The New Chip On The Block {A Review & Giveaway}

I've told you before that one of the best things about this job is the opportunity to try new food items, let my family sample them, and then pass them onto you. It's so much fun to discover new products out there and broaden our culinary horizons. So when my friends at RecipeLion asked me to create a recipe for Beanitos, using their new Always Corn Free™ Bean chips, I was super intrigued and could not to taste them and get cooking!

What are Beanitos you ask? Well, I'm about to tell you! Let's learn together! Beanitos are made from whole beans. Per 1 ounce serving, Beanitos have:

• 4 grams complete protein
• 5 grams fiber
• 14 grams complex carbohydrates
• 8 grams fat
• 140 calories

They also have lower sodium than most chips, ranging from 55mg to 150mg per serving. Plus a serving of 1oz. equals about 10 chips!

Take a look at the comparison between Beanitos and other brands out there: 

Plus for those of you with dietary needs, Beanitos are proud to be gluten-free. They contain no gluten ingredients and are made on dedicated gluten-free lines. They are also low-glycemic because they are made from beans. And beans, unlike corn or potatoes, take longer to break down into glucose. Lastly, Beanitos are all verified through the NON-GMO Project , which is quickly becoming a requirement for the natural foods industry. Special steps are being taken to minimize the possible introduction of any ingredients that have been bio-engineered. The makers of Beanitos believe it is the right thing to do for both our bodies and the planet. The most significant change Beanitos has made to go Non-GMO was the switch from canola oil to pure sunflower oil. Not to mention, Beanitos come in 4 fantastic flavors to choose from:

1. Black Bean  (my favorite)
2. Pinto Beans and Flax 
3. Chipotle BBQ
4. Cheddar Cheese

So if you are as intrigued as I was, be sure check out the giveaway below for you chance to win some Beanitos for you and your family. Or you can order them direct from their online store. Oh, and if you win, be sure to make this yummy recipe too!

Grilled Mexican Chicken Nachos
1 (28.8oz) package boneless chicken thighs, trimmed if necessary
1/2 c. fresh lime juice
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder
1/4 c. vegetable oil
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 (6oz) bags Beanitos Black Bean Chips
1 (7oz) can salsa verde
1 (2.25oz ) can sliced black olives
2 c. pico de gallo, store bought or homemade
1 (8oz) bag shredded pepper jack cheese
Lime wedges if desired

In a large bowl combine chicken, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oil, salt and pepper. Stir well to coat. Marinate at least an hour. When ready, preheat grill to medium. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until juices run clear. Allow to cook a few minutes until it's cool enough to handle. Chop chicken into small bite sized pieces. On (4) large dinner plates divide chips equally. Spoon salsa verde over chips. Sprinkle with grilled chicken (figure about 1 thigh per plate). Top with olives and cheese. Spoon about 1/2 c. pico de gallo on top of each. Serve with lime wedges if desired.

Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 17, 2012

 Now on to the GIVEAWAY!!

 Rules:

1. This contest is open to US and Canada Residents 18 and older ONLY.

2. The winner will be chosen by Random.org 

3. The winner will be notified by email and Facebook. He/she will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

4. When leaving comments for entries, they MUST BE SEPARATE ones AND include an email address so it's easy for me to find the winner. If entries are together, it will only count as (1) and if no email, entry will not be considered.

5. If any of the extra entries are items you are already doing, please just remind me!

6. Contest Ends: August 23, 2012 12am EST

One Lucky Winner Will Receive

(1) Case Beanitos Chips

Mandatory Entry:

1.Leave a comment telling me which flavor you would most like to try!.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow EMM through GFC, Linky Followers, or Networked Blogs. Homepage, left hand side. Leave a comment when you have.

2. Follow EMM on Twitter. Leave a comment when you are.

3. Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment.

4. Like Beanitos on Facebook. Leave a comment when you have.

5. Follow Beanitos on Twitter. Leave a comment when you have.

6. Follow Beanitos on Pinterest. Leave a comment when you have.

 That makes up to 7 entries per person!!!

Good Luck!

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Tomatoes And More

I have been so lucky this summer to be the recipient of bag after bag of garden fresh veggies courtesy of our aunt. Her garden is producing gorgeous tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and herbs. So I have been finding as many ways as I can to use the bounty she has shared with us. It was so funny that it took me so to think to make this recipe because it was made for garden fresh veggies. You all know that I love my Restaurant Style Salsa, and make it whenever I can; but the secret to it tasting so authentic is using canned tomatoes. However, I am also a huge fan of fresh pico de gallo too. Using it top Mexican dishes, or as a dip for chips, the raw "salad" type salsa is one of my favorites too. For me, it's kind of a mood thing rather I want the "pureed or chopped" variety. So when I was staring into my full crisper drawers wondering what I was going to do to make the most out of everything, it dawned on me because I had every single thing I needed. This is so fresh, so flavorful but best of all, super easy! I really love the addition of the yellow tomato for an unique flavor, but feel free to replace it with more red if you don't have yellow. I am so sad it won't be long until the gardens are empty and the fresh vegetables of summer time will be nothing but memories, but I'm going to enjoy every single bite until then!

