Peeling...How much skin have you lost?

Peeling vegetables or fruits can be so time consuming and annoying. I personally want the quickest and most efficient way.


I have always gone back and forth between the vegetable peeler and a simple kitchen knife. They both always felt so ackward to me. I usually drop whatever I am peeling or the utensil goes flying into the sink. Or I miss the vegetable all together and peel off a layer of my skin. NOT FUN! Plus when using the peeler to your left the skin always gets stuck in the hole and you have to stop and clean it out. Grrr....bad peeler!


I did find a solution to some of my problems. I was shopping at Le Gourmet Chef and I found a cute little peeler for only $5.95. It is called the Chef'n Palm peeler. Your middle finger goes in the little hole and you can easily hold the vegetable in a firm grasp and not worry about either going flying or hurting your skin! The sad part is it does jam with the skin from the vegetable. Also Colin (my husband) has big hands and his fingers do not fit in the hole. So he prefers the old peeler. For me peeling goes by quicker and with no injuries to me or the vegetable. You can find this wonderful gadget at most specialty food stores.

If you have any fun gadgets that work for you! Let me know!

Happy cooking :-)

Recipe of the Week!

Have a spring/summer party that requires you to bring an appetizer?!? I have the PERFECT recipe that will be a HUGE hit. I have taken these to countless parties and they are gone before the first 6 pack!

Opened-Faced Cucumber Sandwiches

1 3 oz package of cream cheese
1/2 teaspoon of garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon of dill weed
1 teaspoon of chopped chives
1 cucumber
8 slices of bread

Combine first 4 ingredients in a bowl and mix well. (I use my food processor. Quick and mixes so well!) Cover and chill for at least an hour. Peel and cut your cucumber into slices.

Now there so many ways to put these sandwiches together. I use Pepperidge Farm VERY THIN sliced bread. It comes in white or whole wheat. I cut the slices diagonal and spread the cream cheese mixture on one side and top with a cucumber. That way no bread is wasted by using a cookie cutter to get a round shape. If you prefer the uniform look then go the cookie cutter route. Either way these are SURE to be a hit at your summer bashes. Depending on the size of your party but I always quadruple the recipe.

If you do use this recipe please let me know how it went! :-)
Enjoy!

Introduction

Hello Friends, Family, and Guests :-)

As most of you know I LOVE to be in the kitchen. I am all about trying recipes or making up my own. I come from a family of chefs. My Grandmother was always in the kitchen using old recipes or trying out new ones. I have a sister who is currently attending Culinary school and who is VERY creative in the kitchen. I have started keeping track of recipes that I like and ideas that come into my head and how they have worked out. I am very interested in specialty needs. I have friends that are allergic to gulten and dairy and I am all about getting them to eat every day items such as pizza and pasta and having them taste just as good as the real stuff.

I LOVE sharing what works and what doesn't and I thought why NOT have a BLOG. They are the "it" thing on the internet these days right?

My blog will be dedicated not just to recipes but to all things KITCHEN. The lastest in gadgets and appliances. Maybe even ways to save some money but still get the best quality of items.

So stop by anytime you want and please give me feedback. I am trying to find exactly what my passion is and advice and critism are the best ways to learn!

Thank you and Happy Cooking :-)
Kimberly