These giveaways are now closed and the winners are:
- America’s Test Kitchen & Cuisinart: Jenny – “The food processor is my favorite thing. I have a smaller one that just isn’t big enough and it’s been on my amazon wish list for like 4 years now.”
- Schleich Wild Animals: Janelle – “I love the little African Elephant Calf…he’s such a cutie! I used to work in a toy store and loved the Schleich animals!”
- Socks From the Toe Up & Addi Needles: Andrea Marie – “This would be a great Christmas gift for my mom! That book sounds really great to ease you into sock knitting.”
WINNERS MUST SEND AN EMAIL TO KELSEY[AT]VANILLAJOY[DOT]COM BEFORE SATURDAY TO CLAIM THEIR PRIZES. Thanks!
<p><a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cuisinart-and-americas-test-kitchen.jpg”><img class=”alignleft size-medium wp-image-8005″ title=”cuisinart and americas test kitchen” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/cuisinart-and-americas-test-kitchen-300×200.jpg” alt=”cuisinart and americas test kitchen” width=”185″ height=”123″ /></a></p>
<p><strong>THE PRIZE</strong></p>
<p>One reader will win a copy of <em><a href=”http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/” target=”_blank”>The Best Simple Recipes</a> </em>from <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>America’s Test Kitchen</a> AND a <a href=”http://www.cuisinart.com/products/food_processors/dlc-8s.html” target=”_blank”>Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 Food Processor</a> ($170).</p>
<p><strong>MY REVIEW</strong></p>
<p>Cuisinart and America’s Test Kitchen are always a good idea. Any appliance, any recipe and I know it’ll be the best. These two products are no exception.</p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><a href=”http://www.cuisinart.com/products/food_processors/dlc-8s.html” target=”_blank”><img class=”size-full wp-image-8028 aligncenter” title=”cuisinart food processor” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/3.jpg” alt=”cuisinart food processor” width=”354″ height=”441″ /></a></p>
<p>I wanted to test for myself this food processor, the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11, because it’s the recommended choice in America’s Test Kitchen Family Cook Book (which I live by). And of course I love it!</p>
<p>My old food processor didn’t fit anywhere because the shape was weird, but the Pro Custom 11 has a huge capacity and the base is a simple rectangle, so it fits EVERYWHERE!</p>
<p>It comes with a chopping blade, a dough blade, 2 slicing discs (2mm & 4mm), and a shredding disk. I use it all the time to grate cheese (because I’m cheap and don’t buy it pre-grated) and it takes about 3 seconds to do 1/4 of a block. Watch your fingers! Actually, the feed tube is nice and large so your fingers don’t even have to get close.</p>
<p>I especially love the Pro Custom 11 for chopping onions. I hate chopping onions by hand so I can just toss one in and watch the action! I bought a 50 pound bag of onions recently and have been working on chopping them all to freeze.</p>
<p>I also used the Pro Custom 11 to chop/puree almost ever layer in the <a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/ultimate-seven-layer-dip.html”>Ultimate 7 Layer Dip</a> I posted about a while back. Sooo quick and easy, including clean up!</p>
<p>The motor is powerful enough to do all your chopping, slicing, grating, and even mixing dough. A food processor is really an invaluable kitchen tool, and Cuisinart makes the best.</p>
<p>And as for America’s Test Kitchen, I’ve found another new favorite cookbook – <em>The Best Simple Recipes. </em>Ohmygoodness the pasta recipes are amazing and really do cook in 30 minutes or less.</p>
<p>This week we tried 3 <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>pasta recipes</a> and…yum!</p>
<p><strong>Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups</strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/13.jpg”><img class=”size-full wp-image-8029 aligncenter” title=”Weeknight Lasagna Rolls Ups America’s Test Kitchen” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/13.jpg” alt=”Weeknight Lasagna Rolls Ups America’s Test Kitchen” width=”428″ height=”285″ /></a></p>
