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RECIPE: Pineapple Casserole (reader request)

December 27, 2011 By 5 Comments

I mentioned in my Thanksgiving Menu Plan post that we were having Pineapple Casserole and reader Jessica B. asked for the recipe.  So, for Jessica and anyone else that wants it, here you go!

pineapple casserole

PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE

Ingredients

  • 2 lg. cans chunky pineapple (drained)
  • 1 1/2 c. sugar\
  • 6 tbsp. self-rising flour
  • 2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

Drain pineapple, reserving 3 tbsp. juice. Combine flour, sugar and stir in reserved pineapple juice. Add cheese and pineapple chunks. Mix well. Spoon mixture into greased 9 X13” casserole dish.

 

PINEAPPLE CASSEROLE TOPPING

Ingredients:

  • 2 c. Ritz cracker crumbs
  • 1 stick melted butter

Directions:

Crush sleeve of Ritz crackers on top. Pour 1 stick melted butter or margarine over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

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GIVEAWAY: (Book) Gluten-Free Cupcakes by Elana Amsterdam

December 22, 2011 By

Since having children, one of the things I have become more aware of are the large number of food allergies out there! I knew of a few, but it was only recently that I started hearing about celiac disease and other gluten related allergies or intolerances. A former pastor of mine was diagnosed with celiac after a lengthy unexplained illness and one of my very close friends has an intolerance, and all 3 of her children have varying degrees of gluten intolerances, to the point where they just avoid them completely due to the issues that arise from having just a small amount.

No one in my family has gluten issues, but I did notice that during at least the last two of my pregnancies, that gluten was a bit of an issue. Not so much that I couldn’t eat it all, but enough that I tried my best to stay away from the greatest triggers. And so began my research into gluten-free living. We haven’t made the switch in our family, but I try to be very conscientious of what I provide at gatherings (like birthday parties) where our gluten-free friends will be attending. I find it easier to supply gluten free foods then peanut/nut free foods for some reason, perhaps because the nut allergy is more imminently life threatening, and therefore scarier, to me, then the gluten allergy (at least to my limited knowledge).

I was hoping to have the book in time to prepare some gluten-free cupcakes for my sons second birthday, but the postal service let me down again ;) (no matter where I order things from, it always takes longer to get to me then it takes for me to send something, very frustrating!). So then I thought I’d make some cupcakes for the kids Christmas concerts at school, but then I went hunting around my city for the ingredients I didn’t have on hand for the recipe I had selected, (agave nectar, grapeseed oil and almond flour) and I was very disappointed to only find the grapeseed oil readily available. I thought for sure I’d be able to find them all a little easier. After some research I have discovered that you can substitute out the agave nectar with honey at a 1:1 ratio and that I may need to order the almond flour online, so for the purposes of this review I am unable to tell you whether or not the recipes rock :( . But, what I can tell you is that the recipes are crazy simple and only require a short list of ingredients. Also, be sure to read the front of the cookbook, Elana gives many great tips and lots of information to help you get the optimal cupcake.

Head here to learn more about the author Elana Amsterdam. Or if you are looking for more gluten-free inspiration head on over to her blog, where she has many recipes listed, and you can see a listing of her other cookbooks if your looking for more gluten-free inspiration. Many of Elana’s family members suffer from celiac disease or have a gluten intolerance, so gluten-free cooking is something Elana takes very seriously.

If the pictures in this cookbook are any indication, these cupcakes are to die for! I can’t wait to get my almond flour so I can get baking!

Of course you can purchase this cookbook at most online retailers as well as at your local bookstore for $16.99.

Win it!

One of our lucky readers is going to win their very own copy of Gluten-Free Cupcakes!

REQUIRED COMMENT:   Head over to Elana’s blog and come back here and tell me a recipe you’d like to try or have tried.

BONUS #1: Follow @elanaspantry and @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY

BONUS #2: Like Elana’s Pantry and 3 Boys and a Dog on FaceBook then share this post by clicking the FaceBook share button at the bottom of this post.

