Have you ever come across a recipe that calls for fresh orange or citrus juice? In a pinch, you may grab for your regular OJ carton or bottled citrus in the fridge, but usually the author meant for fresh. There’s no substitution for the fresh taste of citrus, and your citrus juicer, like ones from Black & Decker, is the perfect solution to getting it.
With features like small and large cones for a variety of citrus, adjustable pulp preference and large work bowl capacities (up to 32 ounces), Black & Decker citrus juicers should be a staple in your kitchen. With this post, we’ll give tips on using the citrus juicer for a variety of applications.
#1 Add fresh juice flavors to food.
Fresh citrus juice isn’t just for drinks. You can use fresh juice in your recipes for flavor boosting, adding freshness and creating the perfect balance of flavors. Chefs often praise dishes as “successful” based on how balanced the flavors are. Usually, when a dish has equal amounts of savory, sweet and acidic, it is balanced and more flavorful.
Citrus juice is also great to use in marinades as it also provides an acid breakdown of tough muscle fibers found in meat, making a better tasting and tender dish. Add orange juice to your rice for freshness, or lemon juice to your soups and stews for brightness at the end.
#2 Make the best OJ and other drinks.
It may seem obvious that citrus juice can be used in drinks, but not many understand how easy it is. With a citrus juicer, having fresh citrus juice is just a push away, and saves money too. Oranges are readily available all year round, with different varieties ripening in all seasons. A large bag of oranges is just a few dollars, compared to a carton of OJ being 3-5 U.S. dollars, depending on location.
Once you acquire this juice, it can be used in many different ways. Make the most refreshing lemonade, the tastiest fresh lime margaritas, elegant mimosas and tall delicious glasses of orange juice.
#3 Use it for green kitchen cleanup.
Did you know that lemons can be used as a natural all purpose cleaner and disinfectant? With your citrus juicer, you can save money on all natural green kitchen cleanup products and make your own! Because lemons are high in vitamin C and contain 5% acid, they have anti-bacterial effects. They also add a wonderful non-chemically produced fragrance to the air that lasts and revitalizes.
After you juice your lemons, add an equal amount of juice to water in a spray bottle. This all purpose cleaner can be used for grease, spills, and kitchen countertop cleaning. And it cost you pennies to make!
Making succulent and tasty pork chops has never been easier. Combining flavors from all the senses, including sweet, spicy and savory, this recipe for pineapple ginger pork chops is made easy and fast in your Black & Decker countertop toaster oven. The pork turns out juicy because of the crust that forms from the sugars in the marinade. Make sure you use fresh ginger and orange peel as the flavors from the real thing cannot be beat. Enjoy this complete and healthy meal during any day of the week, with your significant other as a date night in, or with your family on the weekend.
- 1/3 cup pineapple preserves
- 3 tbsp. snipped chives
- 1 tbsp. grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp. slivered orange peel
- 1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar
- ½ tsp. sesame oil
- 4 boneless pork loin chops, about 1¼ lbs.
- 2 cups hot cooked brown rice
- ½ cup chopped toasted macadamia nuts
1.) Preheat Black & Decker® Countertop Oven to 400° F. Meanwhile, in medium bowl, combine all ingredients, except pork, rice and nuts.
2.) Place pork in 1-quart shallow baking dish. Brush top of pork chops with half of pineapple mixture. Bake 30 minutes.
3.) Remove from oven; turn chops over and brush with remaining pineapple mixture. Return to oven and bake 30 minutes longer or until pork tests done. (Pork will have an internal temperature of 160° F.)
4.) Serve pork over rice drizzling with sauce from baking dish. Garnish with nuts.
Makes 4 servings.
Whether used for wine, as a snack, for juice or in alcoholic drinks, grapes are a nutritious and delicious fruit enjoyed by many. Grapes are recently known for its super fruit health claims of antioxidant polyphenols that may help reduce the risk of heart disease.[1] Benefiting from this juicy and sweet fruit that’s low in fat and high in vitamin C and K[2] is easy with Black & Decker. Simply follow these tips for adding the super flavor of grapes to your healthy lifestyle.
#1 Skip the ice.
