Stir, Laugh, Repeat

Key Lime Bars

2012-01-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

Looking for a quick but tasty dessert to have on hand for emergencies? Check out my review for Krusteaz's Key Lime Bars.

Chocolate Chip Puddin

2012-01-26T14:36:00.000-08:00

I better hope my daughters don't read this post. I always make Banana Puddin for the holidays but this year I didn't. I want one of my daughters to learn and had hoped they would attempt to continue this tradition. They didn't and therefore were a bit upset because there was no Banana Puddin for Christmas Dinner. I've told them that they will have to make it from now on. Well, a friend requested some so I made a big bowl today. I normally have the perfect amount of pudding and none leftover but for some reason I made too much this time. What to do with it? I got creative and came up with a Chocolate Chip Puddin. This is so easy to make. It can be worked up in individual dishes for a really attractive dessert or made in a large bowl. I personally like the individual dish best.

To make - Place vanilla wafers in the bottom of your dish. Sprinkle with a few chocolate chips, add another layer of wafers, then another layer of chocolate chips. Continue until your dish is full. Make your own vanilla pudding or use a package of cook and serve made using the directions on the package. While still piping hot, spoon over your wafer/chocolate dish. Top with a couple of wafers and a sprinkle of chips. Let cook and enjoy.

My 2 food testers that were treated to this dish both loved it. One said it almost tasted like a chocolate bread pudding. This is a dish that you can change to fit your own taste. You can use different flavors of chips - butterscotch would be good. You can use chocolate pudding and white chocolate chips or maybe peanut butter chips. You can sprinkle in a few nuts and/or add a scoop of whipping and a cherry for added flavor and appeal. Again - Think With Your Taste Buds!

A Book and A Dish - Finally Complete!

2012-01-25T15:52:00.000-08:00

Finally after months of working and working and pulling my hair out, I've finally have A Book and A Dish up and running on Amazon as well as Barnes & Noble. For those of you who know nothing about A Book and A Dish I'll tell you what it's all about.

A Book and A Dish started out as a blog site. I love to read so about 2 years ago I started reading and writing reviews. Then I came up with an idea. What if I had the authors send a recipe to go with my review of their book. That's when I came up with the name A Book (the review) and A Dish (the recipe). The sight has been very successful but I really felt that something needed to be done with all of those reviews and recipes. Since I don't like to do things the traditional way I came up with another idea. Instead of just a cookbook, how about a cookbook that included the reviews too. I talked to some of the authors and they all seemed to like the idea so a book started taking form.

Now, what to do with the proceeds that I hope to start coming in soon. I couldn't see making money off someone else book and recipe so why not donate. That's when I remembered an author that I've done several reviews for who has a group of rescue dogs that he refers to as Tilly's Pack. Author Brian L. Porter is the sole supporter for Tilly's Pack which consists of about 16 furry little friends. Not only does Brian feed these four legged babies but he also keeps them up with trips to the vet and any medical needs that come along. He became the perfect candidate for A Book and A Dish Vol. I.

So, check out A Book and A Dish either through Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Not only will it help you find the perfect book to read but it will also provide you with your next dish to cook while helping out a group of rescue babies. And did I tell you that the cost is only $.99. Now that's a deal!

I now want to say thank you to 2 people who I couldn't have accomplished this without. Author Mary Deal has spent hours helping me work up the reviews, recipes and book pictures into a form that could be formatted for both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. She has been a jewel. Author Douglas Dorow was the one who really stepped in and made this venture finally come to life. He formatted for both sites and took me through all the steps. I'm computer blonde and Doug was the one who helped save what little hair I had left. So, all thanks go out to both of these wonderful people.

Cheese Straws

2012-01-23T14:20:00.000-08:00

The original recipe for this called for 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. I have about 1/2 cup of Parmesan and about 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheeses that needed to be used. I combined these with 1 cup of cheddar for my cheese. The original also called for a tsp. of pepper. This I eliminated but did add a Tbsp. of a herb blend that included Rosemary to half of my mix. This gave me 2 flavors and also helped me use up some leftover cheese. So for this dish Think With Your Taste Buds!
View the full recipe by going to Martha's Recipe Cabinet.

Smothered Pork Roast

2012-01-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

The original recipe for this dish called for pork chops. I've adjusted it to work with a pork sirloin or tenderloin. I cooked mine in an electric frying pan on high for browning and then reduced the heat to 300 for cooking. But, this can be cooked in a Dutch oven on top of the stove. This recipe will also come out great by using a thick cut beef roast instead of pork. View the full recipe by going to Martha's Recipe Cabinet.

