Couponing

So, yesterday I decided to try my hand at some couponing.  I did not have a paper yet, so I used what I could find online.  It was very easy to figure out.  Yesterday I was able to score like 10 different items for $1.50.  First thing this morning, I decided to go buy a paper.  I do not subscribe to our paper because I do not read it, nor do I use the coupons out of it.  But today I did.

I used the different blogs that help find the coupons, went through and printed and cut what I needed, made a little note with each coupon, and went on my way.  I went to a few different stores, and in that time I was able to get a $2 shirt, free dog treats, free women's hygiene products, two packages of free pens, and a ton of other stuff that was UNDER $1.  I then went back later to my local Fry's for a small grocery trip.  I did not buy much, but save 65% on my bill.  I was thrilled!

I will continue to do it on weekends when my husband is home to tend to my kids.  Weekends only, because even though there are blogs that help you get organized, it is WAY too time consuming.  There are two major downfalls to couponing.  The first is the time consuming part.  I was just about going crazy at the small amount of time I had to spend searching for each match up!   I do not know how people sit behind a computer screen all day and do this.  And I only got ONE paper so I could do ONE haul.  There are people that will buy 6 different papers, spend hours behind a computer screen, and hoard and hoard and hoard.  I think this is really ridiculous if one has children.  It isn't fair to them at all.  I think your kids would rather have you tending to them than figuring out how to score 8 toothbrushes :-(  I just think that it isn't for people with a lot to do.  I think it is great for someone who has nothing to do all day, doesn't really like leaving the house, and needs a hobby!

The only other downfall is that you have to make sure you leave early enough, because the hoarders like to go out and scoop everything up with their millions of papers.  I have said for a long time now, the stores need to put a stop to it....ASAP.  There are people (such as myself and plenty of others) who would like to get good deals on things for their families without having to go to the store and see shelves cleared because of the hoarders who will go stuff all their merchandise in a closet somewhere.  It isn't right at all, and extremely ill-mannered.

That being said, I think it is great to do every once in a while (especially with groceries), and as long as you only get what you will use :-)

Chocolate & Caramel Covered Shortbread - Recipe and Review

When I first saw this recipe on Pinterest, I almost drooled.  I am not a sweets eater.  I don't like candy at all, I can't stand cake, can't stand milk chocolate, and only like a few certain desserts.  Three of them happened to be combined into this ONE recipe.  I couldn't believe my eyes.

When I was making this, I noticed that it called for orange zest.  I do not like citrus of any kind.  I understand that orange goes with dark chocolate a lot, but I do not like citrus at ALL.  I was telling my mom who is down visiting that I really would like to leave the zest out, as I am afraid it will ruin these.  I went ahead and used the zest since the original recipe called for it and it was my first time making these.  Next time? These could not have been more perfect.  They turned out looking AMAZING.  The caramel turned out more than perfect, even with me not having a candy thermometer!  Everything set perfectly and cut perfectly.  The downfall?  THE ZEST!  It had way too much of a powerful flavor for me.  If it weren't for the zest and me going against my better judgement to use it, this would have been a 5 star dessert.  Next time it will be for sure ;-)  If you love citrus flavor, you will not change a thing about these.  If you want these to taste exactly like the name of the recipe, ditch the orange zest!

Ingredients:

 For Shortbread:

10 tbsp. salted butter, melted

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

Zest of half an orange

1 egg yolk, whisked

1 2/3 cups All Purpose flour

For Caramel:

14 tablespoons butter

3/4 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

3/4 cup light corn syrup

2 tsp. sea salt

1/4 cup heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste

Sea salt flakes, to top

Directions:

1. Prepare an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper with the edges of the parchment hanging over two of the sides.
2. Combine the melted butter, sugar, salt and zest with a fork in a large bowl. Add the yolk and again combine with the fork. Add the flour and stir with a heavy spoon or your hands and combine the dough until it is well combined. Place the dough in the prepared pan and press down evenly with your hands until the pan is covered. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to one hour. Remove and bake at 350 for 25-28 minutes, until very lightly browned. Allow to cool while you are preparing the caramel.
3. In a heavy bottomed pot, combine all caramel topping ingredients save for the extract and bean paste. Bring to a boil and stir until sugars are dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Using a candy thermometer, watch for the goal of about 230 degrees. Allow to boil at this temp for several minutes, until it begins to climb over 235. Stir continuously. Remove from heat and stir in the extract and paste. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes, then pour over the shortbread base. Once chilled, top with melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt.

