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Shop Farm Rich for wholesome tasty meals and snacks

February 13, 2010 by

We’ve been snowed in for a few days. That means we did nothing but watch TV and eat and eat and eat. Sometimes it was a nutritious meal sometimes it was a satisfying snack. Farm Rich has been a part of our nibbling ways this week.

Our mornings often started with French Toast Sticks. These are usually meant for the weekends but with all the time in the world to do nothing we let the kids indulge in warm fulfilling breakfasts. Lunches were kept simple with cheese sticks or paninis and Tuesday’s dinner was family favorite Pasta with Meatballs, mozzarella and tomatoes. I never realized how much we actually shopped Farm Rich foods until we were sent coupons to try out free products and checked out their list of foods.  Alot of it looked familiar.

Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves. Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they’re made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. Their snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great tasting food within minutes.

Visit Farm Rich for yummy recipes, new snack ideas and entertaining tips.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Eli’s Cheesecake Dessert

February 12, 2010 by

I scream, you scream, we all scream for cheesecake. Hmmmm, I don’t think that is how the saying really goes but in this case it does. Cheesecake is one of those desserts most people enjoy every once in a while so when you do finally enjoy a slice you want to make sure it is quality. This is where Eli’s Cheesecake comes in with a huge selection of quality all-natural no preservatives cheesecakes.  They have so many different cheesecakes to choose from that you will be able to find one that will suit your taste.

Eli Schulman was the mastermind behind Eli’s Cheesecake. Hailing from the West Side of Chicago, Eli started two restaurants before hitting the jackpot with his version of cheesecake. In 1977 cheesecake dessert hit the menu at Eli’s the Place for Steak. Following up on a suggestion from a customer about his dessert, Eli spent several weeks coming up with a recipe that would please everyone. Eli’s Cheesecake quickly became a marquee offering at Eli’s the Place for Steak. During the July 4, 1980 Taste of Chicago, Eli made his debut of his now-famous Chicago cheesecake.

When our Candy Crazy Cheesecake Sampler arrived I was pretty excited but nowhere near as excited as my kids. They wanted to know what kind of cheesecake we got, why we got it and when they could start to eat it. Later that night after dinner we finally opened the cheesecake and Shaun, Sabreena, Melinda and I each had a slice. Shaun and Sabreena went right for the chocolate peanut butter while Melinda and I each had a slice of the turtle trio. I am not a huge cheesecake person but I must admit this was a tasty piece of cheesecake. It was creamy, rich and tasted so delicious. Since last Friday I have eaten two pieces of cheesecake and for me that is a lot of cheesecake to eat in a weeks’ time.

If you want cheesecake that will not disappoint and live in Chicago visit Eli’s retail store at 6701 Forest Preserve Drive (at the corner of Forest Preserve Drive and Montrose). If you are like myself and not close to Chicago you can still enjoy a tasty Eli’s Cheesecake all you have to do is go online and have it delivered right to your doorstep. Trust me people you will be glad you did.

Okie Dokie people time for an awesome giveaway. Eli’s Cheesecake is awesome and is offering one lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too! reader a chance to win a 9″ Original Plain Cheesecake.  All you have to do is go to Eli’s Cheesecake and tell me what cheesecake you find to be the most delicious and would love to try.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Join Eli’s Cheesecake Fan Club.
  • Join Eli’s Cheesecake and join their mailing list
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Eli’s Cheesecake on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message: Enter to win a delicious 9″ Original Plain Cheesecake from @elischeesecake and @lkwhtmomfound…@and_dad_too! http://bit.ly/99UrZZ
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Eli’s Cheesecake on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, March 5, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Valentine’s Day Party-Wilton Cupcake Theme

February 1, 2010 by

Cookies, cakes and candies Oh My! Who doesn’t love at least one of the things I mentioned? In our house we love cupcakes. There needs to be no special occasion or special visitors to have adorable cupcakes but what a great little surprise to give to someone you love.

I’ve become a better baker over the last couple years with the help of Wilton. With an extensive selection of high quality kitchen and baking supplies and ingredients Wilton helps everyday cooks become masters in their own homes. For Shae’s 1st birthday I tackled the giant cupcake, it was so cute. I’ve worked on a few other baking projects and have been pleased with everything I’ve tried from Wilton from their baking sheets to pastry bag to decorative cupcake liners.

