Tag: Zoku


Jun
2018

Summer Eats and Summer Treats

categories: Reviews

Everybody loves summer.

The sun.

The pool.

Grilling.

Going on walks.

And eating popsicles.

Known for their housewears, Zoku creates innovative, easy-to-use, well-designed products. Many of their products are full of bright, fun colors that will add a little bit of sunshine to anyones kitchen (one of my favorite aspects of their products!).

Zoku offers an array of kitchen products including: Quick Pop Makers, Ice ball molds, Slush & Shake Maker, Iced Coffee Maker, Ice Cream Makers, Pop & Ice Molds, Travel Tumblers as well as recipe books. Check out these reviews that some mama’s at MamatheFox have written about Zoku products:

Zoku Quick Pop Maker Review

Zoku Ice Cream Maker Review

Zoku Tumbler & Dino Pop Mold Review

Zoku The Art of Slush Recipe Book and Slush & Shake Maker

Check out these great products that will help make your summer easier and your kid’s summer more yummy! I best make sure that I have a well-working freezer then as if it’s broken, then all of our hard work in making slush and ice cream would have been for nothing. I’m sure that someone similar to Ryan’s Appliance Repair will be able to quickly resolve any problems that we have (fingers crossed we don’t) so that we can enjoy summer with our favorite cold food and beverages. All the products below are popsicle molds and can be filled with: juice, yogurt, pudding, smoothies, chocolate, or a recipe of your own. For recipe ideas check out the Zoku blog.

Mod Pops


These pop molds are great for children or adults. I love the color – orange is my favorite.

My favorite aspect of these molds is the shape of the base. The outer orange base is a rectangular shape which makes it easy to store and easy to keep in the freezer. It’s perfect to keep it along the side or push it against the back; there’s no awkward shape that you have to deal with.

My two year old son loves having these popsicles at any time of the day. We used the Zoku recipe for a yogurt based pop. It was super easy and my son even got in on the fun (see the photo below). Some days we even eat the popsicles for breakfast because they are healthy! With his older brother at sleep away camp, the popsicles have been keeping him happy. Although, he can’t wait for his brother to come back next week!

See the recipe here.

Classic Pop Molds

The main difference between the Mod Pop and Classic Pop, is the shape of the popsicle and the shape of the mold.

These Classic Pop are true to their name – the classic shape of a popsicle, rounded top and all.

The shape of the bright green mold is a little less conducive for an organized freezer; but can be kept out of the way if need be.

Making these pops is super easy.

Follow these simple steps for the perfect popsicle!

1. Pour chilled juice into the removable molds up to the fill line
2. Insert sticks
3. Freeze filled molds for 6+ hours
4. Pull out pop in mold & rinse under hot water for 30-60 seconds
5. Pull removable mold from frozen pop

Mini Pop Molds

The Mimi Pop Molds are different than the other Zoku pop molds because the pops are formed in silicone rather than plastic.

I love these pops for my eight month old baby. They are the perfect size for him – he just recently started eating solid food. I blended two frozen bananas with breast milk to create these pops that he absolutely loves.

These pops are the perfect portion for my eight month old. They are easy to hold and very easy to remove from the mold. Simply push up on the bottom of an individual pop then pull the stick up and out of the mold. There is no rinsing required like the Mod Pops and Classic Pops.

Summer Pops

These Summer Pops are great for making homemade Go-Gurt-like snacks.

Made from silicone, they freeze easily and do not stick to the edges/sides. While your child eats they push up from the bottom, causing the food to slowly (or quickly!) rise to the top. Because of the need to push up on these pops I would recommend these for older children. My two year old son had a hard time coordinating the push motion with eating. I think a three year old could probably handle these pops, but for sure a four year could.

These pops come with a convenient tray that is perfect to use while filling them up and then freezing them. Also included is the lids that very easily snap onto the top of the pops. The lids create an air tight seal and make traveling and on-the-go eating easy.

I love having these pops on hand because we really try to limit sugar in our house. Most store bought popsicles are full of sugar [and other additives] that I don’t want my kids eating. These pop molds really allow you to be creative. Giving your child the nutrients they need with food that tastes good is super easy with these Zoku pops.