Notes:  I LOVE salted caramel.  The flavor is better than plain caramel alone.  However, I do not like crunching on sea salt and neither does my husband.  I went ahead and just used one tsp. regular salt and the flavor was dead-on.  Also, I did not have vanilla bean paste and the caramel still came out perfect.

Recipe adapted from food.com.

Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta this recipe is to die for!

This is a copycat recipe from Chili's.  I modified it a bit, but the original recipe is Chili's Cajun Chicken Pasta.  The only thing I hate about copycat recipes, is people take them and claim that they came up with them on their own to their friends, when in fact they found them on the internet somewhere.  I do believe everyone should modify recipes to their liking or leave them the same if they prefer, but I do not believe people should take a copycat recipe and take credit for coming up with it on their own.  This is a no no in the food world friends.  Give credit where credit is due.

I found this recipe on the internet somewhere years ago.  I have made it dozens and dozens of times.  Why?  Because it is AMAZING, and I LOVE white sauce.  If you love Alfredo/white sauce, you will not make another sauce after trying this. 

Ingredients:

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

4 tsp. Cajun seasonings

4 Tbs. Butter

3 C. Heavy Cream

1/2 tsp. Lemon Pepper seasoning (I omit this)

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Pepper

1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (I am generous with this!)

8 oz. Penne Pasta (I use Angel Hair as I like it way better)

2 Roma Tomatoes Diced (I omit these)

1 C. Parmesan Cheese (FRESH)

Directions:

1. Coat both sides of chicken generously in Cajun seasonings.

2. In large skillet, saute chicken in 2 tablespoons butter, over medium heat, turning whenever necessary.

3. When chicken is about half-way done, grab a second skillet and combine heavy cream, 2 tablespoons butter, and remainder of seasonings over medium heat, stirring occasionally.  Add cheese.

4. When chicken is cooked through, place on cutting board and slice into strips.

5.  Spoon pasta and sauce into bowls and top with chicken strips and fresh tomatoes.

 

Notes: I went ahead and gave you the exact copycat recipe, but what I do to make this 100 times easier is before placing the chicken in the pan, cut it into chunks first.  It will cook A LOT faster this way.  Then when the sauce is done, I add the chicken to the sauce.  When the pasta is done I mix it all together in one large pot. 



DELICIOUS Cheese Potato & Smoked Sausage casserole

Folks, if you are trying to watch your weight, bookmark this recipe and exit now :-)  As AMAZING as this is, it is not friendly on the tummy.  If you love scalloped potatoes, you will absolutely love this!  I was skeptical about making this when I found it because as good as it looked, I do NOT like using Velveeta blocked cheese due to how processed it is.  But I went ahead and used it because it always makes a good cream sauce base.

Ingredients:

3 C. Idaho potatoes, cut into cubes and boiled

4 Tbs. Butter

4 Tbs. Flour

2 C. Milk

1/2 tsp. Salt

1/4 tsp. Pepper

1/2 lb Velveeta cheese

1/2 C. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

1 lb smoked sausage (whatever brand you like)

1/8 tsp. Paprika

Directions:

1. Cut sausage in half, lengthwise, and then chop into 1/2 inch "half moon" cuts. Cook in a frying pan for about 15 minutes, turning frequently to slightly brown.

2. Meanwhile, put cooked & diced potatoes in 2 quart casserole. Add cooked meat and give it a gentle toss.

3. Mix all remaining ingredients (except for shredded cheddar cheese & the paprika) in a saucepan over medium heat until warm, melted and smooth.

4. Pour white/cheese sauce over potatoes and meat. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top, and then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top.

5. Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 35-45 minutes (watch, until golden brown on top).

Notes*

I have never been a huge fan of sausage chunks, nor have I liked putting a whole pound in a 2 qt. casserole dish.  So, next time I will be substituting bacon for the sausage.  I will cook the bacon strips first and use them exactly like I did the sausage.  This will make it taste even MORE like a loaded baked potato :-)

Recipe adapted from http://www.food.com/

 

How to make delicious, refreshing Strawberry Sorbet without an ice cream maker!

Since it has gotten warmer, I have seen recipes for ice cream and sorbet EVERYWHERE.  Sorbet is one of my favorite desserts, but I do not have an ice cream maker to make any!  Yesterday as I was making something else, I stumbled upon an easy way to get the sorbet you want WITHOUT an ice cream maker!  I couldn't believe it when it happened, I no longer have to go without sorbet :-)  It is SO yummy for a refreshing treat on a hot summer's day.  And the kids love it!

What you do is:

Take about 10 fresh but frozen strawberries.  Place them in  a food processor for about 45 minutes (depending on how hot it is where you are).  What you want is for the strawberries not to be frozen solid (you do not want them to break your processor), but NOT to be thawed.

When they get a bit softer than frozen, place 2 Tbs. of strawberry jam on top of them. Process until frothy, about 60 seconds.  Your sorbet should be frothy but still ice cold/frozen. 

Notes:  If you prefer seedless strawberry jam, that will work too.  I make my own and it is not seedless, however, it still turned out yummy!!  Using the strawberry jam means not only do you not have to add sugar, but it gives it an even stronger strawberry flavor!  I can't wait to try other flavors, especially raspberry, my fave :-)



Turning plain yogurt into something tasy, healthy, and amazing!

Yogurt is such a popular food item.  It always has been, but now with the hundreds of flavors and styles they have, it is even more so.  I have never been a yogurt fan, but I feed it to my young children and they love it. Unfortunately, yogurt, like most things has it's pros and cons.  The pros are that it is a quick, easy snack, there are lots of different flavors, you can cook with it, kids LOVE it, and it "can" be very healthy.  I didn't know much about yogurt years ago.  I used to think that (before Greek yogurt) brands like Yoplait were the BEST because they were brand-name.  I started learning alot more about yogurt over the past few years, and being that I have two very young boys, I am glad I did!

There are certain brands of yogurt that contain the dreaded ingredient HFCS.  Yoplait is one of these.  Most store brands do as well.  Not only do these brands contain HFCS, but they contain a massive amount of refined sugar!  Am I against sugar?  ABSOLUTELY not.  But we do not need refined sugar in everything we eat, because the food we eat already contains natural sugar.  If you look at the backof the yogurt container, you will see in the ingredients "high fructose corn syrup" and "sugar".  That "sugar" is added sugar, not natural sugar.  Also, a lot of the yogurts contain artificial flavors and coloring.  We want to be eating healthy snacks, don't we?  I do not purchase flavored yogurt, even Greek, because of all of the added sugar.  Greek yogurt is the best because it does not contain HFCS and has fewer calories.  The thing is, the flavored Greek yogurts still contain a ton of added sugar.  So even if you ditched the yogurts that contain HFCS, you are still getting a container loaded with sugar.  Here are some ideas to still get any flavor you want, but without the added sugar!

I never fed my children the "kiddie" yogurts.  If you are food educated, you know that yogurts like "Danimals" are terrible for your child.  What, with all of the artificial flavor, coloring, and added sugar.  The added sugar in foods is not good for children and has been said to compromise their immune systems, leading to them being sick all of the time when they shouldn't be.  We do, however buy the Greek yogurt.  When I found out how much sugar was in the honey flavor, I decided to start buying plain only and add my own honey.  The kids loved it.  I realized that they would also love other flavors, and since they don't really enjoy fresh fruit cut up and put on top, I decided to blend any flavor I wanted to make!  I started blending yogurt with strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, ground flax, chia and anything else I could think of.  I used honey as the sweetener, and the texture comes out perfect.  If you have really picky eaters, you can just place the yogurt back in it's original container, and they will never even know you messed with it ;-)

Sounds like alot of work right?  It's really not!  If you make flavored yogurt in big batches, you don't have to do it again for along time.  Your child won't be getting the extra refined sugar, and will also be getting servings of fruit!  You can still make different flavors for your child to choose from.  Your child will still get a choice because they have the ability to pick the flavor, but "you" have the ability to make sure your child eats right and is getting the best nutrition possible.

