Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme Cereal Breakfast Pack Giveaway

To celebrate the new Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme cereal, as part of a sponsored post for MyBlogSpark and General Mills, I have been provided a prize pack to giveaway. #MyBlogSpark #GeneralMills


Have you heard about the new Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme cereal?

It's one of my favorite candy bars turned into a cereal. So, yeah - I was a tad excited when I heard about it. Then even more so after I tasted it. It's delicious and worth a try if you are a fan of the Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme candy bars. Heck, it's worth a try if you like fun cereals!

I am a sucker for sweet cereals, some of my favorites are Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Franken Berry and Trix. They were favorites when I was growing up and still hold a sweet spot in my heart. Do you have any favorite cereals like that?


The new Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme cereal is made from 100% whole grains with at least 14g of whole grain per serving (at least 48g recommended daily). Best of all, Hershey’s Cookies ‘n’ Creme cereal has only 9 grams of sugar per serving and is a good source of Calcium, Vitamin D, and 10 other essential vitamins and minerals.

Come check out this Hershey's Cookies 'n' Creme Cereal Breakfast Pack that is up for giveaway...

Monday, July 29, 2013

Cheesy Mushroom Dumplings with Bacon


Why was the mushroom invited to the party?

Because he was a Fungi.

Don't worry, I can wait for you to stop laughing. It took me awhile.


Why did the pig go into the kitchen?

He felt like bacon.

Sorry, I can't help myself.


What hotel do mice stay in?

The Stilton.

Ok, ok. I am done with the jokes. Let's talk about these dumplings!

To be honest, my biggest worry about making these Cheesy Mushroom Dumplings with Bacon was not being able to fold them correctly. But it is really simple and I only messed up one wrapper - totally due to user error from adding too much filling.

Just lay the wrapper out and place a small amount of filling onto wrapper. About 2 teaspoons worth.


Then dip your finger in water, run it along the edge of the wrapper. Immediately fold over the wrapper, pressing together with your fingers.


Repeat until you are out of filling or out of wrappers. I ran out of filling first and ended up making some homemade pizza rolls that I froze for a snack later on down the road.


Then I deep fried them, in small batches, in oil heated to about 350. I say about because it was done in a pot on my stove that doesn't stay a constant temperature. So around 350, but not too much over.

No sauce is needed for these, they are scrumdiddlyumptious all by their lonesome. Honest. Try them.


Cheesy Mushroom Dumplings with Bacon
(PRINTABLE RECIPE)
makes 45 dumplings
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
8oz bacon, chopped (I use kitchen shears and chop strips into ½” chunks)
8oz mushrooms, chopped
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
½ cup swiss cheese, shredded
½ cup blue cheese, crumbled
8oz cream cheese, softened
salt and pepper to taste
45 round wraps
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until done to your likeness. I love crispy, crispy bacon - so that’s what I cooked it to. Then add the mushrooms and garlic and cook until mushrooms have given off their juices and most liquid has been evaporated. Drain and cool.
2. Mix together cheeses, mushroom mixture and salt and pepper until fully combined.
3. Fill round wraps - most packages will have directions on them, if not check out the post for this recipe and see how I did it.
4. In small batches, cook in oil at 350 degrees until golden brown.
5. Drain and serve while still warm.

Friday, July 26, 2013

#GetHimFed Fridays #3


We have all heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” It’s true – and any good woman knows it! Not only do men love to satisfy their hunger with something delightful on the palate, they are also in love with the fact that their meals are made, with love, by the women in their life. Sometimes they are even eager to please back after tasting a recipe that was whipped up for them – and those are the ones we are looking for at #GetHimFed!

Here are the features from last week!

Hot Damn This 'Berg-ers' Jumpin' from Kandy's Kitchen Kreations

How to Make an Underground Oven from 365(ish) Days of Pinterest

Crock Pot Cheddar Beer Chicken Tacos from What's Cooking in the Burbs

And the S&M (Social Media) Pick of the Week:
Fresh Berry Cake from Prudent Living - On the Home Front

If you were featured - show it off!!

