IKEA Swedish Meatballs

Guinea Pig: Kimberley

THE CLAIM

What's a trip to IKEA without a stop at their cafe for some of their famous Swedish meatballs?  12Tomatoes believes they have a recipe that is (AND WE QUOTE) "so close (if not better!) than the originals" that it will save you a trip to IKEA.  Bold words, 12Tomatoes!  Guinea Pig Squad is on the case! Click the link in the photo caption for quote, recipe and photo source. 

Click here for quote, photo and recipe source. 

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Kimberley was our Tester for this recipe (perhaps with a little encouragement from her husband).  She served it to her family, which included a toddler and a picky eater.  The result?  Everyone LOVED it!

But it's important to recognize that beauty takes time.  Kimberley comments, "From start to finish it took about an hour to make and I served with mashed potatoes and peas."  She also noted that the website doesn't list the ingredients in order of use, so make sure to keep an eye out for that.  

And calm down, IKEA Purists, we hear you about the Ligonberry sauce.  While this recipe doesn't mention it, it's something sold at most specialty grocery stores (and Google, because Google has everything). 


CONCLUSION
A good substitute for the days when you just don't have 8 hours to spend at IKEA.  

Photo Courtesy of Guinea Pig Kimberley

Dill Pickle Dip

Guinea Pig: Karen

THE CLAIM

This home-made version of dill-veggie dip promises to make pickle lovers swoon.  Is it as good as they say?  Check out the link in the photo caption for photo and recipe source. 

Click here for photo and recipe source. 

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Karen made this for a family reunion over the 4th of July.  Of all the dips by the chips and veggies, this was the first one to run out!  People declared it a hit!  It was served with standard veggies, pretzel chips, bagel chips, and generic ruffle chips.  It went well with them all!  And it makes a good amount of dip - enough to satisfy a sizable party. 

It's important to realize that this dip is chunkier than your store-bought, smooth veggie dip.  Even when the pickles and onions are finely minced, it is noticeably chunky.  Some people seemed to like that.  Guinea Pig Karen says she would prefer to food process at least some of the onion/pickle next time she makes it.  "If you do that," she mentions, "keep in mind you may need less pickle juice, as food processing can bring out the juices."  

Some tips: 

1. Use "sandwich stacker" dill pickles. They're already sliced, which makes mincing easier. 
   
2. It took almost a full 20 oz jar of sandwich stacker dills to come up with the 1.5 cups needed.  The original recipe says that she used "10-12 baby dills."  There's no way that was 1.5 cups. 
   
3. Let the dip chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours before serving.  We made ours the day before. 

CONCLUSION
Another great recipe for your next get-together.  

Neiman Marcus Dip

Guinea Pig: Amber

THE CLAIM

We'll be up front with you when we say we're not entirely sure what the history is behind "Neiman Marcus" dip, or if Neiman Marcus is actually affiliated with the recipe or not. What we do know is that Neiman Marcus has a line of cookbooks, and that Googling "Neiman Marcus Dip" will yield several similar recipes to the one we're reviewing today.  Our recipe comes to you from Food.com.  Click the link in the photo caption for recipe and photo source. 

Click here for photo and recipe source. 

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Amber made this twice for two different groups of people. She says, "VERY easy. It's not my favorite dip, but I've made it twice and it went over well both times." She did comment that it's more of a spread than a dip, as it's pretty chunky. It's so thick that she suggests it might make a good "cheese ball" after chilled. She served her with Ritz crackers.

Some things to note:

1) The first time Amber made it, the green onion was too strong for her taste. She didn't use the bulb of the onion on the second batch, which made it better.

2) She also recommends toasting the almonds a little longer, to yield a better flavor. Be sure to let the almonds cool completely before mixing, or they will melt the cheese.

We had a debate on whether this could be a warm dip rather than a cold one. Regardless of your opinion on heating up mayo-based mixtures, note that the chunkiness of this dip is what makes it appealing. Melting/heating could alter the overall consistency.


CONCLUSION
A quick and easy dip spread to please a crowd! 

Photo courtesy of Guinea Pig Amber

Best Crockpot Meatballs

Guinea Pig: Kelsey

THE CLAIM

My Fridge Food recently featured what claims to be the recipe for the BEST crockpot meatballs.  "Is that grape jelly?" you ask, looking at the picture.  Why yes, it is!  Click the link in the photo caption for photo source and recipe.

Click here for recipe and photo source. 

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Kelsey decided to serve this one up to her husband and toddler.  Result?  Both liked it, and ate several.  Kelsey recommends adding chili sauce for an extra kick.  

So is it a complete Guinea Pig success?  Almost!  Keep in mind that this is a sticky, messy recipe.  You may want to consider using a crock pot liner, and be ready to hose off your toddler in the backyard when he or she is done eating. : )


CONCLUSION
A great addition to any party.  Just be prepared for the clean-up!

Photo courtesy of Guinea Pig Kelsey

Vegan Cinnamon Raisin No-Bake Energy Bites

Guinea Pig: Sarah

THE CLAIM
Earth Balance, a popular manufacturer of vegan food products, operates a blog called Made Just Right, which features a variety of vegan recipes.  This recipe for Vegan Cinnamon Raisin No-Bake Energy Bites recently made the rounds on Facebook.  Check out the recipe and photo source by clicking the link in the photo caption.

Click here for photo and recipe source.

