Wholesome Wednesday: Microbaked Apple

Today's Wholesome Wednesday doesn't have a picture unfortunately  I made it again and snapped a pic.  Because I've been reworking a recipe that I had hoped would be ready, but isn't.  So I have this to share instead.  It comes from the Drop 10 Diet book.  I just recently checked it out because I'm always looking for more healthy ideas to add to our menu.  Last night I made these Micro baked Apples and they were quite good.  There's no picture because I didn't realize that they'd be as good as they were.  Also they just look like a mess.  Not really any way to pretty them up for a photo.  :)

Micro baked Apple


Microwave a small cored apple (depending on how thick the peel is you might want to peel them too).  Fill the hole with 1 tablespoon of raisins and microwave until tender, 3-5 minutes.  Mine took about 2 1/2 minutes.  So do keep an eye on it.  Top with 1/2 cup low fat vanilla ice cream.  

So the recipe couldn't be simpler.  And it tastes amazing.  Kinda like a hot apple pie without the crust.  I definitely recommend trying it out.  :)

As soon as I finish the recipe I've been playing with I'll post some photos, but you'll have to wait till next Wednesday to get all the details.  

Cookies For Rookies-The Looneyspoons Collection

Since I love cooking and baking I go through a lot of cookbooks.  The most recent one I had was The Looneyspoons Collection by Janet & Greta Podleski.  I'd seen one of their cookbooks before about a decade ago, when I lived in Seattle.  And the cookbooks are really cute.  They're illustrated, with pictures on almost every single page and have a lot of nutritional information in them. 

As you might have noticed, here at Rosie Discovers, we're suckers for anything with peanut butter and chocolate in them.  And I do mean anything.  So it was a no-brainer to try out the Cookies for Rookies recipe.  I quite like this recipe because it makes a more moist cookie than the other oatmeal peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe that we love.  It reminds me more of a soft peanut butter cookie.  It even has the cute fork marks on top.  There are only two things I changed in the recipe.  First, I used a peanut butter with honey already in it (which I absolutely love!!).  Second, I made my cookies smaller.  A 1 1/2 inch cookie is a little big for me, so I used a tablespoon cookie scoop to make mine.  If you make a smaller cookie, you should get about 3 1/2 dozen out of the recipe and you'll also have to adjust the cooking time to about 7 minutes.

Cookies For Rookies

1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Using a mixer, beat together brown sugar, butter, peanut butter and egg on low speed till well blended.  Add dry and chocolate chips and mix well.

Using a cookie scoop, scoop out dough 2 inches apart onto greased or lined cookie sheets.  Flatten with a fork to 1/4 inch thickness.  Bake about 7 minutes.  Watch to make sure cookies don't dry out and over bake.

To me this is the perfect cookie size.  This way you can have more than one, because you'll definitely want too.

alternaVites Kids Review

Recently I got asked to review alternaVites Kids, a quick melting vitamin for kids.  It's a really neat concept.  The vitamins come in these little tubes and are about the consistency of pixie sticks.  One tube contains a full dose of multivitamins and minerals.  The crystals are quick melting too just like a pixie stick.  There are a variety of ways you can take them too.  You can just pour them straight on to your tongue.  Lick it off a spoon.  Mix them into smoothies, yogurts, puddings and shakes.  Sprinkle it on top of fresh fruit.  There are a ton of ways you could take these.  Also since they're so versatile, it should be easy to find a way your kids will love.

AlternaVites Kids also does not contain any sugar, aspartame, HFCS, nothing artificial, no animal products or by products, no egg, no soy, no milk, no peanut, no tree nuts, no wheat, no fish or shellfish and also certified kosher pareve.  I really like that alternaVites don't contain any of these common allergens.  Especially great in a children's vitamin as a lot of kids aren't diagnosed early if they have allergies. 

I got to sample the strawberry bubblegum flavor.  And they amazingly do taste like strawberries and bubble gum.  The alternavites Kids even taste sweet because of the xylitol.  I'm sure your kids and the kid in you will love them.  A package of 30 packets retails for $15.95 and you can receive a 20% discount when you use the code moms20 to place your order.

Make sure to check out alternaVites Kids on facebook and follow them on twitter.

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for review.  All opinions are my own.

Apple Pie with a Coconut Oil Crust + Tropical Traditions Give-Away!!

Recently Tropical Traditions offered to let me try out some of their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  I'd never used it before but had heard that its incredibly good for you.  Dr. Oz says so too.  :)

Here's a video about Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.

I've tried a few things with coconut oil and not all were a baking success.  As you've read, I tried making an entirely coconut oil pie crust and a lemon blueberry bread (both were fails).  I do quite like to use it when making anything with meat and also throwing some in with the rice when I make it in the microwave.  To me it doesn't add a coconut taste to anything I've made.  Which makes it perfect!  How to Use Coconut Oil: There are hundreds of uses!

