Cheesecake.com

I think cheesecake has been served at every bridal shower that I've attended. When I decided to host a bridal shower, cheesecake was one of the first desserts on my list. Now, as much as I LOVE dessert, I have never liked cheesecake. I wasn't really excited about this review. In fact, I was a little nervous. I've tasted cheesecake and one bite was always enough to convince me that I didn't like it. Since my husband feels the same way, I was going to heavily depend on others to help me out! After sampling cheesecakes from Cheesecake.com, I have had a change of heart, and a change of taste. But more on that very soon! Founded in beautiful Alpharetta, Georgia, by David Clements and Harvey Kaplan, Cheesecake.com offers great desserts at a great price. They offer delicious desserts that are ideal for gifts and entertaining. Brownies, cookies, pies, and more, including mouth-watering cheesecakes! Cheesecake.com was born to help you find the best quality desserts, treats, and sweets, along with the convenience of fast shipping and a customer satisfaction guarantee that is simply unbeatable. Check back soon for my review. Yes, it's all mine. I didn't need any help with this one!
Disclosure: I was sent two cheesecakes in exchange for my upcoming review. I was under no obligation to create this post. No monetary compensation received.

My Pillow Pets® Named One of the “Fabulous Fifteen” on Toys “R” Us “Hot Holiday Toy” List

World’s leading specialty toy retailer includes Pillow Pets™ popular plush

folding stuffed animals on its annual “best-of-the-best” list

Oceanside, CA – September 27, 2010 – The calendar may only say September, but parents and children are already counting down to the 2010 holiday season. So is Toys “R” Us, the world’s leading specialty toy retailer, who recently released its annual list of the must-have toys this year. My Pillow Pets® is honored to be named on this year’s list and, better yet, to be included in the “Fabulous Fifteen,” representing the best new toys of the holiday season.

Made of ultra-soft chenille, My Pillow Pets® plush folding stuffed animals are much more than a stuffed animal. With a strap that closes underneath to transform the pillow into a friendly pet, they are an ideal travel pal, naptime buddy and all-around cuddly friend. My Pillow Pets® plush folding stuffed animals are available in jungle animals, farm critters and sea creatures – 20 different animals to choose from.

My Pillow Pets® anticipates high demand of its already overwhelmingly popular plush folding stuffed animals this holiday season.


”We have enjoyed an incredible year already,” said Jennifer Telfer, founder of My Pillow Pets®. “Being included on Toys “R” Us’s list of the world’s best toys is a spectacular honor. We are thrilled that our family of cuddly Pillow Pets™ will spread joy and delight during the holiday season and throughout the year.”

Order your authentic, machine washable My Pillow Pets® or Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animal now for the holidays. Pillow Pets™ are affordable with a “Special TV Offer” of just $19.95 at http://www.getpillowpets.com/ with any additional Pillow Pet™ priced at $15.95 (up to five), and are also available at Toys “R” Us stores nationwide.


About Pillow Pets

Since 2003, My Pillow Pets® plush folding stuffed animals have been bringing smiles to the faces of all ages. The concept for the snuggly companions was the brainchild of a San Diego-based mother of two, who had grown tired of picking up stuffed animals strewn across her children’s rooms. What began with the goal of transforming a simple stuffed animal into a functional item for children has grown into an amazing jungle of popular retail and wholesale products. For more information, please visit http://www.getpillowpets.com/.

Congratulations Pillow Pets! You have remained one of my children's favorites since the day you arrived!

I'm Bewitched

How does a Snickerdoodle go from being one of my least favorite cookies to one of my favorites? I really don't know but Local Boy Bakery has the answers. I swear he has magic in his hands and is totally capable of bewitching his customers after just one bite. We tried his Whole Wheat Snickerdoodle Cookies, Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip and Toffee Cookies, and Lemon Rosemary Sugar Cookies at a recent bridal shower. Where do I begin? Since the Snickerdoodles are still on my mind, I figure that's the best place to start. These cookies are crisp on the outside and they are moist and soft on the inside! Sweetened with local honey, and dusted heavily with cinnamon sugar, these buttery cookies are packed with flavor. Since they are whole wheat, I can easily convince myself that one more can't hurt. Warning, these cookies are gone before you know it! The Rosemary Lemon Sugar Cookies are quite unique. We grow our own rosemary and use it in everyday cooking. These cookies feature a very special rosemary that you won't find in a random jar. Grown by a Charlotte, NC farmer, this rosemary is a culinary delight that will tempt your tastebuds! Combined with lemon, you will have an unforgettable experience that doesn't last as long as you'd like. Well, that's why you get more than one cookie with your order! The Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip and Toffee Cookies will make you consider moving to Atlanta, just to be closer to Local Boy Bakery. These rival the best chocolate chip cookies that I've had, and I don't say that lightly. They are packed with chips so you don't feel cheated when you take a bite, big or small. They are soft with a crisp exterior and they melt in your mouth, leaving you very happy and satisfied. Visit Local Boy Bakery and taste the very best that Georgia has to offer. His cookies are great for weddings and showers, and they are perfect peace offerings if you ever find yourself in the doghouse.
Disclosure: I was sent an assortment of cookies for a very special shower. No monetary compensation received.

