Paula Deen Archives

Paula Deen’s Anti Fatigue Kitchen Mat Review

October 20, 2012 by Momstart 14 Comments

I have been living in the United States for almost 11 years and I still do not use my dishwasher. My assimilation to the American culture is almost complete (still working on baseball and football) but the dishwasher has not conquered my favor yet. I am pretty sure some of you simply cannot believe how one can pass off such an amazing invention … trust me I have tried. I have gone as far as one week committing to put every dish possible in it and never touching a sponge again but could not do it. Somehow, I always ended up spending more time rinsing, loading, washing, unloading than just dipping my hands. Long story short … my dishwasher is the best spot ever for storing empty grocery bags and paper sacks so after all its not a wasted space in my kitchen.

Since I do all my dishes by hand (or lately my dear husband does them for me and oh, what a treat that is), I was beyond excited to try this new kitchen mat. Of course, its place is front of my sink where I spend most of my time standing in one spot. This mat is super cushy and comfortable to stand on for long periods of time, which is even made better by the fact that Paula Deen endorsed it and calling it “the cook’s must-have item next to the apron.” I absolutely adore that women and I put on pounds just listening to her rich Southern accent that makes all my worries about too much butter and cheese go away. If anybody knows about cooking and comfort, Paula would be the one.

This Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat provides a supportive surface in the kitchen to reduce exhaustion and foot, leg and lower back pain. The mat is versatile, stain-resistant, waterproof, easy to clean, and a non-skid bottom keeps it safely in place. Available in sage, chocolate, tan and brick colors and it also comes in a variety of sizes and patterns.

I have received a 20”x 30” mat in Brick color, which goes great with my dark floors, blends in just right but still creates a defined work area in my kitchen that is pleasing to my eyes. I personally wished it was a little longer for using it front of my sink but the smaller size still could make a great spot front of the stove, primary kitchen prepping area, even in the laundry room, craft room, mud rooms or garages and workshops. I often host friends and adore a crowd who gathers in the kitchen and jumps in to do some stuff. Two of my friends who stood on this mat thought it was amazingly comfortable. As for my hand dish-washing days …. this mat for sure makes them more bearable and …. dare I say … kind of inviting. It took me a few days to get used to the mat as I have to sort of step up on it (if you are a feet dragger like me). But now that I know what comfort is, I can’t imagine not having it front of my sink. I don’t complain about back pain (unless I need and excuse for a massage) but it certainly helps to feel comfortable when doing everyday tasks in the kitchen.

Paula Deens Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mat will be available at Kohl’s locations nationwide in mid-October.

Paula Dean’s Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake Recipe

July 3, 2011 by Momstart 33 Comments

My husband made Paula Dean’s Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake recipe for me on my birthday and he documented the whole process with pictures so that I could share with all of you how he did it. It’s an amazing recipe, and I was terrified that I was going to put on 20 lbs by taking one bite.

Now that you’ve seen the end result watch the Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake Recipe in photos all taken by my husband. And at the end you can print the recipe for your own use.

Oh he didn’t do it by himself, he had two cute little helpers with him.

Make Fudgie part

Make the cheesecake part

Add the caramel

Add cookie dough

Cover with the cheesecake part

Cook the cheesecake

Add Ganache

5.0 from 2 reviews

Paula Dean's Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake Recipe

Author: Paula Dean

Recipe type: dessert

Prep time: 30 mins

Cook time: 1 hour 30 mins

Total time: 2 hours

Too Yummy for words

Ingredients

Crust:
2 cups crushed graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup sugar
⅓ cup butter, melted
Chocolate Layer:
6 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
6 tablespoons butter
½ cup sugar
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Cheesecake Layer:
½ cup caramel syrup
1 (16½-ounce) package refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup sour cream
Chocolate Ganache:
6 (1-ounce) squares semisweet chocolate
4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
Make the crust:
Combine the cracker crumbs and sugar in a food processor
Add the melted butter and run the food processor.
Then press the crust into a 9-inch spring form pan.
Bake for 6 minutes and let it cool.
Make the Chocolate:
Melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time
Stir in between each interval
Whisk the sugar, eggs, and flour until combined
Pour over the crust and bake for 15 minutes
Make the Cheesecake:
Spread the caramel as the next layer
Cut the cookie dough into 1 inch slices.
Place the slices over the caramel pressing gently to seal the edges
In a large bowl beat the cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until creamy
Beat in the eggs 1 at a time.
Add the vanilla and flour until just combined
Stir in the sour cream
Pour the mixture over the cookie dough
Bake for 1 hour
Remove from oven and gently run a knife around the edges to release the crust from the sides of the spring form pan. Let cool completely.
Make the Ganache
Combine the chocolate chips and the heavy whipping cream
Microwave 30 seconds at a time
Stir between each interval until well mixed
Spread over the cooled cheesecake
Refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

