Appetizers on Ice Buffet Serving Trays Review

For many years, I have made appetizer and fruit trays for our guests during the holidays.  The smell of food cooking always makes everyone hungry long before the dinner is ready.  Fruit and vegetable appetizers are the perfect way to take the edge off hunger without completely ruining the meal.

The only problem with cut fruit and vegetables is the short counter life.  Both fruit and vegetables start to "age" as soon as they are removed from the refrigerator.  Once they have set out for a short while, there is absolutely nothing appetizing about looking at them, much less eating them.   This year I tried something new.  I purchased several iced buffet serving trays and they were fabulous!

I actually left the cut fruits and vegetables out for hours.  At the end of the day, they were just as ripe and delicious 10 hours after I first set them out.  I did have to change the ice several times during the day, but that was easy.  I was also able to save the leftovers to eat later.

Buffet on Ice Serving Trays with Lids

Because I wasn't sure whether I wanted the iced trays with or without lids, I purchased one of each.  After using them both, I now have a clear preference for which one works best for our family.  I actually liked the lidded appetizer on ice tray the best.  Since the appetizers were set out for all day "grazing" instead of a short duration luncheon style buffet, it was wonderful to have the food covered.  

 Prodyne AB-5-L Appetizers-On-Ice with Lids

• Revolving Tray - Lazy Susan Style
• Pretty Scalloped Edge
• 3 Lidded Sections
• Lids have Handles 
• Removable lidded Dip Dish included
• Clear
• Lightweight 
• 16 3/6" wide
• 5" deep

Note:  Before I purchased this tray, I read the reviews.  Several people complained about the vent holes.  They were not a problem at all for the fruit, vegetables or cheese that I served.  However, if you are serving an appetizer that has sauce, then I would recommend the tray below.

& 

As you can see in the photo, you fill the bottom tray with a layer of ice, set the tray section over the ice, then cover with the lids.  When the ice melts, you remove the lidded sections, pour off the water and add a new layer of ice.

Buffet on Ice Serving Trays without Lids

 Clear 2pc Appetizer Server with Ice TrayThis is the second iced buffet serving tray I purchased and used.  It does not have lids, it does not turn, and it does not have the vent holes like the tray above.  The sections have solid bottoms.  This is a two piece design where the entire top tray lifts away from the lower tray of ice.

However, there are no lids and no removable dip dish.  This style would be an excellent choice for a luncheon or buffet dinner where an open server would be preferred. 

This is a perfectly acceptable appetizers on ice buffet serving tray and I will certainly use it again.  But, my first choice would be the pretty scalloped tray with the lids and separate dip dish above. 

Both serving trays would need to be hand-washed.  

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Rectangular Serving Plates Reviewed

Serving Platter For Large Dinners

This turkey needs a serving plate (image from Pixabay.com)

Let's review an option for rectangular serving plates, today. I know, as I write this we haven't even celebrated Halloween yet this year. Before we know it, it will be time to sit down to Thanksgiving Dinner and then in December there will be the Christmas Dinner. Do you have enough serving plates to accommodate those larger portions of food?

I have found a set of three serving plates that will come in mighty handy for those dinners or parties that we often host during the year. What I love about this set is that they do not have a design that will make you feel like you can only use them for one specific holiday. I have always been fond of those wonder old turkey platters with the turkey design on them but they look a little silly if you use them for anything other than Thanksgiving. So, they sit in the cupboard to be pulled out once during the year. That is not very practical is it? 

What I love about this set of three is that you have three different sizes of plates to serve on: small, medium and large. The largest plate is 15.6 inches by 8.8 inches and will serve nicely for a large turkey, ham, or pot roast. The medium size is 13.8 inches by 7.5 inches and will work well with a variety of dishes for the dinner or party. The smallest plate is 12.2 inches by 6.5 inches and is perfect for appetizers or just about anything! 

I also love that they are white in color. There is nothing that will distract from any pattern we might have on our dinnerware. They can be used for any occasion we plan to serve a lot of people and will stack nicely in the cupboard. 

This set of three rectangular serving plates are made of porcelain so that can be used in the freezer or oven and can be washed in the dishwasher. Now, I think that makes them even more practical! 

Rectangular Serving Plates

How about you? Do you think that this set of serving platters would function well for your large gatherings of family and friends during the year? 

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The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

A good keto pizza crust is one of the things people who follow a very low carb lifestyle dream about. Until recently, making your own fathead dough keto pizza crusts from scratch by blending melted shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, eggs and almond flour or coconut flour was the best option. But, while many people love it and it does make a pretty good "holder" for tasty low carb pizza toppings, neither my husband nor I found it a satisfying substitute for conventional pizza crusts made with wheat flour and semolina flour.