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You - Part 6 Final

2012-01-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

Rice With Chicken Casserole

2012-01-15T09:26:00.000-08:00

This idea came from a recipe for rice and tuna which had olives, boiled eggs and lemon juice as additional ingredients. I changed to chicken, left out these 3 ingredients and added the onions. This comes out with a slightly sweet taste from the peppers and oh so good. I took a dish over to 2 of my food testers and they simply loved it and she doesn't care that much for bell peppers. This is a real keeper! Find the full recipe by going to Martha's Recipe Cabinet.

Gracie Allen's Recipe for Beef Roast

2012-01-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

Gracie Allen

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours, 5 minutes
Yield: 2 roasts

Ingredients:

1 large beef roast

1 small beef roast

Directions:

Take the two roasts and put them in the oven.
When the little one burns, the big one is done.

Shark Ninja Express Chop

2012-01-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

Some of you follow my site The Good, The Bad, the Maybe and I thank you. For those of you who don't I want to invite you to read my review for the Shark Ninja Express Chop. If you cook, I don't think you will regret reading what I have to say about this product.

Author L. C. Evans

2012-01-12T16:45:00.000-08:00

It pains me to say that Author L. C. Evans passed on yesterday. Her family said she went peacefully while in the care of the Huntersville, NC Hospice.

I had the pleasure of reading 3 of Linda's books and my favorite has to be Jobless Recovery. Her writing may have been a work of fiction but it still told the truth about the mess our country's job market has become. I'm attaching her website link for those who might want to browse her work. She will truly be missed by me.

L. C. Evans's Website

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You Part 5

2012-01-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

Mosteveryone admits that they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, but beforeyou start trying to increase your daily intake, there are a few things youshould know—especially if you like to grow-your-own food or if you're astart-from-scratch cook. Some of the healthiest vegetables have relatives thatcould kill you.

RawCassava
One of the most consumed carbohydrates in the world, cassava, containsnaturally occurring cyanogenic glycosides. Also known as yucca, thisstarchy tuber must always be dried, soaked, and cooked properly. In Africa,improperly processed cassava is a major problem and is associated with a numberhealth disorders, particularly among people who are already malnourished. The toxin is primarily found in the leaves which protects it from beingeaten by insects or animals, but the roots still contain a significant amountof natural poison and long-term exposure to this raw food can lead to deadlyconsequences. The proper processing of cassava includes drying, soakingin water, rinsing or cooking very soon after it is harvested.

Spicy Jack Daniels Barbecue Sauce

2012-01-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

Now and then I come across a recipe that I can't help but share. Today I want to share a recipe from my good friend Chef Tom Cooks. I know it's just January but it's never too early or late to start thinking about BBQ and grilling. So here we go with Chef Tom's Spicy Jack Daniel's Barbecue Sauce.

1/4 cup onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups Jack Daniels
15 peppercorns
1 tablespoon mustard powder
2 teaspoons Cholula Hot Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
6 oz. Coca Cola
1 bottle Sweet Baby Rays barbecue sauce
olive oil

In a saucepan, saute the onions and garlic in a little olive oil. Once they begin to sweat, add the cola and bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, add the Jack Daniels. Bring back to a boil and let the alcohol burn off, about 3-5 minutes.
Add the peppercorns, hot sauce and dry mustard. Reduce the mixture by 2/3. Turn the heat to low and add the bottle of barbecue sauce and heat for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and pour through a fine strainer to remove the onions, garlic and peppercorns.
Let cool, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You - Part 4

2012-01-09T16:10:00.001-08:00

Mosteveryone admits that they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, but beforeyou start trying to increase your daily intake, there are a few things youshould know—especially if you like to grow-your-own food or if you're astart-from-scratch cook. Some of the healthiest vegetables have relatives thatcould kill you.

RhubarbLeaves
If you are an adventurous gardener, be aware that rhubarb leaves are not thehealthy, bitter green you might assume. There is a reason that rhubarbsold in your grocery store is sold without its leaves. Rhubarb leaves containdangerously high levels of oxalic acid which can cause serious kidney damagepotentially leading to death. Even though a 140-pound person would need to eatabout 10 pounds of rhubarb leaves to die, a small amount still has the ability tomake a person sick. When you're making a salad with fresh greens from yourgarden, steer clear of rhubarb leaves.

