Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Calphalon 7 Quart Digital Slow Cooker Review & Giveaway

I am a slow cooker addict. There, I said it. I'm not seeking an intervention, though. Instead, I want to convert you to a slow cooker lover if you're not one already!

I mean, what's better than coming home after a long day at work (and they're all long, aren't they?) and having dinner already cooked and smelling delicious?! I use my slow cooker almost every week for at least one meal, and then the following evening we have leftovers for dinner. So when Calphalon offered to let me try out their brand new 7 Quart Digital Slow Cooker and do a review, I was jumping up and down in my chair. And, best of all, they're going to give one away to a lucky reader! That's a $149.95 value! Aren't you excited?!?!

I'll get to the giveaway in a minute, but first I have to talk about the slow cooker itself. It's fabulous! The sleek stainless steel and black design would look good in just about any kitchen. My husband loves it because the crock fits easily in the sink for washing. And I haven't even told him it can go in the dishwasher! *evil laugh*

The digital display is so easy to operate. I usually read the instructions before I start using anything electronic...but this was just too easy. Just dump your food in, click a couple of things on the digital display, and head to work! It's got 4 mode settings - auto (cooks 2 hours on high and then the rest of the time on low), high, medium, and low, and it's equipped with Calphalon's exclusive Opti-Heat system that helps distribute heat so the food cooks evenly. The timer can be set for up to 24 hours - perfect for the best fall-off-the bone BBQ short ribs!

Since I use a slow cooker all the time, I wanted to try a new recipe for the review. Ever made a cake in a slow cooker? Sounds perfect, right? You have company coming over for dinner so you're bogged down with all the food preparations. Who has the time or effort to make an amazing dessert too? Ahhhhh, let the slow cooker do it! I made a Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cake using a recipe I found on about.com. I set the cake to bake while we ate dinner and it was ready shortly afterwards! Spoon a little vanilla ice cream on top of the warm, molten cake and drizzle some chocolate or caramel over the top...pure bliss...

And for a quality control test, I also made my favorite slow cooker pot roast dinner in the Calphalon 7 Quart Digital Slow Cooker. YUM! Perfection! And if you're curious, it's my favorite recipe because I just throw whatever I want into the crock and it's always delicious. Here's a list of what I add if I have it on hand:
1 boneless pot roast
1 chopped yellow onion
1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 small can tomato paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can low sodium chicken broth
petite red potatoes, quartered
sliced carrots
pinch of dried rosemary, basil, oregano
1 bay leaf

I think that's it. But if I don't have something, it doesn't go in! No biggie! It's always yummy, and no one ever notices the missing ingredient.

And now on to the part you've been waiting for! The giveaway! Calphalon is giving away 1 7 Quart Digital Slow Cooker (US residents only, 18 years and older, please) to one of you! For a chance to win, visit Calphalon's website and leave a comment telling me what else you'd like to have in your kitchen. Note: This part is mandatory and must be completed before extra entries can be awarded.

Extra entries:
1 entry - Be a Cake Walk follower on Google Friend Connect (in the left sidebar).
1 entry - Subscribe to Cake Walk's RSS feed.
1 entry - Like Mel's Cake Walk on Facebook.
1 entry - Add the Cake Walk button to your blog.
1 entry - Follow @MelsCakeWalk on Twitter.
1 entry - Retweet the giveaway. (Use the Retweet button at the top of this post. You can do this 2 times/day; leave a comment here each time.)
3 entries - Make a post about this giveaway on your own blog. (Leave 3 comments here to get credit.)

Leave one comment per entry please. If you already do any of the above, please say so in a comment to get credit for the extra entry. This contest is open to adult US residents only. The giveaway will end Sunday, March 6, 2011 at midnight eastern time. Good luck!

*And after you've entered this giveaway, head over to thelittlekitchen.net to enter her Calphalon 2-Slot Toaster giveaway!

140 comments:

tanya henicke said...

retweeted

Maria Malaveci said...

Cake Walk follower on Google Friend Connect

Maria Malaveci said...