Fortunately, more and more keto pizza crust alternatives have been coming on the market and I have started working my way through the most promising looking ones, as I explained in my recent review of The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe featuring vegetable-based frozen Kbosh keto crusts. 

I have made two pies so far using Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix and my husband and I liked them so much that we have added this mix to our Amazon Subscribe & Save auto-deliveries.

When you taste it, you will be shocked that this excellend keto pizza crust mix has 0 net carbs per serving!

Note: I discovered that Scotty's modified their recipe so it has less sodium and increased the serving size from 1/12 to 1/8 of the dry or prepared mix, which is a much more realistic serving size (yay!). I have updated this post accordingly as of July 2023. 

A Tasty Keto Pizza Crust With Just 80 Calories, 5g of Fat and 0 Net Carbs!

Fathead dough pizza crust recipes usually have several net carbs per slice as well as a lot of fat from the mozzeralla cheese, cream cheese, eggs and almond flour! When I first saw that Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix has just 80 calories, 5g of fat and an amazing 0 net carbs per serving, I was pretty skeptical. With macros that low, how could it not taste like cardboard (like so many disappointing low carb and keto baking mixes and baked goods on the market)? 

On the other hand, I liked the first mix I tried from the company, Scotty's Everyday Keto Cupcake & Cake Mix, which is remarkably good for something with 0 net carbs. You may remember it as the cupcake mix I used for The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe. So, I decided to give Scotty's Everyday keto pizza crust mix a try as well.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the full nutrition facts for Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix, prepared according to the package directions with 3/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

Amount Per Serving (serving size 1/8 prepared keto pizza crust mix):

Calories	80
Total Fat	5g
Sat. Fat	1g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	280mg
Total Carbohydrate	22g
Dietary Fiber	22g
Total Sugars	0g
Added Sugars	0g
Protein	2.5g

Net Carbs Calculation 22g total carbs –22g dietary fiber = 0 net carbs

Enjoy a Slice (or Two or Three) Guilt-Free!

With so few calories and 0 net carbs, there's no need to limit myself to just one small slice when I make a yummy keto pizza with Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix. Even though the stated serving size is 1/8 of the prepared dough, I usually cut my baked pies into quarters and then eighths and serve two of these generous slices each (i.e., 1/4 of the pie) to my husband and me, along with a fresh, colorful side salad.

I reheated some leftover keto pizza tonight for a quick, delicious dinner that was ready in minutes!

We refigerate the remaining four slices (1/2 pie) and reheat it for a super quick and easy dinner or lunch on another day. We have found that pies made with this keto pizza crust mix reheat beautifully! And who doesn't love leftover pizza?

Non-GMO, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free Pizza Crust

I really like the use of clean, non-GMO ingredients in this mix. More importantly, people with certain food allergies or other dietary restrictions will appreciate being able to eat a delicious pizza crust that is vegan, gluten-free and nut free.

Prepared Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix in a lightly oiled 12" stainless steel pizza pan

Quick and Easy to Prepare

Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix is quick and easy to make. Just mix it with water and olive oil in a stand mixer with a paddle attachment until the dough comes together and then knead the dough for 3 minutes, either by hand or in a stand mixer with a lightly oiled dough hook (which is what I use).

Unlike conventional pizza dough made with yeast, there's no need to wait for the dough to rise. Just combine the mix with the water and oil, knead the dough and it's ready to roll!

Place the dough on a large, lightly oiled surface (I highly recommend a silicone pastry mat) and roll it out to a 10"–12" circle, depending on your preferred size of pizza crust. Then just transfer it to a lightly oiled pizza pan, brush the top of the crust with a little more olive oil, top with your favorite low carb pizza toppings, and bake in a preheated 425 ℉ oven for 15–18 minutes and cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

My first pie made with Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix and topped with mozzarella, fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, ham, fresh basil leaves and freshly grated Parmigiana-Romano cheese, ready for the oven...

...and after baking. You can see how the thin edges of the crust were so crisp that they cracked a bit when I tried using a spatula to lift the baked pie out of the pan and onto a cutting board for slicing.

Surprisingly Good Taste and Texture

Low carb, keto-friendly macros and ease of preparation are all well and good. But, of course, the big question is, how does it taste?

Realistically, no low carb dough is going to be as good as a Bertucci's pizza crust! That said, I find that Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix produces one that is much more similar to a wheat-based pizza crust (and also much sturdier) than fathead dough or vegetable-based Kbosh keto crusts (which my husband and I also enjoy in my quick and easy low carb keto pizza recipe, especially on busy weeknights).

