Cosori Food Dehydrator review

Just recently I purchased the Cosori Food Dehydrator. New to dehydrating food, I have been pleasantly surprised.

The COSORI is easy to figure out. The timer and temperature settings are simple, fast, and digital. You can set the temp by one-degree increments and the timer sets by one-minute increments.

The plastic trays stack nicely and clean up easily. I use parchment paper liners to dehydrate smaller frozen vegetables and that has worked fine. I stored 5 lbs of dehydrated frozen veggies in a quart jar with room to spare! I’m now ready for soup weather.

The touch button temperature & timer is very accurate and alternates between the two during the dehydrating process. The machine is very quiet, just the subtle fan noise that are barely noticeable. I really like that the trays can be stacked for thin items or adjusted to be further apart for thicker items.

I have dehydrated frozen mixed vegetables, fresh grape tomatoes (these took a while!), sliced fresh mushrooms, celery, and canned peach slices. I’m looking forward to trying a meat jerky!

What is YOUR experience with a dehydrator and what should I try next?

Chaffles & the Dash Waffle Iron

I’ve gotten on the “chaffle” bandwagon!  

A “chaffle” is a cheese waffle.

The little Dash mini maker waffle iron makes cooking these waffles a breeze!

I have eaten the chaffles as a breakfast with a few strawberries and cream.

I’ve also used the chaffles as a bun for a sandwich.  The possibilities are endless!

For 2 chaffles:

1 egg

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1/8 tsp baking powder

Mix the egg, cheese, and baking powder together to form a batter.

On the waffle iron, sprinkle a little more mozzarella cheese.

Pour about half the batter on top, then sprinkle more cheese on top.

(That makes the waffle crispier on both sides.)

Lower the waffle iron lid and cook about 1 1/2 minutes, or

a little longer for crispier chaffles.

Steps are shown below.

 

You can find the Dash Mini Maker in all sorts of colors and styles

HERE.

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Disclaimer: Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links.  If you purchase through the links provided, I will receive a tiny compensation at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

 

 

Gift Guide for Ladies

Just sharing some of my favorite items. 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday Humor

You know what I mean? 😀

Air Fryer Veggies

I cooked these yummy vegetables in my new Ninja Air Fryer!  I’m in love.

 

AIR FRYER VEGGIES

1 medium zucchini, sliced
6-8 grape tomatoes, cut in half
4-6 baby carrots, cut into pieces
1 Tbsp of coconut oil, melted
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper

In a mixing bowl, toss vegetables and coconut oil until coated.
Sprinkle with spices and toss again.

Place veggies in a single layer on the crisper plate in the air fryer basket.

Set temperature at 390º and cook for 10-12 minutes, pausing around 6 minutes
to shake the veggies around, or use silicone coated tongs to stir the veggies.

*Cooking times may vary according to your air fryer.

 

The Ninja Air Fryer

Triple Chocolate Snack Cake – Grain Free, Gluten Free, and Sugar Free

This is one of the best low-carb sugar-free cakes I’ve ever had.

Triple Chocolate Snack Cake – Grain Free, Gluten Free, and Sugar Free

1 cup almond flour (like Honeyville), or low carb flour blend
2/3 cup erythritol, or Swerve (I used Swerve)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. sea salt
3 whole eggs
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 Tbs dark chocolate
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/3 cup organic chocolate chips, like Enjoy Life chunks

 

1) Whisk first 5 ingredients in mixing bowl.

2) In small microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate
and coconut oil. Set aside to cool.

3) In separate bowl, whisk eggs, cream, and
vanilla extract together. Add chocolate mixture
to the egg mixture; mix well.

4) Gradually add to the flour mixture, whisking
for several minutes until batter if fluffy.

5) Pour into a greased loaf pan or 8” cake pan.

6) Sprinkle top with chocolate chips or chunks.

7) Bake at 350ºF 25-30 minutes until top springs back
to the touch. Cool before serving.

~Tastes great the next day!

Crumb shot – just see how good the crumb is on this cake?!

 

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Here’s a delicious Low Carb Chocolate Chip Cheesecake recipe!

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DISCLAIMER: If you purchase from the links in this post you are helping support Heart of a Country Home at no extra charge to yourself.  Thanks and Happy New Year!

Cheese Board

My daughter got married last month and I attempted to make a cheese board for

the reception.

I used fresh mozzarella, sharp cheddar, white cheddar with Mediterranean herbs, pepper jack, smoked Gouda, salami, pepperoni, dried apricots, walnuts, grapes, and a variety of crackers, bread, and pretzel sticks.

 

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I purchased this bamboo cheese board from Amazon.

