Copycat Lunch At Home Or Office

Do you ever think about something you used to eat often, out of nowhere, and wonder why you aren't anymore? You start to drool just thinking about it, and know you must have it ASAP. 

That's exactly what happened with this recipe. Applebee's used to be somewhere I ate lunch at quite a bit; and more times than not their Oriental Chicken Salad was my choice. 

I can't even tell you the last time I ate at Applebee's, let alone for lunch. I have no earthly idea why this salad popped into my head one day and would not leave until I satisfied the craving. 

Sure, I could have driven the 10 minutes down the road, grabbed a curbside to-go order and been happy, but lately I have found myself obsessed with creating these copycat recipes in my own kitchen.

I can't even blame the pandemic or not wanting to eat out, because we have continued to over the last 18 months. I just find it super satisfying to give my family a dish we usually have to go out for at home around our own table. We love comparing them to the original and seeing just how close mom got it. 

I don't want to pay myself on the back, but with this one I NAILED IT! (In the good way, not like the hilarious show we love to laugh with!) The flavors are spot on, and if I closed my eyes I would never be able to guess the difference. 

How did I come up with such a carbon copy? Well, I did a lot of reading online about what was in the dressing most of all. The actual salad ingredients were easy to remember, but that dressing was key! After seeing a slew of recipes online, I took the basic ideas of many and found something that suited my tastes. 

The number one ingredient to give the dressing the signature flavor is sesame oil. You can find it on the Asian aisle in the grocery store. Be careful, a little goes a long way, and it can be very overpowering. The amount in the recipe is perfect for us, but you could always start with less and add more to suit your taste buds. 

Yes, I used frozen breaded chicken tenders to make this a quick and simple meal, but you could certainly make your own. Grilled chicken would be delicious too! 

This salad makes a tasty, filling lunch year round rather you're still working from home or back in the office. You could easily pack the salad, dressing and toppings separately and assemble at lunch time. 

We even love this for a light supper on a busy day! The chicken makes it hearty enough to feed my hungry crowd. I add some crusty bread on the side and I've got some happy campers!

 

Copycat Applebee's Oriental Chicken Salad

3 romaine hearts, chopped

1 medium head purple cabbage, finely chopped or shredded

1 cup shredded carrots

4 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup crunchy chow mein noodles

1/3 cup slivered almonds

1 (11 oz.) can mandarin oranges, drained

8 frozen extra crispy chicken tenders

1 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup rice vinegar

6 TBS honey

1 TBS dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. sesame oil

Cook the chicken tenders according to package directions, adding a few minutes for extra crispiness. While the chicken cooks, in a large bowl combine lettuce, cabbage, green onions, almonds and carrots. Toss well to mix. In a small bowl whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, honey, sesame oil and mustard. When chicken is cooked, allow to cool until it can be handles. Chop into bite sized chunks. Divide lettuce mixture among 4 large dinner plates. Top with chicken, crunchy noodles and oranges. Serve with dressing.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Hello School Lunch Boxes

When does the school year begin for you? I know so many that have already stepped back into the classroom and for us, this week is our time. As of Tuesday my first baby will be a JUNIOR in high school, and quite frankly, I am not that comfortable with it. I'm pretty sure we were buying his Kindergarten backpack yesterday. But here we are, another school year upon us. 

Oh, and let's not forget, the little guy also turns FIVE this week....on the second day of school actually, so it's going to be an emotional one for Mommy. Luckily, since he doesn't make the age cutoff, he is going to have another year of homeschool/preschool with Mommy. 

Alex's high school is once again in person this year (they were last year too) and he is ready to get back to more of a normal school day routine. They have been able to go back to a few pre-Covid things while still maintaining safety too. One thing will never change though, yummy lunches are a must! 

This copycat recipe is one I was super excited to share for an easy summer lunch for kids....but time got away from me. That's okay though! Many kids are still remote learning, or like my little guy, home schooled, so lunch time still needs to be easy and kid friendly. Or, maybe you are always looking for ways to jazz up that packed lunch! 

Do you remember when McDonald's value menu included the Chicken Snack Wrap? When Alex was little, it was one of our favorites! For a light lunch or a snack in the car they were absolutely perfect for him and I both! I actually had forgotten all about them, but am so happy to have them back! Made in my own kitchen, super easily with a little help from frozen chicken tenders. 

These would work so well in a packed lunch too since they are just as tasty cold. We actually prefer to let the chicken tenders cool down before assembling the wrap, so added to a lunchbox sounds good to me! 

