Shopping Blog - Pocket Change from Become.com » Food

Getting To Know The Camping Grill

Takeshi — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:01:57 +0000

What’s there to know about a camping grill? If you don’t want your next camping barbecue to turn into a big mess, there’s a lot.

First of all, you want to consider the size of the grill. Large grills have the obvious advantage of having a large grilling surface, so that you can cook more food, faster. For example, the Meridian Series Grill is a large outdoor, propane grill with over 832 square feet of cooking area and a 36,000 BTU cooking burner. That’s enough cooking power to feed an entire camp ground.

Of course, if you’re going to be traveling far, you might want to go for something a little smaller and portable. The Tool Box Grill Pro fits this bill perfectly, with its lightweight design and diminutive size. This gas powered grill also has a respectable 172 square inch cooking area, so you can still easily cook meals in a reasonable amount of time.

For even more portability, there is the Meco 9000 Series Pedestal Tabletop, which is small enough to place on the tabletop of your kitchen, or on the picnic table while camping. This grill is also electric powered, so there are no smelly fumes, and you can easily keep it going with your rechargeable batteries.

If you’re looking for a portable camping grill, but don’t want to sacrifice on versatility or cooking power, then the Coleman Roadtrip is probably the right grill for you. Featuring a compact, yet expandable design and lightweight aluminum construction, this handy is grill is small enough to fit into a crowded trunk, while featuring nearly 300 square inches of cooking surface and 20,000 BTUs of cooking power. This handy grill will really allow you to take the show on the road.

Having a good camping grill is important for the success of any camping trip, so it’s important to pick a grill that meets your needs. Otherwise, you may end up being forced to survive on smores cooked over a campfire.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and grizzled camping griller

Benefits of the Cobb BBQ Grill The summer is starting to come to a close,...
Cooking with the Cobb BBQ Grill One of my favorite summertime activities (along with hanging out...
Stainless Steel Grills For Perfect Summer BBQs With summer in full swing, it’s again the time for...

The Versatility of Thermometers

John — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:49 +0000

A thermometer is a great tool that comes in many shapes, sizes, and styles with an extraordinary amount of uses. Thermometers can be used in kitchens, storages, hospitals, labs, and many other places where they hold a significant purpose. Whether it is to determine if a piece of meat or chicken is fully cooked or help you decide if you’re ill, thermometers are definitely an essential item with great versatility. Taylor Precision Products is a reputable company that has been around for 150 years and is known for being a leader in producing thermometers, among other measurement products. Their high quality thermometers come in many different styles and are used both by direct consumers and professionals.

Their candy and deep-fry digital thermometer is a great tool for cooking enthusiasts. It provides a very precise reading for your homemade candy or cooking oil, ensuring the perfect temperature for your culinary creation. It features an alarm, LCD display, 6″ stem, and has temperature presents for 11 different types of food.

No matter the purpose of a thermometer, go for a reputable company and consider a Taylor Precision Products thermometer for a long-lasting product that provides accurate results.

-John

Taylor Thermometer Precision Products Thermometers have come a long way since the days...
Since Winter isn’t over just yet… Just because spring is around the corner doesn’t mean that...
The BaByliss hair crimper, waver and flat iron I remember when I got my first hair tool. It...

Cake Plate Domes

Takeshi — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:00:20 +0000

I’m no expert when it comes to cooking, but one thing I do know is that when you’re serving dish, presentation matters. This is doubly true for desserts. Which is where the cake plate dome comes in.

Cake plate domes are domed containers made from glass or plastic that are used to store cakes in. This keeps your freshly baked cake clear and safe from the elements, while still allowing you to show off your creation. It’s a great way to serve and display your desserts at parties and weddings, and a convenient way to store your pastries away.

Keep in mind that there are different styles and varieties when it comes to cake plate domes. If you’re looking for something that’s simple and practical, there is the acrylic cake plate, which is sturdy and has a low profile, which makes it perfect for storing away in the fridge.