Pico de Gallo
2 large tomatoes, seeded and diced
1 medium yellow tomato, seeded and diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and diced (if you like extra heat, leave the seeds)
1 small white onion, diced
1/2 c. cilantro, chopped
2 TBS lemon juice
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, combine all and mix well. Chill for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to combine.

Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 16, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 17, 2012

Tomatoes at Very Good Recipes
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One Casserole Out of 101 {A Gooseberry Patch Review & Giveaway}

I just love when my friends at Gooseberry Patch ask me to take a look at one of their cookbooks and then share with all of you what I think. One, I get a new cookbook, which is one of my most favorite things in the world. Two, I get to share the same book with one of you (yes, there is a giveaway....just keep reading). But the biggest reason why I love when they "come calling" is because it always means a new yummy recipe for my family to enjoy. You can never go wrong with a Gooseberry Patch recipe! They are always simple, and always 100% delicious. Plus this time the cookbook combines 2 of my loves...Gooseberry Patch and casseroles! I've said it before and I will again, a great casserole is a busy mom's best friend! And "101 Cozy Casseroles" is full of new friends for you to meet! 

When I started going through the pages I had quite a few jump out at me as possibilities I wanted to try. But when I came to the one I finally ended up choosing, there was a simple reason for it. I am so hungry for chili, but am waiting for autumn to make it! Why? Well, for one reason, my "boys" don't really enjoy it in the summer time as much as they do in cooler weather; and two, I always make my chili with ground buffalo, and our freezer is currently buffalo poor. (Mr. Everyday, if you're reading this, that's a hint...)

So when I found this recipe that uses canned chili and ground beef, I knew I could satisfy my craving in the form of a new easy casserole great any night of the week, any time of the year!! If you are always looking for new casserole ideas too, this cookbook belongs in your kitchen. So be sure to check out how to win a copy of your very own!

Oodles of Noodles Chili Bake
12 oz. pkg. wide egg noodles, uncooked
1 lb. ground beef
1 (14.5oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15oz.) can corn, drained
1 (15oz.) can chili (I chose without beans)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside. meanwhile, brown beef in a skillet over medium heat; drain. Combine tomatoes with juice and remaining ingredients except 1/4 cup cheese in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake, uncovered at 350 for 20 minutes or until heated through.
*NOTE* I served this with some "toppings" just like my chili: Finely diced onion, sliced jalapenos and extra cheese.

Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Aug. 14, 2012

Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Aug. 15, 2012
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 16, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 17, 2012

Now for the Giveaway!! 
NOW CLOSED

Rules:

1. This contest is open to US Residents 18 and older ONLY.

2. The winner will be chosen by Random.org 

3. The winner will be notified by email and Facebook. He/she will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

4. When leaving comments for entries, they MUST BE SEPARATE ones AND include an email address so it's easy for me to find the winner. If entries are together, it will only count as (1) and if no email, entry will not be considered.

5. If any of the extra entries are items you are already doing, please just remind me!

6. Contest Ends: Friday August 31, 2012 12am EST

One Lucky Winner Will Receive

(1) 101 Cozy Casseroles Cookbook

  
Mandatory Entry:

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite casserole.

Extra Entries:

1. Follow Gooseberry Patch on Twitter. Leave a comment saying you've done so.

2. Become a fan of Gooseberry on Facebook. Leave a comment when you've done so.

3. Join the Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends email club. Leave a comment here when you have.

4. Follow EMM through GFC, Linky Followers, or Networked Blogs. Homepage, left hand side. Leave a comment when you have.

5. Follow EMM on Twitter. Leave a comment when you are.

6. Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment.

That makes up to 7 entries per person!!!

Good Luck!

Casseroles at Very Good Recipes
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Back To School Savings

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
It's just about that time. Or for some of you, the time is already here. Back to school. We have just little over a week before mornings will no longer begin at 9a.m. and bedtimes will have to be reinstated. And I don't know about your child's school supply list, but it seems with each grade, my son's keeps getting bigger and bigger! With all the items he needs it is nice to know I have somewhere to shop to save me time and money!
Dollar General  is the nation's largest small-box discount retailer. They make shopping for everyday needs simpler and hassle-free by offering a carefully edited assortment of the most popular brands at low everyday prices in small, convenient locations. Dollar General ranks among the largest retailers of top-quality brands made by America's most-trusted manufacturers, such as Procter & Gamble, Kimberly Clark, Unilever, Kellogg's, General Mills and Nabisco.
Dollar General is an excellent option to save big on both back to school and back to campus shopping. There is a variety of items at everyday low prices to help cross off items from that dreaded school supply list. Why not enjoy Back to School Saving from Dollar General?
Plus now you can save even more with the changing Back to School mobile coupon available for mobile phones by scanning the QR OR by texting "bts" to 34898 from your mobile phone.