I did email Tropical Traditions because I was having issues using the Coconut Oil to bake with and they recommended using half coconut oil and half butter.  Upon learning this, I knew exactly what to bake...my favorite apple pie.  So here's the recipe and the pics:

Coconut Oil Double Pie Crust Recipe

2 cups all purpose flour
1/3 cup coconut oil
1/3 cup unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
1/2 teaspoon salt
5-7 tablespoons ice water

You can make the crust in two different ways, you can use the food processor or you can use a pastry cutter.  I prefer using a pastry cutter because I've always used one.  If pressed for time, I'd break down and use the food processor.

(Pastry Cutter) 1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.  Then add coconut oil and butter, work them into the flour using the pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse meal. 
2. Add 5 tablespoons ice water and work into flour mixture.  Continue to add water till dough comes together but don't add enough to become sticky.
3.  Separate dough into 2 even pieces.  Using hands work one piece into a thick round.  Roll out with rolling pin, large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan.  Do the same with second piece of dough.

(Food Processor) 1. In food processor bowl, combine all ingredients except water.  Pulse several times till mixture resembles coarse meal.  2.  Add 5 tablespoons ice water and pulse till dough comes together.  Adding more water as needed.  3.  Separate dough into 2 even pieces.  Using hands work one piece into a thick round.  Roll out with rolling pin, large enough to fit a 9-inch pie pan.  Do the same with second piece of dough.

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie (adapted from The American's Test Kitchen Family Baking Book)

5 lbs your favorite type of apple (I prefer tart: rome, mcintosh, granny smith, jonathon) peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4" thick
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh lemon zest (if I have it I use it, if I don't it still comes out great)
dash of salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (I use bottled if I don't have a lemon)

1. Toss the apples, sugars, zest, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg together in a large bowl.  Transfer to a large Dutch oven or a large cooking pot, cover and cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until apples are fork tender but still hold their shape, 10-20 minutes.  Transfer apples and their juice to a rimmed baking sheet and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

2. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place foil-lined rimmed baking sheet on the rack, and heat the oven to 425 degrees.  Drain the cooled apples thoroughly through a colander, reserving 1/4 cup of the juice.  Stir the lemon juice into the reserved 1/4 cup of apple juice.

3.  Spread the apples into the dough-lined pie plate, mounding them slightly in the middle, and drizzle with the lemon juice mixture.  Loosely roll the second piece of dough around the rolling pin and gently unroll it over the pie.  Trim, fold, and crimp the edges, and cut 4 vent holes in the top.

4. Place the pie on the heated baking sheet and bake until the crust is golden, about 25 minutes.  Reduce heat to 375 degrees, rotate baking sheet, and continue to bake until the juices are bubbling and the crust is deep golden brown, 25-30 minutes longer.  Let the pie cool on a wire rack until the filling has set, about 2 hours; serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

My recipe differs in that I use apples that I like instead of a mix of tart and sweet.  I've also increased and added spices.  This tastes more like a classic apple pie to me.  And yeah, it is important to cook the apples before hand.  If you don't, they'll shrink and you'll be left with a lot of empty space at the top and your crust will collapse when you cut it.

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil

On to the giveaway, Tropical Traditions has graciously offered to send a quart of Coconut Oil to one lucky reader.  You can enter below using the rafflecopter entry form.  Contest will run from May 4th - May 15th.  Open to residents of the US and Canada.  Also you if you're a new customer and place an order with this link you can get a free coconut oil cookbook.  Tropical Traditions Weekly Sales

Yoplait Lactose Free $.30 coupon

MyBlogSpark sent over a coupon for $.30 off a lactose free Yoplait yogurt.  So make sure to print it, as this will make a pretty good deal.  :)

Wholesome Wednesday: Cornbread

I’ve always loved cornbread.  And I love it in any shape or form.  This is an incredibly simple recipe that mixes up in minutes.  It's also surprising that it doesn't have any butter in it.  But the buttermilk and sour cream keep the cornbread from being dry.  It's incredibly moist.  It will also please picky eaters as it doesn’t have added corn kernels or any spicy things.  This cornbread goes great with my almost paleo chocolate chili.

Wholesome Wednesday: Cornbread

2 cups cornmeal

1 cup flour

1 ¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup sugar

1 egg

½ cup sour cream

2 cups buttermilk

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl.  In a medium bowl, beat egg then whisk in buttermilk and sour cream.  Whisk well and bake in a greased 9x13 pan at 375 degrees for 20-24 minutes.  

Mariano's Fresh Market Match-ups April 26 - May 9

Here are the best deals April 26 - May 9, 2012

Double Daze

Every Wednesday you can save 100% more on manufacturers’ coupons.  The manufacturer gives you a deal, and we double it.  Redeem up to 5 manufacturers' coupons worth up to $1 each and spend a minimum $25 in a single transaction, and we make those 5 coupons worth $10. That’s 100% more savings.

