Birthday Parties and Berry Cherry (Parental) Punch

Thanks to Pinterest, Chelsea's 3rd birthday was a huge success!  From the balloon garland, to the sundae bar, to the free printables, to the loot bags complete with DIY sundae kits, I must say I'm almost getting crafty!

One of the more important things to include when planning a preschooler's birthday (or perhaps a child of any age) is the 'Parental Punch', you know, the one that makes all the screaming, sugar-rushing chaos even more fun :D  Many of the guests were within walking distance, so driving wasn't an issue, but I have to add that you should never EVER drink and drive... and certainly keep it out of reach of the kiddos!

I winged the recipe for this punch using ingredients I had in the house.  The only thing you should plan ahead is making the ice ring, it makes your punch that much prettier and it melts slower than ice cubes, so your punch stays colder and gets less watered down.  To make the ring, I simply added some fresh blueberries, raspberries, along with some sliced orange and lemon to a bundt pan.  Then I added water just to over the fruit and popped it in the freezer the night before.  I had so many compliments on this punch I almost felt guilty because it was so easy!

Berry Cherry Punch (aka Parental Punch)

1 can Minute Maid Berry Punch, thawed
1 can water
1/2 cup maraschino cherry juice
1/2 cup maraschino cherries
2 litre bottle of Canada Dry ginger ale
Gin and/or Vodka to taste (I used both and really didn't measure and I should have... it was a good bit though but still undetectable taste-wise  :)  Of course, booze is entirely optional)

Stir all together in punch bowl or large salad bowl, add ice ring (paragraph above) or just ice if your party plans are last minute.

For more recipe ideas, please visit www.minutemaid.ca

Enjoy!

Disclosure:  I received Minute Maid free product coupons to try out their products in a recipe.  Opinions though, as always, are mine.

Long Weekend Grilling Fever!

Last weekend was Victoria Day weekend here in Canada, and the American Memorial Day weekend is getting into high gear right about now.  Although both of these holidays are observed for different reasons, they both symbolize one thing for many of us... the official start of summer.

It's the best time of the year, before we start whining about having to mow the lawn again or griping that it's just too hot (oh no, it's not the heat, it's the humidity)... all we know is that we don't need to wear multiple layers of clothes just to run to the mailbox, we just got to get out the grill (although I have been known to spark up the 'Q' from time to time in the winter, it is never a totally enjoyable experience), and it feels GOOD!

I was totally pumped earlier today when I received two cookbooks from the awesome group of people at Cooking Light...

I got both Cooking Light Big Book of Salads: Starters, Sides and Easy Weeknight Dinners and 

Cooking Light Way to Cook Grilling: The Complete Visual Guide to Healthy Grilling.  I've been looking through both of them this evening and these two cookbooks definitely go hand in hand. I am more excited than ever to learn more about cooking on the grill beyond burgers and dogs.  I can't wait to make and share a lot of these recipes with you, including the Jalapeño-Lime Slaw and Tequila-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs... what a combo that would be!  With a menu like that, I think I'll also be testing out Cooking Light's Pina Colada recipe makeover as well.

Thinking beyond burgers and dogs, what is the most creative meal you've made on the grill?  I'd love to know what you've had work, and what just well, flopped.

Helllloooooo Summer!  I've missed you!
xox

Cooking Light's Spinach, Walnut, and Curried Apple Salad

We were having ribs last night for dinner and let's face it, baby back ribs are just not going to make it to Cooking Light's pages.  Life is all about balance though, so I went looking on CookingLight.com for a healthy side that used ingredients I had on hand.

This warm salad is a nice combo of sweet and spicy, soft and crunchy.  I subbed out the bacon for some sliced mini bella mushrooms and shredded mozzarella... one cut of pork in a meal is enough (whoa, did I just say that?).  You can find the full recipe here.  While you are there, check out these other Great Summer Salads... try a combo you've never done before, it might become a new favourite!

Enjoy!

Special K Cracker Chips Review

Last week I received a shipment of the new Special K Cracker Chips to try.  I got a box of each flavour; Original, Cheddar and Sour Cream & Onion.

While we normally have some sort of similar snack in the house, there hasn't been any that have given me an actual 'chip' feeling, but these do.  They are really crunchy, the thickness is just right, as is the size of the chips.  At only 80 calories per 18 chips, I don't feel quite so guilty about dipping them (or eating half a box).  I liked the Original and the Sour Cream & Onion the most, as did the friends who I had sample the cracker chips with me.  The Cheddar were still good, but I didn't love the flavouring, it could use more zip.