Pampering For Grown Ups!

Luxury towels and bedding are a weakness of mine. When I can afford to indulge, I certainly do. When you spend eight hours each night in your bed, make them blissful nights with bedding from Belvivere. Italian made luxury linens make a wonderful wedding gift and they also make a great gift for yourself! We were sent a set of 430 TC Vivaldi Sheets to pass on to a special couple. The Egyptian Cotton Sateen Sheets feel as smooth as silk. The detailed embroidery on the border adds an elegant touch. The Vivaldi Bedding features:
100% Italian spun Egyptian combed cotton
Long staple fiber "Mako" quality selection
Hand picked on the fertile Nile river banks
Woven in Italy into a luxuriously soft 430Thread count Sateen
Sateen finish adds luster and drape for a silky, lofty hand
Perfectly embroidered in Florence, Italy with graceful "S" forms that intertwine in a decorative stylized cable pattern
Exquisitely detailed by skilled artisans with scalloped edges will wear softly and smoothly wash after wash
Available in 17 colorways on white sheeting to coordinate with matching solid and quilted bedding collections (see Bellagio, Medici)
Machine washable (see washing instructions)
Made in Italy
Generously oversized to fit mattresses up to 20" deep (see bedding sizes)
Available in King, California King, Queen, Full and Twin size. Contact us for custom sizes
Sheets set includes one flat, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases (one for Twin size). King set has King cases, Queen and Full sets have Standard cases
Shams and cases have french flap closure for a perfect fit of your pillow while providing an attractive finished look
Duvet cover is embroidered with a stylized decorative cable pattern on top
Duvet cover has hidden buttons closure and inside ties to firmly hold your duvet inside and keep the same well dressed look to the whole bed
Fitted sheet has elastic all around the edge to perfectly fit without creases even after several days on the bed
Flat sheet is crafted with a 20" turnback to give even a more elegant look to the bed when folded over quilt or blanket cover showing embroidery and scalloped edge across the top and down both sides of the return
These sheets are affordable and promote sleeping in! What could be better? Visit Belvivere and shop for great bedding and bath linens. They also have a great selection of table linens! Shop their clearance for extra savings!
Disclosure: I was sent a set of sheets to pass on to a lucky couple. No monetary compensation received.

Howling At The Moon With This Awesome Giveaway!

Last year, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with AnytimeCostumes.com. They are a great company with awesome customer service. This year, I was lucky enough to have the same opportunity and Logan received a Child Howling At The Moon Costume just in time for Halloween! It features:
 •Full coverage "Ani-Motion" werewolf costume mask with large eye holes for great visibility
•Shirt with attached fur
•The Ani-Motion mask moves with you. As your mouth and lips move, so does the mask.
•Wear your own pants or jeans to complete this scary werewolf Halloween costume
The Ani-Motion mask was a little disappointing because I expected it to move more. However Logan loved it and thought that it was cool when he noticed he could increase his snarl! The mask and shirt are comfortable and so far, we have noticed little shedding. Logan thought the fur would make him itch, but so far so good! Sam on the other hand, hates this costume. At least he did for the first week. If Logan put on the mask and looked at Sam, Sam would run for his dear life. Other than that, there have been no problems!
AnytimeCostumes.com is spreading the Halloween cheer with a giveaway! One lucky US resident will win the costume of their choice (up to $50 value) by visiting AnytimeCostumes.com and telling me what their pick would be! Leave your answer in a comment! Follow me on google, networked blogs, facebook, and/or twitter for an additional entry for each follow. Leave comments for each entry. Follow AnytimeCostumes.com on facebook and/or Twitter for one additional entry each! Giveaway ends midnight, September 28, 2010. With giveaway, all sales final. Good Luck!
Disclosure: I was sent a costume in exchange for this post. No monetary compensation received.

