Review and Giveaway: Nestle Happy New School Year Products

NestleFamily is helping families motivate their school children through their website with lots of tips, ideas, recipes and making memorable family moments. So as our children are well into the new school year by now, do you find them still trying to get motivated to get their homework done, after Summer break? Well here is something to motivate them! Nestle, Mead and Five Star have put out a great motivation package, that certainly has helped energize my 2 schoolers to get their homework done. After school treats were ice cream and juice!

On behalf of Nestle, Mead and Five Star, we were sent a Happy New School Year Resolution prize package ($40 retail value!) that included the following to help energize children to get their homework done:

-Five Star Messenger Bag

-Five Star Xpanz Zipper Binder w/pencil pouch

-Mead work books

-Mead 2 pocket folders

-Mead spiral notebooks

Free coupons for:
-Juicy Juice
-Carnation Evaporated Milk
-Dreyer’s Slow Churned (this stuff is SO good!)
-Recipe ideas for smoothies

That's a lot of great goodies! Some of it we're saving for next school year since we already have a binder and a bag. But how would you like to receive the same goodies?



ONE "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" reader will win a Happy New School Year Resolution prize package also!

(This is a must before any extra entries will be accepted!)
1. All you have to do is tell me what you do to motivate your children for their school work!

Earn up to 8 extra entries by showing some "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" bloggie ♥ !
-Please post yourself a separate comment for each letting me know which ones you do.

2. Follow me on Twitter here (and I'll follow you back!)

3. Tweet about this giveaway, copy this: Win a Happy New School Year Resolution prize package @MommyImHungry's Giveaway http://bit.ly/1rzpjV

4. (earn 2 bonus entries!) Blog about this giveaway on your blog & post your link here

5. Mention this giveaway link on your Facebook

6. Follow "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" w/my Google Friend Connect side bar widget

7. Follow "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" w/my NEW Facebook Fan Page side bar widget

8. Add my blog button to your site & post your link here


Remember, please don't forget to leave me contact info!*



This Giveaway ends: 11:59 pm pst, Friday, November 6, 2009.
Please read the fine print:
-Open to USA
-If it's not already in your profile* please leave your email!
-I will verify links/names to be fair
-Winner(s) will be posted on my Blog & Twitter, the following day
-I will choose my winner(s) using Random.org

As always, be sure to follow along so you don't miss new things!

Thank you Nestle for sending us this gift package for review and giveaway!

Recap: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

It's time for these yummies!! They are super easy to do, if you don't mind pulling them out of the pumpkin! =P

Check here on how I made ours one year ago!

enjoy,

Review and Giveaway: -CLOSED- FoodShouldTasteGood Tortilla Chips

I recently was able to review some really great tortilla chips from FoodShouldTasteGood. My Ralph's carried only 3 flavors so I tried them all. I would love to try their other flavors as well.

Their tortilla chips are made from the highest quality, all-natural ingredients baked into the chips. All chip varieties are gluten free, cholesterol and trans fat free, and do not use genetically modified ingredients (GMOs). They are also certified Kosher, lower in sodium, and are a good source of dietary fiber.
The chips are available in eleven varieties: Multigrain, Sweet Potato, Olive, Jalapeno, The Works!, Buffalo, Chocolate, Potato & Chive, Cinnamon, Lime and Yellow Corn.

They also offer a $1 off coupon on their site to anyone that joins up for their fan club! Check here for a retail store near you.

From Mommy I'm Hungry

From Mommy I'm Hungry

Multigrain: I really LOVED these! These reminded me of a thin wheat cracker, but only better! I can't wait to use these on my cracker and cheese ball tray for the Holidays!

From Mommy I'm Hungry

Olive: This was great, we had this with some salsa. The kids gobbled it up, well of course, it's made with their favorite, olives!

From Mommy I'm Hungry

Jalapeno: Mr. and I liked these, but it was a little spicy for the kids but not so hot I couldn't eat it, and I'm not huge on heat. These are neat, since you can actually see the jalapeno and red pepper specks in each chip.

I've got a deal for you! Here's a coupon for $2 off when you buy 3 bags of FoodShouldTasteGood® chips (ex 11/23)! Also be sure to check out their recipe page for yummy dips to enjoy with their yummy chips!


