Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil

I recently got to try some Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil via bzzagent.  It truly has a much better taste than other olive oils.  I used mine on some oven roasted red potatoes with garlic.  I followed a recipe from America's Test Kitchen and parboiled the potatoes first with some salt and baking soda.  I'd never tried this before, but it gave them an amazing crust when baked in the oven.  I'll definitely be trying it again.  And the Filippo Berio Olive Oil was the perfect thing to drizzle and toss them with.

*I'm a bzzagent.  I received this sample for review.  All opinions are my own.*

Wholesome Wednesday: Blueberry Blitz Kuchen

A Blitz Kuchen is basically a quick coffee cake.  And who doesn't like coffee cake??  So I thought I'd share this.  If you've noticed I'm all for quick yummy baked things.  :)  And that's all I need say.

Blueberry Blitz Kuchen

1 cup flour

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup butter

1 egg, beaten

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/4 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup blueberries (I used frozen)

Cut the butter into the brown sugar and 1 cup flour.  Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.  Then add egg, vanilla and buttermilk and mix lightly.  Then add 1/4 cup flour, baking powder and baking soda and mix well.  Then fold in blueberries.  Pour into a well greased and floured 9" round or 8" square baking pan.  Sprinkle with topping adding 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 cup chopped nuts.  Bake at 375 for 25 minutes.  Toothpick test.

Earth Balance Product Review + Giveaway!

Recently Earth Balance sent us some free coupons to try out their products.  We decided to try their Almond Butter, Coconut Butter (refrigerated) and Vanilla Soy Milk.  All items that we don't usually buy.  Not surprising since our family has been quite traditional in terms of food.  Until recently we didn't tend to venture out into new flavors. I remember countless PB&J sandwiches but never before have I had almond butter.

We have always been supporters of organic foods, just not necessarily completely vegan products like Earth Balance offers. I couldn't tell you how many hours we spent picking our own fruits at various farms and orchards.  At the age of five, I had my own little garden patch.  It was only a few tomato plants, but none the less I know food tastes better when you put care into it.  Earth Balance does that with their products offering items that the average person won't or can't make in their own homes.

The Creamy Natural Almond Butter is quite wholesome.  Creamy as the label suggests but the flavor left something to be desired.  I think we all agree that we prefer our almonds in their original form.  Although, we put that good source of protein to good use in these Nutty Blueberry Smoothies.

The Organic Coconut spread is delicious.  Probably a product, I would never have thought to try.  A healthy replacement for butter that may be an even better choice.  We've been using it to make eggs every morning. Yes, it does give them a slight coconut flavor but it doesn't detract from the eggs at all.

Vanilla Soy Milk seems the same as most other brands.  Only the flavor is better.  My Mom raves about it.  She drinks soy milk because she is partly lactose intolerant.  Pestering her to eat and drink more dairy or calcium isn't effective, but she'll drink soy milk.  Finding a brand that she loves is a relief.  She's picky about adding new foods to her diet and I don't need to worry about her calcium levels.

Earth Balance sent 2 free product coupons to giveaway.  Open to the US.  Contest runs from June 12-26th.      Use the rafflecopter form to enter below.  Good Luck!

Instant Win
All thoughts and opinions are my own.  We were given these products to review.  Earth Balance supplied the giveaway prize.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ready Player One By Ernest Cline

Rarely do I feel the need to stay up all night reading.  This happens only with a few favorites, but this has become one of them.  Ready Player One is just the insider attitude and geek out that I needed.  I consider myself a gamer and nerd, but I stray more to the books and movies.  However, this is one alternate reality that I can support.

This book is for you if you enjoy gaming culture, the eighties, quests, or questioning reality.  You will learn eighties trivia and about relics of pop culture (although I call them that because I was born too late to be an eighties kid).

The main character lives in a dystopian world where virtual reality takes precedence over real life.  Most people spend their time in the OASIS which is like a vastly improved version of Second Life or the entire genre of MMOs.  Of course, the creator of this vast virtual empire is a true geek himself.  Obsessing over a particular decade in time, the eighties, the time of his teenage years.

