Sunday, February 28, 2010

Recap: Tortellini Sausage Soup



This is one of my favorite soups, first blogged about in my early days here. It's got it all, sausage, fresh veggies and cheese filled pasta in a tomato broth! Mmm! It's also very easy and quick to make. This time I served this up with some easy soft fresh breadsticks I found online a while ago.

Tortellini & Sausage Soup
adapted from Betty Crocker

1 pound Sweet Italian link sausages (casings removed)
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
3-5 Cups water (may need to add up to 5 C if you use more Tortellini)
1/2 tsp dried basil (I used a little bunch of fresh, finely chopped)
1/2 tsp dried oregano (I used a little bunch of fresh, finely chopped)
1 Cup chopped carrots
1 medium zucchini halved lengthwise and sliced
2 cans (10 3/4 oz each) condensed tomato soup
8 oz frozen cheese tortellini (I used a 19 oz bag, we love it!)
Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook & stir sausage & onion in 4 qt dutch oven until sausage is light brown; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients except cheese. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables and tortellini are tender. Serve with cheese.
a peek at my set up, a cloudy day gave great lighting, yes I set up on my ironing board in my laundry area. Perfect height for the window light.



enjoy,

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Quick and Easy Breadsticks



When I saw these breadsticks over at Jamie Cooks It Up!, I knew I had to try these. Easy they were! The dough was super easy to get together, and even shape into the pan (my large cookie tray). You'll need to cut the dough prior to baking into strips, makes it easier to pull apart when done, I did mine in rows of 9w x 3L to make 27 sticks. While these were baking Mr. exclaimed how wonderful they smelled, like a pizza shop! They came out so soft and bubbly crispy from the butter, Mmmm! This is a keeper. I served these up with the tortellini sausage soup.

Quick and Easy Breadsticks
•1 1/2 C warm water
•2 T sugar
•1 T yeast
•1/2 t salt
•3 1/4-3 1/2 C flour
•1/4 C butter
•3/4 C grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese
Johnny's Garlic Seasoning (I used McCormick Italian Herb Seasoning Grinder + garlic, onion powder + parsley)

1. Mix the water, sugar and yeast in the bottom of your mixer until the yeast is dissolved. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add the salt and the flour, one cup at a time, until it is well incorporated. Mix on high for 5 minutes. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.
3. Melt the butter and pour half of it into a jelly roll pan (large cookie sheet).
4. Place the dough in the center of the pan. Let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes. Letting the dough rest makes it MUCH easier to shape.
5. Spread the dough out flat onto the pan until it reaches all of the edges. Doing all of the spreading and cutting of these bread sticks, in the pan makes cleaning up your counter so much easier!
6. Pour the other half of the butter onto the dough. Spread it around with your hands. Sprinkle the Johnnys Garlic Seasoning all over the dough, and then the Parmesan cheese (maybe next time I'll add the Parm in the last few minutes, so it doesn't turn so dark and crunchy).
7. With a pizza cutter cut the dough into three rows lengthwise, and then into about 12 little heightwise rows. Did that even make sense? I hope so, wish I had a picture!
8. Put the pan into a 170 degree oven for about 7-10 minutes. The breadsticks should rise about 1 inch. (mine took 20 mins)9. Turn you oven up to 350 and bake for about 12 minutes, or until golden brown.



enjoy,

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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Review: New York Style Risotto Chips‏


New York Style Risotto Chips ‏are a new snack you'll find in your store! Great little risotto chips (about the size of a rectangular tortilla chip), perfect for dips or just snacking right out of the bag. I have not seen these yet in my store, but their bagel crisps are found near our deli counter, so have a look there if you'd like to try these.
New York Style® Launches Risotto Chips™ -The First-Ever Snack to Offer the Taste of Risotto -Innovative New Snack is All-Natural and Gluten-Free!

Westchester, IL (February 16, 2010)–Snack lovers, rejoice! New York Style®, the original maker of Bagel Crisps®, is launching Risotto Chips™ – the first rice snack inspired by risotto, a unique, slow-cooked Italian rice dish. New York Style’s Risotto Chips are made with Arborio rice, the star ingredient of risotto, and are all-natural and gluten-free.

“With the launch of Risotto Chips, New York Style is bringing the authentic flavor of Arborio rice to a rice chip,” said Cindy Nagle, director of marketing for the New York Style brand. “When snackers open a bag of New York Style’s Risotto Chips, they will experience gourmet aromas and flavors in a light and crunchy chip.”