ONE "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" reader will win 2 coupons to try their products for FREE!



(This is a must before any extra entries will be accepted!)
1. All you have to do is tell me what you like to eat with your tortilla chips or crackers!


Earn up to 8 extra entries by showing some "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" bloggie ♥ !
-Please post yourself a separate comment for each letting me know which ones you do.

2. Follow me on Twitter here

3. Tweet about this giveaway, copy this: Win Free FoodShouldTasteGood Chips @MommyImHungry's Giveaway http://bit.ly/1HnrCd

4. (earn 2 bonus entries!) Blog about this giveaway on your blog & post your link here

5. Mention this giveaway link on your Facebook

6. Follow "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" w/my Google Friend Connect side bar widget

7. Follow "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" w/my NEW Facebook Fan Page side bar widget

8. Add my blog button to your site & post your link here


Remember, please don't forget to leave me contact info!*



This Giveaway ends: 11:59 pm pst, Thursday, November 5, 2009.
Please read the fine print:
-Open to USA
-If it's not already in your profile* please leave your email!
-I will verify links/names to be fair
-Winner(s) will be posted on my Blog & Twitter, the following day
-I will choose my winner(s) using Random.org

As always, be sure to follow along so you don't miss new things!

Thank you FoodShouldTasteGood for sending us free coupons to review your product!
Stock photos from their press kit.

Honey Crunch Pecan Pie

With the Holidays nearing, I wanted to share this with you. This is a recipe I found some years ago (I have mentioned it last Holiday, but have never blogged about it yet), it's the first and only pecan pie I've only made and it's become a tradition in my home to bake for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The pecan pie lovers in the family all loved it, and raved about it, saying it wasn't as sickly sweet as other's they've had. Since I love Dorie's pie crust recipes, I use hers for this pie.

*You can vote for this Honey Crunch Pecan Pie in the Bon Appétit Blog Envy Bake-Off! Please please please, vote for my Honey Crunch Pecan Pie HERE! -you'll need to click "vote on the next batch" to get to the pie category to vote for me-

Honey Crunch Pecan Pie
-recipe found and adapted from here

One 9-inch pie crust, unbaked, kept cold until ready to use (Dorie's recipe below)

4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup coarsley chopped pecans

1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons honey
1 1/2 cups coarsley chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

To Make Filling: In a large bowl, combine eggs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans. Mix well. Spoon mixture into unbaked pie shell.
Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove and cover edges of pie crust with aluminum foil. Return to oven for 20 minutes.

To Make Topping: Combine 1/3 cup brown sugar, butter or margarine, and honey in a medium saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves - about 2 minutes. Add pecans. Stir just until coated. Spoon topping evenly over pie.
Keep foil on edges of pastry and return pie to oven for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, until topping is bubbly and golden brown. Cool to room temperature before serving.

Good For Almost Everything Pie Dough
-reprinted with permission from Dorie Greenspan, Baking From My Home to Yours
makes one 9-inch crust

1 1/2 cups all·purpose flour
2 tablespoons sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 sticks (10 tablespoons) very cold (frozen is fine) unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces
2 1/2 tablespoons very cold (frozen is even better) vegetable shortening, cut into 2 pieces
About 1/4 cup ice water

Put the flour, sugar and salt in a food processor fitted with a metal blade; pulse just to combine the ingredients. Drop in the butter and shortening and pulse only until the butter and shortening are cut into the flour. Don't overdo the mixing—what you're aiming for is to have some pieces the size of fat green peas and others the size of barley. Pulsing the machine on and off, gradually add about 3 tablespoons of water—all a little water and pulse once, add some more water, pulse again and keep going that way. Then use a few long pulses to get the water into the flour. If after a dozen or so pulses, the dough doesn't look evenly moistened or form soft curds, pulse in as much of the remaining water as necessary, or even a few drops more, to get a dough that will stick together when pinched. Big pieces of butter are fine. Scrape the dough out of the work bowl and onto a work surface.

Gather the dough into a ball, flatten the ball into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour before rolling. (If your ingredients were very cold and you worked quickly, though, you might be able to roll the dough immediately: the dough should be as cold as if it had just come out of the fridge.)

