Central Market Dinner for Two Deals

I am going to take a moment and go in the opposite direction of what I always write about, cooking.  Put down the skillet and spatula and run to Central Market!  Have you heard of their "Dinner for Two" deals?  Every day, they offer a different meal that is already prepared and you pick it up and heat it up when you get home.  I have to admit I have passed it many times before for the normal cost of $14.99, but they are on sale this week for $9.99 until Tuesday!  That is two portions of a wonderful meal already prepared for $10.  Besides the fact that I love to cook, it also can save a lot of money.  However, I think Central Market has me beat this week.  Last night, we had breaded chicken cutlets, tomato mozzarella salad, israeli couscous and parmesan focaccia bread.  It was delicious and we plan on having the sliced ham, macaroni and cheese, green beans almondine and rolls tonight for dinner.  I am sure these meals are still a really good deal for $14.99, but I think they are a steal for $9.99 and worth putting down the pots and pans for a day or two.  The only sad part about this, is that I just found out about it and the special is over Tuesday.  Sorry about that, but hopefully you can enjoy one of the last two days!  Check here for the menu at your local Central Market.

p.s. Sorry for those of you who are reading this and don't live near a Central Market!

Ashlea's Aisle: Cuisinart Griddler

The Cuisnart Griddler is the ultimate appliance for a little kitchen. Or any kitchen for that matter, but I have to say I couldn't imagine my cooking with out it! I don't know what assumptions you have made about the rest of our little abode after seeing this tiny tot kitchen, but there is no sprawling porch with a barbecue pit connected to this place.  So I use this griddler for all my grilling as well as paninis and grilled bread.  However, the endless possibilities are not even my favorite part.  The fact that you can snap the plates off to put them in the dishwasher makes this gadget even more of a dream.  You can either clamp the top down to cook meats quickly or open it up flat to cook for a crowd.  The griddler can be bought at most any store that carries kitchen appliances, but can also be bought here on Amazon.

Ashlea's Aisle: Berndes Crepe Pan

Welcome to Ashlea's Aisle.  This is a new category of The Little Kitchen that will feature items that you would find on my aisle, if I had one.   I will be sharing my favorite kitchen tools and appliances, grocery finds, or anything that I have found to be useful in the kitchen.  

To kick-off Ashlea's Aisle, I am spotlighting the Berndes crepe set.  I have to credit to the pan for making all my crepe creations not only possible, but also easy and delicious.  The pan can be purchased separate from the set; however, at $34.99, I suggest springing for the whole set.  The ladle gives you perfect portions and the flat spatula makes flipping really easy.  The set includes a crepe mix that can help you get started right away, but making batter from scratch is quick and easy once your run out.  You can buy the Berndes crepe set here, or if you are in Houston you can find the set at Bering's.