30 Jun 2016
by linettefm
in Cooking, Family, Food, Home, Kids, Nutrition, Outdoors, Product Samples, Product testing, Recipe, Review, Samples
Tags: #SmoresMaker, #SternoSmoresMaker, #TRYAZON, 1 Roasting Safety Screen for even roasting and protection from flame, 2 integrated S'mores Making Stations for an easy and clean way to make s'mores, 2 Roasting Forks, 4th of July, 70228, Almonds, Amazon Products, ASIN: B01F1SQDDS, B01F1SQDDS, Banana Chips, Burns over 45 minutes; Indoor AND outdoor use, Butterscotch, Cacao Nibs, camping, chocolate, Chocolate Bark, Chocolate Ganache, Coconut, Dishwasher Safe, Dried Blue Berries, dried cherries, Family Fun, Fourth of July Ideas, Gourmet Smores, Great for indoor and outdoor use, Includes 1 can of Sterno S'mores Heat™ (also available for purchase separately), Indoor Cooking, Making S'mores ahead of time, Making S'mores Indoors, Making Summer Fun, nuts, outdoor cooking, PB Fit, Pecan, Pistachios, red, s'mores, S'mores Ideas, S'mores Makers, Sterno, Sterno 20262 S'mores Heat Fuel Cans (2 Pack), Sterno 70228 Family Fun S'mores Maker, Sterno Products, Sterno S'mores Heat Fuel, Sterno S'mores Maker Review, summer fun, Tryazon Events. S'mores Party, White Chocolate

I’m all for DIY cooking ways and what not better way to bring some fun, by being able to create S’mores at home. The weather is bad? No problem, as this Sterno S’mores Maker has no limitations. You can make S’mores it indoors, outdoors and at any hour. Yup, party any time and this is not just limited to giving kids smiles, you can even make “Gourmet S’mores” that are easy and even make it less messy. No longer do you have to try to hold the candy bar piece, you can literally make a chocolate bark topping that stays……yes, stays put on top of your graham piece.

The S’mores Maker is brought to you by Sterno Products, the company that has been bringing heat to campers and the like for decades. They have created a nice line of products and kits, which make not only Summer funner, but you are not limited by the seasons when entertaining.
The kit includes:
- 2 Roasting Forks
- 1 Roasting Safety Screen for even roasting and protection from flame
- 2 integrated S’mores Making Stations for an easy and clean way to make s’mores
- Includes 1 can of Sterno S’mores Heat™ (also available for purchase separately)
Entire Kit
The Sterno Refills
I decided to make chocolate barks and all you do is make a ganache and/or melt chocolate and add toppings. Ganaches, use Heavy Cream and produce a more velvety texture and by using a 75% ratio of chocolate to 25% cream, the product firms up enough to not fall off the graham or cookie of your choice. You can also melt chocolate on low heat and then simply smear the chocolate on one part of the cookie, add your toppings and you are now pre-making S’mores! When guests arrive, half the work is completed. I also find this controls messes. Nuts, coconut shavings and so forth can get sloppy when you are building the Ultimate S’mores sandwich. This way of building S’mores makes sure the tables and floors do not suffer from runaway toppings!
I purchased Graham Crackers and found Giant Marshmallows and Normal Size
A Variety of Toppings
The toppings are endless and you can satisfy any picky eater by using these easy tricks:
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Now, this is how the set up looks and it took me an hour to pre-make all the cookies. I had guests coming as I made them and my chocolate chip mini cookies were eaten up, but you can use more than just graham. Even Shortbread minis!
Just stack the flavors and remember the plain ones
Small plates and have the forks ready
Get set and Go!
The Sterno S’mores Maker heats evenly no matter the size of marshmallow. Hey, I was worried the Giant ones (found at Aldi’s) would not heat up and melt in the center, they did and with ease. The normal size ones that look like miniatures compared to the gigantic ones, those I purchased at Trader Joe’s.
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Verdict:
I was super excited and started purchasing ingredients before the maker even arrived. Then it arrived!! It was beautiful and easy to assemble, meaning none was needed. The red portion (holder) is dishwasher safe and because you can by the cans again and again, this means having a S’mores party is endless. We will be trying more creations in the future and I can’t wait. This is a must buy and at $35.16 currently at Amazon, it’s perfect for 4th of July or really anytime. Make your own fun and creations. The refill fuel cans retail for $6.99 and that is for two cans! Each can lasts for about 45 minutes. It’s a cinch to clean up and everyone had a blast.
Connect with Sterno and checkout the S’mores Maker at:
I received the above product(s) free of charge from Sterno and Tryazon. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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24 Feb 2016
by linettefm
in All Natural, BBQ, Cooking, Food, Grilling, Home, Natural, Nutrition, Outdoors, Product testing, Review, Samples, Seasonings, Tomoson Product Reviews
Tags: #TopMates, Amazon, Amazon Products, amazon reviews, amazon.com, ASIN: B018A9QBLO, ASIN: B018A9QCF4, BBQ, Caramelized garlic, condiments, cooking, finishing sauce, Food, gourmet food, grilling, grocery, marinades, Onion and Shiraz, outdoor cooking, outdoors, reductions, sauces, Summer Grilling, Tasting Pack Special, Tomoson, Tomoson Products, Tomoson Reviews, tomoson.com, top Mates LLC, UPC: 850318006016, UPC: 850318006023


