Do y’all remember when I talked about New West KnifeWorks last?  I was making my MIL’s squash goulash and slicing up the squash with them.  Let me tell you, these are beautiful knives and MAN are super sharp!!  And if the title didn’t get your attention, I want to stress “Made in the USA” because I know that sustainability and buying things made here in our homeland is very important to many of you.

New West KnifeWorks recently moved manufacturing from Japan to Shelburne Falls, Massachussetts. Prior to the move, the handle materials were produced in Vermont, shipped to Japan, and the finished product shipped to Wyoming. Now, the ‘Fusionwood’ is sustainably harvested and crafted in Vermont, then shipped 103 miles to Shelburne Falls. The move has reduced New West’s carbon footprint by 90%.

I personally think it’s an awesome move for New West KnifeWorks and I don’t know about you, but I love buying things that are made here in our great USA!  If you wanna a chance at winning a knife, scroll on down for my giveaway or sign up for the New West KnifeWorks newsletter before May 25th and you’ll be entered.

You know what I love about this Santoku knife?  First of all, the craftsmanship of the handle is just beautiful.  I love seeing all the rich colors blend together to make this gorgeous “rainbow” colored handle.  And talk about sharp….good lord these knives are sharp.  I always find slicing rings of onions difficult because no knife is ever sharp enough but all my New West KnifeWorks knives have handled the task extremely well. Truett wanted an orange so I cut up one for him.  That was like slicing butter.

Since my husband often builds bits, buckles, and spurs with steel, I’ve learned the differences between good and great steel.  These are outstanding.  You can see obvious visual differences when comparing the blade of this knife to other brands and there is absolutely no contest.   New West KnifeWorks wins hands down.

WIN YOUR OWN CHOPPER KNIFE!

Required Entry: Visit the New West KnifeWorks website, come back here and leave a comment on this post telling me which knife tickles your fancy.

Additional, optional entries, leaving each one in a separate comment:

• Answer this question:  Does the “Made in the USA” and sustainable factors matter to you? Why or why not? Leave your answer in a comment.
• “Like” New West KnifeWorks on Facebook. Come back here and tell me that you did (and your username).
• If you signed up for their newsletter, let me know what name you signed up under.
• Share via social networks like Twitter and Facebook.  Come back here and share your username.  You can do this DAILY PER SOCIAL NETWORK.

Giveaway ends on March 27th at about 10pm CST.  Good luck!

Knives are essential and ceramic knives are hot right now!  I have a few myself and since I’m knife junkie, I wanted to share some with you.   These American Masala Knives would make a great starter set for someone!

And for the wine lovers…..having trouble getting that cork out?  Well EZ Pull Corkscrew is there to save the day!  This is really popular right now and comes in a lovely gift box.  Both are great to keep or give this holiday season!

Here’s the goods!

There will be 3 winners in this giveaway.

One Corkscrew winner, prize valued at $49.99

2 Knife winners, prizes valued at $50 and $55

HOW TO ENTER:

There are 2 ways to enter this giveaway.  You can do one or both but leave each one you do in a separate comment on this post or you just lost yourself an entry;)

• Vote for My Wooden Spoon’s Shrimp Stroganoff Casserole over at the Velveeta Casserole Challenge!
• Check out my recipes and/or my about me page either tell me the name of a  recipe or tell me something about me.

AND YOU CAN ENTER ONCE A DAY!!!!!

Giveaway ends on Nov. 12th!  I have a Reed & Barton Flatware Set giveaway that ends on Nov. 9th too so check it out!

:

OH YEAH BABY!  I told you I had surprises for you and they’ll be happening all the way through Nov. 23rd in honor of my Velveeta Casserole Challenge where I could sure use your votes if you happen to think my Shrimp Stroganoff Casserole recipe RAWKS!  By the way, YOU can submit your own essay for a chance to win some awesome prizes!  I know you all have to have some sort of Velveeta story!!  For some other cool giveaways, check out the Bloggy Giveaways!!

So today I have for you a Reed & Barton Stainless Steel 103pc. Flatware Set valued at $150.00!! AND, you get to choose between the two below!

If you’re not familiar with the quality of Reed & Barton, then you’re missing out on some fine silverware folks.  Have you heard of the ice cream test?  This is where they take a regular spoon from their collection and scoop out ice cream that is hard and prove to you, the quality & stamina of the flatware.  No bending or anything.  It’s solid and will last you a lifetime!

What pieces do you get??  Here’s the list!
# 12 knives
# 12 forks
# 12 spoons
# 12 salad forks
# 12 teaspoons
# 12 iced beverage spoons
# 12 steak knives
# One sugar shell
# One butter knife
# Two tablespoons
# Two pierced tablespoons
# Two serving forks
# One gravy ladle
# One master spoon
# One master fork
# One pair of all-purpose tongs
# One pie server
# Two berry spoons
# One lasagna server
# One macaroni server
# One spork
# One pasta scoop
# Stainless steel
and a 25-year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty

HOW TO ENTER:

Go to Velveeta Casserole Challenge and vote for My Wooden Spoon’s Shrimp Stroganoff Casserole if you think it’s AWESOME.  Just enter your email and  You simply click to vote!  Come back here and leave a comment telling me that you voted and which flatware style you like!

