A 18 Year Tropical Twist

 How did we get to the middle of May already? I'm not complaining, but it just proves the point that warm weather days and months go by ten times faster than their cold counterparts. Seriously! We are going to blink and it will be July 4th. But before we bust out the fireworks, we've still got Memorial Day to plan for! 

Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summer. Especially this year since the holiday is literally the last day of the month. Are you planning a cookout or backyard barbecue to celebrate? Many of us are gathering once again, but even if it's just your household or pod, fire up the grill and make your kickoff to summer menu delicious! 

Coleslaw is such an American classic for summer time parties, picnics, and gatherings. From graduation parties to burgers on the grill and picnic baskets over flowing, coleslaw is definitely a go-to dish. But this version? It's going to put a little tropical twist on this warm weather staple. 

Plus, it gives me a reason to gush about my hubby for a minute. See, he loves mangoes and we happen to be celebrating our 18th wedding anniversary on May 17th. However, 18 years is only the marriage part. We've actually been together for 24 years; and feel very blessed to be celebrating another year. I have loved him from the time I was a 16 year old girl, and I am so proud of the time we have built. He's given me two amazing boys and our family is not only my biggest blessings, but also what I am most proud of. 

So when I saw this recipe in Food Network Magazine I knew it would score me major wife points. A creamy coleslaw with bites of mango was right up his alley. The dressing has sweet and sour notes in it with coconut milk and lime. And he loved the added crunch from the peanuts too. It really is a unique version that screams summer time and lets you take a little tropical beach vacation without leaving your backyard. 

If you are looking for new dish for your Memorial Day bash, be sure to save this one! If you take it with you to share, carry the recipe too because everyone is going to want it!

 Mango Coleslaw

1 (14 oz.) bag coleslaw mix

3/4 c. canned coconut milk

Juice of 3 limes

1 mango, peeled and diced

3/4 c. roasted salted peanuts

Salt and Pepper 

In a small bowl whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, salt and pepper. In a large bowl pour dressing over coleslaw mix. Mix well. Add mango and peanuts. Stir again. Chill until serving. Garnish with a few extra peanuts before serving.  

 

Shared at Weekend Potluck
 

Summer Time Snacking

School is out! Hooray!!! Seriously, those last couple weeks were rough! And then the fact we had to go back after Memorial Day for 1.5 days was almost torture. But we persevered and don't have to set an alarm or pack a lunch until August!

I adore summer vacation. I realize it is different for me because I am at home, and don't have the stress of additional child care, but I cherish every minute he's home with me. And now that Max is old enough to understand "Bruh Bruh" is home with us, well let's just say it even more special.

One of the things that I do recognize has being harder during these months is the fact I have to feed the teenager that extra meal every day, every week! I find myself going to make Max's lunch and saying "Oh that's right. Alex might want something too." Now, to be fair we are only a few days into summer vacation, so I'm still getting into my groove. But it isn't just lunch! He wants snacks too! I swear, these kids...they think they need fed 24/7. LOL

I love making trail mixes because we can all enjoy them. Even Max now! (Sure he likes to pick out the M&Ms, but he does like the pretzels and cheese crackers too) And in the summer, they are perfect for snacking in the car, at the park, beside the pool, or just hanging out in the back yard. True story, if you would have seen us last weekend in our back yard, Max was in his baby pool, and the three of us were sitting around it, watching him, and passing around a huge bowl of this!

Sweet and salty together are one of my favorite things. Even flavor combos you think might not work do. Mr. E made the comment he didn't know how the candy and cheese crackers would taste, but they were really good!

You can always add some other ingredients your family loves too. Make it your own! Let the kids get in on the action too--they could come up with some interesting combos!

Summer break is something I look forward to all school year long. My boys, with me, adventures to be found, and yummy snacking on the way!

Sweet n Salty Trail Mix

4 c. twist pretzels

3 c. cheese crackers

2 c. honey roasted peanuts

1 1/2 c. roasted almonds

1/2 c. M&Ms

1/2 c. Reece's Pieces

1/2 c. raisins

Mix all together in a large bowl and store in an airtight container. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Disclaimer: I received free samples from Kroger and MyMagazine Sharing Network for use in this post.

Halloween Party

In just under two weeks our streets are going to fill with ghosts, goblins, witches, zombies, super heroes, ballerinas, princesses and more! Yep, all the little ones will begin their annual neighborhood, door-to-door candy marathon.