Perdue Simply Smart Chicken Chucks

2012-01-08T08:04:00.000-08:00

If you like chicken nuggets you must read my review for Perdue's Simply Smart Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks posted on The Good, The Bad, The Maybe.

Oriental Salad Made Easy

2012-01-07T12:12:00.000-08:00

I had a strong taste for an Oriental Salad so while rummaging through the refrigerator and cabinets here is what I came up with.

Romaine Lettuce
shredded cole slaw blend (cabbage - green & purple & carrots)
Oriental noodles
mandarin oranges
lightly breaded chicken nuggets
a slight sprinkle of cheese
and a good sweet dressing. I used Fryar's Poppy Seed Dressing. Looks good, doesn't it? Believe me, it is! The cole slaw mix gives it an added crunch, the oranges the perfect sweet/tartness and the dressing just topped it all off perfectly. Soooo good!

Brody's Christmas Cupcakes

2012-01-07T11:41:00.000-08:00

My grandson Brody's Christmas present to me. He made cupcakes for his Gram. Isn't he precious!

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You - Part 3

2012-01-06T15:50:00.000-08:00

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You - Part 2

2012-01-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

Mosteveryone admits that they don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, but beforeyou start trying to increase your daily intake, there are a few things youshould know—especially if you like to grow-your-own food or if you're astart-from-scratch cook. Some of the healthiest vegetables have relatives thatcould kill you.

“Green” Potatoes
Another common toxin found in our kitchens includes potatoes that have turnedgreen. Solanine, a natural glycoalkaloid, can occur when potatoes areexposed to too much light. The green color just under the skin stronglysuggests that toxic build-up may have occurred. If you notice a slight greenlayer just under the potato skin, cut away the green portions of the potatoskin before cooking and eating. There is no need to discard your favorite tubersince the non-green portion is safe to eat. It is recommended not toconsume potatoes with a bright green layer just under the potato’s skin sinceit may cause headache, nausea, fatigue and GI issues. You can avoid this problemby storing potatoes in a dark, cool, dry place.

(I've seen "Green" Potatoes but had no idea they were toxic. I thought they were just not quite ripe.)

Healthy Foods That Can Kill You - Part 1

2012-01-04T16:01:00.000-08:00

Published January 04, 2012

A co-worker sent this to me and I found it to be important enough to share. I'm posting this in parts because I feel each one should be read and remembered. So, here is Part 1 of Healthy Foods That Can Kill You.

Seeds,Pits & Kernels

The unsavory seeds, pits, and kernels of some of our favorite fruits andvegetables contain a naturally occurring substance called amygdalin, which inlarge amounts can be fatal since amygdaline can turn into hydrogen cyanide.Apples, pears, mangoes, peaches, and apricots, all contain this chemical, butdon’t worry: Accidental swallowing or the occasional ingestion is not dangeroussince the amount needed to induce a reaction is very high

History of the Black Eyed Pea Tradition

2012-01-01T13:59:00.000-08:00

Supplied by Mark Couch, the "owner" of EZ Cooking

Not these - But these -

"The Real Story is much more interesting and has gone untold in fear that feelings would be hurt. It's a story of war, the most brutal and bloody war, military might and power pushed upon civilians, women, children and elderly. Never seen as a war crime, this was the policy of the greatest nation on earth trying to maintain that status at all costs. An unhealed wound remains in the hearts of some people of the southern states even today; on the other hand, the policy of slavery has been an open wound that has also been slow to heal but is okay to talk about.

The story of THE BLACK EYED PEA being considered good luck relates directly back to Sherman's Bloody March to the Sea in late 1864. It was called The Savannah Campaign and was lead by Major General William T. Sherman. The Civil War campaign began on 11/15/64 when Sherman 's troops marched from the captured city of Atlanta, Georgia, and ended at the port of Savannah on 12/22/1864.

When the smoke cleared, the southerners who had survived the onslaught came out of hiding. They found that the blue belly aggressors that had looted and stolen everything of value and everything you could eat including all livestock, death and destruction were everywhere. While in hiding, few had enough to eat, and starvation was now upon the survivors.

There was no international aid, no Red Cross meal trucks. The Northern army had taken everything they could carry and eaten everything they could eat. But they couldn't take it all. The devastated people of the south found for some unknown reason that Sherman's bloodthirsty troops had left silos full of black eyed peas.

At the time in the north, the lowly black eyed pea was only used to feed stock. The northern troops saw it as the thing of least value. Taking grain for their horses and livestock and other crops to feed themselves, they just couldn't take everything. So they left the black eyed peas in great quantities assuming it would be of no use to the survivors, since all the livestock it could feed had either been taken or eaten.

