Dec
3
Have You Voted Today?
I encourage you to vote up to ten times per day for the housewarming gift set we present to the winner of HGTV Dream Home 2011. Products are inspired by the location of this year’s home – lovely Stowe, Vermont. Once you’re done voting, enter for your chance to win an identical gift set.
Also, while I have your attention, take some time to click through our new and improved HGTV Dream Homes Past section. Now it’s easier than ever to find information about and photos of each year’s home. Can you believe we are celebrating 15 years of HGTV Dream Homes in 2011? Who knows, the coming year could change your life forever!
First!
Second!! LOL. Oh! And third.
! Hey no fair I was third !
You can have 3rd, I mean technically it is yours… ; ) Now if you'll excuse me I'm going take Coop and Show Me's advice and run to home plate while the ball's still in the air. HA!! Scored one for the team. LOL.
1.
Show Me: Strange as it may seem, they give bloggers very peculiar names.
DBCoop: Funny names?
Show Me: Nicknames, nicknames. Now, on the HGTV Dream Home blog we have Who's on First, What's on Second, I Don't Know is on third.
DBCoop: That's what I want to find out. I want you to tell me the names of the folks on the DH blog.
Show Me: I'm telling you — Who's on First, What's on Second, I Don't Know is on third.
Say anybody around here know two guys by the name of Abbott and Costello? Something funny is going on on, Coop is sliding in to home plate, but what's that I see falling out of his pockets– looks like a couple of chesseburgers. This is actually based on a true story, told by my friend Bill Faul who was a legendary pitcher for the Tigers and the Cubs in Cinci Ohio. I know Bill, who they called "Moon Man", would have loved it if I told his story.
2.
DB Coop: You know the bloggers' names?
Show Me: Yes.
DB Coop: Well, then, who's the first to blog?
Show Me: Yes.
DB Coop: I mean the blogger's name who's on first.
Show Me: Who.
DB Coop: The person that posted first?
Show Me: Who was on first.
3.
DB Coop: What are you asking ME for?
Show Me: I'm not asking you, I'm telling you — Who.
DB Coop: I'm asking you, who's on first?
Show Me: That's the blogger's name!
DB Coop: That's whose name?
Show Me: Yes! For the umpteenth time, Coop, WE ALL KNOW Who's on first, What's on second, and I Don't Know's on third. C'mon, focus Coop. That jet lag must really be getting to you.
DB Coop: Sheesh. I think I'd better go lie down….
Shades of Abbot & Costello ! Nicely done, you two.
I don't think you guys are ever going to figure this out! Don't need to turn on tv just tune in to HGTV DH Comedy Channel where they have the best stand up comedians from all over the USA.
You are all so funny and thanks for reminding me of this classic video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77azRkVHtqM&fe…
I'm glad we get to see a nice big pic of one of my favorite gifts. I wish it would come with Paula Deen, and the pie though. Now that I finally looked to see which gifts are winning the vote, I see that my favorites need a little help, so I'll definitely start voting 10 times a day. Ya know, just because I know I'm gonna win this year. B)
Cami–I take this as proof that DIY staffers read your comments…remember your list of pies that you posted a while back ? You may have influenced this photo. I sure hope that granite is in the DH kitchen.
Cami, you always ask great questions. I'm sure you are aware by now that Mary says the winner of the housewarming gifts is also eligible to win the 2011 Dream Home. So, enter the housewarming gifts contest. The odds of winning both are infinitesimal! So go for it girl!!!!
Did I mention how much I love that pie making set?? I've been having serious issues with craving apple pie lately. I thought having a slice of my mom's homemade apple pie would do the trick. I had a delicious piece of my mom's pie and it seemed to keep my cravings under control for about a week….. And then Mary goes and posts a big pic of Paula Deen's apple pie, and now my cravings are back with a vengeance. Thanks a lot Mary, for keeping my sinfully sweet desires alive. Now where's that chocolate fountain we've been talking about??
I wonder if my strong desires to win this Dream Home are contributing to my taste bud's specific preferences.
The products look beautiful, but I was/am still hoping to see some Bennington pottery (made in Vermont) at the dream home. Like this link http://www.benningtonpotters.com/product/339/bake…
Those would make some delicious cute lil' pies.
Are you a fan of Polish bakeware as well? I'd like to have at least one nice baking set some day. http://www.polishpotteryonline.com/bafeware.html
Dearest Dearest Cams, I know your house must be lit up with all the lights and joys of Christmas, including music from your grand piano. All of this with you at the helm. Merry Christmas, our dear Cams, blessings for 2011,may all of your hopes and wishes come true, including that sparkling HGTV house in Stowe. By the way, let's get the party started and stuff that ballot box so HGTV central has a flurry of mail from the blog with one of the winners right here right now.
Thanks Mary ! we are trying to vote as many times as possible I personally done 3 Max, because what I chose is doing good but still today I think I want to break my own record.
That Apple pie look's good mmmm If I win the Dream Home I would love to have Mrs. Deen over she can do and cook what ever she wants.
Every time I vote for my favorite Dream Home gifts, I keep thinking there'll be a link at the end that says… "Please leave your spouse's e-mail address, so we can tell him/her your gift choices, just in case you don't win."
I kinow my hubby would be relieved to know exactly what I want for Christmas.
Too funny. I just buy them myself. Drive to the mall – $5.00, buy new Kitchen Aide mixer – $250, Look on husbands face when I open my Christmas gift from him – priceless.
LOL!! Ok, I admit it, I'm guilty of the same scenario, at least every other year. ; )
Good evening everybloggie !
Yes, Mary ~ I've voted today ~ and that pie looks picture perfect…. d'y think anyone will notice if I take just a teeny, tiny, smidgen of a slice, or a bit of the edge of the pie crust ? It makes me want to abandon porridge and switch to pie !
Two Yums Up :O)
GoldieLocksBear
XOX
"Goldielocks!! Put that pie server down and back away from the counter. ; ) That pie is strictly for the tantalization of the bloggers." "Ohhh!! look over there Goldie the Bears are coming home." Cami says, after licking her lips, while breathing in the smell of apple pie deliciousness.
Cami grabs up the pie and makes her escape through the garage and into the secret hiding room, just before Goldie's frightened expression melts from her face, as she realizes Cami's cruel deception.
Goldielocks has the last laugh however, as she realizes Cami forgot to take a fork.
You know Cami, lack of a fork never stopped me from eating pie!
