Jo Christine Miles with a molcajete. Photo: Duane Tinkey
When we asked our readers, their answers ranged from the newest newfangled gizmos to something straight from the Stone Age.
NINJA CREAMI DELUXE
“My most-used appliance, without a doubt, is my Ninja Creami. With the press of a button (OK, and a blade that spins for about eight minutes), it transforms a protein shake and some milk into a treat with a texture that’s reminiscent of ice cream. My current favorite flavor is a toss-up between vanilla with wild blueberries and salted caramel with graham crackers. I take the phrase “sweet dreams” literally: This is my nighttime snack nearly every single day.” — Karla Walsh, dsm contributor and freelance writer. (She reviewed the gadget for allrecipes.com.)
CUISINART 14-CUP FOOD PROCESSOR
“It was a gift for our wedding. My knife skills are amateur at best and the Cuisinart makes quick work of food prep. I use it all the time for dips (I used it this weekend to make bright pink beet hummus), thick and creamy bases for soups, oat flour for dessert bars — you name it. Time is the only thing we can’t buy more of, and this device saves me a ton of it.” — Jenna Kimberley, CEO, Kimberley Development
MOLCAJETE
“It’s a traditional Mexican mortar and pestle made from volcanic rock. It’s perfect for grinding spices and aromatics, and I use it several times a week. It reminds me of my marriage because I purchased it in October 2006 during our honeymoon in a little mountainous town near Puerta Vallarta. The action of grinding and blending things also reminds me of the beauty and impact of marriage — two people bringing all of themselves to the relationship to make a single life together.” — Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal Foundation and Principal community relations
MARK & GRAHAM ELECTRIC WINE OPENER
“It was a housewarming gift. It takes all the work out of opening a wine bottle, and it’s a great conversation piece.” — Tony Dickinson, president, NCMIC Finance Corp.
NESPRESSO VERTUO COFFEE & ESPRESSO MACHINE
“We received a wedding gift card to Williams Sonoma that covered the entire cost of the machine except for about 30 cents, so it was perfect. It makes delicious coffee, and the Aeroccino is a great milk frother. My favorite coffee is the Ice Leggero, and I usually mix in a brown sugar creamer that goes well with any blend. The machine is also great to make an affogato, an espresso topped with vanilla ice cream. I was talking with George Formaro about how we need to get the affogato on more menus in Des Moines-area restaurants. He wholeheartedly agreed.” — Kevin Hall, communications director, Iowa Pork Producers Association
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great post , thank you for sharing.