Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Big John Super Stick Ceramic Sharpening Rod


"Great value" is how I would sum up the Big John Super Stick Ceramic Sharpening Rod by Smoky Mountain Knife Works. It features an overall length of 16", a 1" diameter ceramic sharpening rod and a lifetime warranty, all for an amazingly low $6.49! Try digging up a deal like that at your local kitchen supply or knife outlet.

Apart from its low price, what I like about this ceramic sharpening rod compared to others is its large diameter. I believe this feature offers a superior sharpening and honing contact area and also give you better control while running the blade along its length.

I began using it the day it was delivered and it's a great tool for the money. I use it to put a new edge on mildly dull knives or to finely hone the edge of a freshly sharpened knife. It easily out performs my expensive old honing steel in most applications.

If I had to offer criticisms I would point that it is a bit hefty compared to a traditional hone, which may be a concern for some cooks and chefs. It also arrived with a slightly loose handle, but a quick adjustment fixed that without issue.

If you're looking for an inexpensive and effective sharpening and honing solution for your home kitchen, I have no problem offering the Chop Onions, Boil Water seal of approval to Smoky Mountain Knife Works Big John Super Stick Ceramic Sharpening Rod.

If you visit their online store, be sure to check out their extensive offerings of edged tools and accessories.

Review: Big John Super Stick Ceramic Sharpening Rod by Smoky Mountain Knife Works from Cooks Stuff a Chop Onions, Boil Water info outlet.
http://www.cooksstuff.blogspot.com

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Organica Deluxe Ginger Cookies


Recently, Organica Deluxe asked us to sample and review their new ginger cookies. Organica Deluxe describes them as: "mouthwatering ginger cookies... ...baked fresh in small batches, the organic ingredients make these darker and richer than traditional ginger cookies. Topped with sugar crystals, these oversized treats are the perfect compliment to coffee, tea or a cold glass of milk."

The package arrived quickly and my first impression of the cookies is that they looked homemade. Absent were all the characteristics of the store-bought-overly-crunchy-asphalt-like biscuits that make them easy to pass up.

Organica's ginger cookies were soft and moist and the package listed all the organic ingredients. There was also a recommendation that the cookies were "best enjoyed fresh" (naturally), and that they be frozen if not consumed within 3 days. That last one may cause some folks to reconsider purchasing such a product, but for me, it is an indication of wholesomeness and good ingredients.

Upon trying the Organica Deluxe Ginger Cookies my first thought was "Wow, these things taste real!" "Real" may seem a strange term, but when I relayed that thought to my other tester, she agreed that it was the perfect description. Organica Ginger Cookies do taste REAL. A lot of organic food fans out there are going to nod, but the truth is that some organic foods don't taste real. Instead they taste like cardboard or hay. I know, I try a lot of them.

The Organica Deluxe Ginger Cookies were soft, chewey and perfectly sweet. The flavor of the ginger and spices were harmonious but not overpowering. These cookies are the stuff of your nana's kitchen. Eating them made me crave a giant glass of extra cold organic whole milk.

That was my first "WOW!" experience with Organica Deluxe Ginger Cookies. My second "WOW!" was the price. These are damn fine cookies people and they come at a price. A package of 16 of the delectable biscuits are going to set you back a whopping $40.

For a guy like me, that's the choice between a big cook-at-home rib roast or 16 fantastic cookies. Fortunately for Organica Deluxe, the world isn't full of people who will make the same spending decisions on food that I would. Roll on Organica Deluxe!

My final call on Organica Deluxe Ginger Cookies was to give them the Chop Onions, Boil Water seal of approval because they are made of excellent ingredients and they are DAMN GOOD! Price is a personal issue and best left to the buyer! So, if you are looking for a sublime ginger cookie experience there's a good chance these babies are going to do it.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Welcome to Cook's Stuff - Chop Onions, Boil Water's Cooking Product Review Blog!

Welcome to Cook's Stuff, the Chop Onions, Boil Water cooking product review blog!

As Chop Onions, Boil Water grows in popularity we are approached more and more by companies that make a variety of cooking products to review their wares. These products include ingredients, prepared foods, kitchen gadgets and more.

We thought it wasn't really fair to not review a good product just because it didn't fit our Chop Onions, Boil Water - World Food at Home theme of the main blog, so we've created Cook's Stuff. Using Cook's Stuff we will deliver honest reviews of the various kitchen products we're asked to review, or ones we come across on our own.

We also want our readers to know that our recommendations won't come with a price tag. Our aim is to be honest and sincere in our appraisals so that if you choose to purchase reviewed products you won't be disappointed. If you are disappointed, tell us and other readers why and we can compare notes and make better buying decisions.

Thanks for joining us here! We hope we can be of service, and help you make more informed decisions in your food, cooking and home kitchen purchases.