If you still have some summer left, you're probably running out of fun ideas for the kids' lunch. Copycat McDonald's Chicken Snack Wraps to the rescue! Or grab the lunch box, add some fruit and yogurt on the side and know they are getting a treat in the middle of their school day!

 Copycat McDonald's Chicken Snack Wrap

6 fajita size flour tortillas

1 medium head leaf lettuce, chopped

1 cup finely shredded cheddar Jack cheese

 6 frozen extra crispy chicken tenders

Ranch Dressing

Cook chicken tenders on a baking sheet, according to package directions. Add a few minutes for extra crispiness. Once cooked, allow to cool until you can handle them. On each tortilla, add some lettuce, cheese, and one chicken tender. Drizzle with ranch dressing, wrap and serve!

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

 

Lunch or Game Day

I won't lie. This recipe was supposed to up on the blog weeks ago as an idea for a hot summer night when the thermometer still read 90 at 6pm and you needed something light and refreshing. Well...obviously that didn't happen. Oops.

So when I found the post sitting there in the draft folder, staring back at me, mocking me, knowing my OCD would kick into overdrive and I would be kicking myself for the mistake, I had to adapt.

Honestly, we eat this stuff year round. A couple years ago, I made it for our annual New Year's Eve buffet! Therefore, it wasn't that hard for me to find a way to share it with all of you now that fall is in the air.

This would be fantastic for Game Day! We are a football loving family and there are times we will be watching the game at home, just the 4 of us, and I still put out a party spread. It's fun to eat all day and cheer on our favorite teams. And it would be just as tasty in the parking lot while yo tailgate with your friends! It would easily travel in a cooler.

But if football isn't your thing, make a big batch on the weekend and have something yummy for lunch all week long.

Or if neither of those "trip your trigger" (As grandma used to say!) it would be terrific for any fall party as well! Get the friends around the bonfire and give them something to snack on while the hot dogs roast or the chili stays warm in the Crock Pot.

Delicious food can be enjoyed any time of year, any season you want! Don't box yourself if and think if you like it in July you can't enjoy it in September too!

Seafood Salad

1 lb. imitation crab, chopped
1 c. frozen cooked extra small shrimp, thawed
2 celery ribs, diced
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1 tsp. Chesapeake seasoning
1/2 tsp. dill weed
1 TBS lemon juice
Salt and Pepper

Combine shrimp and crab in a large bowl. In a small bowl whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour over seafood. Stir gently to combine. Chill until ready to serve, at least an hour. Serve with crackers.

Shared at Weekend Potluck
Shared at Meal Plan Monday

Keeping Kids' Packed Lunches Fun #Fruitshoot

Thank you to Fruitshoot for sponsoring today's post, but my love for their delicious juice is all my own!

When my son entered kindergarten 4 years ago I knew it was going to be my job to make sure his lunchbox was filled to the brim with yummy things he would not only enjoy, but look forward to eating every day. Every. Single Day. Well, now that he is almost done with 3rd grade, I can tell you coming up with new and fresh ideas can sometimes be taxing on this mama's brain. That's why I am so thankful for great products, like Robinson's Fruitshoot, that do the work for me!

This fun hydration drink is perfect for energetic, independent kids who desire fun on the go. It contains real fruit juice, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no added sugar or natural flavors. 

Fruitshoot lets moms balance the hydration their kids need with the taste that they love, making hydration fun for kids and easy for moms. 

Fruitshoot also features an innovative no-spill cap (no more juice stains in the car!) making it easy for kids to be independent and on the go. These vibrant fun colored bottles come in tasty flavors of Orange, Apple, Berry Burst, and Strawberry/Raspberry.

So, how do I keep him looking forward to opening his lunch box every day? Here are a few tips!

1. Involve the kids! Let them help to pick out what to pack every day. 

2. Keep a "stash" of lunch box go-tos, This makes it easy for the kids to choose from, and lets you know you have things on hand to pack without a trip to the store.

3. Pack a variety of what I call categories:

* A "main" dish. This can be a sandwich, meat with crackers, leftover pizza, etc.

* Something crunchy. Pretzels, chips, crackers, peanuts, etc. 

* A fruit or veggie, or both. Applesauce, celery, carrots, dried fruit, grapes, etc.

* Extra dairy. String cheese, yogurt, etc. 

*Something sweet. Jello, cookies, granola bar, etc. 

4. On special days, include a little note from Mommy. Birthdays, holidays, big test days. Let them know you're thinking about them!

5. Indulge every one in a while. For my son, it's a huge treat to have something chocolate included in his lunchbox.

If you make a packed lunch fun for kids, they are more likely to gobble it all down, enjoy every bite and keep coming back for more. They are working hard at school and need the fuel great food and drinks provide, but need to enjoy it too. Thankfully, they get both with Fruitshoot. 

