Holiday Candy

Chocolate is traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day.  Make a batch of these yummy truffles for your favorite chocoholic!  You can also use orange, peppermint, almond or rum extract in these confections.  If you can’t find the flavored extract you want use 1/4 C of flavored liqueur instead, such as Chambord – even better!

Visit your favorite party store for a decorative holiday wrappers and a container for gifting!

What You Need:

20 squares semi sweet baking chocolate, divided
1 (8 oz) pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
2 t raspberry extract
red sprinkles or decorations of your choice (optional)

How to Make It:

Melt 8 of the chocolate squares as directed on the package.
In a medium bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Pour the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture.
Add the raspberry extract and mix until well combined.
Cover the bowl and place in the refrigerator 1 hour or until beginning to firm and the mixture is easy to handle.
Place wax paper over a large cookie sheet.
Shape the chocolate raspberry mixture into small balls.
Melt the remaining squares of chocolate as directed on the package.
Dip each ball into the melted chocolate and place in a single layer on the prepared cookie sheet.
If desired, Sprinkle the top of each ball with the red sprinkles.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours until candy becomes firm.

Serving Size: 36 truffles

credit: Ana_Fuji

With Super Bowl just around the corner, serve this tasty treat with crackers or on Melba toast or Rye bread party rounds. My mom used to serve it on mini bagels that were cut in half, and another name for it was “Sun City Sausage Spread” back in the 1970s! This can be made ahead of time and kept in the freezer until ready to use. To reheat place in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high 2 minutes or until completely heated through, stirring occasionally.

Two Sausage Cheese Spread

What You Need:

1 lb mild Italian sausage
1 lb hot Italian sausage (or substitue 1 lb. ground beef for either of the sausage meat)
1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/4 t garlic powder
1/4 t Worcestershire sauce

How to Make It:

Crumble both types of sausage into a large skillet.
Over medium heat cook the sausage 8 minutes or until completely browned.
Drain the fat from the sausage.
Return the drained sausage to the skillet.
Turn the heat to low and add the cheese cubes.
Stirring often allow the cheese to melt completely.
Stir in the garlic powder and Worcestershire sauce.
Remove from the heat, place in a bowl and serve warm.

You could also spread this on the bagels and then freeze. To heat, place under broiler until bubbly.

Serving Size: 2 C

65 Chocolate Dessert Recipes for Chocoholics

Valentine’s Day is coming up, and a traditional symbols is the gift of  – Chocolates.

Many people I know are chocolate fanatics – I myself am one and my oldest daughter inherited the chocolate gene from me!

When I bake or make a dessert for holiday celebrations, dinner or an intimate gathering of friends and family, the majority of the time it’s something chocolate – chocolate mousse,; chocolate cake;  chocolate pudding, all sorts of chocolate cookies or candy.

As we age, our craving for something sweet increases.  My grandmother, who lived to be 101, ate very little nutritious foods at breakfast or dinner, however when it was time to celebrate her 100th birthday, she gobbled that cake right down!

I’ve recently had the opportunity from Hachette Book Group to review their new book “Chocolate A Love Story” by Max Brenner.

Max Brenner is a confectioner, businessman, and above all, a passionate lover of chocolate. He began his career as an apprentice throughout Europe, where he worked in the best kitchens alongside renowned pastry chefs. It was in Europe that his love for chocolate evolved into passion, leading him to open a small chocolate workshop in his homeland of Israel.

Inside this huge, 12 in x 9 in hardcover book, you’ll find recipes to satisfy your cravings for all hours of the day.

Selections include:

• Optimistic Musings – Morning Chocolate Variations – including Danish; Pancakes; Belgian Waffles and Crepes

• Chocolate Therapy – Pastires; and bonbons

• Happy Addiction – Childhood Birthday Cake; Fudge Brownie and Souffle

Of course there’s chocolate drinks for those who need a Sugar Rush, and chocolate cookie recipes from the Chocolate Cookie Jar.