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Sarah decided to give this one a try.  This recipe has a lot of optional alternative ingredients, so for the sake of this review, know that Sarah did not use the chia seeds, and used raisins as her dry fruit.  She also did not use all organic or Eath Balance products, but we don't think that would have impacted the results.

The results?  The recipe came together without much of a problem, but it was too dry for Sarah's taste.  She says, "It is vital to use clean, wet hands--I rinsed mine thoroughly after every other bite--not only to prevent the mixture from sticking to my hands but also to add the last little bit of moisture needed to give the balls their shape."  As for the flavor, she said it was okay, but the peanut butter and raisins overwhelmed the other ingredients.

And as for the "energy bite" part of it, sure, it has carbohydrates.  But don't expect it to be like a cup of coffee.

CONCLUSION
We'll pass on making this recipe again.  If you want to make it at home, make sure to incorporate more moisture.  It'll help not only the formation of the bites, but will probably result in a better texture as well. We also recommend storing the bites in the refridgerator.

Photo Courtesy of Guinea Pig Sarah

Mashed Potato Bacon Cheese Balls

Guinea Pig: Jenna

THE CLAIM
Celebrity Chef Barry Lewis of MyVirginKitchen.com recently featured a YouTube video about Mashed Potato Bacon Cheese Balls.  Check it out below, or click here to view it directly on YouTube. 

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Jenna was all over this recipe.  Because... Mashed Potatoes.  Bacon.  Cheese Balls.  ....YES, PLEASE.  Plus, it's a great way to use leftover mashed potatoes, no? 

Says Jenna, "My original mashed potato recipe is heavy on the cream, so I made the batch I used for this a bit drier. Everything came together pretty rapidly. Frying was the only difficult part." 

The Verdict?  They're as good as they sound!  Easy, and tasty?  What's the catch? 

MESSY.  Skip the stove top method if you can.  Jenna says, "These potato balls splatter and pop. I used peanut oil and my dutch oven. In the future, I'd love to use a deep fryer."


CONCLUSION
Psssh!  As if you needed us to tell you they were good.... They're great!!!! Just use a deep fryer (or perhaps someone else's kitchen!). 

Watermelon Sorbet

Guinea Pig: Jennifer

THE CLAIM

The Facebook group Skinny Slow Cooker recently featured this recipe by the blog Skinny Ms. for two-ingredient watermelon sorbet.  Is this your next summertime treat? Click the link in the photo caption for recipe and photo source. 

Click here for photo and recipe source. 

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Jennifer was eager to give this recipe a try.  The result? It's good, and she says she would make it again.  With only two ingredients, we asked if it just tasted like frozen watermelon.  She said, "The lemon juice gave it a tangy bite so it's a little different taste and a little more refreshing."  

The recipe isn't exact in the amount of lemon juice it prescribes.  Jennifer admitted to having some difficulty getting that signature "sorbet" texture, and thinks she might have been a little conservative with the lemon.  Regardless, she said it was good, and would make it again. 

Tip: Definitely cut the watermelon into small chunks for easier blending.  


CONCLUSION
YUM!  A healthy, refreshing summertime treat! 

Photo Courtesy of Guinea Pig Jennifer

Broccoli Cauliflower Salad

Guinea Pig: Kathy
(With a special contribution by GPS Fan Carol)

THE CLAIM

This recipe, published by Chef in Training, recently made the rounds on Facebook.  It stands apart from the rest of the typical picnic salads in that it's also low-carb.  Click on the link in the photo caption for recipe and photo source.

Click here for photo and recipe source.

THE TEST
This recipe was almost instantly snatched up by Guinea Pig Kathy. Coincidentally, Carol, a Guinea Pig Squad Fan, also happened to see the recipe, and decided to make it the same day. Our readers have the benefit of a double review!

Says the critics: TWO THUMBS UP.  Guinea Pig Kathy says, "it's a winner!" She microwaved her bacon to make it extra crispy, which she says adds to the recipe. She also said the salad leftovers held up well overnight.  Guinea Pig Fan Carol says that the dressing is good enough to be a veggie dip on its own, and suggests craisins and pecans make an interesting addition to the recipe.

CONCLUSION
Two independent reviews agree: this recipe is a keeper!

Caramelized Ham & Swiss Buns

Guinea Pig: Karen

THE CLAIM
 
Taste of Home recently featured this recipe as a twist on traditional ham and swiss sandwiches. Will this be a feature at your next brunch?  Click the link in the photo caption for photo and recipe source.

Click Here for Recipe and Photo Source.

THE TEST
Guinea Pig Karen gave this a try for Mother's Day brunch.  Aside from seeming delicious, this make-ahead recipe seemed like a no-brainer for a a mom who didn't want to cook on Mother's Day.

Verdict: DELICIOUS.  It's a nice, sweet/savory twist on a ham and swiss sandwich.  The spices/sauces really dress this recipe up nicely.  Just remember - a little horseradish goes a LONG way. 

When making these, we recommend using square or rectangular ham slices, simply for the sake of presentation.  Guinea Pig Karen folded her ham slices for easy stacking, and folded a swiss cheese slice into each.  The sandwiches stayed together nicely with this method. 

Also remember - the recipe calls for you to make these the night before (or several hours ahead of time).  Don't forget that when budgeting your time!

CONCLUSION
A great addition to your next brunch or luncheon! 

Photo Courtesy of Guinea Pig Karen