The Toy Story Magic 8 Ball is a popular toy that is based on the beloved Toy Story movie franchise. It is a plastic sphere that is designed to resemble the iconic Magic 8 Ball toy. The main idea behind the Toy Story Magic 8 Ball is to provide kids with a fun and interactive toy that can provide them with answers to their questions. The Toy Story Magic 8 Ball works by having a variety of phrases and responses printed on a 20-sided die inside the ball. When a child asks a question and shakes the ball, the die rolls and lands on a specific response. The response is then displayed through a small window on the exterior of the ball.
6) Lentil Soup with Garlicky Vinaigrette From the always dependable Catherine Newman. Now if I could only figure out how to get my kids to like lentils. (Warning: It involves some sautéing in the prep work.)
But it was quite the opposite actually With dinner out of the way, and subsequently, with all my dinner-making psychic energy freed up, I found myself scrutinizing every meal I saw on instagram, in magazines, on blogs and menus wondering Would this work in the slow cooker. When I turned to my all-knowing crockpot community on Facebook for advice My request I don t need the Cadillac of Slow-Cookers, a nice dependable Honda will do just fine I got a lot of suggestions, but ended up one-clicking The Original Crockpot.
The response is then displayed through a small window on the exterior of the ball. The Toy Story Magic 8 Ball is themed around the characters and elements of the Toy Story movies. The exterior of the ball features images of the beloved characters from the movies, such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the Little Green Alien.
What’s Brewing in that Witches Pot?
So do you guys know about these things called slow-cookers? Get this: you throw a bunch of s#*t into a pot, press a button, and ten hours later, dinner is ready. It’s like magic!
I’m kidding of course. I think at least half of the nice people who read my blog have emailed me at some point in the past few years to ask WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHY DON’T YOU WRITE ABOUT SLOW-COOKER DINNERS? WHY THE HECK DO YOU NOT OWN A SLOW COOKER?
Would you accept the answer: Because it’s too easy?
Last week, I finally bit the bullet and purchased one. When I turned to my all-knowing crockpot community on Facebook for advice (My request: “I don’t need the Cadillac of Slow-Cookers, a nice dependable Honda will do just fine”) I got a lot of suggestions, but ended up one-clicking The Original Crockpot. This one, you told me, is the one I want. It’s oval, so accommodates different cuts of meat; it’s durable, programmable, reasonably priced, and best of all, fits in a cabinet. I did consider the ones with browning capabilities, but eventually ruled them out for two reasons: 1) they tended to be more expensive and 2) I don’t see myself using a slow cooker for browning. I’m not after a hands-on technique-driven cooking experience here. (That’s what my Dutch Oven is for.) All I want out of a slow-cooker is the permission to be artless and brain-dead about dinner when I know I’m headed for a hectic evening — or when the idea of cooking is about as appealing as an IRS audit.
I began my education in artlessness at 7:00 am, the morning after my crock pot landed on the doorstep. The goal? To not spend more than two minutes putting something together, and to use what I had in the fridge and pantry — no shopping allowed. It was a Thursday, so pickin’s were slim, but after scanning some of your recipe suggestions (thank you Facebook friends!) I decided to go with a version of this Santa Fe Chicken. I used onions instead of scallions, fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, a single dried guajillo pepper instead of cayenne, and, for good measure, threw in some chile powder, a pinch of cinnamon, and oregano. I didn’t measure a single thing and other than the onion, didn’t chop anything either. I pressed the 10-hour low function button and went about my day.
I wish I could say that was the last I thought about dinner until we sat down 10 hours later (to a delicious meal, btw). But it was quite the opposite actually: With dinner out of the way, and subsequently, with all my dinner-making psychic energy freed up, I found myself scrutinizing every meal I saw (on instagram, in magazines, on blogs and menus) wondering “Would this work in the slow cooker? Would that work in the slow-cooker?”
In other words I think I’m beginning to understand why you guys are so obsessed with this thing. I don’t know how often I’ll end up using it, but I’m certainly excited by the possibilities. And I’m particularly grateful that I caught on just as Halloween approaches — we usually make a big witch’s cauldron of something self-serve-y to keep on the stovetop, like Andy’s Second Place Chili or Rich Man’s Franks & Beans. Something quick and easy for the kids who want to be done with the business of real food so they can begin their pursuit of Supersize Milky Way Darks, and also something a weary grown-up chaperone might appreciate when they ring our doorbell. (That’s one of my most favorite things about Halloween — inviting parents in who I haven’t seen in a while.) I’m thinking this time I might go with one of these. As always, suggestions are welcome!