This is the perfect gift of love for your favorite chocolate affectionado!

For More Information Visit: Hachette Book Group

Little, Brown and Company
Category: COOKING
Format: HARDCOVER BOOK
Publish Date: 11/2/2009
Price: $29.99/$35.99
ISBN: 9780316056625
Pages: 144
Size: 9″ x 12″

Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of the book, Chocolate – A Love Story by Max Brenner.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Leave a comment about what your favorite chocolate dessert is, and tell me something about it.

*Open to USA and Canada Only – No PO Boxes

This contest will run until February 1, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Retro or Modern Kitchen Ideas

The past few decades were dedicated to very neutral colors in the kitchen. It seems every kitchen had neutral dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, cabinets and wall coverings. Today, people are being more expressive in the kitchen and that’s great news as there are plenty of shopping deals out there now! The kitchen is where a lot of the daily activity takes place in the home, so try to make the most of this space.

Here are some places to use color in your kitchen:

• Paint & Wall Coverings: There are a variety of paint colors to choose from, so take your time making a decision. It will be the basis of making other choices for your kitchen. Wallpapers and borders are being use more frequently these days as well.

• Faucets: They’re not just chrome anymore. They come in a wide variety of solid colors and metallic options. It’s amazing what style just a faucet can add to your décor.

• Appliances: Thank goodness, the avocado green appliances of the 70s are gone, but then we moved onto the blah whites. Today, you have more choice, but before you go totally bold, realize that an investment into an appliances such as freezers is something you’ll need to be happy with for many years to come.

• Cabinets: You can paint over old cabinet colors or install completely new ones. If you install new ones, really take some time with your decision. The expense of totally new cabinetry is not something to be taken lightly.

• Tiling: Look for unique expressions for your floor, backsplash and even your countertops. Tile is fairly easy to install and even easier to maintain.

If you’re not up for a big remodeling, you can still add color easily and little expense. In fact, if you’re working with generally a neutral color-scheme in the kitchen, you can change your colors to suit your mood year-round!:

• Table cloths or place mats: Create a whole new color scheme for your kitchen with highly-decorative table cloths or mats.

• Window coverings: Forget bland Venetian blinds. Add some color with colorful fabrics.

• Use flowers, candles and other decorative elements to add color.

• Small appliances: Even the coffee maker and mixer can come in some great color choices. Pick the right one for you.

• Tableware: Dishes come in all kinds of colors and patterns. Choose some that suit your style. If you have neutral colored plates, place colorful charger plates beneath them to add some excitement.

Adding color to your kitchen can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like to make it. For your more involved projects, be sure to compare shopping prices and plan everything out, so it becomes the dream kitchen you hoped for.

photo credit: Justin and Elise

Breakfast to Go

Smoothies From Freezer to Fabulous

My youngest daughter lives at home but works and attends grad school out of state.  Each morning she must hit the ground running, yet still needs a healthy breakfast to get off to a good start to her day.  She’s always enjoyed smoothies, and even treats ‘Lil Moomette to them at the mall when they go shopping together.

If you find yourself short on time in the morning or are just looking for a healthy way to fit essential nutrients into your diet, Yoplait Frozen Smoothies can help!

I recently received a coupon and blender from Yoplait and MyBlogSpark to try out their new Frozen Smoothies. Yoplait´s new Frozen Smoothies go from freezer to fabulous in minutes! The antioxidant-rich fruit in Yoplait smoothies can be a great way to help you get all the important vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Did you know seven out of 10 Americans do not consume the daily recommended amount of fruit? Every Yoplait Smoothie contains a full serving of fruit as well as real Yoplait yogurt pieces with live & active cultures. Yoplait Smoothies are a good source of calcium when prepared with milk according to directions, and an excellent source of antioxidant vitamin C.

It was really easy to make – we simply added milk to a Yoplait freezer package, blended the smoothie mixture in the Hamilton Beach single-serve blender and whirll! In less than two minutes we enjoyed a nutritious and delicious smoothie.  It actually made more than enough to share with my daughter, me and ‘Lil Moomette!  Plus, the blender has a travel lid so you can take it with you and go!  The drink holder fits in most car drink holders.