To Roll Out the Dough: Have a buttered 9-inch pie plate at hand. You can roll the dough out on a floured surface or between sheets of wax paper or plastic wrap or in a rolling slipcover. (I usually roll this dough out on the floured counter.) If you're working on a counter, turn the dough over frequently and keep the counter floured. If you are rolling between paper, plastic or in a slipcover, make sure to turn the dough over often and to lift the paper, plastic or cover frequently so that it doesn't roll into the dough and form creases. If you've got time, slide the rolled-out dough into the fridge for about 20 minutes to firm up.

To Make the Crust: Fit the dough into the pie plate and, using a pair of scissors, but the excess dough to a 1/4- to 1/2 inch overhang. Fold the dough under itself, so that it hangs over the edge just a tad, and flute or pinch the crust to make a decorative edge. Alternatively, you can finish the crust by pressing it with the tines of a fork.

*Proceed with Honey Crunch Pecan Pie recipe above.

enjoy,

Product Review: KOR ONE Hydration Vessel

From Mommy I'm Hungry

The gracious people of KOR ONE sent us over one of their Eco-Gorgeous KOR ONE Hydration Vessels for review. It's cute, and it's pink! Here are some stats on KOR ONE:

-Orchid Pink Hydration Vessel
-750 mL / 25 ounces of pure hydration
-BPA-free, health safe materials (made from Tritan)
-Hinged cap for easy open / close
-Threadless, perfect spout
-Dishwasher safe (top–rack)



The KOR ONE is more than just a water bottle. It's a reminder of what motivates you. Designed into the cap is a place for your KOR Stone™ - a disc-shaped token with a message that provides a little bit of inspiration each time you drink.

From Mommy I'm Hungry

KOR ONE features a hinged cap and handle that allows for quick, easy access to drinking ‐ with one hand. Just think you'll never have to look for that ‘water bottle top' again.

From Mommy I'm Hungry

The KOR ONE's ergonomic opening provides a great drinking experience. Because the cap doesn’t screw on, there are no annoying threads on your mouth. The spout is large enough to let you go with the flow, but small enough to minimize splashes. Ice cubes are welcome as well.

Less is Finally More
You Are Not at Odds with the World
Drink a little water, and you'll be a little healthier. Drink a little water from a reusable container, and the earth will be a little healthier. The KOR ONE hydration vessel will convince you that "green" water tastes better.

BPA-Free
Made from Eastman Tritan™, the KOR ONE does not contain the chemical BPA, which is found in polycarbonate bottles. What does that mean? It's simple. We believe you drink water to be healthy and we want to keep it that way.

They also offer these colors which represent a specific water-related cause and the non-profits for the Thirst for Giving™ program based on the extraordinary work they are doing for the causes KOR supports:
-Ice Blue Ocean Protection -Algalita Marine Research Foundation
-Sawgrass Green Watershed Protection -The Wetlands Initiative
-Sunrise Orange Container Recycling -The Container Recycling Institute
-Orchid Pink Global Water Crisis -Blue Planet Run



I love this water bottle, it's nice to know I'm drinking my own filtered water from home from a safe bottle. I always take a water bottle with me when I'm out and about. However, I must tell you, the shape of this bottle is sort of oval. It does not fit in my drink holders in my car. *sigh* So I have to lay it on the seat next to me, but then it roll around. I also wish the handle was made a little easier for carrying around. Oh, and when you go to wash this, I would suggest taking out the message stones. Even though the seal was on it, mine still got wet inside and I had to take them out to dry. I looked for those instructions but didn't see anything about that so I thought it'd be OK to wash with them in.

*UPDATE* I was just informed, there is info about this on the site: "http://www.korwater.com/faq However we want to caution you that the chamber where the Stones are inserted isn't waterproof. Washing your vessel or filling it too vigorously could result in your Stone getting wet. This could cause the ink to run or the paper to curl. For this reason, the stones that come with your vessel are printed on special waterproof paper. If you create your own stones, please remember to remove them before washing your vessel and be careful not to splash too much water on the cap when filling it with water. "

What I love about KOR ONE is the message behind their logo

From Mommy I'm Hungry

"You might notice that the KOR logo’s green and blue arms reach upward to close the water drop but don't quite touch. The gap acknowledges the constant divide between our goals and achievements. Once you're on the path to “being green,” you find there’s always something more you could do – and in the eyes of some you’re never doing quite enough. That’s OK. Finding balance – in ourselves and in the environment – is a continuous process that never truly ends. It only matters that you’re on your way."