Risotto Chips offer snackers a thin, crispy, dippable chip that is a healthier-for-you snacking option. Each serving offers 11 grams of whole grains – providing 13 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance – and is bursting with flavor. These tasty snacks are not only full of whole grains, they are also gluten-free.

Risotto Chips are made with whole-grain brown rice, Arborio rice flour, whole-grain corn flour and sesame seeds and are lightly seasoned with natural herbs and spices. The crispy snacks are available in three delicious recipes:

· Spicy Marinara: Tomato, onion and green pepper flavors – plus a hint of red pepper – capture the taste of spicy, Arrabiata pasta sauce.
INGREDIENTS: RICE FLOUR (ARBORIO AND WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE FLOUR), VEGETABLE OIL (SUNFLOWER, SAFFLOWER AND/OR CANOLA OIL), WHOLE GRAIN CORN FLOUR, MARINARA SNACK SEASONING BLEND [DEHYDRATED VEGETABLES (TOMATO, ONION, GREEN BELL PEPPER, GARLIC, BLACK BEAN), SALT, SPICES, SUGAR, VINEGAR POWDER (MALTODEXTRIN, WHITE DISTILLED VINEGAR), TORULA YEAST, MALTODEXTRIN, YEAST EXTRACT, LEMON JUICE POWDER (CORN SYRUP, LEMON JUICE, LEMON OIL), CITRIC ACID, PARSLEY, EXTRACTIVES OF PAPRIKA, SPICE EXTRACTIVES], PINTO BEANS, ACACIA GUM, FLAX SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS, SUGAR.
· Parmesan & Roasted Garlic: Creamy Parmesan and roasted garlic flavors are combined to create an irresistible taste combination.
INGREDIENTS: RICE FLOUR (ARBORIO AND WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE FLOUR), VEGETABLE OIL (SUNFLOWER, SAFFLOWER AND/OR CANOLA OIL), WHOLE GRAIN CORN FLOUR, PARMESAN AND ROASTED GARLIC SEASONING BLEND [MALTODEXTRIN, GARLIC POWDER, SEA SALT, WHEY, DEHYDRATED GARLIC, BUTTERMILK POWDER, SUGAR, ENZYME MODIFIED PARMESAN CHEESE (MILK, CULTURE, SALT, ENZYMES), PARSLEY, NATURAL FLAVOR, SALT, CITRIC ACID], PINTO BEANS, ACACIA GUM, FLAX SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS, SUGAR. CONTAINS: MILK

· Sea Salt: Simple and classic, sea salt delivers a delicate flavor and unique texture that snackers love.
INGREDIENTS: RICE FLOUR (ARBORIO AND WHOLE GRAIN BROWN RICE FLOUR), VEGETABLE OIL (SUNFLOWER, SAFFLOWER AND/OR CANOLA OIL), WHOLE GRAIN CORN FLOUR, PINTO BEANS, ACACIA GUM, FLAX SEEDS, SESAME SEEDS, SEA SALT, SUGAR.

About New York Style:
New York Style® premium deli snacks are famous for their authenticity, twice-baked crunch and great taste. From Bagel Crisps® and Pita Chips to Panetini® Italian toast, Crispini® flatbread, Biscotti, Focaccia Sticks™ and now new Risotto Chips -- New York Style’s products capture the warmth of traditional New York bakeries. New York Style snacks are all-natural and baked, making them perfect for special entertaining occasions or as ‘healthier-for-you' snacks right out of the bag.
For more information, great recipes, usage ideas and even a coupon, visit us at http://www.newyorkstyle.com/, become a fan of New York Style on Facebook or follow them on Twitter.

We received 3 bags, of New York Risotto Chips in 5 oz bags, 1 of each flavor. They have flax seeds in them, which help make them even crunchier.

Spicy Marinara: Mr. and I really loved this one. The flavor is not too intense, but very good and has a touch of heat. I think this was my most favorite flavor.

Parmesan & Roasted Garlic: I really liked these ones too, little boy ran off with the bag, so I think these were his favorite also. Great garlic & parmesan flavors, that leave a light powdery residue you get to lick off your fingers when you're done. =)

Sea Salt: These were just a plain flavor, like a regular tortilla chip, but with the creaminess that risotto has. I liked the saltiness of these.

I wrote this review for "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" about New York Style Risotto Chips‏. I received free product to keep for this review. All opinions for this review are that of myself & family.Info and stock images provided by PR.

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2 Lucky Winners for Horizon Organic Lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3!


Did I ever share this with you? While at the store one day, my kids saw this talking doll and said, "Look Mommy! It's your website!", haha!


Ok, so I have 2 winners for coupons of Horizon Organic lowfat Chocolate Milk with DHA Omega-3! I ♥ ♥ this stuff! They are...







