Norpro Stoneware Butter Keeper

Norpro Stoneware Butter KeeperNever having used one before, I was pleased to see how well the butter keeper works. It's such a practical gadget based on a simple principle.

Unfortunately, after about six months the Norpro revealed a problem that makes me think it should be replaced. The glazing developed many (almost invisible) hairline cracks under the butter, and oil from the butter was then absorbed by the clay container. After washing and drying, the container now slowly oozes rancid oil through the glaze. It continues oozing for many days, even after repeated washing.

I have come to love having softened butter on hand, and I will definitely buy another butter keeper, but I'll try a different brand. Perhaps this is one instance of getting what you pay for.

It keeps butter soft and ready to use. Water should be changed every 2-3 days to keep it fresh. We use a lot of butter and this makes it more convenient. It's not too large (about 4" high and 3.75" across) and holds a stick of butter. The easiest way to put butter in is to let it get soft before using a knife to pack it into the bowl on the lid. I try to get all the air pockets out and not let the butter mound over at the top. When the top goes into the base it will push the butter further in. When taking off the top, I usually let the excess water drip into the base so it doesn't get too messy. Washes easily in hot soapy water. You could put the whole thing in the fridge if you're not going to use the butter for a while.

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The ambient temperature in the room where you keep this has a significant effect on how well it works. It's pretty much the ideal way to store butter if the room temperature stays constant between about 60 and 75 degrees F. Below 60 degrees, the butter will be too hard to spread without tearing soft bread; above 75 degrees it will begin to melt and spoil even though air can't get to it. I much prefer fresh air, so I use heat and A/C as little as possible. When the indoor temperature falls within the optimum range I use and enjoy the butter keeper very much. Since that works out to be about half the time here in Western NY, I'm giving this three stars. The rest of the year I keep the butter in the fridge. I haven't seen anybody else even mention temperature as an issue, so I'm doing it.

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It really does work. I was kind of skeptical, but I really do hate spreading butter when it's cold. I hate it melting and making a mess on my counter too. So I thought I'd try it.

This little guy keeps the butter contained, soft and spreadable. I even bought my brother one for his kitchen.

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I've used this butter bell for quite some time. I make homemade butter from fresh raw (unpasteurized) milk and the butter bell keeps it fresh on my counter top. The butter bell works well in cooler months but when summer sets in, it is possible for the butter to slide into the water --butter is still good, just scoop it out of the water. In winter months, change the water every few days; in summer months, use very cold water and change it everyday. Use around 1.5" of salted water in your butter bell to make the seal. The purpose of the water is to seal the butter off so it will not oxidize as quickly. The purpose of the salt is to stop mold in the summer months. It sounds like a lot work but it doesn't take 10 seconds. For those of you who buy retail butter, it is pasteurized and usually salted so it keeps longer than homemade butter. In Summer, place your butter bell in the fridge after retiring for the evening. First thing in the morning, take it out for the day. In winter, if changing the water regularly your butter will stay fresh on the counter for several weeks; however, in summer, your butter will only stay fresh for a week. If using raw butter in the butter bell you can only leave it out for a week in winter and a few days in summer. You must wash your butter bell in hot water and soap when all butter has been used before putting in more butter or it might mold (especially if you don't use salt in your water). Again, it may seem like a lot of time spent but it is not once you do it a few times it only takes seconds. I hope this helps.

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Evriholder Flipper Bytes Sandwich Crust Cutters

Evriholder Flipper Bytes Sandwich Crust CuttersThis is a neat little gadget! I bought it so I could make cute sandwiches for my kids' bento boxes. It works really well. I found that if I sort of smush and flatten the sandwich before you use the cutter it turns out better.

I already have the hearts, trains and dinosaurs, so I was pleased to find the dolphin to supplement our collection.

I love these because they are easy to use and easy to clean. As long as you are using 'typical' sized bread, like Wonder and Nature's Own, there isn't a problem. Just line up the cutter on the bread, make sure you are in a hard, flat surface and push straight down. While pushing, wiggle ever so slightly back and forth to release the crusts from the cutter. Voila! Done.

If the bread is very soft, it will smash the sandwich some. It does take some effort to push it through things like meat and harder cheeses. Sometimes, I would recommend cutting the bread first and separately before you create the sandwich. We like to do this with grilled cheese. Cut the bread, butter the bread, put on the pan and add cheese. Makes it loads easier.

My favorite part is that I can toss these into the dishwasher and not have to think about them again.

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Bought this along with the Dino bytes sandwich cutter. My grandkids love them and eat their sandwiches all gone!!

