Moomettesgram's Favorite Recipes

As the mom of two college graduates, one of whom is now going for a master’s degree – I’m pretty familiar with having had to constantly remind the kids to eat healthy.

Once they had their own apartments on and off campus, their eating habits changed for the better.  Both of my girls were college athletes, and often shared shopping for groceries, cooking and preparing meals with their roommates.

For students, eating at college is an entire new ball game, with late night pizza delivery and swinging by the food cart.  Even though some of these quick and simple options taste great, they’re probably not healthy for a student’s body.

The food choices students make can affect whether or not they’re able to remain awake during class and whether or not they’ll be susceptible to mononucleosis when it hits the college campus.  The problem isn’t only about eating junk food, it’s more  about not getting the proper proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals that people need.

When it comes to defending against illnesses, minerals and vitamins are very important.  Just because they’re important isn’t a reason for students to run out and stock up on vitamins and supplements.  It’s best for students to get their nutrition from food.

Vitamin A can be found in milk and diary products, Vitamin C in citric fruits,  and Vitamin E in nuts, green leafy vegetables, and whole wheat products.  This is the preferred way to get  nutrition, as your body relies on these vitamins for many reasons.

When the kids eat on campus, encourage them to skip on the soft drinks and  go right to the juice bar.  Explore the  different entrees available and go to the salad bar where there are fresh vegetables.  They can also try putting some broccoli and cauliflower in the microwave for steamed vegetables.  There are always healthy cereals and plenty of fresh fruit available in dining halls as well.

Just in time for summer I’d like to share my recipe for Mock Crab Cakes, made out of fresh Zucchini!

Mock Crab Cakes

2 c. coursely grated zucchini, unpeeled (about 1 medium)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 c. Italian bread crumbs
1 tbl. mayonnaise
1 tbl. Old Bay seasoning
1 egg, beaten

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl (grated zucchini and onion into a colander so some of the liquid could drain out).  The texture can be adjusted – if it’s too dry, add another egg; if too wet, add more brea crumbs (we had to add a couple extra tablespoons of crumbs.)

Heat some oil in a skillet.  Form mixture into patties and fry over medium heat until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Makes 4 big or 6 medium cakes.

Always remember that eating healthy isn’t just about avoiding greasy foods.  Eating healthy involves getting a balanced diet and getting the right nutrients and vitamins to keep your body in peak performance – or at least awake during  classes.

photo credit: scaredy_kat

Living in New England all my life, I’m pretty used to being holed up in the house whenever we have blizzards.  Since I like to cook, it’s the perfect opportunity to try out new recipes on the family and fill the house with delightful aromas waifing from the kitchen!

I recently had the opportunity to review Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce.

Country Bob’s generously sent me 2 full, 13-oz. bottles (368 g) of  “Country Bob Edson’s Original Recipe” sauce, and included a free Recipe Collection booklet. Headquartered in Centralia, Illinois, their website rightfully boasts that

“Almost everyone who tries Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce becomes a lifelong user.”

Similar to a steak sauce, but having a somewhat sweeter taste,  Country Bob’s can be used on steak, barbecue, chicken, fries, fish and hamburger. For extra flavor, add it to your favor slow cooker or crockpot recipes, and reduce the other liquid amounts accordingly!

Ingredients include tomato concentrate, vinegar, corn syrup, sugar, molasses, salt, onion powder, caramel color, garlic powder, natural flavors and other spices.

The ultimate food testers in the family are my husband and son-in-law.  One of my charming son-in-law’s favorite dishes is New England Shepard’s Pie recipe.

Shepard’s Pie

Gritty McDuff’s Brew Pub, Portland, Maine
1-1/2 pounds lean hamburger
1/3 cup diced onion
1 stalk celery, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
1-1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper
1 cup stout
Salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into big chunks
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chives
1 16-ounce can whole kernel corn
2 16-ounce cans creamed corn
Paprika

1. Sauté hamburger, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, oregano, red pepper, stout and salt and pepper until meat is brown. Place sautéed burger mixture in large, shallow casserole dish.
2. Meanwhile, cook potatoes in water. Mash and season with butter, milk, sour cream, chives and salt and pepper.
3. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Drain corn, and mix with creamed corn. Layer corn mixture on burger mixture and spread evenly. Layer on mashed potatoes. Sprinkle paprika lightly over top.
4. Bake for about 20 minutes.