You can buy a KOR ONE Hydration Vessel either online at their site or check here for a retail store near you!

From Mommy I'm Hungry

Thank you KOR ONE for allowing me to review your water vessel. other images from google

My Amon Maternity $50 Gift Card Winner Is...

YAY!! #6 christi.higham! You won the $50 GC to Amon Maternity!

Congrats!! Check your email and reply soon!

Don't forget everyone else can still get 10% off purchases with code: HUNGRY10 at their website!

Tuesdays with Dorie: Cherry-Fudge Brownie Torte

April of Short + Rose decided on Dorie's Cherry-Fudge Brownie Torte for TWD this week. I posted in the TWD P & Qs that I would probably change the recipe a little, to suit us. Since this reminded me of a Black Forest Cake I made for my Dad’s Bday once,
I didn't want to use dried cherries, instead I used Trader Joe’s Morello Cherries (YUM!) in the jar (plus dried cherries doesn’t appeal to me with the fancy cream topping), and instead of Kirsch (no liquor here), I used some of the juice from the jar and with the jam, I let it boil a little. I also instead of paying $4+ for a little thing of mascarpone, I made some faux mascarpone found here.

This came out pretty good! Very rich though. I loved the cherries in this, it kept it moist. No one ever knew there was fresh ground pepper in it either! Yeah, pepper! I only used 2 cranks of my mill so I used even less than Dorie called for. The topping was nice too and tasted great. In fact, it sort of reminded me of these other TWD brownies, Espresso Cheesecake Brownies.

enjoy,

Winner of The Beverly Hills Kitchen’s Beef Bourguignon Dinners...

The Beverly Hills Kitchen’s Beef Bourguignon frozen entree giveaway goes to...

#24 Mary @ Deep South Dish Recipes!

Congrats!! Watch for my email!

My Perfect Roast Chicken

I have found my perfect way to roast chickens so they come out nice and juicy! I don't measure anything, I just eyeball it to our liking. I may have got the cooking down, but the carving up, not so.

Roast Chicken

3-4 lb whole chicken
canola oil -enough to coat chicken
salt
pepper
minced/crushed garlic
butter

rinse pat chicken dry, rub with oil, salt and pepper then tuck pieces of butter and seasonings up under the skin of the breast meat and inside the chicken. Tuck wings behind the shoulder, and toothpick close the cavity end (pierce it through the skin/fat).

Place on rack in shallow baking dish. Roast 425' for 30 minutes then, 350' last 40-45 mins until the juice from the thigh runs clear. Let rest about 10 minutes before slicing up. *Tip, cut the whole breast off in one piece, then slice into pieces.

From Mommy I'm Hungry

with herb gravy

From Mommy I'm Hungry

seasoned with garlic & a Spice it Now herbs packet blend

enjoy,
sorry this formatted so silly

Side Dish of Rice

From Mommy I'm Hungry

I have finally got together a rice side dish, much better than those boxed ones. You can season it how ever you like, cheese or not. We all love this! Mr. has asked every time, "You made this?!". haha

From Mommy I'm Hungry

2 Tbl canola oil
1 Tbl crushed garlic
1/2 onion diced (shallots are great too)
1 C long grain white rice
2 C chicken broth
1 Tbl butter
2 Tbl grated shaker Parmesan
Parsely for garnish

Heat 2 TBL oil in a skillet. Saute onion until translucent, add rice until a little browned. Add chicken broth and seasonings and butter and bring to a boil, cover, then simmer for 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork, add parsely and Parm. and serve.

From Mommy I'm Hungry

enjoy,

Review and Giveaway: -CLOSED- Progresso Panko and Broth

-WINNER TBA-

If you´re looking for some helpful cooking tips and exciting new recipes, visit Progressofoods.com and Progressobroth.com for celebrity chef Michael Chiarello´s expertise on casual weekend entertaining, preparing a holiday feast or inspiration for a weeknight meal - all using Progresso panko bread crumbs and Progresso broth.