I considered my options for eating that pie…. Should I sit and scoop out the pie with my hands and shove it in my mouth by the handful, and risk being caught pie handed? Or should I hide it somewhere in the secret room above the garage and hope nobody can sniff out it's location, while I sneak back down to secure a fork??
Still trying to come up with option 3….. I wonder what tools Jack and Linda have stored away in the garage? Hmmmmm, now that's a thought. A shovel? A rake? Perhaps even easier to work with.. A handheld garden spade? What else might I be able to find in the garage?
Hi Cami !
You are hereby officially named the winner of the coveted Silver Pen Award :O)
I love your Pie Stealing Story ! But I have confiscated the forks and they remain hidden in the Secret Hiding Room :O)
While I was busy keeping those sharp, shiny implements away from you, I was mulling over Mary's clue about flipping…d'ya think maybe it has something to do with griddle ( flip a pancake) or grill ( flip a burger) ??? Just a thought. Now hand that pie back please!
GoldieLocksBear
XO
She mentioned flipping did she?? Well thanks for the tip, now I can look around in the garage for the grilling tools. Yummmy, I think the first taste of apple pie is just one giant grilling fork or spatula away. HA! You'll never find that pie before I finish it all gone, eliminating every last bit of delicious apple pie aroma in the air. It'll be gone, gone, gone.
Hmmm, I'm usually not this possesive with desserts.
I am going to challenge that picture with a different flourless recipe, unless I can taste test this pie myself in Stowe Vermont, maybe I'll have some competition with Goldie Locks and Cams who are licking their lips. If the pie disappears in the next few days, I will know without a shadow of a doubt that one of my fellow bloggamadillas got to it. Who is the potential pie knabber grabber gabber, scene stealer, apple peeler, and coraler?
Oooh Janzee,
I love your awesome, arresting, amazing alliteration !
Perhaps you should wrench the coveted Silver Pen trophy from Cami's hands ? ( And while you're about it ~ please nab the pie !!!
GoldiLocksBear
XO
Ha you'll never be able to wrench this pie from my hands…. However if you can get Jr. Blogger Emily on your team.. Well…. She has youth on her side. I imagine she could steal that pie right out from under my nose in the blink of an eye. ; )
Ya know the older you get the longer your blinks last.
Thank you for the compliment Goldie, and you could be a contender too, especially since your persona is GoldLocks and you have been seen toting a few pies to friends and family. We'll have to keep an eye on you, especially in the next few months when it gets bear cold in Vermont. Perhaps you can go into the mud room to grab pies, maple syrup, chocolate powder, dried fruit- all provisions from Vermont etc. that will keep us all nourished when we enter the DH.
If I snitch the pie the course shall be with yaw and a bear paw.
Camis Silver Pen is hard to grab, and would be a chaw. [just discovered this fascinatin old word from our country's history- has to do with something hard to swallow like chewing tobacco, but it rhymes so I threw it in. Love to you, Janzee
Where are you Missy we haven't see you on the blog lately. You are probably up to some giant project knowing you.
Mmm, Apple Pie sounds yummy. But, I do wish Mary would stop beating around the bush and just give us the deets on the Dream Home! C'mon Mary, Pleeeeasse?
Okay, admittedly, I've voted today, but only once. However, I promise the powers-that-be at HGTV that I will gradually increase my daily voting tally as my sense of balance and strength returns. I'll be up and voting multiple times each day in no time at all.
Of course, the apple pie is a strong motivating factor. MARY chose her inspirational photo wisely.
1. Carefully planning ahead for Christmas 2011 in the Stowe Dream Home, I think I have all the details sorted out. After all, getting the Dream Home ready for the holidays, with visits from family and friends, takes some thought. Especially with those six healthy and finely decorated Christmas trees that Super Fan Gail will be anticipating.
2. So, by the time Frosty the Snowman pays a visit next winter, Spruce Peak's Dream-land story might go just like this:
It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, this White Christmas so delightful and unexpected. I was up late for a busy yet pleasantly Silent Night, all in a festive effort to Deck the Halls in time for the holiday season. As I peeked out the living room window, what did I see in the glow of all those outdoor Christmas lights but a flurry of glistening white snowflakes. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! I shouted with glee, to no one in particular. Imagine, a Winter Wonderland right in my very own yard…and though I always enjoy my travel adventures, I was warmed by the thought that I'll Be Home for Christmas in Vermont. Why, I might even have a visit from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer any day now. The very idea made me smile as I hung the welcoming wreath on the front door.
Circa–one year after the DH winning in Stowe Vermont. What I would like to know Coop is what you are doing up so late at night, in the livingroom, come into the kitchen of the Stowe DH, and there's a party going on in preparation for the holidays….surprise!!!! Bring out your festive egg nog made with the Vermont Maple Syrup you have been storing for months, and some of those Thai hors d'oeuvres that you've beem telling us about-my mouth is watering. Tonight is the night, as we have all gathered after a long winters night mush mush reindeer ride for the much advertised evening of RJMstone's family and story telling. The gifts for everyone are in the bag, so who will be Santa? It is said that you have an Orson Wells booming voice, and we're all prepared to hear your wonderful wish "Joy To The World, and a few other stories that the famous Coop has prepared.
I am pondering on what would go in each of the stockings if they belong to us?
What would go in each of those stockings hung by the chimney with care you ask? Oh dear, it's better to surprise, but since you've asked so nicely, Janzee, I'll share a few of my favorite Vermont things that make perfect stocking stuffers —
Mt. Mansfield ski lift tickets, Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream gift certificates, a jar of pure Vermont maple syrup, a Vermont Teddy Bear Company gift certificate, an invitation to a special DH New Year's Eve party, an Elisabeth von Trapp Christmas CD, an artist Woody Jackson cow mug and Holy Cow t-shirt, a ticket to a group sleigh ride at Edson Hill Manor, and of course, a pair of warm woolen mittens.
Ah don't worry Coopy Sherlock Janzee has poked around the hand made stockings hung with care for a long time, but your selection of stockin stuffers is very new and different and be assured we'll all be super surprised. I totally love the pure Vermont syrup and the Holy Cow t shirt, now can we get our names printed on the mugs, tshirts and is that a group sleigh ride with all of our names on it.
3. Content with my day's work, I listened to the sounds of the season, and the lighthearted words of Jingle Bells filled the air with their upbeat spirit. I truly wished Joy To The World, as I turned to hang my stocking with care on the fireplace mantel. I waited to the very last for the finishing touch, carrying on a family tradition each and every year — my prized handmade glass Silver Bells were perfectly placed on the boughs of the towering Christmas tree. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how beautiful thou does seem to me. Deep in my heart, I know that All I Want For Christmas is Joy To The World, and so my wish is that you Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
And certainly don't forget the freshly baked apple pie…with a fork or without.