<p>I really struggle with lasagna recipes, particularly the red sauce portion. I’ve tried several handfuls and always end up with something tragically tasteless. This <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>lasagna recipe</a> is so easy (less than 30 minutes to prepare), uses standard ingredients, and has so much flavor! The tomato sauce is fantastic and my search for a top-notch recipe is officially over!</p>
<p>8 no-boil lasagna noodles<br /><br />
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese<br /><br />
2 c. shredded mozzarella<br /><br />
1 1/2 c. grated Parmesan<br /><br />
1 large egg, lightly beaten<br /><br />
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil<br /><br />
1/2 t. salt<br /><br />
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes<br /><br />
3 T. extra-virgin olive oil<br /><br />
4 garlic cloves, minced</p>
<p>1. Preheat oven to 475. Place noodles and hot tap water to cover in a casserole dish. Microwave until noodles are softened, 3-6 minutes. Discard water and dry dish. Lay noodles in single layer on clean kitchen towel to dry.</p>
<p>2. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, 1 c. mozzarella, 1 c. Paremsan, egg, 1/4 c. basil, and salt in a bowl. Combine tomatoes, oil, garlic, nd remaining basil in another bowl. Spread half of tomato mixture in casserole dish. With short side facing you, spread 1/4 c. cheese mixture (about 1 large spoonful) on each noodle, roll, and arrange seam side down in casserole dish. Pour remainig tomato mixture over roll-ups.</p>
<p>3. Microwave, covered, until roll-ups are tender and heated through, 6-10 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over roll-ups. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. (I didn’t microwave but baked mine in the oven for 10 minutes and it was perfect!)</p>
<p><strong>Cheesy Ravioli Bake</strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/21.jpg”><img class=”size-full wp-image-8030 aligncenter” title=”americas test kitchen pasta cheese ravioli” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/21.jpg” alt=”americas test kitchen pasta cheese ravioli” width=”428″ height=”285″ /></a></p>
<p>We also had the Cheesy Ravioli Bake this week and it was another winner! Again, less than 30 minutes to prepare, a superb tomato sauce, and I can’t wait to have leftovers.</p>
<p>This cookbook has quick, easy, and delicious recipes for every course and occasion. With lots of recipes I try I have to adjust and add seasoning, but America’s Test Kitchen is usually perfect as is.</p>
<p>Thanks to Cuisinart and America’s Test Kitchen for sponsoring this giveaway!</p>
<p><strong><strong>GIVEAWAY RULES<br /><br />
</strong></strong></p>
<ul style=”text-align: left;”>
<li>Visit <a href=”http://www.cuisinart.com/” target=”_blank”>Cuisinart</a> and <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>America’s Test Kitchen</a></li>
<li><em>Make a comment on this post telling me your favorite products </em><strong><em>before midnight Sunday, October 17</em>.</strong></li>
<li>A winner will be selected and announced <em>at the top of this post on Monday</em>.</li>
<li>Only one comment per person unless you earn extra entries.</li>
<li>Giveaway open only to residents of the continental United States…sorry.</li>
<li>Winners must email me to claim their prize within 5 days.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><strong>EARN EXTRA ENTRIES</strong></strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>You may earn 1 extra entry each for doing the following (make a separate comment for each thing you do):</p>
<ul style=”text-align: left;”>
<li><a href=”http://www.facebook.com/cuisinart” target=”_blank”>Like Cuisinart on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.twitter.com/MyCuisinart” target=”_blank”>Follow Cuisinart on Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.facebook.com/AmericasTestKitchenTV” target=”_blank”>Like America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://twitter.com/cpkimball” target=”_blank”>Follow America’s Test Kitchen on Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.youtube.com/user/kelseynorwood” target=”_blank”>Subscribe to Vanilla Joy on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.youtube.com/user/vanillajoy1″ target=”_blank”>Make a comment on a Vanilla Joy You Tube video</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Vanilla-Joy/117063534974634?ref=mf” target=”_blank”>Become a Facebook Fan of Vanilla Joy</a></li>
