Walmart Wins Instant Win

Get Ready to Thrill Your Wallet with Walmart’s Instant Win!

Are you ready to inject some heart-pounding excitement into your shopping routine? Brace yourself in our newest Walmart Wins Instant Win wherein we are giving away TEN x $10 Walmart gift cards to our Lucky Winners .

Are you feeling lucky? Enter and Spin to win below!

 

 

So, gear up, shoppers! This is your golden opportunity to make your Walmart shopping spree legendary. Fasten your seatbelts, and may the shopping odds be ever in your favor!

 

Walmart Wins Instant Win

Spin to win below.

 

 

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A Beginner’s Guide On How To Use A Food Processor

A good food processor is like the Swiss Army knife of the kitchen – it can chop, slice, dice, knead, and puree with ease. But if you’re unfamiliar with how to use your food processor or you don’t know about all the kitchen tasks it can accomplish, there’s a good chance your handy appliance is sitting around underutilized. 

Unlocking the true potential of a food processor goes way beyond the basics of food prep. In this handy guide, we’ll walk you through the ins and outs of harnessing the full power of your food processor, opening doors to this versatile kitchen appliance.

How to Assemble Your Food Processor:

Alright, let’s break it down. When it comes to putting together your food processor, think of it like a culinary puzzle – with delicious results at the end!

• Lay out all the attachments on your countertop, ensuring nothing’s left out.
• Slide the main bowl into place, making sure it clicks securely onto the base. Some man
• Choose the metal blade that suits your culinary adventure – whether it’s the standard S-blade which is a great multi-purpose blade or a specialized shredding disc.
• Secure the lid tightly to avoid any messy mishaps during operation.  Whether you are using a mini chopper or large food processor you turn the lid to lock and you will hear a click when the lid is secured. 
• Refer to the manual for model-specific tips and tricks to make the most out of your food processor.  Every food processor has its own little quirks.

Essential Food Processor Skills

The best food processor boasts an impressive repertoire of abilities, making it a jack-of-all-trades in the kitchen. Let’s dive into some fundamental techniques you can master with this versatile kitchen appliance.

• Chopping The trusty S-shaped blade also known as the Sabatier blade takes center stage for chopping duties. Simply pulse your ingredients in short bursts until they reach your desired chop size. Great for tackling a whole onion without any tears!
• Slicing Harness the slicing disc to achieve uniform slices. Adjust thickness with ease using the handy thickness adjustment lever.  
• Shredding For effortless shredding of cheese, veggies, or fruits, turn to the shredding disc.
• Grating Achieve perfectly grated cheese, veggies, or fruits with the grating disc.
• Blending Craft silky smooth smoothies, sauces, and liquids using the pulse button and S-blade combo for solid ingredients.  Homemade peanut butter anyone?
• Mixing Whip up pizza or bread dough, cake batter, and more with the versatile S-blade.
• Kneading No dirty hands!  Let the kneading setting whip up delicious bread dough, pizza dough and other baked delights, using the dedicated plastic dough blades.
• Whipping Create fluffy whipped cream, meringue, and other airy mixtures with the help of the whipping disc.
• Pureeing Achieve velvety smooth purees with ease using the trusty S-blade. Perfect for your own homemade mayonnaise and delectable salad dressings.

Adding Ingredients to a Food Processor

With lots of recipes at your fingertips, you’ll find a myriad of culinary possibilities to explore. Here are some best options for adding ingredients to your next creation.

• Some recipes may recommend pre-chopping certain tough ingredients before adding them to the processor, especially for larger vegetables that may require a quick dice to fit through the feed chute.
• When introducing your veggies and other goodies to the food processor, exercise caution. Keep your digits clear of any blades and always utilize the pusher tool to guide ingredients down the chute as needed. 
• Don’t overlook the wonders of the pulse function for achieving chunkier textures in salsas and soups. This function is the best way to add depth to your culinary creations and your dish will have appealing uniform pieces.
• Alternatively, use those speed settings! Crank up the speed for tasks like crafting homemade hummus, sauces, and salad dressings.  This high speed works wonders on thoroughly incorporating all the flavors of your creation. 
• Avoid overloading the machine by adding too many ingredients at once, as this may overwhelm it and cause the motor to burn out. 
• Should your food processor emit peculiar noises while ingredients are being added via the feed tube, it may be a subtle nudge to grab your cutting board and give those ingredients a quick chop.  This can be especially true for older models but is best practice regardless of the size of your food processor. 