Well, wine cellars and chocolate cellars have been suggested for the DH secret feature — how about a pie cellar? Then there would be more than enough pie for all (I'll take cherry, please)!
I wonder if there will be six Santas to go with the six trees at the DH?
"Christmas at my house is always at least six or seven times more pleasant than anywhere else. We start drinking early. And while everyone else is seeing only one Santa Claus, we'll be seeing six or seven." – W.C. Fields
Is that picture… the Dream Home kitchen wooden counter board for rolling out pie dough and its stone counter and backsplash?
The pie looks geat! Nice and flakey!
Speaking of the flakey crust, one of the best apple pie desserts I ever had was grandmas apple studel. She made it with a sheet of dough that she rolled and spread out so thin you could read a newspaper. Then put raisins- yellow and brown, walnuts, pieces of dried fruits, and a couple of other things, and with those soft hands rolled the confection ever so slowly and then cut it with a sterling engraved knife- I think what made it so delicious was her touch. P.S. on an unrelated subject you always send me and the group such fantastic info to check out. I now have one for you, that inspired one of my most recent posts. Check out Santa Barbara Green Houses at http://www.sbgreenhouse.com. These green houses inspired a thought I have about a nook and crannie in the DH.
Love it! The Dream house is SO beautiful!
Hey Coop & Show-Me: I’ve been away for a very long time, but thrilled to see that you and Show-Me are still battling wits!! Do you remember who I am?
All the gifts are great ! it was hard to select which ones I wanted to vote for, they are all so perfect for this home! But I voted and cant wait to win them and the home this year !
Nice picture! In fact, it is perfect. For sure this is a dream pie, in a dream kitchen. Not a speck of flour in sight, counters sparklingly spotless, and not a scratch on the cutting board. Nothing at all like my kitchen (heavy sigh) formica counter tops here, beat up rolling pin, flour everywhere including all over the cooks apron.
This picture is perfection, the only thing missing is us, and the Ben & Jerry's French Vanilla Ice Cream to scoop onto the oven-warmed pie.
When I enter the kitchen it is a disaster waiting to happen. I use my Mom's and her Mom's rolling pin with a handle missing and a big burn mark on it. They were good cooks so I don't know what happened there. Flour flying everywhere and since Soney has to be right next to me it is all over him as well. Soney starts playing with his squeaky tennis ball squeaking and sliding all over the kitchen floor that is when I decide to give up and buy a pie already made. But never fear Alice here is going to become a gourmet cook. When I decide to do something I see it to the finish. They have the cutest aprons just like the kind my Mom used to have. Think I will check those out.
The scars on the rolling pin is "patina", a highly desireable thing indeed. I love owning, and using things people from my past have owned and used. It's almost as if some of their spirit is imbued in the item. I suppose it truly is, because you can't help but think about them when you use the items, and for a few minutes, they are there with you in the kitchen.
Even if the baked goods don't come out as good as Mom's, just the happy thoughts make the experience worthwhile, and if the experiment is a complete failure gastronomically, as you said, there is always storebought!
Watch out world, Alice the gourmet cook is about to let loose, or at least look good trying! (Was the apron one with the little ruffles all around the edges? They made some killer aprons years ago didn't they?)
So lovely taking a walk down memory lane with your post AnneEliseSouth. You bring back some of the fondest memories I have with the older woman in the family. Thank you for the wonderful reminder and encouraging us to let loose!!!
That's what makes you a great cook alicesoneysmom. Lucille Ball was a terrific cook, but had to have a little slapstick thrown in between the cooking and flouring Effel her sidekick. An old rolling pin, shares stories with the cook, a new rolling pin must first learn the ropes. I can just see you in the kitchen, I could be your side kick.
You just made my pie dream a la mode. I may stay up late tonight just making my own apple pie. Someone please stop me.
Don't worry, the boys and hubby will make short work of any leftovers! Go for it, let loose the little piemaker inside you, as Marie Antoinette almost said "let them eat pie".
Remember the scene from the John Travolta movie "Michael" where everyone sat around the table sampling all the different flavors of pie? I can still hear Andie McDowell saying pie, pie, pie, with her southern accent. If it's good enough for angels, who are we to question.
Hmm, got a look at the Float, and I wonder what will happen to it after the parade. It would make a good garden ornament if they remove the flowers, and weather proof it. Or doll house, or dog house with a few alterations. After all the work that went into it, I hope it gets recycled, as it is a piece of art for sure!
Great idea AnneEliseSouth, why doesn't the winner put it out front yard and in the spring can fill it up with fresh flowers?
"Oh, my, I want a piece of pie…." Stowe Today reports heavy winds and power failures!
Here's a live web can. It looks peaceful in the resort but a little windy on the slopes in the
second picture.
http://www.stowe.com/news/webcam.php
While I hate for them to have a storm, I do hope they get to at least a foot of snow at the base soon. Perhaps only in the snow drifts. LOL
Cami, I'm sure the resort and all of their employees are waiting eagerly for the snow, too!
The heavy winds and power outages were probably not so eagerly anticipated.
Good luck to OREGON—–OREGON STATE—–civil war today!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On the one hand I'm partial to the Beavers (and grandson is at OSU)—on the other hand it would be awesome to see the Ducks have opportunity for a national championship. Either way—it will be a "wild ride" on the I-5 corridor today!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It was not to be as I sit here in my Civil War sweat shirt:-( But we still LOVE the BEAVS!!! Thanks for your support, MeKhazSimi:-)
All of the fans coming from up North take a short cut through Albany right past my house. The first one I saw with flags flying was at 4:30 A.M.. I think that's a bit early for a tailgate party! I wonder if they could even focus on the game once it started? I usually root for the Beavers, but I wanted to see an Oregon Team in the finals. I am glad the ducks won! The beaves did give it the old college try for awhile though.
I felt so good about the way both our Oregon teams played the game—great sportsmanship and they gave it their all. The Beav's hold so much promise for next year—-and Chip Kelly has done a great job with dampering down the "ego" effect of the Ducks—they seem so genuinely connected as a team this year, and hopfully they will continue on this path as they land in Glendale.
This is you MeKhazSimi. Why cant I reach you? If you are having puter problems I will give you my phone number and I'll write to the administration. Please come back on soon my dear friend, we are all missing your posts, poetry, thoughts about life and of course the HGTV DH.