Yoplait Frozen Smoothies are 110 calories per serving – look for it in your grocery store freezer isle!

Try Yoplait Frozen Smoothies today yourselves to make at home and save $1.25 off one package.
Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Yoplait Frozen Smoothie gift pack, which includes a blender to make the fruit smoothies.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Let me know what your favorite Smoothie flavor is and why you’d like to win this prize!

This contest will run until January 26, 2009 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Easy Fixin’s

Tackle the Taste

We have several football fanatics in the family.  My charming son-in-law and my youngest daughters boyfriend both are very much into Fantasy Football.

Actually, my youngest daughter and her boyfriend flew from Connecticut to Dallas when the new Dallas Cowboys stadium opened and saw the second home game.  They spent almost a week touring Texas and are determined to go back to see another game!

We always get invited to some Super Bowl parties this year – usually my oldest daughter or my brother-in-law is certain to have a big celebration, with extended family and friends.

I’ve recently been asked by MyBlogSpark to let my readers know about Old El Paso Green Chiles!  I was supplied with a wonderful “Tackle the Taste” gift pack provided by Old El Paso through MyBlogSpark that included two free cans of Green Chiles, as well as a football-shaped ceramic serving platter, two sets of football-themed plates, cocktail napkins, and a themed table runner.

A recent survey conducted for Old El Paso Green Chiles found that the majority of Americans will be gathering around the TV to watch the Super Bowl Big Game at home with friends and family on February 7, 2010.

Approximately 61% of adults plan to watch the Big Game. Whether you´re planning a huge party in front of that new plasma TV that you just got as a gift,  or you´re just looking forward to kicking back at home with your friends and family, Old El Paso Green Chiles can help you spice up the festivities!

Old El Paso Green Chiles, are available in 4.5 and 7 oz cans.

Are you looking for recipes that will add a unique flavor to your dishes that the whole crowd will love?

According to the survey, Americans will be clamoring for these great game time dishes:

• Chips and dip or salsa 67%

• Wings 57%

• Nachos 33%

• Veggies and dip 29%

• Chili 24%

These quick and easy recipes each have a prep time of less than 30 minutes each, incorporate Old El Paso Green Chiles and will have your football fans cheering for more! They’re perfect for making dips and salsas, as well as nachos and chili.

Old El Paso Green Chiles can help you score a mealtime touchdown with your guests this year. For more ideas, check out ideas for Green Chile Dip; Slow Cooker Salsa Chili and Skillet Nacho Chili.  My youngest daughter’s favorite recipe is Seven-Layer Bean dip.

Save $0.55 on one can of Old El Paso Green Chiles today and get ready for hosting your own Super Bowl Party, or any time you’re entertaining!

Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Tackle the Taste” gift pack that included two free cans of Green Chiles, as well as a football-shaped ceramic serving platter, two sets of football-themed plates, cocktail napkins, and a themed table runner.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Leave a comment about what what recipes you liked best from the above site and if you’re having a party what you’ll be making!

This contest will run until January 13, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Plump and Juicy 10-Piece Spicy Chicken Nuggets

When my husband and I are out running errands around town during the day or evenings, many time’s we’ll stop at Wendy’s for a quick bite to eat.

Actually, my husband doesn’t cook at all, and isn’t even so inclined to make himself a sandwich, so he actually stops at Wendy’s for lunch during the day.  He’s pretty fond of their new Grilled Chicken Go Wrap.

Wendy’s has added a new kick to a menu favorite.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy Wendy’s new Spicy Chicken Nuggets.  They’re made from real, all white breast meat chicken, coated with Japanese style breadcrumbs and packed with a potent array of spices like red pepper, chili pepper, turmeric, paprika and ground mustard seed.