Southerners awoke to face a new year in this devastation and were facing massive starvation if not for the good luck of having the black eyed peas to eat. From New Years Day 1866 forward, the tradition grew to eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck."

Sad News in the Writing World

2011-12-29T15:32:00.000-08:00

A lot of you keep up with my site A Book and A Dish where I post reviews I read for books I read as well as the author's favorite recipes. Today I received some disturbing news regarding one of the authors I've not only met several times but also done reviews for. Her name is L. C. Evans. I've read her books Jobless Recovery, Talented Horsewoman, and We Interrupt This Date. Her writings have humor, tension, and lots of love. Today I learned that she has cancer and has already reached the stage of Hospice. I'm asking that all of you please keep Linda as well as her family in your prayers. She is a beautiful, sweet lady whose writings will truly be missed.

Eggs Are Awesome!

2011-12-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

One of my followers sent more egg info that I want to share with you. The site has some truly interesting facts about eggs and most of them are new to me. Go to this site and check your egg knowledge. Eggs Are Awesome!

A Tidbit I bet you didn't know!

2011-12-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

People in nudist coloniesplay volleyball more than any other sport.

Yet Another Review for Stir, Laugh, Repeat!

2011-12-15T14:48:00.000-08:00

Banana Pudding!

21 Nov Banana Pudding is the first recipe I got to preview in this great cookbook. I am drooling with the idea of cooking some banana pudding right now. The book is titled “Stir, Laugh, Repeat” by Martha Cheves. What I love about this book is it has clever tips with the recipes on how to do things like peel a ornery egg or using seasoned stuffing mix instead of bread crumbs for meatloaf. As a vegetarian I love to make faux foods like soyloaf, using soyrizo instead of meat. It’s such a clever idea to add seasoned stuffing instead.
Check out Martha’s book here: http://www.amazon.com/Stir-Laugh-Repeat-Martha-Cheves/dp/1604628189/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t/177-7096573-5175849
It’s the season for cooking, so this would be a great time to buy this book for yourself or a friend.

This review was written by Leah Oviedo on her blog site Impower You

Larry the Cable Guy Chicken Batter Review

2011-12-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

I tried a new product, at least a new product for me. This one is called Larry the Cable Guy Chicken Batter and I have to admit it's delicious. Go check out what I have to say about this tasty batter by going to my site The Good, The Bad, The Maybe.

Strawberry Tidbit

2011-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

Strawberries are the onlyfruits whose seeds grow on the outside

Stir, Laugh, Repeat - New Review!!!!!!

2011-12-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

5.0 out of 5 stars A delight, December 11, 2011

Glenn Kleier -

This review is from: Stir, Laugh, Repeat: (Kindle Edition)

My wife and I were vacationing in the Hudson Valley recently and stopped at a quintessential northeastern town for lunch. Afterwards we browsed an antique store where we bought a very old and heavy wooden rolling pin. I thought at the time, what fascinating stories and recipes this antique must hold. Now I've some idea. "Stir, Laugh, Repeat" is a cookbook that delivers not only delicious snacks, meals and desserts, but stories behind them--real life events that contribute as much to the experience of preparing the meals as the recipes themselves. Martha Cheves has a refreshing sense of humor, a sweet lady--like having a favorite relative in the kitchen advising you. ("Chuck's Fruit Salad" is a quick fix and a favorite). "Stir, Lauch, Repeat" would make a nice stocking stuffer for anyone you know who'd enjoy a warm and friendly hand in the kitchen.

Woopie Pies

2011-12-11T15:20:00.001-08:00

Until recently I had never heard of a Woopie Pie but now there are recipes popping up all over the place. Some are made from scratch and some are made with a cake mix. Well I like to keep it simple so I decided to give them a try using a cake mix. So here is the recipe I used.

1 cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix cake mix, eggs, water and oil. Spoon 1 Tbsp. on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or non-stick foil. Bake about 8 - 10 minutes or until done. Cool completely on a rack.

Icing -
1 1/2 sticks butter, softened
1 jar (13 oz.) Marshmallow Fluff
3/4 cup powdered sugar
2 oz. cream cheese, softened

On med. speed, mix until combined. Spread over flat side of one cookie and top with the flat side of another making a sandwich.