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The Zoku frozen dessert products are super fun to have in any kitchen. Whether you have kids or not, these bright colored ice pop molds are sure to bring out the fun in everyone. No matter the age, everybody could use a popsicle now and again; let Zoku help with their wide variety of ice pop molds.


Oct
2016

Zoku Tumbler Giveaway

categories: Giveaway

zoku-giveaway

Enter for a chance to win (1) travel tumbler from Zoku

Check out the bottom of this page for a linky with several more amazing giveaways!

 

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MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible fore sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.

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Aug
2016

You Bake Me Happy Giveaway

categories: Giveaway

You Bake My Happy Button

Grand Prize You Bake Me Happy

Welcome to the You Bake Me Happy Giveaway Hop hosted by On Honeysuckle Hill and MamatheFox! At each stop in this hop you can find a fun prize valued at $10 or more. Be sure to come back for your daily entries to increase you chances of winning!

you-bake-me-happy-aug-16

On Honeysuckle Hill, MamatheFox and all participating blogs are not held responsible for sponsors who fail to fulfill their prize obligations.


Aug
2016

Zoku The Art of Slush Recipe Book and Slush & Shake Maker

categories: Reviews

Slush review

After spending weeks stuck under a heat dome with record breaking temperatures, I know everyone is looking for fun ways to cool down. So when I got the chance to try a Slush and Shake Maker along with The Art of Slush Recipe Book by Zoku I knew it was just what I needed on these hot days.

About Zoku

Zoku is known for their housewares and prides themselves on making family memories around their products. Zoku has Quick Pop Makers, Ice ball molds, Slush & Shake Maker, Iced Coffee Maker, Ice Cream Makers, Pop & Ice Molds, Travel Tumblers as well as recipe books.

“The team at Zoku was inspired to start a Slushy Revolution. In our desire to live heathier and eat mindfully,we noticed that slushies (and slushy makers) had been left behind in the shuffle-sure they came in various colors and flavors, but they have certainly never been categorized as gourmet or healthy. Thats why we’re so excited to share these delicious, wholesome recipes for the Zoku Slush and Shake Maker with you.”

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This Mamas Experienceshake image

Once I received my Slush and Shake Maker I hand washed the inner core, made sure it was completely dry and then placed it upright in my freezer over night (recommended 8-18 hours). This gave me time to go through The Art of Slush recipe book to try and pick a recipe.

The Art of Slush begins with a fun intro starting with the History of Slush and some fun facts including the quickest way to relieve brain freeze ( placing your tongue on the roof of your mouth to warm the palate). The intro will help you choose your sweeteners, dairy, fruit and gives you lots of tips such as adding alcohol for adult drinks. Then it moves to the good stuff, the recipes! With 22 Slushy Recipes, 12 Milkshake Recipes and 8 Smoothie Recipes your going to have a hard time just picking one. So instead I picked one of each.

I decided to start with a smoothie for breakfast, so I chose the Mango Lassi on pages 88-89 in The Art of Slush Recipe Book.

Mango Lassimango slush

Serves 2

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups (9 ounces) Chopped Mango, peeled and pitted ripe mango (approximately 2 mangoes)

1 cup Greek Yogurt

1/3 cup half and half

optional: light agave nectar, to taste (I didn’t feel it was necessary)

Directions: Puree the mango, yogurt and half and half in a blender. Taste and add agave nectar, if needed; blend again. Pour into the Slush and Shake Maker; Stir until think.

The Mango Lassi was a perfect start to my day, I was easily able to cut the recipe in half. Although the inside of the cup looks small don’t let this fool you. The Slush and Shake Maker is a generous portion for one person (but lets be honest as a mom nothing is just for me and I shared my breakfast with my one year old). The inner core is super easy to wash dry and place back in the freezer while I picked out my next recipe.

