Barefoot Products

This past week has been extremely busy with work and getting everything ready at home to welcome my husband back from a four month long deployment..... so I haven't really done too much "Barefoot" cooking.... mostly, chopping up some fresh fruit and making salads.....and the occasional frozen pizza...sadly, I know it's not the healthiest - the pizza - but it is sometimes the easiest thing to make. I think we all can agree on that one!

So, since I don't have any recipes to talk about today.... I thought I would share a little bit of my own ratings on some of the products I have purchased from the Barefoot Contessa online store...

The picture above is the Barefoot Contessa spatula and brownie pan. Two of the best things in my kitchen! I am not just saying this because I love her, the show, and the food..... The brownie pan has made absolutely perfect brownies every single time I have made them in this pan - and it is extremely EASY to clean and NOTHING gets stuck to it - and if you know me............you know that I love anything that is EASY TO CLEAN!!!! Because....... I clean all the time. :) It's just a part of who I am, and what I enjoy doing in my free time... and I'm proud to say it!

Also, the spatula is perfect! I can easily make scrambled eggs with it and it won't melt.... it's extremely heat resistant and....also easy to clean. Good quality products  = completely worth it!!!

I think these products are just a tiny example of why I spend so much time incorporating the Barefoot Contessa food/life-style into my own life.... because of the QUALITY of every single facet of this brand.

*Also, the only other thing I have purchased from her online pantry is her pre-made carmel espresso hot fudge.........AND IT WAS AMAZING!!!!! Pour it over ice cream or brownies (or both together in the same bowl) made from my brownie pan and it is the most indulgent thing you will ever taste!

Jake's Cake

Fondant Time!

Not only do I enjoy cooking "Barefoot" style, but I also LOVE to make fondant and decorate cakes! Marshmellow fondant is in fact SUPER easy to make (believe it or not)...I taught myself two years ago for my son's first birthday.... I can't believe he will be three on Friday! We are throwing him a big birthday party at our neighborhood pool - We are going to try to be optimistic and make the best of it without our Philip.... but it won't be long.... as Jake tells me every morning, "it's going to be so soon Mom". I will be making his cake tomorrow - and will definitely post pics after this crazy weekend whirlwind. I have a funny feeling that I am going to be absolutely exhausted come Sunday.

Getting things ready for his "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" themed birthday party!

The ONLY Way to make Broccoli

As far as I'm concerned, Broccoli is BEST made the Barefoot way...... I will never make broccoli any other way!  I was hooked alone by the act of my two year old asking me for a second helping.  The idea is so simple, and Ina Garten helped me realize that the best [and surprisingly easiest] way to cook any vegetable is by roasting it. It's sort of similar to the way you would make a dish in a crockpot (and let me tell you....I DO love my crockpot cooking!); you prep it, put it in the cooker, set the timer and forget it. No slaving over  a stove people! Not my cup of tea.

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First Taste: This side dish has a crunchy texture with a garlic/salty coating that leaves you wanting more.  Freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper are a winning combination....... and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese after it's done roasting is like icing on a cake!

Addition: Pasta!!!!!!!!!!! Or anything that has alfredo sauce on it. Not only do the colors look fresh together but you can dip the broccoli in the sauce...... I'm craving more as I type...............