Grapes are fabulous when they are frozen. Instead of getting rock hard and tasteless, they take on a sweet semi-frozen state. The outsides get crunchy, while the insides pop with flavor. Simply freeze grapes in a plastic baggie in the freezer and use as ice in blended drinks made with your Black & Decker blender. Kids will love grape slushies made with frozen grapes and grape juice—and you will too thanks to its nutritious qualities!
#2 Add flavor to baked goods.
Next time you’re preparing your favorite baked goods, add grapes to your recipe. Substitute blueberries for small seedless red grapes in recipes like muffins, pancakes and quick breads for a juicy pop of flavor and boost of nutrition. Mix everything up on low speed with your Black & Decker hand mixer so that the grapes do not rip open and cause a mess in your batter. For fast and effortless cooking without using a lot of energy, bake your quick breads in your Black & Decker convection toaster oven.
#3 Make homemade jam.
If your kids love peanut butter and grape jelly sandwiches, but you don’t quite feel the same way because of all that sugar, make your own! With your Black & Decker bread maker, you can make homemade and fresh jams with the jam setting. You can control the sugar and still provide a delicious (and nutritious) treat for your kids. To prepare, simply add grapes, sugar, and an acid like lemon juice to the bread pan, select the jam setting and let the bread maker do the rest of the work for you.
[1] http://esciencenews.com/articles/2008/10/29/mounting.evidence.shows.health.benefits.grape.polyphenols
[2] http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1920/2
Are you tired of having one appliance for each job in the kitchen? You need these appliances, since you want the jobs done quick and easy, but sometimes it takes up just too much space and money. Save your counter-top space and well-earned money with appliances that do double duty, like the Black & Decker PowerPro® 2-in-1 Food Processor & Blender.
Combining two convenient appliances in one, this 600-watt processor and blender duo gives you everything you need to slice, chop, shred, grate, puree and blend all your foods with ease. Prepare ingredients a week ahead with its large, 10-cup capacity workbowl, and make smoothies for the whole family with a 6-cup blending jar.
For a variety of kitchen tasks in one, a stainless steel reversible slice and shredder disk is included, along with a chopping blade and dough blade. Not only can you blend, slice and shred your ingredients, but you can also prepare fresh homemade pizza and bread doughs in just one appliance. Plus, if you’re preparing large amounts of foods, a wide-mouth feed chute with pusher alleviates any extra-prep you may have.
And with features like non-skid suction feet, storage lid for extra prepped ingredients, cord wrap and dishwasher-safe parts, its value will be appreciated for years to come. So save your money on buying individual appliances, and opt for the Black & Decker PowerPro® 2-in-1 Food Processor & Blender, available now in retailers nationwide and online.
Think that rice cooker can only do rice? Think again; this underused appliance can do so much more. Like the popular wedding registry item, the Crockpot, rice cookers have basic functions that act like a slow cooker and can prepare a variety of foods, from stews, steamed meals and even oatmeal. Rice cookers, like ones from Black & Decker, are basic, yet extremely useful in the kitchen; read on to learn about just some of its uses and why it should be a staple in your kitchen.
Most electric rice cookers have two basic functions: cook and keep warm. How it “knows” when the food is ready is simple; when all or most of the water boils off, the inside temperature changes, thus alerting the appliance that food is done. Once this process happens, the rice cooker switches to a low-heat, keep warm setting. This means that nearly anything that requires boiling water to cook can be prepared in your rice cooker.
Oatmeal is one such meal that can be easily prepared in this appliance. According to Rober Ebert, who wrote a book about the many uses of the rice cooker, called “The Pot and How to Use It,” cooking oatmeal in a rice cooker requires just oats, specified water on the packaging (or less if you like it al dente) and a fruit or two of your liking. The easiest combinations are ones that make the most sense. For example, try the classic strawberry and kiwi, or peaches and bananas for peaches and cream. Whichever you choose, just put everything in the pot, select the cooking setting, and your rice cooker does the rest for you.
You can even make soups and stews in the rice cooker by following a recipe of your choice, or by creating your own. Put the longer-cooking ingredients in first with the stock, broth, or water and cook for the specified time the recipe says. You may need to continue adding more water, but for stews, leave the consistency thick. Put in vegetables and other ingredients you want crunchy during the last few minutes, along with seasonings to make a wonderful and comforting meal.