Making Memories With Mikasa!

Many memories are made around the kitchen table. Holiday meals and family gatherings are an important part of many family traditions. I can look back through my childhood and picture many holidays. I remember many conversations and laughter. The food, not so much. However, the pattern on the dishes we used has been forever etched into my memory. Make your own memories with Mikasa! Mikasa sent two sets of Red Berries to pass on to a lucky couple. The finely detailed pattern features a sprig of lush red berries! The coupe shape offers a large eating area, and the white porcelain body makes a wonderful presentation for any meal. A ruby red charger or maybe a stained wood charger would set the pattern off beautifully! The dishes are microwave and dishwasher safe. The 16 piece set includes 4 of each: 10 1/2" dinner plate, 8" salad plate, 5.5" cereal / soup bowl (20oz) and 11oz mug. We were also sent two sets of Chloe flatware from Mikasa to pass on to a lucky couple. Their Gourmet Basics Chloe 20 Piece Flatware Set 18/0 is a setting for 4. Crafted from 18/0 stainless steel, this pattern will go with any table design, whether casual, a weekend brunch or formal setting. A place setting includes four 8" dinner forks, 7" salad forks, 9" dinner knifes, 8" soup spoons and 7" teaspoons. The flatware is comfortable to hold and sure to last for years! As always, Mikasa stands behind their products and they offer a  Lifetime Replacement Program!
Disclosure: Lifetime Brands sent dinnerware and flatware to give to a lucky couple. No monetary compensation provided.

Teleflora and Migi!

August was a chance for me to celebrate Migi with Teleflora! I was sent an adorable arrangement in true Migi Style. I bought Migi bedding for Sam when he was born! I love the cool colors and whimsical designs that have become quite popular among moms! Hadden's Flower's & Gifts (Albany, Georgia) delivered my arrangement one afternoon. I was happy to find that Teleflora worked with them because Hadden's was the very first florist I used. In college, I stopped by one afternoon and ordered flowers for my mom. It was the first arrangement I ever sent and hearing my mom's reaction was a moment I'll never forget. My MiGi's Baby Circus Bouquet by Teleflora - Blue - Deluxe arrangement was small and it fit nicely in a great keepsake cup. This charming bouquet features white roses, white button spray chrysanthemums, and white spray roses accented with blue ribbons and assorted greenery. The flowers are delivered in a double-handled blue ceramic keepsake container featuring a circus animal motif created by the popular MiGi designers. The arrangement would be a wonderful "push" gift or congratulatory gift! Available in pink or blue, the cup is perfect for holding swabs and cotton balls, and other nursery necessities, long after baby arrives!

This is a long lasting arrangement. After almost a week, misting daily, my crisp white roses began to wilt and brown. I removed them and the arrangement is still going strong after more than two weeks! This arrangement hasn't shed which makes me happy! Since baby blue really doesn't fit with my decor, this arrangement has travelled throughout my home from the bedrooms to the guest bathroom for a recent party! It's compact size allows for easy placement just about anywhere! Look for Migi arrangements at Teleflora and let a new mom know you care. The arrangement is sure to bring a smile to everyone's face!
Disclosure: I was sent this arrangement for review. I have a long term relationship with Teleflora and I feature reviews each month. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given!

Luxury Bedding By Biltmore!

My husband and I are definitely homebodies. We love to stay home and entertain family and friends. Instead of spending money on going out, we put extra money into making our home as comfortable as possible. We don't have "special" dinnerware, bedding, or bath linens for special occasions. Everyday is special and we use what makes us feel good. Some of my favorite splurges? Bedding, towels, and just about anything for the kitchen. One of my favorite companies is Biltmore and I fell in love with their products several years ago when I discovered them at Belk. Classy, elegant, and perfect for my entertaining lifestyle, I could afford occasional splurges and serve my guests in style! Recently Biltmore sent an Arris Bedding Collection Comforter Set for a very special couple. The bedding is gorgeous, and the 100% cotton comforter is as soft as silk. The set is from the Hotel By Biltmore Collection and it looks and feels 5 star to me! The set:
includes oversized comforter, coordinating shams and 18-in. bedskirt
features a comforter that reverses to 100% Cotton 300 Thread count Sateen
100% Cotton Jacquard
It's dry clean only and a Belk Exclusive
The taupe reminds me of a creamy latte and the silvery grays on the face of the comforter almost shimmer. This set is neutral enough to look great in almost any bedroom or suite and it is perfect for a couple or a bachelor. The colors work well together and the gorgeous pattern and stitched "buttons" take this set to the next level. Biltmore Bedding holds up well. I know this from personal use and my mom has purchased several sets over the years. She has never had a problem with the quality and she's often complimented on her style! Biltmore makes it easy to have great style and pamper friends and family. If you are having a dinner party or hosting an overnight (or two or three!) You can count on Biltmore to help make those visits  memorable and comfortable! And at the end of a long day, you can slip away to your private retreat and dry off with plush Biltmore towels and slip into a cozy bed, made possible by Biltmore!
Disclosure: Biltmore graciously donated a bedding set to a bride-to-be planning her wedding through personal tragedy. A set was passed on for her to enjoy and begin her new life in comfort and complete luxury. Many thanks to Biltmore and all parties involved for making this possible. No monetary compensation received.

