Did I happen to mention I bought a KitchenAid mixer this year? After all these years of making due with a hand mixer my mom gave me (before I even met Joe), I thought it was about time.
I originally ordered the KitchenAid Professional 5qt Stand Mixer from Target for $250. I then realized it was too tall to fit under the cabinets so I returned it (but not until after I got a replacement). KitchenAid was having a Christmas in July sale so I ordered a KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in Onyx Black.
After taxes it was $191.24 and it arrived quickly (a week and a half later) despite getting an automated phone call, of all things, stating it was out of stock and they didn’t know when it would be available. It literally shipped the next day! Good thing I didn’t cancel my order like the call suggested.
I had a hell of a time ordering on their website, though, and had to call customer service to place the order. The guy I spoke to was a bit too relaxed on the phone with me (I swear he was high because he wasn’t necessarily unprofessional but he also didn’t come across the way most customer service people do). On top of that, the email confirmation didn’t include a price or a picture of the item I ordered which I thought was odd. KitchenAid is a large nationally known brand. You’d think they’d be a little better with their communication.
But it all worked out and I got my mixer a week and a half after ordering it and I love it. As of this writing I’ve used it several times to shred chicken and that alone was worth the price. I’ve also used it to make cookies and homemade whipped cream.
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This got me thinking about food in general, and the fact that I went from having zero appetite for many months to wanting to eat everything in sight. I thought I’d share some of the highlights.
Back in June I got hooked on croissants. I’ve always loved them, but never really purchased them for some reason. The thing is, there is a such thing as bad croissants. I’ve tried them from Aldi and Mariano’s and neither impressed me. I’ve since come to learn and appreciate that Costco has the best ones. They charge $5 for 12 very large buttery mouth-watering croissants. You just can’t beat the price or flavor and I was a fool for even trying. I can’t possibly eat 12 croissants before they get stale so I end up freezing most of them but they defrost easily and don’t last long enough to get freezer burn.
Also in June we paid a visit to Atlas Chicken Shack in Geneva to pick up some lunch to go (who is eating in restaurants? not us!). Their sandwiches are nothing special but I have been craving their rice balls since trying them last year and they were just as good as I remember. I’m so glad we got two orders so we wouldn’t have to share.
Do you like peanut butter cups? Of course you do! If you also like dark chocolate you need to get Trader Joe’s dark chocolate peanut butter cups.
They rival any other brand. Sure, I will still grab a Reese’s from time to time, but my go-to is now TJ’s cups. They’re mini too so less of a calorie hit. I actually need to start watching my weight again. I dropped a ton while sick but now that my appetite is back in full force it’s becoming an issue. I’ve hit my ideal weight – 120 lbs – and I would like to stay there.
When we used to visit Indiana Beach theme park in Monticello Indiana one of the highlights was their Taco Shoppe. The beef tacos were beef and not very fancy, but oh were they good! I finally figured out what made them so good – cojita cheese!
I originally purchased it to make my own elotes, but we used it on tacos and it was so much better than the Mexican cheese shreds we typically use.
Trader Joe’s frozen roasted potatoes with peppers and onions – get them now. They are good with breakfast, or as a side with dinner. Love them!
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In fast food news – you must try Culver’s pretzel bites. I believe they’re for a limited time only. The cheese dipping sauce is the real MVP. Their special pretzel bun pub burger is also great. I haven’t seen it announced yet but am expecting it any day now.
Just the other day I tried an Impossible Whopper at Burger King. Their customer service sucking, per usual, aside, it was really good! I actually thought it tasted better than the regular Whopper Joe got. Best of all it was free thanks to a T-Mobile Tuesday deal.