Mariano's Fresh Market Coupon Policy

Best Deals

Artisan Lettuce 18 oz. 2/$3 *One of my families faves*

Mission Tostadas or Tortillas 14-27.5 oz. $1.89 Be on the lookout for $1 peelies

            Final Price $.89

Kashi Steam Meals or Entrees 9-10 oz. $2.49 Print $2 here

            Final Price $.49

Yoplait Light Yogurt With Granola 12 oz. $2.19 3/25 SS

            Final Price as low as $.69 during Double Daze

Kraft MilkBite Milk and Granola Bars 6.15 oz. $2.49 Print $1 here, Print $.75 here

            Final Price as low as $.49 during Double Daze

Produce

Green or White Asparagus $1.99 lb

Premium Strawberries 1 lb $1.69

Traditional or Champagne Mangoes $.89 lb

Artisan Lettuce 18 oz. 2/$3

Large Navel Oranges 2/$1

Green D’Anjou Pears $.99 lb

Vidalia Sweet Onions $.69 lb Print $.50 here

            Final Price as low as $2.45 for 5 lbs during Double Daze

Red, White or Gold Pearl Onions 6 oz. $1.99

Kumato Tomatoes 16 oz. $1.99

Jumbo Garlic $1.79 lb

Variety Baby Eggplant 4 ct. $4.88

Portabella Mushrooms $1.99 lb

Oyster Mushrooms $3.99 lb

Shiitake Mushrooms $5.99 lb

Crimini Mushrooms $1.99 lb

Organic Produce

Organic Navel Oranges 2/$1.50

Organic Strawberries 1 lb 2/$5

Organic On the Vine Cluster Tomatoes $2.49 lb

Organic Green, Red or Lacinato Kale $1.99 lb

Organic Celery $.98

Infinite Organic Culinary Herbs $1.99

Organicgirl Salads 5 oz. $2.99 Print $1 here, Print $1 here

            Final Price $1.99

Organic Gala, Fuji, Red Delicious or Granny Smith Apples $.98 lb

Meat

USDA Choice Black Angus Boneless Beef Skirt Steak $5.99 lb

All Natural Fresh Ground Sirloin $4.69 lb

Fresh Harvestland All Natural Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $4.99 lb

Mariano’s Own Fresh Store Made Italian Sausage $2.99 lb

USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Pinwheels $6.99 lb

Fresh All Natural Grass Fed New York Strip or Ribeye $16.99 lb

All Natural Bone-In Pork Loin Chops or Roasts $3.49 lb

USDA Choice Strauss Lamb Shoulder Chops $9.99 lb

Fresh Live Mussels 2 lb bag $4.99 lb

Jumbo King Crab Legs 12-14 ct. $19.99 lb

Fresh Boneless Farm Raised Steelhead Fillets $8.99 lb

Roundy’s 16-20 ct. Cooked Tail-On Shrimp $14.99 lb

Jumbo 16-20 ct. Raw White USA Shrimp $12.99 lb

Wild Salmon Burgers 4 oz. 2/$5

Fresh Atlantic Flounder Fillets $8.99 lb

Deli

Sara Lee Oven Roasted Turkey Breast $5.99 lb Print $1.50 here, 3/18 RP (exp 4/30)

            Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Green Ridge Farms Westphalian Ham $7.99 lb

Dietz and Watson London Broil Roast Beef $7.99 lb

Parmacotta Mortadella $4.99 lb

Daisy Brand Prasky $3.99 lb

Wisconsin Muenster Cheese $3.99 lb

Sun Garden Pasta Salad $2.99 lb

Chicken Milanese $2.99 each

Bistro Bow Tie Pasta Salad $4.99 lb

Vero Gelato 6 oz. $1.99 each

Bakery

Mousse Cakes $12.75 each

Artisan Sourdough, French Baguette or Pugliese Round Soup Bowl $1.99 each

Fresh Made Donuts 2/$1

Gourmet Brownies Cookies ‘N Cream, Chunky Chocolate Caramel or Rocky Road $1.79 each

Authentic Italian Cookies $10.95 lb

Club Rolls 6 ct. White or Wheat $1.99

Cheese

Widmer Cheddar Cheese $14.99 lb

Saint Andre 75% Triple Cream Cheese $14.99 lb

Point Reyes Blue Cheese $14.99 lb

Sartori Reserve Cheeses 5.3 oz. $3.99

Crave Brothers Fresh Mozzarella 8 oz. $2.99

Athenos Feta 6-8 oz. $3.99

Cinco De Mayo

Mission Tostadas or Tortillas 14-27.5 oz. $1.89 Be on the lookout for $1 peelies

            Final Price $.89

La Preferida Taco Seasoning Mix 1.25 oz. $.69

La Preferida Refried Beans or Diced Green Chiles 4-16 oz. $.79

Roundy’s Shredded Cheese 32 oz. $5.99

Roundy’s Sour Cream 16 oz. $.99

Herdez Salsa 16 oz. $1.79

Natural and Organic

Kashi Cookies or Crackers 6-9 oz. $2.79 Print $2 here

            Final Price $.79

Kashi Steam Meals or Entrees 9-10 oz. $2.49 Print $2 here

            Final Price $.49

Kashi Pizza 11.9-12.7 oz. $3.99 Print $2 here

            Final Price $1.99

Roundy’s Organics Coffee 10 oz. $6.49

West Soy Soymilk 32 oz. $1.49

Kashi Cereal or Bars 6.6-17.5 oz. $2.99 Print $2 here

            Final Price $.99

Grocery

Lay’s, Wavy Lay’s, Cheetos, Fritos or Rold Gold Pretzels 7-16 oz. $2.49 4/29 Pepsico, Print various here