I recently received a special gift from Wilton; Flower Power and Teddy Bear Silicon baking cups. What I love about these is I can easily fit a dozen cups on a baking sheet and place them into the oven, no more cumbersome cupcake tins. And the cups are so cute I frost and serve the cupcakes still inside. It’s a special touch to an already special treat. The directions say that they are dishwasher safe but mine didn’t come clean that way. I used a bottle brush and everything was fine.

Wilton Enterprises offers the industry´s most comprehensive and innovative selection of baking, cake decorating, candy making, cookie making, wedding, baby, party, seasonal and kitchen products. These products are designed to make it easy for anyone to enjoy the thrill of serving something special and utilizing unique style and design while doing it.

Win a fabulously adorable cupcake gift set from Wilton right here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Visit Wilton and let me know what product you love or ALREADY love for your baking or candy making needs.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway  Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment.
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Wilton on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway 1 time per day, please leave your twitter link, copy and paste this message:  a cupcake themed gift from @WiltonCakes is up for grabs @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/aptrJN 
  • Visit Wilton’s A Piece of Cake Blog, leave a relevant comment on any post, let me know where to find your comment
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and Wilton on Facebook
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect
Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Friday, February 26, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Recipes for Valentine’s Day or whenever

January 28, 2010 by

I put together a few of our favorite special occasion recipes.  Try them , let me now how they turn out.  What do you make for special occasions like Valentine’s Day or Birthdays?

Simple Chocolate Fondue-nothing says romance than sharing warm decadent chocolate dipped fruit, cookies and cakes. Leftover chocolate needs not be thrown away, use your imagination but I suggest old sheets 🙂 This recipe makes enough for 2 but alter the ingredients as you wish. 

Ingredients
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
8-10 ounces chocolate, blend milk, semisweet, bittersweet and dark according to your taste (finely chopped or chips)
1 tsp of vanilla extract, Frangelico or Amaretto liqueur (optional)
Suggested Dippables
Biscotti, choc chip cookies, sugar cookies, white choc macadamia cookies
Salted pretzel rods
Sliced bananas, pineapple, stem strawberries
Cubed pound cake, brownies, cheesecake, drizzle chocolate on top
Graham crackers
Big marshmallows

Directions
Heat heavy cream in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat until cream gets hot. Remove the pan from the heat and add chocolate. Let the chocolate stand in hot cream 3 to 5 minutes to soften, and then whisk chocolate together with the cream. Stir in liqueur/extract and transfer the fondue to a fondue pot OR prepare fondue in a glass mixing bowl over a double boiler and bring entire bowl of prepared fondue to table, microwave in several minute intervals if chocolate cools too fast while eating. If fondue becomes too thick, stir in extra cream, 1 tsp at a time, to desired consistency. Arrange your favorite dippables in piles on a platter alongside chocolate fondue with fondue forks, bamboo skewers or seafood forks, as utensils, for dipping.

Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak-maybe it doesn’t sound romantic but the presentation is lovely, Rob has asked for this for his bday dinner.  Prepare ahead of time and cooking only takes minutes. Serve alongside baked potato or salad of fresh greens and veggies.

Ingredients
8 ounces chopped spinach (if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out ALL liquid)
½ cup dried breadcrumbs
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic finely minced
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp and ¼ cup olive oil
1 flank steak approximately 1 ½ – 2 lbs, butterflied and pounded to ½ inch thick
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions
In a bowl, thoroughly combine spinach, breadcrumbs, parm cheese, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes and 1tsp olive oil and salt & pepper to taste.
Lay out pounded flank steak flat on counter and spread thin layer of spinach mixture leaving 1” border on short sides. Starting from a short side start rolling up the steak, think cinnamon roll, do not roll too tight, this is not a sushi roll. Using toothpicks or string secure rolled steak at 2 inch intervals and refrigerate for 3-4 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to cook, preheat oven to BROIL, remove prepared steak from fridge, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and immediately slice into 2 inch portions, a sharp knife is required. Place sliced steaks on baking sheet, again think cinnamon rolls and place under hot broiler, approx 4-6 inches from heating element. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, should still be slightly pink in the center. Prepare your favorite mushroom or peppercorn sauce for added layer of flavor.