So, what is a gamer to do when he has a vast fortune (billions) and no biological heir?  Why he makes the ultimate gaming quest of course!  From the start, we are sure that Parzival (in the real world Wade Watts) will be our hero.  He shall be the one seeking to finish this quest.  Of course, the entire world also has the same chance to inherit a fortune and gaming empire.

That sets off everyone to study the eighties as he leaves a video clue. All the music and games and television and movies and clothes become vastly popular again.  Only it seems like no one can solve the ultimate easter egg hunt.  Even though you have a good idea of the ending of this particular book; the journey is captivating.  I checked this out on a whim, and spent the whole day to finish it.  I couldn't put it down.  I was pulling for Parzival the whole way through.

This story mixes video game danger with real world threats.  There are people who would do anything for such a fortune in and out of the game.  With the built in competition, I found myself reading page after page rooting for Parzival to earn more points and level up.

Not only did the book recognize some of my own favorite games and books and movies, but also changed the way I think of interacting with them.  I'm rooting for certain things in the book to become reality, but I'm holding my tongue to not ruin the experience.  I may have dark circles today, but a stronger sense of why I love embracing my nerd obsessions with others.  Plus quite a few new things that I want to learn about.  Right now, I think I want to watch Monty Python and the Holy Grail one more time.

Mariano's Match-Ups June 7-20th 2012

Here are the best deals June 7 - June 20, 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

Play Monopoly at Mariano’s Fresh Market now through August 29th.  Receive a single game piece every time you shop at Mariano’s.  When you buy specially marked items, you’ll get bonus game pieces.  Until the game is over I’ll put a star before those items in the list.  Good Luck!!

Best Deals

• Talenti Gelato 16 oz $2.29 Print $.55 here Final Price as low as $.19 during Double Daze
• InnovAsian Meals 18 oz $3.99 Print $1.50 here Final Price $1.49
• Coffee-mate Flavored Creamer 16 oz $1.89 4/29 SS, Print $.55 here  Final Price as low as $.79 during Double Daze
• International Delight Iced Coffee 64 oz $2.99 5/13 SS, Print $1 here  Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze
• Barilla Pasta Meals 9 oz $2.29 4/29 SS, Print $1 here  Final Price as low as $.29 during Double Daze

Produce

• *Ocean Mist Red or Green Leaf Lettuce $1.25 lb
• Raspberries 12 oz $2.99
• Organic Raspberries 6 oz 2/$5
• Red Seedless Grapes $.99 lb
• Green Beans $.79 lb
• Roundy’s Whole White Mushrooms 8 oz $1
• Green Bartlett or Red or Green D’Anjou Pears $.99 lb
• Champagne Mangoes $.69 lb
• Fresh Express Whole Leaf Spinach 9 oz $1.79
• Red or Yellow Bell Peppers $1.29 lb
• Athena Muskmelon 2/$4
• Organic Blueberries 6 oz 2/$4
• Organic Living Potted Herbs $2.49 ea
• Roundy’s Red Salad Potatoes 3 lb $1.89
• Jumbo Bing Cherries $2.88 lb
• Vidalia Onions $.69 lb Print $.50 off 5+ lbs here

Meats

• *Johnsonville Pork Sausage Links or Patties 12 oz 2/$6 4/29 SS, 5/13 SS, 3/25 SS, 6/10 SS  Final Price as low as $1 during Double Daze
• All Natural Fresh Boneless Pork Loin Chops or Roast $2.99 lb
• USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Boneless Ribeye Steak $8.99 lb
• Fresh Farm Raised Boneless Tilapia Fillets $6.99 lb
• USDA Choice Black Angus Beef Pinwheels $6.99 lb
• Strauss All Natural Fresh Veal Shoulder Chops $8.99 lb
• Mariano’s Own Fresh Breakfast Sausage or Links $2.99 lb
• Strauss All Natural Grass Fed Boneless Beef Stew Meat or Ground Beef $8.49 lb
• Perdue Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs $1.99 lb
• Harvestland Fresh Ground Turkey 16 oz $4.49
• Fresh Live Mussels 2 lb bag $4.98
• Jumbo King Crab Legs 12-14 ct $19.99 lb
• Roundy’s 16-20 ct Cooked Tail-On Shrimp $14.99 lb
• Wild 16-20 ct All Natural Raw Gulf Shrimp$12.99 lb
• Wild Salmon Burgers 4 oz 2/$5
• Fresh Farm Raised Boneless Steelhead Fillets $7.99 lb
• Fresh Marinated or Regular Chicken Kabobs or All Natural Pork Tenderloin Kabobs $4.99 lb
• Fresh Store Made Flavored Pub Burgers $3.99 lb
• Chef’s Grill Fresh 80% Lean Ground Chuck Patties 16 oz $3.49