1) Chicken Tikka Masala Only problem here is that the recipe calls for cutting the chicken into pieces. But might be worth it because I know my eldest will flip over this recipe.
2) Korean Beef Tacos Or I might also just make Anna’s short ribs (which are so popular, they are also in Playbook.) Note: Anna posted Top 10 Slow Cooker Meals for Parents on her blog and I plan to work my way down that list as well. (Hello Indian Butter Chicken…)
3) Holiday Brisket So my sister makes this fantastic brisket every year for the High Holy Days that involves a can of Coke. The idea of pouring that into the pot is kinda great.
5) Chicken Mole I’m going to avoid all the pre-pureeing and see what happens. I mean, how can it be bad.
6) Lentil Soup with Garlicky Vinaigrette From the always dependable Catherine Newman. Now if I could only figure out how to get my kids to like lentils. (Warning: It involves some sautéing in the prep work.)
7) Sweet-and-Sour Country Ribs This is one of the first up.
9) Slow Cooker Cassoulet I’m not kidding, I remember Bittman writing this story (and this recipe) in 2003 — that’s how long I’ve put off this purchase. (The short rib pasta sauce looks pretty darn good, too.)
10) Lastly, not a full-on dinner recipe but…Chicken Stock! In the words of my friend Robin Z: “It’s not a sexy recipe, but let no organic chicken carcass go to waste! Immediately after roasting, put the bones, water, etc, in the pot & cook all night on low. Drain, refrigerate, skim fat, freeze or use as you go.” Love that idea. Thanks Robin! See you Saturday! 🙂
Because my daughter would never forgive me if I passed up a chance to use a Roz Chast cartoon.
So do you guys know about these things called slow-cookers? Get this: you throw a bunch of s#*t into a pot, press a button, and ten hours later, dinner is ready. It’s like magic!
This theme adds an extra layer of excitement and connection for fans of the Toy Story franchise. The main idea behind the Toy Story Magic 8 Ball is to provide kids with a fun and interactive toy that can provide them with answers to their questions. It combines the appeal of the Magic 8 Ball toy with the beloved characters and elements of the Toy Story movies. Whether a child is seeking advice about school, friendship, or what to have for dinner, the Toy Story Magic 8 Ball provides a fun and imaginative way for them to seek answers..
Reviews for "The Toy Story Magic 8 Ball: A Toy That Stands the Test of Time"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Toy Story Magic 8 Ball. Firstly, the responses it provided were very limited and repetitive. It seemed like I was getting the same answers over and over again. Secondly, the quality of the plastic casing was not up to the mark. It felt cheap and flimsy in my hands. Overall, I expected more from a Toy Story product and sadly, this 8 Ball fell short of my expectations.
2. John - 1 star - I regret purchasing the Toy Story Magic 8 Ball. The answers it gave were often inaccurate and nonsensical. There were times when it would give conflicting responses for the same question. Additionally, the floating plastic character inside the ball seemed to get stuck frequently, making it difficult to get a clear answer. This was a waste of money and I would not recommend it to anyone.
3. Emily - 2 stars - The Toy Story Magic 8 Ball was a letdown for my child, who is a big Toy Story fan. Not only were the responses repetitive, but they also didn't align with the characters' personalities from the movie. The ball claims to have over 20 responses, but it felt like we were hearing the same ones repeatedly. My child lost interest quickly and it now sits unused in the toy bin. Unfortunately, this was not a magical experience as promised.
4. Mike - 2.5 stars - As a collector of Toy Story memorabilia, I was excited to add the Magic 8 Ball to my collection. However, I was left disappointed. The 8 Ball lacked the attention to detail that I am used to with Toy Story products. The printing on the answers was fuzzy and some of the phrases were barely legible. Moreover, the plastic casing had visible scratches and imperfections. Overall, this product did not live up to the quality standards I expect from merchandise related to the beloved Toy Story franchise.