So, where can you buy Fruitshoot? It can be found at the following retailers: 

Walmart, KMart, Kroger, Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Spartan, Speedway, Meijer Gas, Sheetz, Kangaroo, WilcoHess, Handee Hugo, Family Fare, Giant Eagles, Marc’s, Dave’s, UDF, Traxx, Redi Mart, J Clarks

How do you keep your kids' lunchboxes filled with nutrition and fun? 

Shower Fake Out

Twice now I've been fooled by a sandwich. Both times were in the same house, prepared by the same person, and the occasions were for the same person. Let me explain. In the summer of 2010 we celebrated the impending marriage of my brother in law to a wonderful lady, Charla. Those of us in Indiana traveled about an hour across the Ohio border to her aunt's beautiful home for her bridal shower. The lunch these ladies served was magnificent and I enjoyed every single bite. I've even shared one of my favorites from that day with you already, the Supreme Pasta Salad. Well, at the end of April we were once again gathered in that same home, but this time celebrating something even more wonderful. See, Charla's going to be a Mommy! And I'm going to be an Auntie to little a little boy. He is expected to make his appearance at the end of this month, so I will be sure to keep you posted! This lunch was just as tasty as the one almost 2 years ago, and each time there was a sandwich that was so yummy I had to go back for seconds. And just like the last time, it tricked me! (Yes, I should have remembered from the first encounter, but what can I say, I get around food and my mind becomes mush!) This looks to be, and resembles what most of us think of as "ham salad" or as my dad called it growing up "sandwich spread". You know what I'm talking about. Most supermarket delis have a version you can buy. Well, to be quite honest, my husband used to work behind the butcher counter at a small town grocery store, and made hundreds of pounds of "ham salad" and now refuses to eat it. For those of you who enjoy it, I won't go into detail, and it's nothing bad per say, he just doesn't enjoy it after making so much. Therefore, I don't buy it. I grew up on the stuff, and every once in a while find myself craving it. So I'm hoping this will be a good compromise and maybe he can enjoy it with me. If not, more for me! Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me! But not when it's this yummy!

Mock Ham Salad
1 lb. bologna, finely chopped or ground
2 hard boiled eggs, finely chopped
1/3 c. sweet relish, slightly drained
1/2 c. mayo
Salt and Pepper to taste

Remove rind from bologna, if necessary. Cut into large chunks and place in food processor. Pulse until finely ground. Transfer to a large bowl. Add eggs and relish. Mix well. Add mayo, salt and pepper. Mix until combined. Serve on buns w/ leaf lettuce, in wraps or w/ crackers. For parties I like to put on sandwich bread and cut into small triangles.
*NOTE* For kids, I like to serve salads like this in hot dog buns. I think it's easier for little hands.

Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain May 16, 2012
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage May 17, 2012 
Shared on The Country Cook May 18, 2012 
Shared on Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen May 21, 2012 
Shared on Gooseberry Patch May 30, 2012

Sandwiches at Very Good Recipes
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One More Reason

Our entire family are foodies. There is no hiding that. I don't think you could read my posts day after day and get that impression. As I've said before, "we live to eat" while others around us may "eat to live". Each of us have our favorites, and a lot of those overlap from one of us to the next. I don't even remember when I had my first Reuben sandwich, but do remember when Adam and I discovered loving them was yet another thing we shared. We used to have a Schlotzsky's Deli here in Fort Wayne, and to this day, they made the best Reuben either of us every had. Well, of course like most fabulous things, just when you fall in love with them, they leave and you are left wanting just one more! We often order them out at other places, and while some are truly excellent (Arby's makes a pretty decent one), I don't think any will ever live up to the ones we loved there.  Luckily, this is such a simple sandwich to make, I can make them any time we want! To me, there are two keys to a successful Reuben- a great rye bread and a delicious Thousand Island dressing! You can always tell when people skimp on these b/c they just ruin a good sandwich! Perfect for lunch or a light supper, these sandwiches are just one more thing we can love and share together all while loving each other~ Awwwwww~

Reuben Sandwiches
Makes 4 Sandwiches
8 slices rye bread (we prefer no seeds)
8 slices Swiss cheese
8 TBS Thousand Island Dressing (see below)
1 lb. corned beef, sliced thin
Butter for outside of bread
1 (15 oz) can sauerkraut, drained very well

Dressing:
1 c. mayo
1 c. ketchup
1/4 c. sweet pickle relish
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 TBS sugar
1/4 c. milk, add a little at a time until desired consistency

Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the opposite side of each, spread 1 TBS dressing. Using an electric griddle, heated to 325, lay 4 slices of bread, butter side down. Add 2 slices of cheese, 3-4 slices corned beef, 1/4 c. sauerkraut and top w/ another piece of bread, buttered side up. Allow to brown on 1st side about 2 minutes and carefully flip. Continue to brown second side another 2 minutes.