            Final Price as low as $1.49 during Double Daze

Kellogg’s Cereal 10.8-25.5 oz. $2.99 Print various here, 4/15 RP

            Final Price varies

Brownberry Wide Pan Bread 24 oz. $2.49

Hellmann’s Mayo 22-30 oz. $2.88 Limit 2 Print $1/2 here Savings Club Members

            Final Price as low as $1.88 during Double Daze

Coca-Cola, Diet Coke or Coke Zero 12 pk. 3/$10.98

Classico Pasta Sauce 8.1-24 oz. $1.99 3/11 SS

            Final Price $1.74 

Heinz Ketchup 40 oz. $1.89

Nabisco Snack Crackers, 100 Calorie Packs or SnackWell’s Cookies 3.9-16 oz. $2.49 limit 2

Knorr Pasta or Rice Sides 3.8-6.4 oz. $.98

San-J Cooking Sauces 10 oz. $2.99 Print $.55 here

            Final Price as low as $1.89 during Double Daze

Donkey Chips 14 oz. $2.49

Dell Alpe Extra Virgin Olive Oil 34 oz. $6.99

Angel Soft 12 Double Roll Bath Tissue $5.98 3/25 RP

            Final Price as low as $5.08 during Double Daze

Sparkle 6-8 Paper Towels $5.98 Print $1 here Savings Club Members

            Final Price as low as $3.98 during Double Daze

Era Liquid Laundry Detergent 100 oz. $5.98

Dairy

Kraft Shredded, Chunk or Big Slice Cheese 5-8 oz. $2.79

Minute Maid Simply, Enhanced or Pure Premium Lemonade, Limeade or Punch or Gold Peak Tea 12 oz. $.99

Roundy’s Sliced Natural Cheese 8 ct. $2.39

Roundy’s Cheese 24 oz. $4.99

Dannon Danimals or Dan-o-nino Yogurt 4-6 pk. $1.99 3/18 SS (exp 4/30)

            Final Price $1.49

Simply Potatoes or Mac and Cheese 20-24 oz. $2.89

Yoplait Original Yogurt 6 oz. $.59 3/11 SS, Print $.40/6 here

            Final Price $.53 each

Yoplait Light Yogurt With Granola 12 oz. $2.19 3/25 SS

            Final Price as low as $.69 during Double Daze

Kraft MilkBite Milk and Granola Bars 6.15 oz. $2.49 Print $1 here, Print $.75 here

            Final Price as low as $.49 during Double Daze

Jell-O Pudding or Gelatin Snacks 13.8-24 oz. $2.69 $2 from Kraft first Taste, 4/1 SS

            Final Price $.69

Roundy’s Greek Yogurt 6 oz. $.99

Kraft Fresh Take 6 oz. $2.59 Print $.50 here, here

            Final Price as low as $1.59 during Double Daze

Philadelphia Cooking Crème 10 oz. $2.99

Philadelphia Indulgence Cream Cheese 8 oz. $2.29

Frozen

Home Run Inn or Gino’s East Pizza 27-33 oz. $5.49

Jack’s Original 5.3-18.9 oz. $2.79 Limit 2 Print $.50 here

            Final price as low as $1.79 during Double Daze

Lean Cuisine Meals 5-12 oz. $1.99 Print $1/2 here Savings Club, Load $1/3 on Saving Star

            Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Rudi’s Gluten Free Bread 18 oz. $3.99 Print $1 here, here, $.75 here

            Final Price as low as $1.99 during Double Daze

Ore-Ida Fries, Hash Browns or Tater Tots 16-32 oz. $2.49

Sara Lee Family Pound Cake, Coffeecake, Carrot Cake or Original Cheese cake 11.5-19 oz. $3.49 3/25 RP

            Final Price as low as $1.49 during Double Daze

Kash Steam Meals or Entrees 9-10 oz. $2.49 Print $2 here

            Final Price $.49

Totino’s 40 ct. Pizza Rolls or 4 ct. Pizza Stuffers $2.89 

Bagels Forever Bagels 11.5-11.52 oz. $.89

Pepperidge Farm Stone Baked Artisan Rolls 14 oz. $2.59 3/25 SS

            Final Price as low as $1.09 during Double Daze

Kashi Waffles 8 ct. $2.29 Print $2 here

            Final Price $.99

Roundy’s Select Ice Cream 48 oz. $2.88

Birds Eye Steamfresh Premium or Freshlike Selects Vegetables 10-16 oz. $1.69 4/1 SS (exp 4/29)

            Final Price $1.44

Popsicle Ice Pops 12 ct. $1.79 Print $.50 here

            Final Price as low as $.79 during Double Daze

Misc.

