That Girl Guide

I don’t know how I existed before I had a zester in the kitchen. A little lemon zest adds an instant freshness to just about anything. Anytime something calls for lemon juice in a recipe I usually add a few grates of zest as well. When using a zester, you just want the very outside (yellow) layer. The white layer or the pith is very bitter and you don’t want to add that to your food. I add a little lemon zest to blueberry pancakes to cut the sweetness of the syrup. It makes a huge difference in the taste. One of my favorite models is listed below, but they have many options so click on the picture and shop for the one that works for you. Make sure you get one that grates the zest finely for similar uses to what I discussed here.

Everyone should have a coffee grinder so they can enjoy freshly ground coffee. The flavor is superior and you will notice a difference the first time you go back to having pre-ground coffee. I didn’t believe it until I tried it for myself. Your morning cup of coffee will have a freshness and enhanced flavor from the small investment of a coffee grinder.   The model I own is listed below. 

Cuisinart Grind Central Coffee Grinder, Brushed Stainless Coordinate your brushed stainless coffee maker with this grinder. The contemporary square design houses a roomy bowl (90 gram capacity) that lets you grind your beans fresh just before brewing. Measurement markings allow you to efficiently measure and grind the exact quantity of coffee beans you need – for up to 18 cups. The lid allows extra coffee to be stored in the grinding bowl. A built-in safety interlock prevents operation unless lid is securely closed. . Stainless steel bowl removes for cleaning. Have a second one on hand for your herbs and nuts.

I just love my Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. Making ice cream is quite easy and it really impresses guests that you took the time to make them ice cream. I usually make a basic vanilla ice cream and experiment with the toppings. I make a hot fudge sauce with 1/2 cup of cream (heavy or light) and a cup of semi sweet chocolate chips. Add a teaspoon of vanilla and a tablespoon of brewed coffee for some extra flavor. You can also mix in some fresh fruit or drizzle some ice wine over it. Give it a try and see what combinations you can come up with.

Cuisinart 1.5-qt. Ice Cream Maker with Bonus Freezer Bowl, Red Using Cuisinart’s automatic frozen yogurt, ice cream and sorbet maker, you can enjoy homemade desserts using fresh fruit, low-fat or regular creams and all the ingredients you love – you can even create your own unique combinations. It’s fun and easy, especially now with the introduction of its latest pop of color, red! The heavy-duty motor makes your favorite treat in only 20-30 minutes, eliminating excess time in the kitchen. For an even harder, more firm dessert, place finished ice cream in your freezer for 6 to 22 hours. The top spout is sized a bit larger for adding ingredients, and the easy-lock transparent lid stays tightly closed while in operation. The double insulated freezer bowl holds up to 1.5 quarts. To use, the freezer bowl must be frozen before you begin your recipe which eliminates the need for ice or salt as in traditional ice cream makers. The included recipe booklet helps you get creative, and also contains recipes for sherbet and frozen drinks. Also included is another double insulated bonus Ice Cream Freezer Bowl which is great to keep on hand for making and freezing several different flavors at once.

If you have a bush infested and the beetles are eating the foliage/leaves then you probably need to get some pesticide and spray. There are simply too many at that point to pick them all off. If you catch them early then you can just pick them off and put them in soapy water to kill them. I only resort to chemicals when it is necessary. Besides when there are many beetles in one area they send signals to attract more beetles, which is why Japanese beetle traps typically end up attracting more beetles and making your problem with them even worse.