Okay, MARY, I'm going to start off this morning with a little different approach…. So, what do you say to Let's Make a Deal? In order to encourage us to vote up to ten times a day on the housewarming gifts, how about if HGTV gives us another housewarming gift sweeps entry with each additional daily vote?! One round of votes per day, one entry. Five rounds of votes, five entries. Ten rounds of votes per day, ten entries. Now isn't that a great win-win, fair trade proposition?
I'm sure that would motivate all those fellow dreamers out there to vote and vote often! What do you say, fellow bloggers? After all, good behavior should always be generously rewarded, don't you think? Especially around the holidays. (Hint, hint — are you listening, Santa?)
Ya know I was thinking the same thing last night as I was putting in my 8th vote for the day. I'm really trying my very hardest to be a good fan and advocate for my favorite gifts, but it is a little daunting, and tiresome, so, it seems reasonable to me to give those with the longest endurance and commitment an extra vote.
Here is what I propose.. For reaching 5 votes- another entry. For getting to 10 votes- another entry. For a total of 3 entries per day.
So I'm signing this petition. CAMI
I'm sorry Mary, but dangling pie in front of my face, just isn't enough motivation for me.. ;(
I'll sign that petition!
SYDNEY
now we are talking hopefully Mary reads this, I will do my ten in a jiffy.
Does anyone want to make a case for their favorite gift pick like Army Family did on the previous blog?
Here's my personal gift campaign….
I'm bewildered as to why so many want the non-stick pan set? I've never had a non-stick pan last more than a year. Even the expensive ones with a lifetime guarantee. So my choice is the first stainless steel set… I think it was labeled Anolon.
Here's my campaign promise…. If you vote for my favorite pan set, I'll share my apple pie with you. ; )
I actually have the exact non stick set they have up there and I love it. I have some stainless steel pans also but my non sticks are my favortie, it might just be that brand. I think maybe everyone is tempted by the two extra pieces that come with the non stick pans. The first two options have 10 pieces and the last has 12.
Do you ever cook rice in your non- stick pans? I've wondered if that's why my lifetime non-stick pan started losing its surface.
I prefer cooking on non-stick too, until they start flaking. I worry about the non stick health issue and my kids.
I use the Calphalon wok most, rice is a staple in my home. I also have Kitchen aid and farberware pots and pans. They are all non stick and I havnt had any problem with any of them. Calphalon is my favorite though.
I've never used or had Caphalon, but I'm led to believe that the nonstick is made into or onto the hardened anodized metal pot/pans? Either way with any nonstick cooking surface the crucial "KEY" not ever is NO dishwashers. Hot soapy water and plastic scrubbers only on inside, and never not even once metal utensils or scraping on the inside while cooking in them or your cutting into the surface & now you created a weak spot for deteriation to root/begin. Scrape all you want on the outside, since cooking often requires that anyways of cleanup with them, but not the inside surface for food and they hold up superbly. One other caveat is limit high uses with high heat in the same spot repeatly for extended period I mean. Just some thoughts with my own learning curve.
I'm thinking of buying this same set for a wedding gift for our son this year and I am thinking of another place of buying it vs MSRP listed. Our children are all getting for this holiday a heavy duty Fagor (German) 4 & 8 Qt (5 piece) pressure cooker set.
Want to cook a large roast in under an hour perfectly? (about an hour if bone is in) Tender & exquisite with low costs on energy uses all the way around. Here ya go get this item. Perfection with ribs, roasts, veggies, babyfoods, meats, etc. everytime and so easy with whole meal done in one pot vs slow cookers that have to be or left unattended while plugged in. Not a fave.
It's an old way, but a tried and true way that works and not hard to learn. These babies have come so far with their abilities, HEAVY & Heavy duty…Awesome!
You ought to check it out for yourself. The PSI in them now days, safety and all is good/great!
It's crazy to expend more $$ when we don't have too & food is so tender & exquisite and can't say enough with waiting until last year to get one. We could of had meals on the table so much sooner than we did after coming home from work over the years had we had one sooner. More options too with time not being the only essence on any given day.
Only consideration I have with this…is don't buy cheaply in your investment as you can use it for your lifetime & most likely pass it on. I think they are able to go to around 6 or 8 PSI vs old way of 15/20 PSI. The good ones are heavy duty stainless steel, not aluminum or some other material. They are very thick on sides and bottom.
I chose over stainless steel due to mainly the high cooking temps allowed in or out of the oven, but the ultimate reason is "GLASS LIDS" as I find they stay truer longer than believe it or not the metal ones. I have cooked for so many years (35 plus…married) and my first set I still have 18/10 stainless steel with from Mom/Dad with metal lids & not all are true any more like my dutch oven so tinfoil to the rescue and then lid on top.
I also love I "CAN SEE" what is actually going on in the pot without ever opening it up with a glass lid so it offers the best of both. Great new achievement "glass" that we can rely on and metal trim for it's protection.
Truthfully, I didn't take the time to research the pan sets. Which ones will hold up the best over a gas flame…that's my question.
Oh and Cami…rice cookers are for cooking rice
Once I figured out how to boil and steam rice in a pan I abandoned the idea of a rice cooker (It comes out perfectly). After I ruined my pan though I considered it again, but haven't wanted another appliance to store. Soo I still don't have a rice cooker, but I seriously don't have any more room to store anything.
Love my kitchen appliances…measure rice, measure water, start, and walk away so that I can concentrate on other things
I cook with gas now and the house before this one on an electric stove with the same cookware. I see no differance but I'm no master cook.
It depends on the thickness of your pans…if you had nice thick pans before then you may not notice. Otherwise, the thinner pans heat up quicker and don't cook as evenly. I have bought some heavy pans, but otherwise still have some of my lighter pans and I know that some of the thinner ones start to smell a little as if the metal is cooking and I wonder if one day it will burn through.
Rice tips:
Boiling water first with salt, a higher temp is achieved then than without salt in the water. Also, liquids will boil faster with lids on pots. (Same basis with canning foods)
Add oil, butter, or margarine whatever you like for the rice not to be too sticky based upon your flavor you like. I use a little oil anymore, as it's offers the rice I use the best result & I think the lowest caloric result, but I'm not really sure other than the result I want to achieve.
When you add your rice to boiling water you must add ONLY a sprinkle to your water as it will boil up vividly when it's immediatley added___ so you must be aware & very careful when doing this, so you don't have a mess/spill over or get burned & most importantly with children/animals around.