My pies tend to be loaded with lots of toppings including wet ones like pizza sauce and ricotta cheese, which can make even a conventional crust a bit soggy. However, we were pleasantly surprised at how firm our crusts made with the Scotty's Everyday mix and baked on the lower rack of the oven came out. The exposed edges had a delightfully crunchy exterior and slightly chewy interior.

Next time I plan to try rolling the dough thinner and building up a slightly thicker rim.

If you have tried other low carb pizza crusts and been disappointed, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised by this high-quality mix!

My second pie made with Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix, topped with pizza sauce, ricotta cheese, portobello mushroom slices, diced ham, shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmigiana Romano cheese

Try This (Or Any) Scotty's Everyday Mix Risk-Free

I love buying from companies that stand behind their products. Scotty's Everyday mixes are backed by a 365-day guarantee: If you're unhappy for any reason, contact them and "we'll make it right."

High quality keto baking ingredients cost more than conventional, less nutritious ones like wheat flour. Naturally, high quality, low carb baking mixes also cost more than mixes from big-name brands made by big, multinational corporations.

You may want to start by ordering just one package of this keto pizza crust mix to see how you like it. However, the price is significantly less expensive per package if you order a 3-pack of Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix, and you'll save even more if you choose Amazon's Subscribe & Save option.

Either way, you can feel confident placing your order, knowing that you can contact the company for a refund if you aren't happy with the product(s) you purchased.

It was quick and effortless to slice this 12" pie with my razor-sharp KitchenStar 14" stainless steel rocker-style pizza cutter. If you look closely, you can see part of the black blade cover at the far left.

Helpful Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Pizza

I make pizza for dinner frequently find that having the right tools for the job makes things a lot easier. Here are some of the kitchen tools I use most often for this purpose, whether I'm making a traditiona-crust or keto pizza.

Large, Nonstick Pastry Mat With Printed Measurements

I love using my HIC Harold Import Co 18 x 24-Inch Pastry Mat to roll out all types of dough. It's extra large, nonstick, easy to clean, extra large and rolls up neatly into a lidded plastic storage tube when not in use. Best of all, it is printed with helpful measurements for rolling out doughs for pies, tarts, and up to a 16-inch pizza crust. I also appreciate that the printing of the measurements is durable. I've owned my mat since 2012 and it still looks almost new. If that one is out of stock, this silicone pastry mat is very similar.

Although I didn't expect to when I purchased it, I've found that I much prefer it to my old, traditional cloth pastry mats, not only for low carb baking but also for conventional doughs, since the nonstick surface doesn't need to be coated in flour to keep pie crust or other doughs from sticking (which can make them tough if they absorb too much extra flour during rolling). 

Cordeirite Pizza Stone

Baking your traditional or low carb crust on a preheated pizza stone makes a world of difference in terms of crispness and even baking! The best results come from baking directly on the preheated stone or on parchment paper placed on top of the stone, but that requires a pie peel, which I finally ordered but have not yet received. Even if I build my pie on an oiled or parchment lined stainless steel pizza pan, I still place the filled pan on the preheated stone for baking. 

Since we now have a large countertop oven but no wall oven, the pan sizes I can use are limited. I love my durable cordeirite 12” Round Pizza Stone that can withstand temperatures up to 1400 ℉ without cracking and can even be used on a grill.

Stainless Steel Pizza Pan

A stainless steel pizza pan may not result in as crisp a crust as baking directly on a pizza stone, but it makes building and transferring your pie into and out of the hot oven a lot easier. It can also help protect your stone from drips and stains (as can baking parchment). This set of two stainless steel pizza pans costs less than $15 (at the time of this post's publication) and my pans have been in use nearly every week since I got them.

Precut Baking Parchment Sheets

If you have read some of my other recipe posts, you'll know that I am a huge fan of precut, flat baking parchment sheets. I have them in several sizes and shapes and use them all the time.

I have been cutting down 16" x 12" sheets, but I just found these 12" round flat unbleached baking parchment sheets that are the perfect size for my low carb pizza crusts and immediately ordered a package.

Sharp, Rocker-Style Stainless Steel Pizza Cutter With Protective Blade Cover

Rotary pizza wheels are small and convenient to store and do a fine job of cutting pies. However, I have always found them a pain to clean, especially since I like to made "loaded" pizzas with lots of layers of toppings and lots of gooey melted cheese, which tends to cling and leave a greasy residue that can get stuck between the round cutting wheel and the riveted arms that attach it to the handle. Even though many claim to be dishwasher safe, I prefer to wash knives and other kitchen tools with sharp blades by hand to avoid dulling the cutting edge.