Deli

• Green Ridge Farm Hickory Smoked Turkey $5.99 lb
• Sara Lee Honey Ham $4.99 lb Look for $1 coupons @ Jewel Deli Counter  Final Price as low as $2.99 lb during Double Daze
• Eckrich Olive, Pickle-Pimento or Old Fashioned Loaf $3.99 lb
• Dietz & Watson Black Angus Roast Beef $7.99 lb
• Sorrento Mozzarella $2.99 lb
• BLT Pasta Salad $3.99 lb
• Mariano’s Own Potato Salad $2.99 lb
• Sicilian Style Pan Pizza $12 ea
• Hand Rolled Meatballs $4.99 lb
• Roundy’s Hummus 7 oz 2/$3.98

Bakery

• French Silk Pie 9 inch $9.99
• Chocolate Iced Eclair $1.25 ea
• Parisian All Butter Croissants 4 ct $2.45
• Sweet Onion Rolls 8 ct $2.75
• Roundy’s Whole Grain Loaf $3.65
• Sweet Steakhouse Style Rolls 12 ct $2.49

Cheese

• Crave Brother’s Ciliegine Mozzarella Cup 8 oz $3.49
• Cabot Cheddar Cheese 8 oz $3.99
• Athenos Traditional Feta 12 oz B1G1
• Brie Le Chatelain Cheese $9.99 lb
• Maytag Blue Cheese 4 oz $5.99
• Laughing Cow Babybel Cheese 4.2-4.5 oz 2/$6
• Black River Blue Cheese Crumbles $5.99 lb

Natural and Organic

• Roundy’s Organics Salad Dressing 12 oz $1.99
• Roundy’s Organics Coffee 10 oz $4.99
• Roundy’s Organics Instant Oatmeal 7.9-11.5 oz $1.69
• Roundy’s Organics Fruit Spread 10 oz$1.79
• Roundy’s Organics Tortilla Chips 9 oz $1.99
• Cascadian Farm Cereal or Bars $2.69 Print $1 cereal here  Final Price as low as $.69 during Double Daze
• Roundy’s Organics Peanut Butter 16 oz $3.29
• Marley’s Mellow Mood Tea 16 oz $1.29
• Late July Multigrain Chips 5.5 oz $2.49
• Roundy’s Organics Applesauce 6 ct $1.99
• Stonyfield Farm Yogurt 6 oz $.99 Print $.50/3 here