I love everything coffee so my next recipe to try is the Vietnamese Iced Coffee Slush on pages 46-47.

coffee ingredVietnamese Iced Coffee Slush

Serves 2

Ingredients:

2 cups filtered water

3/4 cup dark roast coffee

1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk

Directions: Bring the water to a boil in medium-sized saucepan. Add the coffee, stir to incorporate, and let steep 5 minutes. Strain the coffee through a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a clean container. Stain again if you see any coffee grounds in the coffee. Cool, then refrigerate until cold, about a hour. Whisk in the condensed milk. Pour into the Slush and Shake Maker; stir until think.

This is by far my favorite recipe, it has changed my whole outlook on iced coffee. I did cut this recipe in half (which is probably for the better because I could have easily enjoyed the whole recipe by myself). The hardest part of this cold coffee recipe is waiting for it to turn slush.

The third recipe it I chose was the Cookies & Cream Milkshake on pages 52-53

Cookies & Cream Milkshake

Serves 2oreo shake

Ingredients:

1 cup vanilla ice cream

1/2 cup whole milk

optional: 2 tablespoons cookie butter

1/2 cup chopped Oreo cookies (approximately 5 cookies), divided

garnish: 2 Oreo cookies

Directions: Puree the ice cream, milk, and cookie butter if using. Pour into the Slush and Shake Maker and add one-half of the chopped Oreos to each maker; stir until thick. Garnish with an Oreo.

Once again I did cut this recipe in half. I love that I am able to make a dessert for one and not have a ton left over. My milkshake for one was a perfect cool treat on a hot day. Every recipe I tried was super easy and very tasty. Maybe I will get adventurous and try and make my own recipe next time.


Jul
2016

4th of July Celebration Giveaway

categories: Giveaway

Welcome to the 4th Of July Celebration Blog Giveaway Hop hosted by: On Honeysuckle Hill and MamatheFox! At each stop in this hop you can find a fun prize valued at $15 or more. Be sure to come back for your daily entries to increase you chances of winning! Good Luck!!

4th of July Grand Prize 300

In honor of America’s celebration of our independence, this 4th of July MamatheFox has teamed up with Kuhn Rikon and Zoku for an astounding grand prize! Someone will win (1) Kuhn Rikon Corn Holder Set, (1) Kuhn Rikon Sandwich Knife & Spreader, (2) Zoku Tumblers and (1) Zoku Dino Pop Mold! This prize is valued at $76!

July-4-Celebration
4th of July Celebration Giveaway


Jul
2016

Zoku Tumbler & Dino Pop Mold Review

categories: Reviews

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Zoku package edit

Now that summer is upon us I try to be outside with my daughter as much as possible. Keeping myself as well as her hydrated is so important. Zoku has not only helped with that they have made it so much fun. Zoku is known for their housewares and prides themselves on making family memories around their products.  Zoku has Quick Pop Makers, Ice ball molds, Slush & Shake Maker (where was this when I was pregnant and all I wanted was slushies), Iced Coffee Maker, Ice Cream Makers, Pop & Ice Molds, Travel Tumblers as well as recipe books. I am going to review the Pop & Ice Molds as well as the Travel Tumblers in this article.

Zoku E2 edit

Dino Pop Molds

I was so excited when I received the Dino Pop Molds. Now that my daughter is almost one I want introduce her to everything I remember about being a kid in the summer. I love that with the Pop & Ice Molds I get to decide what is in them and can keep my recipes baby friendly. The pop and Ice Molds are so simple and easy to use, it’s a perfect activity for your kids to help out with. The Pop and Ice Molds make 6 different molds and I love the little details down to the unique handles. Each handle and a symbol to mach to the corresponding mold.  These are perfect size, especially for smaller children. They come in fun designs such as fish, polar and space molds.

Make sure you check out the Recipe Blog on the Zoku website or get creative and make your own. Here’s the recipe I created for my daughter.

Zoku ingredient photo edit 2

Baby Friendly Strawberry Peach Pop

1/4 of a Peach cut into very small chunks

3 Strawberries cut into very small chunks

1/2 cup Peach and Mango Coconut water

1/2 cup water

Mix Coconut water and water in a measuring cup. Divide evenly among your Pop & Ice Mold just under the fill line. Add pieces of Strawberry and Peach to your already filled molds.  Insert handles and freeze for 8 hours. Un-Mold and enjoy.