What Can I Use My Food Processor For?

Small jobs, big jobs and not just meal prep! Here’s a rundown of some everyday magical things your processor can effortlessly conquer including your favorite dishes. 

• Grating Parmesan cheese: Sure, handheld graters have their charm, but when you’re dealing with hefty amounts of finely grated cheese for your pasta, speed is of the essence. Chunk up your wedge into a smaller size,  toss it into the processor with the standard sharp blades, and give it a whirl. Control the texture with a few strategic pulses. (This trick works wonders for other hard cheeses too!)
• Kneading dough: Say goodbye to forearm workouts! Let your food processor’s dough attachment handle the heavy lifting when it comes to bread, pizza or pasta dough, or even a flaky pie crust. And if you’re whipping up a crumbly graham crackers cheesecake crust, the standard blade has your back.
• Mincing herbs: No more bruised basil or parsley! Let your trusty food processor blades do the delicate mincing work for herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley without the risk of overdoing it using the pulse option.
• Dressing and dip duty: Ever noticed those handy chutes in your food processor’s feed tube? They’re perfect for slowly incorporating oil into the mix, essential for silky mayonnaise or dreamy Caesar dressings. Personally, I’m a fan of whipping up chimichurri and an array of flavorful dips and great sauces.  That handy chute allows you to use enough liquid a little bit at a time. 
• Mixing up cookies and light batters: Keep it simple with cookie recipes that don’t weigh you down with excessive butter, chocolate chips or even flour – your food processor can handle it.  Plus, it’s a lifesaver for tasks like shredding carrots for a delectable carrot cake or playing a supporting role in larger recipes.

With your trusty food processor by your side, culinary conquests await – no knife skills required!

Food Processor Mistakes To Avoid

While top-tier food processors boast durability and versatility, they’re not invincible. To ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your appliance, steer clear of these common blunders:

• Skipping the prep work: Before tossing anything into the processor, take a moment to chop your ingredients into manageable 1-2 inch pieces. This especially applies to tough customers like uncooked meat you want to turn into ground meat and sturdy veggies such as carrots and potatoes. For softer meats and cheeses, a brief stint in the freezer can work wonders, ensuring smoother processing.
• Ignoring the pulse: Embrace the pulse button for more controlled processing. This nifty feature works wonders for achieving uniform pieces, particularly handy for delicate tasks like prepping bruschetta or finely dicing meats without turning them into a mushy mess. If your processor lacks an automatic pulse setting, no worries – just tap that main control button intermittently for similar results.
• Easy does it: When shredding or slicing, resist the urge to apply excessive pressure. Let the processor take the lead while gently guiding your ingredients with the pusher. Consistent pressure yields the most even results, ensuring picture-perfect slices every time.
• Pack it in: For flawless slicing and dicing, pack your ingredients snugly into the feed tube before gently pressing them down with the pusher. Opt for the appropriate section of the feed tube to accommodate your ingredients, securing them in place as they make their journey through the processor.
• Know your gadgets: While both the food processor and blender have their merits, it’s essential to understand their strengths. If you’re aiming for a coarse texture, your trusty food processor is the way to go. Blenders, on the other hand, excel at creating silky smooth purees and finely grinding ingredients, especially those with added liquid.
• Stay present: Don’t leave your food processor unattended, especially during heavy-duty tasks like kneading yeast dough. Neglecting your appliance’s needs could lead to it taking an unexpected stroll off the countertop, resulting in a messy disaster and potential damage.

By steering clear of these pitfalls and embracing proper usage techniques, you’ll ensure your food processor remains a valued kitchen companion for years to come.