Grocery

• Brownberry Wide Pan Bread 24 oz $1.99 limit 2
• Weber BBQ Sauce 18 oz $1.99
• So Delicious Coconut Milk 32 oz $1.99 Print $.55 here, Print $.55 here  Final Price as low as $.89 during Double Daze
• Starbucks Premium Coffee 11-12 oz $7.49 Print $1.50 here  Final Price $5.99
• Chicken of the Sea Coastal Cuisine Entrees 10.6 oz $1.99
• Nabisco Crackers 12-16 oz $3.29 Print $1/2 here  Final Price as low as $2.29 each during Double Daze
• Quaker Soft or Crunchy Cookies 8.8-9.3 oz $1.99 Print $1/2 here  Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze
• Newman’s Own Dressing 16 oz $2.99 6/3 RP, Print $.50 here  Final Price as low as $1.99 during Double Daze
• Fiji Water 6 pk $5.99
• Barilla Pasta Meals 9 oz $2.29 4/29 SS, Print $1 here  Final Price as low as $.29 during Double Daze
• House of Tsang Stir-Fry Sauces 10-12 oz $3.29
• Desert Pepper Salsa 16 oz $3.99
• La Banderita Flour Tortillas 10 ct $2.29
• El Ranchero Chips 16 oz $1.99
• *Heinz Ketchup 40 oz $2.49 5/20 SS Final Price as low as $1.99 during Double Daze
• *Old El Paso Dinner Kits or Tortilla Stuffers 8.4-14 oz 2/$5 Print $.60/3 here  Final Price $2.30
• *Minute Rice, Minute Ready to Serve Rice or Success Rice 4.4-14 oz $1.79
• *Twizzlers, Whoppers or Milk Duds 10-16 oz 2/$4 5/20 SS Final Price $1.33 wyb 3 during Double Daze
• *SoBe,SoBe Lifewater or SoBe Lifewater 0 Calorie 20 oz $.99
• *Folgers Coffee Classic Roast 33.9 oz $7.99 6/10 RP  Final Price as low as $7.49 during Double Daze
• *Brownberry Dutch Country or Sara Lee Soft and Smooth Bread 20-24 oz $1.89
• *Roundy’s Granulated Sugar 4 lb $2.49
• *Creamette 2 lb, Baking or Egg Noodles or No Yolk Noodles 8-32 oz $1.79
• *Lay’s or Wavy Lay’s Potato Chips 10-10.5 oz $3.49 Print $.55 here Final Price as low as $2.39 during Double Daze
• *Keebler Chips Deluxe Cookies 10-14.8 oz $1.99 4/15 RP (exp 6/10)
• *M&M’s Chocolate Candies 9.9-14 oz $2.98
• *Angel Soft 12 Double Roll Bath Tissue $5.99 3/25 RP, 5/20 RP  Final Price as low as $4.99 wyb 2 during Double Daze
• *Sparkle 6-8 Roll Paper Towels $5.99 March AY  Final Price as low as $3.99 during Double Daze

Dairy

• Dannon Fruit on the Bottom or Light and Fit Yogurt 6 oz $.49
• International Delight Iced Coffee 64 oz $2.99 5/13 SS, Print $1 here  Final Price as low as $.99 during Double Daze
• Simply Juice or Minute Maid Pure Juice 59 oz $3.29
• Old Home Peanut Butter 14 oz $3.69
• Kraft American Singles 16 oz $2.69
• Roundy’s Cream Cheese 8 oz $1.49
• *Roundy’s Orange Juice 59 oz $2.39
• Pillsbury Refrigerated Rolls/Dough 7.5-13.9 oz $1.99 4/1 SS Price Varies
• Sargento String Cheese or Cheese Sticks 9-12 oz $3.99 5/20 SS (if natural is included) Final Price as low as $2.89 during Double Daze
• Clear Value Milk Gallon $1.99
• Yoplait Yogurt 32 oz $1.99
• Coffee-mate Flavored Creamer 16 oz $1.89 4/29 SS, Print $.55 here  Final Price as low as $.79 during Double Daze
• Nesquik Flavored Milk 16 oz $1.19
• Roundy’s Shredded or Chunk Cheese 5-8 oz $1.79
• *Pure Leaf Real Brewed Tea 59 oz $1.99
• *Yoplait Go-Gurt Yogurt 4 pk 2/$4 6/10 SS, Print $.85/2 here  Final Price as low as $1.15 wyb 2 during Double Daze
• *Dannon Oikos Yogurt 5.3 oz $.99 5/20 SS Final Price as low as $.49 wyb 2 during Double Daze
• *Dannon 4 pk Activia or Light & Fit or 24-32 oz Yogurt $1.99

Frozen

• Lean Cuisine Meals 5-12 oz $1.99 4/29 SS, Print $1/2 here on Savings Club  Final Price as low as $.99 wyb 2 during Double Daze
• *DiGiorno Stuffed Crust Pizza or Pizza & Sides 26.4-36.8 oz $5.99
• Home Run Inn Pizza 16-20.75 oz $4.49
• InnovAsian Meals 18 oz $3.99 Print $1.50 here Final Price $1.49
• *Tombstone Pizza 18.1-29.5 oz $3.99
• Freshlike Family Pack Vegetables 24-28 oz $1.99
• Roundy’s Fries, Tater Puffs or Hash Browns 19-32 oz $1.49
• *Eggo Waffles or Pancakes 8-12 ct $1.79
• Cedarlane Natural Burritos 6 oz $1.99
• Talenti Gelato 16 oz $2.29 Print $.55 here Final Price as low as $.19 during Double Daze
• Pillsbury Toaster Strudel or Egg Scrambles 6-40 ct $1.99
• *Roundy’s Ice Cream or Sherbet 132 oz $4.99
• *Fat Boy Ice Cream Bars or Sandwiches 6-9 ct $2.99
• Mochi Ice Cream 12 oz $3.49
• *Palermo’s Thin Crust Classics Pizza 12.7-14.6 oz 5/$10
• *Stouffer’s Meals or French Bread Pizza 6-21 oz 4/$10 Print $1.10/5 here
• *Bellatoria Ultra Thin Crust or Pan Pizza 12.76-23.23 oz 2/$10

Misc.