As for the chip itself, it is low in saturated fat, trans fat free as well as free of any artificial flavours and colours... hooray!

You can find Special K Cracker Chips in the cracker aisle, even though I agree, they could double in the chip aisle as well.

Disclosure:  I received free product to try/review should I choose.  Opinions, as always, are my own.

Extraordinary Cheese Dip

If you're Canadian, and you've ever been to an Epicure party, you've probably tried this hot dip. Since becoming an Epicure consultant myself, I've made this dip a lot... and it rarely leaves the house, hehe.  The blend of cheese and herbs in all it's melty goodness is irresistible.  Here's the smaller version that I make, that is only slightly different from the original.

Extraordinary Cheese Dip
Adapted from Epicure Selections

1/2 block (1/2 cup) cream cheese, regular or light
1/4 cup sour cream, regular or light
1/4 cup mayo, regular or light
1/4 cup grated sharp or old cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated mozzarella
1/2 tsp Epicure's Seasoning for Cheese, Chives & Bacon Dip
1/2 tsp Epicure's Lemon Dilly Dip Mix
1/2 tsp Epicure's 3 Onion Dip Mix

Mix all ingredients together well, by hand or in a food processor.  Scrape into a small oven-proof dish like Epicure's mini baker, and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.

If you are outside of Canada, I'm sorry for the tease.  Perhaps a trip north this summer is in order?

Enjoy!  (and feel free to contact me any time if you have any questions about ordering Epicure products, hosting a tasting party or becoming a consultant yourself, I'd love to have you on my team!)

Yello Dolly Bars

I was at the Bulk Barn last week and instantly transformed into 'crow' mode... I was drawn to anything bright and shiny.  This drew me to two brand new items, lemon chips and rainbow coconut. Okay, I've seen rainbow coconut before but never in all my days have I seen or even heard of lemon chips... my head started swirling with all the possibilities.  Swapping lemon chips for chocolate chips, adding them to anything blueberry, biscotti... and on and on and on.  This morning, the Yello Dolly Bar was born...

Based on the classic Hello Dolly Bars, these totally addictive treats have an Arrowroot cookie crust, almonds, rainbow coconut and of course, lemon chips.

My Yello Dolly Bars

1 1/2 sleeves Arrowroot (baby) cookies

2/3 cups melted unsalted butter

pinch of salt

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 1/3 cups chopped almonds

1 1/3 cups rainbow coconut

1 1/3 cups lemon chips

Line the bottom of a 9 x 13" baking pan with parchment paper.  In a food processor, turn Arrowroots into crumbs.  Add in the melted butter/salt and pulse to combine.  Pat lightly and evenly into bottom of baking pan.  Pour entire can of sweetened condensed milk over the crust, no need to spread it out perfectly, then sprinkle with nuts, coconut and lemon chips.  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.  Let cool and then cut into small squares.  These freeze well, but it won't keep you from eating them... they taste great frozen too!

Oh lemon chips, I love you!

Enjoy!

Dishwasher 101 & Giveaway!

When I found out that I was going to be a Finish Revolution Blogger, I had no idea that I had so much to learn about dishwashers... no wonder my husband always preferred to look after that job himself.

Now, I have no problems at all wheeling Frankenwasher across the kitchen and hooking her up. The Finish Quantum tabs are simple to use, I just pop one on the bottom of the dishwasher (because her little flap doesn't like to open), and all of my dishes are coming out cleaner than they ever have.  The kind folks at Finish held a webinar for us Bloggers with Finish’s North American dishwasher technician trainer, Diane, and I thought I would pass along some of the more interesting things I learned.