#20 Amanda!

#3 The Bookworm!

Congrats!! Please check your emails and reply soon!


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Friday, February 26, 2010

My Winner for the Dollars to Donuts Cookbook...




My lucky winner for my Dollars to Donuts cookbook giveaway is...

#2 Mary!


Congrats! Please check your email, and I hope you enjoy this book!


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Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Baja Sauce



Some years ago I finally took the plunge and tasted a fish taco. The thought of a piece of fish in a taco weirded me out, but have never been a big fan of a piece of fish, unless battered & fried. Well, I fell in love, and now it's the only thing I order from a Mexican taco shop. This is one food I could never get bored with! I did some searching for a recipe and found this one from Lori of Recipe Girl, which is also the same as the one here. I've only made these twice in the years, only because my family won't eat fish. My oldest ending liking these so yay, 1 for my team!
Anyways, I used frozen, thawed tilapia for mine, cutting each filet in half lengthwise. I served this up with some mexican rice and refried cheesy beans. I kept them warm in the oven as I fried each batch.

click to get a better view

Note: this recipe does need 2/3 hours marinating time!

BEER BATTERED FISH TACOS W/ BAJA SAUCE

BAJA SAUCE:
½ cup sour cream
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tsp Mexican seasoning (I used this one)
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced
¼ cup fresh lime juice
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

TACOS:
1 lb firm white fish fillet, cut into 1½” pieces
12 oz bottle Mexican beer
1 Tbs Mexican seasoning
vegetable oil
1 cup flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp baking powder
1 cup Mexican beer
½ tsp hot sauce
12 fresh corn tortillas, warmed
1 medium lime, cut into wedges
¾ cup shredded queso blanco or Monterey Jack cheese
3 cups shredded green cabbage
½ red onion, cut into strips

1. Prepare Baja Sauce: Combine all ingredients; stir well. Refrigerate until ready for use.

2. Place fish in a heavy-duty large plastic ziploc bag. Combine bottle of beer and Mexican seasoning in a bowl. Pour into ziploc with fish; seal and chill 2-3 hours.

3. Pour oil to depth of 1½” in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Heat oil to 360° F.

4. In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar and baking powder. Whisk in 1 cup beer and hot sauce. Drain fish, discarding marinade. Coat fish in batter.

5. Cook fish in batches about 4 minutes, or until done. Drain on paper towels.

6. Place 2-3 pieces of fish on each tortilla. Squeeze lime wedges over fish; top with remaining ingredients. Drizzle with baja sauce and serve immediately.

Servings: 6



enjoy,

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Thursday, February 25, 2010

Review and Giveaway Spark: Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken and Target!



Now you can satisfy your Chinese craving with Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken! Stay home and cook it up yourself! It's very easy.

These are now available in the freezer case at Target and Wanchai Ferry frozen entrées offer restaurant quality Chinese food without the trouble of having to leave home.

Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken has all of the ingredients needed to prepare a great-tasting, complete Chinese meal for 2 in only 14 minutes! With lightly battered chicken breast pieces that stay crispy when prepared and wholesome Asian-style vegetables, like tender broccoli florets, snappy julienne carrots and delicate baby corn, Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken will make you feel as though you´re enjoying a meal at your favorite Asian restaurant! It even comes with fluffy, tender Jasmine rice and a tangy orange glaze that adds the perfect touch of spicy heat.

Wanchai Ferry frozen entrées are also available in four other delicious varieties including Shrimp Lo Mein, Spicy Garlic Chicken and Sweet & Sour Chicken. Additionally, all of the entrées have no added MSG!

We were sent a Wanchai Ferry "Perfect Night In" prize pack that includes one VIP coupon valid for a free package of any of the Wanchai Ferry frozen entrees, in addition to a set of great Asian-inspired rice bowls, chopsticks, bamboo place mats, flavored fortune cookies, and a $25 Target gift card.



There is a $1.50 off coupon available at http://www.wanchaiferry.com/.

For meal tips to enhance your Wanchai Ferry frozen entrée check out their website at:
http://www.wanchaiferry.com/MealTips.aspx.

I bought a bag of the orange chicken for Mr. and my self's lunch. Silly me added more chicken to it (thinking of their old shelf product, where you add the chicken)....but realized it was all ready in it, battered, ready to cook, duh! it says it on the package! So what's a little more chicken? It came together quickly, smelled wonderful cooking, and we both agreed it was pretty darn good stuff! It served 2 generous servings and filled us up!