Shared on The Country Cook Apr. 20, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Apr. 23, 2012

Sandwiches at Very Good Recipes
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1 Out of 101 {A Gooseberry Patch Review & Giveaway Day 1}

Yay!!!! Just typing the words "Gooseberry and Patch" make me smile from ear to ear. If you aren't a fan or familiar w/ them yet, you will be by the end of this post! I was so thrilled when Gooseberry Patch approached me to review another one of their fabulous cook books (and don't worry, they sent another to share!), 101 Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches.

This book is FULL of great easy to make recipes that any home cook would love. With sections for each of the title categories but a great bonus "Terrific Toppings" for fabulous finishers, each page is more yummy than the last! If you are a fellow soup, salad and sandwich lover like me, you need this book! Thumbing through it I has so much trouble deciding on just a couple to try! Okay, I'll be honest, I chose 2 to try for this review, and will definitely be making more, especially when warmer weather finally comes to Indiana. (If you're reading this, Mother Nature, that can be any time now!)

The first recipe I'm sharing has officially become my new lunch obsession/go to mid day meal. This sandwich caught my eye immediately b/c of the arugula. Have you tried arugula before? Well, although I'd heard of it many times and watched it being used in recipes on tv a lot, I never had. And I thought this was the perfect opportunity. Arugula is an aromatic salad green, and I think has been best described as having a little "peppery" taste; and now I know for myself that's true; and I love it! It is a great substitution for lettuce on any sandwich, and makes a tasty little salad itself! The extra flavor it gives is so smooth and delicate it's not overpowering at all. I look forward to always keeping some on hand so I can make this sandwich any time the mood strikes me. And if the last few weeks are any indication, that will be often! Be sure to stop by and visit Gooseberry Patch for many more delicious recipes and cook books. You can also find them on Facebook and of course, their blog.

All - American Sandwiches 
1 1/2 TBS olive oil
2 red onions, thinly sliced
3 1/2 TBS red wine vinegar
6 c. arugula leaves, divided ( I used baby)
3/4 c. mayo
Salt and Pepper to taste
4 ciabatta rolls, halved (I used onion & poppyseed flavored)
3/4 lb. thinly sliced smoked deli turkey
3/4 c. crumbled blue cheese

Heat oil in a skillet over medium- high heat. Add onions and saute until soft and lightly golden. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar. Set aside. Chop enough arugula to equal 1 cup. Stir in mayo; season w/ salt and pepper. Spread arugula mixture over cut sides of rolls. Divide turkey evenly among bottom halves of rolls. Top w/cheese, onion mixture, remaining arugula and top of rolls.
*NOTE* I left the onions raw b/c I love the crunch and flavor. Because of this, I added the vinegar to the mayo mixture.

Shared on It's A Keeper Mar. 8, 2012
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Mar. 8, 2012
Shared on Amee's Savory Dish Mar. 9, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Mar. 9, 2012

Sandwich at Very Good Recipes
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Now for the Giveaway!!

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!

Contest Ends: March 22, 2012


1 Lucky Winner Will Receive:
(1) 101 Soups, Salads and Sandwiches
and
(1) 2012 Gooseberry Patch Calendar

Mandatory Entry:

1. Leave a comment telling me your favorite sandwich!!

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.Leave a comment on Gooseberry's blog. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me you've done so.

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

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

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

7. Follow me on Pinterest and leave a comment.

That makes up to 8 entries per person!!!

Good Luck!

DISCLAIMER* Gooseberry  Patch provided me with (2) cookbooks, one to keep and review and one to giveaway. Plus the bonus calendar. The opinions and thoughts are all mine. 

I Can't Believe....

