misosouper, a shopping blog

Crock pots not your thing?

Try making a casserole in this bright dishware.  No one can resist lasagna served in a happy yellow pan.

I’m no chef, but when push comes to shove, I can cook.  My secret weapon–not so secret as much as it is lazy–is the slow cooker.  Last night, I braised a whole chicken, then used its stock and shredded meat to make a wicked chipotle chicken chili.  All in one pot.

My criteria for a slow cooker are few:  it must have multiple settings (high, low, warm); it must look good sitting out on the counter; it must be big enough to evenly cook an entire meal (proteins and side dishes); and it must contain a dishwasher-safe insert.

So I’m picky.

This Hamilton version is only $40, and contains all these features, plus a handy lock-top (hence the Stay-or-Go name) and wraparound heating (usually only available in more expensive models).

And unless you’re Octomom, 6 quarts means you’ll have leftovers for ages.

With the trend towards making fresh and healthy baby food at home there are not a lot of safe, convenient options for storage. The Beaba multiportions food storage container is the perfect solution for storing home made fresh baby food. The BPA-free storage tray holds multiple servings of baby food in individual sized servings 1/4-cup portions, which you can pop out as needed. The storage tray is made of silicone and is freezer, microwave and dishwasher save. Making baby food in portions is healthier for baby allowing you to use the freshest ingredients and customize for baby’s finicky taste buds. Designed by the company who created the Beaba Baby Food Cooker, the trays can be used with food made with this all-in-one appliance or simply use a food processor to puree.

I love the design and colors of the Multiportions tray. It comes in lime green, pink and blue. I could also find lots of uses for this tray post-baby; it would be perfect for healthy frozen yogurt desserts for my toddler or even a snack tray for a play date. Just fill each compartment with healthy snacks like carrot sticks or grapes and place on a table for the kids to snack on.

Discover more great products at TheFind, and save $5 off your purchase of $50 or more at BabyEarth.com with a coupon code from TheFind.com Coupons.

Because I’m not sure my culinary skills are up to par for the buttercreamed, polka-dotted, layered deliciousness that belongs in this dome.

Let the Father’s Day gifting begin:  a genius present for the chef who, like my husband, collects internet and magazine recipes for later use.

Yes, you could also purchase a binder and protective sheets for the same purpose; but then you have to find a stand big and stable enough to steady your book, and by the time you, sweaty and cursing, wrangle the binder into submission, your family has already phoned for pizza.