You'll Flip Over This Carrier!

I loved carrying Sam in his baby carrier. We have several, including slings, pouches, and backpacks. I have used a carrier since birth, not only for the convenience, but also the closeness. We bonded quickly and we are still inseparable, thanks in part to babywearing. Sam loves snuggling up and going for a ride. He instantly calms and he is all smiles! Baby carriers allow you to work with two hands while keeping your baby close. It also helps you keep up with older kids and be active and involved with them most of the day! Of all the baby carriers that I've tried, the Infantino Flip has to be one of the easiest to use!

Adjusting the carrier is easy and Sam was ready to go in no time! The fabric has a little give, and Sam wriggled around briefly. It seemed he also loved the "give" in the material! The fabric is lightweight and it breathes! When it is hot outside, the last thing I would want is to put Sam in a black carrier and head outside! It features:
An easy front buckle system,
Movable back strap adjustment allow fit for different body types,
Adjustable leg hole opening - allows carrier to grow with baby, dual side opening,
Carrier detaches from straps for easy washing,
Customizable style, 3-in-1 design: face-in, face-out & backpack,
Comfortably grows with baby,
Adjustable lumbar support, Padded, contoured shoulder straps,
Adjustable chest/back strap allows for secure and comfortable fit,
BreatheMesh™ used on entire carrier.
Innovative 2-in-1 bib can be used in two ways! Protect your clothing when baby is carried facing you,When facing out protects bib portion of carrier. Bib comes double sided so you can customize your CARRIER look!
The Infantino Flip is the perfect carrier for us. While I prefer a sling carrier for an infant, nothing beats this Flip for babies eager to explore! Visit the Infantino blog for more information about their products.
Find them on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter!
Disclosure: “I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.”

The Essentials!

I trust KitchenAid. I have for years. My first KitchenAid Stand Mixer won me over. It has never let me down. I used it so much, I needed a back-up. I waited until I could get another KitchenAid! KitchenAid makes other great products too! I knew they made nylon slotted spoons and turners only because my mom has a set. I enjoy using them when I visit! They are heavy duty and you know they will hold up! Since they are made from nylon, I don't have to worry about plastic in my food!!! A while back, I was sent a 13 piece Red Handled Cutlery Set and a 17 Piece KitchenAid Tool/Gadget Set. The cutlery set was gorgeous. The knives were sharp and they were beautifully balanced. They were very comfortable to hold! The set included:
8-inch chef's knife
8-inch bread knife
8-inch slicer
4.5-inch Santoku knife
3.5-inch paring knife
Four (4) steak knives
Kitchen shears
Sharpener
Block

The red handled gadget set that was sent included:
3 Nylon Tools: Slotted Turner, Basting Spoon, Slotted spoon,
Measuring Cups s/4,
Measuring Spoons s/5,
Nylon Tongs,
Flat Grater,
Peeler,
Can Opener,
Whisk
That's all the essentials! These sets would make wonderful wedding shower gifts or housewarming gifts! They are also great when you need to replace your existing sets because your old ones didn't last or didn't meet your expectations! The sets were given to me to pass on to a very deserving couple. I'm sure they will use these sets for many years to come! Visit Lifetime Brands to find a store near you or to shop online for great KitchenAid Kitchen Products!
Disclosure: I was sent the products described to pass on to a deserving couple. No monetary compensation received.

Indoor Grilling Has Evolved!