Once your able to add all of your rice in the pot, put your glass lid on/or lid that is fit to your pot & turn your burner down to it's lowest setting for no more than 20 minutes or so. (Brown rice I use takes longer)
Rice is always turned off at this point, with lid NOT removed or taken off until meal is ready or thruout the cooking process. The rice will continue to cook, even with heat turned off thru the steam kept inside & your rice will stay steaming hot for a very long time.
Rice cookers are great! Have a 28 cup one. It's huge, but I don't use it for that. I make rice in a pot on the gas or electric burner & it comes out great everytime. Your variety of rice determines how to cook it & if it needs to be washed several times before you cook it? Japanese rices usually need lots of washing to get them to come out & tad more oil with cooking them. Cook enough rice, so you can store some after the current meal & use it for another meal when chilled for fried rice. I usually make enough for a 3 Qt pan or 6 cups of rice. You can use or not use meat in your fried rice depending how you want it. All kinds of veggies are awesome for this, (tofu too which takes on the flavor it's cooked with) what ever you have in your fridge usually does perfectly well. Little onion, celery, zucchini quartered/sliced (takes on flavor of meal as not strong or tough in flavor when smaller & great in fajitas too for good healthy filler), green onion/tops, bean sprouts (fresh turns out usually to be far cheaper anymore), (1st thing you cook is your meat if any) broccolli, mushrooms, (water chestnuts, bamboo shoots if avail) & anything really you like or want that day in it. It can change to what is on hand, NO RULES. Whip up a little eggs, if you want & cook in the middle of pan then spread thruout dish. Little soy sauce for your salting of meal for your flavor. I like ginger, (fresh or not), garlic, cumin & anything you come to like it is all up to you & your family. Make sauces with cornstarch vs flour, easier, no rue needed.. My family learned to love what was cooked as it was and is good food.
____Anyways, my rice cooker makes superb steamed veggies in huge quantities like from my garden. Smaller rice cookers can do the same. It's big & makes about 24 ears of fresh corn on the cobs at once or parboiling (steaming) garden veggies for quick freezing without salt/or other preservatives. Broccolli, asparagus, corn, brussell sproouts, green beans, squashes, yes fruits too, & the list goes on & on what rice cookers can be used for. Yep, rice cookers, there for more than you think.
I'm with you Cami, we have never had good luck with non-stick cookery. I vote for the SST every day
I own a set of the Calphalon fry pans the best pans I have ever had other than Iron skillets.
Pie, petitions, and campaigns. Oh my. xD
That sounds like the next blog novel Cams–great title
well according to Gails facebook, Superfan has left the Dream Home. She may have a while ago, I cant be sure but she has stopped posting DH related photos and her latest post is one where she is having her shoes shined in the airport.
Dear Mary, This is such a fun great idea. I absolutley, positively, 100% will vote TEN TIMES PER DAY———when they figure out a way to collate all the gift icons onto ONE PAGE——-and we can simply check off the TEN CHOICES of our choice and hit vote——I will vote to my heart's content——as of now I have to confess—I take the time to vote at least once sometimes twice each day. Scrolling through ten pages–ten times—-is as of now running competition with santa and the to-do list. LOL LOL LOL
WOOOO HOOOOO!!! I did it. I actually voted 10 times today!
I timed myself to see how long it takes me to vote 1 time (10 gift items).. It took me 1 minute 4 seconds. If I vote 10 times in a row…. It would take me 10 minutes and 40 seconds to vote 10 times per day.
Who can beat my time?? I decuple dog dare you!!
OK, now you have to start voting for me!
Hi Mary and Everybloggie!
I would love a pair of those snowshoes… 6 inches of new snow today in New England.
Gotta love winter to live here. 3 more weekends until Christmas! Time to trim the tree, send off the cards and light up the house!
Hope everyone is having a great weekend and that this season brings all of you some joy!
Andrea
Hi andrea1001 sounds like you have alot of joy going on at your home in New England. We are having such fun with our cards this year, I bought some and am making some on recycled papers.
Not even trying to vote that many times.
To Cami's comment on campaigning for a product…tobagan (spelled wrong)…fun for the whole family.
I agree who wouldnt want an extra long tabogan(?)!
Ok today has been a very busy day for me but I will do my ten votes, I'm having a cup of coffee as we speak so I can stay awake later and achieve my goal for today TEN VOTES also my Christmas tree is ready to decorate so I have lot's to do wish me good luck.
Good luck Pixie, and have fun.
Did we get an affirmative answer on if a winner of a homewarming gift will also be able to be a winner of the 2011 Dream Home if so picked?
Did MARY tell us for sure?
I didn't see an answer from Mary anywhere.
At least 2 bloggers agree that since it's not in the rules for the Dream Home nor was it for the Urban Oasis, that perhaps the 90 day rule only applies to the smaller giveaways.
That of course only means that at least 2 bloggers feel comfortable entering to win the gift sweeps.
Someone also said they feel comfortable entering, because the chances of being drawn for both are astronomical, which I agree with as well. ; )
The 90 to 120 day rule applies to EVERY CONTEST.
Where did you hear that Emily? I've never heard about the 120 rule with a contest. We may have to contact HGTV directly for a 100% for sure answer.
Good sleuthing Jr.BlggerEmily
What, me worry? The answer is easy: to win the set of housewarming gifts, just plan to win the Dream Home. That way you're sure to win both.
I love it, I love it, I love it!!!!!! You are one of the most positive person I have ever met. By the way, I wanted to wish you a formal welcome back from your world travels, and would like to ask if you have a snippet of a story, something magical and wonderful anything interesting from your dear home in Phuket Thailand.
You asked about a magical and wonderful story from my Thailand trip, Janzee, and indeed I can share one with you. If you like festive holidays and fireworks like the 4th of July, then the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai's three day November Loi (or Loy) Krathong Festival is where you want to be.
It turned out that I was in Chiang Mai for this year's Full Moon marathon of crowd-pleasing activities. Each evening (officially until 10 pm, but the fun continues long after) fireworks are set off around the city, innumerable floating candles (Krathong) in colorful flower and banana leaves are set free along the riverbanks, to be carried downstream by the currents, and literally thousands of rice paper hot-air balloon "lanterns" are released into the sky, creating an awesome and rather eerie armada of glowing mini-UFO's. They rise quickly, soaring high into the night sky, carrying the owner's good wishes with them.