We do a fair amount of grilling around here, especially since the weather tends to lend it self to extended outdoor times. And while our usual standby’s are always top-notch, one never wants to end up in a rut. When I got a chance to try Top Mates’ Aussie Finishing Sauces, I said you betcha!

A finishing sauce is a thing that can make a mediocre cut of meat into a masterpiece. Different from a marinade or grilling sauce, it’s best to use them right at the end of cooking to not burn them, and be a “top-note” flavor that compliments the dish as opposed to really permeating it. The good ones are like magic, and Top Mates makes some of the best I’ve ever tried. We got to try our choice of two flavors, and I chose Caramelized Garlic and Onion and Shiraz. And the are both 100% awesome. The Caramelized Garlic flavor right away knocks down your expectations by being at once herby, tangy, and rich. Want simple, easy-to-pronounce ingredients? How about this: Sugar, Garlic, Lemon Juice, Onion, Water, Olive Oil, Sundried Tomatoes, Canola Oil, Lemon Peel, Pectin, Spices, Salt, Citric Acid.That’s it. No science experiments, just real stuff, real food, real good. We used it to top a freshly grilled tri-tip roast, by brushing it on the top and closing the lid for about 5 minutes on a Weber Kettle. After that, we let it rest for another 7 minutes and sliced to serve with a little more sauce on top, and the compliments we got we stellar. The Onion and Shiraz (Ingredient list: Red Onion, Sugar, Onion, Shiraz Wine, Red Wine Vinegar, Olive Oil, Port Wine, Pectin, Green Peppercorns, Mushrooms, Balsamic Vinegar, Salt, Spices. So simple!!) went on top of a grilled leg of lamb in place of our usual pomegranate reduction. With just the right amount of sweet with a rich, bold onion finish, this made our usual lamb a mouth-watering masterpiece. I can’t wait to mix it up and try these sauces on other foods. I’ve been told they pair well with cheeses on an appetizer platter, but so far, as a finishing sauce, we haven’t messed with perfection. I want to try every flavor!

Made from top-quality ingredients and easily paired with a variety of dishes, a little of these sauces go a very long way, because they are just packed chock-a-block full of flavor! Available directly from Top Mates shipped for free or even on Amazon (Free shipping for a limited time!), and only $11.99 per 10.2 ounce jar, I can see myself picking up the entire line and taking all our usual dishes from familiar to “Yowza!”. Top Mates even has a special running where you can mix and match two jars of their amazing finishing sauces, shipped to your door, for only $19.99. There’s literally no excuse to not give them a try. And Top Mates believes in their product so much, they offer a 30-day 100% satisfaction guarantee. Not to worry, I’m satisfied!

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Top Mates. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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16 Sep 2015
by linettefm
in BBQ, Cooking, Family, Food, Fruits and Veggies, Gadgets, Grilling, Home, Outdoors, Product testing, Review, Tomoson Product Reviews
Tags: #HooleyDooleysForks, Amazon, Amazon Products, amazon reviews, amazon.com, ASIN: B00SD6DH3A, BBQ, bbq forks, bbq skewers, bbq tools, bonfire cooking, cooking accessories, cooking tools, grill, grill forks, grilled veggies, grilling, grilling tools. grilling skewers, kabobs, lawn and garden, outdoor cooking, outdoors, Patio, roasting, roasting forks, s'mores, Tomoson, Tomoson Products, Tomoson Reviews, tomoson.com

Now that summer is coming to a close as a season, everyone is looking to try to squeeze the most out of the season’s waning days and create lasting memories. Bonfires on the beach and barbeques in the backyard are the orders of the day. And a staple of all those things are hot dogs, sausages, roasted marshmallows, peppers, onions, squash, and corn on the cob. And one thing all those delicious goodies has in common with each other are the roasting sticks you’d use to cook, grill and toast them. And Hooley Dooley sent me a set of skewers to end all skewers, all full of chrome and hardwood handles and a nifty little carry pouch to go from the BBQ to the beach and make you the belle of the ball.