Top Care Vitamins 30-300 ct. B1G1

One-A-Day Multivitamins 50-160 ct. $6.99 3/18 SS, Print $1 here, Print $2 Vita Craves

            Final Price as low as $4.99 during Double Daze

Citracal 60-200 ct. 25% off 3/18 SS

            Final Price varies

Gerber Graduates Puffs, Wagon Wheels or Lil’ Crunchies $1.98

Huggies Soft Pack Wipes 56-64 ct. $2 4/1 SS (exp 4/28)

            Final Price $1.50

Gerber Good Start Baby Formula 23.2-25.7 oz. 2/$47.98 *Save $8 instantly wyb 2* Print $3.25/2 here

            Final Price $36.73 wyb 2 after coupon and instant savings

Buy $25 worth of Playtex Items and get a $10 cat OYNO

            Schick Women’s Quattro or Intuition Razors or Refills 1-4 ct. $9 Print $2 here

            Schick Quattro, Xtreme 3 or Slim Trim Razors 3-12 ct. $6 Print $2 here

            Hawaiian Tropic or Banana Boat Suncare 6-16 oz. $8 4/22 SS, Print $1 here

            Schick Hydro Shaving Cream 8.4 oz. $3 4/22 SS

            Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport Tampons 18 ct. $4 Print $1 here, here

            Wet Ones Canisters 40 ct. $2 4/22 SS

Winners!!

We've got winners!! 

Robyn won the Perfect Energy giveaway! 

Rena won the Purple LED Lights giveaway!

Winning emails have been sent from rosiedickens@hotmail.com

Trix Treats

By now, y'all know that I just love any kind of treats.  Rice krispy treats have always been a favorite of mine.  I remember my mom used to make them when I was little.  And with four kids in the house (and dogs) they never lasted long.  These treats are a little bit different because the treats are very thick and so bright and colorful.  Depending on what kind of cereal you use its possible to alter the recipe so the cereal is well coated and not dry.  And trust me, the kid in you will love them just as much as your own kids.

Trix Treats

6 tablespoons unsalted butter
dash of salt
8 cups mini marshmallows
12 cups cereal
1 teaspoon vanilla

Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

Using a very large deep pot, melt butter on medium.  Then add marshmallows, stir often.  When marshmallows are completely melted, remove from heat.  Add a dash of salt and vanilla.  Stir to combine.  This is where you'll adjust your cereal amounts.  With Trix it takes about 10 cups of cereal to get it all evenly coated without leaving extra marshmallow goo or dry spots.  When evenly coated, scoop/pour into the 9x13 pan.  Use a spatula to spread cereal evenly.  If needed use hands to pack into pan.  Allow to cool completely.

Pop out of pan when cool and place on cutting board to make cutting easier.

Wholesome Wednesday: Chocolate Souffle

I can honestly say I’ve never had a soufflé before.  It’s just never really appealed to me as I’m not a chocoholic.  I’d rather have something vanilla, caramel or fruity.  But these seemed simple and baked perfectly.  Not a single one of them fell.  I think that’s truly impressive for my first try making them.  And as with most of my recipes, this one is quite quick to make.  But it makes a ton of dishes.  That’s the only real downside.  

If you don’t have any bittersweet baking chocolate, you can substitute a square of semisweet chocolate.  Make sure to adjust the sugar to 3 tablespoons.  If you prefer a darker chocolate taste, you’ll want to add less sugar when melting the chocolate also.  

Wholesome Wednesday: Chocolate Soufflé

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons flour

1 tablespoon butter

2 eggs, beaten separately

1 oz. square of bittersweet chocolate

5 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons water

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter then whisk in flour.  Whisking constantly, cook mixture for 1 minute, slowly pour milk in whisking continuously.  Cook, whisking constantly till mixture is smooth and thick.  (Think texture of pate choux dough).  In a smaller saucepan add sugar and water to chocolate square and heat, stirring occasionally.  When chocolate is shiny, mix it with the milk sauce.  Cool.  While cooling, beat egg whites till stiff.  Stir beaten egg yolks into chocolate mixture and then fold in beaten egg whites.  Bake in four greased ½ cup ramekins set in a pan of hot water and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. 

Marbled Bundt Cake

I absolutely love bundt cake.  Pretty much any flavor with or without frosting.  They're all my favorites.  I'd easily pick them over another dessert.  This is my go to recipe.  It's incredibly simple.  It uses ingredients that are found in most American kitchens and it always turns out fabulous.

You can also serve this to guests and they'll never guess that its just a doctored cake mix.  I know, I know, I'm huge on baking and cooking things from scratch.  But I've been using this recipe for forever.  We're talking at least middle school.  I've seriously been baking and cooking that long.

Marbled Bundt Cake

1 yellow cake mix
1 small box instant vanilla pudding
1 1/4 cups water
1/3 cup oil
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Grease 12 cup bundt pan.  If you use a pan with lots of fluting, make sure to flour also.

Place all ingredients in mixing bowl.  Beat on low for 30 seconds, scraping bowl as needed.  Beat on high for 2 minutes.

Remove 1 1/2 cups batter to a small bowl.  Add to that 3/4 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup baking cocoa.  Mix well. 

Pour rest of batter into pan evenly.  Drop chocolate mixture by the spoonful on to batter already in the pan.  Using a knife swirl through chocolate to marble batter. 

Bake 40-46 minutes until a test toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 15 minutes in the pan before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

I have to brag about my beautiful rose metal cake dome.  I absolutely love it.  I found it at a garage sale for fifty cents!!  Can you believe it?  Its incredibly nifty.  It has locking tabs on the bottom of the platter which keeps the cover on whilst traveling or just sitting on the counter.  I can't imagine using anything else to serve a cake with.  I used to have a Mikasa Crystal cake stand which was pretty, but the base cracked off when it was being washed.  And that was the end of that.  I'm sure you'll be seeing more of it in recipes to come.

