-step ladder is still necessary to reach the top shelves of the cabinets, I rarely need the items I have stored on those shelves. Frankly, I am surprised I haven't previously bought the much lighter weight 1-step step stool. 

Because the Rubbermaid 1-step step stool is so thin (2") when folded for storage, I can slip it between the end of my counter and my refrigerator.  That keeps it close at hand when needed.

Features of the Rubbermaid 1-Step Steel Step Stool

 Rubbermaid RMS-1 1-Step Steel Step Stool, 225-pound Capacity, WhiteCheck Price

I recommend this specific step stool for several reasons.  It has a lock to keep the from folding up when I am standing on the stool.  Plus, I really like the rubber grip on the top and the rubber feet that keep it from sliding.

• Lightweight - 7.5 lbs
• Slim Profile - Folds up thin - 2 inches
  
• Holds up to 225 lbs 
• Steel Frame
  
• Tread Insert on Step to prevent slipping
• Soft Comfort Grip
  
• Step Locks in Place - Easy Press Button Release 
• Non-slip, Non-marring Feet
  

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Collapsible Stackable Storage Bins with Doors & Removable Lids Reviewed

I love my kitchen, but I wish it had a walk-in pantry.  I have never lived in a home that has a walk-in pantry, but my grandmother-in-law had a fabulous walk-in pantry.  I always thought if I ever built a house, the first thing I would require is a walk-in pantry.

I do have a cabinet pantry, which is pretty, but it simply is not big enough.  My husband's grandmother had room for all kinds of stuff in her walk-in pantry, including small appliances, which left her counter tops clear.  However, since I do not have that awesome walk-in pantry, I am always trying to find alternatives.  

Because we eat most of our meals at home, I need more storage space in my kitchen.  I have a whole shelf in my cabinet pantry dedicated just for the spices I use when cooking and another shelf for baking supplies.  

I hate to admit it, but I started putting surplus supplies behind our washroom door that normally stays open. That was certainly not an attractive solution, but it did provide space for things that I could not fit in the pantry. 

A few weeks ago, something wonderful happened!  I came across storage bins with doors and removable lids.  The fact that they are collapsible, is a huge bonus.  When I do not need them, I can fold them up and store them away.

These storage bins are a lot more attractive than stacked boxes or plastic tubs.  Plus, they fit perfectly behind the open door. 

Collapsible Storage Bins

 Closet Organizers and StorageCheck Price There are 2 sizes available.  Based on the measurements of the space behind the door, I opted for a 3-pack of the 8.4 gallon size containers.  Since I know what is inside the containers, the dark, clear plastic sides allow me to see inside the boxes if I look closely, but would not be clear enough for guests to see the contents.  I can access the contents through the latching doors on the front of each container, or I can lift the lid.

The storage bins have little wheels on each bin for easy moving.  Since the bins stack on top of each other, the lids are made with indentations to accommodate the wheels on a second bin. That construction method gives the overall unit of 3 bins more stability.  They will not easily slide off of each other when moving.  I literally have to pick up the top container to move it from the stack.

These stackable storage bins are the perfect solution for my need for an additional kitchen pantry.  Now that I have them, and using them daily, I can easily think of a few other places in my home or vehicles where they would make a wonderful extra storage place.  

   

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The Importance of Kitchen Knife Guards (or Knife Sheaths) Reviewed

I recently found out the hard way why kitchen knife guards are essential in kitchens!

I have two knife blocks that I constantly use in my kitchen and I love them.  However, I have several chef knifes that I have been given over the years that are not part of a set and do not have a "slot" in the blocks.  For 20+ years I have stored those chef knives in a kitchen drawer, under my cast iron trivets.  Since the trivets sit on little feet, this has worked beautifully for me for all of that time.  I keep those chef knives because we need them during the holidays when I share my kitchen with several family "chefs".

A few months ago, I purchased a Dexter-Russell 12" Scalloped Slicer.  I have been wanting one since fellow contributor, Dawn Rae, recommended the Dexter-Russell 8" Bread Knife.  I needed the 12" instead of the 8" simply because I need to be able to easily cut cake layers in half horizontally.  The Dexter-Russell 12" scalloped slicer is fabulous!  It can cut so much more than cakes or bread and has been a wonderful addition to my kitchen chef knife collection.  I join Dawn in highly recommending the Dexter-Russell knives. 

Unfortunately, there wasn't room for my awesome new Dexter-Russell scalloped slicer under the cast iron trivets so I set it, blade side down, against the side of the drawer.  I keep my hot pads laying on top of the cast iron trivets.  As you can imagine, things shift slightly when hot pads are removed and then put back up.  

By now, you can probably guess what happened.  2 weeks ago, I reached for a hot pad without looking and my finger barely landed on my scalloped slicer. It took over 30 minutes to stop the bleeding. It was the next day before I could touch my finger without the bleeding starting again.  As soon as I could type, I went in search of a knife guard!

One mishap with a knife was all it took for me to seek out knife guards for all of my unprotected chef knives in my kitchen drawer.

Recommended Chef Knife Guards

Fortunately, Dexter-Russell makes a knife guard for the 12" Scalloped Slicer.  It is just as wonderful as the knife itself and it is now protecting my scalloped slicer from my frolicking fingers and hands.

Recognizing the previously ignored need, I also purchased guards for my extra chef knives.  

I also ordered a cover for my most beloved vegetable slicing knife, which was originally my mother's knife that she gave me.  Even though I keep that knife in the drawer with our flatware, I realized it really should have a cover too.  After all, I use it all of the time because it cuts so well.  It needs to be protected from frolicking fingers too!

Due to the length and width of the knives, I purchased different knife guard brands.  

 Mercer Culinary Knife GuardThe Chef Sac knife guards are the perfect size for my 8" chef knives, while the Mercer Culinary knife guard is the perfect size for my long vegetable knife.  The 12" Dexter-Russell knife guard was specially made for my Dexter-Russell scalloped slicer, so of course, it is perfect.  There are additional sizes available in the Dexter-Russell guards.

All of the guards are completely open on one long edge so knives slip in and out of the guard with intentional pulling pressure, but they do not slip out otherwise.  The Chef Sac knife guards have felt interiors which I am not crazy about, but they do the needed job of covering the knife blade and they fit the knives.  

Either the Dexter-Russell or the Mercer brand (shown on the right) would be my first choice in knife guards. Which one I would purchase, would be determined by which brand offers the size needed.

I washed all of the guards in dishwashing soap before I used them.  The felt lined guards took 2 days to air-dry on the inside, which is why I don't like them as well.  I doubt the felt will hold up to a lot of wear & tear, but it probably will reduce scratches on the knife blade as claimed.  Since I only use those chef knives during the holidays, the Chef Sac knife guards will probably last years for me.

 

 Chef Sac Knife Edge GuardsCheck Price Mercer Culinary Knife Guard, 10 Inch x 1.5 InchCheck Price Knife Guard, 12 In, Poly, BlackCheck Price Dexter-Russell KG8W Wide 8-3/8Check Price

Regardless of the chosen brand, I highly recommend covering all knife blades with knife guards if they are stored in drawers or anywhere other than a knife block. The guards are definitely cheaper than an emergency room visit and a lot less painful.

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