Monday, December 10, 2012

Product Training: The Heat Cell




The Heat Cell at a Glance
ID Number:  56659
Q club Price:  $3.95 each
Size:  9 oz.  That is about the size of two hockey pucks stacked on top of each other. 

What is cool about the Heat Cell:

  • Contains Ecofuel, a 100% biodegradable, odorless, and non-toxic fuel 
  •  Burn time of 9 hours
  • Unlimited shelf life
  • Can be used indoors or outdoors.
  •  Spill proof design to reduce accidents
  • Easy to relight and reuse.


How to use at a party—Have a s’more bar. 

Last week in the middle of the night I could not sleep.  So after a couple of hours of tossing and turning I woke up and got on pinterest.  I saw a great idea of having a s’more bar at a wedding.  As I looked at the photo I thought.  I think you could do that with the heat cell.    I did some checking and the Heat Cell is safe to use when cooking directly over the flame.  I tried it out with my family and it was super fun.  We roasted our marshmallows over the heat cell and then added graham crackers, chocolate, and FD strawberries.  It was super yummy.  


Things to consider when making s’mores at a party.

  • Be sure the hostess is on board with having guest roast marshmallows over an open flame inside her home.
  •  Be careful with the chocolate.  Whatever you have out will get eaten.  I suggest buying the fun size Hershey’s candy bars (you know the size you would give out at Halloween) and only putting out a reasonable number.
  •  For an average party you will need a couple of heat cells.  I would recommend 3 or 4.  It takes a few minutes to roast a marshmallow so you definitely need more than one.
  •   The close the lid on the heat cell when finished using just put the lid over the flame and the flame with be extinguished and the lid will get sucked down. 
  •   Be sure to have some FD fruit to put on the s’mores.  I tried it with strawberries and bananas and it was heavenly.  I’m sure pineapple would also be great. 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Creamy Asparagus and Peas Pasta





Asparagus is my daughter’s favorite vegetable.  Sadly most of the year is it too expensive for us to enjoy fresh.  This fall we bought some freeze dried asparagus, we have loved it. I really like that it cooks up bright green.  It doesnt' take too long to cook so be careful not to over cook it. 
 

These days simple dinners are what we are making and this creamy asparagus pasta fits the bill.  Ready in about 15 minutes it is a perfect for a busy night.
 
Creamy Asparagus and Peas Pasta
printable recipe
5 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cups freeze dried asparagus
1 cup freeze dried peas
2 tablespoons freeze dried onion
1/2 lemon, juiced          
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 pound fettuccine pasta
3 tablespoons heavy cream
5 ounces shredded Italian three-cheese blend

1.       Place bacon in a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat until bacon is evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally while cooking. Drain the bacon grease from the pan, and transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
2.       Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and stir in the fettuccine and freeze dried peas; after cooking 5 minutes add asparagus and onions.  Cook, stirring often, until fettuccine are tender and veggie are bright green and tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well. Return to pan.
3.       Stir in cream and bacon and bring mixture to a simmer.
4.       Sprinkle cheese blend over the mixture and allow to stand until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes; stir cheese lightly into the fettuccine and vegetables to serve.