Grab button for #GetHimFed Featured

<div class="Featured Button for #GetHimFed" style="width: 150px; margin: 0 auto;">
<a href="http://www.hungryharps.com">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcXIQidi2UB-2IAZ3o8spYHN46zF4c0qpt0z1BvOdZuVDRCgzt_uREZZhLcS66dHxjjVvCa6sDBZMFITyQqi1pr7ULavO9k5cogBvmez2acEWjSpAjlH__9aGP6NG9YtFndlxitszctud/s1600/Ninja_2.0.jpg" alt="I was featured at #GetHimFed" width="150" height="157" />
</a>
</div>

Here are the ways you can participate with #GetHimFed:
1. Link up a delicious, man-pleasing recipe. It doesn't have to just be hamburgers or nachos or hot wings - it just has to be anything edible that pleases the guy in your life. The recipes that leave him silent at the table because the food is too good to stop eating. We want the goods here!
2. Are you on Instagram? Post pictures of your meal – from preparing to being eaten by your man, post it on Instagram with the hashtag #GetHimFed and you could be featured on next week’s Social Media(S&M) Features! Posts to Instagram, using the #GetHimFed hashtag, will be reposted via InstaRepost – which means more exposure for you!!
3. Leave a comment. Since you were going to do that anyway, include what your man will do for you after indulging in whichever meal(s) you are sharing. Maybe he did the dishes? Gave you a foot massage? Let's share with each other and maybe get some tips out of this!

With all that said, let's get our freak party on!

Participator Button for #GetHimFed Fridays

<div class="Participator Button for #GetHimFed Fridays" style="width: 153px; margin: 0 auto;">
<a href="http://www.hungryharps.com">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWVbKdd88Qblc58T5ex0ggUUsCfOtlGAHEBEni9kNgzvPq3AlUp8SkMIfKqoreHHDRq4d81WY5IOHkRwOFUlgpqTgMjGlI7gaKsOhH_bSaOABBPzUT04Brzrj08LeozfhqdVCk2q5gFeU/s1600/Aubergine.jpg" alt="I participated at #GetHimFed Fridays" width="153" height="153" />
</a>
</div>

Rules are no fun, so let’s call these suggestions for linking up your recipe(s)...
1. Follow your hosts socially (however you'd like) and let us know so we can do the same in return!


Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram


Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

2. Visit at least the link before yours. Leave a comment stating that you stopped by. (We all love to read comments, so share the love!)
3. Spread the word; grab a participator's button and display it on your blog.
4. Link to your recipes--no giveaways or promos, please.
5. As a participant, you acknowledge that photos from the post you link may be distributed as a part of the #GetHimFed Feature and/or across social media platforms. If this is the case, all photos will be credited back to your sites and posts and credit will be given.


Monday, July 22, 2013

Bruschetta Cheeseburger #FreshFinds

To kick off hamburger season, as part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias® and Save Mart, I made Bruschetta Cheeseburgers using ingredients from my local Save Mart Supermarket. #FreshFinds #cbias


Summertime means grilling. Grilling means hamburgers. Which means... it's hamburger season y'all!! I'll admit, my burgers usually lack any kind of pizzazz. I am a cheeseburger kinda girl, just add mayo, ketchup, lettuce and pickles to make me content. However, I heard that Save Mart Supermarket has an upcoming sale featuring Build a Better Burger items and I was instantly inspired to, well, build a better burger!

I headed to my local Save Mart to discover some fresh finds and had to share a picture of their produce department. Check out the charming baskets the veggies and fruits are displayed in!! It's the small touches that keep me coming back - I am all about a homey atmosphere at a grocery store.


