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small appliances

The Smoking Gun: Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavour

August 9, 2017 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

A few weeks ago, I confessed to a small – really, a *teeny* – bad habit: overspending on iced green tea lattes, to the tune of hundreds per year. I know! My bad. But I’ve since changed my ways and am happy to declare I haven’t purchased a coffee shop matcha beverage since.

However, I can’t enjoy my place on the moral high ground without admitting that I still have a few vices that cost a pretty penny, including (but not limited to) smoked artisan cheese.

Cheese please! We love indulging in really good Canadian cheeses and aren’t afraid to pay a premium for a quality product. However, we’re also smart enough to know when we’re paying too much, and lately, I’ve been pondering the markup of smoked cheeses like cheddar and gouda. Does the addition of smoky essence truly warrant an increase of up to $10 per 150g? Is there an easier (and more cost effective way) to add effortless smoke flavour enhancement to a wide variety of foods at home, including meats, cheese, dips, sauces, cocktails and more?
Introducing The Smoking Gun by Breville Canada. This wood smoke infuser allows you to infuse a variety of foods and drinks with natural smoky flavours like applewood and hickory without adding any heat. That’s right – no obtrusive smoking chamber, no fire hazard! Simply load The Smoking Gun with wood chips, light and blow smoke into a covered container of any kind. As soon as the container fills with smoke, remove the gun and swirl the smoke, allowing it to sit and infuse for a few minutes. (You can even try smoking foods twice for a deeper smoked flavour!) …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: breville canada, small appliances, the smoking gun

Hamilton Beach Ultimate Summer Giveaway!

July 2, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

I see you, summer. And I raise you the Ultimate Summer Giveaway.

If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with warm weather, it’s ice cream. And grilled foods. And we can’t forget shaved ice, cold milkshakes and mixed drinks. You know, the basic, yummiest foods and beverages you can think of.

When I think of yummy foods, I think of Hamilton Beach.

Did you know that as one of Canada’s leading distributors of small kitchen appliances, Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc. sells over 35 million appliances every year? Chances are, you’ve got a few of their innovative products in your own home – ready to chop, sear, mix or blend your favourite ingredients into a delicious culinary creation.

Of course, if there’s one time I love to pull out my Hamilton Beach standbys, it’s summer! That’s why I’m so thrilled to partner with them to bring you the Ultimate Summer Giveaway. One lucky Listen to Lena reader will win ALL FIVE of the summer-themed small appliances pictured below – for a total prize value of over $300!

HBSo, what’s up for grabs? Only the most popular, most cutting-edge small appliances for your summer entertaining needs! …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: Hamilton Beach Canada, small appliances, summer essentials

Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup) – The Fast Slow Pro Way!

April 14, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Growing up, it was the most horrific small appliance in my mom’s arsenal of horrific small appliances. I can still picture it: a turbulent aluminum contraption, rattling, hissing and spurting bursts of steam violently until I was certain it would explode, blanketing the kitchen with shards of beef bones and perfectly flavoured broth.

My few encounters with my mom’s pressure cooker was enough to put me off them for life.

However, rave reviews for Breville’s Fast Slow Pro started popping up everywhere. A modern day combination pressure and slow cooker, which moms like me – with no HAZMAT or ninja training – were using with ease and producing mouth-watering results… it was almost too good to be true! I had to check it out for myself, and Breville graciously obliged, sending over a Fast Slow Pro for me to experience.

Folks, I am in love. Pho Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup), made on my very first try with the Fast Slow Pro. It was flavourful, authentic-tasting and ready in under an hour.
DSC_0198aI suppose the first, and most important, fact to share is that today’s pressure cookers are nowhere near as frightening as models from years past. Breville’s simple controls and exclusive dual sensor technology remove the guess work – detecting when and how the pressure should be released, while monitoring time and temperature for perfect results every time, no matter the dish. …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: breville fast slow pro, healthy eating, pressure cooker, small appliances

Is it Time for an Upgrade?

April 28, 2015 By Lena

There are things I upgrade all the time.

My cell phone. My handbags. My hi-lites, patio cushions and iTunes collection.

I love to be on the up-and-up of the newest technology, the latest trends, and of course, the most sought-after products of the moment. It may not be your cup of tea, but that’s what makes everyone different, right?

But, how often do you upgrade your small appliances – like vacuums? Conventional wisdom says, “As long as it’s working, why do you need a new one?” And I’m not here to find ways to empty your wallet; rather, let’s have a congenial discussion on some of the reasons you’d want to make the investment.
dysonTime. Older technology small appliances like humidifiers, fans and vacuums often take longer to get the same job done. How many times have you pushed a hand vacuum over the same area multiple times, or cut the same area of lawn twice? While it’s tempting to make do with an older product, the smartest thing to do is place a value on your time spent. What could you be doing if you weren’t fussing with an inferior machine?

Performance. Closely related to time, the performance of a small appliance is one of the main reasons consumers tend to upgrade in the first place. Imagine if we all used manual washboards, or made coffee with a French press! With technological advances comes improvements in performance and automation. And when a product performs well, your quality of life improves. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: Cinetic science, Dyson, Dyson Cinetic DC77 upright vacuum, small appliances

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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