Shrimp Scampi – seafood is often the special occasion meal, but preparing it can be SUPER EASY. This is something the kids will even eat if you celebrate with not just your significant other with all your little loved ones too.

Ingredients
2 pounds thawed, raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ large red pepper, finely diced
4 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
¾ cup white wine or flavorful broth or blend of both
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
juice of 1/2 lemon
4 tablespoons parsley, fresh is best
1 pound linguine (or your favorite pasta of choice)
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse and thoroughly dry shrimp, set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, add oil and sauté red pepper for 2-3 minutes till soft. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, cook for 1 minute then add broth/wine, shrimp, turn heat to medium high. Cook till shrimp are bright pink and firm, about 3-5 minutes. Finish with lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper and serve over cooked pasta.

This is a NOT a sponsored post. The recipes are mostly mine with inspiration from existing recipes. Your finished meal might differ from mine. The pictures above are not mine, they were taken from Google images but should look similar to the final dish.  The opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Add some SeaPak Seafood to dinner tonight

January 27, 2010 by

Most of you know Rob and I enjoy regular date nights. They include a meal with a couple drinks, WITHOUT the kids. Since times are a bit rough lately our date nights have been sitting on the couch with a good show and yummy treat meal. SeaPak recently allowed us to enjoy super yummy date night by providing us a coupon that we redeemed for Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp.

So we made the kids their regular dinner but made the shrimp (1/2 bag actually) along with some rice and veggies and we had or dinner on the sofa while enjoying Men of a Certain Age on DVR. The shrimp came out crisp and tasty and along with cocktail sauce it was just like dinner at a local seafood joint.

SeaPak makes it simple to add the recommended 2 servings of seafood a week to your diet. With a selection ranging from Sun Dried Tomato Salmon to Artichoke Pesto Tilapia to Italian Parmesan Shrimp Scampi you are bound to find something for everyone. The little picky eaters even have the good ole’ standby of popcorn shrimp to go to when fish seems like a yucky choice.

“Seafood is an important part of our diet. It provides up with omega-3 fatty acids necessary for brain development, protein for muscle growth and vitamins B12, D and other essential nutrients. As parents we need to be better role models with our food choices. Introducing new foods takes time and creativity on our part. Children sometimes are receptive to new foods so preparing them in different ways or serving them with other favorites is a good way to keep set up better habits for eating lifestyle.

Visit Seapak, sign up for special coupon offers or few recipes for inspiration for tonight’s dinner.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!





Climb for a Cause, clean drinking water with PUR and GIVEAWAY-CLOSED

January 9, 2010 by

Clean water is definitely something we take for granted. Every day, 4,000 children in developing countries die from illness and disease related to unsafe drinking water. Since 2004, PŪR and the CSDW (Children’s Safe Drinking Water) Program have worked together to prevent water-related diseases with tiny packets of PŪR water purification powder which, developed by a P&G engineer, can transform potentially deadly water into clear, purified drinking water within 30 minutes. The CSDW Program and its partners distribute these PŪR sachets throughout the world and, to-date, have delivered over 1.6 billion liters of clean drinking water to those in need.

January 7th marked the start of SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT; a climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro in hopes of raising worldwide awareness about this critical need for clean drinking water. The climb will be spotlighted by celebrities and musical artists such as; Jessica Biel, Alexandra Cousteau and Lupe Fiasco and Dr Greg Algood (founder of CSDW.org) acting as the team’s water expert. In addition to scaling Mt. Kilimanjaro, the climbers will be visiting a nearby village in Arusha, Tanzania where Dr. Allgood will show them, firsthand, the toll the global water crisis is taking on communities around the world, as well as the relief efforts being used to help.

Procter & Gamble’s PŪR Water Filtration has joined forces with SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT to raise awareness about the need for clean drinking water in the developing world and funds for life-saving water programs. By simply using a PŪR Water Filtration system you can remove many of the common contaminants found in regular drinking water. Also switching from bottled water to filtered water and a reusable bottle can save one person up to $600 a year and eliminate up to 3,200 plastic bottles.