Like Mel's Cake Walk on Facebook

VicB said...

waffle maker

Maria Malaveci said...

Follow @MelsCakeWalk on Twitter

VicB said...

Like you on facebook

Maria Malaveci said...

Retweeted the giveaway...

Maria Malaveci said...

Subscribe to Cake Walk's RSS feed

Unknown said...

I'd love to win this slow cooker! And I'd like to have aCalphalon Electrics Removable Plate Grill for my camper!

Unknown said...

Like Mel's Cakewalk on Facebook.

christopher sorel said...

would love a waffle maker

christopher sorel said...

like mel cakewalk on facebook

christopher sorel said...

follow mel cakewalk on twitter

christopher sorel said...

Retweeted the giveaway...

christopher sorel said...

Follow @MelsCakeWalk on Twitter

christopher sorel said...

Cake Walk follower on Google Friend Connect

christopher sorel said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/cjsorel/status/40138243634769920

Julie Grothe said...

I would love to have a stand mixer in my kitchen. Married almost 22 years and still use the old hand mixer.
Mel, I also follow you on Facebook!! Love your blog!

Unknown said...

I would love to have their omlette pans.

Gina said...

I follow you on GFC (G)
Gchord88 at aol dot com

Gina said...

I missed the mandatory entry, here it is, I'm sorry for doing it after my first comment. I would love the Calphalon Electrics Panini Grill in my kitchen, looks like a great gadget and a lot of fun in the kitchen
Gchord88 at aol dot com

Gina said...

I like you on facebook
Gchord88 at aol dot com

Gina said...

I follow you on twitter (@Gchord88)
Gchord88 at aol dot com

Gina said...

I retweeted the message (@Gchord88)
Gchord88 at aol dot com

Colleen said...

I'd love that Calphalon stainless roasting pan!

Sarah said...

Added the button on my blog

Sarah said...

Like's Mel's Cake walk on facebook

Sarah said...

followed on Google friend connect.

Brooke said...

I'd love to have Calphalon's convection oven!

Brooke said...

I subscribe to Cake Walk's RSS feed.

Brooke said...

I like Mel's Cake Walk of Facebook.

Linda said...

I retweeted! ljskop

Linda said...

In addition to a Calphalon slow cooker, I'd love a panini grill.

Linda said...

I followed @MelsCakeWalk on Twitter: ljskop.

Joanna said...

I'm a gadget freak, so I would love to have the panini grill too :)
(I am a follower on Google Friend, I liked your page on Facebook)

Tracy said...

Hm. If I had unlimited storage space, the panini grill. But since I'm practical, the Calphalon Contemporary Stainless 2.5-qt. Sauce Pan.

Tracy said...

Saladgoddess following you on Twitter.

Tracy said...

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/saladgoddess/status/40206547992842240

Valerie said...

Visited the Calphalon site. I would LOVE to have the Calphalon Unison Nonstick 12-in. Round Grill Pan to make panini sandwiches.

Tamara B. said...

I would love to also have one of theirn Electrics Panini Grill
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. said...

Follower GFC
(tamaraben)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Tamara B. said...

Like on Facebook
(Tamara Bennington)
tamben7996(at)aol(dot)com

Romantic Dinner said...

I like u in Facebook

debbie said...

I would like their 4 slice toaster.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com

Julie Wiens said...

Sadly I don't have a single loaf pan and would love their Calphalon Simply Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware 8.5x4.5-in. Loaf Pan.

Julie Wiens said...

I already have your Rss in my google reader! Love it!

Julie Wiens said...

Totally Like you on Facebook.

Rebecca Lasse said...

Would love the removable plate grill.

Traci Fritz said...

I would love to have a new set of calphalon cookware. Mine is quite old now and needs replacing.

Traci Fritz said...

tweeted.
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/40403403704107008

Traci Fritz said...

GFC follower

Traci Fritz said...

follow on twitter.
tdfritz

Traci Fritz said...

Like on FB
traci field fritz

Anonymous said...

Hi! So glad to find your blog!
I went to the Calaphon site and I've always wanted a waffle maker - never had one even as a kid - so I suppose if I could have one thing from Calaphon (other than a slow cooker, which I have also never had in my life) it would be the waffle iron.

