Lemonade Take 2

Yesterday I shared with you how Monkey and I made some homemade lemonade. It really is such a simple recipe and tastes so much better than concentrate or mixes! Well, there we were enjoying our refreshing drinks when he looked at me and said "Mommy, couldn't we use this in our new popsicle maker?" Well, sometimes the best, and most obvious, ideas come from the smallest people! I couldn't believe the thought had never crossed my mind that once we made it we could make freezer pops too! When I shared my Orange Cream Popsicles with you I mentioned they were made in our Zoku Quick Pop Maker, but I didn't really explain what it is. Well, it's just about the coolest (pun totally intended) kitchen gadget ever! We have the one that makes 2 pops at a time, but they also come in 4 and 6 sizes. You leave the unit in your freezer, and it's ready to make pops when you are. It comes with plastic sticks and drip guards for easy preparation and eating as well. Plus, there is the "removal tool" that makes it so easy to "pop" them out. And the best part? You can go from liquid to perfect popsicles in about 7 minutes! Imagine what an awesome mom you would be making homemade popsicles that quickly!  We are having so much fun with ours experimenting with different flavors and juice combinations. But even if you don't have one, this recipe is still pretty easy. Just grab some plastic cups and craft sticks! If you enjoyed our lemonade recipe, freezing it only makes it even better for a hot day!

Lemonade Popsicles
3 lemons, juiced
1 c. sugar
5 c. cold water

Combine lemon juice, sugar and water until sugar dissolved. Pour into popsicle maker or plastic cups. Freeze until solid. Enjoy!

Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 3, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Aug. 6, 2012 
Shared on Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen Aug. 6, 2012 
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Aug. 7, 2012

Lemon at Very Good Recipes
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Calling All Indianapolis Parents {A Chipotle Event}

If you live in the Indianapolis area, and you are a parent, and you would like your kids to learn more about the foods they put into their bodies, and you love FREE events...than keep reading because I've got a treat for you!

On Thursday August 9th, Chipotle Mexican Grill is hosting their first ever Indianapolis Kids Film Series with a salsa demonstration and a screening of the new documentary film about kids and food politics "What's On Your Plate."  The documentary that follows 2 young girls as they explore their place in the food chain.The film carries a message very much in line with Chipotle's vision for 'Food With Integrity,' which it works to share with children all over the country through a variety of educational programs. The August screening promises to be a fun and educational summer activity for families with children of all ages.

 The event will take place at the Studio Theater in Carmel on Aug. 9 with the salsa demonstration beginning at 6:30pm followed by the movie screening at 7pm. The event is FREE and is brought to you by Chipotle and the Carmel Farmers Market (another Indy first!). Free kids meal gift certificates and grow kits will be given away to attendees. Chipotle and Carmel Farmers Market representatives will be available for comment.

I know if I lived closer, I would take Alex in a heartbeat. I think teaching kids where their food comes from, and how much work it takes to get it from the soil to our plates is a fantastic way to promote healthy eating habits for life!

Alex In The Kitchen Again

Does your family enjoy a good ole' fashion fair as much as we do? We have certain ones we look forward to each year, and they are definitely a highlight of our summer. And at the fair, do you have your favorite food treat? Well, if so, you are in good company because we certainly do! At the top of my list are lemonade shake-ups! From the time I was little, I have been almost obsessed. I remember when I was growing up our little town had a week long festival and while other kids were saving there allowance to play games and ride rides, I was saving up so I could drink as many shake-ups as I could! The same people were there every year selling them, and they got to know me by name! Now that I'm an adult, I will admit it's no different, except I no longer have to save my money because Adam goes prepared! He knows a large portion of our "fair budget" will be spent on my indulgence. He accepts this and doesn't ask questions! (Just another reason why I love him) And I have passed this love onto my son! So when we were at a fair a couple weeks ago, Adam walked me right over to the booth, bought the largest one he could ( you know the one...the plastic cup that comes with discounted refills) and told them "We will be back soon." To which I replied "Yeah this will last a good 5 minutes." Well, the guys working laughed and didn't believe me. Imagine their surprise when, just as promised, Adam was back in about 5 minutes getting a refill! HA! After we left Alex asked if we could make some at home. I told him we could, but here's the problem. I have made them many times at home and they never taste the same, or as good! Never! But I couldn't totally disappoint my little man, so I told him instead we could make some homemade lemonade! He was happy, and I had another fun summer activity for him to help with. If you love shake-ups as much as we do, but agree they are never as good at home, this lemonade is a lovely substitution on a hot day. And be sure to come back tomorrow to see another fun treat this recipe led to!

Homemade Lemonade
3 lemons, juiced
1 c. sugar                                      
5 c. cold water

Juice lemons using an electric juicer. (I find this gets the most juice out of them. If you don't have one, a reamer or by hand works fine too) In a large pitcher, add lemon juice and sugar. Stir until sugar starts to dissolve. Add water. Stir well. Chill. I like to serve this w/ sliced lemons in each glass

He loved using the juicer!

He's the best helper!

Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 2, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 3, 2012 
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Aug. 6, 2012

Beverages at Very Good Recipes
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Petit Sample {A Review and Giveaway}

One of the best things about being a food blogger is getting the chance to try new things, and having the opportunity to share those with you, my readers. I get so excited when companies approach me to try their product because they enjoy what I do here on EMM, and want me to showcase them. I am truly honored every single time I am asked.

The most recent company that asked me to take a look at what they are doing and share it with all of you was Petit Amuse. What does "petit amuse" mean you ask? Well, so did I! So I will let them tell you.

Petit-Amusenoun\pə-ˈtētˈ ä-ˌmüz\

Also known as amuse-bouche. A French term that literally means "mouth amusement."These are tiny bites of food served before a meal to whet the palate and invigorate the appetite. They're more whimsical than hors d'oeuvres, and smaller than appetizers.

What does that mean to you? They search out the best artisan food producers that you've never heard of and give you a taste of what you didn't even know you were missing! Their marketplace features hand crafted regional favorites, foreign delicacies, and local, organic versions of familiar foods that you had no idea could taste so good. If you subscribe to their sample box you will receive a new mix of treats to explore and enjoy each month. As they like to say "We aim to bring the world to your door one bite at a time." 

I think the sample box would be the perfect gift for any foodie in your life, especially for only $10 per month!

The folks at Petit Amuse were kind enough to provide me with a sample box and I was so impressed.

Included in my box was:

1. Ice Wine Jelly from Caramoomel

2. Garukabar from Garukabars

3. Cha-Chas from Lark Fine Foods

4. Salted Rosemary Shortbread from Lark Fine Foods

5. Movie Lover's Popcorn from Oogie's Gourmet Popcorn

Each item was tastier than the next and I loved seeing where everything was created! From the Ice Wine Jelly in Canada to the popcorn in Denver, Co! It was like a trip around the world in my mouth!

You know your Everyday Mom wouldn't have the opportunity to try something this yummy without sharing with you! Petit Amuse has been kind enough to offer a sample box for one lucky EMM fan also! Now each box is different, so the winner will be able to enjoy all new products different from me! How fun! 

So let's get onto the giveaway!

 

Rules:

Open to US Residents 18 and older ONLY

All comments must have at least one email address.

Mandatory and Extra Entries must be SEPARATE comments. All entries must be on blog ONLY. NO Facebook comments allowed.

Winner will be chosen by Random.org and announced on EMM and Facebook

He/she will have 48 hours to claim prize or another winner will be chosen

 

(1) Winner will receive (1) Sample Box Shipped From Petit Amuse

Contest Ends: Wednesday August 8, 2012

Mandatory Entry:

1. Visit the Petit Amuse website and marketplace. Leave a comment telling me one thing you would love to try.

Extra Entries:

1. Become a follower of EMM through GFC, Networked Blogs or Linky Followers. All found on homepage. Leave a comment here when you have done so.

2. Follow me on Twitter. Leave a comment here when you have.

3. Follow me on Pinterest. Leave a comment here.

 

4. Like EMM on Facebook. Leave me a comment when you have.

That is up to 5 entries per person! Good Luck!

 

Disclaimer: Petit Amuse provided me with one sample box to try and review. The thoughts and opinions are all mine.

Garden Inspired

This recipe was totally inspired by the fresh bounty of a summer garden. Unfortunately it just wasn't our garden! Our garden is fine, and has already yielded some beautiful green onions, but is a little behind in the other vegetable department. We have lots of blossoms and some beautiful green tomatoes that will be ripe in no time, but for now we just have to wait. However, our aunt and uncle's garden is producing like nothing I've ever seen! We're talking zucchini the size of Bam Bam's club, tomatoes as big as softballs and cucumbers big enough to feed a small family! Luckily since I'm at their house once a week, we've had the chance to share in this bountiful blessing until our own is ready. They've been so generous refilling my crisper drawer each week! And when someone is so kind to share such gorgeous produce with me, you know I'm not going to turn it down or let it go to waste. So when I was looking for a simple side dish to go with Goulash on a Friday night when I wasn't feeling the best, I knew these free veggies would be perfect in a marinated vegetable salad. One of the best treats in summer is eating things fresh from the garden. We bring them in, we rinse them off and we serve them up. But until our garden is ready for that, we're so lucky to have loved ones share with us!

Marinated Vegetable Salad
2 medium yellow tomatoes
1 medium cucumber, peeled
2 medium red tomatoes
1/4 c. red onion, chopped
1/4 c. olive oil
3 TBS red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. dried basil
1/4 tsp. dried oregano
1 garlic clove, grated or minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
Parsley for garnish

Chop tomatoes and cucumber in large chunks. In a large bowl combine tomatoes, cucumber and red onion. In a small bowl whisk oil, vinegar, garlic, basil and oregano together until well combined. Pour over vegetables and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley. Chill well.

Shared at Lady Behind The Curtain Aug. 1, 2012
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 2, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 3, 2012

Salad at Very Good Recipes
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