Tomatoes scream summertime - so I just had to include them in my "better burger". Even my picky-eating children love tomatoes. Although we didn't plant a garden this year, I still have Save Mart and their wide selection of tomatoes - from Cherry to Roma to Hot House. With the cute baskets. :) 

Tomatoes will be included, along with other items such as ground beef and buns, in the Build a Better Burger sale. For all items, just check out the front page of the Save Mart Supermarket ad from your local store, starting 7/24.


I made Bruschetta Cheeseburgers - 1/3lb hamburger patties, topped with mozzarella cheese and a simple homemade bruschetta. It was quick, easy and best of all - tasted of summertime!! Letting the bruschetta chill before serving added a nice, crisp touch to the burger on a hot day. I think I may have inspired myself to whip up another burger using other seasonal produce! (Back to Save Mart I go...)


Simple Homemade Bruschetta
(PRINTABLE RECIPE)
Ingredients
2.5 cups chopped tomatoes
1.4 cup basil leaves, sliced
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste
Directions
1. Combine all ingredients. Chill before serving.


For more information on Save Mart, you can also find them on facebook, twitter and pinterest! If you love cooking outdoors - make sure to check out the Explore The Grill promotion that Save Mart has running with Pepsi right now. Every day there is a Green Egg grill being given away - go check it out!!

Friday, July 19, 2013

#GetHimFed Fridays #2


We have all heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” It’s true – and any good woman knows it! Not only do men love to satisfy their hunger with something delightful on the palate, they are also in love with the fact that their meals are made, with love, by the women in their life. Sometimes they are even eager to please back after tasting a recipe that was whipped up for them – and those are the ones we are looking for at #GetHimFed!

Here are the features from last week!

Chicken Philly Cheese Steaks from Domestic Bliss Squared. Talk about man-pleasin'!! Guys like putting things in between buns and this sandwich is no exception! ;)

Cocoa Truffles from Heidi's Wanderings. Chocolate balls - yep, men love these. They will also attempt to throw these up in the air and catch them in their mouths, but usually just when home alone.

And the S&M (Social Media) feature of the week!!
 
The Ultimate Greek Pita Wrap from Soliloquy of Food & Such. Have you ever been to Pita Pit? Every time I go there is a plethora of guys in there getting their grub on after a work-out (awesome for me, right?) - so I know this is certainly man-worthy. Kim from Soliloquy of Food & Such shared this great dish on Instagram - go check out what other fun things she is posting about!!

If you were featured - show it off!!

Grab button for #GetHimFed Featured

<div class="Featured Button for #GetHimFed" style="width: 150px; margin: 0 auto;">
<a href="http://www.hungryharps.com">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcXIQidi2UB-2IAZ3o8spYHN46zF4c0qpt0z1BvOdZuVDRCgzt_uREZZhLcS66dHxjjVvCa6sDBZMFITyQqi1pr7ULavO9k5cogBvmez2acEWjSpAjlH__9aGP6NG9YtFndlxitszctud/s1600/Ninja_2.0.jpg" alt="I was featured at #GetHimFed" width="150" height="157" />
</a>
</div>

Here are the ways you can participate with #GetHimFed:
1. Link up a delicious, man-pleasing recipe. It doesn't have to just be hamburgers or nachos or hot wings - it just has to be anything edible that pleases the guy in your life. The recipes that leave him silent at the table because the food is too good to stop eating. We want the goods here!
2. Are you on Instagram? Post pictures of your meal – from preparing to being eaten by your man, post it on Instagram with the hashtag #GetHimFed and you could be featured on next week’s Social Media(S&M) Features! Posts to Instagram, using the #GetHimFed hashtag, will be reposted via InstaRepost – which means more exposure for you!!
3. Leave a comment. Since you were going to do that anyway, include what your man will do for you after indulging in whichever meal(s) you are sharing. Maybe he did the dishes? Gave you a foot massage? Let's share with each other and maybe get some tips out of this!

With all that said, let's get our freak party on!