I've seen this available at Target and the grocery store, in the freezer section. Now since these are new, I've only seen the orange chicken flavor around, so maybe you'll be lucky and have a couple flavors to choose from.



ONE "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" reader will also win a Prize Pack with a coupon valid for a free package of any of the Wanchai Ferry frozen entrees, in addition to a set of great Asian-inspired rice bowls, chopsticks, bamboo place mats, flavored fortune cookies, and a $25 Target gift card too. Whoo hoo!!






(This is a must before any extra entries will be accepted!)
1.
All you have to do is share which variety you would most like to try!




Earn up to 4 extra entries by showing some "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" bloggie with these rules*!
-Please post yourself a separate comment for each, letting me know which ones you do.

2. (+1 bonus entry) Follow me on Twitter here

3. (2 bonus entries) Tweet about this giveaway using my Tweet button above, post your link or ID here

4. (+1 bonus entry) Click the icon to share this giveaway link on your Facebook then post your link here:





This Giveaway ends: 11:59 pm pst, Thursday, March 04, 2010.
Please read the fine print:
-Open to USA
- Please leave your email!
-I will verify links/names
-Winner(s) will be notified by email & announced on my Blog & Twitter the following day
-I will choose my winner(s) using Random.org
-Important! Please read about my giveaway rules HERE*

Don't forget to follow along and be the first to see new recipes, reviews and giveaways!


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I wrote this review for "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" about Wanchai Ferry products. Wanchai Ferry provided us with the free products, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark. All opinions for this review are that of myself & family.

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Tater Tot Casserole


I made another version of this like 12 years ago and just hated it. I just remember it being so salty. I had come across the Duggar's version a long time ago, I admit, I like their show and have seen them devour this dish many times. Then the other day I heard someone talk about it on Facebook or somewhere?, so I figured it can't hurt to try it again.

Their version seemed so bland though, so I added in seasonings (I just eyeballed it), adapted it a little and of course halved it since we don't need a Duggar size meal (I wonder if they quadruple their recipe, our family of 5 ate 3/4 of a pan and they have 19 in their family, I couldn't imaging 2 pans feeding all of them?)

Guess what! It was good! Really! Everyone liked it. Next time I may add some cheddar cheese on top too, oh and maybe Worcestershire sauce with the soup mix? I served it with some veggies on the side. It's not a very photogenic dish, is it?


Duggar's Tater Tot Casserole
adapted

2 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 TBL crushed garlic
2 lb bag tater tots (gluten free)
1 can cream of mushroom soup (gluten free homemade recipe)
1 can cream of chicken soup (gluten free homemade recipe)
1 can evaporated milk
salt
pepper
1/2 tsp ground garlic
1/2 tsp onion powder

Brown and season meat, onion and garlic to taste, drain & place in a greased 9x13 dish.
Cover with tater tots. Mix soup and milk together, add more seasonings to taste, if needed.
Pour over tater tots. Bake at 350' for 45 minutes, let cool a little before serving.



enjoy,

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

My winner for The Simplicity of Stillness CD is...



Congrats!! #5 superbutterfly12! You won my giveaway for The Simplicity of Stillness CD! I hope you enjoy it!



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Review and Giveaway: Skin MD Natural Lotion





We were sent a sample of Skin MD's new shielding lotion--Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion.
Their shielding lotion is a natural, eco-friendly product that helps protect
your skin from harsh, drying irritants and chemicals while locking in your
skin's natural moisture without leaving a greasy residue behind, leaving it
feeling soft and silky.
A shielding lotion is unlike any other conventional, artificial moisturizers
because it works with the skin to naturally moisturize and heal. Most
conventional, artificial moisturizers only add moisture to the surface of
the skin, but do little to repair the skin's natural barrier against
moisture robbing irritants.

Continued use of artificial moisturizers can
cause the skin to actually begin producing less of its own natural oils,
thinking that the skin has enough moisture. This can cause skin to form a
dependence on the moisturizer for hydration. Skin MD Natural breaks the dry
skin cycle by working to help restore skin's natural protective abilities by
bonding to the outer layer of skin, strengthening skins natural barrier
against toxins and irritants that can dry the skin, while locking in the
skin's natural oils.

Made in the US using high quality natural ingredients, making it over 90%
all natural. All ingredients are considered to be of food grade and are also
on the FDA's most safe list. It is free of harmful fragrances, parabens, and
colorants making it hypoallergenic and dermatologist recommended. They don't participate in animal testing nor does the lotion contain any animal products. Their lotion is also
vegan-friendly and gluten-free. It's great for the face, hands and body. Safe for the whole family to use.