Just a quick note

I had hoped to get more done today, but last night I made the Chicken & Gnocchi soup with the Meijer's Organic chicken broth.  I'd never used it before, but it made everyone in my family sick.  :( 

I'm going to be posting a simple recipe for a marbled bundt cake with a cake mix.  It's a wonderful recipe and you'd never guess that it came from a cake mix.  :)

Wholesome Wednesday: BBQ Pork Chops Baked & Potatoes on the Half Shell

I'm combining these two posts because they made a really great meal together.  And it would be mean to show you that I had the yummy potatoes this week but not post the recipe till the following week.  So this week is a bonus week.  I really did like both recipes quite a bit.  I'll definitely be making the pork chops again soon.  I also think they have the potential to go in the crock pot and turn out just as great.  Also the sauce would be great with chicken or beef also.  

I have to tell you that I love anything with pork in it.  So I was excited to see this very simple recipe to make BBQ pork chops baked.  The only thing that needed changing was the oven temperature.  They just weren’t doing much of anything in the oven, except maybe warmly marinating.  So bumping the temperature up about 25 degrees to 350 made a difference.  The chops turned out extremely tender and flavorful.  Don’t be alarmed if they sauce stays thin, it won’t affect the tenderness or taste any.  I hope you like them as much as we do.

Wholesome Wednesday: BBQ Pork Chops Baked

4 boneless pork chops

½ cup ketchup

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon celery seed

½ teaspoon nutmeg

1/3 cup vinegar

1 cup water

1 bay leaf

Brown pork chops in frying pan with a little oil, about 5 minutes per side.  While browning, mix rest of ingredients in bowl whisking well.  Place browned chops in greased shallow baking pan.  Cover with sauce and bake 350 degrees for an hour or until 165 degrees. 

Perfect Energy Giveaway!!

Last month, New Chapter Vitamin Organics sent us some supplements to review.  You can see that post here.  While the Perfect Calm didn't really have a noticeable effect on us we loved the way Perfect Energy worked.  Perfect Energy really did give us a natural energy boost.  And now we're lucky enough to have a 36 ct. bottle to giveaway to a lucky reader.  Make sure to enter using the Rafflecopter entry below.  Contest runs from 4/17-4/24.  Good Luck!!

LED Light Giveaway

I recently got asked if I'd like to giveaway some gorgeous purple LED Christmas Lights.  Of course I said yes.  I love decorating for holidays.  And while purple isn't a traditional choice, they are just perfect for my absolute favorite holiday which is Halloween.  LED lights are fantastic.  They are much brighter than regular lights, last a lot longer and also use hardly any energy.

I could have picked the more traditional white or even pink but I think the purple is fantastic.  Miss Rosie thinks so too.  We already have some purple LEDs that we use to decorate for Halloween.  And some orange ones and some that look like eyeballs.  I'm excited to get to give away a package of these great lights.

Christmas Lights is what Holiday LEDS sells and my goodness do they have a huge selection.  Pretty much any kind of light you can think of can be found here.  They have lights that look like snowflakes, stars and even black cats.  And these awesome spiders I just found.  Which are really blurry when you make the picture big.  :)

So you get the idea.  If you need a specialty light Christmas Lights is the place to look for them.

Now on to the giveaway.  One reader will win a package of purple LED lights.  Contest will run 4/16-4/23.

Mariano's Fresh Market Match-ups April 12 - April 25

Here are the best deals April 12 - April 25, 2012

Double Daze

Every Wednesday you can save 100% more on manufacturers’ coupons.  The manufacturer gives you a deal, and we double it.  Redeem up to 5 manufacturers' coupons worth up to $1 each and spend a minimum $25 in a single transaction, and we make those 5 coupons worth $10. That’s 100% more savings.

Mariano's Fresh Market Coupon Policy

Best Deals

Nabisco Triscuit, Wheat Thins, Better Cheddars, Sociables or Chicken in a Biskit Crackers 5.5-10 oz. $1.99 Print $1/2 here, Print $1 on Dill Triscuits here

            Final Price as low as FREE during Double Daze

Silk Pure Almond 64 oz. $2.49 Print $.75 here

            Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Gardein Protein Meat Alternatives 9-10.5 oz. $2.69 Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $.69 during Double Daze

Kotex Asstd. Or Tampons $2.48 Limit 1 3/25 SS

            Final Price as low as $.48 during Double Daze

One Republic Artisan Breads 10.3-16.8 oz. $1.99 Print $.50 here

            Final Price $1.49

Produce

Driscoll’s Strawberries 1 lb. $1.68

Organic Strawberries 1 lb $2.99

Large Cantaloupe $1.88 each

Sweet Corn 3/$.99

Andy Boy Rapini $.99

Red Seedless Grapes $1.39

Mangoes $.79 each

Broccoli Crowns $.88 lb

Whole White Mushrooms 16 oz. $1.88

Romaine Lettuce $.79 lb

Jumbo Hass Avocados $1.19 each

Organic Living Potted Herbs $1.88

Organic Raspberries or Blueberries 6 oz. $3.49

Organic Gala Apples $.98 lb

Meat

USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Flank Steak Regular or Marinated $5.99 lb