Food Processor Safety Guidelines

 Just like with any other kitchen gadget (think Instant Pot or the like), safety comes first when it comes to using your food processor. Here are some key tips to keep in mind:

• Respect the spin: Keep your hands, spatulas, and other utensils at a safe distance from that whirring knife blade. And remember, never poke around inside the machine while it’s still plugged in and active.
• Bowl first, blades second: Always ensure the work bowl is securely in place before attaching the blades and firing up the processor.
• Push with care: When adding ingredients, let the food pusher do the heavy lifting – never insert your fingers into the feed tube or work bowl while the machine is plugged in.
• Power down for cleanup: Before removing food or disassembling the food processor for cleaning, make sure it’s powered off and unplugged.
• Bowl before blades: After you’re done using the food processor, remove the work bowl from the base before tackling the discs or blades for cleaning. Safety first, always!

Cleaning Guidelines:

For best results in cleaning your new food processor sticking to these guidelines can ensure your food processor remains a safe and efficient kitchen companion. And don’t forget to peruse the manufacturer’s instructions before diving into your first food-processing adventure! Here are a few good housekeeping tips regardless of the food processor models. 

• Disconnect your food processor from the power source.
• Take out the work bowl and work bowl lids.
• Give the work bowl and lid a good scrub in warm, soapy water, ensuring thorough rinsing. Make sure the top of the bowl gets a good scrubbing too. 
• Use a damp cloth to wipe down the base of the food processor; avoid immersing it in water.
  
• Many food processor components have dishwasher-safe parts but it’s good practice to allow all components to air dry completely before stashing them away.

Conclusion

Well, folks, there you have it—the ultimate beginner’s guide to using a food processor like a pro. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into the culinary world for the first time, I hope you’ve found some valuable tips and tricks to get the most our of this versatile kitchen appliance.

Now it’s your turn! Do you have any favorite recipes or tips for making the most of your food processor? Whats your best option for the type of brand you love? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, happy cooking!

Easy Recipes Using Your Food Processor:

• Healthy Hummus Recipe
• Indian Spiced Black Bean & Tofu Burgers
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Pistachio Pesto
• Aged Sriracha Hot Sauce Recipe

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Magnolia Table Cookbook Giveaway

Happy Monday Steamy Kitchen Family!

Today, I’m excited to share a cookbook that has been a delightful addition to my kitchen for years: “Magnolia Table” by Joanna Gaines.

 

 

This #1 New York Times Bestseller has a beautiful collection of recipes and a true celebration of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a meal together.

Joanna Gaines’ warmth and passion shine through in every page of this book, filled with recipes inspired by her family’s favorites and classic comfort selections from their Waco restaurant, Magnolia Table.

Inside, you’ll find 125 classic recipes that span from breakfast to dessert, including dishes like Chicken Pot Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemon Pie, and more.

What I love most about “Magnolia Table” is its focus on togetherness and celebrating the simple moments with loved ones. Joanna believes in the power of a shared meal to create lasting memories, and this book reflects that belief beautifully.

Magnolia Table, Source Amazon.com

This is one of those books that becomes a go-to for weeknight meals & can be passed down to generations. 

To celebrate the spirit of togetherness and the joy of cooking, we are giving away a copy of “Magnolia Table” and a cookbook stand to one lucky winner!

Magnolia Table Cookbook Giveaway

Enter the giveaway below. 

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$10 Target Gift Card Instant Win

Happy Friday Steamy!

Attention all Target shoppers! We have some exciting news for you. Steamy Kitchen is thrilled to announce our $10 Target Gift Card Instant Win giveaway. This is your chance to win a $10 gift card to use towards anything your heart desires at Target.

Spin to win below.

With a $10 gift card, you can indulge in a plethora of Target’s high-quality products. Whether it be a delicious snack, the latest bestseller or some stylish workout gear, you are sure to find something that sparks joy.

TEN Winners will win $10 Gift Card on us!

What would you buy to $10 Target Gift Card? Let us know in the comments.

$10 Target Gift Card Instant Win

Spin to win below.

 

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How to Speed Clean Your Entire Kitchen in Minutes

Are you a clean freak with a strain on your time? (Tell me about it.) That’s okay! I’m going to teach you how transform the heart of your home into a spotless sanctuary with minimal time and effort!

Let’s face it. The thought of tackling your entire kitchen can feel like a looming storm coming your way. That’s why we’re diving into some supercharged, speed cleaning tip and tricks that’ll have your space sparkling in no time.