The indoor grill has evolved and if you don't own one, now is the time to take a closer look! The George Foreman Evolve has really done it. They took one grill and turned it into just about everything you could need for cooking! The Evolve™ Grill • Bake • Muffin starts with 4 plates – 2 grill plates, 1 deep-dish bake pan and 1 cupcake & muffin pan insert. You can add more plates to build your ideal collection! There are seven additional plates available. I know what that would mean for me...more space in my cabinets! With The Evolve™ Grill • Bake • Muffin, you get a 4 plate starter set including 2 grill plates, 1 deep-dish bake pan and 1 cupcake & muffin pan insert,
Patented sloped design lets fat and unwanted grease drain away as you cook,
Adjustable angle hinges the cooking surface from flat for even cooking to our patented slope for healthier grilling,
George Tough™ nonstick coating allows you to cook oil-free, plus minimizes cleanup,
Digital time & temperature control lets you easily set and monitor cooking for precise results on a variety of foods,
Extra-high floating hinge adjusts automatically to the thickness of food to perfectly press thick cuts of meat and stuffed Panini,
Embedded heating elements provide even heat from the center to the sides of the plate and faster temperature recovery,
Custom drip tray catches fat and grease as you cook, then empties easily for fast cleanup,
Custom spatula offers easy serving without scratching the nonstick surface,
Dishwasher-safe removable plates & accessories make cleanup a breeze.
That's a bundle! Cook healthier and now cook with more options with the Evolve! It's sleek, practical, and perfect for giving and receiving!
Disclosure: I was sent an Evolve to pass along to a special couple in exchange for this mention. No monetary compensation received.

Too Pretty To Eat? How Could You Resist!

Linda's Edible Art really is too pretty to eat! I was sent an order of her delicious Dragonflies. The cookies are by far the most exquisite cookies ever. They are delicate and light. The piping is intricate and the touch of edible sparkles gives these cookies flair! The dragonfly cookies are not overly sweet. I can taste a hint of lemon and a touch of vanilla. It's nice to eat a sugar cookie that doesn't taste like it drowned in sugar! I thought the cookie decorations would make up for the sweetness, but no. They don't need a sugar bath to be good. She mastered it all with the perfect combination of ingredients. These cookies are refined, in a class of their own. Linda's Edible Art has put a polish on her cookies. These are perfect for weddings and showers, teaparties and other events! Order plenty. Trust me, you'll want extras!
Disclosure: I was sent cookies for a special party in exchange for this review. No monetary compensation received.

The Smallest Details!

Throwing a shower is easy. Trying to make it extra special down to the smallest detail can be a challenge! If you want to add an elegant finishing touch to your party, check out these great molded sugars from Le Chic Bakery Boutique! Several designs are offered and colors can be customized! Each sugar is two teaspoons, perfect for sweetening a cup of coffee or tea! I was sent plenty of these for my party. I received roses and hearts. The molded sugars keep their shape and very minimal sugar crystals were left in the dish. They are so unique and sure to be noticed and appreciated by guests! Order a dozen or more for your next shower or party! These classy sugars also make great favors for teaparties!!! For an extra sweet treat, use them as cupcake toppers! Check out Le Chic Bakery Boutique for your hostess needs. You'll find cookies, unique cookie topped cupcakes, cinnamon sugar sticks, fondant toppers, and  more!

Coffee, No Problem!

I have had my Keurig Brewer for quite a while. When I decided to put on this special wedding shower for a very special couple, I thought about my favorite things and the Keurig was at the top of my list. I use my Keurig Platinum Brewer every week. It always sits on my counter ready to go. Now I don't drink coffee, but my husband and family can't get enough. I have never been able to properly brew a pot of coffee, but I am a pro with my Keurig. Each cup is is always perfect! I happily offer coffee to all my guests now. I use it for making hot cocoa for me and the kids. The instant (or almost instant) hot water comes out at the touch of a button. It's so much quicker than the microwave and it boils water faster than my kettle. The available K-Cups are awesome and chances are you will find your favorite. If not, use My K-Cup! My husband has one and he roasts his own coffee. He simply fills the empty K-Cup with his own ground beans. We treat our guests to his amazing roasts all the time! We also keep a selection of K-Cups handy. We have herbal teas, coffee, and cocoa. When guests want to help themselves, they enjoy trying new things! I am putting the Carousel Tower on my list. It is the perfect accessory for any Keurig! The Keurig Special Edition Brewing System features:
Three Brew Size Choices:

6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz *- My Platinum Brewer has 5 options!
Removable 48oz. Water Reservoir- If you drink a lot of coffee, you may fill this more than once each day! My Platinum Brewer holds 60 ounces.
Quiet-Brew Technology®- It gurgles a little when the water is heating up! We can't hear it if we are not in the kitchen.Programmable LCD Message Center - Very easy to read and it's easy to change options!
Removable Drip Tray- Clean up is easy!
Blue backlit LCD & Water Reservoir- Light flashes when your water level reaches a certain point letting you know it's time to fill!
Chrome Accents- No fingerprints! I wish my other appliances had a friendlier finish!
The Special Edition retails for $139.95 and you can find it online or at Bed Bath & Beyond!
Disclosure: I was sent this Keurig for a very special couple. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given!

