The Mixer from Betty Crocker (giveaway)

Would you like to learn the ins and outs of cooking and baking with Betty Crocker Kitchen experts? When you join The Mixer online (IT’S FREE!) you can connect with the entire community of people wanting to learn more for in the kitchen with LIVE classes. What’s great is that you can do it in the comfort of your own kitchen whenever it best fits your schedule.

Each week for six weeks, The Mixer will feature a new class line up complete with recipe demos, tips & techniques, flavor secrets and much more.
Week #1 - Kickin' Chicken Recipes and tips for making juicy, mouthwatering chicken
Week #2 - Pastabilities Secrets of building flavor that will allow you to create your own signature sauces
Week #3 - Greens with Envy Recipes for go-to salads
Week #4 - Viva Tortilla Taking taco night to a whole new level
Week #5 - Wok it Out Stir-fry techniques and recipes for easy flavorful sauces
Week #6 - Small Bites-Big Flavors Dips and appetizers that are easy and flavorful and guiltless desserts Classes are held three times a week.
Chat live with the Betty Crocker Kitchens Experts:
Tuesdays 7 p.m. ET
Wednesdays 9 p.m. ET
Saturdays 4 p.m. ET
But don't worry if you miss it, you can always go back to watch the classes on demand and get in on the conversation. For complete details on each of the classes simply go to Bettycrocker The Mixer and register to become a member.
CONTEST!!
You can leave a comment here telling me what is the one cooking gadget in the kitchen you can't live without? You will be entered to win a basket full of goodies to help you in your journeys in the kitchen. This basket is filled with a Betty Crocker mixing spoon, spatula, measuring spoons and cups, whisk, liquid measuring cup and a Betty Crocker Magazine (filled with recipes), which is just the right items to help you prepare spectacular meals and desserts! This contest is open to all those in the USA, and will end on May 21, 2009. Feel free to do all the extra credits, just be sure to leave the extra comments to get the credit. (see past contests for extra credits). Good Luck, and enjoy!

Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker by Jakks Pacific: A Review

The Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker by Jakks Pacific is a fun product that kids can try out their skills with making cupcakes. I like that kids can learn and use their math skills with measuring ingredients. Kids can also use their creativity with frosting and designing their creations with sprinkles. This product comes with four special cupcake mixes and frosting that are custom designed for use with this toy. The cake flavors include red velvet, chocolate, yellow, and cinnamon sugar; the frosting's are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cream cheese flavored. These easy-to-use mixes and refills can be purchased when you run out. The toy comes with: a tiny mixing bowl, measuring spoon, water dropper, and miniature spatula for mixing the batter and frosting; a microwaveable container for baking the cupcakes; 4 cupcake papers; 4 "shortcut" recipe cards; sprinkles/sprinkle container; and a cupcake frosting gadget with a stand-up mixer. I like that this set is made with smaller hands in mind. I think it is fun when companies come out with products that encourage our kids to learn life skills (like baking/cooking). The cupcakes bake in just 30 seconds, and the kids can have so much fun decorating. This products looks like it is geared toward girls, but boys can have just as much fun making their own cupcakes. It would be great if Jakks made one that was gender neutral.
With the baking, you need to have a microwave handy. The cupcakes won't taste like homemade cupcakes, but they taste like cupcakes, and kids will love them.
This product is geared toward kids ages 8 and up and can be purchased on Amazon for $29.99.