Black and Decker Archives - Listen to Lena

I rarely pull up my sleeves and get all crafty, but if there’s a time to do it, it’s definitely the holidays. In fact, some of my most treasured Christmas centerpieces and decorations are the ones I made (or curated) on my own! There’s no doubt about it: the satisfaction of a completed DIY project is heightened when family and friends can enjoy it, too.

This holiday season, try these fun make-at-home projects from Black & Decker.

Baked Brie
What You’ll Need: Easy Release Nonstick 17 x 11 inch Cookie Sheet
It’s almost impossible to mess up a Baked Brie – simply use a combination of complementary textures and flavours (nuts and dried fruit; honey and apples; balsamic vinegar and bacon). This recipe uses walnuts and dates – and the results are heavenly. …

*UPDATE* It’s a Winner! The Miami has just been announced Black & Decker’s #UltimateSandwich! I’ve won bragging rights – and a cool $1000!

Revisited: Because I first conceptualized this sandwich during the summer months, I must admit that I’ve always considered it a seasonal sammy. Not true! Short on inspiration for dinner last night, I assembled the sandwich and served it with a simple tomato soup. It was beyond delicious and perfect for a weeknight meal. Hope y’all revisit it too!

Original Post…

It’s a well known fact that I’m a sandwich junkie. Breakfast, lunch or dinner – just throw me two slices of bread and I’ll work my magic. There’s just something so comforting about eating fresh, yummy foods with your hands – uh oh, looks like a sandwich craving is coming on!

When I first heard about Black & Decker’s Ultimate Sandwich Contest, I crossed both my fingers and toes that I’d be selected as a contestant. Well, thanks to the awesome folks at Black & Decker and Mom Central Canada, I’m 1 of 20 Canadian bloggers participating in the first ever Ultimate Sandwich Contest.

Now before I get to my delicious creation, let’s talk about the hardware that made it possible – Black & Decker’s Convection Countertop Oven. Available at Wal-Mart in August 2011, the oven has tons of features to make cooking, broiling, baking, toasting and warming a snap! And, with it’s large capacity interior, you can make casseroles, cakes – even 9″ pizzas. Did I forget something? Oh yes: You can make scrumptious sandwiches too!

My inspiration for this sandwich was taken from a vacation to Miami Beach, Florida years ago. After spending most of the day lounging by the water, my girlfriends and I decided to break for a late lunch. There was a little cafe on the strip that made fresh salads (and, not that it mattered, but the waiters were pretty hot too), so we took a table and ordered light fare. I enjoyed a salad that incorporated chicken, tart green apple and a sweet honey mustard dressing, all over a bed of arugula – and an idea was born.

I started thinking about how I could turn this simple, delicious salad into a sandwich.

Unfortunately, once we touched back down in Toronto, I never did follow through with the transformation. Almost 10 years later, I’m making good on it; here is my official entry into the Ultimate Sandwich Contest – and my tribute to Miami Beach, circa 2002!

Why You’ll Love It: All of the flavours and textures are perfectly complementary to one another and work together to create a truly unique and delicious sandwich. The nutty, creamy brie pairs wonderfully with tart, crisp apple and punchy, peppery arugula. The turkey lends substance to the sandwich, and is rounded out with a spicy, sweet dressing on softly toasted bread. Yum!…

This Holiday Season, DIY!

Revisited: The #UltimateSandwich