May
2015

Zoku Ice Cream Maker Review

categories: Reviews

Zoku Ice Cream Maker Review

“Make individual portions of ice cream, custard, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, or sherbet in as little as 10 minutes with the Zoku Ice Cream Maker! Whether you prefer classic flavors like vanilla bean, mint chocolate chip, fresh strawberry, or dark fudge, or you like to create your own flavors, fresh ice cream can now be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Top your creation with fruit, candy pieces, nuts, or brownie chunks, and for a classic flourish, add a bright red cherry on top.”

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Instructions:

1. Freeze inner bowl for 12+ hours
2. Pour in 5 fl. oz. of chilled ice cream mix
3. Stir, scrape, and add toppings once the ice cream begins to form
4. Use silicone edge of bowl to clean spoon while making ice cream
5. For hard ice cream put unit back in freezer for 10-20 additional minutes after soft serve has formed

This ice cream maker is extremely versatile. You have to ability to know each ingredient you put into your ice cream. No need to worry about odd fillers and preservatives. I like knowing what I am putting in my families bellies. With Zoku, I can rest assured knowing they are being filled with yummy goodness without all the GMO’s and unpronounceable words in some of those name brand ice creams at the grocer.

 The only downside to this product is its size. While a single serving is great for a quick yummy treat, when you have a family of 4 it doesn’t make enough for the while family to enjoy. I would like to see them come out with a larger version so that you can ensure that the whole family gets to experience the joy of home made instant ice cream.

 strawberry ice cream zoku

How to make Strawberry Ice Cream in a Zoku Ice Cream Maker

Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cups strawberry
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Blend and pour into Zoku Ice Cream Maker

I let mine sit in the freezer for 5 minutes. Took it out and scraped the frozen parts away from the sides. This allows the center mixture to now touch the cup and begin to freeze. Placed back into freezer for 5 more minutes. Then did the side scrapping again. I ate dinner and when I went back it was the exact thickness I prefer. You can let it sit longer for harder ice cream and eat sooner for more creamy ice cream.

 


Apr
2015

Zoku Quick Pop Maker Giveaway

categories: Giveaway

Giveaway Zoku

Zoku Quick Pop Maker Giveaway

Zoku has graciously allowed me to giveaway one of their Triple Quick Pop Maker‘s valued at $49.99!

Spring-Sweeping15

Welcome to the Spring Sweeping Giveaway Hop, hosted by Lindsey Blogs and Viva Veltoro.

The days are getting warmer, brighter, and longer which may lead many to start Spring Cleaning. But we’re not ready to start cleanin’ until we’re done sweepin’! Take the next two weeks to sweep along the fabulous giveaways that a group of bloggers have come together to offer you! Be sure to hop around to all the giveaways, in the linky below, including the two fabulous Grand Prizes – Sudsy Dough at Lindsey Blogs and the Step2 Heart of the Home Kitchen on Viva Veltoro!

 

Zoku


So Easy Being Green, Viva Veltoro, and the Spring Sweeping participating bloggers are not responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill prize obligations.


Apr
2015

Zoku Quick Pop Maker Review

categories: Reviews

review Zoku

Zoku Quick Pop Maker Review

 

Zoku is known for their housewares, one of which being the Quick Pop Maker. If you have not heard of Zoku and their fun, creative and unique product line, then take a look at some of their amazing product’s here. They are most known from their Quick Pop Maker and Ice Cream Maker. This article will focus on the Quick Pop Maker.

“Freeze ice pops in as little as seven minutes with the patented Zoku Quick Pop® Maker! Make striped pops, yogurt pops, or even flavored core pops right on your countertop without electricity. To enjoy Quick Pops at a moment’s notice, simply store the compact base in your freezer.”

The moment I opened the box that the Quick Pop Maker came in my friend said, “It’s so pretty!” Shortly followed by, “It is so compact, it wont take up hardly any room in your freezer!” She was spot on. This product is so ascetically pleasing that you can set it out at a party and people will be visually drawn to it. But looks are not everything. It’s what is on the inside that counts too. Zoku spent months on research, testing and prototypes to create what we have available for purchase today. The patented cold core can freeze liquids and yogurts in only 7 to 9 minutes! Instant satisfaction.