In our house, the Halloween celebrations start well before the 31st, and basically mean Mommy coming up with yummy treats for the boy to enjoy all month long. But I know for many of you, a big Halloween bash is on the menu, and you need ideas that are both easy and yummy.

That's where I come in. This was actually my last post for The Children's Museum of Indianapolis this month. I can't believe my 6 months with them has come and gone, but I enjoyed every minute. What a thrill for me to work with a place that not only does my child adore, but I have very fond memories of growing up as well.

I wanted to give them a recipe that kids can enjoy as an after school snack, or like I said, at a big Halloween party. Something so simple it can come together in almost no time, and enjoyed all night long, or in our case, be munched on for days!

Even if you don't have huge Halloween plans, you can still make it a fun day for the little ones. And more importantly, a really delicious one!

Halloween Snack Mix

2 ½  heaping cups. Apple Cinnamon Cheerios

2 cups pretzels
1 (7.5 oz) jar salted roasted peanuts
1 (8 oz.) bag candy pumpkins
1 (8 oz.) bag candy corn
2 (3.4 oz) boxes M&M’s

Mix all in a large bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Originally Posted on The Children's Museum
Shared at Weekend Potluck

Mystery Ingredient

As some of you know already I am lucky enough to be part of the Yum Squad for Peanut Butter & Co., the makers of the best peanut butter I've ever tasted! We squad members had a challenge put to us a couple months ago, and I for one was up for the task! 

It was simple. We were sent some of their delicious peanut butter and a mystery ingredient, and we were to create a recipe using those. Easy right??!!! Well, if I'm being completely honest I was a bit nervous when my box got here, because it could have had anything in it. What the heck was I going to do if I was supposed to mix peanut butter with anchovies? Or pigs feed? Or chocolate covered grasshoppers? Okay...so my imagination kind of got carried away. 

So, can you imagine my pure relief and joy when I opened it up, and there was a bottle of sriaracha? Yep, something I already cook with. Something I have in my cupboard at all times. Something my boys will pretty much put on anything. Whew....how lucky was I? 

The second I thought of the hot of sriaracha and the sweet of peanut butter, my tongue immediately called out for something Asian! It's a flavor combo we have all the time in Asian dishes I make at home, and ones we have at our favorite restaurants. They meld so well together, and taste so great, it's one of those things you would never guess go together, but truly do. 

Need a seafood dish for your Lent meal tonight? This would certainly put a little spice in your step! I love this recipe because it's a great base that you can build from. Take the noodles, add whatever veggies you like, and swap out the shrimp for chicken or pork. You'll still get a tasty, simple meal! 

I'm not always a fan of surprises. I think sometimes life can throw you some doozies, but in this case, it was a fun, and even more importantly, absolutely delicious surprise. Oh, and my friends at Peanut Butter & Co. have some peanut butter they want to give you too! Just scroll down below the recipe to see how to enter to win! 

Spicy Peanut Noodles with Shrimp

2 TBS vegetable oil

1 (13.25 oz.) box whole grain thin spaghetti

1 (12 oz.) back frozen shrimp, thawed 

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 1/4 c. matchstick carrots

1 garlic clove, minced

1/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. creamy peanut butter

1/4 c. lemon juice

1/2 c. chicken broth

1-3 tsp. sriracha sauce, to taste

4 green onions, sliced on bias

1/3 c. chopped cashews

Cook pasta according to package directions. In a medium bowl whisk together soy sauce, lemon juice, peanut butter, chicken broth and sriracha until smooth. Set aside. In a large skillet, heat oil over high heat. Add shrimp and garlic. Saute' until shrimp are almost completely pink. Add peppers and carrots. Saute' stirring often until peppers are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Pour peanut butter sauce into skillet. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, about 5 minutes until sauce is slightly thickened. When pasta is cooked, drain well. Add to a large bowl. Pour shrimp sauce down over. Mix well to coat evenly. Toss until completely combined. Garnish with chopped green onions and cashews. *NOTE* I like to use shrimp with the tail on to decrease shrinking. 

Shared on The Country Cook Mar. 6, 2015

Asian at Very Good Recipes

To Enter: Leave a comment telling me what savory dish you love to make with peanut butter! 

(1) Winner Will Receive:

(1) Jar Smooth Operator (creamy) Peanut Butter
(1) Jar of His/Her Choice Peanut Butter 
(See flavors here.)