Participator Button for #GetHimFed Fridays

<div class="Participator Button for #GetHimFed Fridays" style="width: 153px; margin: 0 auto;">
<a href="http://www.hungryharps.com">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRWVbKdd88Qblc58T5ex0ggUUsCfOtlGAHEBEni9kNgzvPq3AlUp8SkMIfKqoreHHDRq4d81WY5IOHkRwOFUlgpqTgMjGlI7gaKsOhH_bSaOABBPzUT04Brzrj08LeozfhqdVCk2q5gFeU/s1600/Aubergine.jpg" alt="I participated at #GetHimFed Fridays" width="153" height="153" />
</a>
</div>

Rules are no fun, so let’s call these suggestions for linking up your recipe(s)...
1. Follow your hosts socially (however you'd like) and let us know so we can do the same in return!


Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram


Twitter - Pinterest - Instagram

2. Visit at least the link before yours. Leave a comment stating that you stopped by. (We all love to read comments, so share the love!)
3. Spread the word; grab a participator's button and display it on your blog.
4. Link to your recipes--no giveaways or promos, please.
5. As a participant, you acknowledge that photos from the post you link may be distributed as a part of the #GetHimFed Feature and/or across social media platforms. If this is the case, all photos will be credited back to your sites and posts and credit will be given.


Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Tasty Tuesdays #19 & Seven Wonderful Watermelon Recipes

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!!

Why link up to Tasty Tuesdays?
All Tasty Tuesdays participants get guaranteed Pinterest exposure; we pin every post you share with us and comment on each one too! Also, all Tasty Tuesdays featured bloggers get followed on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+ and Google Friend Connect!

Here are Seven Wonderful Watermelon Recipes from last week's Tasty Tuesday!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Sully Fur Balls and Monsters University Pre-Order at Walmart

To celebrate the Pre-Order of Monsters University from Walmart, as part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias® and Disney Pixar, I made Sully Fur Balls as a fun MU-themed dessert! #MUPreOrder #cbias


A few weeks back, I posted a recipe for Monsters University Popcorn Mix that was inspired by the new Disney movie, Monsters University. The idea was to get my kids excited for the release of Monsters University - and it worked. We had a monstrous afternoon full of Monsters University toys, watching Monsters, Inc, and snacking on the popcorn mix while drinking Monsters University themed Juicy Juice boxes. It was great fun and got all of us in Monster-mode!

My kids are huge Pixar fans and the Monsters franchise is no exception. I can't blame them, they get it honestly. Monsters, Inc. was the first Pixar movie I ever purchased - I bought it the day it was released and then raced home to watch it, for the first time. It's crazy to think that it was about 11 years ago that I first found out what a 2319 was...

I already planned on buying Monsters University when it was released, but then I heard that Walmart was doing pre-orders - so I got in line. Literally. :) Let me tell you why it is awesome to pre-order a movie that you already plan on buying...


First, the movie is mailed to you when it is released. That is just too easy-peezy, plus I love getting mail that isn't a bill. Inside the empty Blu-ray box you receive when purchasing the pre-order is a piece of paper with a code on it. All you have to do is go to vudu.com and redeem the code for access to Disney previews and to receive a Collector's Edition of Monsters University which includes a Blu-ray, a DVD and a digital copy that is available only through VUDU.


Second, inlcuded in the box is $8 in Movie Cash that can be used for Monsters University, The Lone Ranger or Planes (releases 8/9/2013) and a $1.50 off coupon for Juicy Juice.


Have you seen the Monsters University themed Juicy Juice boxes? So cute!


And of course, I couldn't help but come up with another Monsters University creation. Have you seen all of the great ideas that are being posted throughout the blogsphere? I am considering throwing my kids a Monsters University birthday party just because I have seen so many awesome creations!!

My husband actually came up with the idea for Sully Fur Balls - I thought it was so darn cute that I picked up the ingredients while picking up our pre-order of Monsters University. If you want to see all the goodies I found at Walmart, check out my Google+ album. There are a couple new items I found that I can't wait to try!