• When loading your dishwasher, never 'nest' the utensils, bowls, or anything for that matter.  The water needs to get around the dishes to clean them.
• The water running into your dishwasher needs to be at least 120 degrees Celsius to be effective... check your hot water tank settings and if your dishwasher is far away from your hot water tank and has far to travel, you may need to set it even higher.
• Both hard and soft water can alter the effectiveness of your dishwasher, without a quality detergent.
• Amazingly, 80% of the time a technician is called, there is nothing wrong mechanically with the dishwasher.
• Stainless Steel water bottles and pans can go in the dishwasher after all (again with a quality detergent).
• With a quality detergent, pre-rinsing is just a waste of water.
• Do not keep your dishwasher detergent under the sink... really!  The moisture there is enough to activate the cleaners within the detergent and by the time you use it it's really no good anymore.  Who knew?
• The two different types of cleaners used in dishwasher detergent are bleach and enzymes.  Both do different things, so you need to make sure that you get a detergent that contains the cleaner you need.  Gel detergents can only contain one or the other.  
• Enzymes attack the foods that tend to stick to dishes in the dishwasher; oatmeal, eggs, mac & cheese.  Bleach picks up where the enzymes leave off.  Finish Quantum is rated #1 because it has both bleach and enzymes.
• Finish Quantum has been phosphate-free since 2010.
• Finally, I know how Finish Jet-Dry Rinse Agent works... simply put, it makes water 'wetter'.  A droplet of water has high surface tension and a vertical drop will just hang there until it dries, leaving spots.  Jet-Dry lowers surface tension and allows the water to run right off, making drying times faster.

I never paid attention to what brand dishwasher detergent we bought up until 3 months ago, and also thought because of Frankenwasher's 'quirks' that we'd always have to use gel.  Now I'm hooked on Finish Quantum and found out it's #1 for a reason... it's the best!

Frankie feels 15 years younger, smells great and has never worked better... I think I'll keep her.

I want to share my Finish Quantum love with you, and have been provided with 2 boxes to give away to 1 of my readers.  Canada only, sorry!  Follow Finish Canada on Facebook for more upcoming surprises!

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Disclosure: I am part of the Finish Blogger Program by Mom Central. I received compensation as part of my affiliation with this group.  The opinions on this blog are my own.

BHBC - Where She Went

This month the BlogHer Book Club is reading Gayle Forman's Where She Went, the sequel to her New York Times Bestseller If I Stay.  Sadly, I didn't get a chance to read If I Stay before I read Where She Went, but funny enough I am still very excited to pick up a copy.

I love how this book is written, it shows just how much chaos we can create and how many decisions we are forced to make in the run of a day, let alone a lifetime... and how each moment has the ability to colour the rest of our lives.  Where She Went takes place three years after the first novel and is written in the perspective of the male lead character, Adam, unlike the first, which was written in the perspective of the female lead, Mia.  The raw emotions and extreme anxiety that Adam feels are so evident in Forman's words, making this a hard book to put down... I finished this one so fast my husband actually asked me yesterday when I was going to start reading it, he usually sees me with the same book for a week or so, so he was surprised when I told him I finished it last week.

Thanks #BHBC for selecting yet another great read!

Join the discussion here.

Disclosure:  This is a compensated review from the BlogHer Book Club.  Opinions, as always, 

are my own.

Ham & Lentil Soup

Last week, when I made my fougasse (my KitchenAid is still out for repair, but she's on the mend), I mentioned that we ate it with soup, well this is the one.  Again, like a lot of my non-baking recipes, this recipe was developed out of necessity, using what I had in the kitchen that day.

This is a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs soup, and can easily be dinner on its own with some fresh baked bread or biscuits.  The pesto lurks in the background, adding another layer of flavour, but not defining the soup.  If you have any leftovers, they will be even more tasty the next day.

Thankfully, no kitchen appliances or utensils were harmed in the making of this soup :)  

My Ham & Lentil Soup

Inspired by the soup at Closet Cooking

4-6 servings

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves minced garlic

2 tsp herbes de Provence (or simply some thyme, rosemary or sage)

1 bay leaf

1 big handful baby carrots, sliced

1 tomato, chopped

1/4 cup white wine (optional)

1 900ml carton low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup green (or brown) lentils, rinsed

2 cups chopped cooked ham

1/4 cup basil pesto

Juice of 1/2 a fresh lemon

S&P to taste

In a soup pot or large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and add in the onions and carrots.  Cook for a few minutes, until they begin to soften and add in the garlic and herbes de Provence and tomato.  Cook, stirring occasionally for another 2 to 3 minutes.  Add the white wine and deglaze the pot.  Then add in the lentils, ham, broth and bay leaf.  Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and allow to simmer, cover, for approximately 50 minutes.  Stir in the pesto and a squeeze of fresh lemon, season with S&P and...

Enjoy!

Product Review - Swiss Naturals Calcium Chocolate Fudge Brownie Soft Chews

During the month of  April I was testing out the new Swiss Natural Calcium Chocolate Fudge Brownie Soft Chews.

