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Friday, January 5, 2018

Nordic Ware Sweet Snowflakes Pan Reviewed

The Nordic Ware Sweet Snowflakes Pan Makes a Beautiful Pattern on an Otherwise Plain Baked Product

I received several Nordic Ware pans this year for Christmas, which thrilled me beyond belief. I love to cook and I like for everything I bake to make a "pretty" presentation. However, I have several recipes for baked products that are not frosted or decorated. As a result, they may taste fabulous, but they are not pretty on a table. When I bake those kinds of cakes or baked products in a Nordic Ware pan, then they have a pretty design on the top or a pretty shape and I am a happy baker.

Even cornbread is pretty when baked in a Nordic Ware Sweet Snowflakes pan.

snowflake shaped cornbread made by Cynthia Sylvestermouse

The Nordic Ware Sweet Snowflakes Shortbread Pan

Nordic Ware Sweet Snowflakes Shortbread Pan, SilverCheck PriceOkay, we can all see that the pan says it is for shortbread. A very easy shortbread recipe is included with the pan.

However, regardless of the title, it is a baking pan, period. It actually may seem a little misleading that is says "shortbread". One might think you could only bake shortbread in this pan. Not true! Think single layer cake and you will have a better description of the pan in my opinion.

Nordic Ware pans are made of cast aluminum and have a non-stick coating. They are slightly heavier than the commonly used standard thin steel cake pans, but no where near as heavy as a cast iron skillet. Like any other baking pan, I grease my Nordic Ware pans with Crisco shortening or heavy butter before each use. The cake or bread will easily turn right out without sticking.

This particular Snowflake pan holds 6 cups. Due to bread or cakes rising, you never fill the pan more than half full.

I should note, I do hand wash all of my cake pans whether they are Nordic Ware or some other brand. I want them to last my lifetime and beyond. Each Nordic Ware pan does have a lifetime warranty, but I have never had a reason to test that warranty.

More Nordic Ware Bakeware

Warning, once you have tried your first Nordic Ware Pan, you will want more.

My first Nordic Ware pan was the Sweetheart Rose pan featured below. I love making muffins in that pan! Several years ago, I started making my banana bread in that pan and I love the shaped design. I don't think I have made a regular loaf of banana bread since.

Nordic Ware Sweetheart Rose PanCheck Price Nordic Ware Sweet Snowflakes Shortbread Pan, SilverCheck Price Nordic Ware Snowflake PanCheck Price Nordic Ware Bundt Charms, 1.2 Cup, GoldCheck Price

Thursday, January 4, 2018

One Perfect Word - Book Review

Book review of New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber's One Perfect Word.

One Perfect Word by Debbie Macomber

Will you be tapping into the power of one word in 2018? One word, carefully chosen, can make a real difference in living more purposefully in the new year. Debbie Macomber, beloved author of millions, shares with us, in One Perfect Word, how her chosen words have changed her life in profound ways.

For most of us, focusing on one significant word is much more realistic than wrestling with those pesky New Year's resolutions. Over the years, I have set hundreds of resolutions. It would be humiliating to tally up how many of those well-intentioned resolutions I have actually kept. After reading One Perfect Word, I feel confident that I can, and will, experience meaningful growth in 2018. There's no time like the present to begin. Let's get started!

You may be wondering how to select your word. As a Christian, Macomber's process is done prayerfully. Some of her words over the years have included: passion, desire, balance, purpose, seek, wisdom, surrender, trust, believe, and hope. Some people don't have to search very hard for their words. The right words seem to find them. Is there a word that keeps popping up in your life lately? Perhaps that word is trying to get your attention and is saying 'choose me... choose me.'

So once Macomber has her word, what then? Over the course of the year she reads, reflects, journals, meets with friends in her One Word weekly breakfast club for discussions, and enjoys creative Wordplay activities. By giving yourself a whole year to slowly digest the gleanings of your word, there is plenty of opportunity to nourish your spirit without the rush or anxiety of looming deadlines.

It's not just Christians who delve into the One Word system of growth. Individuals of all backgrounds have found this to be a powerful means of achieving desired outcomes. Due to the popularity of this process, there are one word themed books in many different genres. Each of you can choose the method that best speaks to who you are and what you are seeking. Perhaps you will develop a whole new personalized system to share with others in your circle.

This is the second time I have read One Perfect Word. Macomber's book continues to inspire me to become all that I was created to be. For me, it was the perfect way to start my new year. I believe Christian book clubs, Bible study groups, and individuals of faith will find this to be a worthy read.

Have you ever selected a word for the year? Do you have a word in mind for 2018? I would love for you to share in the comment section below.

Happy New Year! May 2018 be the Year of Abundant Becoming.

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Best Books As Reviewed By Me in 2017

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Best Books & Reviews 2017

What follows is a list of the books that I highly recommended in my book reviews in 2017. I did not write a book review for absolutely every book that I read though I did cover quite a few of them and I think that I probably included the best of them. How could I resist writing about a book that I loved? I figure that the few that are missing are likely the books that I did not enjoy reading or perhaps a couple that were missed during a busy time. Anyway, here is my list of HIGHLY RECOMMENDED books that I reviewed here on Review This.