Earlier this year, I finally decided to try a different style of pizza cutter, one that made it extremely quick and easy to cut an entire pie into neat slices with straight, clean edges in just seconds with minimal effort. The first time I tried it, I was so thrilled with it that I immediately retired my old rotary-style cutting wheel.

I chose the KitchenStar 14" Sharp Stainless Steel Rocker-Style Pizza Cutter With Blade Cover, which is the perfect length for cutting my 12" pies. (It is also available in a 10" length for smaller pies and 16" and 18" lengths for larger pies.) It's a beautifully made, sturdy, heavy-duty cutter made from 18/0 food grade stainless steel and has thick, perforated plastic blade cover to protect the razor-sharp edge (and your family's fingers!) when not in use. The extremely sharp cutting edge cuts through even vegetables and meat toppings cleanly and easily, and the very comfortable, ergonomic, integrated rolled handle provides excellent leverage and control.

I'm planning to use this fabulous rocher-style slicer for many other kitchen uses as well, such as cutting sheet cakes, brownies and bar cookies into even strips and rectangles.

Tip: To protect your pizza pan, pizza stone and slicer blade, I highly recommend transferring the baked pie to a large cutting board before cutting it into slices.

Help Make a Low Carb or Keto Pizza Lover's Dream Come True

Order 3-packs on Amazon and save!

A tasty keto pizza crust that's quick and easy to prepare, has a firm yet chewy texture and just 50 calories, 3.5g of fat and 0 net carbs per slice really is a low carb pizza lover's dream come true! 

If someone you know is trying to follow a keto diet or low carb lifestyle or a vegan, gluten-free or nut-free diet, they might love to receive a bag of Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust as a gift. To make it even more special, consider putting together a gift basket or box with a few packages of this mix and one or more of the pizza making tools and supplies I've recommended in this review.

Make Delicious Calzones With This Mix, Too!

You can use your Scotty's Everyday Keto Pizza Crust Mix for more than just pizzas. Check out my fabulous Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones Recipe that uses this mix for the crust. Scrumptious!

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

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Lap Desk or Serving Tray with Detachable Cushion Reviewed

I prefer the comfort of my recliner to the straight back chairs at our dining tables or counter top, but I need a flat surface table top for paperwork and my smaller craft projects.  

Several years ago, I purchased a long, flat finished board that lays across the arms of my recliner to create a table top.  Unfortunately, it has no sides which limits its uses.  I recently went in search of a lap desk with sides and came across a serving tray that offers exactly what I need for paying bills, processing paperwork, and working on my small craft projects.  It even has an indention to keep a cup from sliding around on the table.  I use that recessed indentation in the top for holding pins and beads when crafting & my coffee cup when working on my paperwork.  It has proven to be perfect for my needs.

The lap tray I selected has a detachable cushion on the bottom of the tray which takes the full weight off my legs and serves to raise the height of the tray to a better position for writing.

 

Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion

 Pickmesh Bamboo Lap Tray with Detachable Cushion Wood Bed Serving Tray - 16.9 x 13 Inch Wood Lap DeskCheck PriceI have several trays throughout my home, but none have been suitable for my lap writing desk needs until I found this lap tray with a cushion.  I hadn't previously considered how a cushion under the tray could make such a big difference.  The fabric on the cushion keeps the smooth tray from sliding around, plus it lifts the tray high enough to work on. 

The side handles allow me to easily pick up and carry the tray without disturbing whatever is laying on it.  Since it is so lightweight, I can grab the handles and stand straight up from a sitting position without straining under the weight to maintain balance.  

At 16.9 inches wide, it sits perfectly on my lap between the arms of my recliner.  Plus, the raised edges keep pens, craft supplies, silverware, plates, etc. from sliding off the tray.

I don't personally use it for "breakfast in bed", but I can see how it would be ideal for that use too.  Just as the cushion's fabric keeps the tray in place on my lap, I am sure it would keep the tray in place on top of sheets or bedspreads.

The cushion cover does have a zipper and the cover can be hand-washed.  I have not needed to wash my cover yet, but it is nice to know that I can when needed.

Of course, the cushion can be removed so the tray can be used for serving, if desired.  When we have company, I like being able to carry coffee and desserts to our guests without making several trips back and forth to the kitchen.  

