Favorite Things: Cuisinart Immersion Blender

Since B and I are the only ones in our house, this Cuisinart Smart Stick seems to do the job. Its not nearly as loud as the last immersion blender I had that lasted a whole 2 years (designed by a chef and the thing still didn't have quality)! I don't own a blender because this is all I need. I make salsa, shred chicken for quesadillas and tacos, and chop veggies in the chopper bowl and I make smoothies, blend dressings, and smooth out creamy soups with the stick attachment. Don't worry about ice either...this thing will not leave a bunch of ice in the bottom. I did a lot of homework before buying this appliance and I hope you all will like it too!
This would be an ideal gift for: Newlyweds, any family member who likes to make things at home vs. crappy canned stuff. Attachments are easy to use but it's not dishwasher safe (I stick the 'beaker' in the dishwasher only.)

Cost: $49.99 (Retail, but I'd suggest looking around online for deals or coupons).

Favorite Things: Bunchy Scarf

I love when something is handcrafted...maybe it's the American girl in me, I don't know. That is only half of the reason why I love my new Bunchy Scarf. The other reason is it's simply adorable! I just received this in the mail yesterday and was ecstatic to wear it to work today and out to dinner with B.

Yes, that's my shower behind me. It's late at night and there's absolutely no light anywhere but the bathroom.

This gift would be ideal for: Any woman or child who loves fun scarves. I'd even get this to wear in a warmer weather location since it's not heavy. They come in an array of colors too. This is also a gift you could send to loved ones far away. It comes in a cute clear bag and is cheap for shipping.

Cost: $11.99 + s&h

Favorite Things: Williams Sonoma Nesting Bowls

One of my favorite stores is Williams Sonoma. I don't own many items from this place(my hubs says I'm tight because if it's not on sale, I usually don't buy it) but it's a favorite. Just one step into their store, fills your heart with the aroma of a cozy home. While registering at Williams Sonoma before I got married, I somehow overlooked these versatile mixing/nesting bowls. Luckily an aunt of B's felt we couldn't live without these, and she was right! I use these bowls almost every time I cook. These make the Favorite Things list my list because while they're not on sale, they're not expensive and they'll never go out of style because they're clear! Timeless.

This gift would be ideal for: someone who cooks, newlyweds, new home owners, practical gift giving, long distance gifting.

Cost: $38.00 + s&h if you're mailing it.

Favorite Things: Purse

This is a recent purchase of mine that I absolutely love! It's a great value and looks super cute for the holidays. I get compliments all the time with this purse from both women AND men!! It's versatile and can store a bunch of stuff. The two side "jean style" pockets are great for quick items like cell phone and keys. I use this for work, shopping, and running around town. The quality is amazing and is very durable. This purse has it all!

Kathy Van Zeeland Patent Triple Compartment Hobo

click on the pic to go straight to QVC!

This gift would be ideal for: Women with children, Busy career women on the go, stylish divas ;-). Ages 21-75 (may be too cumbersome for the frail older lady). This is a great long distance gift (QVC ships anywhere with a gift card inside and no prices displayed, optional). This purse is big but offers a lovely slouchy look that doesn't look like you're carrying around a suitcase. It's great for casual day or night. Not ideal for dressy night.

Colors: This cute thing comes in an array of colors to suit anyone's needs.

Cost: $76.92 + S&H QVC

Risa's Favorite Things!

Christmas or Hanukkah will be upon us before we can say "more eggnog or another macaroon please!" Until Christmas, I'll post a new "Favorite Thing" that could be a great gift for the Holidays. I'll try to cover several bases for different people, but I'll be honest, I'm not good at children's gifts.

If you're in a Reader, and you want to thumb through past Favorite Things, just click on the icon in the top right of my blog.

I hope you all enjoy My Favorite Things!

Product Review: Zip'n Steam

I'm not some granola cruncher, in fact I'm far from it, but I am one of those people who fear cooking in plastic (I feel like I'm going to get some sort of cancer or something when the plastic heats up and the molecules and plastic properties change). I'd rather cook my food in the oven or stove top via stainless steel or glass. Curiosity got the best of me while reading Abby's blog who raved about the Zip'n Steam bags. Who doesn't need a new way to make veggies easy to eat?My Review:

I used these tonight and steamed a little corn and peas with salt and old bay seasoning and it turned out great! It couldn't have been easier to eat veggies!

Easy Yummy Reduced Fat Alfredo Sauce

While I love Mexican food (I could eat queso dip for BL&D), I've always had a spot in my tummy for Alfredo Sauce. The bad side to it--it's enormous fat and calorie content! When B and I go to Olive Garden we order a side of it for our bread sticks and refer to it as our "lard boat." I never order the whole dish, it's just a gut bomb.

I came across this recipe and thought, "Hey, that looks like it'd be good." So I made a few modifications and came up with my version. It was divine!! Tons of flavor and yummy texture too. I love it with Dreamfield's Rotini.


Reduced Fat Alfredo Sauce
adapted from Our Best Bites

1/2 C skim milk
1/8 C reduced fat cream cheese
1/2 C fat free evaporated milk
1 Tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/4 t dried basil
1/2 Tbsp butter
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 C Parmesan cheese

1. Toss the milk, cream cheese, flour, pepper, basil and salt in a large cup and process with an immersion blender (or regular blender). Process until smooth and set aside.
2. In a pan, melt butter on med heat and add garlic. Let the garlic saute for about 30 seconds, you don't want to burn it. It should be nice and bubbly.
3. Then add milk mixture to the pan. Stir constantly for about 3 or 4 minutes or until it just comes to a simmer. Keep stirring and let it cook for a few minutes more. It should be much thicker now. When it's nice and thick (it's almost as thick as a normal Alfredo sauce) remove the pan from the heat. Add the cheese, stir it up. Let stand for at least 5 minutes before using. It will continue to thicken upon standing. Add additional garlic powder to your taste.
4. Toss with your favorite cooked pasta and enjoy!

(I hate the flash on my food, I swear it's not cafeteria food)

I can't believe I wasn't being bad...until my second helping. Hey that's spinach salad on that plate so I consider that nutritious.