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Chocolate Ganache in 60 Seconds

May 24, 2011 by Momstart 12 Comments

A few weeks ago, my husband made me a cheesecake from Paula Deen’s recipe book. He made the Chocolate Explosion Cheesecake Recipe and I fell in love with the chocolate ganache topping. More to the point, I am addicted to the ganache. I find myself making excuses to make more just so I can lick another bowl clean, it’s that good! Not only is it good but it’s super easy to make. The ganache is made in the microwave and has only two ingredients. Since it’s strawberry season, I decided my strawberries needed to be covered in ganache!

So here is the Chocolate Ganache Made in a Microwave Recipe

Ingredients:

6 squares of semisweet baking chocolate
4 Tablespoons Heavy Whipping Cream

Today I actually modified it a little bit. I used 1 Cup of semisweet chocolate chips and 4 Heaping Tablespoons of Heavy Whipping Cream and I didn’t notice a difference.

Directions:

Combine the chocolate and whipping cream in a microwave safe bowl and heat up for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between each 30 second interval, up to 1 minute. Use the ganache for dipping fruit, topping cheesecake, or serving over ice cream. When using on fruit or cheesecake, it may take a few minutes in the fridge to harden up, but it tastes great right away.

Oh and I feel I should mention, I had to eat about 20 strawberries before I captured the perfect photo.

Special Family Breakfast Log Cabin Syrup the No High Fructose Corn Syrup Giveaway

April 2, 2011 by Momstart 522 Comments

Sometimes on the weekends we have a special breakfast that daddy makes while I get to sleep in for a few extra minutes. If I’m lucky, you know, I get to sleep in until 7:30 or 8:00 but then I miss out on having breakfast with the entire family. So, sometimes I’ll stay in bed just long enough for dad to get the kids out of bed and have breakfast made. Pancakes were on the menu on this special day and we had a special chef sign up for the job.

Miles and Zoe both love to help with everything and Miles put on all of his gear to help in the kitchen, but then we went and did some power tool work, which I certainly can not complain about, they did some daddy do’s that were on a list of mine for a long time. Anyway, we started out our day with a great breakfast and we used syrup that didn’t have high fructose corn syrup in it thanks to Log Cabin. Log Cabin sent us three of their syrups that have no high fructose corn syrup.

Log Cabin is the only branded table syrup to have eliminated high fructose corn syrup from its ingredients

Last month I posted a survey supplied to me from Log Cabin about how Moms Beat Out Paula Deen. Of course, moms are requested in the kitchen, we’re there in the trenches every day working to create healthy food for our kids.

Many believe that You are What You Eat and we need to be putting good food into our bodies and be concerned with what we are feeding our children.

· More than half of those polled stated they make a conscious effort to choose breakfast options they feel good about for themselves and their families (56 percent), with nearly half (49 percent) stating they are trying to remove high fructose corn syrup from their family’s diet.

We are working diligently on eating healthier. I do find it difficult because I grew up eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted. But I’m trying to learn more about how to feed my children healthier and companies like Log Cabin are making it easier to get rid of high fructose corn syrup by making products normally very high in them without it.

Enter to Win:

· All three Log Cabin Syrups (Original, Lite and Sugar-Free, all of which are high fructose corn syrup free) so that your family can do your very own syrup tasting
· Cast iron griddle and spatula to help make everyone a hot breakfast
· Log Cabin Placemats so that everyone will find their “place” at family breakfast time
· Log Cabin Syrup t-shirts so you can show your breakfast pride!