50 Shades of Grey - Book Review

I understand that I made this blog for strictly food, but I have to switch it up for one post, because if I do not write about "50 Shades of Grey", I am going to burst.

Now, when I first heard about this book, I decided to go look at the reviews on Amazon.  I am NOT one to jump on the book bandwagons.  I can't stand "Twilight", and didn't even attempt to read the other one everyone is so giddy about....what's it called again?  Something about zombies I think?  I forget at the moment.  But they are not my type.  I stick to my virgin novels :-)  I was in shock when I saw all of the bad reviews for 50 Shades.  I thought, "This has got to be the worst book on the planet given these reviews, holy crap!".  I decided no way was I spending money on it.  They say the writing was the worst they had ever seen, which is a HUGE turn off.

A few weeks pass.  I hear more and more about it, quite a few of my friends have read it.  I finally decided I would get the book.  50 Shades of Grey is an "erotic romance", not at all my thing.  I decided to give it a go anyways.  I am a few chapters in the the book when I am shocked at what all of the bad reviews were about, thus far, I was loving it.  I am telling you folks, I was so captivated by this book, I couldn't put the darn thing down for 5 minutes.  I read it in between everything I had to do!  I was in total shock, again, given the TERRIBLE reviews.  I finished the book today, and couldn't leave the house fast enough to get the second book in the series, "50 Shades Darker".  Here is what I have come up with:

As everyone knows (and I am going to be quite frank, so don't be shy here), this is an EROTIC novel.  I am sure everyone who knows about it, it has been referred to as "mom porn" ha.  As much as I am loving this series, I will tell you that I understand the negative reviews.  The writing is not the best.  They repeat the same things constantly in the story, it gets very old.  Everyone knows that a sex scene in a book is going to make it "interesting"....not when it is on almost every other page.  I agree with the reviews when they say it is "not erotic" at all.  The author uses the same phrases on almost every page.  She also uses the "erotic" fiction WAY too much.  Anyone who plans to buy this book for that, don't, because it may disappoint.  I would prefer a lot less of it, and quite frankly, I would have to wonder about you if you said you don't think "that" part of this book is any big deal at all (maybe better not to tell us....).  It is very intense, basically based off BDSM, not something I find appealing at ALL, so naturally it is not something I would want to read about.  Somehow though it goes perfectly with the story, just way, WAY too much repeating of it.  Also, I am not fond of the constant foul language.  This book would have been much more appealing without it all.

What makes me love this book.  Nobody said there was a "love" story to this...there IS!  This book, minus the annoying repetitive sex scenes, has a full blown love story to it.  It is one of those books where you can't get to the next page fast enough.  It will captivate you, make you feel like the characters are real, and make you long to have it go a certain way.  As I sit and type this, I am still so confused on the 1 star reviews this book got (and hundreds of them!).  I am not one for bad books and movies.  If it is bad writing, I can tell.  Yes, this has bad writing, but not NEARLY as bad as everyone makes it out to be.  In fact, I would not even bother writing this if I didn't love the book so much.  Despite all of those cons, the story that this series carries is definitely worth the read.  I would give this book a 4 star.  This is not based on how good or bad the writing is, but based on a captivating story.  Basically, I wanted to write this because I am sure there are so many out there just like me who read reviews and said there is no way they'd want to read this.  Maybe give it a try.  You might be as surprised as I was.  I hope so.

Here is an excerpt since I did not go in to details about what the book is about, characters, etc. 

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47062319/ns/today-books/t/fifty-shades-grey-peek-inside-steamy-novel/