As you can see I had to add another board since I was feeding a crowd.

 

Cheese is wonderful.

I’m very happy with the cheese board and hope to use it again soon.

 

2017 – Thus Far

 

I had a birthday.  Birthday Bouquet from my co-worker.

Mug from my friend.

 

I’m trying to eat healthy.  Chicken with salad greens in a pretty dish.  I’ve lost 10 lbs.

 

I worked with my daughter planning her spring wedding.  Sweet Powder Room arrangement.

 

She got married in March.  I purchased this beautiful cake stand on Amazon.

 

Not long after the wedding, I got sick.  Too feel better I drank herbal tea in a pretty tea cup.

 

Feeling much better, I got outside on a beautiful sunny Saturday and planted some flower pots.

 

Breaking my normal morning routine AND my eating habits, I went out and had breakfast with my dear daughter #2. ♥

 

I AM BLESSED.

 

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What about you?  How has your 2017 been so far?

 

 

Keep the Faith ~ Inspiration

To those that may be struggling with disappointments, life, diet, lack of results…

Meal Prep Time

It’s a new year

and if you’re like me, you’re more determined than ever to lose a few pounds and find better health. What better time to do some meal prep for the week so we can stay on track?

These divided containers look like the perfect tool to help us in our efforts!

Perfectly sized divided  areas in the tray  hold the perfect amount of food.Seven containers with lids allows meal prep for a week!

Click HEREto learn more about or to purchase these handy containers.

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For Meal Prep Also See:

 

Here’s to a happy new year and a happier healthier you and me!

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Disclaimer: Yes, these are affiliate links and if you purchase through the links there will be no extra charge for your order.  Thanks for your support, for your comments, and just for reading my blog.  🙂

 

 

 

 

Bacon

 

Amazing Grass Green Superfood for your Smoothies

Can I just say how much I really love this product?!

It may not be for everyone, but it has made a difference in how I feel

and the price can’t be beat, either!

While the lemon-lime flavor is my favorite right now, there are other flavors that I have tried, one being chocolate.  I blend this superfood powder right into my smoothie in the morning and it makes a difference in my day.  I love that this product is gluten free!  and also vegan if that’s a concern.

When I use the Amazing Grass Lemon-Lime, I add it in the blender with frozen strawberries and blueberries, some extra ice, filtered water, a pack of stevia, and a scoop of collagen. Then I blend away until I have a nice smooth drink that I pour in my jar and I’m off to work.

When I use the Amazing Grass Chocolate, I add it to the blender with about a 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese, cashew milk, a tablespoon of cocoa to amp up the chocolate flavor, a tablespoon of natural peanut butter, ice, a pack of stevia, and a scoop of collagen.  Then I blend until a I have a nice thick smoothie.

(As always, if you have any medical issues and are currently under medical care, please check with your doctor before using supplements.)

Amazing Grass nutritional info label

If you are interested in purchasing Amazing Grass Superfood Lemon-Lime Energy, click here.

If you are interested in purchasing Amazing Grass Superfood Chocolate Infusion, click here.

If you are interested in purchasing Amazing Grass Superfood Alkalize and Detox, click here.

 

DISCLAIMER: If you purchase from the links in this post you are helping support Heart of a Country Home at no extra charge to yourself.  Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Silhouette Cameo Vinyl Cutter

I’m having a blast with my new Silhouette Cameo vinyl cutter!

Here’s just a few samples of designs I’ve been cutting.

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I cut my daughter’s initial along with a chevron background.  I must say this was my first tightly registered multi-colored design and it was a pain!  lol  It’s going to take more practice to be comfortable cutting these successfully.

Here’s a little logo supporting my fave baseball team!

Here’s a monogram for a friend.  I added different size dots on the cup though they’re not very visible on this photo.

This last cup sports a Tennessee Tri-Star design in honor of my home state.

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Do you have a Silhouette vinyl cutting machine?

Being new at this, I can use all the tips I can get!  Like a great place to get vinyl at great prices.  Tips for layering multi-colors would be helpful, too.  😀

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To check out the Silhouette Cameo, click on the link below.

SILHOUETTE CAMEO with vinyl cutting bundle kit

Vinyl for craft cutters

Double wall acrylic tumblers

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DISCLAIMER: If you purchase from the links in this post you are helping support Heart of a Country Home at no extra charge to yourself.  Thank you!

 

Too Hot to Cook

Let’s be honest…we all feel this way some days.

Helpful Household Hints ~ Orange Peels

It’s summertime and who doesn’t want their home to smell like citrus?

Here’s a great household tip for those orange or citrus peels.

Check out this nifty citrus peeler.