Bake Bread Like A Pro!

 I love bread. I love to make it and I love to eat it. I usually make it for all of the parties I host, but sometimes I get a little overwhelmed. Recently, I put together a wedding shower for a special couple. I had so many things to do to get it all put together and I needed help to make it special. I requested help from Big Chef and they delivered!

 I was sent a few trays of appetizers and all I had to do was heat and serve!!! The bread, oh the bread! The Cheese Bread was light and soft, and I could have eaten them all! It's a good thing I popped them in the oven only a half hour before our guests arrived. They are truly dangerous, in a good way! I wanted to claim them as my own and maybe I could have gotten away with it. They were still warm when they were served, leading some to believe I had baked bread like a pro!

 The Beef Wellington was classy and rich in flavor. I wanted to bring out the good china and silver for these little bites! The beef was very tender and the pastry was flaky, making these a little addictive! The Chicken Empanadas were so good, I wanted them supersized! They were homey and full flavored. They went faster than I imagined!

 The Apple Raisin Rolls were good, but I can't really give you an accurate review of these because I don't like raisins. I tasted one and I liked the consistency, but I did not like the flavor. I did ask others what they thought and received positive reactions. The dough was a little soggy after cooking, but it was because it soaked up all those heavenly (a description borrowed from a guest) juices! Each of the appetizers were smaller than I imagined, but I have never bought appetizers before and I wasn't too familiar with them. Each was a generous bite, maybe two if you you took the time to savor the flavors and enjoy the experience. They saved me a lot of time and they were loved by all!

Disclosure: I was sent appetizers in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

A Smokin' Giveaway!

My husband loves to cook outdoors. He loves to smoke food, but his never turned out as great as we expected. It could have been the uneven temperatures and constant opening and closing of the grill. Sometimes my husband would smoke for hours, only to sit down to dinner and find out he needed to cook the meat a little longer. Over the past two weeks, his outdoor cooking has greatly improved. We owe it all to Masterbuilt! We were sent a great Electric Digital Smoker that takes the guesswork out of smoking! It's nice to have an actual smoker for smoking instead of smoking on one side of a charcoal grill or using a smoker box. The unit is quite attractive. It was very easy to assemble and it took us about 15 minutes to put it together. The instructions are easy to follow. The digital controls are easy to read and they are mounted on top of the smoker. A meat probe is included and it is really accurate when it comes to measuring the temperature of your meal! The smoker features a viewing window and internal light, a push-button digital time temperature & time control panel, thermostat controlled temperature, sturdy chrome-coated smoking racks, a convenient side wood-chip loader, and  removable drip pan and rear-mounted grease pan! The smoker is really easy to clean. Instead of leaving it to soak, my husband was able to clean the smoker racks and drip pan in about 5 minutes! Smoking at lower temperatures is easier if you add a little charcoal to the wood-chip holder. We found that doing so jump starts the smoking process! We also soaked our chips for at least one hour before using them. We loved using the smoker and we are already planning our next meal! So far, we have smoked a whole turkey (it was the juiciest turkey I've ever had!) and a pork roast. They fell apart on the platter when we tried to cut into them! They were moist and very flavorful!
I am giving away one Masterbuilt Electric Digital Smoker ($299 value) to one lucky US reader! To enter, visit Masterbuilt and tell me which recipe you would like to try! Bonus entries:
Follow me on google friend connect/networked blogs/twitter/facebook for one bonus entry for each follow! Links are on my left sidebar! Enter my other giveaway (for a wonderful cause!) for one extra entry. Follow Masterbuilt on facebook/twitter for one extra entry each! This giveaway is open to US readers 18 and over. Giveaway ends midnight September 10, 2010! Remember to leave a comment for EACH entry! Good Luck!
Disclosure: I was sent a smoker in order to complete this review. Masterbuilt has also provided a smoker to giveaway! No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.