Now comes the fun part. I always like to Think With My Taste Buds so to keep from having to make several batches I decided to add my flavors to the icing. After spreading icing on one of my cookies I sprinkled some with coconut, chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, toffee, finely chopped nuts and some with combinations using coconut and chocolate chips, etc. I also made a few mini cakes by putting about 1 1/2 Tbsp. of the cake mix into muffin tins and baking them for about 8-10 minutes or until done. These were cooled and iced with my icing and topped with different flavors such as cherries, sprinkles and even a mix of coconut and pecans. These cookies are perfect to make with the kids.

Freezing Eggs

2011-12-07T16:14:00.001-08:00

Sent by a friend and thought I would share.

Freezing Eggs Tip

Until a good friend shared this tip with me, I did not know that fresh eggs can be whisked together and frozen for up to six months. I have been doing this for over a year now. I buy large eggs when they are on sale in the 18 pack cartons. I keep out about six for use in the fridge and then whisk together whites and yolks of the remaining 12 eggs until just combined.

I then measure them into my ice ice-cube trays, using 3 Tbsp. of the mixture per segment (3 Tbsp. is equivalent to 1 large egg). Freeze them until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to 6 months. Don't forget to date the freezer bag. When ready to use take out one or more and thaw in the refrigerator.

Now for more tips from the egg professionals - the Georgia Egg Commission

FREEZING EGGS

If you receive a windfall of eggs far beyond your capacity to use within a few weeks, they can be frozen - not in the shell, of course. Only freeze clean, fresh eggs.

WHITES Break and separate the eggs, one at a time, making sure that no yolk gets in the whites. Pour them into freezer containers, seal tightly, label with the number of egg whites and the date, and freeze. For faster thawing and easier measuring, first freeze each white in an ice cube tray and then transfer to a freezer container.

YOLKS Egg yolks require special treatment. The gelation property of yolk causes it to thicken or gel when frozen. If frozen as is, egg yolk will eventually become so gelatinous it will be almost impossible to use in a recipe. To help retard this gelation, beat in either 1/8 teaspoon salt or 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar or corn syrup per 1/4 cup egg yolks (4 yolks). Label the container with the number of yolks, the date, and whether you've added salt (for main dishes) or sweetener (for baking or desserts).

WHOLE EGGS Beat just until blended, pour into freezer containers. seal tightly, label with the number of eggs and the date, and freeze.

HARD-COOKED Hard-cooked yolks can be frozen to use later for toppings or garnishes. Carefully place the yolks in a single layer in a saucepan and add enough water to come at least I inch above the yolks. Cover and quickly bring just to boiling. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, in the hot water about 15 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, drain well and package for freezing.
Hard-cooked whole eggs and whites become tough and watery when frozen, so don't freeze them.

To use frozen eggs... Thaw frozen eggs overnight in the refrigerator or under running cold water. Use yolks or whole eggs as soon as they're thawed. Once thawed, whites will beat to better volume if allowed to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Substitute 2 tablespoons thawed egg white for 1 Large fresh white.
Substitute 1 tablespoon thawed egg yolk for 1 Large fresh yolk.
Substitute 3 tablespoons thawed whole egg for 1 Large fresh egg.
Use thawed frozen eggs only in dishes that are thoroughly cooked.

Pina Colada Pie

2011-12-04T12:00:00.001-08:00

This recipe was given to me by a friend. Here is the original recipe:

2 medium graham cracker pie crusts
1 container (12 oz.) cool whip
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

Drain the juice from the pineapple. Combine the cool whip, pineapple and milk. Stir together well, pour into pie crust. Refrigerate over night. Enjoy!

Comments: I've made a pie similar to this using lemon juice but really like the idea of the pineapple. I had to make this one but of course I started Thinking With My Taste Buds and made a couple of changes. I added 1/2 cup of coconut and decided to sprinkle the top with chopped pecans. I did taste the original recipe before adding the coconut and nuts. It's simply wonderful! So make it plain or add a few ingredients to create your own taste. Just make sure the ingredients you add are dry with no liquid. This is one dish that extra liquid will keep it from setting up correctly. You can also dress this up by adding sprinkles.

Horsey Radish Cheese Spread

2011-11-30T14:34:00.001-08:00

Each year I go to the Southern Christmas Show here in Charlotte. Each year I have to try the different dips that are out for everyone to sample. I seldom walk away without purchasing at least 1 package. This year I discovered a new flavor. It's Amelia's Chowda Shack - Horsey Radish Dip. The dip is simple to make using the flavoring packet, mayo and sour cream and I love horseradish but wanted to Think With My Taste Buds and see if I could come up with something other than dip. So in the kitchen I went and this is what I came up with:

1 cup soft cheese (velveeta type), melted
1 pkg (8 oz.) sour cream, softened
1/4 cup mayo
1 pkg Horsey Radish Dip

Mix all together. Serve with crackers and/or veggies. When stored in the refrigerator, let sit out for about 30 minutes to soften.

