Reusable Shopping Bags

We've all seen them and probably have all used them. I love my reusable shopping bags, when I can remember to take them with me.

Recently, the Canadian Plastics Industry Association published a report about the dangers of reusing these cloth bags. The report said that bacteria can grow on these bags packed with the fruit, vegetables, and especially any meat that is carried in them. While I agree with what they are saying, you also need to remember who is reporting this, an association of plastics manufacturers. Who loses the most money when we stop using plastic shopping bags and switch to cloth bags? The Plastics Industry.

So, what can we do to prevent the transference of this bacteria to our foods? The main things is to periodically wash the bags, but drying is the key. Laying a bag flat to dry might not allow proper airing out of the bag to prevent bacteria growth. We all know how much bacteria loves warm damp places. After washing the reusable bags, they should be hung up to dry thoroughly. Please don't wash the bag and then throw it in a dark closet to dry.I'm not sure how they would do in a clothes dryer. I haven't tried that. Maybe if a reader has done this, they can post something in the comments section.

A few weeks ago, my eye doctor gave me a cloth bag (with his logo on it) that was insulated. The same that you can buy at the store to bring home cold meat or frozen foods. For these bags, you can wipe them out with a damp soapy cloth and then use a clean cloth to wipe dry.

Remember that food safety for us and our families has to start before we even go to the supermarket.

Carol

A day away from the computer....

I'll try and post something tomorrow, but for today I am off to visit a friend (waving at Marian) at an authors' faire. I'm not taking much money because I know I would spend a fortune on books, if I did. It's a beautiful day out today and I think I will do some yard work when I get back home this afternoon.

Carol

Happy Belated Pi Day

No, I didn't misspell it. I meant Pi, as in mathematics. Pi Day is March 14, 3-14 just like Pi is 3.14. When my daughter was in high school, her algebra class celebrated Pi Day by having everyone bring in a pie. I can only imagine all the pies in school that day. When she came home, she told me about a pie that one of her classmates brought in and how good it was. The girl was diabetic and had brought in a sugar-free Banana Cream Pie. I asked my daughter to ask her for the recipe, but you know how teenagers can be. That's right, I never got the recipe. After a little experimenting, it was actually rather easy to make a good sugar-free banana cream pie and I have included the recipe below.

Sugar-free Banana Cream Pie

1 reduced fat graham cracker crust
1 box instant sugar-free Banana flavored Jello pudding
bananas, sliced
Fat free Cool Whip topping

Place sliced banana on the bottom of the crust. Prepare pudding according to directions on box and pour over bananas. Let pudding set for a few minutes. Spread Cool Whip on top of pudding. Refrigerate for a couple hours to let it set.

The Perfect Brownie Pan Set - A Review

I'm not a big fan of infomercials, or even the "as seen on tv" commercials. But, I do tend to watch the commercials that sell kitchen items. There have actually been several items that I wish I could get, but didn't. One is that Xpress Ready-Set-Go Cooker. As I am surfin' through the channels and see that infomercial, I have to stop on it and watch for a bit. I really wanted one, but then I read several reviews and found that it isn't all it's cracked up to be.

I also like to watch the Slap Chopper commercial. More for the commercial than the product itself. I was at Walmart the other day and the girl at the checkout counter told me not to waste my money on one. She had bought one and it didn't work well at all.

I have to admit that I have bought a few As-seen-on-tv items. I have a Snuggie and I love it. It was a birthday gift. I have the can toppers that turn a soda can into a bottle. I like them too, but they are hard to get on and off.

Most recently, I bought the Perfect Brownie Pan Set. My husband and I had seen the commercial a few weeks ago and wondered if it was a good as it looked. Then, the lady who writes the recipe column in my local newspaper said she bought the set and really liked it. So, when I was at Walmart over the weekend, I saw they had it and I bought it. It was a little pricey at $19.95, but if it worked, I knew I would use it often and get my money's worth out of it. [Addendum 3/14/10, I saw a flyer from Big Lots yesterday that had this set for $7.00. If you have a Big Lots store close by, check there first before buying the pan elsewhere.}

I had already planned on making cornbread that night for supper and knew the commercial mentioned making cornbread in it. I am happy to report that the cornbread came out perfect. I didn't have to bake it as long as I would a normal pan of cornbread either. Of course, there was one thing I didn't like. The sectioned areas produce very small portions. A bit or two and it's gone, but I can live with that and the smaller portions are a great size for freezing.. The pan is smaller than it looks, but you should still use a recipe that calls for a 9 x 11 inch pan. I haven't tried brownies yet, I'm still on my diet. However, I do have a recipe for low fat chocolate scones that I'm hoping to try this weekend. I'll report later who they turn out.

I would recommend to anyone to buy this set. It works great. Have you purchased something from an infomercial or a product from tv? If so, leave me a comment and tell me about it.

Carol

Blog interview

Author, Roseanne Dowell has an interview with me posted up on her blog. Please take a few moments to visit and leave a comment.

Check back here later this week for a review that I will have on the Perfect Brownie Baking Pan. I just bought one yesterday and used it last night.

Thanks,
Carol

Kroger Onion Soup & Dip Mix recall

When it rains, it pours. Kroger has recalled its Onion Soup & Mix Dip. Please click here for information on the recall.