 

 

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Thoughtful Thanksgiving Hostess Gifts

Reviewing Gifts Your Hostess Really Wants

You've been invited to a friend or family member's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Lucky you! So now you have a dilemma: what would be the perfect hostess gift to say thank you for the hospitality?

To make your job easier, I've  chosen five different gifts that I'd love to receive if I were serving as your Thanksgiving hostess this year. While your hostess may not have the same tastes that I have, I think there should be an idea or two here that will work to elicit a "Thanks for being so thoughtful!" response from your hostess.

Give the Gift of a Seasonal Spa Treatment

ButterCosmetics on Etsy

Who wouldn't need a spa treatment following a busy Thanksgiving day, or even a long weekend, of cooking, eating, and entertaining? This is a first class gift item, handmade with the best, soothing, healing ingredients you'll find anywhere. Honestly, I'm not usually much of a spa gal, but I would love to treat myself with these bath and lip products. A Thanksgiving hostess gift definitely fit for a queen.

A Gift for the Thanksgiving Cook

MilkandHoneyLuxuries

Look at this "I'm Thankful For You" serving spoon. Show me a cook who doesn't need another serving spoon and I'll show you . . well, it doesn't matter because any hostess could use an additional big serving spoon at Thanksgiving dinner. And how special is this one? Hand stamped with the words, "I'm thankful for YOU" with a heart, this is beautiful and such a very thoughtful gift! This premium vintage serving spoon is made to order by the creative and well-known folks at Milk and Honey Luxuries. I adore it and bet your hostess will, too.

The Hostess Gift That Keeps on Giving

DaySpring Cards and Gifts

Gift your hostess with a plate of your own specialty cookies, candies, or bread presented atop this "Share" Giving Platter. How does it work? The hostess gift arrives on the plate, homemade or even store-bought by you. The printing on the plate says "share," and a simple canvas tag with a verse is included, tied with a ribbon of jute. The verse on the tag begins, "This plate has no real owner, its journey never ends. It travels on a spontaneous path to neighbors... family... friends."

So after Thanksgiving, when life has settled down for a few minutes, your hostess friend can add her own goodies and present the plate to yet another neighbor or friend. Perhaps the plate, eventually, will make its way back with you since, as the verse says, "its journey never ends." Consider this gift idea for a hostess who is known to be a "giver." She'll love passing the blessing along in the future.

A Simple "Thank You" Will Do 

Thank You Figurine by Willow Tree

This "Thank You" figurine by Willow Tree on Dayspring would be a beautiful choice for a hostess. She's little, just 5 1/2 inches high, but her message ("So appreciative of all you do!") is a big one that will encourage and lift up your hostess each time her eye catches this thoughtful gift.

Artist and sculptor Susan Lodi creates every figure in her Willow Tree collection with expressions revealed through gestures and absence of facial features, so the recipient can interpret its meaning in a personal way. What a beautiful way to show your appreciation for the kindness your hostess shows you.

Say "Thank You" With Flowers

Beautiful, Fresh Fall Flowers from FTD and DaySpring

When in doubt, flowers are a tried and true thank-you gift for a hostess. This beautiful, fall-colored Give Thanks Fall Bouquet would make a perfect, seasonal choice for a Thanksgiving hostess. More arrangements are available at the link. Good news is that all you have to do is the ordering; FTD delivers!  

How did I do? I hope you've discovered the perfect gift for your Thanksgiving hostess this year. I'd love to know what you chose, so don't be shy about leaving a comment below. I hope both you and your hostess have a very happy Thanksgiving!

~ Susan

Still looking? Check out these Gift Reviews from our Review This! team.

~Susan Deppner
Read more of my reviews.

Posted by Susan Deppner

About the Author

Susan Deppner is a baby boomer, a cancer survivor, and a Southerner who believes in the Golden Rule. She enjoys writing about food, faith, and fitness; health, home, and holidays; people, places, pets, and patriotism, and more. Follow Susan on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.

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White Turkey Serving Platter for the Holidays Reviewed

One of the first gifts my husband's grandmother gave me, was a large white turkey platter.  At the time, I had no idea what a treasure this one serving tray would become to our family.  It is now a part of our holiday tradition.  

Thirty-five years ago, my mother hosted Thanksgiving in her home and we all gathered at my grandmother's home for Christmas.  Both women cooked a lot for the holidays, but my mother always cooked the turkey for both celebrations.  Clearly, I didn't have a need for the large turkey platter when I first received it, but I still loved having it.

Over the years, responsibilities have shifted as needed.  Mom & I prepare the holiday food together, but we moved the cooking to my home for convenience when my children were younger.  The hosting house of the day of the actual meal varies and is determined by the number in attendance or convenience.  I don't remember exactly when it happened, but baking the turkey became my primary responsibility when cooking for the holidays, and that large turkey platter became a necessity.  