Disclaimer: I received free product as part of The Yum Squad. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

31 Days of Dark Chocolate Dreams {A Review & Giveaway}

Do you love peanut butter? Do you love trying new flavors of peanut butter? Do you love making yummy snacks for your kids to enjoy after school or maybe packed in their lunch? If you answered "Yes" to any of those, then boy have I got a treat for you!

My good friends over at Peanut Butter & Co. are so excited to announce the release of a new cookbook, 31 Days of Dark Chocolate Dreams, featuring  a month's worth of recipes using their Dark Chocolate Dreams all natural peanut butter, written by Founder and President, Lee Zalben.

This cookbook is page after page of delicious treats, the one only more exciting than the last. Containing recipes for everything from breakfast to snacks, to desserts and candy...it has a little something for everyone.

When I received my advanced copy and started flipping through the pages, I only made it to #15 before I found the first thing I wanted to try. Reading the description of "These bears are a marriage of differences-sweet and salty, chewy and crispy, and smooth and crunchy" had my mouth watering! I love all of those combinations, and in one tasty snack I could make for my son, how exciting!

These would be perfect for after school, packed lunches, or an on-the-go treat. Heck, throw a couple in your gym bag for a pick me up after a long workout. However or whenever you make them, they are sure to please everyone in your house young to old.

Now, here is the greatest part! The kind folks at Peanut Butter & Co. also want to send one lucky EMM reader a copy 31 Days of Dark Chocolate Dreams and a jar to play around with in your kitchen too. Just keep reading after the recipe for all the details and follow the instructions to enter!

Dark Chocolate Dreams Trail Mix Bars
1 c. firmly packed brown sugar
2/3 c. Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter
1 large egg
5 TBS unsalted butter, melted
1 c. flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/4 c. rolled oats
3/4 c. roasted peanuts
3/4 c. chopped pretzels

Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, peanut butter, egg and butter until smooth and creamy. Whisk in flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. Fold in oats, peanuts and pretzels. Turn out into baking dish. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and press down, packing the bars into the dish and removing air pockets. Discard plastic wrap and bake for 20 minutes, just until they begin to turn a slightly darker color. Let cool 2 hours before cutting. Store in airtight container for up to 10 days.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received (1) cookbook and (1) sample for this review. Plus an additional set to giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After School Snack Inspiration

After school snacks. We all had our favorites, and our children have theirs. But there have always been stand-bys that moms everywhere depend on, knowing they will be loved no matter how many times the little ones come home to them. Cookies and milk. Veggies with dip. Apple slices and caramel. Peanut Butter and bananas. They are what we turn to when the child walks through the door starving, and you want to make sure they get a little nosh, but don't ruin their supper. And the last one in that list was the inspiration for this dessert.

Oh, and have you seen the mini graham cracker pie shells in the baking aisle? They were also inspiration for this recipe. I've used them several times now and love them. They allow me to make mini desserts that are cute, simple and the perfect serving size! If you haven't, they are right there next to the other pre-made crusts!

Basically I had bought these mini pie shells but had no idea what I was going to do with them yet. Then I started thinking of new flavor combinations for pies, and with my brainstorming, this happened. If you love the flavors of banana and peanut butter together, you're gonna flip for this! Plus, something magical happens when the pudding meets the peanut butter and then they both meet the Cool Whip. It's a wonderful thing.

Now, I know some out there are going to look at this recipe and be critical of just how much help I took from the store. That's fine, go ahead and hate. But I'm okay with it, and I know many of my fellow crazy busy moms out there will appreciate it. If you have the time to make fresh banana pie filling, go for it! Or if you prefer to use a box of instant pie filling, go ahead. I actually probably would have done that myself had I not been able to find the canned variety.

These would be perfect if you're hosting a Halloween party later this week. Kids will enjoy the flavor and size. Adults will love the flavors reminding them of their childhood. It's a win win dessert...

Mini Peanut Butter and Banana Pies
12 mini graham cracker pie shells
1 (21 oz.) can banana cream pie filling
1 (4 serving) box instant vanilla pudding
1 c. cold milk
1 tub Cool Whip
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
Roasted Peanuts, chopped, for garnish

In a medium bowl combine pudding mix and milk. Whisk for 2 minutes. It will be thick. Stir in peanut butter. Mix well. Gently fold in Cool Whip. Divide pie filling among pie shells, about 2 TBS each. Add peanut butter mixture to a gallon sized plastic bag. Cut off tip, creating a pastry bag. Pipe peanut butter mixture evenly over each pie. Top with chopped peanut. Chill to set, about an hour. Refrigerate any leftovers. *NOTE* When measuring out the peanut butter, first run the measuring cup under hot water. This will allow the peanut butter to slide out easily.