• Nature Made Vitamins or Supplements B1G1 6/3 SS, Print Various Coupons here
• Slim-Fast Bars or Shakes 2/$10 5/20 RP Final Price $3.50
• Ensure Regular Nutrition Shakes 6 pk $7.99 5-6 SS, 6/3 SS
• Top Care Vitamins B1G1
• Prilosec 14 ct $10 6/3 PG Final Price $8
• Crest 3D or Advanced Seal White Strips 4-28 ct $10 off
• Colgate Toothpastes/Toothbrushes $3.49 6/3 PG
• Bic 6 ct Hybrid or 3-4 ct Flex Disposable Razors $4.99 6/3 SS Final Price $2.99
• Ocean Potion Suncare Products 6 oz $5.99
• Pamper’s Jumbo Diapers 18-50 ct 2/$21 $5 OYNO wyb 2
• Huggies Soft Pack Wipes 56-64 ct $2 5/20 SS (exp 6/16)
• Dove or Degree Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 2.6-3 oz 2/$8 6/3 RP, Print $1 here Final Price as low as $2 during Double Daze
• *Dove Soap 6 pk $6.98 6/3 RP Final Price Varies

Wholesome Wednesday: Black Bottom Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Recently, I saw these Individual Peanut Butter Cheesecakes and thought they'd be so much better with a chocolate crust.  I always want to pair peanut butter up with chocolate.  In my mind they always go together.  :)

So the only difference in this recipe is the crust.  I also halved the recipe.  Twelve cheesecakes seemed like a lot to me, when I only wanted a simple quick dessert.  Although next time I'm thinking less sugar and some honey in the cheesecake part too.  Another great addition would be either a chocolate ganache or a thick caramel on top of the crust.

Black Bottom Peanut Butter Cheesecakes

Crust:
3/4 cup Oreo cookie crumbs (or your fave chocolate cookie)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
1 (8oz) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 1/2 tablespoons flour
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line a 12 count muffin tin with 6 liners.

In a medium bowl, mix together crust ingredients till combined.  Using a tablespoon, scoop a heaping tablespoon into the bottom of each cup.  Use the back of a spoon to press the crust down and also up the sides.  Set aside.

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar till smooth.  Add vanilla and peanut butter.  Beat again until smooth.  Add flour; mix till smooth.  Then add egg and beat till smooth.

Scoop filling into cups, lightly smoothing tops.  Bake for 20 minutes or until centers are set.  If worried about cracking, add another pan with water to a lower oven shelf.  Cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate or serve warm.

Skillet Sopa Seca with Chorizo and Black Beans

I did tell you that I've been totally loving America's Test Kitchen's Pasta Revolution.  Like I've said before we're a pasta family.  Or maybe we're a pasta family because I always choose to make things with pasta.  :)  Quite the conundrum. 

Tonight I decided to try the Skillet Sopa Seca with Chorizo and Black Beans because I've had chorizo in my freezer for forever.  I have been looking for a recipe to use the chorizo for a really long time.  A REALLY LONG TIME.  I'm kinda embarrassed at how long it's been in my freezer, but the dish turned out great.  So it's a good thing I waited for the right recipe.  :)

The only things I've changed are the amount of onion, omitting the chipotle chilis and altering the tomatoes.  Also I was out of cilantro.

Skillet Sopa Seca with Chorizo and Black Beans

8 oz. thin spaghetti, broken in half
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 of an onion, diced
4 oz chorizo, crumbled
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed
4 oz tomato sauce
1 (10 oz) can rotel tomatoes
1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

Toast thin spaghetti in 1 tablespoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, tossing frequently with tongs, until golden, about 4 minutes; transfer to paper towel-lined plate.

Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and onion to skillet and cook over medium heat until softened, 5-7 minutes.  Stir in chorizo and cook till browned.  Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Stir in broth, beans, tomatoes, and toasted thin spaghetti.  Cover, increase heat to medium-high, and cook at vigorous simmer, stirring often, until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes. 

Off heat, sprinkle with Monterey Jack over top.  Cover and let stand until cheese melts. 2-4 minutes.  Serve with sour cream, avocados or thinly sliced scallions.

Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Cream Sauce

I had a bunch of mushrooms on hand that I needed to use so I decided to give America's Test Kitchen Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Cream Sauce a try.  The recipe comes from their Pasta Revolution cookbook.  You'll probably see more recipes because we're a pasta loving house.  :)

I also substituted the mushrooms in the recipe for what I had on hand.  I used plain old button mushrooms, dried shittake mushrooms and vidalia onion.  Also substituted half and half for the heavy cream.  The only difference with using half and half is that I needed to cook it quite a bit longer to get the sauce to thicken.  We're talking 15-20 minutes longer, so do keep that in mind if you have a time constraint.

Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Cream Sauce

1 pound vacuum-packed gnocchi
salt and pepper
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 ounces cremini mushrooms, trimmed and sliced thin
2 shallots, minced
1/4 ounce dried porcini mushrooms, rinsed and minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup dry white wine
3/4 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

1. Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot.  Add gnocchi and 1 tablespoon salt and cook until gnocchi are just tender and floating, about 2 minutes.  Drain gnocchi.

2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add gnocchi and cook, stirring occasionally until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes; transfer to plate.

3. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in now-empty skillet over medium heat.  Add cremini mushrooms, shallots, and porcini, cover, and cook until cremini mushrooms have released their liquid, about 4 minutes.  Uncover and continue to cook, stirring often, until cremini mushrooms are well browned, 5 to 7 minutes.

Look at all those yummy mushrooms!  :)

4. Stir in garlic, flour and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in broth, cream, and wine and simmer until sauce has thickened slightly and reduced to 2 cups, 8-10 minutes.

5. Fold in gnocchi and peas and cook until gnocchi are well coated and peas are heated through, about 1 minute.  Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts

Hemp has a rep.  It's one of those plants you learn about in health class.  A drug which contains THC, but this kind of Hemp will not cause intoxication of any sort.  Unless you mean the version where you love the food you're eating.

Hemp is a power food.  Filled with protein, vegetarian none the less, Omega-3s and Omega-6s along with fiber, iron, vitamins and minerals.  There is no reason not to try Hemp because there is no down side.

Our package of Hemp Hearts was eyed suspiciously for a few days.  It lived in the refrigerator for a few days before we ventured into opening them.  Hemp Hearts are raw shelled seeds from the Hemp plant.  The flavor is similar to a green tea but less strong.  A light woody or green flavor.  However, when combining Hemp with another food the flavor is easily lost and over powered.

As suggested we tried it in our salads and smoothies.  It has already become a household favorite in smoothies in particular for breakfast: Nutty Blueberry Smoothie.  Most of all Hemp is a convenient way to add more good nutrition to your diet.  For an ingredient that is small, it is potent.  We noticed that we felt better the same day that we started consuming our Hemp Hearts.

Benefits to be had with only a teaspoon (at least for us)!  I challenge you to find another food that does the same!  (Package recommends 3 tablespoons as a serving)

Enter to win an 8 oz. bag of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts open to the US & Canada.  Use the rafflecopter form below.  Contest runs from June 1st -14th.  Online Sweepstakes

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*All thoughts and opinions are my own.  Manitoba Harvest sent us this product to review and giveaway.*

Wholesome Wednesday: Swirly Jell-O Cookies+My Family's Sugar Cookie Recipe

Today's recipe is something I've been making for many, many years.  My mom has been making this sugar cookie recipe since before I was born.  Both turn out excellent every single time.  They are so easy to make, you don't even need a kitchen-aid or a mixer.  Just a bowl and a spoon.  :)

My Jell-O cookie recipe is healthier than the ones I've seen lately online.  It calls for a lot less butter and sugar while you still get amazing color and flavor.  And if you want to make the color truly pop, just add some gel food coloring.