Mariano’s Own Fresh Store Made Italian Sausage $2.99 lb

Fresh Atlantic Flounder Fillets $7.99 lb

80% Lean Flavored Ground Beef Patties $3.99 lb

Fresh All Natural Whole Pork Tenderloin $4.99 lb

Strauss Fresh Veal Stew Meat $8.99 lb

Bell ‘N Evans Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast $4.99 lb

USDA Choice Black Angus Boneless Beef Rump Roast $3.99 lb

93% Supreme Lean Ground Beef 3 lb+ pkg. $3.99 lb

Fresh Hawaiian Ahi Tuna Steaks $19.99 lb

Fresh Live Bluepoint Oysters 1 doz. $9.99

Mariano’s Market Fresh Steamed and Flavored Shrimp 26/30 ct. $13.99 lb

Wild 26-30 ct. All Natural White Gulf Shrimp $8.99 lb

Jalapeno Crab Salad $4.99 lb

Fresh Dry Sea Scallops 8/10 ct. $17.99 lb

Deli

Greenridge Farm Village Ham $4.99 lb

Dietz & Watson Gourmet Lite Turkey Breast $4.99 lb

Dietz & Watson Black Angus Roast Beef $7.99 lb

Sorrento Mozzarella $2.99 lb

Metro Potato Salad $2.99 lb

Potato Pancakes $.99 each

Athenos Hummus 7 oz. B1G1

Grilled Italian Chicken Breast 2/$5

Old World Italian Style Bakery Pizzas $12 each

Broccoli Cheese Salad $5.99 lb

Bakery

Egg Twist Bread $1.99 each

Bella “Beautiful” Cupcakes $1.99 each

Loaf Cakes 16 oz. $3.99 each

Roundy’s Artisan Sourdough or European Loaf $2.85 each

Angel Food Cake 8 oz. 2/$5

Super Pretzel $.99 each

Cheese

Widmer Mild Brick Cheese $6.99 lb

Carr Valley Bread Cheese $8.99 lb

BelGioioso Fresh Sliced Mozzarella Log 1 lb. pkg. $4.99

Carr Valley Menage $12.99 lb

Athenos Feta 6-8 oz. $3.99

Greek Myzithra Cheese $9.99 lb

Roundy’s

Canned Beans 15-15.5 oz. $.59

Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns 8 ct. $.99

Microwaveable Potatoes 4 oz. $.79

Purified Water 35 pk. $3.99

Bright Laundry Detergent 50 oz. $4.99

Granola or Cereal Bars 5-10 pk. $1.79

Natural and Organic

Gold Peak or Honest Tea 16.9-18.5 oz. $.89 Print $.75 here and $1 on Savings Club

            Final Price $.14

Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed or Flaxseed Meal 16-24 oz. $2.99

Rice Dream Drink 64 oz. $3.29

Annie’s Mac & Cheese 6 oz. $1.69

Nature’s Path Cereal or Enviro Kidz Organic Crispy Rice Bars 10.5-14 oz or 6 ct. $2.99 Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Cascadian Farm Cereal or Bars 9-17 oz. or 5-8 ct. $2.49 Print $.85 here

            Final Price as low as $.79 during Double Daze

Grocery

Roundy’s Pasta 16 oz. $.89

Kellogg’s Cereal, Nutri-Grain Bars, Special K Bars, Pop-Tarts or Eggo Syrup 8.56-23 oz. or 5-12 ct. $2.79 Print coupons here, Print more here, 4/1 RP, 3/4 RP

            Final Price Varies

Chicken of the Sea Chunk Light Tuna or Sardines 3.75-5 oz. $.79

Kraft 8 oz. Dressing or 17.5 oz. Barbecue Sauce $.99

Rice A Roni or Pasta Roni 4.2-7.5 oz. $.89

Roundy’s Pasta Sauce 24 oz. $3.99

Nabisco Triscuit, Wheat Thins, Better Cheddars, Sociables or Chicken in a Biskit Crackers 5.5-10 oz. $1.99 Print $1/2 here, Print $1 on Dill Triscuits here

            Final Price as low as FREE during Double Daze

Arnold/Brownberry Dutch Country or Italian Bread 20-24 oz. $1.89

Caribou Coffee 12 oz. $6.99 3/11 SS, Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $4.99 during Double Daze

Gatorade, G2 or Propel Fitness Water 24-32 oz. $.99

Academia Barilla Pesto alla Genovese 4.76 oz. $4.99

House of Tsang Stir-Fry Sauces 10-12 oz. $2.99

Naleczowianka Water 6 pk. $4.99

Baresi D.O.P. San Marzano Tomatoes 28 oz. $3.59

La Banderita Soft Flour Tortillas 10 ct. $1.99

Dairy

Sargento Shredded Cheese 5-8 oz. 3/$6

Dannon, Activia or Oikos Greek Yogurt 5.3-6 oz. 10/$10

Tropicana Pure Premium or Trop50 Juice 59 oz. or 6 pk. $2.99

Roundy’s Bagels 5 ct. $.99

Roundy’s Cream Cheese 8 oz. $1.49

Roundy’s Cottage Cheese 24 oz. $2.49

Daisy Sour Cream 16 oz. $1.99

Lifeway Low Fat Kefir Cultured Milk 32 oz. $2.99 Print $.75 here(exp 4/14), Print $1/2 here

