#HBSocialKitchen

Because We KNOW Breakfast!

November 1, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

… and sometimes, breakfast is a cup of celebration cake, served with a freshly brewed cup of bold, flavourful coffee. Stay tuned for the recipe for this Birthday Mug Cake, and the chance to win a gorgeous Hamilton Beach 12 Cup Programmable Coffeemaker plus a Hamilton Beach Custom Grind Coffee Grinder. Because Hamilton Beach knows breakfast!
DSC_1580a So, the cold weather is settling in and we’ll all start to mentally prepare for the long winter ahead. What better time to step up your breakfast game? A warm, nutritious and satisfying breakfast fortifies your body against the elements, and keeps you alert and focused so you can make the best of your day. Hamilton Beach, the leader in small appliances, is leading the way with inventive and creative ways to enjoy breakfast. Today, I’m happy to share some of my favourite products that are must-haves for you this season. …

This Dried Fruit is Anything But Dry.

August 16, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I’ll admit it; I don’t think a food dehydrator has ever been on my culinary wishlist.

I mean, I’ve never sat around on a Saturday afternoon thinking, I wish I could dry some fruit. I mean, who does… right? Except now that I have spent a Saturday afternoon drying fruit, it’s a process I’d definitely like to repeat again… and again… thanks to the Hamilton Beach Food Dehydrator.
Back-to-school is around the corner. The opportunity to load up my boys’ lunchbox with healthy snacks – without preservatives or additives – is very attractive to me. And since my little guys love fruit, why not concentrate the flavours, make it completely portable, and have it available for them when they want it? Friends, I’ve seen the light: I totally need a food dehydrator. …

Coconut Ice Cream with Buttered Rum Sauce and Grilled Pineapple

July 2, 2015 By Lena

And…. I made the ice cream MYSELF! Three cheers for homemade goodness on a hot summer day. You can do it too with the Hamilton Beach 1/2 Quart Ice Cream Maker – enjoy ice cream, sorbet, gelato, frozen yogurt or custard in as little as 20 minutes. That’s right, just 20 minutes!
There seems to be a stigma that homemade frozen desserts are difficult to make, when truly, it couldn’t be more simple. In fact, with the Hamilton Beach Ice Cream Maker, it’s pretty foolproof. …

Wake Up to Your Favourite Beverage

May 18, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It was December 2005. I had spent the night – for the very first time, eek! – at my then-boyfriend’s place. In was an airy loft, with wall-to-wall windows and a homey setting that was unfamiliar and welcoming at the same time. In typical Lena fashion, I found myself wide awake at 6:00am. Next to me, my boyfriend slept soundly, no doubt enjoying a well-deserved Sunday morning sleep-in.

I tossed and turned. What time does he wake up? I wondered.

If it was say, 7:00am, I could deal. A quick bathroom break and a swish of mouthwash, and I could wait it out. But what if he was more like a 9:00am waker upper? Or – gasp – a nooner?

I mentally counted forward from our bedtime of 12:30am. 6 hours… 7 hours… surely I could bet he’d be awake in about an hour or two at the most…

8:15am. Still asleep.
8:56am. Oh! He scratched his cheek! And then turned over and resumed snoring.
9:32am. This. is. torture.

Inspiration struck. I could make coffee! I mean, who doesn’t wake up when the aroma of fresh coffee permeates the air, right? I tiptoed down the stairs (two-floor loft by the lake, ladies – yeah, there was a reason I reeled that fish in) and realized almost immediately that there was one flaw in my master plan: I had no idea how to make coffee.
coffbuzz So sue me! We had those K-Cup coffee things at the office, and my parents are tea drinkers, so I didn’t grow up with a coffee brewer. I considered the contraption on his countertop (which, looking back, was a very basic model compared to the rocket-science renderings today) and wondered if I could work it out based purely on a physical assessment.

1. Water reservoir: Easy enough. Just fill to the “fill line” indicator for 12 cups. Better safe than sorry!

2. Filter: Also, a piece of cake – except it took me 20 minutes to find them. WHO stores filters with their spices? Oh yeah, bachelor here.