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Sign up for my NEW Weekly Newsletter.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on January 5, 2011

OPEN TO: USA

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent a copy of this cookbook to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

 

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Filed Under: Giveaways, health, Homemaking / Housekeeping, Living and Lifestyles, Recipes, Recipes, Review and Giveaways, Reviews

RECIPE: Super Simple Chocolate Pie #CBias #CouchCritics

December 19, 2011 By 9 Comments

As part of Social Fabric, I was given the opportunity to finally watch The Help on rental from Blockbuster Express.  I also had to make a Chocolate Pie.  My Husband’s Grandmother used to make a yummy Chocolate Pie for every family function and no one has the recipe.  I have asked around to others (like my grandmother) for a recipe as we assume it was one of those that was passed on through the year.  Well, I looked at all the Chocolate Pie recipes that I have collected through the years and they are seem difficult.  In this day and age, who has time to spend hours making one pie?  Not me, that’s for sure.  So, I decided to search for a super good SIMPLE one that would only take a few moments.  Oh yeah, I found one!  My husband says that it is just as good as his Meemaw’s to him.  There is one person that really needs to put his mark on it as he was the one the Chocolate Pie always was made for, but I haven’t seen him yet. 

See my Google+ Photo album to follow my track through Super Target and my Pie Making!

The Help Collage

Now on to the recipe:

Super Simple Chocolate Pie Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 package (5.9 ounces) Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
  • 1/2 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1 can (7 ounces) Reddi-Wip Original Dairy Whipped Topping
  • 1 Graham Cracker pie crust

Directions:

  1. Pour milk into medium bowl, add dry pudding mix, beat with whisk until well blended and mixture just begins to thicken.
  2. Add contents of Reddi-Wip can (I saved a bit to garnish the top), stir quickly until well blended.
  3. Pour into crust, top with chocolate morsels, and cover
  4. Refrigerate approximately 6 hours or until set.
  5. Garish with reddi-wip and cut into slices.

    6. Makes 8 servings

Mom Says about The Help:  I was so excited to watch this movie because I have heard a million and one great things about it.  My husband wasn’t interested in a “girly movie” so I called Mom and asked if she wanted a girl’s night in with me.  So, off I went to her house and we settled in.  I live in Alabama which is rich with Black History (Rosa Parks, Tuskegee, Selma, Birmingham, Mobile, just to name a few important parts of History) so I know the stories of what things were like.  My Parents were in High School in the 60s!  Mom went to Private School, so her stories are much different than Dad’s who attended Public School.  But, just hearing stories from a few White people can’t put the heartache into prospective as watching this movie did!!  I cried through most of the movie when I wasn’t spitting angry!  How any human could treat another the way some of those women did is beyond me.  Aibileen is a very powerful character and moved me from her very first word.  Hilly, on the other hand… I would like to meet her in a dark alley!  I’m just saying!

I really liked the movie even if it reached into places I would rather not have known.  I knew things were icky “back in the day” but now, I feel as if I have lived it!  Amazing!  Everyone should watch this movie, especially people from the Dirty South!

BTW:  After you watch this movie, you will understand why I had to make Chocolate Pie!  HA HA HA!!  I laughed until my insides hurt.

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.

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Country Crock Kids Thanksgiving Review/Giveaway

December 11, 2011 By

I was sent several items from Country Crock to review.  I received them a few days before Thanksgiving. I was really busy helping my sister with her bakery. She had a ton of cakes and pies to get done for Thanksgiving. Then my daughter got sick…..then, of course, I got sick. Still trying to fight it off. Anyway……That is why this is late. I do apologize to Country Crock.  Actually only 1 of the items is Thanksgiving related. The rest can be used anytime. My daughter loved them all.

1)Thanksgiving Place Mat – This is really cute and made very well. My daughter loved using it for her Thanksgiving dinner. It is from Pottery Barn, is no longer available to purchase.

Thanksgiving Place Mat

From the website-

Help kids remember what Thanksgiving is all about with linens that have reminders to give thanks and gather together sewn into them. Our turkey-shaped place mat is made from cotton percale and felt, with a pocket for utensils and another for the a napkin.

  • 18″ wide x 13″ high

Care

  • Machine wash in cold water; gentle cycle.
  • Use only nonchlorine bleach, if needed.
  • Tumble dry on low heat.
  • Warm iron as needed.

2) Curious Chef Apple Slicer/corer- This was very easy for my daughter to use. It has large handles to easely hold on to. It is shaped like an apple and really cute. $8.99 value This item can be purchased on there website, Curious Chef. They also have plenty of other items for kids at great prices.

Apple Slicer

From the website-

Details

Stainless Steel. Fun apple shape. Soft grip touch.

Curious Chef is a line of real kitchen tools for kids.

