small appliances

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

August 9, 2017 By Lena 112 Comments

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!) …

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!

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

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_0198a I 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. …

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.
dyson Time. 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. …

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 …

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. …

2013 HOT List: Hamilton Beach Must Haves

January 3, 2013 By Lena

The following post is brought to you by my love for all things Hamilton Beach.

Sure, in some instances, I was sent the product for review – and other times, I’ve had the product for years. But the fact remains that my kitchen is crammed to capacity with these terribly innovative products that just happen to be affordable too.

Toaster Ovens. Hand Blenders. Waffle Makers and more… what’s not to love?

Hence, I thought it was only fitting to start the new year off right with a few of Hamilton Beach’s most loved small appliances. If you’re looking for a little help in the kitchen this year, here are my tried and true favourites from a brand you can trust.

Instant Hot Water Dispenser

This is one of those items that I didn’t know I needed until I actually started using it. Every day. Multiple times per day. Oh yeah.

Here’s the deal: with Ryder starting school this past September, we’ve all been sick… well, every freaking week. No lie; I swear I spend more time taking the boys’ temperature than checking my e-mail. And so I’ve spent the better part of the last three months making tea, liquid medicine concoctions, spiced cider… anything to make me feel like my head is not about to pop off. Normally, I’m the type to boil water on the stove, but when you’re indulging in hot beverages 4-5 times per day, it can get tedious – quickly. Enter the Instant Hot Water Dispenser.

Now I actually took a video of the dispenser in action, but even after adding my witty commentary, I realized there is just no way of hyping up a product that boils water (nor would I subject y’all to a 1:13 demonstration of said product). But nonetheless: with a quick boil function, adjustable water flow from 150 – 300 ml and smart safety features (the unit automatically turns off when water boils), this is THE product for tea drinkers or anyone who needs hot water in a hurry. The 1.8 L reservoir ensures that you’re not refilling the unit all day long, but is not so big that water remains dormant and stale over days. I also love that it has a convenient stop button which immediately cuts the flow of hot water when you’ve reached the desired amount – another safety feature that prevents overflowing and well, scalding. #ouch

If there’s one item you pick up during cold and flu season, make sure it’s the Instant Hot Water Dispenser!
…

It’s a SHOP.CA #KitchenKravings Twitter Party!

September 14, 2012 By Lena

It’s just about that time of year. The kids have returned to school; the crisp fall weather is around the corner, and the domestic goddess in you starts to stretch her long limbs, ready for to take on the world. Or rather, the kitchen.

Thanksgiving dinner. Halloween parties. Holiday baking. Christmas cookie exchanges. Oh my!

Chances are, you’ll be spending a fair time in the ol’ kitchen over the next few months. So take a look at your small appliances. Will they get the job done – or are you done with them?

SHOP.CA believes that every domestic diva should have the very best tools to stay on top of her trade. And with brands like Delonghi, Kitchen Aid, Keurig, and Breville – all at great prices plus FREE shipping – you’ll be churning out haute cuisine faster than you can say “Martha Stewart who?”

But even seasoned chefs lust after certain small appliances – the perfect waffle maker, the most powerful hand blender – the list goes on and on. What are some of your #KitchenKravings?

Join SHOP.CA for the #KitchenKravings Twitter Party on Thursday, September 20th from 9-10pm EST. We’ll chat about your favourite kitchen gadgets, the ones you krave, and we’ll be giving away some of the SHOP.CA’s most sought-after small appliances! YES, just like all SHOP.CA Twitter Parties, the prizes will be EPIC!

DATE: Thursday, September 20th
TIME: 9:00pm – 10:00pm EST
PARTY HASHTAG: #KitchenKravings…

SHOP.CA Picks of the Week!

July 8, 2012 By Lena

Hey hey fabulous shoppers!

In case you missed the AWESOME news… SHOP.CA is open for business!

And, since I’ve been visiting the website almost obsessively, I figured it’s high time that I share some of the best deals, my favourite picks, and the items you should grab TODAY.

At the top of my list: This Krups 10 Cup Coffee Maker with Built-In Grinder. At 40% off MSRP, you can grab this amazing small appliance for just $124.99 this week!

Conical burr grinder with automatic functionality: grinds coffee to match number of cups and strength chosen, 5 levels of grind and 3 settings of coffee strength, Back-lit LCD with clock and programmable timer, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10 cup digital settings that control the coffee-to-water ratio, Aroma function for 2 – 4 cups for proper brewing of small coffee quantities, Pause and serve, Automatically prevents steam from clogging the coffee channel and grinder, 10-cup glass carafe.

I’ve owned Krups machines in the past and have always been impressed with their quality and sleek design. Attention coffee-loving friends! This one warrants further investigation :)

Next, I simply can’t resist the Michael Kors Hamilton Large N/S Tote in Luggage. This retails practically EVERYWHERE for $348.00 (trust me, I keep an eye on these things). SHOP.CA’s price? A sweet $269.00, baby! That’s a savings of over 20% – enough to make me re-think my handbag situation…

Michael Kors is recognized as one of America’s preeminent designers for luxury sportswear. His namesake company, established in 1981, currently produces a range of products through his Michael Kors Collection, KORS Michael Kors, MICHAEL Michael Kors labels, including women’s ready to wear, women’s accessories, and a full line of fragrance and beauty products for both women and men.

Got a baby on the way? Save BIG by buying last year’s Baby Jogger City Mini Single. The 2011 version has a slightly smaller underseat storage, and a manual vs automatic latch to secure the stroller closed – but other than that, the strollers are virtually identical. So, why pay $279.99 when you can grab this sweet Orange/Gray 2011 City Mini Single for just $199.99?