            Final Price as low as $1.99 during Double Daze

Roundy’s Chunk Cheese 8 oz. $1.99

Oberweis Milk 64 oz. $2.49

Silk Pure Almond 64 oz. $2.49 Print $.75 here

            Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze

Yoplait Yogurt 4-6 oz. $.59 3/11 SS

            Final price $.52 each wyb 6

Bay’s English Muffins 6 ct. $1.89

Tofutti Sour Supreme 12 oz. $1.99

Frozen

Home Run Inn Pizza 16-20.75 oz. $4.49

DiGiorno, California Pizza Kitchen or Tombstone Mini Deep Dish Pizza 6.2-34.2 oz. $5.49

Bertolli Meals 24 oz. $5.69 Print $1.75/2 here

            Final Price $4.82 each wyb 2

Gardein Protein Meat Alternatives 9-10.5 oz. $2.69 Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $.69 during Double Daze

Dove, Snickers, Milky Way or Twix Ice Cream Bars 3-16 ct. $2.29

Fat Boy Ice Cream Bars or Sandwiches 6-9 ct. $1.99

Farm Rich French Toast Sticks 16 oz. $2.19

Healthy Choice All Natural, Lunch Steamers or Select Entrees 8-10 oz. $1.69 3/25 SS, Print $1/2 here

            Final Price as low as $.69 wyb 2 during Double Daze

Totino’s Pizza Rolls or Party Pizza 7.5-10.9 oz. $1.19 1/29 SS, 2/26 SS

            Final price as low as $.69 wyb 3 during Double Daze

Hudsonville Ice Cream 56 oz. $3.49

Udi’s Gluten Free Pizza 10 oz. $4.99 Print $1 here (zip 45401), Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $2.99 during Double Daze

Haagen-Dazs Single Serve Ice Cream Cups 3.6 oz. $.79

Marie Callender’s Meals 10-19 oz. $1.99

Pepperidge Farm Garlic Bread or Texas Toast with Cheese 9.5-11 oz. $1.99

Misc.

Nature Made Heart Health Vitamins or Supplements 30-320 ct. B1G1 Print $1 here

Slimfast 4 pk. Shakes or 5 ct. Meal Bars $5 Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $3 during Double Daze

Ensure Regular or Muscle Health Nutrition Shakes 4-6 ct. $6.98 Limit 4 4/1 SS, Print various coupons here

            Final Price as low as $4.98 during Double Daze

Boost Regular or High Protein 6 pk. 8 oz. $7

Sensodyne Toothpaste 4 oz. $3.98 Limit 1 Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $1.98 during Double Daze

Listerine 1.5 ltr. Mouth Rinse or 32 oz. Whitening Rinse $6 3/4 RP, Print $1 here

            Final Price as low as $4 during Double Daze

Kotex Asstd. Or Tampons $2.48 Limit 1 3/25 SS

            Final Price as low as $.48 during Double Daze

Special K 4 pk. Shakes or 6 ct. Meal Bars $4.98 Limit 1 Print $1.50/2 here

            Final Price $4.27 each wyb 2

TRESemme Shampoo or Conditioner 32 oz. $3 Print $1 on Split Remedy here

            Final Price as low as $1 during Double Daze

Q-Tips 300-375 ct. $2 Print $1/2 here

           Final Price as low as $1 wyb 2 during Double Daze

Softsoap Refill or Body Wash 15-32 oz. $2.98 Limit 4

Depend or Poise Adult Disposable Undergarments 10-72 ct. $10.98 Limit 1 3/25 SS, 4/15 SS, Print $2 here

            Final Price $8.98

Holiday Specials

USDA Choice All Natural Semi-Boneless Leg of Lamb $8.99

Krinos Greek Gourmet Sale 16 oz. 25% off

Roundy’s Large Eggs 18 ct. $1.49

McCormick Food Coloring 1 oz. 2/$4 3/25 RP

            Final Price as low as $.50 during Double Daze

Fresh Calamari Salad $5.99 lb

King Arthur Flour 5 lb. $3.89 11/13/11 SS

            Final Price as low as $2.79 during Double Daze

Red Star Yeast 3 pk or 4 oz. 25% off 11/13/11 SS

            Final Price Varies

Chobani Greek Yogurt 32 oz. $5.49 Print $.50 here

            Final Price as low as $4.49 during Double Daze

Fresh Express Whole Leaf Spinach 9 oz. 2/$3

Jumbo Garlic $1.99 lb

Greek Pasta Salad $2.99 lb

Imported Castella Greek Feta Cheese $6.99 lb

One Republic Artisan Breads 10.3-16.8 oz. $1.99 Print $.50 here

            Final Price $1.49  *I’m excited about an artisan bread coupon*