This recipe is a little different in that I've rolled the sugar cookie and Jell-O doughs together to create beautiful bright swirled cookies.  They're absolutely gorgeous and even though the Jell-O dough is mixed with sugar cookie dough it doesn't detract from their flavor.  You can use any flavor of Jell-O in these cookies and even sugar free Jell-O if you want.  I've used my faves which are strawberry and berry blue.  I hope your family loves this recipe as much as we do.

This recipe originally came from Betty Crocker's 110 Cookie Recipes published in August, 1990.  It was also called Crisp Pastel Cookies probably due to the fact that Jell-O is a brand name.  We've always called them Jell-O cookies though.  :)

The only thing I've changed is to halve the recipe and add a 3 ounce package of Jell-O to each half to increase the color and flavor in the dough.

Jell-O Cookies

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 package (3 ounces) any fruit-flavored gelatin
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt.

Heat oven to 400 degrees (for swirl cookies 375).  Mix sugar, shortening, butter, vanilla, eggs and gelatin (dry).  Stir in flour, baking powder and salt.

Use a tablespoon cookie scoop to scoop dough out on to trays.  Place 3 inches apart on the ungreased cookie sheets.  Flatten with the bottom of a glass dipped in sugar.  Bake 6-8 minutes.  Makes about 5 dozen cookies.

Christmas Cookie Cut-ups

3 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 sticks unsalted butter, either room temp or cold
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla

Put all dry ingredients in a large bowl, except the sugar.  Cut butter into this mixture with a pastry cutter until it resembles fine meal.  Beat eggs with sugar and vanilla until well blended.  Add to flour mixture and stir until dough forms a ball.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until firm.  Roll out on a floured surface and cut with cookie cutters.  Place on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

Swirl Cookies
1 recipe Jell-O cookies, chilled
1 recipe Christmas Cookie Cut-ups, chilled

Roll out doughs one at a time between 2 pieces of waxed paper.  I rolled mine 8x11 inches and about 1/4 inch thick.  Place doughs in freezer for at least 30 minutes or until cold enough to remove waxed paper without dough sticking.  Set Jell-O dough on top of sugar cookie dough and start rolling up the dough on the longest side.  Continue to roll tightly, fixing any tears in the sugar cookie dough while rolling.  Wrap rolls in plastic wrap and place back in freezer for at least 30 minutes or until cold enough to slice without warping rolls.

Slice cookies 1/4 inch thick and place on baking racks 12 to a rack and bake at 375 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

Glee Gum Giveaway

Do I have something special to share with you!!  Glee Gum contacted me recently about trying out some of their gum and they also offered to give some away to my readers!  While I'm not as big of a gum chewer as I used to be when younger, I was still excited to try Glee Gum.  They sent all this gum to try.  I especially loved the classic bubblegum flavor.  I love that it stays super soft while chewing as other gums do not.  

So it was a win/win for me to host the giveaway especially since Glee Gum is all-natural, gluten-free with no artificial coloring, flavoring, sweeteners or preservatives.  Glee Gum is the only gum in North America made with chicle.  Chicle is a natural tree sap harvested sustainably from the rainforests of Central America.  All gum used to be made with chicle, but today most of those other gums are made from artificial things.  I love that Glee Gum uses chicle because its an Eco-friendly way to help conserve the rainforest.  The chicle is also what gives Glee Gum such great, long-lasting chew.  Even the packaging is made from biodegradable, recycled cardboard.  This makes it a no-brainer choice to chew.  I love things that are all natural and great for the environment.

Make sure to check out the store locator, Glee Gum is available at Cost Plus World Markets and Whole Foods. 

In this giveaway, you have a 3 chances to win!!  Three, yes I said THREE readers will win 3 packs of Glee Gum in their flavor choice and a coupon to use on a future purchase.  Just use the rafflecopter form below to enter!  Contest runs from May 25th-June 5th, open to US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



 *Glee Gum sent me these products to review and giveaway.  All thoughts and opinions are my own*
Free

Wholesome Wednesday: Lasagna Casserole

About a year ago, I found a recipe on Money Saving Mom that looked good.  I love casseroles and anything Italian.  And I really love this recipe although I have changed a few things to make it more to my taste.  I needed a little more of an Italian taste, so I added some garlic and spices.  Also the Touch of Philly shredded mozzarella gives everything a creaminess that is just amazing.  And I always add veggies of some sort to my lasagna and adding either kale or spinach is a great way to almost hide them from kids or other family members.