3. Coffee grounds reservoir: Add 10 scoopfuls – that should be enough, right? Okay, add more. Going on the assumption that strong coffee is better than weak coffee. Press start. …

Traditions: Irish Soda Bread

March 12, 2015 By Lena

Feeling lucky? You must have a bit of ol’ Irish in you.

Although the post is entitled “Traditions”, the only traditions I follow come St. Patrick’s Day are:

1) A Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s. I have no idea what’s in it, and I don’t care. Any comments that pertain to the ingredient list or bashing the nutritional composition will be deleted and the author may be banned. Don’t mess with my Shamrock Shake, y’all.

2) Women’s “The Rockstar” Super Skinny Jeans from Old Navy, in Imperial Jade. Also known as, the only time I confidently rock green jeans without wondering if my ass looks fat in green jeans.

(Spoiler Alert: Yes, it does.)

3) Irish Soda Bread. Man cannot live on bread alone, but when man slathers butter on a slice of this dense, satisfying loaf, it’s heavenly. Or saintly. Like St. Patrick’s Day. See what I did there?
From my good friends at Hamilton Beach, here’s a simple, easy-to-follow recipe you can make in advance of St. Paddy’s! You can find this delicious creation and more at Everyday Good Thinking, the official blog of Hamilton Beach. …

It’s Always a Party! Introducing the Kettle Style Popcorn Popper!

February 15, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Salty, savoury popcorn with a sharp burst of cheesy goodness and a mild, Italian herb flavour. Do not adjust your computer monitor. You HAVE just stumbled on the perfect popcorn, popped in the perfect popcorn popper.
Now I’m not one to mince words, so I’m just going to come out and say it. You need the Hamilton Beach Kettle Style Popcorn Popper in your life. You need it like meat needs salt. Like apple pie needs cinnamon. Like Kanye West needs an awards show. And once you have it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Introducing… the very best small appliance for every popcorn lover you know.
Yeah, that’s it right there. Kind of looks space age, doesn’t it? But whether it’s a date night in or a movie-watching party with friends and family, this popper delivers. Enjoy hot and delicious theater-style popcorn that can be prepared and served right in the same bowl! Simply measure your oil and kernels into the popping chamber and turn it on. (I swear, that’s all there is to it.) When the popping slows down to two seconds between pops, your popcorn is ready to eat.

Even better? The Kettle Style Popcorn Popper is dishwasher safe, and the top and bottom nest for space-saving storage. Plus, you can pop up to 24 cups per cycle, so your family is never left waiting for more. It’s actually kind of perfect. …

New Year, New Rituals.

January 4, 2015 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I can’t believe I pulled it off. I did it! I actually unplugged for almost two whole weeks. No blogging, no social (okay, a little social) and most of all, no obsessive email checking. I was officially off the grid for 10 days! Did you miss me?

At first, it felt a bit strange… especially if you consider that it’s been almost six years since I’ve had a real holiday. No seriously! The trips I take – they’re press trips, which means that I’m actually working non-stop. Even when my workplace is the Caribbean or a Disney park. But this… this was a bona fide staycation that I needed oh so much!

So what did I do? I shopped online. I shopped in-store. I re-organized my closet. I decluttered and purged. I slept in, read chick lit and mystery novels, and ate a lot of food. I joined Weight Watchers. I took time every single day to savour a few moments for myself. I made posh coffee house drinks in my Hamilton Beach Cappuccino & Espresso Maker.
And most importantly, I made a promise to myself to continue these rituals in 2015. Because a few uninterrupted moments of bliss, every day, does a mind, body and spirit good. Love the way I think? Then we need to get a Hamilton Beach Cappuccino & Espresso Maker in your home, too. …

Top 5 Gifts for College Kids from Hamilton Beach

December 20, 2014 By Lena

It’s no secret; college kids are the toughest demographic to shop for.

First, forget about electronics. Chances are, they’ve already got the latest gadgets… and frankly, you can’t afford the ones they really want. Clothing? Ha. Try keeping on top of the trends… like, are they still wearing skinny jeans, or have boyfriend jeans made a comeback? And I suppose you *could* get them a gift card, but really – isn’t that just what everyone does?

Do college kids really need another Starbucks gift card?