Yield: 8-10 servings

**Note: I added 1/4 cup of Country Bob’s All purpose sauce to this recipe, which really enhanced and brought out the flavor!

Country Bob’s has been around since 1968. A corporation of equal ownership was formed in 1982 consisting of Bob Edison, Terry Edson, Al Malekovic and Reed Malekovic.

Memorial Day and summer will be here soon, and that means Grilling Season!

Find out for yourself now, and get a coupon good for a Free Sample!

My Take: Simply Magnificent! :yes:

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Visit the Country Bob’s to find a retail location near you. You can also place your order online.

Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes  is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be two (2) winners who will each receive two (2) bottles of Country Bob’s All Purpose Sauce!

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 Country Bob’s 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 March 18, 2010 at 11:00 pm.

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Read my review on Organic Batter Blaster:

On the days that I have to babysit ‘Lil Moomette and her brother, I can easily make pancakes for the grandkids and know that they’re starting off the day with a good breakfast! We pressed a few chocolate chips into the batter as it was cooking in the pan, and presto! It tasted just as good as if made from scratch!moomettesmagnificents.com, Cooking Teaches Kids Life Skills, Feb 2010

You can read the whole article at Moomette’s Magnificents

Sweet Sunday Morning Moments

My girls attended an out-of-town high school, and in their freshman year had to catch the school bus at 6:45 am.

Naturally I wanted them to have a good start to the day, and Pillsbury was a lifesaver for me!

To start the week off right, take time out to create a sweet morning moments with your family with Pillsbury Orange or Cinnamon Sweet Rolls.  To this day, whenever I make a fresh batch, they’re gone in minutes!

Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls are warm, fresh, and ready to serve in just minutes.

My granddaughter, ‘Lil Moomette, has a sweet tooth just like her mom. Orange Sweet Rolls have an ooey-gooey texture and a delicious orange icing.

They have the flavor of a treat made from scratch, but without the time and cleanup.  I like to make and serve them in a round cake pan, warm from the oven!

The Easter Kitty

Many families celebrate Easter with a traditional family brunch.  Offer to bring the sweet rolls!

Moomettesgram’s Favorite Recipes is hosting a Giveaway Contest! For a chance to win, there will be one (1) winner of a gift pack which includes includes a VIP coupon for Pillsbury Orange Sweet Rolls as well as a photo album to help keep your family’s sweet Sunday morning memories close at hand.

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 Pillsbury 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 March 16, 2010 at 11:00 pm. EST

For Additional Entries, check out my Contest Entry Rules.

Product, information and gift packs courtesy of Pillsbury and MyBlogSpark.

Win $10,000 and a year’s worth of Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frostings have made it easy for moms to send those cupcakes off to school with the little ones!

Earlier this week I had to babysit ‘Lil Moomette, so we had a “baking class” where I was the teacher and my granddaughter learned to make cupcakes!  ‘Lil Moomette put all the Valentine cupcake tins in the cupcake pan and stirred the batter.  When they were cooled, we frosted and decorated with sprinkles.  She got to take home some goodies to eat, as well as some nice memories of baking with Grandmom!

I’d like to let you know about an exciting contest that Pillsbury is running to promote their new line of Easy Frost No-Fuss Frostings.

The makers of Pillsbury baking products announce the “Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge,” and call on all dessert lovers to unlock frosting fun, think creatively and transform their favorite homemade baked good into a chance to win $10,000 and a year’s worth of Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting.

You can submit photos of your creations online at www.pillsburybaking.com through February 19th. The winning photo will be posted in March 2010.

I always keep the tub varieties of Pillsbury frosting on hand for when I’m in a baking mood.  I really liked how I could get creative with decorating and swirling with this new convenient aerosol can.  It has a built-in five-star applicator tip, making it easy to add special decorative touches to bakery-style desserts including cookies, cakes or brownies!

Check out this instructional video of frosting techniques prepared for Pillsbury by Bronwen Weber – how to decorate a basket-weave cake!

Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting is available in Decadent Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Dream, and Velvety Cream Cheese.

I received the Chocolate Fudge and Vanilla Dream varieties.  Here’s a photo of ‘Lil Moomette’s cupcake creation!

Look for Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting in your grocery store!

The “Pillsbury Easy Frost No-Fuss Frosting Challenge” is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C.,18 years of age and older.  Void in Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Vermont and where prohibited.

For Official Rules and complete entry details visit Pillsbury

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.