YOU CAN VOTE ONCE A DAY.  IF YOU VOTE EVERY DAY, COME BACK HERE EACH DAY AND TELL ME IN A COMMENT THAT YOU VOTED!!

For additional entries you can twitter the contest, blog about it, and/or email your friends about this contest.  Include my email  ( lori at thecowboyshack dot com ) so that I can confirm that you did email someone:)  LEAVE EACH ENTRY YOU DO IN A SEPARATE COMMENT PLEASE!

Contest ends on November 9th at 10:00CST.

The best way to keep up with giveaways, recipes, tips and more is to subscribe to my blog.

Good luck to all!

P.S.  If any of you decide to cut the cheese via video, you’ll be entered into a drawing for $100 bucks!  If you would rather cut the cheese using a photo, you’ll be entered to win $50 bucks!

EDITED: The giveaway is over.

I had planned on making a Texas style squash casserole but my man requested this because his mother used to make all the time.  Since she is no longer here with us so I am more than happy to keep the recipe going!

It’s super easy because I am super easy..no, not that way!  This is simply a variation of regular ghoulash.

INGREDIENTS:

• Squash (2)
• Potatoes (I used new potatoes but you could do russet and peel them.)
• Tomato Sauce
• 1 Can of Tomatoes w/ green chilies
• 1lb hamburger meat
• salt, pepper, and garlic powder

PREPARATION:

Brown your hamburger meat.  While meat is cooking, slice up squash and dice taters into chunks.  Add remaining ingredients, season to taste and cover with water.  Boil the heck out of it until taters are done.  I told you it was easy!!!!

Yeah, I know…I left some of the ingredients out of the picture….sorry!  I’m busy with 3 kids, a husband, a father-in-law, and trying to get ready to leave to SF!

This is where you’re supposed to slice and dice baby!  Oh, and check out that snazzy Chopper knife   (hint, hint)  Purrrrty!

Oh, and just in case you missed the Chopper above, here it is again:)

Okay, now we are browning meat.

and pouring in all the remaining ingredients, including seasoning.

And here is the “in the pot” before picture……

and here’s the served version!  Super easy man!!! Nothin’ fancy about it.

More knives from New West Knifeworks!

“The 9″ from the Phoenix collection (happens to be a top chef knife people!!) and (it’s valued at $199)  HOLY COW!

and the 6″ Chef knife from the Fusionwood collection.  (valued at $99)

Gosh, you lucky dogs!  I would kill for those two!!!!    Both are beautiful and are the best kitchen knives ever!

Talk about craftsmanship.  I have the Chopper in the Fusionwood and the handle is gorgeous!  You can choose your own color and they are limited production folks so you won’t find them anywhere else!..except for the fine arts and crafts shows.

We all have to cook and cut at some point so we may as well have some quality and useful pieces in our kitchen.  In this section, you will find the hottest knives, flatware, and cooking utensils around.  Wrap one, use a piece as a stocking stuffer or create a bundle to give.  Perfect gift ideas for that foodie fan!

Back to the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide Table of Contents

Utensils, Gadgets & Cutlery Page 2

American Masala Utility Knife

Designed by Chef Suvir Saran and his partner Charlie Burd and are manufactured under the auspices of 200-year-old Wade Ceramics, Stoke-on-Trent, England. Ceramic knives are ultra-sharp and retain their original edge much longer than steel knives. Lightweight, with comfortable ergonomically-designed handles, these knives cut fast and easily, with minimal hand strain and stress. Ceramic blades do not rust and do not absorb the taste or odor of cut food. Made from ceramic zirconia, the knives come in two styles: a white blade with a cardamom green handle and a black blade with black handle. The graceful curved knife handles are made of TPR which is a composition material of plastic and rubber — tough like plastic, but soft to the touch like rubber. The blades in the black series are fired twice so they are even stronger and stay sharp longer. Hand washing is suggested. They are guaranteed for three years and can by sharpened by professionals.

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New West Knife Works

I own these knives and they are top quality and EXCEPTIONAL!!! Even my husband who is cheap, now realizes that paying a little extra money on a good knife brings in excellence.

For those of us who love fine food, cooking is an art, and a quality knife is the artist’s brush. At New West Knife Works, we make our chef knives like we cook; we use the finest quality ingredients and prepare them with the patient hands of an artist. Our chef knives are finely tuned, quality instruments, a fusion of form and function.

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Laguiole Brazilian Rosewood handles steak knife set ~ 6 steak knives

# Rosewood handles, with the traditional Laguiole bumblebee design
# Made in the Laguiole Region, in Thiers, France
# Boxed presentation (with padding for protection)

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Mario Batali The Italian Kitchen Collection Pizza Wheel with Stainless Wheel

* Pizza slicer with oversized, 4-inch, stainless-steel wheel
* Soft Grip handle for extra comfort with signature grommet
* Easily slices through thick or crispy crusts
* Coordinates with The Italian Kitchen cooking tools
* Safe in the dishwasher for easy cleanup

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Get a selected set of Home Series Graters for a 10% discount. This set includes everything you need to get the right texture of each ingredient. We’ve got a hunch that color-coding your graters will make cooking fresh, flavorful meals one step easier. (Sets also available with all one color handles in black, empire red, or cobalt blue.)