<li>Facebook about the contest with a link back here</li>
<li>Subscribe to my feed</li>
<li>Sign up for my newsletter</li>
<li>Add my button to your sidebar</li>
<li>Comment on any non-contest post (must contribute to the conversation)</li>
</ul>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>{These products were provided to Vanilla Joy for review purposes.}<strong> </strong></p>
<p><strong>THE PRIZE</strong></p>
<p>One reader will win a copy of <em><a href=”http://www.cooksillustrated.com/bookstore/” target=”_blank”>The Best Simple Recipes</a> </em>from <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>America’s Test Kitchen</a> AND a <a href=”http://www.cuisinart.com/products/food_processors/dlc-8s.html” target=”_blank”>Cuisinart Pro Custom 11 Food Processor</a> ($170).</p>
<p><strong>MY REVIEW</strong></p>
<p>Cuisinart and America’s Test Kitchen are always a good idea. Any appliance, any recipe and I know it’ll be the best. These two products are no exception.</p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><a href=”http://www.cuisinart.com/products/food_processors/dlc-8s.html” target=”_blank”><img class=”size-full wp-image-8028 aligncenter” title=”cuisinart food processor” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/3.jpg” alt=”cuisinart food processor” width=”354″ height=”441″ /></a></p>
<p>I wanted to test for myself this food processor, the Cuisinart Pro Custom 11, because it’s the recommended choice in America’s Test Kitchen Family Cook Book (which I live by). And of course I love it!</p>
<p>My old food processor didn’t fit anywhere because the shape was weird, but the Pro Custom 11 has a huge capacity and the base is a simple rectangle, so it fits EVERYWHERE!</p>
<p>It comes with a chopping blade, a dough blade, 2 slicing discs (2mm & 4mm), and a shredding disk. I use it all the time to grate cheese (because I’m cheap and don’t buy it pre-grated) and it takes about 3 seconds to do 1/4 of a block. Watch your fingers! Actually, the feed tube is nice and large so your fingers don’t even have to get close.</p>
<p>I especially love the Pro Custom 11 for chopping onions. I hate chopping onions by hand so I can just toss one in and watch the action! I bought a 50 pound bag of onions recently and have been working on chopping them all to freeze.</p>
<p>I also used the Pro Custom 11 to chop/puree almost ever layer in the <a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/ultimate-seven-layer-dip.html”>Ultimate 7 Layer Dip</a> I posted about a while back. Sooo quick and easy, including clean up!</p>
<p>The motor is powerful enough to do all your chopping, slicing, grating, and even mixing dough. A food processor is really an invaluable kitchen tool, and Cuisinart makes the best.</p>
<p>And as for America’s Test Kitchen, I’ve found another new favorite cookbook – <em>The Best Simple Recipes. </em>Ohmygoodness the pasta recipes are amazing and really do cook in 30 minutes or less.</p>
<p>This week we tried 3 <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>pasta recipes</a> and…yum!</p>
<p><strong>Weeknight Lasagna Roll-Ups</strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/13.jpg”><img class=”size-full wp-image-8029 aligncenter” title=”Weeknight Lasagna Rolls Ups America’s Test Kitchen” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/13.jpg” alt=”Weeknight Lasagna Rolls Ups America’s Test Kitchen” width=”428″ height=”285″ /></a></p>
<p>I really struggle with lasagna recipes, particularly the red sauce portion. I’ve tried several handfuls and always end up with something tragically tasteless. This <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>lasagna recipe</a> is so easy (less than 30 minutes to prepare), uses standard ingredients, and has so much flavor! The tomato sauce is fantastic and my search for a top-notch recipe is officially over!</p>
<p>8 no-boil lasagna noodles<br /><br />
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese<br /><br />
2 c. shredded mozzarella<br /><br />
1 1/2 c. grated Parmesan<br /><br />
1 large egg, lightly beaten<br /><br />
1/2 c. chopped fresh basil<br /><br />
1/2 t. salt<br /><br />
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes<br /><br />