How can you help?
1 System = 1 Week: For every PŪR Water Filtration system purchase, one week of clean drinking water is provided to a child in the developing world through CSDW. To-date, CSDW has already provided 1.8 billion liters of clean water to children and their families around the world. Every PUR system purchase provides 10 liters of clean drinking water to children in the developing world through the CSDW (Children’s Safe Drinking Water) Program.Join the clean drinking water cause by purchasing a PŪR pitcher or faucet mount system, which donates a week’s worth of clean drinking water to a small child in a developing country.

Spread the word! Show some support!
Follow the climbers on Twitter @SOTSK, purchase a PŪR pitcher or faucet mount, Sponsor a Foot, track the climber’s progress, get involved!

Many years ago my father stricken with Giardia, a water borne infection that affects the intestines. While he’s ok today he went through hell for 2 weeks with dehydration, abdominal pain, kidney shutdown and hospitalization. He didn’t visit an undeveloped country, he didn’t drink from a lake or stream, he took a sip from an office building water fountain. Clean water is a necessity for everyone.

Win a PŪR pitcher to keep your family safe from the contaminants that lurk around us everyday. Visit Summit on the Summit and DO SOMETHING. Sign up for the newsletter, Grab a banner or badge, Follow the climbers, Get involved! Tell me what you did to show your support for this cause.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Review, Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • StumbleUpon LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!
  • Follow Mom and Dad and PUR on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway DAILY for an additional entry each day, copy and paste this message, leave your twitter link: use @PUR_water for clean safe drinking water for your family, WIN #PUR pitcher @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/8nKnKa 
  • Follow SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT and tweet a message of support or awareness, tweet DAILY for an additional entry each day, leave your twitter link.
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! and PUR on Facebook
  • Become a fan of SUMMIT ON THE SUMMIT on Facebook.
  • Join our Chat with Mom and Dad group on Savvy Source, leave a comment on any discussion/post.
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, January 30, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Funky Monkey, Fruit that Crunches

January 6, 2010 by

With 3 kids in the house you can imagine how many snacks we have in the house. At any given moment there are over a dozen choices that they can make, some healthy some not so much. I really prefer to have healthful options such as fresh fruit, veggies, granola and cereal ready for the picking but just like me the kids get tired of the same things over and over again. Funky Monkey snacks are one of our new favorites and one of the non-messy ones.

Funky Monkey is the fruit that crunches. All Funky Monkey snacks are made using a proprietary freeze-drying process on whole slices and large chunks of fruit. This process removes 97% of the moisture leaving a crisp, crunchy and 100% all natural fruit snack that is nutritionally equivalent to its fresh brothers and sisters.
Funky Monkey recently introduced 3 new flavors: Applemon, MangOJ and Pink Pineapple. We got to try all 3. My favorite is MangOJ, crunchy bits of mango infused with sweet orange juice. Shae likes Applemon best: apple slices with a bit of cinnamon. The crunchiest ones of the bunch is Pink Pineapple. My friends Sofie and Lily like this flavor the best, so much that Sof screams for more!

These snacks pack a punch of not only flavor but nutritional quality. In one little freeze dried ounce you get 3 servings of fruit without added sugar, fat, sodium, color or preservatives. It’s real food with a twist.

I would love to see veggies incorporated into Funky Monkey Snacks. Has anyone had freeze dried broccoli? What about red pepper strips? Dusted with ranch dressing powder would be delish! My kids usually don’t have a problem with fruit and most veggies but this would be a great way to get those green ones in them with less hassle.  I also would love the option of reclosing the bags.  We opened all 3 flavors to try and didn’t eat them all in one sitting, storage wasn’t easy.

Try them for yourself! Funky Monkey Snacks can be found at major retailers and online. Become a Facebook Fan or follow on Twitter of Funky Monkey Snacks to stay connected on new flavors, products and news.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Campbells Soup is M’mm! M’mm! Good! giftpack giveaway-CLOSED

January 5, 2010 by

I grew up eating Campbell’s Chicken and Stars and New England Clam Chowder. These days kids have their choice of everything from Spongebob and Dora shaped noodles to soup with MEGA amounts of noodles. But soup isn’t just for kids, Campbells offers plenty of more sophisticated choices for adults too like Select Harvest selections or home-style Chunky soups.

