As it gets closer to Summer my thoughts turn to ice cold drinks. My refrigerator comes with an ice maker but sometimes I want something more than just plain ice. Plain ice serves its purpose but it is much more fun and fancier to make your own ice in shapes and/or with more than water. My kids had so much fun adding the perfect circle ice cubes we made with Wisepalace Ice Ball mold to their drinks. The mold is easy to fill and since it has holes in the top of each you could make circle ice pops in whatever flavor you want!
A few years ago I got rid of all of my nonstick pans and bought a cast iron pan to use instead. (If nonstick pans become overheated the fumes released can kill pet birds which we have.) It took me a little while to get used to a cast iron pan but one think I still have a problem with is forgetting how hot the handle can become. I have burned my hand more than once so I can up with some different ways to decrease the chances of burning myself again. I pointed the handle straight back (but that made the back burner unavailable) or I placed a potholder over the handle (it usually fell off). Neither of these were good solutions but now I have the perfect solution: Orblue Silicone Cast Iron Skillet Handle Cover. The handle just slips on, stays on, and doesn't get hot. As soon as it arrived I slipped it onto my cast iron pan and have not removed. I feel much safer for myself and my family with the cover protecting us. If I ever get another cast iron pan (I have been thinking of getting a different size) I will make sure I order another Orblue Silicone Cast Iron Skillet Handle Cover. I would definitely recommend having one for your cast iron pan even if you don't try and grab the cast iron handle a guest might, especially a child, and this handle keeps them safe from a burn. I know it has kept me safe from burning myself!
I admit I loved the convenience of using cling wrap. It was easy to use, inexpensive and easy to toss once it was used. As a family we have been trying to reduce our use of plastic and disposable items. Since we stopped buying cling wrap I have been putting leftover food into glass containers. I miss being able to just cover a glass or mug that still has food or a beverage leftover. We like to eat our soup out of mugs but my kids don't always finish what I served them. Now that I have these great Silicone Stretch Lids I can just cover the mug or glass and put it directly into the refrigerator. The cover stretch well so they fit large and small glasses or cans. The seal is also water tight so if the container tips over the liquid doesn't get out. You cant say that about cling wrap, it will let liquid leak out. I have been using the lids quite often since they arrived and so glad I have great alternative to cling wrap.
I have always wanted a mortar and pestle. I have used them before but never owned one, and now I do! Freshly ground herbs just add something special to your food, plus the smell is divine. I have not tried grinding anything else, well except rice. Did you know that before you use your stone or marble mortar and pestle there is a specific way to clean it? Well I did not until now. I read many websites and the consensus is to first rinse well (but don't use soap as it will end up in whatever you grind later. Once it is really dry then grind up white rice at least three times. The grinding of the rice helps clean out any marble dust created when it was made. Once all that is done my Maxam mortar and pestle is ready to use! I can't wait to try making more than just ground spices, I heard it is the best way to make guacamole. I will have to test that theory!