To Enter:

Tell me what you like to have for breakfast most

Extra Entries:

Please vote for Our Family Picnic (extra entry for every vote, every day)

Tweet or RT this post and include the link to the post

RT @MomStart: Special Family Breakfast Log Cabin Syrup the No High Fructose Corn Syrup #Giveaway http://bit.ly/hVgkre

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This giveaway ends April 18th. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Tasty Treat Thursday Irish Chocolate Mint Custard Recipe

March 17, 2011 by Momstart 9 Comments

Tasty Treat Thursday: Irish Chocolate Mint Custard By Summer

This is a recipe I picked up from Paula Deen’s show when I was watching her and her son Bobby on The Food Network while working out on my elliptical … granted it wasn’t “Irish whipped cream” or a custard with mint, but that base recipe gave me the idea for this one. (I know masochistic right? Watching The Food Network while working out; well, I work out to be able to eat for pleasure.)

So this is my promised adult St. Patrick’s Day recipe from last week’s post. The recipe is super easy, you just need to be willing to take the time to properly make it.

INGREDIENTS for Chocolate Mint Custard
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsels
4 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
¹/₈ teaspoon salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 300^oF. Also set a kettle of water to boil.

2. In a saucepan scold milk and cream, but don’t boil.

3. In a double boiler (or in the microwave) melt morsels. Stir until chocolate is smooth. Remove from heat if on a double boiler. Slowly stir in milk mixture.

4. In a large mixing bowl combine yolks, sugar, and salt. Blend well. Temper eggs by very slowly mixing in the milk chocolate mixture. Stir constantly and until combined.

5. Pour even amount of mixture into 4-6 ramekins depending upon size.

6. Place ramekins into a cake pan. Carefully create a water bath by pour water into the cake pan but not into any of the custard cups.

7. Place cake pan in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until custard is not outwardly runny and is gelatin-like to the touch.

8. Cool custards at room temperature for 40 minutes. Then continue to cool custards in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours. Keep refrigerated until serving.

INGREDIENTS for Irish Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons sugar
5 tablespoons Bailey’s Irish Cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine ingredients and beat until stiff. Peaks will begin to form. Keep refrigerated!

TIPS

– The Nestle Toll House Dark Chocolate & Mint Morsels are a limited time product for the winter season. If you can no longer find them in a store near you, take the same amount of morsels in dark chocolate with 1 teaspoon mint extract (or flavoring as desired). You can also try making this recipe with your favorite flavor of chocolate chips.

– I needed more ramekins in order to have enough custard dishes. So I ran to Cost Plus World Market and got a pack of 4 green ramekins for only $2.99! GREAT DEAL! They also offer the sets in yellow, blue, orange, and red; green was just too perfect with St. Patrick’s Day!

About Summer:

Summer is the President of our Local MOMS Club chapter, she is the mother of two adorable active boys, and is always thinking of ways to help others. She is a friend, a wife, and always busy as all mommies are. She is very active on Facebook, addicted to Geocaching and very interested in organic and green living.

I want to meet Paula Deen, Do You?

May 20, 2010 by Momstart 14 Comments

I love Paula Deen. I love love love her. When I had cable, I recorded her shows and watched them over and over again. You know, all you need is a stick of butter to turn something into a fantastic southern dish, and Paula Deen is all over that. My husband and I used to watch all of the Food Network Specials together, especially if Paula Deen was in them. We would laugh together over the idea of deep fried butter. It was Paula Deen that taught me how to cook a turkey.

Here’s what I have to do, well, you can do it too if you want a chance at meeting her yourself:

*   On Facebook: Create Facebook Shares and posts about the site, Paula’s videos, and the videos in the recipe gallery – make sure that when you post to Facebook you put an "@" sign before the word "Philadelphia’ so we can see it on our Facebook – www.Facebook.com/LoveMyPhilly

*   On Twitter: Tweet about Real Women of Philadelphia and add in the hash tag #RWOP at the end of your tweets. Philly is on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/LoveMyPhilly
*   Or just retweets Paula’s videos and videos from all the girls in the Recipes gallery
*   Leave comments on videos on the site (quality, not quantity!)