It’s been a very very long time since I ate soup from a can; in fact homemade soup is a regular meal for us. So when Campbells Soup approached us for a review I wasn’t too sure what to say but I knew with the holidays fast approaching some fun easy meals for the kids would be a smart move. We received a great gift pack containing 3 cans of soup, 2 BIG bottles of V8 Fusion (the only juice we drink), a kids stainless steel water bottle and a lunch bag.
Within days of receiving or goodies an opportunity came up for Shaun to try out his first bowl of Campbells Sponge Bob Squarepants soup. Needless to say he loved it and soon ate the remaining 2 cans over the next couple weeks. We’ve adopted healthier eating habits over the past couple years so I tend to stay away from processed foods but with Campbell’s recent changes to the nutritional content of kid’s soup I feel confident that the occasional of canned soup is perfectly fine.

Last fall, as part of its ongoing commitment to health and wellness, Campbells Soup Company reduced the sodium of all 12 Campbell’s Kids soups to meet the government criteria for “healthy” foods-controlled for fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and containing a positive nutrient source. All the varieties contain 110 calorie or less, 3g of fat or less, 0g trans fat, 480 mg sodium and are a good source of vitamin A per 1 cup prepared serving. Also another plus, none of the soups contain added MSG, preservatives or artificial flavors.

Campbells Soup Company wants to show you the positive changes they are making to keep you kids healthy. Win the same goodies we got try out:

  • A lunch tote
  • A kid-friendly juice bottle
  • Samples of Campbell’s Kids soup and V8 V-Fusion (Strawberry Banana and Pomegranate Blueberry)-Get your $1 off coupon here
To enter just visit Campbells Soup Company and tell me what other products you love or would love to try!

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above and please be sure your email in your comment, attached to you blogger dashboard or easily seen on your website/blog. I will not search through About Me/Contact Me links.

  • Subscribe to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via email or RSS feed
  • Leave a relevant comment on a non-giveaway Review, Family Story or Article; let me know where to find your comment
  • Enter any other current Giveaway for an extra entry for each one entered
  • StumbleUpon LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!
  • Follow Mom and Dad and Campbells on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway DAILY for an additional entry each day, copy and paste this message: Win a @campbellsoupco giftbasket of goodies @lkwhtmomfound @and_dad_too http://bit.ly/4r6zuh
  • Become a fan of LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! on Facebook
  • Join our Chat with Mom and Dad group on Savvy Source.
  • Follow LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via Google Friend Connect

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, January 26, 2010. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to US residents only. For complete rules please read our contest rules page.

This is a sponsored post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Healthy Strides from General Mills

January 1, 2010 by

What do you eat for breakfast? What about the kids? In our house cereal is King, especially Cheerios and Kix, add some fruit or yogurt and the kids are set for the morning either at school or for play.

General Mills has recently announced that they have committed to reduce the sugar content of some of their most popular ready-to-eat cereals. Ready-to-eat cereals also deliver important vitamins, minerals and nutrients, such as vitamins A, B6, iron, niacin and zinc, and cereal is a top source of key nutrients in children’s diets. Today’s cereals are more nutritious than ever. Every General Mills Big G cereal contains at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving, and more than 20 General Mills cereals deliver 16 grams or more.

These changes are refreshing since cereal is not only a breakfast staple but also a go-to snack at any time of the day. A bowl of Frosted Cheerios or Reese’s Puffs is a great on the go snack for the car or a walk to the park. Keeping the candy, chips and junk food to a minimum is important to me. Cereal is one of the healthiest breakfast choices you can make. Ready-to-eat cereal has fewer calories than almost any other common breakfast option.  Did you know a bowl of cereal with skim milk has approximately 150 calories versus a bagel with LIGHT cream cheese can have over 300 calories. Start the day off on the right foot with a nutritious meal without compromising on taste.

Try out one of General Mills kid-friendly choices by using this coupon for $1 off 1 box of selected cereals.