See the list of ingredients here.
They list Walgreens drugstore for my store locator, how about you? Check for a Store locator near you or order online!

I am constantly washing my hands (especially after returning from shopping trips, ew those carts!), and since I hate germs I use a mild foaming hand soap with antibacterial in it. But those can start to dry out your hands. In the past years my skin had also gotten really bad dry rashes with raised bumps (like a psoriasis) from doing dishes wearing those awful yellow cleaning gloves (when I worked in a bakery). Nothing I found back then really helped it. So I was excited to get to try this Skin MD Natural Lotion, because even though we're in So CA, our winters are cooler and my skin knows it too! My skin will get tight and dry, so this was nice to get to try.

A little goes a long way! I loved how silky it made my skin feel immediately, and absorbs into my skin not leaving it greasy feeling. Even though it's fragrance free, it still has a light clean scent that I liked. When starting out with this lotion, it is recommended that you use it every 2-8 hours, then once your skin improves, every 12-24 hours. I noticed a big difference the first time I used it. I wish this lotion had been around back in the day of my dish pan hands! After reading some user reviews, I am going to try this on my face too. I really recommend this lotion to anyone who needs a dry skin treatment! *Update, I love it for my face! It didn't make my face feel greasy, and it made it feel so baby soft!



ONE lucky "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" reader will win a 4 oz bottle of Skin MD Natural Lotion.





(This is a must before any extra entries will be accepted!)
1.
All you have to do is visit their site and tell me something you've learned about Skin MD Natural Lotion!





Earn up to 4 extra entries by showing some "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" bloggie with these rules*!
-Please post yourself a separate comment for each, letting me know which ones you do.

2. (+1 bonus entry) Follow me on Twitter here

3. (2 bonus entries) Tweet about this giveaway using my Tweet button above, post your link or ID here

4. (+1 bonus entry) Mention this giveaway link on your Facebook & post your link here


This Giveaway ends: 11:59 pm pst, Wednesday, March 02, 2010.
Please read the fine print:
-Open to USA
- Please leave your email!
-I will verify links/names
-Winner(s) will be notified by email & announced on my Blog & Twitter the following day
-I will choose my winner(s) using Random.org
-Important! Please read about my giveaway rules HERE*

Don't forget to follow along and be the first to see new recipes, reviews and giveaways!


I wrote this review for "Mommy? I'm Hungry!" about Skin MD Natural Lotion. I received free product to review and keep as compensation for my honest opinion of the product. All opinions for this review are that of myself & family.

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Sunday, February 21, 2010

French Brie and Ham Baguette



It's not very often a Sandra Lee recipes gets my attention, enough to want to make it (these did, and are a huge hit during the Holidays!) but since I was doing an Alouette review already, I picked some up to try this recipe. I am not a hot crispy sandwich kind of person (the toasty crunchy bread cuts up my mouth, lol), but I decided to just try it anyways.

I found some take & bake ciabatta rolls (at Fresh & Easy), so I toasted it up first, then made the sandwich. Since I didn't have any foil, I wrapped it parchment twisting the ends so the filling would not run out. Placed it on an upside down cookie sheet and used my cast iron tortilla pan to weight it down (press it like a panini). Baked for about 10 minutes, and it was ready!

I liked it! I saved half in the fridge for later, but guess what! It was gone when I remember it. I thought one of the kids snuck off with it. Later on I found out MR. ate it! I never suspected him to like jam and meat together so I didnt' even tell him about it. Another day I made one with apricot preserves and offered him half. He ate it!! =)


French Brie and Ham Baguette

1 (18 to 20-inch) baguette (individual ciabatta rolls)
1/3 cup peach or raspberry preserves
1 (6-ounce) package deli ham slices (black forest ham)
1 (5-ounce) wedge brie, sliced, room temperature (recommended: Alouette)

Slice baguette horizontally with a serrated bread knife. Spread preserves on both sides of bread. On bottom half of baguette, lay down overlapping slices of ham and top with slices of brie. Place top of baguette on sandwich. Cut into 1-inch pieces and secure with decorative sandwich picks.

Optional: heat in a 400 degree F oven for 10 to 12 minutes.


See, little boy wanted to be like me & take a food photo too! haha!



enjoy,

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Saturday, February 20, 2010

5 Winners for Alouette and Chavrie Cheeses!




I have 5 winners to announce for my Alouette & Chavrie cheese coupon giveaway:



#51 Georgia Mist

#80 Jennai

#77 Anonymous/superbutterfly12

#13 Jennifer

#63 Stephanie

Congrats everyone!! Please be sure to check your emails and reply soon!


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