Williams- Sonoma Professional Multi Chopper & Baked Parmesan Zucchini Sticks

When I saw this recipe from the "Damn Delicious" blog, I thought I'd give it a try.  It would be the first time I used this multi chopper and I wasn't disappointed in it's performance.

I first saw this multi chopper being used by Rae Drummond, a/k/a Pioneer Woman. I quickly did a search to see if I could find it.  There were similar ones on other sites, but the exact one was on the Williams-Sonoma site. Here is a link to the product:  http://tinyurl.com/m4ykaju  I wasn't in a hurry to get it, so I waited for it to go on sale and with free shipping.  

I do have other choppers, but what makes this one different is that you can lift the top part up high enough to put in larger pieces of your potato or vegetables.

I followed the recipe pretty much exactly. Where I varried, is that I put all the seasoning ingredients into a zip lock bag, then added the zucchini sticks; shake it up, took them out and put them on the cooling rack. 

The other tip I would suggest, is to line the cookie sheet with foil.

 Here is the Baked Parmesan Zucchini recipe:
 http://damndelicious.net/2014/06/21/baked-parmesan-zucchini/

(Video) Margarita Machine; Not Just For Margaritas! Try This Frozen Mocha Coffee Drink - Frappuccino Style

It's sum, sum, summertime! 

What better way to enjoy the hot weather than with a cold (frozen) drink?
Here are two of my favorite non-alcoholic coffee drinks. The $'s you save making your own will more than pay for your Margarita Machine! It's so much fun and such a conversation starter.

 I figured 38 drinks would pay for the machine and one 3 lb. Mocafe container. $165 & 25 = $190 divided by $5 per Starbucks frozen drink = 38 at home drinks and you can make them anytime!

Recipe for blender:   Yawn, but if you must, you must. :-)
1.  2 cups ice,  2/3 cup Mocafe, 4oz. milk, water, leftover coffee (I find coffee gives it a richer flavor)
2.  Blend until smooth.
 You can also create your own signature drinks by adding Kahlua, flavored syrups, espresso beans.....

Margarita Machine Method:    Much more fun!

1. Add ice to the ice reservoir on the top of the machine
2.  Blend thoroughly 4 oz. of coffee with 2/3 cup powdered mix,  pour into the blender.
3.  Press "Start" and enjoy the show! (see video below)

The two 3 lb. containers of Mocafe shown in my photos are:
Original Mocafe: Exotic Trinidad Nib roasted cocoa notes blended with robust Brazilian coffee, hints of cinnamon.
Wild Tribe Moka: Rich toasted African Forastero Cocoa notes blended with mild Colombian coffee.
(dairy)
                                                                     

        

We have had our Margarita Machine for three summers and have put it through it's paces!
There's plenty of summer left, I highly recommend you give one a try.

I like to thoroughly mix  the powder with the coffee(water, or milk)
 before adding it to the blender.

Makes about 2 cups of frozen drink.
See video below to see the machine in action!