This post is sponsored by MyBlogSpark and General Mills.  Free product coupons were furnished in exchange for this imformational post but the opinions and descriptions presented belong solely to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too!




Change The Routine With New Recipes From Campbell’s Kitchen

December 11, 2009 by

I enjoy a great meal out just like everyone else but these days eating out have become a luxury. Home-cooked meals are the norm but the same-old recipes get sooooo boring. To solve this dilemma, the experts in Campbell’s Kitchen ℠ have created a new Budget-Friendly collection of recipes that use the full array of Campbell brands. Each recipe transforms tried-and-true ingredients into fresh, exciting meals that are sure to please the whole family.

“Many people assume that budget-friendly foods mean casseroles,” said Jane Freiman, Group Manager – Campbell’s Kitchen. “However, our new recipe collection features a variety of recipes, many of which can be created for less than $10, to provide today’s budget-conscious family with delicious and easy twists on familiar meals like tacos, hamburgers and lasagna. All it takes is the confidence to try a new recipe and a few basic ingredients.”

Jane recommends the following to help keep costs down and create frugal, flavorful meals.

  • Scan the circulars and clip coupons: Plan your menu around weekly sales circulars, clip coupons for items you use and take advantage of supermarket rewards programs. 
  • Stock up on sale items: When frozen meats are on sale, like boneless, skinless chicken breasts or fish fillets, buy extra. Then, individually wrap, label and refreeze them. They’ll keep for about 3 months and will be easy to cook for one or two people without thawing an entire package. 
  • Consolidate shopping trips: Going to the grocery store once – rather than a few times throughout the week – saves time and gas, and can also help cut down on impulse buying. 
  • It’s all in the season: When certain items are in season, they’re more plentiful, which means prices are often lower. This is a great time to buy in bulk and freeze what can’t be used right away. For example, freeze berries – like raspberries, strawberries or blueberries – in a single layer on wax- or parchment-lined baking sheets. Once frozen, they can be transferred to plastic bags or containers and kept in the freezer until ready to use. 
  • Consider the cut: Tough meat cuts, like pork shoulder and chuck roast, are routinely less expensive than steaks or chops. They do require low, slow cooking methods (like stews and braises), but can help create great-tasting, inexpensive dinners that don’t require much preparation. 
  • Learn to cut up whole chickens: Purchasing a whole chicken – and cutting into parts yourself – is much cheaper than buying pre-cut and packaged chicken parts. 
  • Be creative: Leftovers are another great way to stretch the food dollar. Instead of just reheating last night’s dinner, try combining leftover roast chicken with fresh sliced vegetables in a quick stir-fry or casserole.

“Following even a couple of these tips each week can help cut down costs over time,” said Jane.
For more delicious, low-cost meal ideas, visit us online at CampbellsKitchen.com.

Sweet & Spicy Picante Chicken
Prep: 5 min.
Bake: 20 min.
Makes: 4 servings

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 1/2 cups Pace® Picante sauce
3 tbsp. packed light brown sugar
1 tbsp. Dijon-style mustard
3 cups hot cooked regular long-grain white rice

1. Place chicken into 2-qt. shallow baking dish. Stir picante sauce, brown sugar and mustard in small bowl. Pour picante sauce mixture over chicken.
2. Bake at 400°F. 20 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Serve with rice.

Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Prep: 10 min.
Cook: 20 min.
Makes: 4 servings

3 tbsp. olive oil
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1 shallot, finely chopped*
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell’s® Condensed Cream of Mushroom soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup thinly-sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves
4 cups hot cooked extra wide egg noodles
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)

1. Heat 2 tbsp. oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 10 min. or until well browned on both sides. Remove chicken from skillet.
2. Heat remaining oil in skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and cook and stir 2 min. Stir soup, water, tomatoes, vinegar and basil in skillet.
3. Return chicken to skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 min. or until chicken is cooked through. Serve chicken and sauce over noodles. Sprinkle with cheese and thinly sliced basil, if desired.
*Or substitute 1 tbsp. finely chopped onion.

Find more recipes, kid-friendly menus, savings tips and food blogs at Campbell’s Kitchen ℠.

Campbell’s Kitchen provided the press included in the above post to LookWhatMomFound…Dad too!




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