Even local air traffic is halted from 5-10 pm to avoid any mishaps or close encounters. What cannot be prevented, however, is that what goes up must come down. Eventually, these thousands upon thousands of delicate lanterns DO return to earth; sometimes, I was told, landing on the thatched or wooden roofs of local village homes and setting them afire. Each morning, after the previous evening's "launchings", from my room high up in the Le Meridian Hotel (a beautiful and welcoming place to temporarily call home, by the way) I could easily spot dozens of crumpled lanterns littering the rooftops of Chiang Mai's buildings and private residences. On the last evening of the festival, while watching fireworks from my hotel room vantage point, the lights suddenly went out — then on again briefly, then out, and finally on again. I found out the next morning that the culprit was a lantern, still burning, that had landed on a nearby power transformer, immediately draping the downtown, and the crowds of celebrants, in total darkness. Thankfully, the power outage was brief, and the fire did not spread. That was definitely a Forever memory of my Thai vacation.
Second post. The dénouement of the story,and into the total darkness for minutes until the lights came back on must have been extremely exciting especially from where you were.
Coop, have you ever thought of joining the traveling crew with the
"Anthony Bourdain – No Reservations" show? They travel all over the globe and always find something interesting to eat!! YUM!
Loved the Cartagena, Colombia show. Made me hungry for their unique food.
This is a story my Dear Coop, that I would travel far and wide to sit around the campfire, or the DH living room over some good Tai Tea or hot chocolate and hear our Coop sharing your adventures. The story is replete with the mysticism that I am fond of, and was chilled when I learned about how the candles were released in banana leaves, and how the messages were sent airloft in the illuminated sky rockets. This holiday Loy, is graceful and very dramatic in the way the community participates together.
Here is Paula Deen explaining her three piece pie set. I think it would be appropriate for Paula to bake one of those yummy apple pies for the DH winner and for the winner of the housewarming gift sets! Click down a bit for her video. http://www.pauladeenstore.com/Product/detail/Paul…
Don't ya' all love Paula Deen. I do. I agree Alice, I'd love to have Paula in the Dream Home making an apple pie or 30. We do need enough for all the bloggers, don't we?
I was thinking the same thing Cami it wouldn't be fair if she didn't make an apple pie for each and everyone of us too! Although I think she should make extras for you and your family since you started the pie thing the chocolate thing the food fights the birds the bees the 12 days of Christmas you name it we have talked about it. Now you are campaigning and petitioning. Is politics in your future? You wear so many hats already. Is that why Mary said something awhile back about tipping her hat.
I think she sould bake it in the winner's kitchen, but if it's me, I might be tempted to never let her leave!
Thanks alot!
thank you for sharing – the measurements on the pie board would be very helpful.
Have to love Maxine even if she can get a bit cranky! The song on this clip Jingle Bell Rock was playing as I was walking by the carousel in Westlake Center. Then going by Nordstroms Santa was mighty busy doing his job. Many families all decked out in their finest clothes to have their pictures taken with jolly Santa Claus! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guk6MYG2axs&fe…
You know who we never hear from anymore? reneelovesgreen!
Where are you?
I know I miss her too! All of her great tips. And I can't forget how supportive she was when my dog Soney was so sick with his allergies. She gave me some wonderful advice. We need to know about your trip to Europe and if I remember right you took your little dog with you how did that work out? Hope you hear this Reneelovesgreen! We miss you!
I do too. I wish she'd check in.
That one Dear Deerspring is just right for Macmillan publishing.
We like goofy when it is amusing.
When the doodle bug bites, just go with the flow, deleting is a "no", so "on with the show" all pies start with dough, let's dream about Stow.
Vermont, that is, maple syrup, apple pie, Ben and Jerry's "Oh my my". Put some syrup on that pie, let the Ben and Jerry's fly. We'll live good until we die(t).
Terrific AnneEliseSouth– there is even a little bit of the Beverly HIllbillies sound to the verse…. "Vermont, that is, maple syrup apple pie, Ben and Jerry's Oh my. I was sort of expecting to see one of us open the DH door, holding a big freshly baked something or other.
Deer— I was just about to tell you somehting, about saving your posts, and I much I love your thoughts when I scrolled down to Anne EliseSouth and think she licked the spoon full of maple syrup on this comment. I LOVE IT!!!!!!
Wow! I'm back again. Each time I leave for a bit, I end up staying away for far too long! Not by my own design though. First thing I did was read ALL the blogs I have missed THEN, I Voted!
Ooops… I forgot to vote too!
My personal favorites were the gifts that helped you enjoy the great outdoors! The picnic set, the snow shoes (those who know me know why this is a must on my list!), the backpacks, I loved all the recreational gifts!
First thing on my list of things to do if I win would be to hike (or snow shoe depending on the weather that time of year) to the top of the mountain and have a picinic at the lake! Should Elvis show up I have my own way of dealing with him LOL…
The first thing I would do, also, is hike—with a camera, exquisite lunch in the backpack, and a writing tablet! The Leki trekking poles are also great. I've actually never used a snowshoe—that I remember—I've always cross-country skiied or simply used my hiking boots —-but I would probably give the snowshoe a try—although they look larger than me—–so this would probably end much as the down hill ski experiences—simply creating one snow angel after another. ha
I wish you could get the tobagons(?) AND the snow shoes. After all you have to climb up the slope before you can sled down it.
Hmm every other time I try to post something it doesnt show up. It says instead "your comment must be approved by the site admins before it will appear publically" is anyone else seeing that? One of my comments never showed up.
There's only one word that I know of (besides naughty words) that would keep a post from posting…. It has never been explained to us why, but we aren't allowed to write the other dirty word.. Shoe-s.. We can say shoe but not shoe-s. If I hadn't put a hyphen or space between the e and s, you wouldn't be seeing this post.. Cue the Twilight Zone music please……
Hopefully that's the problem, if it's another word……. I can't think what It'd be.
nope no shoe-s haha in fact the two that never showed up were about gails facebook page and the other was about the housewarming gifts.
Hi all, as a newbie olbie, I just looked back to the DH homes of the past. Mares the team did a great job of organizing all of the homes. The first one I clicked on tonight was the Chesapeake Bay Paradise
of 2002, and what I am noticing is that HGTV seems to have had a vision from the very early days to form a union with the living space and respect for nature. The flow of the home, and outdoors has some of the Plymouth, Sandia, and Stowe flow to it, and of course the architecture is fantastic. I am looking forward to going back a ways to get caught up with the homes of the past. This should be alot of fun, and by the way the look of the Chesapeake Bay home reminds me of a Nicholas Sparks r o m a n ce novel.