Skewers and kabobs are regular fare in this house, regardless of the season. In California, the weather is usually fair enough that we can have a BBQ all year round, so these Hooley Dooley Roasting Sticks will see a lot of action. From kielbasa, sausages, hot dogs, or just hunks of seasoned meats, these forks are by far the most useful BBQ skewer we own. See, our old stainless steel skewers were durable, and usable, but being as they were skewers and not forks (an important distinction), food tended to turn, slide and sometimes even fall off. They got very hot, and were awkward to hold being steel from top to bottom. But Hooley Dooley put a nice, big hardwood handle that’s easy to grab and easy to hold. But that’s not even the best part. Our old skewers were about 16″ which put your hand in very close the fire. Hooley Dooley solved that issue with an extendable fork that starts at 20″ and extends to a whopping 28″. So whether it’s a bonfire or a Weber kettle, your food gets cooked and your hand doesn’t. And the build quality will ensure these will last for many, many years.

But there’s one issue I had, and it makes me feel like a broken record, because at $37.50 for four BBQ forks, it’s very, very expensive. I think they’re well made, and useful, and would make a great gift, but at almost $40 for the set it’s, for me, a deal breaker. I don’t see the value there, especially when similar sets run half that price. Hooley Dooley says that a portion of the proceeds goes to “Relay for Life Fundraising”, but they don’t say how much of any other documentation to support it. There’s also a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but again doesn’t say for how long or if return shipping is your responsibility. There’s a lot to like about Hooley Dooley’s Roasting Forks, but not enough to overlook the super high price. I like them, but I don’t know if I “$40” like them.

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Hooley Dooley. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

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16 Jun 2015
by linettefm
in Family, Food, Grilling, Home, Outdoors, Product testing, Review, Third Voice Marketing
Tags: 18 piece kit, barbeque, basting brush, BBQ, bbq fork, bbq kit, bbq knife, bbq tool kit, bbq tools, bbq-ing, chef's basic, cooking, corn holders, grill brush, grilling, grilling tools, outdoor cooking, outdoors, silicone basting brush, silicone brush, spatula, stainless steel, steak knives, style asia, summer, Summer Cooking, tongs

I’ve had more than a few BBQ kits in my time, and they run the gamut form “Most Excellent” to “Right in the Trash”. And cost does not always equate to quality. So when the chance to try out an review a new Style Asia set popped up to review, I jumped in with both feet. Because you could always use a few good tools on the grill.
I would have to say, sadly, that I found this kit lacking. While it is attractive to look at and seems like it comes with an impressive amount of tools in the kit, it’s just not up to snuff with quality. To start, the tongs came loose in the box, and just beat the stuffing out of everything else in the kit. The glue that holds the velcro holder into the case ripped loose from several tools when I when to check them, effectively rendering the case useless. The grill brush had some schmutz on the handle, and it was rusting. That last bit bears repeating: The stainless steel handle was rusting. For those unaware, stainless steel is supposed to resist rust. If it’s rusting already in the dry case, with a moisture absorbing pouch to boot, I shudder to think what would happen exposed to the elements in the least. And, sadly, the steak knives were bent and a corn holder cracked, most likely due to the tongs going all bonkers, loose in the case.
Aside from the QC issues, all the tools seem sturdy, serviceable, and up to the task of grilling. I like that everything one would need for a 4-person BBQ night is right in the case and within easy reach. Even the basting brush has a removable, machine-washable silicone head (an upgrade from the bristle brush shown in the product picture). The aluminum case locks securely closed, and even has plate suitable for engraving. The 18-piece kit hase everything one would need save for the steaks. Competitively priced at $39.10 (at the time of this writing), this could make a thoughtful gift, especially with Father’s Day right around the corner. So long as the quality control issues are ironed out, that is. Otherwise, buyer beware.

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I received the above product(s) free of charge from Third Voice Marketing for the purposes of review. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.
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