Seasoned cleaning expert? Newbie? Doesn’t matter. These tips to keeping up with daily cleaning tasks will make you a confident cleaning pro, and allow you to focus on the more important things like cooking, relaxing, and enjoying time with your friends and family.

Pre-emptive Tips for Keeping Your Kitchen Clean

The best way to save you time and effort is by keeping the mess at bay in the first place! Here are some sanity-saving tips that you can employ throughout your day to ensure your weekly or bi-weekly cleaning sessions stay short and sweet.

Line EVERYTHING

The first game changer in your cleaning arsenal is to line everything you can. Grab reusable liners for your refrigerator shelves and drawers, paper liners for your air fryer, nylon resin liners for your slow cooker, and hell, there are even liners for your oven!

Next time you spill the spaghetti sauce or have a cheese meltdown, instead of expending a ton of elbow grease scrubbing away your life within the confines of a small space, just slide out the liner, toss it (or, if it’s reusable, give it a quick rinse or wipe), and voilà! It’s like nothing ever happened. It’s less intimidating, so you’re more likely to clean messes on the spot AND it just makes your life easier. 

Cook More One-Pot Meals

Have you ever heard of the “One-Pot rule”? This little trick has the potential to revolutionize your cooking and cleaning routine entirely. All you have to do is stick to recipes that only require one pot or pan (and there are LOTS of them out there) and you will significantly cut down on the amount of dirty dishes you have to do at the end of the day.

Some popular one-pot recipes include hearty stew, sizzling stir-fry, and bubbly one-pan bakes. Throwing more on-pot meals into your weekly lunch and/or dinner routines means less time cleaning and more time enjoying your meal.

Clean As You Go

Here’s a tip that might just be the biggest game changer for your cleaning routine: use your cooking downtime strategically. There are lots of little moments of waiting during the cooking process. Turn those into moments into bite-size bursts of mini clean-ups.

Waiting for the oven to preheat or water to boil? Break out a damp cloth and wipe down your kitchen counter, do a bit of decluttering, or give your kitchen sink a quick wipe. Got 2 minutes left of the microwave? Now’s the time to throw away any paper towels or food packaging.

Also, do yourself a favor after each meal, rinse down your plates and bowls, and pop them into the dishwasher to keep the dishes from piling up and enjoy an empty sink all week! These small moments are the best time to tackle small tasks that could save your future self a LOT of time and energy. 

Four Steps to Speed Cleaning Your Kitchen

Okay, so you’ve done all you can pre-emptively to set yourself up for success (or maybe you haven’t, no judgement), but now it’s actually time to dive into your weekly or bi-weekly cleaning session. How do you get through it as quickly and efficiently as possible? Here are four smart steps to make the process fast and easy. Let’s talk about everything you need to speed clean your kitchen.

Step 1) Start with a Quick Declutter

Your first assignment, should you choose to accept it, is to initiate a super speedy declutter. Think of it like a quick sweep. Start at one end of the kitchen or the counter and work your way to the other side. Anything that doesn’t belong in your kitchen (mail, magazines, random electronics), take it to its designated area (or at least the room it SHOULD be in). Dishes go right in the sink to prep for the dishwasher. Trash (obviously) goes in the trash can.

This first step works to free up valuable space for you do the rest of your cleaning magic and cuts down on visual clutter, which makes the rest of the cleaning session WAY less daunting to your brain.

Step 2) Top-Down Dusting

It’s time to grab your trusty microfiber cloth or duster and dust from the top down. Why the top down? Because dust and debris succumb to the laws of gravity and naturally fall to the floor, which you can tackle last. Start with the tops of cabinets and the fridge, then work your way down to the counters, and finally, all the lower cabinets. Work smarter, not harder!

Step 3) Spot Treat and Wipe Down Surfaces

Now, it’s time to clean the surfaces. Use a good multipurpose cleaner or a mix of soapy water and white vinegar and spray down the kitchen counters, appliance faces, and cabinet doors. Then grab a fresh microfiber cloth and wipe these surfaces down lickity-split! If you run into stubborn kitchen grease or anything else that won’t quite come off, baking soda paste is your best friend. Apply it, let it sit for a bit, and then wipe it away. 

The places where you do most of your chopping, stirring, and cooking, like your stove top or kitchen island—these are magnets for grime, grease and food particles. Use a stainless steel cleaner for shiny surfaces and a soft scrub for more delicate areas like granite countertops. Done and done!