This year, get them something super thoughtful that will make their life easier. From my friends at Hamilton Beach Canada, I’ve found five small appliances that are dorm-friendly, suitable for the domestically-challenged, and of course, won’t break the bank!

Stay or Go Blender. College kids like smoothies. They don’t always like to pay $5.95 at their local juice and smoothie bar. The Stay or Go Blender is powerful enough to handle all of their blending needs whether at home or on the go. Combining the practicality of a full-size blender with the convenience of a single-serve, the Hamilton Beach Stay or Go Blender fits the busy lifestyle of college kids. With four containers included, this blender is the perfect size for every job. The 32 oz. jar is large enough to serve a study group, and two 16 oz. travel cups with drinking lids are just the right size for smoothies on the go.

All of the included containers are made of shatterproof Tritan that is crystal clear, lightweight, dishwasher safe, and BPA-free. Add ingredients while blending using the removable filler cap on the 32 oz. jar, and use the pulse button for greater control.

Once this multi-tasking blender is in your college kid’s kitchen, it will quickly become their go-to appliance for preparing many different things. MSRP: $39.99

2-Way FlexBrew Coffeemaker. Quite possibly my favourite coffee maker on the planet; it’s perfect for college kids everywhere. Brew a pot for all-nighters during exam week, or pop in a K-Cup coffee pod for single serve java goodness. With a FlexBrew Coffeemaker in their dorm room, they’ll enjoy maximum brewing flexibility.

And just how much caffeine will they serve up? Brew up to 14 oz. of coffee with a single-serve pack, or brew 12 cups with the coffee pot. And of course, the coffeemaker has a programmable timer with 2 hour automatic shutoff, so they’ll never be late for class waiting on that perfect cup.

Of course, pre-packaged coffee isn’t for everyone or every palate. The 2-Way FlexBrew Coffeemaker caters to coffee aficionados by featuring a single-serve permanent filter brew basket that holds a variety of fresh-tasting ground coffee. (Brands such as Folgers, Maxwell House and Starbucks are recommended.) MSRP: $104.99 …

Double Down on Breakfast!

September 10, 2014 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

It’s September. The kids are back in school. The days are getting shorter; the weather is getting cooler, the nights are long and spent huddled under the covers. It can only mean one thing: It’s time to get back into the groove.

You see, summer is a luxury. Summer means lazy mornings watching television with the kids, while calmly sipping my second cup of coffee. I miss summer. I miss it A LOT.

These days, mornings are busy. And before I send the boys off to school, I need to ensure they’ve had a filling, healthy breakfast to build their stamina, stay focused, and be ready for an awesome day of learning. And I’ve found the small appliance I just can’t live without: the Hamilton Beach Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker.

Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker Why do we love it? Let me count the ways.

Your Favorite Breakfast Sandwiches – Use eggs, cheese, precooked meat and English muffins (or bread of your choice) to make quick, hot and tasty breakfast sandwiches in less than 5 minutes.

New Countdown Timer with Audible Beep – Cook your breakfast sandwiches to perfection and to your preferences, and know when it’s ready with the built-in digital timer.

Easy to Clean – Cooking surfaces are nonstick! And, the removable cooking ring with egg cooking plate is dishwasher safe, making for quick and easy clean up.

No Added Fat – Because the cooking surfaces are non-stick, you don’t have to add oils or butters to fry the eggs. So, your breakfast sandwiches are less greasy, and you can customize your sandwich to suit your dietary preferences, such as using egg whites only or substituting gluten-free bread.

Without a word of lie, by the time it would have taken me to preheat a pan and fry an egg, I have two mouthwatering breakfast sandwiches ready to go – with minimal prep and maximum versatility. Ryder likes his sandwich with egg, straight up – while Reid is a bacon and cheese kind of guy. And although the Dual Breakfast Sandwich Maker will not cook the meat for you, adding pre-cooked bacon bits, a slice of smoked turkey or even a few slices of pepperoni is as easy as can be. …

Chill Out with the Wave Station from Hamilton Beach

July 5, 2014 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

If I had my way, I’d play DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s Summertime on repeat, all summer long. (Disclaimer: You need to be at least 35 years old to remember this tune, or have an affinity for early 90’s music.)