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I bought this item, alnog with (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OS4P5E/ref=cm_cr_ryp_prd_img_sol_1) to make ocean themed sandwiches for my daughters birthday. The dolphin sandwiches came out really cute. My only criticism is that the cutter was slightly larger then the bread, so some of the dolphins came out a little funny. I had the same issue with the other one I purchased, even though I tried 2 different brands of bread.

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this made my kids want to eat sandwiches. Cut well and easy to clean. Kids and I love them. Happy

Mcusta Zanmai Pro Molybdenum Corian handle Gyuto

Mcusta Zanmai Pro Molybdenum Corian handle Gyuto 180mmVery sharp, nice featured intereting price,

I have several japanese knives, such as Shun by Kai (including Tim Malzer special edition), Moritaka, Misono, and Miyabi this couple by Mcusta are, like the fist one, a very high class product, I suggest them to everybody need a special item in ther kitchen, profesional use ore not they are really special.

by chef Fabrizio in Italy

Fox Run Brands Adjustable Cheese Slicer

Fox Run Brands Adjustable Cheese SlicerFinally found one that is adjustable. Had one for about 30 years just loved it but sadly it finally broke. Tried several different kinds none worked took them back. Glad I found this one hope it lasts. This has spare wire so hopefully it will be around for another 30.

I was disappointed in this product. The wire just won't remain tight... The slices get bigger and bigger, regardless of adjustment.

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Inexpensive and held up in the dishwasher just fine. Was worried about not being stainless steel but it's fine. Would buy again

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It will slice your cheese and even comes with a replacement wire. However, overall the unit is cheap. For instance, the backside of the handle is hollow (i assume to save on material costs) and the adjustable bit is a bit flimsy. I'd recommend spending a bit more to get a better quality product. However, it does slice cheese and has not broke yet. Just feels and looks cheap.

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Came with a loose wire. I tried to tighten the wire, with no luck. My husband also tried to tighten the wire and was unsuccessful. The screw used to adjust the width of a cheese slice does not stay tight. I would not recommend this item.

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Victorinox Swiss Classic Chef's Knife with Granton Edge

Victorinox Swiss Classic 8-Inch Chef's Knife with Granton EdgeI have worked in several professional kitchens, but only cook at home now, and I just love this knife for cutting vegetables. I can slice thin as I like and the item I'm cutting doesn't stick to the knife as much, because of the Granton Edge. Nice light weight too. I have several other Swiss Army products and they all are near perfect. No complaints at all. Great metallurgy. When they say stainless steel they mean it. One Swiss Army tool I've had since 1999 has been around the world with me and has never rusted, because of the good quality stainless steel.

Good value, great sharp kitchen tool! The price was perfect for the quality of the knife. Very nice craftmanship by Victorinox.

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Wusthof Classic Epicurean Handle 6" Cooks Knife with Epicurean Board

Wusthof Classic Epicurean Handle 6' Cooks Knife with Epicurean BoardThe board is slightly above average, with some nice grooves around the border so that any juices dont spill over on the counter. The knife is awesome though, super sharp, well balanced, and makes for a great "rocking slice" motion with dicing whatever it may be. Some friends group gifted this to me with VenTribe.com and I'm really pleased they did!

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MAN LAW 5 Piece BBQ Wood Handle Tool Set -Kids

Man Law 5-Piece BBQ Wood Handle Tool SetThese are some man-size, heavy-duty grill tools. So big that I'm still trying to figure out how and where to store them. My husband liked them as his father's day gift. Contrary to my expectations, he thought the basting brush was useless and would have preferred a grill brush (grill cleaning brush). On the other hand, he was very satisfied with the tongs--he opined that locking tongs are for sissies and amateurs. Sigh. Men! Who can figure them out.

I was fairly disappointed by the dirty (dusty, gritty), shopworn (torn, crumpled, dented) product packaging. The tools were secured to their cardboard package with twist ties, and several of these were missing. I guessed that the package had been purchased before, not only because of the missing ties but because the package was taped together with packing tape.

To compound the problem, the outer amazon box had been poorly packed. The tools came in a far-too-big box with just a few folds of brown paper as cushioning. I have received other, much less expensive items from Amazon (health bars or face cream) packed quite securely with long loops of inflated bags as cushioning. It was weird to receive these heavy items sliding around in a big box. It made the box hard to handle and may have been at least part of the reason why the packaging looked so beat up. The tools themselves were not damaged. I wouldn't have cared quite as much if the purchase hadn't been intended as a gift. :-/

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