Milkshake Maker

Surely you've seen those egghead looking devices that whip milk and ice cream and fruit into shakes and smoothies. The head stands atop a post supported by two feet and the magic happens within a removable metal cup (like the kind used to serve milkshakes in old fashioned soda shops). A stick that extends from the head into the container mixes the flavors into frothy or frozen treats. When turned on, the stick whirs around inside the cup, blending milk, ice cream, fruits and whatever else you happen to put inside.

The point is, I've seen these devices for years and never had much interest in them. After all, I reasoned, I have a blender (which I rarely use). Then a friend surprised me with an egghead the other day and lo and behold it is worth writing about. Such simple operation and so little clean up. Compared to the base, blade, jar and lid that comprise my blender, this little miracle worker has only two parts to clean: the metal container and whir stick.

The real beauty of the egghead is the fun it stirs up. I made a frosty peppermint milkshake for my daughter on Sunday. She raved. (The crushed peppermint candies atop the concoction scored extra points.)

With the holiday season upon us, you may want to add the egghead to your gift list or wish list. Give it a whirl!

A Comfortable Mammogram

A friend mentioned the other day that she was due for her annual mammogram (a hot topic right now given the U.S. government's recent report). The aspect of the procedure she dreads the most is the discomfort. Like many women, my friend did not know about the Soft Touch MammoPads used by facilities such as The Breast Center at St. David's Medical Center. Soft pads are placed onto the mammo equipment, providing cushioning during the mammogram. I believe the cushions are disposable so they are completely hygienic. Another innovation that the world (at least women!) should know about.

A "Hip" Hip Replacement

I wrote an article last week regarding anterior hip replacement, a specialized form of the popular surgery. In anterior hip replacement, the orthopedic surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front, sparing the need to cut through muscles of the pelvis or femur. Because the large muscles are not involved, recovery is quicker than in conventional hip replacement and there is a smaller risk of hip dislocation. The procedure involves the use of a specialized table that moves the affected hip so that the surgeon can easily access the joint.

A computerized navigation system that certain skilled physicians use with the procedure helps to assure accuracy in placement of the hip and proper leg length. (Did you know that making sure leg length is correct can be an issue?) Another benefit of the computerized system is that it assists the physician in placing the implant such that the weight bearing surfaces will achieve maximum wear.

Perfection in a Brownie Pan

I do not usually rush to the phone lines or the Walgreen's check out lines to purchase an "as seen on TV" product. After all, $19.99 here and there adds up.

The exception came on November 16. After years of struggling to make my brownies look Martha Stewart perfect, I found myself on a Monday evening shelling out $19.99 plus tax in the check out line at Walgreens, Perfect Brownie Pan in hand. The nifty device is a pan with 18 dividers that are supposed to deliver fresh baked brownies ready for a magazine cover. We'll see.

Back at home, I carefully unpacked the pan and its accessories (the grid and a special stand) and read the instructions. My gold standard brownie mix, Ghiradelli, normally fits into an 8x8 size but I decided to try it in the new pan, which is a bit smaller than 13x9. Perfect! Imagine my excitement as I lowered the grid that bakes with the brownies and forms them into rectangles.

About 40 minutes later, the timer rang, the toothpick was clean and my brownies emerged from the oven. After a short cooling period, 15 or 20 minutes, I carefully lifted the magic non-stick grid. To my amazement I had baked 18 perfectly formed brownies. More than perfect, these fudgy rectangles were picture perfect. Step aside, June Cleaver.

The Stepford wife brownies are now en route to my son in college. Will he think they were store bought?

Health Care and Home Wares Intro

What could brain surgery and blenders possibly have in common?

Just ask a journalist with a background in home economics, nursing and communications.

It all started with the home ec degree (I know, the term is extinct), followed by a master's in communications and ultimately registered nursing credentials. I managed to blend it all into a career that allows me to place my passions -- innovations for the home and advances in medicine -- into words.

On the health side, I write compelling stories about patients who have undergone extraordinary procedures with amazing results. People diagnosed with dementia who really had a brain tumor. Or others who needed a new hip but wanted to continue living a hip life. My professional client list includes health care organizations, physicians, medical encyclopedias, as well as corporations.

On the home front, I have been called the queen of appliances. I spent more time researching my toaster than I did buying a car. I am fired up by different configurations of burner grates. Lower ovens give me a high. I'm blown away by new vacuum cleaner designs. And don't get me started on stand mixers...

In addition to my freelance clients, I have written two books on Texas food and wine, although I am by no means an expert on the latter (special thanks to cousin Pam!).

So sit back in your recliner (if it's a La-z-boy it was made in the U.S.) and read about my latest finds. Bone appetit!