If you’re looking for something slightly fancier, there is the Portia cake dome, which is made from crafted from pure crystal with intricate carvings along the side, which is sure to impress all your friends. Or if you don’t want to spoil the surprise of your wonderful cake until you unveil it, there is the cake dome plate which is made from a textured ceramic to keep prying eyes away from your cake until the big reveal.

Of course, just because cake plate domes are made for cakes doesn’t mean that they can’t be used for other desserts as well. You can easily use them to store treats as well, and I’ve seen anything from cupcakes and pastries to fruits and cheeses on display inside the casing of a cake plate dome. The only real limit is your imagination.

Cake plate domes are a great way to present your desserts, whether you bake yourself, (or like me) purchase them from the store. So the next time you’re headed for a party, consider a cake plate dome to show off your creation or store bought confection.

-Takeshi, shopping blogger and cake eater

Cake Preservation and Presentation Making cakes these days can arguably be considered a form...
Make Funnel Cake with a Deep Fryer Cooker I had my very first funnel cake at the old...
Introducing the Handbag Tips Center With Fall right around the corner, there’s no better way...

Cake Preservation and Presentation

John — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:51:43 +0000

Making cakes these days can arguably be considered a form of art. It used to be that only cakes made for weddings were the ones that were extremely elaborate, but times have changed and cakes for everyday, casual events are now made with that extra effort. Everything from its color, shape, and overall presentation is just something to marvel at in awe. I mean, there is a reason why several networks dedicate hour-long programs that are centered strictly around cakes. It has essentially come to the point where people would rather display a cake and show off their mastery, as opposed to actually consuming the cake itself. For those who enjoy preserving and presenting cakes to their fullest aesthetic, a cake plate dome is a good way to accomplish just that. Not only will it preserve the freshness of a cake, but it adds great presentation to the overall look.

The great thing about cake plate domes is the versatility of the product. Take the William Bounds and Luigi Bormioli cake plate domes for example (below), not only can they be used to preserve cakes, but other desserts and foods, as well, just as long as they are able to fit underneath the dome.

However you end up using the product and no matter your skill level when it comes to baking, a cake plate dome is a great economical product that will surely come in handy for all your culinary activities.

-John

Cake Plate Domes I’m no expert when it comes to cooking, but...
Make Funnel Cake with a Deep Fryer Cooker I had my very first funnel cake at the old...
Introducing the Handbag Tips Center With Fall right around the corner, there’s no better way...

Make Funnel Cake with a Deep Fryer Cooker

Desiree — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 20:53:40 +0000

Funnel Cake

I had my very first funnel cake at the old Marine World in 2006. Everyone told me that I had to try a funnel cake because it was just like a donut make from a Spirograph and a deep fryer cooker. Then you get to choose from a variety of toppings that you would normally put on a waffle or an ice cream.

I opted for the funnel cake with half strawberries, half apples and topped with powdered sugar, caramel and chocolate sauce. That dessert was ginormous! The actual funnel cake was larger than my head and piled high with sugary goodness.

Deep Fryer Cooker

In December, a friend of mine bought funnel cake mix and we attempted to make our own. Sadly, we didn’t have a funnel, a Spirograph nor a deep fryer cooker. So, we ended up drizzling spoonfuls of dough into a pool of oil in a wok. Let me tell you, home made funnel cake is fresher and extremely better tasting. I highly recommend making your own funnel cakes at home, especially if you own a deep fryer cooker and a funnel. Because they will look a lot nicer than mine did.

Enjoy!

- Desiree

Mmm… Donuts! Prepare a basic dough setting by mixing together 2...
Cake Plate Domes I’m no expert when it comes to cooking, but...
Cake Preservation and Presentation Making cakes these days can arguably be considered a form...

What to do with Chinese New Years leftovers?