Alright, let's get to baking these Sully Fur Balls!!

First, I colored coconut flakes. I put the flakes in a food processor and added food coloring until they were the colors I wanted.


Next, I baked mini cupcakes, using chocolate cake mix. Any flavor would work since they will be covered up. Notice the one missing? There are a lot of little fingers around here just waiting for sweets to be set out. :)


Then I made a marshmallow creme and coated each cupcake fully. Last, I loaded them with the colored coconut. Since I was worried about the creme setting too fast I didn't take any pictures of this step. Silly me. It won't set for an hour, maybe more.  


Marshmallow Coating
(PRINTABLE RECIPE)
Ingredients
1/2 ounce gelatin powder
10 ounces water, divided
7 ounces light corn syrup
18 ounces sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
1. Combine gelatin and 5oz of water in stand mixer. Mix well with fork to ensure no lumps.
2. In saucepan, combine remaining water, corn syrup and sugar. Heat over high heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Bring temperature to 240F, then turn off heat and then let cool to 210F. Add to gelatin mixture. With whip attachment, turn stand mixer on 3 until fully combined - then kick it up to 8 and let it whip until the mixture is fluffy and had at least tripled in size. My stand mixer was on for over 10 minutes - so just let it do the work while you kick back. ;)
3. Use immediately - will set up in about an hour.
*adapted from Serious Eats


Come join me and follow Disney-Pixar on Facebook and Twitter!

Spicy Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Pesto Pasta & a FarberWare 6QT Covered Jumbo Cooker

As part of a sponsored post for Collective Bias®, I made Spicy Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Pesto Pasta using a FarberWare 6QT Covered Jumbo Cooker. All opinions are 100% my own. #cbias


A few months ago I tossed out my set of nonstick pans - the bottoms were warped and they were on the verge of losing their nonstick coating. They weren't a pretty sight and to be honest, it was nice to see them go. However, they didn't get replaced and I have since been using my cast iron skillet and stock pot. I do love my cast iron cookware, but I terribly missed my nonstick skillet. So I picked one out and kept waiting for the right time to buy it... Well, the wait is over and I now have my dream nonstick skillet!! I am so excited to tell you all about it, plus share the first recipe that I cooked in it!!

I chose FarberWare because they are a trusted name in kitchen tools and have been around for over 100 years.100 years!! What that tells me is that they will have trusted, quality cookware for generations of cooks to come.

Without any further ado, let me introduce you to my very own FarberWare 6QT Covered Jumbo Cooker - a 14" Nonstick Skillet. I am in love and my husband has politely asked that it not sleep with us tonight. ;) 


A few features sold me on this particular skillet. First, the size - 6 Quarts! We have a family of 6 - so bigger is better when it comes to cookware. Second, a glass lid that allows me to see inside without lifting the lid. I have twins, so sometimes my hands are full when I go to check on dinner and the glass lid is a big help. Third, it's dishwasher safe. I don't mind doing dishes - but sometimes it is easier and time-saving to throw a load in the dishwasher and go hang out with the family.

And I can't fail to mention what was a must for me when it came to a new skillet - having oven safe handles. These bad boys are safe up to 350 degrees. I can't wait to use just one pan and not have to transfer foods to an oven-safe dish!


The first thing I did after removing the packaging was check out the bottom of the pan...


Love the branding!!

While shopping for my new skillet I poked around to see what else I could find that I couldn't live without. I knew there had to be something!

A new cutting board has been on my wish list for awhile - so I checked out the selection... Did you know FarberWare makes cutting boards? All of my boards have been gifts and I have never shopped for one before, so I was clueless on the selection out there.