Lasagna Casserole
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
8 oz. veggie rotini or whole wheat rotini
1/2 jar of spaghetti sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
dried oregano and basil to taste (I typically crumble in a palm full)
1 15 oz. can of Italian spiced diced tomatoes
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups ricotta or cottage cheese
8 oz. touch of Philly mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper
2 1/2 oz. kale or spinach

Brown ground beef until cooked through, draining if needed.  While meat is cooking, boil noodles according to package directions.

Add garlic to meat mixture, cook till fragrant about 30 seconds.  Add spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes and oregano and basil.  Allow to come to boil, turn down to simmer and then slowly add kale/spinach until wilted.  Set 1/2 cup of mozzarella aside to sprinkle on top of casserole.  Combine the rest of the mozzarella, cottage/ricotta cheese, beaten eggs and salt and pepper.

Layer a third of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased 9x13 casserole dish, then 1/2 of the noodles, then 1/2 of the cheese mixture.  Repeat ending with a topping of meat sauce.  Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes (until bubbly).  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.  Serves 6.

If you can't wait 10 minutes, as we frequently can't casserole will be a little juicy.

Tomato Poached Eggs

At my house we've always been fairly healthy when it comes to food, but lately we've also been trying to push more fruits and veggies along with protein.  I know I already posted a recipe from the Drop 10 Diet, but this is pretty great too.  Incredibly filling too.  But it did make me want to take a nap after lunch because I was so incredibly full and warm.  :)

Tomato Poached Eggs
1 cup chopped mushrooms
1 finely chopped garlic clove
2 cups spinach/kale
2 cups low sodium tomato sauce
2 eggs
1 tablespoon shredded Parmesan cheese

Saute mushrooms and garlic in 1 teaspoon olive oil, till juices mostly evaporate.  Stir in spinach/kale; add tomato sauce.  When sauce heats and bubbles slightly, add eggs and cover.  Poach eggs until cooked, about 5 minutes.  (Mine took about 8 minutes)  Top with Parmesan cheese.  Serve with a slice of whole wheat bread.

Tropical Traditions Giveaway Winner!!

We have a winner in the Tropical Traditions Giveaway!!  Susan C.!!  Be on the lookout for an email from rosiedickens@hotmail.com.

Congrats!

Sundays at Tiffany's By James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet

Honestly, the book far outweighs the movie in amounts of happiness distributed.  There is   more of everything including plot, humor, and heart in the book.  A read it till the end and find it's past one in the morning.  It was worth the dark circles.  A delight of a read with a pace that ambles by like an old friend.  

I  admit that I caught the movie version first.  Not typical of me, since the book version is always better.  Movies are great but you don't get the same feeling for the characters and in this case you get a weaker story on screen.  The movie version is certainly a feel good romantic comedy.  Yet, it lacks a few things from the book like the fact that the imaginary friend is an adult from the start.  I suppose someone down the line thought it would be less weird/potentially creepy that way.  

Truly though, it works.  I mean it's not as if we're introduced to perverts here.  Imaginary friends are not creepy no matter their age or gender or species.  They fall under that category of magical helpers who basically can do anything they like and still be certified as normal.  They key is the sincerity.  If they weren't truly out to help their kid(s), then it would be unwanted attention or harassment.

Basically, Jane has an imaginary friend that has to leave her when she turns nine.  It's one of the rules.  Except that Jane is supposed to forget all about Michael so it doesn't hurt.  She remembers him and he ends up seeing her as an adult.  The story winds around why Jane and Michael are meeting for a second time which has never happened to any imaginary friend.

The magic is the best part in my opinion.  Magic is best left alone and it is.  Michael can just snap his fingers and things happen.  He doesn't know why and can't explain it.  Jane asks about it but there are no answers.  The point isn't in the magic because it's all about Michael and Jane.  

So, if you're looking for a love story without exaggerated drama and with a touch of magic, then this might be the perfect book for your next gloomy day.  Not all stories have this much warmth without the cheese.