Lastly, you can steam healthy meals in your rice cooker, like our recipe for steamed pork dumplings. Some models, like the Black & Decker 16-Cup Multi-Use Rice Cooker, comes with a steamer basket to make steamed meals in your rice cooker even easier.
While it’s true that the electric griddle is a time-saver that easily makes breakfast staples like pancakes and bacon, it can be applied to so many more occasions. With this post, we’ll show you how your electric griddle, like the family-sized one from Black & Decker, can be brought out from the dark of your cupboards and get the use it deserves.
#1 Make Sunday dinner for the family.
Don’t just use your electric griddle for Sunday breakfasts—take it out and use it for your Sunday dinners too. It’s tradition to make Sunday lunches and/or dinners into large family gatherings. This is the meal that brings everyone together, and the food reflects that with down-home comforts that only mom can make. Your griddle, with its adjustable temperature control and grease run-off channels can handle American classics like burgers, hot dogs, steaks, chops and nearly any protein that you cook in your grill, pan or oven. In fact, because it radiates even heat and has a large surface, you’ll see that the griddle can handle bigger amounts of food more effectively than other methods of cooking.
#2 Throw a fajita party.
If you’re looking for new entertaining ideas, look no further than your electric griddle. With its large nonstick surface and back splash, it’s the perfect platform for you to throw your very own Mexican-themed fajita party. Marinade some skirt steak in mojo seasoning and cook that, along with some sliced onions and peppers on the griddle. When the steak and veggies are done, use the same appliance to heat up some flour tortillas and melt cheese. Place the leftover food in a heat-proof dish and leave it on top of the griddle to keep it warm for seconds, or thirds.
#3 Use it as a holiday helper.
Almost everyone agrees that the holidays, while a beautiful time of the year, is also stressful. With Thanksgiving, religious holidays and New Years within less than two months of each other, it can feel like meal planning is never-ending. However, your Black & Decker family-sized electric griddle is a life-saver during this time of the year. If you have run out of space in your oven and range, take out the electric griddle to cook foods like latkes and vegetables and toast breads. Or use it to keep casserole dishes warm by placing it on the surface of the griddle on low heat and tightly covering the dishes with aluminum foil. And for dessert, use your griddle to warm up some fruitcake or panettone, and then serve with some ice cream. Holidays have never been easier—or tastier!
Combining two comfort foods in one, this creamy and indulgent meal will satisfy the kid in anyone. With the flavors of Tex-Mex nachos and the down-home feel of macaroni and cheese, this recipe is a cinch to prepare and heats up effortlessly in your Black & Decker countertop toaster oven. Handy tip: you could use any style macaroni cheese dinner you have on hand, but we prefer shells for its sauce-holding shape.
- 1 pkg. (12 oz.) shells cheese dinner
- ½ lb. fresh chorizo sausage
- 1 pkg. (1.25 oz.) taco seasoning mix
- 2 tsp. minced garlic
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- ¾ cup shredded Mexican cheese mixture
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup coarsely chopped plum tomatoes
1. Prepare dinner according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, brown sausage over medium heat, stirring to break into bits; drain. Add taco seasoning mix, garlic and water. Bring to boil, stirring. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes to blend flavors.
2. Preheat Black & Decker® Countertop Oven to 350° F.
3. Stir sour cream, salsa and sausage mixture into prepared dinner. Spoon into 1-quart shallow baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with cheese.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes or until mixture is heated through and cheese is golden.
5. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with lettuce and tomatoes just before serving.
Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Hosting a potluck party is a great way to get together and eat with some friends, your community, or coworkers. Because everyone is bringing in their own food, most of the culinary work is done for you; however, your appliances will help make the party even more effortless from start to finish. In this post, we’ll show you how to make your potluck party go extra smooth and be super fun.
#1 Provide the basics.
Even though your guests will provide most of the food for the party, it is up to you, the host, to provide the basics such as appetizers and munchies. A vegetable platter is a great starter for the party (and throughout) because it is so basic, yet crowd-pleasing. Pick some favorites, like cucumber, tomatoes and broccoli—then add something interesting, like zucchini or mushrooms. Buy pre-sliced celery and whole baby carrots, then do prep work in your Black & Decker PowerPro® Wide-Mouth food processor for the veggies that require slicing. Then, simply arrange vegetables on a large plate with a bowl of store-bought dip in the middle.