The choices were poly or bamboo cutting boards. I wanted a wood one - so bamboo it was, of which I just adore the color and look of the wood grain. These cutting boards resist scratching and moisture, plus no forests were disturbed to make them. I am not necessarily a tree-hugger, but I enjoy breathing oxygen - so forests are important to me. :)


Although it wasn't on my wish list, this colander caught my eye. How do you pass up a $5.97 colander that has soft comfortable-grip handles, a 5QT capacity, a cute design, is red and has a limited lifetime warranty? You don't. You just don't! My colander that is pale blue, and most likely from the late 80's, is getting retired - and this hot momma is moving in!!


And the last thing I brought to show-n-tell today was something I never knew existed. It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...

Ceramic knives!!


They are sharper, harder and stronger than steel. I just had to see what this knife was all about. I picked out the 5" Santoku Knife, with blade cover, since it was the perfect size for the recipe at hand.

First, the handle is extremely soft. Not sure if this picture does it justice, but it feels so nice to hold.


Second, it made cutting a lime feel like I was cutting through butter. Oh my. This knife is serious business and I am so happy to have one!


Let's get to that recipe that I mentioned earlier! You didn't think I forgot, did you?

 I whipped up Spicy Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Pesto Pasta for my FarberWare skillet's first meal. The recipe has quite a kick - so if you like less heat, just add less cayenne & garlic. It will still taste great!

The first step is to make some Cilantro-Lime Pesto - hence the cut & juiced limes alongside bunches of cilantro in the picture above. ;) Process the ingredients (recipe below) in a food processor and watch your pesto come to life! Set aside.

Next, heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, add garlic and seasonings (recipe below) and cook for a few minutes until fragrant and garlic is starting to turn golden.


Add 1lb of extra large, shelled and deveined shrimp. Make sure to turn them occasionally to avoid burning.

I picked up these stainless steel, silicone-tipped tongs to help avoid scratching the new pan. Since the tongs are heat-resistant I felt confident using them in hot oil. Just like the colander, the tongs have a limited lifetime warranty. Awesome!


Cook shrimp for about 7 minutes, until no longer pink.


Add the Cilantro-Lime Pesto and thin spaghetti and stir until well combined. Serve immediately.


Spicy Shrimp with Cilantro-Lime Pesto Pasta
Cilantro-Lime Pesto
Ingredients
2 cups cilantro, fresh
2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
¼ cup walnuts, chopped
2 tsp lime zest
1 tablespoon garlic, chopped
¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
⅛ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon salt
Directions
1. Place all ingredients in food processor and process until smooth - a few minutes.
2. Use immediately or store in refrigerator.

Spicy Shrimp
Ingredients
¼ cup olive oil
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, ground
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne powder
½ teaspoon curry
½ teaspoon coriander
1lb shrimp, raw - deveined and shelled
Directions
1. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, ginger, cumin, cayenne, curry and coriander. Cook, while stirring, for about 3 minutes. Until mixture is fragrant and garlic is starting to turn golden.
3. Add shrimp, occasionally flipping to avoid burning. Cook for about 7 minutes or until no longer pink.

*After shrimp is done cooking, add ½ cup of the Cilantro-Lime Pesto and 1/2lb thin spaghetti noodles (cooked) to skillet. Stir until combined and serve immediately. Enjoy!


For more information on FarberWare, check out their website where you can find a wide range of products and recipes (like Mascarpone-Apple Stuffed Brioche French Toast). 

On Facebook, FarberWare shares even MORE delicious recipes (like these Grilled Cilantro Burger Sliders with Teriyaki and Pineapple) that are made using their cookware. Right now, on Facebook, you can enter to win a FarberWare Classic Series 2.75 Qt. Covered Sauté Pan or a FarberWare Millennium Stainless Steel 12-Inch Nonstick Skillet!! Very cool. :)

If you are on Twitter, follow @FarberwareCook for recipes and tips.

I bought my skillet at Walmart, where there is large selection of FarberWare items. You can check them all out on Walmart's FarberWare page. I posted pictures from my shopping trip on Google+, if you want to see what other goodies I found!