Leave it to the iPhone to improve grocery shopping

Going off track when going to the grocery story is one of the biggest problems most of us have when food shopping. We either forget what we came to buy (that critical ingredient) or become overwhelmed by the enticing (but not always healthy) choices.

Austin food blogger Natanya Anderson found an iPhone App that helps her stay on track when shopping for food. She shares her thoughts on that in this interesting podcast from her equally interesting blog called, Fete & Feast.

You gotta love food and cooking to get a Vita Mix for your anniversary

It's not like getting or giving a vacuum cleaner...really. This is one utilitarian gift that truly rises above the cries of, "You didn't really get an appliance for your anniversary, did you?"

Truth be told, my dear spouse wanted one of these way more than I did. Just a day into owning a Vita Mix, though, I have to admit that I am becoming a convert. This machine rocks. In fact, it might be able to grind rocks into a smooth puree. (No, not really, so don't try it.) It certainly makes fast work of just about anything else you want to turn into soup, or a smoothie. Want a little more texture? Just back off on the speed and time. Or put some ingredients into the mix later. (By the way, it also makes healthy cooking easier.)

At the moment I am thinking about a container of leftover three-bean stew on the counter. Hmmm...add a little vegetable stock...toss in a bunch of cilantro...give it a buzz...might make a fine soup.