#2 Make fun drinks.
Another aspect of a potluck party that is up for you to provide are drinks, whether they be alcoholic or not. If your potluck has a theme, try centering drinks around it too. For example, if your theme is comfort foods, and guests will be bringing in classic American down-home recipes, provide drinks that evoke such characteristics, like the classic blended piña colada or margarita. A blender with a powerful motor that can shred ice into snow, like ones from Black & Decker, will make blended drink preparation easy. And for dessert, your guests will remember their childhood with simple and delicious adult chocolate and vanilla milkshakes.
#3 Help keep food warm.
Regardless of potluck theme, you’re bound to have dishes requiring re-heating, or even cooking. Guests will try their best to keep food warm, or fully prepared, but sometimes life takes over—and this is understandable. Be a gracious host by providing a way to cook and reheat foods. Most Black & Decker countertop toaster ovens are large enough to fit casseroles and take the load off of your conventional oven. Using your toaster oven also ensures you extra space once the oven and stovetop has run out of room.
Widely known for its commercially bottled version, pomegranates have risen in culinary popularity because of its unique sweet and sour ruby red juice and antioxidant health benefit claims[1]. Pomegranates have juice that’s extracted from its arils, or seeds, and are sold whole, de-seeded, or juiced and bottled. It’s high in nutrients, and is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin B5[2]. In this post we’ll show you how pomegranates, both its juice and seeds, can be incorporated into your healthy lifestyle with the help of Black & Decker appliances.
#1 Make any drink delicious.
Because pomegranates are both sweet and sour, it can be paired with nearly anything and taste delicious. Its juice is slightly thick and syrupy and would be perfect in a sophisticated version of blended frozen margaritas. Or add about a ¼ of a cup in your breakfast smoothie for an extra boost of energy in the morning. Do you need something new to surprise the kids? Try putting some pomegranate juice in their chocolate or vanilla milkshakes for added nutrition and flavor.
#2 Create impressive starters.
Adding pomegranates to your healthy soups and salads provide a unique and inspiring touch. Use your food processor to quickly shred some cabbage, carrot and broccoli for an interesting twist on coleslaw. Use your blender to dress it with a vinaigrette made from olive oil and pomegranate juice, then sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top. Then with the same appliance, blend a creamy low-fat bean and lentil soup and serve with a drizzle of pomegranate juice.
#3 Add a flavor-boost to meats.
If you’re looking for an alternative to plain chicken breast, try marinating it in some pomegranate juice. Put some oil, pomegranate juice, salt and pepper in a large plastic baggie and place the chicken inside. Seal it shut, and then massage the marinade into the meat. After letting it rest, broil the chicken in your Black & Decker countertop toaster oven for a quick, easy and tasty meal.
[1] http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/news/20050321/pomegranate-juice-may-clear-clogged-arteries
[2] http://www.ehow.com/facts_5049955_vitamins-pomegranates.html
If you’re looking for ways to cut down on your energy bill in the kitchen, look no further than your big conventional oven. While it’s good for cooking multiple dishes for holiday meals and large parties, the size is simply too big for everyday family cooking. Instead, opt for a roomy countertop oven with convection technology that cooks food faster with less energy, like the Black & Decker Rotisserie Convection Oven.
This oven features convection technology, which circulates air within the oven so that food cooks faster and more precise. Because your oven will be on for much less, activating this feature will save energy—and time. This means you can broil, bake or toast in just a fraction of time that it takes in your conventional oven.
You can also cook a variety of meals large enough for the family with its extra-deep curved interior that allows room for down-home casseroles and baked dishes. It has a pizza bump that fits up to a 12” pizza, and a built-in rotisserie that easily lets you make restaurant-quality rotisserie chicken, or even pork and beef roasts. And with one-touch functions like bagel, pizza, frozen snacks, potatoes and cookies, you can have a variety of meals ready for your family in no time.
After you cook, you don’t want to spend hours cleaning up. Thankfully, this countertop oven cleans up in a snap with a nonstick interior surface and removable crumb tray. Plus, the baking pan is dishwasher-safe.
This Black & Decker convection countertop oven is available now at major retailers nationwide and online.
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