Step 4) The Floor Care Finale

You’ve done everything else, and now it’s time to tackle the kitchen floor. Let’s make it super simple! Use a broom (or, even quicker, a vacuum cleaner) to remove loose debris. Then, follow up with a damp mop or Swiffer. (Make sure to use a cleaning solution that is suitable for your flooring type.) And that’s it! Your kitchen is clean!

You’re a Speed Cleaning Pro!

Do you already have an unbeatable speed cleaning process or particular flow? Got any extra tips or tricks that could help someone else? We’d love to hear about it! Let’s share our kitchen cleaning knowhow in the comments below.

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The Top 10 Tips for Shopping Spring Farmers’ Markets

Spring is here and it’s prime time to check out your local farmers’ market! Sure, grocery stores are great (hello, midnight ice cream runs), but when you’re looking for uber fresh produce with a little community spirit on the side, then the farmers’ market is where you wanna be.

This spring, I’m gonna let you in on some farmers’ market tips and tricks to make your visit the best it can be, and maybe help you save some money along the way. But first, let’s talk about some reasons why you should take advantage of the market vibes this time of year. 

Why You Should Beeline to the Farmers’ Market This Spring

You Get the Freshest of the Fresh: Your local farmers’ market is kinda like the VIP section of the food world. It’s a paradise of fresh fruits and heirloom tomatoes that rival anything you might find at the grocery store. And spring is when farmers’ markets really start to buzz with everything from leafy greens to the first strawberries of the season. It’s usually the best time of year to visit because it provides you access to the freshest produce possible. 

You Can Support Your Local Economy: You can feel good shopping at farmers’ markets it because not only do you go home with a tote brimming with goodies, but you also get to nourish your local economy and support small farmers and local businesses.

You Can Connect with Local Farmers & Vendors: Everyone loves getting the best produce at the best prices, but another perk of market trips is that they’re a great way to connect with food vendors and local farmers, and these relationships can lead to amazing deals on high-quality food and produce.

It’s a Great Place to Try New Things: Always been curious certain produce, but never had the nerve to try it? This is the place to experiment! Not only do you have the professionals in front of you to ask all the questions you want, but you can be confident that fruit or veggie is at its freshest! 

The Vendors Are Your Guides: Looking for information on peak seasons for your favorite fruits and veggies? Or maybe you’re not sure how to store those leafy greens? Your friendly local farmers market vendor is there to guide you!

 

What to Look for at Your Local Farmers’ Market

Here’s a list of some common in-season spring produce you might find at your local farmers’ market:

1. Asparagus – A staple of early spring, asparagus makes a great pairing to almost any dinner. I like to wrap them in prosciutto, spray them with oil, add some salt and pepper, and air fry them for 10 minutes. But you can also grill, steam, or stir-fry them to bring out their natural sweetness.

2. Radishes – Radishes make for a great peppery addition to salads and add a little crunch. And did you know that you don’t have to discard the greens? They’re delicious sautéed or even added to soups!

3. Spring Onions – Scallions, green onions, spring onions. Whatever you call them, they’re a lot milder than mature onions and do great in salads, salsas, or as a topping to grilled fish or steak.

4. Peas – Snap peas. Snow peas. Garden peas. Your local farmers market may have them all! And they’re sweetest when freshly picked. Toss them into pastas and risottos for a healthy addition with a little texture.

5. Spinach – This extremely nutritious and versatile leafy green goes soft in warm dishes but stays crisp in cool salads, so it’s a great addition to whatever you might feel like for lunch or dinner.

6. Lettuce and Salad Greens – Spring is known for its introduction to flavorful greens, from butterhead to arugula, and the farmers’ market is a veritable cornucopia of all the greens you could ever need.

7. Strawberries – Strawberries are the superstar of springtime, and if you get them at a farmers’ market, they’re often far juicier and sweeter than what you would find in grocery stores. They’re also great for desserts, spring salads, by themselves, or dipped in honey or Nutella. 

8. Rhubarb – If you’re looking to make some pies or jams, rhubarb is your best friend because its tartness generally balances out the sweetness of any fruits you might be using.