3 T. extra-virgin olive oil<br /><br />
4 garlic cloves, minced</p>
<p>1. Preheat oven to 475. Place noodles and hot tap water to cover in a casserole dish. Microwave until noodles are softened, 3-6 minutes. Discard water and dry dish. Lay noodles in single layer on clean kitchen towel to dry.</p>
<p>2. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, 1 c. mozzarella, 1 c. Paremsan, egg, 1/4 c. basil, and salt in a bowl. Combine tomatoes, oil, garlic, nd remaining basil in another bowl. Spread half of tomato mixture in casserole dish. With short side facing you, spread 1/4 c. cheese mixture (about 1 large spoonful) on each noodle, roll, and arrange seam side down in casserole dish. Pour remainig tomato mixture over roll-ups.</p>
<p>3. Microwave, covered, until roll-ups are tender and heated through, 6-10 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over roll-ups. Bake until cheese is melted and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. (I didn’t microwave but baked mine in the oven for 10 minutes and it was perfect!)</p>
<p><strong>Cheesy Ravioli Bake</strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><a href=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/21.jpg”><img class=”size-full wp-image-8030 aligncenter” title=”americas test kitchen pasta cheese ravioli” src=”http://www.vanillajoy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/21.jpg” alt=”americas test kitchen pasta cheese ravioli” width=”428″ height=”285″ /></a></p>
<p>We also had the Cheesy Ravioli Bake this week and it was another winner! Again, less than 30 minutes to prepare, a superb tomato sauce, and I can’t wait to have leftovers.</p>
<p>This cookbook has quick, easy, and delicious recipes for every course and occasion. With lots of recipes I try I have to adjust and add seasoning, but America’s Test Kitchen is usually perfect as is.</p>
<p>Thanks to Cuisinart and America’s Test Kitchen for sponsoring this giveaway!</p>
<p><strong><strong>GIVEAWAY RULES<br /><br />
</strong></strong></p>
<ul style=”text-align: left;”>
<li>Visit <a href=”http://www.cuisinart.com/” target=”_blank”>Cuisinart</a> and <a href=”http://www.americastestkitchen.com/” target=”_blank”>America’s Test Kitchen</a></li>
<li><em>Make a comment on this post telling me your favorite products </em><strong><em>before midnight Sunday, October 17</em>.</strong></li>
<li>A winner will be selected and announced <em>at the top of this post on Monday</em>.</li>
<li>Only one comment per person unless you earn extra entries.</li>
<li>Giveaway open only to residents of the continental United States…sorry.</li>
<li>Winners must email me to claim their prize within 5 days.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong><strong>EARN EXTRA ENTRIES</strong></strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>You may earn 1 extra entry each for doing the following (make a separate comment for each thing you do):</p>
<ul style=”text-align: left;”>
<li><a href=”http://www.facebook.com/cuisinart” target=”_blank”>Like Cuisinart on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.twitter.com/MyCuisinart” target=”_blank”>Follow Cuisinart on Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.facebook.com/AmericasTestKitchenTV” target=”_blank”>Like America’s Test Kitchen on Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://twitter.com/cpkimball” target=”_blank”>Follow America’s Test Kitchen on Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.youtube.com/user/kelseynorwood” target=”_blank”>Subscribe to Vanilla Joy on YouTube</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.youtube.com/user/vanillajoy1″ target=”_blank”>Make a comment on a Vanilla Joy You Tube video</a></li>
<li><a href=”http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Vanilla-Joy/117063534974634?ref=mf” target=”_blank”>Become a Facebook Fan of Vanilla Joy</a></li>
<li>Facebook about the contest with a link back here</li>
<li>Subscribe to my feed</li>
<li>Sign up for my newsletter</li>
<li>Add my button to your sidebar</li>
<li>Comment on any non-contest post (must contribute to the conversation)</li>
</ul>
<p style=”text-align: left;”>{These products were provided to Vanilla Joy for review purposes.}<strong> </strong></p>
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