While we were out finishing our Christmas shopping we stopped at Wendy’s and when they say spicy, believe me, they’re spicy!  The chicken was moist, and there were more than enough for me and enough left over to bring home to my youngest daughter, the graduate school student!

The “spicing on the cake”?  At a 99¢ price point for these delicious nuggets, add some fries and beverage and  you’ll be able to take the whole family out to enjoy an economical, tasty meal!

Fan Wendy’s on Facebook

For more information visit: Wendys.com

Premium Frozen Fruit

Every New Year’s Day for the past 26 years I’ve hosted a family “open house” gathering.  Actually, it’s more of a large birthday party.  My oldest daughter and two nieces were all born within days of each-other (albeit different years), so it’s a great day to kick back with family, relax and enjoy some good food.

Over the years I’ve had cold-cut buffets or large grinders (subs – for those of you not from New England), or giant sheets of pizza.  Depending on how I’m feeling and who will be stopping by, the menu changes from year to year.  Of course, there’s the obligatory birthday cake, but I also like to have some other desserts on the side.

I recently had the opportunity to try Nature’s Peak frozen fruit.  I received a 16-ounce resealable pouch of Sun-Ripened Trio which contains strawberries, mangos and peaches, and a pouch of Sunburst Mango.

Nature’s Peak is:

• All natural fruit

• Unsweetened- No sugar added

• Good source of dietary fiber

• Good source of Vitamin C

It’s flash-frozen, so it’s great to keep on hand in your refrigerator!  Since it’s resealable, it makes it easy to scoop out a single serving portion to use.

Nature’s Peak frozen fruit comes in fruit blends or single fruit varieties and can be used in smoothies, cobblers and pies.  You can also use it as a cereal or ice cream sundae topper! I’m going to be making the Mango Black Bean Salsa dip recipe for the party.

Mango Black Bean Salsa

• 1 (15.5 oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 (10 oz. Pkg. Frozen sweet corn, cooked according to package directions, drained and cooled

• ½ c. chopped red pepper

• 1/3 c. chopped red onion

• 1/3 c. finely chopped cilantro

• 2 c. Nature’s Peak Sunburst Mango, chopped into ¼ -inc cubes

• 1-3 tblsp. Fresh lime juice

• ½ c. Smucker’s Sweet Orange Marmalade

• 1-2 serrano peppers, seeded, chopped, to taste

Combine all ingredients in medium bowl.  Refrigerate until ready to use.  Serve with lime-flavored tortilla chips or as an accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or pork.

Makes 6 cups

Prep Time:  15 minutes

Available in your grocer’s freezer (select locations only).

For More Information and Recipes visit: Nature’s Peak

Moomette’s Magnificents  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be two (2) winners of a coupon good for 1 FREE package of Nature’s Peak.

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Nature’s Peak and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.

This contest will run until January 9, 2010 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Nature’s Peak and received a sample to facilitate my candid review as well as two coupons to giveaway. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Cooking Meals at Home Saves Hundreds of Dollars a Year

With the cost of everything skyrocketing, it’s hard to keep food on the table without spending a lot of money at the grocery store. Dinner is an especially hard meal to finance because there are so many choices and our families are picky. Cooking meals at home saves hundreds of dollars a year and cuts the family spending by up to 42%!

Save money by turning one dinner into a second meal a couple of days later.

Some people don’t like leftovers. No matter how you good the food was the first time, they won’t eat it again to save their lives. This can eat into a family food budget when a portion of that food ends up in the trashcan.

You have two choices: fix less or make that meal go farther. The former can be tricky or near impossible with a family of hungry picky eaters, large or small. Let’s go for option two and see if we can surprise those finicky folks.

If your family won’t eat leftovers, maybe they will go for another fabulous creation from your kitchen. We are calling these “two night dinners.” The two nights in question don’t have to be consecutive. In fact, it’s probably better that they are not so you can surprise your family.

Start with the basic meat. Purchasing a whole pork shoulder, chicken, or piece of beef is economical. Have the butcher cut it up for you for free in the grocery store or meat market. You’ll have several cuts to choose from for dinner.

