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Tuesday, February 28, 2023

A Review of the Foodsaver Vacuum Sealing System

Considering the price of food today, it is ridiculous to let it spoil. It is like throwing your money in the garbage! If you are like me, you have a lot of good intentions when it comes to the food you buy.

Such as:

You buy a family sized package of pork chops, thinking how many meals you are going to make with all that meat and when you get home from the store, in a rush as always, you just toss it in the freezer. Then when you want to make porkchops for dinner, you go to the freezer, only to see six porkchops frozen together in a big lump. Now you know if you thaw them all, the ones you don't cook will probably spoil before you decide to have them again for dinner, so you just leave them in the freezer and have spaghetti instead.

This same scenario is played again and again over the next few months until that package of porkchop is darkened and dried up with freezer burn. With regret, you take it out of the freezer and throw it in the trash.

You know this has happened to you, it has happened to all of us! I cannot count the number of times I have bought large portions, intending to save money by meal planning, only to end up thowing it out. It either spoils or gets lost in the freezer.

The day I decided to change this pattern of behavior was the day I cleaned out my chest freezer when we were preparing to move. I just could not believe the amount of freezer burned meat and other items that were in the bottom of that freezer. The food that I ended up throwing out could have fed us for a month!. I said right then and there, no more!!!

After much research and talking to friends, I decided to buy a Foodsaver V4400 Vacuum Sealer.

Foodsaver V4400 Vacuum Sealer

It is their middle of the road sealing machine, not the top end or low end. I had recently had a dozen meat chickens butchered (we moved out to the country) and I thought this would be a great time to try out our Foodsaver. With only two of us in the house, those 12 chickens would be in the freezer for a long time and I did not want them freezer burned.

My husband and I sat down and read the directions and found them very clear and easy to understand. We grouped the chicken pieces how we wanted to freeze them and we were off! We were both surprised how quick and easy it was to package all that chicken. While we were at it, we decided to package up some green beans that I had picked and cleaned the day before. They came out beautifully. Even after packaging all that, we still did not use up all the bags that came with the machine when we bought it. We were impressed!

How to Use a Foodsaver Video

In case you are thinking that you only need a vacuum sealer if you raise your own chickens and garden, nothing could be further from the truth. We also use it for cheese, lunch meat, fruit and many other things that we buy at the grocery store. It cuts way down on food spoilage. A block of cheese that is vacuum sealed will not mold for weeks if stored properly. You can also vacuum seal all kinds of leftovers, from steak to Sweet and Sour Pork. It will lengthen the shelf life of just about anything in the refrigerator.

As many bags as they did give us with the machine, they did eventually run out. To buy more, I took a look on Amazon, and found the Foodsaver bags to be pretty pricey. However, there are perfectly good bags of other brands that work well and are less expensive. The kind I use and like best are Reli Vacuum Sealer Bags. You get 4 rolls of 8" wide x 50 feet long, so they can be cut to any size.

Reli Vaccum Seal Rolls

While a Foodsaver is not an inexpensive purchase, if you use it, I guarantee that you will save money on food and you will recover the price you paid. You will also find that your food tastes better when stored properly. It is definitely worth it.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Monday, February 27, 2023

Dog Slicker Review

Rain rain go away! It's that time of year - oh wait! That is every time of year in this area of the United States where rain seems to be a year long event. The weather has been so rainy this year I decided the Fluff, aka as the dog, needed some rain attire to brave the elements.

I purchased the HDE Dog Rain Slicker and have not been disappointed! Easy to wear, functional, a breeze to put on and take off plus the slicker comes in a few fun colors and patterns. The slicker comes in four sizes and I chose a medium which fit true to the size chart.

Selection of Patterns and Colors

This rain slicker comes in a large selection of colors and patterns. I chose the humorous pattern for a change of pace. And --- chances are if it is raining hard enough for a dog rain coat in the northern United States a little whimsy is a good idea to brighten the mood for all. I will say dog walkers passing by do get a good chuckle out of this coat.

Function

This dog coat is more like a slicker. The coat is very lightweight, yet has enough body so that the hood will stay on. The reflective stripes are a good safety feature and the velcro makes it easy to put the coat on and take it off.

What Does The Fluff Think?

The fluff approves of the coat! The fluff tolerates the hood. As you can see by this slightly side eye look of OK I won't protest, I don't love the hood, but I will humor you.

I like the hood because the fluff is not a wash and wear dog. The fluff has real hair verses fur which means that rain equals wet hair equals blow dryer equals now we have an issue. As the fluff has curly hair as well the hair needs to be dried to avoid matting. I appreciate the fluff cooperates with the hood for heavy rain events. If the weather is just drippy I do not always use the hood.

Recommendation

I really like this rain coat for the price and function particularly in the warm weather months in the northern United States. I reviewed a heavier rain coat which I use for the colder heavier rains earlier this year. Both coats work well all year round and are a good addition to your pet tool belt of accessories to make your life and your pet's life just a little easier and more comfortable.

More Dog Rain Coat reviews >> Yellow Dog Rain Coat reviewed

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Sunday, February 26, 2023

Tablescapes: Creating Beautiful Settings for Easter and Other Spring Celebrations

Spring is such a refreshing and vibrant season and what better way to celebrate it than by creating a stunning tablescape for Easter and other springtime events? With a few simple touches, you can make your guests feel warmly welcomed and surrounded by beauty.