Paula Deen is looking for a super-fan. Are you her? If you win you will act as the “Voice” of the community for another contest she is hosting, Real Women of Philadelphia. You will receive an all expense paid trip to Savannah to spend time with Paula and the finalists and act as the behind-the-scenes ambassador for the entire four days!

To read the official rules of this Voices of RWoP contest, click HERE.

Visit www.PaulaDeen.com/RealWomen to find out more about the Real Women of Philadelphia cooking competition, the search for #17 and to share recipes and tips with other real-life cooks.

Food Network Holiday Gift Guide

December 7, 2009 by Momstart 2 Comments

My husband recently purchased me a subscription to the Food Network Magazine. I’ve browsed through it a few times and looked at their decorating gift ideas and found some of them to be very creative. They didn’t exactly look like they could be accomplished in five minutes or less so I didn’t even try them out. Magazines are a perfect way to collect extra coupons. In fact, most magazines you can either get for free and then make money from the coupons or use the coupons to pay for the subscriptions.

I did take a look at their gift guide though. I thought a few of the items were worth mentioning on my blog.

First Bobby Flay is the like the guy of Food Network. He seems to be a part of all of the reality shows and just has what it takes to do it all.

Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill Cookbook: Explosive Flavors from the Southwestern Kitchen features recipes for the signature cuisine he developed at his first restaurant, along with drool-inducing photos. Flay preps the reader for culinary adventure with a tequila guide followed by four different margarita recipes, and then sets off on a whirlwind tour of flavorful dishes inspired by the American Southwest. A chapter on brunches turns up the heat with dishes like Egg and Aged Sirloin Tortillas with Three-Pepper Relish. Coming full circle by drawing upon recipes from Mesa Grill, his first eatery, Flay also slyly opens the door for a series of cookbooks based on his other properties.

Rachael Ray is so big now she has her own TV show. She still on the Food Network occasionally but not that often. She’s really never been one of my favorite chefs. My husband always thought she cheated on 40.00 dollars a day.

Rachael Ray Lasagna Lover Set $39.99

This three-piece set comes in green, blue and orange and is exclusive to Food Network Store! Rachael’s Lasagna Lover pan measures 9 x 13” and holds enough lasagna, casserole or mac n’ cheese to feed a hungry crowd. What’s more, it’s safe for the freezer, oven, microwave, and dishwasher, yet it’s also attractive enough for the table. And the two included spatulas mean you’ll have everything you need to get dinner on the table.

Rachael Ray Moppine Set $22.95

Rachael Ray is rarely seen without a moppine over her shoulder on her show 30 Minute Meals, and soon as you try one you’ll understand why. Rachael’s invention gives you a dish towel and oven mitt all in one, which means no more running around the kitchen looking for potholders to take something out of the oven, or a towel to wipe up a spill– the moppine takes care of it all. Moppines come in a set of 3 and are available in blue stripe, orange stripe, green, gold, red, and blue.

My husband’s favorite is Alton Brown, I think men just like the science of cooking.

New Food Network books: More Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives ($12.50), Ace of Cakes ($23.99), and Good Eats ($24.50)

Gift giving for Alton, Guy and Duff fans just got even easier: all three Food Network stars have new books on the shelves. Guy’s More Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives picks up where his first book left off and chronicles even more joints he’s visited on the hit show, including recipes, anecdotes and fun tidbits from Guy. Alton’s book Good Eats: The Early Years is the essential companion to the first 80 episodes and includes recipes, photos and production notes. And Ace of Cakes is a layer cake of a book documenting the history of Charm City Cakes, photos and stories of their notable creations, and bios of all the staffers.

Food Network Cook or Be Cooked Wii game $39.99

The very first video game from Food Network is sure to delight FN fans of all ages as they cook along with the game. Kids and adults alike can play Cook or Be Cooked, which features over 30 recipes from Food Network kitchens. Multiple play modes allows for solo play, team play or a “cook off”. Plus, real life Food Network-ers Susie Fogelson and Mory Thomas are there to critique and praise your cooking skills as you go.

Pewter Measuring Cups by Tin Woodsman $177.95

Fans of Paula Deen will recognize these beautiful handcrafted pewter measuring cups from Paula’s countertop. Both beautiful and functional, they’re a unique way to make one of the most mundane kitchen tasks a bit more enjoyable. Measuring cups are handmade in the USA and include ¼, 1/3, ½ and 1 cup measures, plus a stand for display and storage.