You can also try a chicken dish. Everyone loves the yard bird don’t they? For the first night, the family enjoys an herb rubbed roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots. No one will eat the entire chicken. What do you do with the rest?

Pick as much meat off of the chicken as you can and store it cooled in a Ziploc bag or reusable container. As for the carcass and essence, boil it down to create chicken stock. When cooled, pour it into Mason jars or plastic containers.

The leftover chicken can be used in a variety of ways. Mix it with rice to create a casserole dish. Stir fry it with frozen vegetables and pasta. Make chicken salad for a light dinner on a busy night.

Other meats are just as versatile as chicken. Leftover beef roast can be used for stews and soups. Combine with egg noodles and sauce to create beef stroganoff. Slice thin and stir fry with vegetables for beef fajitas.

You get the basic idea. You have several dinner ideas just waiting to be born right in your refrigerator. Two night dinners are suggested because leftovers don’t keep for long. After the fourth day in the fridge, it’s best to toss it out. With other ideas you’re sure to come up with, there shouldn’t be anything left by day four.

Start your frugal New Year’s resolutions early!

In honor of Hillshire Farm’s 75th anniversary, the they’ve launched a FREE 64-page cookbook that includes delicious and affordable recipes that the whole family will love, including money saving meal tips and tricks – it even includes a “Meals Under $10” section! From recipes for Corn Chowder with Smoked Sausage to Pierogi-Style Lasagna your family, and your wallet, will be thankful.

Available FREE, with the purchase of any three Smoked Sausage products, the Hillshire Farm cookbook has chapters for “Quick and Easy Meals”, “Entertaining,” “Soul Food,” “Better For You” and “International Flavors.”

Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a Hillshire Farm 75th Anniversary Cookbook!

Please include a way of contacting you. Should you be the contest winner, this information may be shared with the contest sponsor in order to send your prize.

Main Rule:   (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
a) Sign up for my free Newsletter Updates to my blog through my e-mail Feedblitz link (on the top of my right column or let me know if you already are, in a separate comment) AND

b) Visit Hillshire Farm and leave a comment about what you like best about their site and another product you’d like to try.
This contest will run until January 5, 2010 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Even though it’s the Holiday Party Season, here’s one of my easy recipes for a chicken appetizer that you can use all year long!

Cut off the excess fat when working with chicken. If you aren’t the type who likes to mess with chicken parts, buy them already skinned and boneless. Usually all traces of fat have been removed in the store before packaging.

Boneless pieces of chicken are healthier to eat and take less time to cook. Marinate your chicken breasts overnight or for at least an hour. You don’t have to pierce the chicken to get the marinade to seep in.  Use a cutting board and a meat tenderizer before adding the chicken to the marinade.

A meat tenderizer also creates a cut of chicken with the same thickness throughout. This helps the cooking time. Most chicken breasts are thicker through the middle and thinner on the ends. That’s why some chicken breasts have hard ends because it cooked faster than the middle.

Bibb lettuce leaves work really well for chicken recipes.  They form a cup on their own.  If the leaves are too large break them up into smaller pieces.  These cups also taste great with toasted almonds or cashews instead of the roasted peanuts.

This is easy enough that with a few side dishes, you’ll be able to turn it into one of your favorite dinner recipes, or serve on the deck and patio in the summer.

What You Need:

2 C chicken, cooked and chopped fine (can be marinated beforehand)
4 green onions, sliced
1 (8 oz) can water chestnuts, sliced, drained and chopped fine
1/2 t red pepper flakes
1 T fresh mint leaves, chopped
24 small lettuce leaves
1/2 C roasted peanuts, chopped

How to Make It:

Mix the chicken, green onions and water chestnuts together in a mixing bowl.

Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes and mint leaves and toss to combine.
Place 2 T of the chicken mixture onto each lettuce leaf.
Top with the chopped peanuts.

Serving Size: 24

photo credit: avlxyz