Triple-Main-2_large

How To:
  1. Freeze your Quick Pop Maker for 8+ hours
  2. Insert pop sticks into the molds
  3. Pour chilled juice into the molds up to the fill line
  4. Watch it freeze for 7-9 minutes

Watch How To Video Here

Character_Kit-TN-4_8bca4c76-b459-42e8-9747-c7f0b63576cbThe Quick Pop Maker comes in 3 sizes, Triple Quick Pop Maker, Duo Quick Pop Maker and the Single Quick Pop Maker. There are more accessories then you can imagine! Some examples are the Character Kit.

“Give your pops some personality with the Zoku Character Kit. Create animals, faces, and your own designs or follow the included instructions to bring your pops to life. Go ahead, play with your food!”

The Social Media Kit lets you make fun designs like a thumbs up symbol, a winking smiley face and other Chocolate_Station-TN-4_54d7d1a5-8636-409d-acdf-75a70ee18293emoticons, letters and numbers and many more options. They have a Storage Case, which is so helpful. You create your liquid, make 3 delicious pops but your tummy fills up. This storage case allows you to store up to 6 pops. Perfect for grabbing a pop in a pinch.  They also went the extra mile and created a Chocolate Station!

“Dip, drop, drip and drizzle your way to enjoying your Quick Pops like never before. The Zoku Chocolate Station adds chocolate shells, sprinkles, and toppings to your favorite Zoku Quick Pops! Pick one up and enjoy gourmet pops at your chocolate-covered fingertips.”

ZK123_Frog_4Once you get addicted to your Quick Pop Maker you are able to expand your collection with Pop & Ice Molds. These molds do not instantly freeze your pop, but instead need to be placed into a freezer for several hours. They have Round Pop Molds, Fish Pop Molds (I adore the whale and scuba diver), Character Pops (check out Stewie the Turtle and those sweet little legs), and even an Ice Ball Mold. The Ice Ball Mold allows you to make one large ice ball to keep you drink cool over a long period of time without a quick melt causing a diluted drink. Perfect for keeping your drink tasty and cool on hot summer days.

Zoku Quick Pop Maker’s are available at the following retailers:

Zoku Tips and Tricks

  • Always put the stick in first, before pouring.
  • DON’T over pour. It leads to it being more difficult to remove. Pour slowly until you get a feel for the depth.
  • Do not wait too long to remove pop from maker. It gets harder to remove.
  • Turn the remover tool until you see the pop start to move away from the sides. The pop is now free. Untwist the removal tool before removing your pop.
  • NEVER yank the stick if your pop is stuck.
  • If your pop is stuck because you overfilled it, pour some cool water on top. If that doesn’t loosen it then use lukewarm water.

How to Make Watermelon Zoku Quick Pops

This is such a kid friendly recipe. You can have your a toddler assist you in making this pop. Watermelon has such a high water content, that makes it a perfect beginner pop to try with your child.  The beauty of Zoku Quick Pop Makers is that you can add the ingredients that you desire. I am able to give my children healthy and dye free pops any time. 

  1. Take 1/4 of a watermelon and chop into small, bit-sized pieces
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the melon pieces
  3. Blend melon and sugar using a handheld mixer
  4. Pour mixture into Zoku Quick Pop Maker
  5. Let freeze for 8 minutes
  6. Enjoy!

beginning

pouring done

main water

How to Make Creamy Blueberry Zoku Quick Pops

Another super kid friendly recipe. They can help you scoop the ice cream, pour the milk and even wash the blueberries!

  1. Place clean blueberries into blender or hand mixer safe container
  2. Scoop 1 – 1.5 cups of vanilla ice cream into mixture
  3. Add 1/3 cup of milk
  4. Blend well (if too thick to pour into mold add milk)
  5. Pour into Zoku Quick Pop Maker
  6. Freeze for 8 minutes
  7. Enjoy!

 

Dorothy

blue up close

 

Now that you see how awesome this Triple Pop Maker is, you can try to win one for yourself!
Click here to enter (Runs 4/14/15-4/28/15)

Giveaway Zoku