9. Artichokes – Though they take a little extra doin’, artichokes are a spring delicacy that you can enjoy steamed or grilled. Use the hearts in dips or in pasta dishes.

10. Baby Potatoes – Young potatoes are smaller and less starchy than full-grown potatoes, and their skins are so tender, you don’t have to peel them! Baby potatoes are great roasted with herbs or cut and popped into your slow cooker with steak for stew or as a side dish.

11. Herbs – Fresh herbs practically scream springtime, and your farmers’ market likely has them cut and planted. If you’ve been thinking of starting an herb garden, this is the best time of year to do it. Look for popular herbs like fresh basil, mint, and cilantro.

Tips for Mastering Your Farmers’ Market Visit

1. Create a Game Plan

Every successful farmers’ market visit starts with a plan. Why? Because it’s easy to go a little stir-crazy among the sea of produce and sweet treats, especially if it’s your first time there. Creating an idea of what food items you’re looking for will help keep you on track and away from going over budget.

2. Don’t Overbuy

Here’s the golden rule of farmers’ markets: Think about your upcoming meals for the next week. It’s all too common to get overly excited and buy way more than you can eat at your local market, and then have to throw away a bunch of perishable items that have gone bad before you even got the chance to eat them. Having a plan not only saves you time and money, but also prevents the heartbreak of food waste.

3. Cash is King

Debit and credit cards are great for supermarket shopping, but at farmers’ markets, old-fashioned cash is often the easiest way to pay. Small farms and food vendors usually prefer cash to avoid paying ridiculously high credit card fees, and sometimes that means they pass the savings onto you with a better price for produce. In fact, some may not accept cards at all, so be sure to bring smaller bills and change for the smoothest transaction experience. It’ll also help you stick to your budget! 

4. Bring Reusable Bags

The farmers’ market is all about sustainability. In the spirit of being eco-friendly, be sure to bring your own reusable bags to reduce the demand for non-biodegradable plastic bags. Plus, vendors will appreciate you saving them materials. At the end of the day, you’ll feel good that you helped boost your local community’s economy in an eco-friendly way by bringing your own bag.

5. Ask All The Questions

A vendor is more than just a provider of produce. They are also your seasonal food guide! And one of the best tips for making the most of your farmers’ market visit is: engage with vendors. Unsure what the heck that curly-topped veggie is? Don’t know if those peaches are sweet enough for tonight’s dessert? Not sure what the best way to store something is? Ask! Farmers’ markets are a great opportunity to learn all you need to know directly from the source. (When else do you get to do that with your food?) And farmers are usually more than eager to talk about the best way to store and prepare the produce they sell.

6. Know What’s in Season

Whatever season you’re visiting your local market, it’s a good idea to go in with an understanding of what’s in season. Obviously, this will help you to know what you can expect to be available there, but more importantly, you’ll know what is unlikely to be found there. And this is a good indicator of whether or not a vendor is selling produce that they grew themselves or simply buying from big name stores and reselling at a markup. When vendors sell produce that is out of season in your local area, you can be sure they bought it outside of your local area. Watch out for produce that still has tags or is stored in big name boxes like Dole. Having this knowledge will ensure you’re truly supporting local producers and getting the best quality seasonal produce from your own neck of the woods.

7. Peek Under Your Produce Boxes

Have you ever picked up a box of beautiful strawberries only to discover the last layer was moldy mush or a bruised mess? Here’s a simple but important market tip: always look under the bottom of your produce boxes. While local vendors pride themselves on quality, sometimes the hustle and bustle of setting up at a farmer’s market can result in a few rotting stragglers sneaking into the bottom of the pile. Give those potential purchases a quick lift to make sure the pretty tops are not hiding a gross secret underneath. That being said, don’t write off ugly fresh produce! Some of the best tasting fruits and veggies might look a little unconventional, and sometimes vendors give great deals on produce that isn’t picture perfect.

8. Farmers’ Markets & SNAP Benefits

Did you know that outdoor markets benefit low-income communities? For those on food assistance programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), many farmers’ markets across the United States are not only SNAP-friendly, but they usually offer incentive programs that DOUBLE the value of food stamps! This means every dollar of SNAP spent at the market could be worth two, making everything essentially half price.