Gift Set Includes

* 35001 Microplane® Home Series Coarse Grater for hard cheeses like parmesan.
* 35002 Microplane® Home Series Fine Grater for zesting citrus and grating spices.
* 35009 Microplane® Home Series Medium Ribbon Grater for nuts, and chocolate.
* 35038 Microplane® Home Series Extra Coarse Grater for cheeses and cabbage.
* 35057 Microplane® Home Series Grater Attachment for finger protection and the ability to grate pebble-sized foods.

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American Masala Saffron Orange Mortar and Pestle 2-c

Specially designed by Chef Suvir Saran and partner Charlie Burd, these handsome porcelain Mortar & Pestle Sets are the perfect kitchen tool for making spice blends and rubs, flavorful dips, herb mixtures and marinades. Saran re-designed the traditional pestle to create a wider base to prevent spices and other ingredients from “popping” out of the mortar as grinding takes place. Pestles showcase a decorative motif representative of heirloom Indian quilts. Glazed mortars are available in either Cardamom Green or Saffron Orange. Sets are sturdy with a 2 or 5-cup capacity; dishwasher safe; odor and stain resistant; packaging contains chef’s recipe. Part of the new American Masala Collection by Wade Ceramics Ltd. 2-cup mortar is 6” in diameter and 3 ¾” deep. 5-cup mortar is 8″ in diameter and 4″ deep. Both size have a 7″ long pestle.

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Slice

As I mentioned above with the first knife, ceramics are in and these Slice kitchen tools are hot!  Not only that, when you purchase the,  portions of the proceeds go to families dealing with autism find a cure.  These ceramic cutters are durable, sharp, and extremely easy to use.

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Kitchenaid Box Grater

* 18/8 stainless-steel box grater with three grating blades, one slicing
* 3-cup, lidded storage container fits inside grater to catch food
* Fine, medium, and coarse grating blades; bottom rimmed with rubber for stability
* Dishwasher-safe grater; dishwasher- , microwave- , freezer-safe container
* Lifetime warranty against defects, with 1-year no-hassle, no-cost replacement

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White Marble Cheese Slicer

* Marble base helps to keep cheese cool
* Durable stainless steel wire cuts both hard or soft cheese
* Base measures 8″ x 5″
* Protective, non-slip rubber feet
* Extra wire included

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Fiesta Products Traditional Rubber Handles Sil-pin Silicone Rolling Pin, Navy Blue

* Fun navy blue color to match your kitchen
* TPR (rubber) handles for easy comfort grip
* Stainless Steel ball bearings provide counter balance for easy consistent roll
* Non-stick silicone allows you to use much less flour when rolling and makes for easy clean up
* Simple clean up- just wipe with a damp cloth. Nothing will stick!

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Set of 2 WrapMaster Plastic Wrap & Aluminum Foil Dispensers

Wrap it up. These WrapMaster dispensers let you pull out only your desired length of plastic wrap or aluminum foil–just load, pull out, and press to cut. No more waste or tangled mess. For convenience, each fits in a drawer for easy access.

* Includes beige unit for plastic wrap and blue unit for aluminum foil
* Each holds 250′ sq of wrap
* Measures 14-1/4″W x 3-1/2′H

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Ginkgo Firenze Butter Spreaders, Set of 4

# Perfect for butter and condements
# Premium design for excellent value
# Made from 18/10 stainless steel
# Dishwasher Safe

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Reed & Barton Stainless Steel 86pc. Service for12 Flatware Set

Perfect setting. Whether you’re serving up an intimate dinner for two or expecting 12, this all-encompassing flatware set has got you covered. The 86 elegant pieces are crafted of durable stainless steel for long-lasting good looks. From forks and knives to tongs, a berry spoon, and a lasagna server, this service provides all the utensils you’ll ever need to set a beautiful table. From Reed & Barton.

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Joyce Chen Sushi Kit

* Includes: bamboo sushi mat, bamboo rice paddle, and complete instruction kit
* Bamboo is an earth-friendly, renewable resource
* Great for any cook interested in learning how to make delicious, low fat rolled sushi (maki-zushi)
* Instruction booklet includes a number of recipes, instructions for making rolled sushi, and information on sushi culture and etiquette
* Great gift!

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American Innovative Klip Kitchen Timer

* Klip Is a versatile timer designed for use in the kitchen and around the home
* Features countdown timer with elapsed time graphic
* Clock can be set at 12 or 24 hour display, stopwatch function: up to 24 hours
* Keypad lock prevents settings from being disrupted.
* Battery, belt clip, fridge magnet, counter top stand & detachable lanyard included

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Next Page 2 to Utensils, Gadgets & Cutlery Page

Back to the 2008 Holiday Gift Guide Table of Contents