Linda — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:11:43 +0000

Grapefruit juicer

Gung Hay Fat Choy! The Lunar New Year celebration was last week, so if you were one of the households that celebrated, chances are you have a ton of tangerines, grapefruit, and pomelo (a close relative of the grapefruit) left. Citrus fruits are considered very lucky in the Chinese culture as the chinese words for oranges and tangerines sound very similiar to the Chinese words for wealth and luck, respectively. The huge pomelo fruit signifies abundance due to its full nature. My family traditionally eats the fruits exactly one week after the New Years festivities. However, if the flavors of the grapefruit and pomelo are too strong for you, you may want to consider juicing them. Grapefruit juicers make juicing a breeze. One of my favorite tricks to combat the tartness is to squeeze a bit of honey into the juice. Delicious! Citrus juicers make it easy for all households to get fresh, nutritious juice anytime.

Wishing you luck and prosperity,

-Linda

What are Citrus Perfumes? Personality If you are the type of person who...
A Brief History of Chinese Porcelain There’s something to be said about having a nice...
What are Clean Perfumes? Personality If you are the type of person who...

Holiday Food Gifts

Arpana — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:34:31 +0000

Food gifts make great holiday presents, especially those layered with chocolate and icing. We got a lovely home baked gift today from Joe, who used to intern at Become.

delicious custom gignerbread house!

Gingerbread houses are the highlight of Christmas and the holiday season. Among all the favorite holiday foods, warm drinks, red and green decorations are the gingerbread houses, cookies and schnapps. Think personal this year and gift a little gingerbread house to your favorite friends. In this cold season, the sight of a delightful gingerbread house is all it takes to warm the heart.

- Arpana

Become.com Fashion Thursdays: After-Christmas Sales, Bargains, & Discounts Alright, this has nothing to do with current or upcoming...
Diamond Star Earrings – Elegant Holiday Gift Suppose you wanted to tell a lady, for example your...
‘Tis The Season To Get Your Shopping Over and Done With The sooner you start taking care of your Christmas shopping...

2008: International Year of the Potato!

Linda — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:21:20 +0000

My lovely coworker Justine just informed me that 2008 is the International Year of the Potato deemed so by the United Nations (so you know it’s official!). Why don’t you join the rest of the world and the celebrate this wonderful starchy root vegetable! Here at Become, we can help you cultivate your own potato garden or cook up delicious recipes with the many items offered by our merchants. I for one LOVE potatoes in any form! So let me show you some of my favorites:

Williams-Sonoma Potato Masher

Williams-Sonoma Potato Masher

If you love potatoes as much as I do, then mashed potatoes should be pretty high up on your list of favorite things to eat. However, one problem I’ve always run into with flat potato mashers is that it’s easy to miss a few potatoes in the pot. Thankfully, Williams-Sonoma came out with this coil spring contraption that you can angle and get into each and every crevice of the pot. This way, you get the smoothest, silkiest potatoes every time! No lumps here!

If this all seems a little too new age for you, check out Become’s selection of sturdy wire potato mashers. Want to get even fancier? Potato ricers may be right up your alley! Shaped like giant metal nut crackers, you essentially push your boiled potato through a fine metal grate to get some pretty amazingly soft mashed potatoes. One downside: it requires that much more elbow grease… one more obstacle between you and your potatoes!

Mauviel Copper Roasting Pan

Mauviel Copper Roasting Pan

Oven roasted potatoes is another variation that I so dearly love. In my years of roasting potatoes in aluminum, glass, and steel baking pans, I’ve discovered that copper baking pans give the best crust on the potatoes. Crisp, airy, and never burnt–Mauviel Brand Copper Roasting Pans are the creme de la creme of roasting pans. This particular pan is lined with stainless steel and has cast iron handles (for the brave!).

If the price is a little steep for your budget, Pyrex Glass Bakers are a great alternative. They also give an exceptional crust when roasting potatoes. They also come with sealable lids so you can go straight from the over, to the kitchen table, to the fridge in no time at all! Regardless, these roasting pans are heavy duty and all purpose. So whether you are roasting potatoes, a rack of lamb, or a leg of ham, remember that Become can save you time and money by helping you compare & save on all the top brands and models.

Tater Pots!