The weather is hot and girls are dressing less
And checking out the fellas to tell ’em who’s best
Riding around in your jeep or your benzos
Or in your Nissan sitting on Lorenzos

When I was a young teen, radio stations would plop this anthem into rotation the minute the mercury rose above 20°C, where it would repeat endlessly until back to school flyers started circulating. It was the perfect “chill out” song.

Today, while I still love summer music, I also love cooling down with a refreshing fruit smoothie. After all, nothing says “summer in a glass” more than the tangy, cool blend of ripe fruit, creamy yogurt and refreshing ice. Until recently, I spent a little too much money ordering these delicious concoctions from drive thrus and juice bars, but now, I do it all at home.

Introducing the Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender. Two things you need to know right off the bat: First, it is currently on sale at Walmart Canada for just $14.94, so immediately after reading my review, I suggest you order one online or run out to your nearest store. (In fact, I’ll wait here if you need to quickly pop one in your cart. Remember, you’ll receive free shipping at Walmart when you shop online!)

Second, this machine is a beast. With a 500 watt peak power motor and 9 blending functions, the Wave-Action system continuously pulls mixture down into the blades for smooth results every single time. Plus, its 48 oz. dishwasher safe DuraBlend jar is large enough to make four 8 oz. smoothies at once – perfect for families and entertaining.

This summer, chill out with a Tropical Smoothie.

Hamilton Beach Wave Station Express Dispensing Blender The following “recipe” (if you can call it that – I simply throw together some good foodie stuff) serves two. As you can see, there’s plenty of room to make four smoothies, all within a compact small appliance. And hello! Check out the fabulous, fun colour! …

Five Steps to Five-Minute Pizza #Giveaway

March 26, 2014 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Pizza is a BIG thing in my house. As a mom of two boys with hollow legs, I’m constantly looking for satisfying meals and snacks that will keep the boys’ hunger at bay. In recent months, I’ve discovered that often, pizza is simply the best option; it’s loaded with protein, is a finger food, and most importantly, can be customized to suit tastes and preferences.

Yet it occurred to me some time ago that my kitchen drawer was littered with delivery flyers. My freezer was overstocked with frozen pizzas – both family-sized and snack portions. A growing fraction of our children’s diet was dedicated to convenience food; surely there had to be a better way?

Yes, I could make pizza myself. And I do! But I am also realistic: I am not the type to make my own pizza dough from scratch on a weekly basis. I choose my battles carefully, and battling with sticky dough is not a war I will ever win. So, I found a wonderful alternative in flatbreads; they’re easy to work with and offer a desirable thin crust. But the equation wasn’t perfect just yet – because making your own pizza also means you have to preheat your oven. And bake it. And watch it. Hmmm… where were those microwaveable pizza snacks?

But just when I thought I had doomed my boys to a childhood of convenience food, the heavens parted… and I was introduced to a game changer. The Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker. YES, a countertop pizza maker! It’s a snazzy, easy-to-use appliance that makes pizza, snacks and appetizers in a flash. Heat up a 12” pre-made frozen pizza or create your own delicious and nutritious pizza from (almost) scratch!

The kicker: It cooks up to 40% faster and is up to 52% more energy efficient than your kitchen oven.

Do the math, friends: in the time it takes to preheat my oven for a frozen or fresh pizza, we could have pizza on the table. And for this mom of boys who say “I’m still hungry” exactly 8.2 times per day, that is very attractive indeed!

Presenting: Five Steps to Five-Minute Pizza. Made possible ONLY with the Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker.

Step One: Get your hands on a Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker, of course! Available at TruServ, Amazon.ca and SHOP.CA, the unit retails for $69.99 and for pizza lovers, is worth every penny. In addition to cooking pizza, you can also warm appetizers, wings, cinnamon rolls and more. Bonus: the gorgeous red colour looks great on your countertop or tabletop.

Step Two: Add your frozen pizza, fresh pizza dough or flat bread to the pizza maker, and load up your toppings. Did you see that? I created my pizza directly in the pizza maker. So, there are less dishes and almost ZERO cleanup! Because my boys can get picky about toppings, I hide them between layers of shredded mozzarella. On this particular pizza, I’ve buried pepperoni and sauteed mushrooms – a classic combination. …