Among so many other things (including heart/nerve health, strong bones and teeth) calcium is involved in regulating blood pressure, and I know sometimes I am just not getting enough calcium in my diet.  My doctor put me on blood pressure medication in my mid-20's and I was on it until I was 34.  Since my weight has crept up some over the past year, I really don't want to see my blood pressure creep up as well.   So while I'm getting back on the ol' portion control and fitness regime, I'm also taking every step I can to avoid returning to medication... so if calcium can help regulate blood pressure, I'm all for it!

A bag  contains 60 supplements, enough for one month at the recommended adult dose.  You do have to watch the timing of when you eat the chews, you should take them separately from prescription medications and preferably with food, as the calcium carbonate is absorbed best with food as it is dependent on stomach acid for its absorption.

As for the taste, I would not go as far as to say that I had no idea that I wasn't eating a chocolate fudge brownie, to me they tasted like and had the texture of, a kind of malted chocolate bar I used to eat as a child (but cannot remember the name, gah!).  Simply 'Chocolate' might have been a more appropriate name.  But at only 15 calories a chew, I will certainly be keeping these around for times when I know I am not eating the amount of calcium-rich foods I should be.  With a regular recommended selling price of $11.99 a bag, you won't be breaking the bank either for a month's worth of supplements/snacks.  FYI: these soft chews are gelatin-free, gluten-free and Kosher.

For more information on this and other Swiss Naturals products, 'Like' them on Facebook.

Disclosure:  I received complementary product to review, but opinions, as always, are all mine.

Product Review - Allan's Dessert Bites

Last week I received a box of candy at my door to try; have I yet mentioned today how much I love being a blogger?

What was in the box was an assortment of the new Dessert Bites from the Allan Candy Company (with the cutest instructions ever).  They are the only dessert-flavoured candy available in Canada and come in handy 200g resealable bags.  The four flavours available are:

• Key Lime Pie
• Apple Pie
• Strawberry Shortcake
• Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake

While I LOVE chocolate, I'm not always a candy person and sadly, I really didn't like these at all (with the exception of the Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake variety, they were okay... probably the chocolate coating).  If the flavoured middle had been creamy and not gummy-like, I think I would have liked them more as the flavours themselves weren't bad.  

My husband and my sister-in-law however, are more 'candy people' and really liked them a lot. Surprisingly hubs enjoyed the two fruit pie ones best, totally not what I predicted.  He thought that it was the type of candy he would take to the movies after dinner.

So if you are a candy person like hubs, I think you'll probably enjoy these and recommend you give them a try.  The anti-gummy/jelly folks like me, best stick to the real deal... cheesecake anyone?

For more information on Dessert Bites, 'Like' them on Facebook.

Disclosure:  I received complimentary product to review, but opinions, as always, are all mine.

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope all you Moms got to hang this sign today as well :)

Web Photo

FFwD - Provencal Olive Fougasse

It's been weeks and weeks since I've participated in a French Fridays with Dorie and when I took a moment last weekend to check out May's selections, I knew I'd have to get back to it this month.

This week's selection, as they seem to always be, was a winner... and one I will always remember because it was while kneading this dough, my KitchenAid Stand Mixer decided to try to hang itself.   I'll never know what exactly happened, but between the kneading, life buzzing around and me boisterously pitting olives nearby it somehow managed to fall off the edge of the counter, missing the floor by inches, hanging by what was left of it's power cord!

Luckily I was able to have the cord replaced the next day...

However, when we plugged her in, my stir speed was gone.  Since that is the one I use with the ice cream attachment, that just won't work.  I searched and searched online and finally after finding the service manual, we tried to adjust the speed control... for well over an hour, but it seems a new part is needed.  So my partner in crime, The Precious, Black Beauty, my sister from another transistor, is now out being repaired and getting the help she 'kneads'.

So now that you've all made sure that your small appliances are not dangerously close to the edge of the counter, let's get back to this yummy bread.

Even in the fridge, this dough certainly rises well!

Although it's such a soft dough, it's very workable...

I rolled it and stretched it as good as I could.  I decided just to make one Fougasse the first night and save the other half of the dough until the next day.

I had a feeling some of my holes were going to bake together, I was right.

However, we didn't care at all... this bread was insanely good.  We had it warm with some olive oil for dipping and a hearty soup (recipe coming soon).

The next day's dough was even easier to work with and stretched thinner.  This loaf had a more pretzel-ish texture, for lack of a better term, and though different, was just as delicious.  