9. See It All Before You Buy

When you first arrive at your local farmers’ market, you might be drawn in and tempted to buy fruits and items on the spot, but you should resist the urge to dive right into buying from the first stand you see. Unless something is in limited quantity, try to take a stroll through the entire market to check out all of their offerings before you purchase anything. This strategy will help you find the best deals by comparing prices on similar products while also keeping you on budget. Vendors of similar items price their goods differently, especially when it comes to common items like leafy greens or fresh meats. A complete lap means the difference between a good deal and a great one.

10. Always Wash Your Produce

Last but certainly not least, once you bring home your market haul, always be sure wash your produce before you eat it. The produce that farmers carry generally comes straight from the field and can carry dirt, bacteria, pesticides, or even small insects on (or in) it. Washing your fruits and vegetables under running water helps reduce the risk of foodborne illness and promotes the best food safety possible. For berries, I like to soak them in a bath of 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water for 4 minutes before I store them in my crisper. (Don’t soak them too long or they will get mushy.)

 

Now You’re a Farmers’ Market Pro!

I hope this guide helped you feel confident about your farmers’ market journey, whether you’re a seasoned pro or it’s your first time. There truly is nothing like the experience of walking a local market, discovering new foods, interacting with members of your community, supporting local farmers, and then bringing your haul home and enjoying all that fresh, hand-selected produce.

Here’s one extra tip: If you’re on social media, check out the market’s social media account before your next trip. They’re usually a great resource for updates on new vendors or special events. 

​Do you frequent farmers’ markets? What’s your favorite thing about them? What are some of the best deals you’ve come across? Have you ever picked up something you’ve never tried at your local market and loved it? We love hearing all about your experiences, so be sure to leave us a comment!

Happy eating, and we’ll see you at the market!

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Steamy Bloopers: The Claw Machine Conundrum

Hello, Steamy Fam!

Drey here again. 👋 Jaden’s Writer & Creative Content extraordinaire! You might remember my Platterful charcuterie board review or that time I haunted Steamy Kitchen for Halloween. Or even this hilarious blooper reel of Jaden.

I’m BACK! with another funny Jaden story. Most of our team works remotely, and as the only part of the team local to Jaden, we meet up to work together regularly. Sometimes, during these meetups, hilarity ensues.

Let me tell you the tale of…

The Claw Machine Conundrum

Recently, Jaden and I went out to lunch. While we were out, we passed by a business that was filled with claw machines. We had to go inside. We were surprised to find that their business was solely claw machines. Not renting out claw machines or repairing claw machines. No. Just letting people play with claw machines. We’d never heard of such a thing!

Jaden decided, “Well, we’re here. Let’s play with some claw machines!” She gave the staff a $20 and we split the tokens. I went to the first claw machine on my left and BOOM. I won a small stuffed Rick from Rick & Morty. (One of my favorite shows.) Jaden gloated to the staff, “She already won one! These aren’t so hard!” But, I wasn’t convinced this win was representative of how easy these claw machines were to crack. To me, it was beginners’ luck. I have failed many a claw machine in my day. 

We played a few here and there with no luck, and then Jaden made her way to a machine she thought might be easier. It was filled with Scooby Doo stuffed animals. Shaggy, Scooby, Mystery Machines. You name it. She put in a few tokens and gave it a try. No luck. Then again. No luck.

Seeing that Jaden hadn’t won anything by her second attempt, one of the staff came over to give her a better chance. She opened up the machine and stacked 2 Mystery Machines right next to the drop slot. Third time’s a charm? Yeah, no. Jaden tried, and failed again.

This is where I started filming.

The staff came over AGAIN, and stacked 2 more Mystery Machines on top of each other.

It seemed an easy win. Jaden attempted it… and promptly dropped the stuffed toy.

A chuckle of defeat.

The staff member came back and did it again, this time stacking the toys higher with a Scooby on top for an even better chance of winning.

All Jaden had to do was knock them over into the drop slot. Nervous chuckles ensued.

And finally… she did it! 

SUCCESS!!

Check Out the Full Conundrum in the Video Below

 

We hope you enjoyed this Steamy blooper as much as we do.

How are you with claw machines? What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever won? Let us know in the comments!

 

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