You reminded me I need to get back to those videos that Jack and Linda made about the Dream Home stories we didn't know. I of course clicked on my fav. DH in Tyler Texas. I loved the bee story…. What critter wouldn't want to live in the Dream Home?? It was pretty sweet.
Cams are you referring to the Secret Life of Bees. That was a wonderful movie-actually one of my recent favorites.
Interesting point, every DH does blend well with it's surrounding natural environment. The builders they choose are always spot on with their vision. My favorites are the 2007 DH because of the grand architecural style, and the 2010 DH because of the location, those awesome windows and views—and I'm always a tad partial when it comes to the desert country.
Day two, MeKhazSimi, I looked at the HGTV 2007. No wonder you fell in love with it, as there is a similar feel to our new Stowe DH. I like the flooring thoroughout the home and the way the builder incorporated stone and wood. A year ago when I went to Crested Butte Colorado and met the townspeople I realized that I could definately live in a place like this, even if I had to go into my cave for a few months.
They have done great work!! ALL are so wondrous…. inside and out!!!!
A wondrous person my dear Stone would recognize this– you are this and soooo much more. You deserve all good things, every day and every way.
Cami's comment a while ago about her barking cat reminded me of this funny video about a cat, a bird, and winter snow:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tuf61OjvoPQ
Cat lovers in particular will be amused by this entertaining series, and may even see some uncanny resemblances to their own feline friends!
Thanks for sharing—I love these Simon's cat videos. Alice posted some awhile back and I'd forgotten how great these are. Khazzie loves the snow—which we rarely have here—-she will play in it forever—-Simi on the other hand can't stand so much as a flake to touch her. Thanks again you made our day. LOL
Glad you enjoyed them again! I noticed lately that our little terrier mix was starting to resemble the dog in the one dog video — guess I'd better heed Simon's advice and make sure she doesn't overindulge over the holidays (good advice for us too)!
I saw a bird and cat taunt and tease eachother on a fence once. It was the bird that did most of the teasing though. Perhaps birds are smarter than they get credit for.
By the way, does anybody know the ARV on the HGTV Doggie Dream Home this year? Since we haven't had any "woe is me" tax questions lately, I just thought I'd bring it up so we could all be prepared for the inevitable tax bite.
Doggie Dream Home?
SUPER COOL!!!!
Have the dimensions been given? If I win it (for Dewey of course) I would have my daughter sew up her fantastic dog bed pad. Dewey loves his. Never found one like it in a store, so my baby made one just like I asked her to make. Dewey sleeps like a baby.
Truthfully, I didn't take the time to research the pan sets. Which ones will hold up the best over a gas flame…that's my question.
As to the "dare we enter the Housewarming Gifts Sweepstakes" question — let's attack this question with labored stealth and studied logic.
First things first. Let's check the "Eligibility" section of the Dream Home 2011 entry rules. Hmm, nothing stated therein about the 90 day rule. You'll note that some Scripps Networks sweepstakes DO contain the 90 day rule in their "Eligibility" statement, such as the Food Network's "Spice Up Your Season Pie" sweepstakes, which ended on November 29, 2010. Also DIY's "Blog Cabin 2010" sweeps. But nothing in that realm for the Dream Home 2011 Sweepstakes. Now that seems to be good news, doesn't it?! That would seem to indicate to me that the sky's the limit, more or less, so Housewarming Gift entry away to your heart's content. (Well, once a day per eligible person until 31 January 2010 anyway, according to the sweepstakes rules.)
Next, for those Scripps Networks sweepstakes that DO carry the 90 day "Eligibility" rule, read carefully! As quoted from a previous sweepstakes, the rule reads as follows: "Entrants who have won a prize in any Scripps Networks promotion (i.e., Food Network, HGTV, Fine Living, DIY Network, and Great American Country) in the ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of the Sweepstakes are ineligible to enter or win a prize."
The key wording is "won a prize…in the ninety (90) days prior to the commencement of the Sweepstakes" — that is, (my straightforward interpretation) won a prize in the 90 days PRIOR to the beginning (first) day that entries are accepted for the Sweepstakes, rather than the announcement date of the Sweepstakes. The commencement and end dates are very specific and clearly stated in each Scripps Networks sweepstakes, from first date of entry to last date of entry. So, I say to you, sleep easy, and enter for your housewarming gifts daily.
Legalese: The previous comments are solely Coop's opinion, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Scripps Networks, LLC, or MARY and friends at HGTV. It does reflect valued input, however, from my trusted assistant, Show Me.
My legally half blond thoughts are that you have allayed some of our concerns about these house warming gifts and since we all love to enter and win things, we can feed two canaries at once-voting for the fantastic housewarming gifts and an oppotunity to win. So, based on the new Scripps rules after winning any of the gifts you can still walk into the DH with your daytime back, or apple corer peeler slicer and be prepared to hike up Mt. Mansfield after winning the DH.
Thank you Coop, for that important information I have another question for you I just won on the Freebie Friday section do you know if that is bad for me in any way towards the DH/11 Sweepstakes or the Housewarming gifts giveaway? Thank you again Coop.
Well, pixelecho69, to my way of thinking, if the eligibility rules for the Dream Home 2011 Sweepstakes make no statement regarding the 90 day rule, I can't see that there'd be a problem.
As to the Housewarming Gifts Giveaway, it DOES have the 90 day rule. That giveaway commencement date was December 1, 2010. If you won on a Freebie Friday promotion in the 90 day period BEFORE December 1, 2010, that might hinder your eligibility for the Housewarming Gifts. If so, best to inquire with Scripps Networks customer service for a definitive answer. I'm merely calling it as I read it, and the folks at Scripps Networks are the ones to go to…they have ALL the answers for inquiring minds….
Congratulations Pixie. That's awesome. What did you win? If you're allowed to tell…
Hi pixelcho69, what did you win on the Freebie Friday section!!! Congratulations, wonderful news.
Another interesting note——or maybe, simply my faulty memory tapes—-this year the DH sweeps entries are "two per day" as was the Urban Oasis. 2010 DH—-I remember only "one entry per day". 2011 DH—-double the entries—double the fun!
I believe you're right on target with that observation, MeKhazSimi. It was, as you say, with the Urban Oasis Sweeps that we were offered the chance to double our pleasure and double our fun by getting two, yes two entries per day, one at HGTV.com and the other at FrontDoor.com.
Oh yes, life is good!
! Lovely Sunday Morning Everybody ! just having a cup of coffee and reading all the Blogs, also trying to do my ten votes for today I's fun right.