Since my Christmas china platters are not large enough for a turkey, I use the large white turkey platter at Christmas too.  Because it is white, it is the perfect compliment for my Christmas china.

 HIC Turkey Oversized Serving PlatterCheck Price

White Turkey Platter

There are several beautifully colored turkey platters, but I prefer my white turkey platter.  It coordinates with almost any china and looks pretty in any room regardless of the table settings or wall colors.

The embossed (raised) fruit pattern around the edge adds a touch of elegance to Mr. Turkey and is perfect for the holiday season. 

The porcelain platter on the right, which is similar to my platter, is microwave, oven, freezer and dishwasher safe, which makes using it a lot more pleasurable.  

It is 17½" wide, large enough for a a whole turkey if desired. We usually slice our turkey before serving.

 

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The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

Today, I'm delighted to share my review of my luscious new hot chocolate recipe, just in time for Christmas and other winter holiday celebrations and the long, chilly weather during the months that follow them. 

Once you taste this decadent cold-weather treat, you'll never want to settle for ordinary hot cocoa again! It's so rich, thick, intensely chocolaty, and indulgent, no one who tastes it will ever guess—or even believe—that this fabulous beverage is also sugar-free and very low in carbohydrates. That means you can enjoy it with your family and friends, even if some of are following a low carb or ketogenic diet.

My carb-loving husband and I, both serious hot chocolate snobs, agree that it's The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Recipe, keto or not! 

©2020 Margaret Schindel, all rights reserved

Gourmet Hot Chocolate Any Chocolate Connoisseur Will Love (Just Don't Tell Them It's Keto!)

'Tis the season for hot chocolate! During Christmas and other winter holidays, and straight through the cold weather months, hot cocoa a welcome indulgence, warming us from the inside out after we come in from the cold (and especially after we've been playing outside in the snow...or shoveling it!). Unfortunately, for those of us who follow a low carb or ketogenic diet, most keto recipes for low carb hot chocolate just aren't all that tasty or satisfying.

After trying and being disappointed by five or six different keto recipes for hot cocoa and a couple of low carb hot chocolate mixes, I finally realized the only way to find a keto hot chocolate recipe that would live up to my very high expectations standards would be to develop one myself. 

It took a lot of experimentation, but the final result definitely has been worth all the time and effort I invested into the process. In fact, this is the closest thing I've ever sipped to the gold-standard chocolat chaud L'Africain at the world-famous Angelina café in the Rue de Rivoli in Paris (where I had the good fortunate to enjoy a cup once, many years ago). 

That's why I'm confident that my recipe truly is worthy of the title, The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe. In fact, second only to Angelina's iconic L'Africain, I think this may well be The Ultimate Hot Chocolate Recipe, period.

©2020 Margaret Schindel, all rights reserved
High carb or keto, hot chocolate doesn't get any more sumptuous than this recipe!

Hot Chocolate or Cocoa? Both!

As my fellow Review This Reviews contributor Wednesday Elf explained in her recent review of National Cocoa Day (which is just five days away, on December 13), although both terms for this beloved beverage are often used interchangeably, the main difference is whether they are made with real chocolate (often ground) or with cocoa powder. 

As I experimented with different combinations and proportions of ingredients for my recipe, I found that mixing my favorite Dutched cocoa powder, sugar-free chocolate chips, and Good Dee's Sipping Chocolate low carb hot cocoa mix resulted in the perfect, intense, dark chocolate flavor I wanted.

Combining the cocoa and dark chocolate with macadamia milk (instead of the more commonly used almond milk), heavy cream, and 1/8 teaspoon per serving of xanthan gum, and then using a handheld immersion blender (aka stick blender) to emulsify all the ingredients and thicken the mixture, worked synergistically  provided the rich, creamy taste and smooth, luxurious consistency that other low carb hot chocolate recipes and mixes I had tried lacked. Salt and pure vanilla extract to complement the dark chocolate flavor that, together with the smoothness and creaminess  rounded out the flavor profile, smoothing out the intense, dark chocolate flavor with to create The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate. 

Regular, Mint, and Salted Caramel Keto Hot Chocolate

Once I had perfected the recipe, I decided to take this challenge to the next level, creating low carb versions of my husband's favorite hot cocoa flavors that we could both could enjoy: keto mint hot chocolate and keto salted caramel hot chocolate. 

I hadn't thought this recipe could get any better, but I was mistaken. The mint and salted caramel variations turned out to be even more delicious than the original version!