This spread was such a hit at work that one of the girls wanted the order form for Rand Hill Farms so she could order her own flavor packets.

Hash Brown Quiche

2011-11-29T15:28:00.001-08:00

Got leftover ham? This is wonderful way to use some it up.

What I came out with wasn't what I originally had in mind but this turned out to be simply wonderful! If you like ham, cheese, hash browns, peppers and onions, you'll love this dish.

1 pkg (20 oz.) Hash Browns with peppers and onions
4 eggs, whisked
1 cup chopped ham
1 cup shredded cheese (your choice of flavor)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix all ingredients together. Line muffin pans with paper liners sprayed with non-stick spray. Spoon mixture into liners. Bake 20-25 minutes or until egg is set and slightly browned. Makes about 1 1/2 dozen.

Comments - This is perfect for leftover ham but is also great with sausage or bacon. They are perfect for a Brunch, breakfast and can be eaten on the go. You can't help but love these. Think With Your Taste Buds and come up with even more variations.

Sweet Potato Pie

2011-11-27T11:32:00.001-08:00

I found a recipe for the 'Perfect Pumpkin Pie' and decided to try making it into a Sweet Potato Pie. Above is my finished product. View the full recipe by going to Martha's Recipe Cabinet. This is a pie worth making!

Duncan Hines Carrot Cake

2011-11-27T10:13:00.001-08:00

Through the Foodbuzz/Tastemaker Program I was asked to try some of the newest Duncan Hines products. I've told you how delicious the chocolate and vanilla glaze goes with my Chex Mix Munchies so this time I'm going to tell you about the New and Improved Carrot Cake Mix.

I was really impressed when I opened the box and found a bag of dehydrated carrots and raisins. Now that makes it really taste homemade without the hassle of peeling and shredding the carrots. To plump them back up you simply soak them in the same water that will be added to your mix.

A friend of mine sent me a recipe for a carrot cake that had pineapple chunks added to the batter. I decided to give this a try this using the Duncan Hines Carrot Cake Mix. The carrots and raisins are soaked in 1 1/4 cups of hot water so I cut the hot water down to 3/4 cup, stirring them frequently to allow all to absorb. Then I added to the carrots and raisins 1/2 cup of, not pineapple chunks, but drained crushed pineapple. This mixture was added to the batter as instructed in the directions. It worked perfectly! The cake came out moist and with just a hint of pineapple. So good!

Now for the icing I did something different. A few days ago I made a Strawberry Pretzel Salad for a neighbor. One of the layers called for 1 pkg (8 oz.) softened cream cheese and 3/4 cups of sugar beat until fluffy. Then 1 carton (10 oz.) cool whip, which I beat in instead of folding in. This is what I used for my carrot cake icing. It makes a lot so you can ice heavy even between the layers. Afterwards I sprinkled just the top with chopped walnuts and since I still had icing left I made a 'nest' on top which I filled with chopped pineapple and a couple of cherries. This is one delicious cake! No one will ever guess that it was made form a mix!

Newman's Own Pizza

2011-11-26T13:32:00.001-08:00

Again, through Foodbuzz and Tastemakers I received a coupon to buy and try one of the Newman's Own Pizzas. I buy Newman's pasta/spaghetti sauces and know how great they are so I had high expectations for their pizza. There are 8 different flavors to choose from and all looked good but I decided to give the Supreme a try, giving me a taste of several flavors combined. The Supreme is topped with Italian Sausage, Uncured Pepperoni, peppers and onions, which are all favorites of mine. I had never heard of Uncured Pepperoni so was unsure of how that might taste. After reading the package I found that Uncured Pepperoni has no added nitrate. When I opened the package I was a bit unsure as to how this thin crusted pizza was going to taste. It had maybe 10 pieces of pepperoni, I could see a few pieces of Italian sausage and several scattered pieces of peppers. I really couldn't see how so few toppings could possibly create a tasty pizza. Well, what do I have to loose? I had already preheated my oven so about 12 minutes later I was ready to slice and eat. All I can say is OH MY! I don't know how they did it but this pizza had one of the best blends of taste that I've ever eaten. I could taste the pepperoni, sausage and the sweetness of the peppers. It was actually better than delivery pizza! Each bite had its own taste. It was like eating bites of several different pizzas. Now I want to try the White sauce pizza, and the Roasted Veggie, and the Roasted Garlic & Chicken. Actually I want to try all of them!