Anonymous said...

like you on FB

Sarah B. said...

I'd like just about anything of theirs...I love to cook. But, I'm always looking for good saucepans, woks, etc., so I would go for those first.

Sarah B. said...

Subscribe to the RSS feed.

dixieangel_84@yahoo.com

Sarah Butner said...

I posted about your giveaway on my blog:
sarah-butner.blogspot.com

dixieangel_84@yahoo.com

Sarah Butner said...

2nd comment for posting on my blog

sarah-butner.blogspot.com
dixieangel_84@yahoo.com

Sarah Butner said...

3rd comment for posting on my blog

sarah-butner.blogspot.com
dixieangel_84@yahoo.com

NLuther said...

Hi!

I would LOVE to have the Calphalon Katana Series 18-pc. Knife Block Set - in addition to the slow cooker of course!

NLuther said...

Like Mel's Cake walk on Facebook

NLuther said...

Cake Walk follower on Google Friend Connect

NLuther said...

Follow @MelsCakeWalk on Twitter.

NLuther said...

and finally,

retweeted the post! ::phew::

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/23
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/40499610610958336

Lelia said...

I am scheduling a baking session with my granddaughter for the cake in the slow cooker. I never imagined baking was possible in one of my favorite tools. Thanks for broadening my horizons.

NLuther said...

retweeted the giveaway today!

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/24
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/40807823776563200

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/25
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/41144980068249600

mcpn said...

I have been in love with the Panini Maker even longer than the Slow Cooker!

mcpn said...

I followed on Twitter!

mcpn said...

I retweeted!

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/25 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/41231839041568768

Amy L said...

I'd love to have the Calphalon Electrics 20-in. XL Convection Oven.

Amy L said...

I follow you on twitter @amylou61

Amy L said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/amylou61/status/41245819302711296

Alison said...

Mel, this looks so awesome. I'm always afraid I'll burn the food as I'm gone for longer than most recipes, so this would be a great option. I would love the 20" XL Convection Oven so I don't have to heat up my place in the summer!

Alison said...

I don't know how I wasn't following your blog before, but now I am :)

Alison said...

I also have "liked" Mel's Cake Walk on Facebook for a while now.

Alison said...

I am now following you on Twitter too and found out we both follow Ellen - love her!

Alison said...

You also got me to re-tweet for the first time ever. Thanks for making it so easy as I didn't really know what I was doing :)

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/26
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/41528704358297600

Ashley H said...

I would also love to have the Calphalon panini grill
agatewood1@ymail.com

Ashley H said...

I follow you on twitter @shuggysmommy
agatewood1@ymail.com

Ashley H said...

http://twitter.com/#!/shuggysmommy/status/41589951665684480
agatewood1@ymail.com

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/26 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/41593413006655488

Tiffany said...

i would love the 4-slot toaster. i have 4 kids and somebody is always waiting for their toast.

Tiffany said...

i follow your blog

Tiffany said...

i "like" you on fb

Tiffany said...

your button is on my blog

Tiffany said...

i posted your giveaway on my blog

Tiffany said...

i posted your giveaway on my blog

Tiffany said...

i posted your giveaway on my blog

Erica best said...

i love the Calphalon Electrics 2-slot Toaster

purple_lover_04 at msn dot com

Erica best said...

im following with gfc name purplelover04

Erica best said...

i tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/41715782572453890

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/27
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/41854468790304768

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/28
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/42217285519278080

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 2/28 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/42327382845169664

Erica best said...

WEETED http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/42433254581731328

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/1
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/42575235995799553

Jody said...

I would love the Katana knife block set

Jody said...

I like Mel's Cake Walk on Facebook

Jody said...

I'm a Cake Walk follower on Google Friend Connect

Anonymous said...

Liked Mel's Cake Walk on FB. Where do we post our Comment on the Calphalon site regarding what we'd like in our kitchen? HERE? mehoye(at) verizon (dot) net

Unknown said...

My kitchen needs a nice double boiler.