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

You Don't Have to Follow a Low Carb Diet to Love It!

Years ago, I developed a fabulous sugar, fat, and calorie-laden hot chocolate recipe for my husband, and it spoiled us both for any other hot cocoa. I never wrote down the recipe or measured the ingredients; it was all in my head, and I just tasted and adjusted the amounts and proportions as I went along each time I made it.

©2020 Margaret Schindel,
all rights reserved

Unfortunately, after I made the decision for medical reasons to follow a ketogenic diet, I stopped making my husband's favorite winter treat because I could no longer taste and adjust the flavor during the process (because of the sugar). And we both missed it a lot. 

So, I challenged myself to come up with a new low carb hot chocolate recipe that would taste as rich and decadent as my original recipe, and could meet or exceed my husband's extremely high standards for his favorite beverage.

I succeeded beyond either of our wildest dreams. Now, I'm sharing the recipe so you and those you love can enjoy it, too, whether or not they are watching their sugar or carbohydrate intake.

Prep Time:  
10 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

20 minutes

Recipe Yield:

Four servings
(approximately 6 fluid ounces per serving)

Calories:

136 kcal per serving

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp Good Dee’s Sipping Chocolate (no substitution!)
• 2 tablespoonsGhirardelli Majestic Premium cocoa powder
• 4 Tbsp BochaSweet sugar replacement (granulated, not powdered)
• 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
• 3/8 to 1/2 teaspoon salt (I used fine Himalayan pink crystal salt, which contains beneficial amounts of  84 trace elements and iron, and is less processed than regular table salt)
• 2 cupsMilkadamia Unsweetened Vanilla Macadamia Milk
• 2 Tbsp keto-friendly sugar-free dark chocolate chips (ChocZero dark chocolate chips or Lily’s dark chocolate chips work well in this recipe)
• 2 teaspoons ghee (clarified butter) or butter
• 4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Measure the dry ingredients (Good Dee's Sipping Chocolate, Ghirardelli Majestic Premium unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated BochaSweet sugar replacement, xanthan gum, and salt) into a small bowl. Mix well (pressing out any lumps of cocoa) and set aside.
   
   
2. Pour the Milkadamia unsweetened vanilla macadamia milk into a 2-cup Pyrex glass measuring cup and microwave for 60 seconds or until hot. Remove from microwave.
   
   
3. Place the sugar-free chocolate chips and ghee or butter into a 4-cup Pyrex glass measuring cup. Microwave on high for 45–60 seconds, depending on how powerful your microwave is. Stir the mixture well to melt as much of the chocolate as possible, then repeat, stirring until the chocolate is completely melted.
   
   
4. Stir the hot macadamia milk into the melted chocolate mixture in the 4-cup Pyrex measuring cup until well incorporated. Then, microwave for another 60 seconds.
   
   
5. Stir in the dry ingredients, and then use an immersion blender (without any attachments) to blend the contents of the measuring cup. (I find it helpful to glide the immersion blender slowly over the bottom of the cup and tilt it slightly in different directions.)
   
   
6. Add the heavy cream, then blend with the immersion blender for 20–30 seconds, until the mixture thickens slightly.
   
   
7. Microwave on high for 30–60 seconds, or until very hot, and stir in the vanilla extract.
   
   
8. Divide evenly among four small mugs or two large mugs. Top with optional whipped cream, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Keto Mint Hot Chocolate Recipe Variation

For the best peppermint or mint hot chocolate you’ve ever tasted:

• Replace the vanilla extract with 3/8 to 1/2 teaspoon (to taste) of pure peppermint extract or pure mint extract. 

I highly recommend using either Watkins Pure Peppermint Extract or Watkins Pure Mint Extract (which contains a blend of spearmint and peppermint oils). Either one will let you enjoy the fresh, minty flavor of a traditional candy can stirrer in your hot cocoa, but without all the sugar, corn syrup, and artificial flavoring and food coloring.

Keto Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe Variation

Transform this beverage into a keto salted caramel hot chocolate so divine, it will make you close your eyes and purr with pleasure when you take your first sip! Just make these simple tweaks to my original recipe:

• Increase the amount of salt to 3/4 teaspoon.
• Increase the vanilla extract to 1/2 teaspoon.
• At the end of step 4, blend in 4 tablespoons of ChocZero Caramel Sugar-Free Syrup to the hot chocolate mixture.

Optional Whipped Cream Topping

This sumptuous hot chocolate is even better topped with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Here's how to make a delicious low carb version. 