Shared on The Country Cook November 1, 2013

Peanut Butter at Very Good Recipes

Sweet Treat For Your Sweetie

For all the men reading this who might not be paying attention to the calendar, you have 3 more days until Valentine's Day. There, I've done my civic duty and reminded you, so please don't be one of those husbands and boyfriends in the store on Thursday at 5pm wandering around trying to find the last box of chocolate and thumbing through the greeting cards that have all been picked over. Your wife or girlfriend doesn't want the generic "Happy Valentine's Day to a Great Person" Hallmark greeting!

This dessert is so easy, anyone can make it, even you guys out there racking your brains for something special to do for your sweetie. It's chocolate so the women in your life will be happy with that simple fact, and your evening will be off to a good start!

Or maybe you are a busy wife, and you still want something delicious for your hubby when he gets home from work. These work perfectly for that too! Or if you're like me and you have a little one and you want something fun and yummy for an after school treat. Or, you and the munchkin can make these together and surprise Daddy or Mommy when they get home! The possibilities are endless because they are easy enough for anyone to make~ man, woman or child!

I got this recipe the same day as my Strawberry Yogurt Bites, but with it being chocolate I saved it to share for this week for obvious reasons. However, speaking of those yummy yogurt bites, if you've got someone who can't have chocolate, those would be perfect come Thursday as well.

If you like Rocky Road ice cream, you're gonna love them. Plus, if you use the sugar free pudding mix, and the "lite" Cool Whip, they only have 130 calories each.

Whatever you have planned for Valentine's Day, include this simple dessert and you are well on your way to smiles, hugs and kisses!

Rocky Road Parfaits
1 (1.4 oz) package chocolate instant pudding
2 c. cold milk
1/2 c. Cool Whip, thawed
12 miniature marshmallows
2 TBS dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Combine milk and pudding mix in a medium bowl. Using a wire whisk, mix for 2 minutes. Remove 3/4 c. to another bowl. Combine that with Cool Whip. Mix well. Pour remaining pudding mix into 4 parfait or dessert cups. Top evenly with Cool Whip mixture. Refrigerate 15 minutes. Top each parfait with 3 marshmallows and even amounts of peanuts.

Shared on Make Ahead Meals
Shared on Lady Behind The Curtain
Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage
Shared on The Country Cook

Birthday Party Snack

Back on September 15th we had a big day around here. It was Monkey's 8th Birthday Party! Now I've thrown him a few parties in his 8 short years, but this was going to be the first year he was allowed to invite friends; and was he ever excited! So back in early May (yeah, I'm that kind of planner) when I started thinking about what I would be serving, I knew one thing right away. I was going to have a low key, low stress level party for mom. All of his parties I've had in the past have included tons of food; and I don't regret doing it, but let's face it, there is a lot of work that goes into that! And this time, having other kids there besides my totally non picky eater, I didn't want to take the chance of having heaps of food leftover because none of the kids, or adults for that matter, ate it. So I decided we would have a simple "snacking" menu with cake, pretzels, popcorn, my Lemon Dill Snack Mix...and one more thing. But what would it be? Well, it wasn't until August when I asked fans on Facebook for their input that I got my inspiration. Many answered with trail mix or Chex Mix; and it reminded me I had just seen a commercial for the new Apple Cinnamon Chex. Immediately something came together in my mind and I knew I had my last snack for the party. Plus, I knew exactly what I would call it. It was after all, a party for my Monkey, so naming it after him was a top priority. Salty and sweet at the same time, this is yummy and simple to make. If you can pour cereal and mix, you can make this! My guests loved it. More than one told me that many times trail mixes are too sweet, and this was just the right balance of sweet and salty. I love my Monkey so much and each minute I put into his party was totally worth it when he said "Thanks, Mommy. I love you."

Monkey Munch
1 (13.75oz) box Apple Cinnamon Chex cereal
1 (12oz) bag banana chips
1 (6oz) bag dried cranberries
1 (14.75oz) can party peanuts

In a large bowl mix all ingredients well. Store in an airtight container.

Shared on Miz Helen's Country Cottage Sept. 27, 2012
Shared on The Country Cook Sept. 28, 2012
Shared on Make Ahead Meals Oct. 1, 2012

Snacks at Very Good Recipes
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