Select Your Preferred Color Scheme for the Table Setting

To start off, it's important to choose your color scheme wisely. While pastels are a popular choice for Easter, you can also opt for bold and bright hues that capture the energy and vitality of spring. Think of blooming flowers and fresh leaves as inspiration for your color palette. Also, consider how your choice matches the room.

Table Linens - Which Colors and Styles Would Work Best For Your Space

Once you have your colors, you can select your table linens. A classic, crisp white tablecloth always works, but you can also experiment with patterned or textured fabrics to add depth and interest. Try using a table runner or placemats in a complementary color to create a layered effect.

Add a Beautiful Centerpiece

The next step is to add your centerpiece. For Easter, a lovely traditional floral arrangement is perfect. Consider including springtime blooms such as tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in a mix of pastel hues. You can also incorporate some greenery, like ferns or eucalyptus, to add texture and fullness.

Consider Accessories to Compliment the Table Setting

To add a personal touch to your tablescape, consider adding small details like place cards, napkin rings, or even decorative eggs. These little touches will make your guests feel extra special and bring even more charm to your setting.

Don't Forget About the Lighting

Lastly, lighting is important to keep in mind. Soft and warm lighting creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while brighter lighting adds energy and vibrancy. You could use candles or string lights to create a soft, warm glow that enhances the beauty of your table.

Creating a gorgeous spring tablescape is all about capturing the essence of the season and infusing your own personal style. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can create a setting that is both breathtaking and welcoming. Embrace the season of renewal and let your imagination run wild.

Here are several product ideas to help you get that decor thinking cap going!

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Saturday, February 25, 2023

Cold Cold Bones – Book Review

A Temperance Brennan Novel by Kathy Reichs

Kathy Reichs' books in her series about Temperance Brennan, forensic anthropologist in Charlotte, North Carolina and Quebec Canada, have fascinated me for years. Reichs has written 21 books in the series (The Bone Code #20 was reviewed here on ReviewThisReviews). Cold Cold Bones is her latest (#21) in the series.

Cold Cold Bones Synopsis

Cold Cold Bones is a novel by Kathy Reichs

As the story begins, it is wintertime in North Carolina. Tempe (Temperance Brennan) is enjoying a light work schedule at the Charlotte, NC Medical Examiner's office due to a drop in crime. This gives her time to dote on her daughter, Katy, who has just returned to civilian life from a stint in the army. Meeting up at Tempe's place for dinner together, Tempe and Katy discover a box on the back porch containing a very fresh human eyeball.

Enlisting the help of detective Erskins “Skinny” Slidell, retired but still volunteering with the Charlotte Police Department's cold case unit, they follow a lead left with the eyeball to a Benedictine monastery where they then discover the head the eyeball came from. Shortly afterwards, a mummified corpse is discovered in a nearby state park.

Eventually joined by Tempe's Montreal-based boyfriend, Andrew Ryan, who is now working as a private detective, the 3 discover a series of gruesome killings which strangely appear to reenact several of Tempe's prior cases.

As elaborately staged deaths continue, each mimicking one of her earlier cases, Tempe is at a loss to find a motive for them... and then her daughter disappears!

Summary

Tempe Brennan appears to be targeted, but she cannot figure out who, or why. It seems as though revisiting the past may be the only way to unravel the present.

Cold Cold Bones is a suspenseful whodunit novel of revenge which will keep you guessing until the last pages.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Easy Lasagna Recipe

This is the easiest lasagna recipe I have ever tried that yields a delicious lasagna that everyone loves. I am happy to review and share it with you today.

We have several family members who do not like pieces or chunks of tomato in any recipe. We also have family members who do not like cottage cheese and won't get within 10 feet of anything that is made with cottage cheese. Therefore traditional lasagna recipes are not something my family will eat.

Decades ago, I started trying to develop a lasagna recipe for my family and their preferences. After a few trials, I finally came up with a recipe that works for us. The ingredients are basic enough that anyone, including children, will enjoy eating this lasagna. I have served it to dozens (or more) of people over the years with nothing but praise.

Hope your family and friends love it too!

My Easy Lasagna Recipe

1 Jar of Paul Newman Marinara Sauce
1 1/2 lbs. Ground Chuck
1 Ricotta Cheese (15 oz)
1 Box Lasagna Noodles (8 - 10 noodles will be used)
4 Cups Mozzarella Cheese - shredded

Directions

Brown ground chuck & drain grease off of the meat. Season meat to taste. I use salt, pepper & chili powder
Add Marinara sauce, cover with lid and simmer about 10 minutes
Cook lasagna noodles as instructed on the box & drain
In a 9 x 13 baking dish, spread just enough sauce to cover bottom of pan (this prevents sticking)
Put in a layer of noodles
Cover noodles with approximately 1/2 of the sauce
With a spoon, drop spoonfuls of Ricotta Cheese onto the sauce and spread carefully
Sprinkle top evenly with 2 cups of Mozzarella Cheese
Repeat noodles, the rest of sauce, more Ricotta cheese and top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the over on 325 for 30 min.

Note: For those of you who love tomato slices, feel free to add a layer of tomato slices. If you prefer cottage cheese, simply use it instead of the ricotta cheese.

For more of my tried and true family recipes, please visit Cooking for the Holidays

I also contribute to our Recipes category right here on Review This Reviews alongside some really fabulous home cooks! This is a category you will not want to miss.