Tips for speed-voting in the Dream Home 2011 Housewarming Gifts Giveaway, just in case you want to get in all 10 daily votes in the shortest possible time! (It takes me about 30 seconds per round of voting.)
This eliminates nearly all scrolling and mousing: At the opening page, scroll down (only if necessary to select the first housewarming gift item) then click to select and hit enter (rather than scrolling over and down to the "Vote" tab.) On the following nine items, you will most likely NOT need to scroll at all. Simply click your mouse to select the item, then hit enter. Repeat for each item as the pages come up. Keep the cursor in the "item" area to minimize having to move the mouse/cursor. By hitting the "enter" key on your keyboard instead of the "vote" button, you avoid having to scroll down or move the cursor back and forth.
With practice, you'll be getting in all 10 rounds of voting in a brief 5 minutes or so. Do I hear 4 minutes?
Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This works!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Aha! You beat my score. I knew someone would. Dare I try to beat your score with your new tip…. Not today….. But I'll give it a try someday soon.
Remember that practice makes perfect, Cami. You'll be coming in on the Dream Home Housewarming Gift speed-voting marathon and posting an under 4 minute smile before you know it! Probably smashing giveaway entry time records that will never again be equalled….
Coop I use a method similar to yours. However I just hit the enter button ten times or so fairly rapidly on each selection. Seems to work fairly well for me.
Well, Ed, I think you must have a direct line into the HGTV Housewarming Gift vote registration computer. My computer refuses to cooperate in that manner, regardless of how quickly I try to hit the enter button. It simply registers the vote once, and moves on to the next item selection page.
Oh well, even if I have to remain stuck in the dark ages, I can still get those ten rounds of entries in fairly quick and painlessly. However, I'm always open for further instruction….
Maybe I have a slower computer Coop. The faster I hit the enter key the more votes I can get in before it moves to the next page. I know they're registering, because I am watching the activity bar cycling through.
Here's my latest tech update on the EdinOregon Housewarming Gift vote plan of action, at least from my computer (maybe it varies due to security settings) — if I sign on to the HGTV website via AOL, I AM able to hit the enter button repeatedly as you mention. However, if I log on through Internet Explorer, it simply picks up the one initial vote entry regardless, and instantly moves to the next gift item selection page. How extraordinary. I think I'll be casting my votes under the AOL banner.
By the way, on the other hand, my high security settings (or perhaps Intense Debate software incompatability issues — who can say for sure?) do not allow me to sign on to the HGTV blogs via Intense Debate through AOL. I must sign on to blog through Internet Explorer. It's all such a high-tech mystery to me….
What??? You mean that activity bar ziiiiinnnnging by doesn't necessarily mean anything? Oh, well , you guys, I'm going to pretend it's working!
Soney and I really enjoyed watching this! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=md2J_mRUCzk&fe…
"By entering into the Sweepstakes, each entrant consents to the use by Sweepstakes Entities and their designees of his/her name"
This phrase in the rules seems new to me. This gives HGTV the flexabilitiy of announcing the winners name without prior notification, doesn't it?? It would be fun if they attempted to do another live surprise on the giveaway special. I know some people don't like it, but I thought it was exciting, even though at that very last moment in the special, I discovered oh, it's dark…. Well they aren't coming to my house.
I take disappointment well these days….
Wellllllll, Cami, the phrase "By entering into the Sweepstakes, each entrant consents to the use by Sweepstakes Entities and their designees of his/her name" is fairly standard sweepstakes jargon — usually meaning, for larger ARV sweeps, that the winner, once notified, confirmed as eligible according to sweepstakes rules, and after signed releases and prize acceptance are in the bag, the winner's name may be used for promotional purposes. Scripps Networks/HGTV is not likely to announce the winner's name without prior notification for legal and practical reasons. Smaller prize sweeps are much easier to administrate of course. The winner gets a phone call or email, says thanks to the sponsor (or reads off their scripted acceptance speech), and the check (or prize) is in the mail.
I know, what fun is that?! Surprise me, HGTV…I promise to make for good footage! As a matter of fact, go ahead and send me the liability/release package now. I'll fill it out, sign it, and get it back in the blink of a wink. That way I'll be prequalified and preapproved, just like a home loan. Then, if I'm the Dream Home sweepstakes winner, I can truly be caught live on camera — for some real made for TV drama!
So what you're saying is… It's been there all along, I just didn't pay attention to it before. Makes sense to me. I truly wish it's something I'll need to concern myself with in the future. I would gladly accept the prize how ever it's offered… For instance maybe they'll insist I eat a whole apple pie without a fork or hands to get to the Dream Home keys that were baked into the pie. Or maybe they'll hide them in a chocolate Easter Bunny.. I'm ok with that. B)
Hi Cami, no problem I can tell you I won on Nov 19 and It's a mirror covered with shells.xD
I agree with you Cami about the nonstick pans, none of the ones I have used over the years lasted very long while I still use several good quality pans that belonged to my parents which were purchased decades ago. I wish they also were giving away those enameled cast iron pots. I love to read cook books and I know Julia Child recommended those in her cook books. I would love to have some but I just can't see paying over a hundred dollars for a single pot. Now I also wish people would vote for the hiking poles and backpack instead of the snowshoes.
I'm trying out a huge 100% cast iron fry pan now. Although it requires more care, and it's heavy, I like the idea of having something that is actually healthier for you and can last decades. My other pans are all stainless steel and will last a long time, as well. I'm done with non-stick pans for good. I would love to try the enameled cast iron. It would probably be a lot like my ceramic roaster and pyrex cookware, which are great.
Let's sing that apple pie song all the way to the reveal. Could it be our charge poem, or song?
I've been thinking about nooks and crannies or secret rooms in the Stowe DH. My vote would be for an alcove that has been turned into an atrium solarium/green house. This special feature could be a "secret garden" and a wonderful place to hideaway, get some rays, plant orchids, or herbs during the winter in Stowe. The special room opens with the old barn door, that now has some etched, not lead glass panes. Check out Santa Barbara Green Houses online <a href="http://www.sbgreenhouse.com” target=”_blank”>www.sbgreenhouse.com and see what I mean. These green houses could easily be incorporated into extra alcove wall space. Years ago, I took the wall space I had in Yuma and turned it into a a secret storage area
Hi Janzee, I did win on Frebie Friday Nov 19 Its' a mirror covered with shells:D
Hi pixelcho69, a big congratulations on your Freebie Friday win, enjoy it with lots of joy, and so I say in the words of our own RJMstone, "win something else,….win again, put your name in the hopper and win big".