For our family we need essentials like markers, erasers, folders and notebooks. But we also need things like hand sanitizer, tissues and disinfectant wipes. It's so nice to know I can get EVERY single one of them at Dollar General and leave some cash in my wallet. Which then in return will buy those other back to school needs like new shoes, a backpack, a lunchbox...the list could go on and on!
I am a regular Dollar General shopper, and I know for a fact I can sometimes save up to 50% off  on certain items, including name brands!
So if you still have things on your school supply list that to check off, be sure to stop by your local Dollar General today, and don't forget that mobile coupon before you go!

Perfect Kabobs with DuPont { A Review and Giveaway}

Have I got a treat for you today! Not only do I have a absolutely delicious recipe for you, but I've also got a GREAT new grill pan to show you and a chance for you to win one too. But let's start at the beginning!

I love making kabobs on the grill, but it seems like every time I do one part ends up burnt. Sometimes it is the meat. Other times the veggies. I don't think I've ever made them that each piece was cooked evenly and correctly. So when the folks at DuPont™  Teflon® approached me about trying their brand new grill pan I immediately knew the recipe I would test it with!

The Technique® Hard Anodized Dishwasher Safe 18"x12" BBQ pan with DuPont™ Teflon® nonstick coating (available through QVC) is revolutionizing not only how to use your grill, but also how to cook! Meats, potatoes, veggies...cook them all at once now; and in the same pan! Plus, you still get grill marks, which for me, if something is grilled it needs grill marks! (And I will admit I was very skeptical about this part. But if you keep reading, you will see the proof of this!) And the best part? This pan can be cleaned easily with warm water and a sponge because it truly is non-stick. Oh, and you can use metal utensils on this pan thanks to DuPont™ Teflon® ScratchGuard® nonstick coating (twice as tough as stainless steel!).

The inspiration for these kabobs was quite simple. We love gyros ! I thought why not deconstruct my recipe for Chicken Gyros , put the different parts on a skewer and throw it on the grill! Oh and course serve some tzatziki sauce on the side because that is the very best part of any gyro! Seriously, the meat and pita are just vehicles to get the sauce in my mouth! These are moist, tender and have the flavor we love so much in a gyro! Plus, they came out perfectly thanks to the grill pan! If you would like to own one of your very own, be sure to scroll to the bottom for your chance to win!

Gyro Kabobs with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce
1 (1.5 lb) package chicken tenders, cut into large chunks
1 pint grape tomatoes
1/2 white onion, cut into large chunks
1/4 c. plus 2 TBS vegetable oil
2 TBS lemon juice
1 1/2 TBS gyro seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce
16 oz. Greek Yogurt

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup diced cucumber (seeds removed)

1 TBS olive oil

2 tsp. lemon juice

Combine oil and lemon juice in mixing bowl. Fold in yogurt makes sure it mixes completely w/ oil. Add garlic and cucumber and mix well. Chill for several hours.

In a medium bowl combine chicken, 1/4 c. vegetable oil, lemon juice, gyro seasoning, salt and pepper. Mix well to coat. In a separate bowl combine tomatoes, onions, 2 TBS vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Mix well to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour. When ready, alternate chicken, tomatoes and onions onto skewers. (If using wooden ones, be sure to soak in water to avoid burning.) Place grill pan on grill and turn heat on high. Reduce heat to medium and place skewers on grill pan. Cook for 5 minutes on first side, then carefully turn with tongs. Cook 5 minutes on second side. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking for 10 minutes, turning occasionally  or until juice run clear. Serve with sauce for dipping.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Aug. 13, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Aug. 14, 2012
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Aug. 15, 2012 
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Aug. 16, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook Aug. 17, 2012

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

Contest Ends: Monday August 20, 2012

(1) Winner Will Receive (1) DuPont™ Teflon® Grill Pan

 

To Enter:

Mandatory Entry:

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

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 DuPont on Facebook. Leave a comment when you have.
5. Like The  Teflon® Brand Facebook page. Leave a comment when you have.
6. Follow Teflon on Twitter. Leave a comment when you have.

That is up to 7 entries per person! Good Luck!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

Chicken at Very Good Recipes

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