About Curious Chef®

Curious Chef is the only full line of real kitchen tools for kids. All of the products are designed to be safe and ergonomically easy for children to use.

3) Mr. Potato Masher- My daughter loved mashing the potato’s with this cute little thing. It was easy for her to hold too. The handle is shaped like a potato. Too Cute!!! It can be purchased on there website here. On sale right now for $4.99 regular $5.99. They also sell other great items.

Mr. Potato Masher

 

From the website-

Adorable Mr. Potato Masher.  One durable masher.  Spudtacular in form and function.  By Jole de Vivre, MSC International

 

4) I also received a Country Crock apron, a coupon for $1.50 on Country Crock Spread and some Country Crock recipe’s.

Win it:

1 lucky reader will win a kit like I received. It is hard to put a value on this because the place mat is no longer available and Country Crock had the aprons specially made with their logo on them. But I would say a $25-$30 value.

Mandatory Entry: Head on over to the Country Crock website and tell me something you learned about Country Crock.

BONUS #1: Follow Country Crock and @momof3boys3702 on Twitter and RT this contest. The easiest way to retweet is to simply click the green ReTweet on the top right of this post. YOU MAY TWEET ONCE DAILY

BONUS #2: Like Country Crock and 3 Boys and a Dog on FaceBook then share this post by clicking the FaceBook share button at the bottom of this post.

Other bonus entries:

  • #1. Spread the word about this review by: email, forums, blogging, Digg, or putting the link in a meme. (one entry per thing done)
  • #2. Sign up for my NEW Weekly Newsletter.
  • #3. Subscribe to my RSS feed.
  • #4. Put my button on your blog.
  • #5. Leave a comment on any other post (excluding giveaways!) Be sure to leave a comment here saying which post.
  • #6 – Vote for me at Picket Fence by clicking the button on my sidebar. Be sure to leave a comment saying you did! YOU MAY VOTE ONCE DAILY!

CONTEST ENDS: at Midnight CST on Dec 25, 2011

OPEN TO: US Only

*DISCLAIMER: I was sent items by Country Crock to help facilitate my review. Any opinions stated are strictly my own.*

 

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Filed Under: 3 Boys & A Dog General Posts, Giveaway Winners, Giveaways, Holidays / Seasons, Meals / Menus, Recipes, Review and Giveaways, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top Ten Christmas Holiday Foods Trends

December 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Trend: Double Desserts

Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing.

Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange.

Trend: Boozy Baking

From booze cakes to cocktail pies, bakers everywhere are bringing the bar into the kitchen. A titch of tequila or a slosh of scotch whiskey adds a serious shot of fun and flavor for the over 21 crowd. We’re loving these boozy baked goods!

Recipe: Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes

Taste for yourself what the buzz is all about! A bit of bourbon, a hit of coffee liqueur and some vanilla vodka-spiked frosting make these sophisticated chocolate cupcakes the ultimate “holiday helpers.”

Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun.

Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food!

Recipe: Cake Batter Cookie Stackers

Take sugar cookies to a whole new level of delicious! Kids and adults will love these cake batter flavored cookies with colorful frosting, and lots of sprinkles! Stack ‘em up and watch ‘em go.

Trend: From Cave to Kitchen

Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist.

Recipe: Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich

Here’s a new take on chicken ‘n’ waffles – made better with beer, bacon, and bourbon. It’s the ultimate manly man meal.

Trend: Skinny Cocktails

Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light & flavorful cocktails.

Recipe: Skinny Clementine Martini

Add some clever sparkle to your next party. Enjoy these natural, light martinis made with fresh juice, high-quality liquor, and a splash of club soda. Lower calorie cocktails never tasted, or looked, so sweet. Cheers!

Trend: Better Than Bought

From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity.

Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge

Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress.

Trend: Veggie Love

Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love.

Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus

Hummus with fresh sweet potato packs even more plant power. Add a delicious blend of smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin to make this flavorful dip.

Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly

Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not.

Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread

Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread. Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten – no kidding!

Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G

Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes! This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list.

Recipe: Dog Bark

This treat will make your dog sit up and beg for more. Make the bark by melting carob chips and peanut butter then top with your dog’s favorite ingredients – bacon and cheese. Bow WOW!

Trend: Food Craft

The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat.

Recipe: Chocolate Coal Lumps

Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers.

DISCLAIMER:  I received the details from Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark to bring you the Betty 10: Red Hot Holiday Trends information.  Enjoy!

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