Anonymous said...

I need the 7 qt. slow cooker

Cali Cakes said...

Would love to have a grind and brew coffee pot.

Cali Cakes said...

Liked Mel's Cake Walk on FB.

TammyB said...

I would love the Calphalon Unison Nonstick 8-qt. Stockpot. My family loves soup and it would be so great to have a really nice stockpot to make it in!!

TammyB said...

Liked Mel's Cake Walk on Facebook

Rusthawk said...

From Calphalon, I'd like to get the 4-slot toaster (and the omelet 10" pan).

Rusthawk said...

I am following you on GFC (rusthawk).

Rusthawk said...

I am following you on facebook (Rust Hawk).

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/1 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/42737751296184320

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/42937468626014208

Shermi said...

I did all of the above. :)

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/2 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/43025263885434880

Erica best said...

http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/43130814464139264

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/3
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/43307565274234880

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/3 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/43412002068115456

Erica best said...

http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/43495372961755136

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/4
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/43666823534739456

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/4 #2
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/43737769520009216

Erica best said...

http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/43867778490445825

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/5
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/44035453564878850

Erica best said...

http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/44208306193043456

Traci Fritz said...

tweet 3/6
http://twitter.com/#!/tdfritz/status/44546613036847104

Erica best said...

http://twitter.com/#!/purplelover04/status/44596313198829568

Liz said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I'd love one of their waffle irons!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

I like you on Facebook!

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

I tweeted!

http://twitter.com/#!/FakeGradSchool/status/44617298274824192

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#1 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2011/03/cake-walk-calphalon-7-quart-digital.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#2 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2011/03/cake-walk-calphalon-7-quart-digital.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#3 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2011/03/cake-walk-calphalon-7-quart-digital.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#4 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2011/03/cake-walk-calphalon-7-quart-digital.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

Liz said...

#5 I blogged!

http://quiltznhoez.blogspot.com/2011/03/cake-walk-calphalon-7-quart-digital.html

eemoody77 at gmail dot com

CJ said...

WHAT A GORGEOUS SLOW COOKER.

CJ said...

I TOO MISSED THE MANDATORY/REQUIRED PART, SO I BEAT IT OVER TO THE WEBSITE. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW THEY HAD A WEBSITE. LOL. I LOVED IT TOO!! AFTER SPENDING A WHILE THERE DREAMING AND DROOLING AT ALL THE FABULOUS GOODIES, AS WELL AS TAKING ALL THE REVIEWS INTO CONSIDERATION, MY CHOICE WOULD BE THE CALPHALON NO-PEEK WAFFLE MAKER.

EVERYONE JUSTED RAVED ABOUT THIS WAFFLE MAKER, SO I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THIS WOULD BE MY CHOICE AS WELL.

I LOST EVERYTHING I OWNED IN A HOUSE FIRE, INCLUDING MY TWO BELOVED ENGLISH BULLDOGS, AND I HAD NO FIRE INSURANCE. AMOUNG THE EVERYTHING I LOST WAS MY BELOVED HEIRLOOM SUNBEAM WAFFLE MAKER THAT HAD BEEN IN MY FAMILY FOR OVER 35 YEARS, AS WELL AS MY SUNBEAM TOASTER. BOTH WERE STILL GOING STRONG WHEN THEY WERE DESTROYED. I LOVED THEM BOTH SO MUCH, ESPECIALLY MY WAFFLE MAKER. WHEN MY DAD WAS ALIVE HE WOULD ALWAYS MAKE ME HIS DELICIOUS WAFFLES WHEN I WAS SICK. I MAY NOT HAVE MY WAFFLE MAKER ANY LONGER, BUT I SURE HAVE ALL MY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF BEING SICK ON MY COUCH AND MY DAD IN THE KITCHEN MAKING HIS FABULOUS WAFFLES.

I CAN'T EVEN BEGIN TO EXPRESS TO YOU HOW MUCH I MISS ALL MY FAMILY HEIRLOOMS, AND I HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO ANYONE ELSE.

ANYWAY, THANKS FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN AND GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE.

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