Tater Herb Pots

These things are RIDICULOUSLY cute. So if you’re not a fan of the potato but love the cute, get yourself one of these adorable (presumably Japanese) herb gardens. Complete with seeds for herbs such as Oregano and Basil, you can grow your own “tater” in the convenience of your own home.

And if that didn’t tickle your fancy, really, I just don’t know what will…

Happy Potatoes!
Linda

Tiki Torches The next time you are having an outdoor party during...
Beautiful and Beneficial Copper Sinks The beauty of copper is no longer hidden behind walls...
Compare the Nike Baseball Cleats How to pick baseball cleats: Playing Surface: The size of...

Napa Valley Wine Tour

Joe the Intern — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:20:30 +0000

Here at Become, workers are gifted every fiscal quarter with a “fun day.” Past events include a day at Shoreline park and lake, a volleyball tournament, bowling, and a trip to the movies. Our fun day this quarter was a trip up to the beautiful and scenic Napa Valley. Known as one of the worlds finest wine growing regions, we embarked on a wine tour to experience several wineries first hand, not to mention the wine tasting that comes along with the visit. We left the office around 830 and with minor traffic reached our first destination around 10:30. We were greeted at our first winery with some fine sparkling white wine. It was a great way to start the morning and everybody seemed to enjoy the sweet taste. We were given the traditional wine tour which included a brief history on the winery and the inside look at the wine making process. After this we were greeted with a red and white wine to taste. Being a wine novice and a college student, I really haven’t acquired the taste or knowledge of fine wines. From some of the more experienced wine drinkers, I heard that it was some real good vino. I know my novice pallet sure enjoyed it. My inferior foosball opponent Brent on the other hand, you could see his face twinge at every sip due to his lack of appreciation of the grape-made beverage.

The Team (yea we take a good photo)

We carried on after a first winery, hopping on our elegant Napa wine tour bus, to another winery where we would enjoy an amazing Italian box lunch to accompany our wine tasting.

Tasting Some Vino at Sattui Winery

After lunch we hopped on the bus to visit two more wineries. Each winery seemed to offer its unique thing, whether it was a beautiful scenic view, amazing fountains, interesting wine making techniques, etc. At the end of the the day however, they all had one thing in common—great tasting wine. Many of us purchased our favorite bottle from each winery, a bit pricey but worth it. Plus the group discount was helpful, especially on the “still in college” financial status.

Members of the researcher, SEM, and accounting teams. Who’s that guy in the background?

It was a great outing. We all really enjoyed it. It was a great opportunity for some of us new hires to really get to know our co-workers. The bus ride back can attribute to that. There was a heavy traffic load as it took us about an hour just to get out of Napa. One lane roads can be real doozies after a long day of traveling and wine tasting. One thing true, we all enjoyed our coworker company.

The Become team enjoying the bus ride

Interesting fact: Napa Valley is visited by as many as five million people each year, making it the second most popular tourist destination in California. Can you guess what number one is? Please comment if you think you know the answer. Don’t think too hard, it’s a no brainer.

Hope you enjoyed my first post, over and out.

Joe The Intern

The Durian Fruit Challenge at Become.com If you’re tired of the same old food for lunch,...
Lunch Bag Purse – The beginning to a healthy eating habit Carrying your own lunch to work is a great idea...
TomTom GO930 Do you find yourself getting lost all the time? Still...

Almost makes up for missing this year’s Free Cone Day

sean — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 23:22:25 +0000

Did you know that the first Friday in June is National Doughnut Day? Neither did I, but I do love a good doughnut and I’ll happily get behind such a tasty worthy cause. Come celebrate the 6th by stopping off at your local Krispy Kreme where participating stores will provide you with a free doughnut!

Love to The Bargainist for spreading the word on this one…
Sean

Get the Most for Your Money with Free offers Many people are resorting to shopping online this Christmas and...
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month National Breast Cancer Awareness month was organized by a multitude...
Boscovs Free Shipping Boscovs is having a special sale. Starting Today and lasting...