Chex Mix Munch

2011-11-21T14:34:00.001-08:00

Foodbuzz and Duncan Hines sent me coupons to try Duncan Hines' Amazing Glaze. I wanted to think outside the box and not do the traditional cakes or cookies so I decided to make a Chex mix. With the holiday season coming up as well as those Sunday football game gatherings, this makes a delicious yet fiber filled snack. And it's simple. Here is all you need to do.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large baking dish with sides mix 3 cups each of wheat, rice and corn chex. Add a cup of broken pretzels, 1 cup of nuts (more if you like a lot of nuts) and 1 10oz. pkg of Bugles. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cereal is hot, stirring about every 5 minutes. Just before taking the cereal from the oven, heat your Amazing Glaze as directed on the package. Immediately after removing from the oven drizzle about 1/2 the chocolate and 1/2 of the vanilla glaze over the hot cereal. Using 2 large spoons, toss well to keep the cereal from clumping. Makes one really large popcorn bowl full of delicious munch!

Comments - Of course you can make changes. You can change up the cereal, change up the nuts, I used peanuts but pecans, walnuts or even mixed nuts would be good. I also used salted peanuts for the salty sweet taste. You can add more or less glaze depending upon your own taste. And what do you do with the left over glaze? Cookies, cakes, cupcakes or make more Chex Mix Munch. Always Think With Your Taste Buds!

Deviled Egg Carrier

2011-11-20T12:18:00.001-08:00

I don't know why I haven't thought about this before. What could make a more perfect egg carrier than the actual crate. Be Family All Natural Vegetarian Fed Eggs come in the perfect container for transporting eggs, especially if you aren't concerned about getting your dish back.

Step 1 - When making your cutting your eggs, don't cut them lengthwise but around the center of the egg so they will fit nicely in the center portion of the carton.

Step 2 - Simply fold the egg protection portion over your eggs.

Step3 - Fold the sealing portion over your eggs.

This carton gives you the room to carry 12 egg halves without crushing or smashing plus it gives you the perfect storage container. When ready to serve, simply take a spoon and scoop your egg half out of its compartment, please it on a serving dish and toss the carton, or wash it for use another time.

The eggs themselves are delicious. The hens are fed no synthetic hormones, no antibiotics and no animal by-products. The carton - it's just an added treat.

Disclosure - This posting is completely my own. I have received no compensation whatsoever for my opinion and idea.

Stir, Laugh, Repeat Award

2011-11-11T14:53:00.001-08:00

If you look to the right you'll see the award presented to me by Become. I'm proud of this and wanted to share it with everyone.

Michael Nelsen

Blogger & Editor

Michael.Nelsen@become.com

Tidbits for Pain

2011-11-11T14:21:00.001-08:00

Caffeine increases thepower of aspirin and other painkillers, that is why it is found in some medicines.

Crusty Baked Fish

2011-11-07T15:34:00.000-08:00

This recipe came to me by way of a friend. I'll post it as she sent with my changes added.

nonstick cooking spray
1 egg white
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (out of all-purpose, used self-rising)
1/4 cup cornmeal (used self-rising)
1/4 cup panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs) (used about 1/2 cup)
1 tsp. salt-free Cajun seasoning (didn't have Cajun so I used Old Bay)
1 lb. catfish fillets, halved (4 pieces) (don't like Catfish so I used Talapia)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Spray the surface of a flat, non-stick baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. (You may ask why spray a non-stick pan with non-stick spray - it acts like oil in the pan. You can also get this effect by spraying the meat while cooking). In a shallow bowl beat egg white until it forms soft peaks. Place flour on a sheet of wax paper. On another sheet combine cornmeal, panko and seasoning. Dip fish in the flour and shake off excess. Dip in the egg white. Roll in the cornmeal mixture. Place on baking pan. Spray the tops of the fish with cooking spray and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the bottoms of the fish are browned and the fish is sizzling. Remove from the oven and turn the fish over. Return to oven and bake about 5 minutes longer or until the fillets are browned and crisp.