1. At least 30–60 minutes before you plan to make this Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe, put some heavy whipping cream in a mixing bowl, stir in a few drops of vanilla, mint, or peppermint extract, and sweeten to taste with your favorite keto-friendly, natural, powdered sweetener (confectioner's sugar replacement), such as powdered BochaSweet, powdered monkfruit allulose blend sweetener, or powdered allulose. Place the mixing bowl with the flavored cream in the refrigerator to chill, along with a wire balloon whisk or the whisk attachment of your electric mixer. 
   
   
2. After making the hot chocolate recipe through step 6 (before you heat the hot chocolate mixture for the last time and stir in the extract), whip the cold, flavored, lightly sweetened cream in the chilled bowl with the chilled whisk.
   
   
3. Finish preparing the hot chocolate recipe (steps 7 and 8), topping each mug with a cloud of freshly whipped cream. Finish the whipped cream topping with a light dusting of unsweetened cocoa, if desired.

Recipe Notes

• Good Dee’s Sipping Chocolate is a key ingredient in this recipe! You can order it, as well as the Good Dee’s Dark Chocolate Chips, either on Amazon or on the Good Dee’s website. Consider adding some of the delicious Good Dee’s keto cookie mix flavors I’ve reviewed previously to your cart while you’re at it. After all, what’s better than cookies and hot cocoa on a chilly day, especially around the holidays?
  
  Note: If you don't get Amazon Prime free shipping, or the Good Dee's products you want are out of stock on Amazon, or you'd prefer to shop the full selection of Good Dee's products, you can save 15% off your total purchase price any time you use my Good Dee's website affiliate shopping link and enter my unique discount coupon code GOODDEES15MRS during checkout. 

• Using Ghirardelli Majestic Premium Cocoa makes a big difference in the taste of this decadent hot chocolate. The more expensive nib-alkalization process gives it a richer, smoother, better flavor. Even though the generous 2-pound (32-ounce) canister looks as though it would be a lifetime supply, I use this extraordinary cocoa powder so often in this and other recipes, such as my luscious low carb keto chocolate yogurt chip pudding parfait recipe (my favorite quick and easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, or snack when I’m in the mood for something sweet), that I have to replenish my supply a few times a year.
  
  If you are unable to get the Ghirardelli Majestic Premium and need to substitute a different brand or formula, please make sure to choose a high-quality, unsweetened, alkalized or Dutch-processed cocoa powder. Although your hot chocolate won't taste the same as my original recipe, if you use a different brand of alkalized or Dutch-processed (aka Dutched or "Dutch"), it should still be delicious!
  
  
• Making this hot beverage in a large, flat-bottomed Pyrex glass 4-cup measuring cup lets you can see what's at the bottom of the hot mixture, so you know whether the chocolate chips have melted completely and, if so, whether all the melted chocolate has been incorporated into the hot macadamia milk and melted butter mixture. 
  
  
• Using an immersion blender on medium speed creates the perfect consistency. If you don't own one, you can use a regular blender, and use a slim silicone scraper to make sure you get all of your delicious hot beverage out of the container. My decades-old stick blender was a gift from someone who knew how much I enjoy cooking and baking, and that model was discontinued long ago. However, if you're looking for a good one, the powerful Müeller Austria Ultra-Stick 500 Watt 9-Speed Stainless Steel Immersion Blender has more than 20,000 5-star ratings on Amazon.
  

Nutrition Facts

I entered this recipe and its variations into Carb Manager to help me calculate and track the calories, macros, and other nutrition data, based on the specific ingredients and brands I used. I usually drink one-quarter of the recipe, while my husband prefers to indulge in a larger portion. So, here are the nutrition facts for both the smaller, typical serving size (6 fluid ounces) and a double-size serving (12 fluid ounces).

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe (Original, Mint, or Peppermint) Nutrition Facts

One quarter of this recipe (6 fluid ounce serving) contains 1 net carb, 136 calories, 4.7 grams of dietary fiber, 2.8 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat. 

Half the recipe (12 fluid ounce serving) contains 2 net carbs, 272 calories, 9.4 grams of dietary fiber, 5.7 grams of protein, and 26.1 grams of fat.

The Ultimate Keto Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate Recipe Nutrition Facts

One quarter of this recipe (6 fluid ounce serving) contains 1 net carb, 136 calories, 4.7 grams of dietary fiber, 2.8 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat.

Half the recipe (12 fluid ounce serving) contains 2 net carbs, 272 calories, 9.4 grams of dietary fiber, 5.7 grams of protein, and 26.1 grams of fat.

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe by Margaret Schindel

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