Salt Server with Spoon by RSVP $17.95

Anyone who watches Good Eats knows that Alton Brown is no fan of “unitaskers”—products that only serve one purpose. However, after an unfortunate salt and sugar mixup, he made exception for to this salt cellar, which fans of the show will instantly recognize from the Good Eats set. Salt is held securely in a glass bowl, while a stainless steel lid with silicone gasket keeps moisture out.

Guy Fieri Cutlery Set $99.99

Would you expect a knife design from Guy Fieri to be bland and boring? Of course not! Guy designed his cutlery set with Ergo Chef to create knives that perform well and look cool. Super-sharp blades feature Guy’s signature “Knuckle Sandwich” logo, and ergonomic handles are embellished with splashes of red and blue with a star. The set includes an 8-inch chef’s knife and a 5.5-inch serrated utility knife.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide from Food Network

May 8, 2009 by MomStart 2 Comments

1. Rachael Ray Exclusive Pantry Essentials Gift Basket $49.95

You won’t find this greatest-hits sampler of Rachael Ray food products anywhere else- it’s a Food Network Store exclusive! Featuring Rachael’s classic EVOO as well as her balsamic vinegar, balsamic drizzle, chicken stock, beef stock, as well as whole-wheat pasta from Colavita, it’s everything mom needs to make her own delish “30 minute meals”.

2. Barefoot Contessa All Chocolate Basket $99.95

If mom wishes she could be invited to Ina’s house for dessert, get her the next best thing. It’s the ultimate in chocolate delight from the Barefoot Contessa, and it features four of her decadent dessert mixes, plus hot chocolate mix and fudge sauce, all packed in a beautifully elegant basket.

3. Ace of Cakes Seasons 1 and 2 DVD Set $54.95

Mom can relive some of her favorite episodes of the hit primetime show, which features cake mastermind Duff Goldman and his crew whipping up mind-boggling dessert creations that blur the boundaries between art and dessert. With Season 2 finally available on DVD, this 6-disc set is a great gift for any Ace fan.

4. Neely’s BBQ Barbeque Sauce and Seasoning Set $16.95

If you can’t make it to Memphis for Mother’s Day, this set of barbeque sauce and seasoning from Pat and Gina Neely’s famous restaurant will make any kitchen feel like a down-home BBQ pit. Crafted according to recipes that have been handed down for generations, the sauce and seasoning will make any meal a special family affair.

5. Mario Batali Lunch/Crew tote in Pesto $39.95

Trust Mario Batali to come up with a stylish solution to eating on the go. This flight-style bag is the answer to mom’s packing problems! The roomy top compartment holds carry-on items, while an insulated bottom compartment is perfect for packing an in-flight meal. It’s also great as a gym bag or work bag.

6. Nigella Lawson 4-pc. Blue Measuring Cup Set $19.96

Who says functional can’t also be fashionable? These lovely measuring cups from Nigella Lawson are pretty enough for mom to keep out of her cupboard, and their cheery blue color brings a bit of brightness to a mundane cooking task.

7. Paula Deen Nonstick Signature Porcelain 12-pc. Cookware Set in Red $119.95

If mom is a Paula Deen fan, then she’s sure to love this cookware set from the first lady of Southern cooking. Nonstick interiors make for easy cleanup, while the cheery red- speckled exteriors make this cookware attractive enough to leave on the stovetop. The pieces also feature glass lids with copper-accented knobs that add a stroke of sophistication to your kitchen.

8. Bobby Flay Burgers, Fries & Shakes book

Bobby’s back with a brand-new book, and this time he’s taking on America’s beloved trio of hamburgers, French fries and milkshakes. Mom will be amazed at his wildly inventive flavor ideas that breathe new life into a classic combination.

9. Emerilware by T-fal Bread Maker in White $149.95

There’s nothing like the smell of fresh bread wafting from the kitchen, but let’s face it, it can be hard to fit it into mom’s busy schedule. Emeril’s clever machine does all the work, can even make baguettes and a variety of different sized loaves. All that mom needs to do is sit back and enjoy her creations.