Comments: I personally love my fish with a crispy crust. I also love the slight taste of cornmeal. I found both with this recipe. It was like having good ole "fried" fish without the grease and smell. And as you can see, I didn't let my being out of something keep me from enjoying a good dish. I simply decided to Think With Your Taste Buds

Cheddar Chicken Broccoli Soup

2011-11-06T15:02:00.000-08:00

This soup comes out a little thick but oh so good. I decided to use the stuffing mix instead of crackers giving it just a little more of that heart warming sage taste. This is a great recipe to have on hand using leftover turkey in place of the chicken. Find my recipe on Martha's Recipe Cabinet and my rating for Bear Creek Soup Mix by going to The Good, The Bad, The Maybe.

Chicken Mozzarella

2011-11-06T09:12:00.000-08:00

I'm running a little behind in my posts but good things are usually worth waiting for and this dish is one of the good ones. Foodbuzz and Tastemakers along with Newman's Own sent me a couple of sauces to try with the hopes of my coming up with a recipe that is tasty, easy, family friendly and can be prepared within 30 minutes. With my Chicken Mozzarella I nailed all of these plus. Not only is this dish simple to make it's a dish that can be prepared as individual servings cooking all at one time or as needed making it the perfect dish for a busy schedule family. So here is all you do to make this tasty little dish.

To make a serving for 4:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Cook 1/2 lb. spaghetti according to package directions.
Divide spaghetti into 4 individual dishes that are oven safe.
Place 1 pre-cooked, breaded chicken breasts over top of spaghetti.
Divide 1 jar of Newman's Own pasta sauce over the chicken breasts making sure to cover the spaghetti.
Top with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
Bake 20-25 minutes or until cheese has melted and the dish is piping hot.

Comments: I used the Tomato & Basil Bombolina Pasta Sauce. When I make up a new dish and serve it to some of my lucky food testers, I tell them very little about the dish. All 3 of my food testers that tried this dish remarked about it's "clean" taste. One thought it may have a touch of lemon added another wanted to know if I added a tiny bit of mint. It was the Basil they were tasting and they all 3 loved it. For my chicken I used a pre-cooked, all white meat product to cut down time. When baking the assembled dish, watch your cheese. You want the dish hot but you don't want to burn your cheese. If you find your cheese starting to brown, lay a sheet of non-stick foil over the top. For the individual dishes, I shop at a discount pottery house that carries many styles and colors of individual baking dishes for about $1.00 each. These are perfect to have around not only for this dish but also for serving baked potatoes, corn on the cob and even freezing individual dishes. And as I said before, this dish is perfect for serving as needed. You can bake all 4 dishes, wrap, refrigerate/freeze, and microwave as needed. Perfect to serve that someone who didn't make it home in time for dinner with the rest of the family.

Tidbits about words

2011-11-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

"lollipop"
is the longest word typed with your right hand.

Sorry for not posting

2011-11-02T03:22:00.000-07:00

This is Puff last Christmas as he opened his presents.

I want to say that I'm sorry to those who follow my site but Monday I had to put down my best friend. Puff had been there for me every day of his almost 14 years. Greeting me when I came in and loving me no matter what. He was there as my nurse when I had back surgery and any time in between that I simply didn't feel good. If you're an animal lover, you'll understand what I'm going through. If you aren't, you're missing out on some of the best non-conditional love you'll ever have.

2011-10-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Pass the Banana

A professor at CCNY for a physiological psych class

told his class about bananas.

He said the expression 'going bananas'

is from the effects of bananas on the brain.

Read on:

Never, put your banana in the refrigerator!!!
This is interesting.
After reading this, you'll never look at a banana

in the same way again.

Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber.

A banana gives an instant, sustained and

substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas

provide enough energy for a strenuous

90-minute workout.

No wonder the banana is the number one

fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana

can help us keep fit.

It can also help overcome or prevent a

substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia : High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt,

making it perfect to beat blood pressure.

So much so, the US Food and Drug

Administration has just allowed the banana

industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability

to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.

Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school ( England ) were helped through their exams

this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break,

and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power.

Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit

can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake,

sweetened with honey..

The banana calms the stomach and,

with the help of the honey,

builds up depleted blood sugar levels,

while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid

effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn,

try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work? Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control: Many other cultures

see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can

lower both the physical and emotional

temperature of expectant mothers.

InThailand, for example, pregnant women

eat bananas to ensure their baby is born

with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood Enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking &Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance... When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills.

When you compare it to an apple, it has four times

the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron,

and twice the other vitamins and minerals.

It is also rich in potassium and is one of the

best value foods around.

So maybe it's time to change that

well-known phrase so that we say,

'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'