I wrote eleven book reviews and five of them ranked well enough to receive the coveted HIGHLY RECOMMENDED distinction, LOL. These are the books that I thoroughly enjoyed and that stood out above the others:

The Nightingale

Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale is a World War II story set in German-occupied France. I recommend this novel for anyone who enjoys World War II fiction and a good story. Find my complete review here.

The One Man

Andrew Gross’ The One Man is another well-crafted World War II story this time set in Poland. Once again, I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys World War II fiction and a gripping story. Find my complete review here.

Extreme Prey

John Sanford’s Extreme Prey is also on this list because it is highly recommended but it earned that distinction from a guest writer for whom I have the utmost respect, my husband. Chris has read and enjoyed almost all of Sandford’s works so obviously, I must check out John Sanford in 2018. Meanwhile, you can find Chris' complete review here.

Mr. Mercedes

Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes is an unexpected book addition to both my reading list and to this list of highly recommended books. In 1987, with the release of the book Misery and the subsequent movie, I decided that King's works were too horror filled for me. Until that year, I had read every book he had written but since that day, I have read none. That is, until Mr. Mercedes.

Anyway, Mr. Mercedes was a book club pick from a member whose preferred books are by Stephen King. She wanted to introduce the members of our group who had never read one of his books to his writing. In my mind, this was an excellent choice and many were enthralled by this police detective novel though of course it opens in a very horrible manner. Crime/detective stories often do. Find my complete review of Mr. Mercedes here and be sure not to miss the rest of the trilogy.

The Century Trilogy

Finally, Ken Follett’s The Century Trilogy, which includes three volumes: Fall of Giants, Winter of the World and Edge of Eternity. These three lengthy novels kept me thoroughly entertained for many, many hours. Find my review here.

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Other books that I wrote about but that did not receive the top designation of HIGHLY RECOMMENDED were Losing Graceland by Micah Nathan, Remains of the Day by Kazuo Isiguro, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Hallmark’s A Century of Caring, Talking As Fast As I Can by Lauren Graham and The Art of Racing by Garth Stein. They are still worth options for your book list.

How does my list stack up? Did you enjoy any of these books? What were your favorite reads in 2017?

Here’s to another
great year in books!
Brenda

Quick Links:

See all of the book reviews on Review This.
Amazon’s Bestsellers 2017 Book List.
(Yes, I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through this link.)

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Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Ghee Butter Reviewed

The Recipe Called For Ghee

Image of butter courtesy of pixabay.com

After Santa brought me my InstantPot pressure cooker, I noticed some of the recipes called for ghee butter. I will admit right here in front of all of you that I had no idea what that meant. So, of course I looked it up.

Turns out it is used often in Indian cuisine but has found a place with cooks around the world. The short answer would be that it is basically clarified butter to use in cooking.

That was the simple explanation and really doesn't do ghee justice. To make this improvement (my opinion) on regular butter the butter is melted and simmered until all of the water evaporates and the milk solids fall to the bottom. In essence a butter oil is created in the process.

Organic Ghee Butter

Not only does this taste like butter (it is actually) but it supposed to be better for us. The bad fats have been removed and most folks who have a problem with lactose intolerance find that ghee doesn't bother them. What I like about it is that it doesn't burn like regular butter does when you are trying to saute items. The burn temperature is much higher with ghee. No smoking problem or burnt taste if you aren't careful. That is one reason it is recommended when making InstantPot recipes.

It has a long shelf-life, too. Out of the refrigerator it should be good for two to three months and if kept in the fridge it should be good for about one year. As much as I have started cooking with it, I won't have to worry about it going bad. I'll use it up before it has a chance to expire!

Personally, I think the foods that I have used it in taste better. That might be my imagination but it is my opinion none the less. There has been no noticeable loss of taste to me or my husband and we love our butter!

I'm glad that I took the time to research what the recipes were calling for and then ordered it to try. It is now something that I will keep in my pantry from now on. How about you? Have you tried ghee?

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Monday, January 1, 2018

We Wish You the Best This New Year

All the world welcomes a new calendar year today.

This time of year is a time to reflect on things passed. Whether or not you set New Year's resolutions, the beginning of the new year is often viewed as a fresh start with feelings of rejuvenation. A time to plan for the coming year.

A Year in Review at Review This!

Thanks to our beloved readers, 2017 was a good year for our site. We continued to grow this year and over time have welcomed 795,884 of you to our site. Your visits, comments, and shares are greatly appreciated.

2017 also brought us grief and loss with the passing of one of our writers - Susan Deppner. She was (and is) loved by so many.

As we look ahead to 2018, our goal is to continue to provide heartfelt and honest reviews. We plan to continue to share those things that make us happy; those things that make our lives easier and more enjoyable. Our hope is that you continue to find our reviews helpful.

On behalf of the writers at Review This! we wish you all the best. May your 2018 be filled with joy, peace, health, and success.

Best Wishes,
Dawn Rae
on behalf of the Review This! writers

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