(If you’re budgeting for baby, this is a fabulous choice!)

The City Mini captures the essence of urban mobility. Its lightweight design makes it perfect for running errands or all day excursions in the urban jungle. Full stats and features can be found by following the link above.

Anyone still wear a good old fashioned watch? I’ve been relying on my phone to tell time for the last few years, but as I learned from Daniel Goddard, watches are jewelry – and wearing jewelry makes a personal statement. So if watches – and Timex watches in particular – are your thing, pop by SHOP.CA, where selected Timex pieces are 40%, like the Shock 30-Lap Classic Full Size watch (just $48.00 after discount).

The Timex Ironman Shock-Resistant 30-Lap features a resin band with glossy finish and shock resistance for dependability and ruggedness. 100-hour chronograph with either lap or split in large digits, INDIGLO night-light, and much more. Accurately track your training with this durable full size sport watch as you run laps, bike miles or time drills. Also features customizable alarms, a 30-lap memory recall and a NIGHT-MODE so you can train at night or in the dark. Water resistant up to 200 meters so you can even track your workouts in the swimming pool or take it to the beach.

Want to find more deals at SHOP.CA? Check out their Pinterest Board, where deals are posted daily.

Click here to visit SHOP.CA.

Hamilton Beach: 5 Gotta-Have Gizmos

May 6, 2012 By Lena

Some people would consider it an advertorial faux pas to put together a list of “must-have” items… all from the same manufacturer. In fact, I normally pride myself on mixing it up; incorporating great pieces from a variety of different brands. But to understand my reasoning behind dedicating an entire post to Hamilton Beach, I suppose you would have had to be there with me at last week’s media preview.

It happened, friends. That twitchy, tingly feeling at the tips of my fingers, which usually signals I’m about to reach for my wallet, slap down my Visa card and declare,

“I’LL TAKE IT! I’LL BUY IT ALL! I WANT EVERYTHING!”

The last time this happened was H&M’s Summer 2011 collection. And since the price of most Hamilton Beach small appliances are actually less than an H&M outfit (I know, right? insane!) you can imagine how giddy I felt.

Want. Want. Want. Tra-la-la-la-la.

So this season, I’ve decided to forego a predictable $39.95 H&M tunic and treat my entire family to this $39.99 Mess Free Belgian Style Waffle Maker instead. Hmm… one season of wear vs. years of breakfast time happiness? No contest.

And just what makes it “Mess Free”? First, it comes with a pre-measured batter cup, so you’ll always pour the perfect amount (excellent for those who normally just eyeball it… and fail). Second, if you’re an incurable eyeballer and decide to pour away, the batter overflow channel keeps the excess from seeping all over your countertop. And third, you can break the finished waffle apart into 8 sticks, perfect for munching on the go (also guaranteed to be a hit with the kiddos.)

So what else makes the cut? Here are four more of my fave gotta-have gizmos from Hamilton Beach:

bébé All in One Baby Food Maker – Ah, products that give you little excuse for laziness. (Er – maybe this shouldn’t be on my list, after all.) But here’s the deal: hands up if you made your baby’s food from scratch… for more than two weeks. Okay, now hands up if you could have used a product that slices, steams and blends foods all in one? PLUS, can be used as a chopper or small blender? And is dishwasher safe? Like I said, zero excuses. So I present to you, the VERY BEST baby shower gift you could possibly give a mom-to-be. The Hamilton Beach bébé All in One Baby Food Maker retails for just $69.99 for the 3-cup model; $79.99 for the sophisticated 5-cup version. Go ahead. Be a champion gifter.

Party Dipper Food Warmer – Repeat after me: “I will not bring a bottle of Merlot to an informal dinner with friends.” Instead, follow these 3 easy steps:

1. Purchase the Hamilton Beach Party Dipper Food Warmer.
2. Whip up a quick spinach, artichoke or cheese dip, and place it in the Party Dipper.
3. Bring the dip to a party. It’ll stay nice and warm, and the removable ceramic dish and lid are microwave/dishwasher safe.
4. Leave the Party Dipper for your hostess. At just $14.99, you’ve now effectively given the finger to all those Merlot-toting guests. Ha ha.

Ice Shaver – This I MUST have. Because I swear that deplorable ice cream truck always slows down in front of my house, beckoning my two boys to spend every cent I earn on cold treats. $4 for a snow cone? Buy the Hamilton Beach Ice Shaver, and it’ll pay for itself after less than 12 uses. Not only can kids enjoy slushies, snow cones & icy treats with your favorite soda or fruit juice, but mommy and her girls can tip back tropical and mixed drinks once the little ones are in bed. Retails for $44.99. Heck ya.

5 Burner Outdoor Grillstation – Okay, so this isn’t really a “gizmo” as it is the answer to your summer feasting dreams. Since I really don’t speak BBQish, click here to view the specs. But know this: every inch of this Grillstation is engineered to make cooking outdoors a pleasure. From its extra large, easy to read gauges to its ergonomically designed hood and burners, even gals can take on the role of resident grill master.

(The Hamilton Beach website is actually a wonderful resource for recipes, including ones hot off the grill – Mahi Mahi With Ginger And Dill, Southwestern Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Grilled Tomatoes with Cumin Butter and more.)

And so I’ve only left about 26 Hamilton Beach items off my “Gotta-Have” list, and yes, my hand is still twitching with the need to splurge on these affordable, incredibly intuitive products. Check out their site for more amazing items, or just stick around… I’m sure I’ll be talking about another favourite product before long.

Click here to visit Hamilton Beach Canada.