I will be making these again and again (both ways), once I have my baby back... I don't have the guns to do this dough by hand.

We don't post Dorie's recipes on our blog posts, but we do encourage you to buy your own copy and cook your way through it with us.

Are You A Super Mom? Build-A-Bear Workshop Mother's Day Giveaway

Super Mom... it's almost a dirty word these days, it's something we were set up to become, shamed into pretending that we are, even when we aren't even close.  Wouldn't it be awesome if Super Moms were real super heroes that could come and rescue us when the household is falling in shambles around us and dinner isn't made (although tons of healthy meal ideas have been pinned on Pinterest)...

Well wait no longer, she's here (and the cutest bear I've ever seen)!

The flowers are blooming, the air is warm and breezy...spring is finally here and Build-A-Bear Workshop^® is celebrating Mother’s Day with Champ - A Champion Fur Kids™, dressed in the new Super Mom Costume. Personalize any Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friend with a variety of Mother’s Day clothing and accessories to make a unique gift that will show Mom how much you really care.

Whether you are looking for a unique gift to brighten Mother’s Day, or a thoughtful gift for a friend to officially celebrate spring’s arrival, Build-A-Bear Workshop invites all of its Guests to check out the array of gift options that are sure to bring smiles well into the season.

I am offering one lucky Canadian reader  the chance to win the gift of friendship with this Mother’s Day Furry Friend prize pack valued at $65! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below.  This is a quickie, ends Thursday at noon EST!

Visit Build-A-Bear Workshop at www.buildabear.com^®  for more spring gift ideas!

Disclosure:  I received no compensation for this post, this giveaway was provided through a PR firm, and will be mailed directly to the winner by them... she was just too darn cute to pass up.  Happy Mother's Day!

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Saputo a la carte Summer Contest & A Giveaway!

You know I love me some pizza... anything smothered in ooey gooey cheese is high up there on my comfort food wish list.  Since I discovered Saputo Mozzarellissima about 2-years ago, it has been my go-to grocery store mozzarella.   Not only is it the stretchiest mozzarella I have ever used, it's delicious and just as important, it's easy to find and doesn't cost a fortune.

Mmm... remember this pizza?  That's Mozzarellissima! 

http://www.mmmisformommy.com/2011/04/perfect-pizza.html

When I was contacted and asked if I would like to review some Mozzarellissima and try out some new recipes, I had no hesitation and responded right away with a huge YES!  I had no idea that Saputo had actually been in the cheese-making business in Canada since 1954, I guess that's why they know how to make such great cheese.

Saputo has paired with Quebec-based cookbook author/TV personality Sabrina Tutino to create some very blog-worthy (again, a Seinfeld episode has wormed it's way into my brain) recipes, which I can't wait to try out.  Not only can you try the recipes too, but you can also enter to win a $50,000 dream backyard from Saputo!  It's easy to enter, you just select your starter, main and dessert and enter your info at saputoalacarte.ca.  If the backyard makeover doesn't do it for you, how about a years supply of Saputo cheeses... that's the second prize, and there are ten of them.  Mmm... cheese.  The contest runs until June 17th, 2012.

In the meantime, I've been offered a great basket of Saputo Mozzarellissima & barbecue gadgets to give away to one of my Canadian readers.  To enter, complete the Rafflecopter below.

Win me!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  I was supplied with free product vouchers to sample/review product as well as the giveaway basket.  I received no other compensation and opinions, as always, are mine.

BHBC - You Have No Idea

This month the BlogHer Book Club is reading You Have No Idea by Vanessa & Helen Williams.  I wasn't sure how much I would enjoy this book, not really knowing much about Vanessa Williams beforehand (I might be the only person who didn't watch Ugly Betty)... by the end of the book I felt like I knew both her and her mom, and I really liked them!  I spent a couple of nights up wayyy past my bedtime just because I couldn't put it down.

Web Photo

I really like how this book is written from both perspectives, a mother & her daughters...  it's obvious that these two really have a bond, even though they may not have always been traditionally close.  They write about the ups and downs of family, friendships, relationships, careers and the things that are best just put behind them in a very open and honest way... nothing is sugar-coated.

This book was very aptly titled, because I really had no idea...

Just in time for Mother's Day, join the discussion here.

Disclosure:  This is a compensated review from the BlogHer Book Club.  Opinions, as always, are my own.