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you love the Oscars as much as I do? Or better yet, do you enjoy the pre-show Red Carpet eventmore? I love watching all the glitz and glamor of the event, and watching the stars arrive, mingle and show off their amazing (and sometimes not so amazing) gowns is one of the best parts!
This year you have the chance to participate in this fun tradition up close and personal! Toast to the Red Carpet – LIVE, presented by I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! is inviting fans to an online red carpet viewing party, complete with insider access, an exclusive roundtable of Hollywood stars and best picture-themed recipes for you to use at your own at home viewing party! All of it will be streaming on the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! Facebook page.
During this time, Hollywood stars will offer inside access and "dish" on red carpet fashion. Who doesn't love to check out what everyone is wearing and either love or hate it! (Let's be honest, sometimes the worst dressed are the most fun!) And even better for us foodies, who also happen to be fashionistas, a roundtable discussion will happen with Hollywood insiders and a culinary/entertaining expert sharing great best-picture themed recipes you can use at home for your own Oscar party! I'm so excited. Combining food, fashion, and great insight to both~Well, that's a FUN night for this everyday mom!
In preparation for this fun filled evening, I have a recipe for you that would be perfect for a viewing party (not to mention it makes a darn good lunch too!) Sweet, and savory at the same time, I'm sure this would be a hit with your guests.

Cheddar and Apple Panini  From I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.com
2 slices French bread

1 TBS honey mustard

1 slice cheddar cheese

3 slices Granny Smith apple 

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter spread

On inside of each slice of bread, spread honey mustard. Add cheese and apple slices. On the outside of each, spread I Can't Believe It's Not Butter. In a skillet over medium heat, lay buttered side down. Cook for about 2 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2 minutes on other side. 

*NOTE* I made a "lunch" size sandwich for me. But these would easily be cut into smaller appetizer portions. Also, after flipping the sandwich, I used my bacon press to apply pressure to get extra crisp.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals Feb. 20, 2012
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Feb. 21, 2012
Shared on Chef in Training Feb. 21, 2012
Shared on This Chick Cooks Feb. 22, 2012
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Feb. 22, 2012
Shared on Newlyweds Blog Feb. 22, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Feb. 24, 2012

Be sure to check out the show February 26, 2012 from 3:00-4:30 pm PST. Log onto Facebook and submit comments to the post before 11:59pm to join in the fun!

And even better, be sure to leave a comment on this post telling me why you're excited to check out the show for your chance to win a FREE coupon for I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! That's right, all you have to do is tell me what part you are most excited about and you're entered to win. I will choose a winner on Monday Feb. 27th and a coupon will be mailed to you!

Enjoy the Oscars, no matter how you are watching them, but be sure to include the Toast to the Red Carpet-LIVE presented by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!!!

Disclaimer: All giveaway items were provided by I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! per FTC guidelines. 

After School Sushi

We all know it's that time of year again. The school busses are filling the roads, the school supply aisle at Walmart is picked over and almost bare, and the homework marathon has begun. Yep, the school year is in full swing once again. For me, 2 of the most important things for me to make certain are in place for Alex each school day are 1. A nutritous packed lunch and 2. A fun and healthy after school snack. I realize you are asking yourself "What about breakfast"? Well, like his Mommy and Daddy Alex isn't that big of a breakfast eater, unless it's about 10 am--then he wants eggs, corn beef hash, bacon and toast! But at 7:45 am, he wants something light. So I am happy to get a little something in his stomach to cushion the daily vitamins and some juice or milk and know it's okay b/c he has a big meal coming at lunch and supper, with a snack mid afternoon. I like coming up w/ new cute treats to surprise him w/ after school b/c he gets that look in his eyes that says "Wow! Mommy you did this just for me". So when I saw these on Kraft.com I knew my Monkey would love them. One of his favorite things to eat is sushi, and how fun to have it made w/ every day things! His response when he found it in the fridge was "Yaaaayyy"! Complete success! So if you have a little one coming home starving at the end of a long day learning, roll a few of these up, pour him/her a tall glass of milk and let them know Mommy (or Daddy, or Grandma)  missed them!

"Sushi" Sandwiches

4 slices sandwich bread, crusts removed
Peanut Butter
Jelly or Jam ( I used Alex's favorite, raspberry)
2 slices deli meat (I used bologna)
2 American cheese slices
Mustard/ Mayo (Alex likes mustard)

With a rolling pin or large soup can, roll bread until thin. On 2 slices of bread spread peanut butter and jelly. On the other 2, spread a little mustard or mayo, place the deli meat and cheese. Roll each into a tight roll and cut into 4 pieces each.

~Come join me for Tasty Tuesday on Formula Mom~

Shared on Celebrating Family Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on Chef in Training Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on Mandy's Recipe Box Sept. 13, 2011
Shared on This Chick Cooks Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Hugs & Cookies Sept. 14, 2011
Shared on Something Swanky Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on It's A Keeper Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Around My Family Table Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Recipes For My Boys Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Simply Sweet Home Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Sept. 15, 2011
Shared on Jane Deere Sept. 16, 2011
Shared on Six Sisters' Stuff Sept. 17, 2011
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Sept. 19, 2011

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