If you´ve never cooked with panko before, now is your chance because it´s never been easier. Progresso´s panko is a flaky bread crumb which adds a light crispiness to your food and is available in two flavors, plain and Italian.

Progresso broths are 100% natural and use high quality ingredients to achieve a great homemade taste. They are fat free, gluten free, contain no preservatives, no added MSG and no
artificial flavors.

Progresso broth is available in chicken and reduced sodium chicken and beef flavors. Chef Michael Chiarello appears daily on the Food Network and can also be seen on Top Chef Masters. In addition, he runs and owns Bottega Restaurant in Napa Valley, CA. Below are just a few of Chef Chiarello´s tips to help you create quick, flavorful meals you and your family will enjoy.

Sample Panko Tips:
Breading 1-2-3: Panko adds the perfect light crunch to fish fillets, chicken breasts and pork chops. Dip in flour, then beaten egg and coat both sides in Panko before frying or baking

Faux Fried: Instead of frying, bake Panko-coated chicken in a 400F oven for 20 minutes to get the same crispy crunch without the fat

Sample Broth Tips:
Give New Life to Leftovers: Time in the fridge can steal moisture and flavor; drizzle a little broth over last night´s pasta or casserole before reheating

Better than H20: Water adds moisture, not flavor; replace water with broth when you cook potatoes, rice and grains

Check out ProgressoFoods.com and ProgressBroth.com for additional tips, recipes and videos from chef Chiarello. There is even a great recipe for Oven-Fried Chicken Tenders which both kids and adults will enjoy.


Or stick around "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" and check out these recipes I've made using Panko bread crumbs and chicken broth:

-Crispy Yogurt Chicken
-Chicken Katsu

-Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
-Cheddar Chicken Chowder
-Homemade Tomato Soup
-Pork Carnitas and Pico De Gallo


Also available on ProgressoFoods.com is a coupon for $1.00*off any two Progresso products. At ProgressoBroth.com you´ll find a coupon for $.50 off a package of broth.

From Mommy I'm Hungry

I recieved a Progresso panko and broth prize pack which includes a full size sample of Progresso panko, a carton of Progresso broth, a measuring cup, slotted spoon, soup ladle and a sheet pan for baking. I've already made the crispy yogurt chicken with the panko, and the chicken tortilla soup with the broth. The smaller sized baking sheet is great for the side of hasselback potatoes. I also just received a Progresso Soups & More recipe magazine, with lots of neat recipes!

Aren't the handles pretty!

From Mommy I'm Hungry

How would you like to receive the same goodies I did?




ONE "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" reader will win a Progresso Panko and Broth prize pack, which includes Progresso panko and broth prize pack which includes a full size sample of Progresso panko, a carton of Progresso broth, a measuring cup, slotted spoon, soup ladle and a sheet pan for baking. (I think they'll mail out a recipe magazine also)






(This is a must before any extra entries will be accepted!)
1. All you have to do is tell me how you might use your panko and chicken broth!




Earn up to 8 extra entries by showing some "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" bloggie ♥ !
-Please post yourself a separate comment letting me know which ones you do.

2. Follow me on Twitter here

3. Tweet about this giveaway, copy this: Win a Progresso Panko & Broth prize pack @MommyImHungry's Giveaway http://bit.ly/KGnF7

4. (earn 2 bonus entries!) Blog about this giveaway on your blog & post your link here

5. Mention this giveaway link on your Facebook

6. Follow "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" w/my Google Friend Connect side bar widget

7. Follow "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" w/my NEW Facebook Fan Page side bar widget

8. Add my blog button to your site & post your link here


Remember, please don't forget to leave me contact info!*



This Giveaway ends: 11:59 pm pst, Friday, October 30, 2009.
Please read the fine print:
-Open to USA
-If it's not already in your profile* please leave your email!
-I will verify links/names to be fair
-Winner(s) will be posted on my Blog & Twitter, the following day
-I will choose my winner(s) using Random.org

As always, be sure to follow along so you don't miss new things!

Progresso provided us with the free product, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSparkTM.