Thanksgiving with Diestel Turkey Ranch

 

 I know. I know. October just arrived and you read that title thinking "Stop. Let's enjoy every season." 

I agree. But I am also a planner. I am also the girl who can buy fall decor, Halloween candy and Christmas ornaments all in the same shopping trip. (True story. Happened yesterday!) Our family celebrates each holiday as they come, but I am always looking forward and thinking about what's coming. 

So at the end of summer when my friends at Diestel Turkey Ranch gave me a chance to try one of their organic, all-natural, heirloom turkeys I jumped at the chance. 

Since 1949 the Diestel Family Ranch has been a real family of farmers on a real working farm. They have never compromised their values to bring their customers the most delicious birds money can buy. 

These aren't your run of the mill turkeys either. From their Organic American Heirloom to The Original that started it all to even a Petite variety, and more, there is a bird for everyone and every occasion.

So with all those options, which one did I decide on? I'm all about convenience and since we would be trying ours right during the back to school rush, I opted for the Oven Roasted Whole Turkey. Yep! A delicious, precooked bird arrived on our doorstep! 

All I had to do was heat and eat! And boy did we eat! This bird came out of the oven perfectly browned, moist, juicy and oh so delicious! It was like Thanksgiving on a random Tuesday night! 

 

If you are hosting this holiday season, wow your guests with the best turkey they have ever tasted! Save yourself time with one that's already cooked, or try something with Pecan Smoked, Lemon-Herb or Mediterranean Brined variety! Having a smaller gathering? The Petite Whole Turkey would be perfect for only a few people! 

Want to learn more? You can find them:

Website

Facebook 

Twitter 

Instagram

You Tube 

Busy School Night? Smokey Bones Can Help With Dinner

 Yes, as a food blogger and recipe developer I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Cooking. Cleaning. Rinse. Repeat. And as much as I love this career I've built for myself, going out to eat is still such a treat for me and something our family truly enjoys. (Sure I love the food, but not having to clean up? Win win!)

I love when a restaurant we already enjoy gives us another reason to want to go and then tell everyone we know! Our friends at Smokey Bones never disappoint when it comes to delicious barbecue, fantastic service and a fun atmosphere; and now through September 30th, they have put the icing on the cake, per say...Kids 10 and younger eat FREE with the purchase of an adult entree! 

 

Your eyes didn't deceive you. I said FREE! Smokey Bones wants to help parents ease into the school new year, with its hectic evenings and crazy schedules, by taking some stress out of dinner time! From chicken to ribs to cheeseburgers, and some of the best mac and cheese around, Smokey Bones has a kids' menu to please all the little foodies in your life.

My little guy couldn't wait to dig into his Chicken Bites and Mac and Cheese. Look at that crispy breading, just waiting to be dunked into some tangy honey mustard. Every spoonful of the pasta was ooey gooey goodness! 

What about us adults? My hubby and I both opted for the pulled pork platter, but with different sides. For me potato wedges and fire roasted corn. A big pile of tender, flavorful pulled pork, crispy but butter potatoes and that corn? Oh my gosh! So much flavor and I loved the fact it was cut off the cob. Oh, and you can't forget two slices of Texas toast too!

Mr. E upgraded one of his sides to a "premium" for only $1 because he wanted some macaroni and cheese himself. Normally up charges annoy me, but this was a very fair price for a generous portion! 

One of the things I have always appreciated about Smokey Bones is the variety of sauces available on the table. The pulled pork comes cooked perfectly and seasoned well, but then I can add the flavor and amount of sauce I want as I eat. On our table we had a sweet and smoky barbecue, chipotle pepper barbecue sauce, mustard barbecue and a Carolina sauce too.  I could taste test each one, and decide or even try a couple different ones. For me? The sweet and smoky, what I would call traditional bbq sauce. For the hubby? He loved the Carolina sauce and could add more and more with each bite. 

 If you are rushing around with after school activities, sports, meetings, etc, and find yourself wanting great food, at a great price, find your nearest Smokey Bones location and take a break from cooking! 

Our family has been big fans of Smokey Bones for a while now, and they always find reasons to keep us coming back for more!

Smokey Bones is available for dine-in and online orders for pick-up, as well as delivery
on their site. To make a reservation at your nearest location, visit the link here.

Disclaimer: I received a gift card in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.

Uh-Mazing Fall Fun!

 Autumn is in full swing here in Indiana, and we've been having some absolutely gorgeous weather. Some days it still feels like summer, but with the sights and smells of fall! 

One of our favorite annual traditions is heading about 20 minutes north of Fort Wayne to the little town of Waterloo where our friends at Amazing Fall Fun Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch are always nice enough to have us out for an afternoon of fun.  

With their 17 acre corn maze, and super fun activity area, there is always so much to do for kids young to not so young! Of course, for us, it was even more exciting this year because Alex was able to share in the fun with Baby Max, not to mention how special it was for mommy too.

One of the things we love about the incredible event they put on is every year they try to add some new things to keep it fresh. This year was no exception. Right away Alex was quick to point out the baseball throw and bouncy ball area...both of which he found to be great entertainment.

After some time playing around, it was time for him and I to hit the corn maze. Since we had Max in the stroller, we decided Daddy would stay behind with him and the 12 year old and I would conquer the maze on our own. 

It was an absolutely beautiful afternoon to get a little lost, and have some fun trying to find our way out. It wasn't long before Alex was very "corn fused" deciding which way to turn, but pretty sure we found our favorite spot, the lookout, and knew we were on the right path.

I am proud to say we had complete success. We did phase 2, the bigger side, which is supposed to take approximately 40 minutes, and we were out in about 30! Victory!

Oh, that's another thing I love about this corn maze. They split it into two parts, one smaller for little legs that can't maybe last as long in the bigger side. That way the whole family, all ages, can enjoy the fun!

I am so blessed when these work days can be family days as well. If you are looking for a fun fall day for your family, and you live anywhere Waterloo, Amazing Fall Fun Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is the place for you! 

For more info, be sure to check them out online and Facebook.

Cookies At Your Door { A Review}

It seems like we are doing more and more of our shopping online. I don't know about your family, but I can honestly say a large majority of our "gift giving" shopping involves me on the Internet instead of me in the car driving around. From online stores to being able to order fantastic foodie gifts, there is nothing you can't order online these days. And if you are like us, and always looking for the next delicious thing to send to your loved ones, I've got a great idea for you today!

Since 1983 Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies has been offering their home baked cookies to the public in simple cookie tins. And today their love of cookies and desserts is shared with sweet lovers worldwide. Their line of fresh baked gourmet cookies and Kosher desserts are:

Baked Fresh, All Day, Every Day

Use All Natural Ingredients

No Artificial Anything

Kosher Certified

Perfect for birthday gifts, fund raising, or "just because", Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies are sure to please the dessert lover in your life. 

Now, for this review I was asked to keep a 7 day diary of our 2 pound cookie tin to show just how fresh they stay, and how they are as delicious on day 7 as they are on day 1. 

I can honestly say it was hard for us to even have any left by about day 5, they are that delicious, but we persevered!!

Day 1: The cookies look like they were just taken out of the oven, fresh baked and taste great.

Day 2: No change. Still taste as fresh as yesterday.

Day 3: No complaints, taste the same.

Day 4: Even the ones that have been laying underneath others taste fresh.

Day 5: These two were the only ones that seemed just a tad dry to me, but I honestly think it was the type of cookie, not due to anything else. My husband ate them and said they tasted just right to him.

Day 6: After almost a week, we are into a layer of a ones we haven't touched and they are soft and yummy.

Day 7: As you can see, they look just as fresh as the ones we enjoyed a week before.

In conclusion, I have NO complaints about the freshness level these cookies maintained after sitting on our counter top for a week. We did nothing special. We kept them in the tin, in a cool dry place in our kitchen, just as was suggested, and honestly where we would have anyway.

I am so impressed with these cookies and would not hesitate to order them as a gift for someone I love. I know their eyes would light up at the variety and freshness of such delicious sweet treats!

Want to know more? Be sure to check Gimmee Jimmy's Cookies online, and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Disclaimer: I was provided with free samples in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So Many Casseroles {A Gooseberry Patch Review & Giveaway}

Yes! I am back with another great cookbook from my friends at Gooseberry Patch. I tell you what, these folks just keep getting better and better with their recipe collections! Each time I get one of their books, I am amazed at how many delicious dishes they can fit between the two covers. 

This one holds a special place in my heart because it is filled with one of my favorite things...casseroles. You have heard your Everyday Mom (Yes, that's me) say it time and time again.."Casseroles are a busy mom, or dad's best friend." A yummy, simple meal that can be on the table when your family is hungry, and you don't have to be in the kitchen for hours preparing it! 

When I started the elimination process of picking one recipe to share with ya'll, it wasn't easy! There are terrific ideas for everything from breakfast and brunch, all the way through dessert. But the minute I saw the word cabbage, I stopped in my tracks.  We are cabbage fiends. Seriously, we can't get enough of the stuff. It's really becoming an addiction of sorts. And even though I have a recipe for a Cabbage Roll Casserole, I knew by reading the ingredients, this one would taste very different, but yet still familiar. 

Now, I will warn you, this one slow cooks in the oven, so make sure you've got a little extra time on your hands. Maybe for a Sunday supper. Or make it ahead and reheat! I'm sure it would taste great like that too. But it's all worth it, because it is so incredibly tasty, and hearty too! We gobbled the entire dish down, and everyone went back for seconds.

If you are a casserole lover like me, this cookbook has to be added to your collection. And you're in luck, because I've got an extra copy to give away! Just scroll to the bottom to see how!

Unstuffed Cabbage

1 1/2 lbs. ground beef

3 TBS long grain rice, uncooked

2 eggs

2 tsp. minced white onion

1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes

1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1/2 c. packed brown sugar
1/2 c. white vinegar
2 tsp. dried onion
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
Dried Parsley, for garnish*
In a large bowl mix together beef, rice, fresh onion, eggs, salt and pepper. Form into (12) 1-inch balls. Set aside. In another bowl, combine tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, vinegar and dried onion. Mix well. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and place half of the cabbage in the bottom. Top with half of the tomato mixture. Add meatballs. Pour remaining sauce over top. Sprinkle with remaining cabbage. Cover with foil. Bake at 325 for 1 hour. Reduce heat to 250 and bake an additional 3 hours. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Shared at Weekend Potluck

***Giveaway***

To Enter: Leave me a comment sharing your favorite casserole. Be sure to include your email address so I can find the winner!

 Open to US Residents 18 and older

Contest Ends: March 21, 2016 

Disclaimer: I received two cookbooks in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christmas at Grandma's Day 2

Did you catch Monday's post? It was a terrific festive veggie salad that would be beautiful on your holiday table. And today I'm sharing what would be a tasty main dish alongside it!

I'm kind of a chicken addict. I love it any and all ways, and if it weren't for husband I wold more than likely cook it multiple times per week. But as it is, he isn't the biggest chicken fan in the world, so I try to limit myself to once every week, or even every other. And when I do make it, I know he will be more likely to enjoy it if it's white meat. While I love the flavor of the dark, he is the exact opposite.

So when I saw this recipe in Christmas at Grandma's, I knew it could be a happy compromise for us both. Now, I will admit I'm not a fan of breaded baked chicken. It's not my first choice because I am always afraid of it coming out mushy or bland or both, but with this recipe neither is a worry!

This comes out with a crispy outside, tender and juicy inside and flavor galore! If you're going to be entertaining holiday guests, this would be a great choice. Simple and quick for the host and delicious for your guests.

We can all use more chicken options, rather it be for the holidays or a weeknight meal. Oh, and you can have a chance to win a copy of this new Gooseberry Patch cookbook too! Just click here to enter!

Zesty Baked Chicken

3-4 boneless chicken breasts, patted dry

1/4 c. butter, melted

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 c. bread crumbs

1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp. dried oregano

1/4 tsp. paprika

2 tsp. dried parsley

Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In one shallow dish combine butter and garlic powder. In another mix together bread crumbs, cheese, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt and pepper. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 baking dish. Dip each piece of chicken in butter and then cover in bread crumbs. Shake off excess. Place in baking dish. Cover. Bake for 45-60 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 more minutes. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Slow Cookers and Friends

Oh, how excited am I??!! I have been looking forward to sharing today's post with ya'll for a while now! See, my dear friend Judith aka The Midnight Baker has published her very first cookbook, and it is a winner, with a capital W! Plus, I am so incredibly honored that she not only included a recipe of mine (Chicken and Noodles page ) but also had the nicest things to say about our friendship, and even asked me to include a quote on the back! I feel so important!

The Classic Slow Cooker is filled with recipe after recipe that you are going to love! So many of us are looking for ways to use our slow cookers more and more, and I would bet money many of you will want to try every single dish Judith has included.

When I started flipping through its beautiful pages, I was immediately drawn to this recipe. One because I make nothing in my slow cooker as much as soup. It is definitely my go-to this time of year. And two, because it was a bean soup! Bean soups are incredibly economical, hearty, and are great heated up on day two and three. Mr. E takes leftovers to work most days for lunch, so when I can make a meal stretch throughout the week for him, it's an added bonus! I tweaked it a bit to fit our tastes and what I had on hand, but would eat it the original way just as easily!

This is a terrific meal for those bitter cold days when you just want to come home to something warm that will fill you up without much work. Put it together in the morning and come home to a comforting bowl of deliciousness. Add some crusty bread and supper is served!

Oh, and the other fantastic thing about my friend Judith? She made sure I got 2 copies so I could give one away to a lucky EMM reader! Just scroll down after the recipe to see how you can win!

Slow Cooker 

Hearty Northeast Bean Soup

2 c. northern beans

2 c. smoked sausage, chopped

3 carrots, diced

1 small onion, diced

1/2 tsp. dried basil

3 celery hearts, diced

4 c. vegetable broth

Salt and Pepper to taste

Dried parsley

Cover beans with water and soak overnight. Rinse and drain well. Add to slow cooker. Add all other ingredients. Stir to combine. Cook on HIGH for 2 hours and LOW for 8-10 until beans are tender. Garnish with parsley before serving. 

***GIVEAWAY***

To Enter: Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite slow cooker soup.Include an email address so I can find you!

Bonus Entry: Like The Midnight Baker on Facebook

Open to US Residents ONLY 18 and older

Contest Ends:  November 30, 2015

Slow Cooker To Go! {A Review and Giveaway}

Ya'll! I am so excited to be typing this post! I can not wait to introduce you to your new best friend for not only in your kitchen, but for on the go as well! 

We all love our slow cookers. Can't get enough recipes for them. Adore the convenience and easy of cooking with them for everything from our every day meals to parties and holidays. But what if I told you our favorite kitchen appliance just got even better??!!! Not possible? Oh, but it is with the Hold & Go Slow Cooker from BeraTek Industries! 

This 5 quart slow cooker is not only portable but comes with a no-spill locking lid for your on-the-go lifestyle. The single handle makes it your new best friend for tailgating, family gatherings and more! The handle also doubles as a handy place to prop the lid while serving!! (My favorite feature of all!)

I LOVE this slow cooker! I am never going to another "hey bring this dish" party again without it! No more having to worry about spilling in the car, or holding it, burning my legs while Mr. E drives. This thing is the best thing to happen to slow cookers since they went oval! 

And the great news? My friends at BeraTek Industries not only provided me with one of these awesome slow cookers, but they have one for you too! That's right, ONE lucky EMM reader will WIN one for their very own. How? It's easy! 

******GIVEAWAY******

To Enter: Leave me a comment HERE telling me the first thing you would cook in your new slow cooker. 

Bonus Entry: Like BeraTek Industries on Facebook. Leave me an additional comment HERE when you have.

Leave an email address so I can find you!

Open to US Residents 18 years older ONLY.

Contest Ends: October 10, 2015


Disclaimer: I received a free slow cooker in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. 

Fresh Family Meals {A Gooseberry Patch Review & Giveaway]

It's that time again! Oh, so many things could be applied to that statement, but in EMM land right now, it refers to another awesome Gooseberry Patch cookbook; and the chance for one of you to walk away with a copy for yourself!

Fresh and Easy Family Meals is filled with over 200 yummy recipes your family is sure to love. Plus, like so many of their cookbooks, a ton of helpful kitchen tips!

Page after page has something else you will want to try. Take it from me, don't dog ear the pages with ones you want to make. Why? Because every single page will be marked!!

From main dishes, to sides to desserts, you could feed your family for months just from this cookbook! I had to really narrow it down to one I wanted to feature, and boy did I pick a winner!

This is a simple side dish for any meal that you can feel really good about serving! The bright, fresh lemon flavor takes it from simple to scrumptious. Plus, any chance I have to use fresh spinach, I'm happy. We love the stuff, and it's filled with so many vitamins and minerals! The person who submitted the recipe to Gooseberry suggested serving it with baked chicken, so that's exactly what I did; and it was fan-freakin-tastic!

I adapted this just a little bit to fit our tastes, but I've included the page number so you can see the original recipe. I can't wait to make this again during those looonngggg winter months when we crave something fresh and bright to remind us of summer time flavors. There are so many ways I can think to serve it, and maybe even add some sauteed shrimp for full meal deal!

If you're looking for something new, that's also pretty healthy you've come to the right place. Oh, and don't forget to enter to win a copy of Fresh and Easy Family Meals for yourself. Just scroll down under the recipe to see how!

Lemony Spinach Orzo

Original Recipe found on page 72

1 lb. orzo pasta

8 oz. fresh spinach, chopped

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. lemon zest

Juice of 1/2 lemon

4 TBS butter 

Salt and Pepper to taste

Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet melt butter over medium heat. Add spinach, in batches, until starting to wilt. Add garlic powder and stir. When pasta is cooked, drain very well. Add to skillet. Toss to combine. Add lemon zest, juice, salt and pepper. Stir well. 

 

******GIVEAWAY******

To Enter: Leave a comment telling me you want to win. That's it. Easy!! Just be sure to leave an email address so I can notify the winner.

Bonus Entry: Become a Fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook. Leave a comment telling me you have.

(1) Winner will win a copy of Fresh and Easy Family Meals.

Open to US Residents 18 and over only.

Contest Ends: Sept. 16, 2015

Disclaimer: I received a cookbook in exchange for this review. And one to give away. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Shared at Weekend Potluck

Say Cheese with Elli Quark { A Feature}

It's the first day of summer vacation! That's right the day we've waited 180 days is here, and I don't know who is happier....me or the boy. Gosh, I love him having home with me for the next 8 weeks! But you know what that means? I'm gonna have to feed him 3x a day, plus snacks! No more relying on school lunch. And with all the fun activities we love this time of year, it's my job to make sure his meals and even his snacks are giving him the fuel to play all day long. I need snacks he loves to eat, and I can feel good about. I have my stand bys, and now, thanks to my new friends at Elli Quark, I have a new one!

What is Elli Quark you ask? Well, let me tell you. It's a spoonable, fresh cheese! Yep, I said cheese! It has a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt, but with a richer, less sour taste! Plus it has a better protein to carb ratio, NO added sugars or artificial sweeteners. 

With almost half the calories of Greek yogurt, almost 15% more protein, all nature and non-GMO, effective probiotics, gluten free and the freshest fruit, it has all the things you want in something your kids will gobble down. Seriously, if your little ones are yogurt lovers like my son, they are going to L.O.V.E this new treat!

Coming in flavors like mint chocolate, blueberry, sea salt caramel, strawberry, lemon, red velvet, cherry, and more...there is definitely something for everyone! My little guy devoured one kind after another, declaring them all yummy! He loved the texture and I enjoy watching him try something new, that might be like something he already likes, but oh so much more!

Elli Quark is currently available across the US, simply enter your zip code here to find a location in your area. Can't find any close to you? That's okay because you can also purchase online and have it delivered right to your front door!

If you have yogurt fans in your house, I highly reccommend letting them try Elli Quark for a tasty, healthy alternative that will have the whole family saying "cheese!"

 

Disclaimer: I received free products in exchange for this feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

A Deep South Dish {A Review and Giveaway}

Do you love traditional Southern food? Our family sure does. Any time I can find recipes that bring a little bit of the South into my Hoosier Yankee kitchen I am a happy cook! Those flavors we love in the dishes we can't get enough of; and now I've got another source for them all! Another food blogger we love has a terrific cookbook!

Deep South Dish Homestyle Southern Recipes is full of Southern comfort food that is nothing short of homemade heaven! Mary loves to share the food that her mother and grandmother used to make. She calls on her heritage to come up with recipes that have one thing in common--incredibly great taste!

When I first started thumbing through my copy, I didn't know where to begin. Each recipe was making my mouth water more than the last. So many delicious things to try, what's a girl to do? But then I came upon this recipe and at first I didn't think it would be the one, but then I saw the on ingredient that made it just that. See, I had made another recipe with that ingredient years ago and while the hubby loved it, I wasn't convinced, so I wanted to try again.

This is what Mary calls her "basic creamy coleslaw", but it's so not basic! And that ingredient that caught my attention? Horseradish! We love the stuff, but the recipe I had used it in a before wasn't anything special and I felt it didn't add anything but an overpowering flavor. But not this! This is exactly what I was looking for the first time around, but had to wait to try Mary's recipe to find.

This will be the dish you make for your next cookout or summer party that everyone loves, and asks "What do I taste?" They will know there is something special hiding in there, but won't be able to put their finger on it. It's the perfect side dish this time of year, after all what is a backyard barbecue without a great coleslaw?

If you love Southern comfort food as much as I do, be sure to check out what Mary has cooking over at her blog, and order a copy of her book while you're there! But you can also WIN one right here! Yep, I'm giving a copy of Deep South Dish away to one lucky winner, just scroll down to find out how!

Creamy Coleslaw

1/2 large head cabbage, shredded

1/4 white onion, grated

1/2 c. grated carrot

1/2 (16 oz.) jar bread and butter pickles, chopped 

Dressing:

1 c. mayo

3 TBS sugar

1 TBS apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp. pepper

Large pinch kosher salt

2 heaping tsp. prepared horseradish 

1 tsp. celery seed

1/4-1/2 c. pickle juice from the jar

In a large bowl, whisk together mayo and sugar until well blended. Add vinegar, salt, pepper, horseradish, celery seed and pickle juice. Whisk well. Add cabbage, carrots, onion and pickles on top of dressing. Toss until dressing is mixed and cabbage is covered. Chill for 1 hour or longer, tossing occasionally. *NOTE* I added some dried parsley and extra celery seed for garnish.  

Shared at Weekend Potluck



Disclaimer: I received a free cookbook in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*******GIVEAWAY********

Leave a comment telling me your favorite traditional Southern dish. Be sure to leave your email address too so I can find you if you win! 

Contest Ends: June 22, 2015

Foodie Father's Day

Father's Day is just around the corner (Sunday June 21st for those not paying attention to the calendar) and if you have a dad that loves to cook, or a husband that is the master of the grill, have I got the gift idea for you, thanks to my friends at Ergo Chef!

The #1 rule in cooking? The tools/utensils you cook with are just as important as food you are preparing. That's why Ergo Chef if dedicated to engineering the highest quality utensils for chefs of all skill levels. 

And now they have these amazing Locking Duo Tongs I am happy to introduce to you! From an indoor meal to a summer time cookout they are sure to be the most useful thing you will cook with! 

As the name implies, DUO tongs have a one of a kind dual construction. The BPA-free silicone side is safe for non-stick pans and heat resistant to 500 degrees. The stainless steel side is great for great grip and use on aluminum or stainless steel pans or grills. Plus the ergonomic angled head is perfect for picking up delicate foods and the slotted head easily drains liquids for no mess! 

With their non-slip grip and precise control, they are the only tongs you'll need for any method of cooking. So, if you have a dad, husband, grandpa, uncle, friend or is also a foodie, these would make a great Father's Day gift! 

Find more info and order here! 

Disclaimer: I received free product in exchange for this review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A Little Korean In My Kitchen {A Review}

Do you enjoy authentic Koren food? We sure do! If you've never tried it, but like other Asian cuisine, I highly encourage you to go for it! 

Like many worldly dishes, I had never had Koren food until Mr. E introduced me to it a few years ago. As many of you know, he and Little Man both train in Taekwondo; but what you might not know is Mr. E actually began his training years ago as a child. And during that, his Master instructor, who was from Koren, introduced him to many things from his culture, including authentic food prepared by his wife. It was love at first bite for my husband, and to this day he remembers those meals with fondness. 

Nowadays since she no longer lives around here, he satisfies his Koren cravings at a great family owned place just 10 minutes down the road, which serves up all the traditional dishes he loves. This is where he first introduced me to it, and also the boy. Well, both of us fell in love with it just as much as him! And now, thanks to a Hoosier company, and restaurant, Sunny's Korean, I can bring a little of those amazing foods into my very own kitchen! 

Chom Sun Kaminski, aka Sunny, hails from South Korea, and moved to the US at the age of 22. Growing up, food had always been a passion for her and she spent many years working to learn the art of creating delicious food. 

Sunny's Korean Restaurant has been operating in Mishawaka, Indiana since 1992. For over 20 years, she has been sharing her homemade, fresh, healthy and scrumptious Korean cuisine. Plus, you can order her products online! Both the Korean Teriyaki and Kimchee Seasoning are staples in the dishes folks love at the restaurant and now can make at home!

Both are all natural, have no preservatives or MSG and are gluten free. Making them so much better than stuff you can find on your grocery store aisle. 

If you've never had Kimchee, it's a traditional Korean dish made with vegetables and seasonings, and has hundreds of known varieties. You might have seen it at your local Asian restaurant as "spicy coleslaw". It can be made with cabbage, cucumbers, spinach...anything really.

I was so thrilled at the chance of trying these products in my kitchen because Mr. E has been bugging me for years to make him some Kimchi! I started with a simple cucumber salad but will definitely be moving onto the cabbage dish next! This has a little heat to it, so be sure to add it to your taste. I will tell you as someone who can't handle a lot of heat, this amount was perfect for my wimpy tongue.

This comes together in almost no time and is the perfect side dish to any Asian inspired meal you make at home. If you have friends who love Kimchi, they will be so impressed you know how to make it. We won't tell them you took a little help!!

Kimchi Cucumber Salad

2 cucumbers, peeled and sliced 1/4" half moons

1/2 c. thinly sliced yellow onion

1/2 c. shredded carrot

2 TBS Sunny's Korean Teriyaki

2 TBS Sunny's Kimchee Seasoning

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss to coat. Chill for at least 5 minutes before serving. *NOTE* If you noticed the different spellings, I learned this dish as "kimchi" but Sunny uses "kimchee" so I use both to respect her product.

Shared on The Country Cook June 5, 2015

Disclaimer: I received free product samples in exchange for this review/feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Sunday Dinner At Grandma's Day 1 { A Gooseberry Patch Review & Giveaway}

Sunday dinners at Grandma's. Oh the images those words can conjure up in our heads. Maybe an Italian grandma slaving away over the stove all day making the perfect "gravy" for over some pasta. Or maybe a little lady taking a roast chicken from the oven with mashed potatoes boiling away stove top. Any way you cut it, the images lead to loved ones gathered around the table, enjoyed delicious food cooked with love.

For me, growing up 6 hours away from both of my grandmas, I wasn't lucky enough to have a lot of Sunday dinners with them, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate how special it is! Plus, my son is so blessed to grow up about 20 minutes away from both of his grandmas, so he will be able to have those memories I was never able to. 

And now, thanks to my friends at Gooseberry Patch and their new cookbook, Sunday Dinner at Grandma's, we can all enjoy dishes that would make any granny proud, any day of the week! Oh, the yummy things they compiled in this one! It's cover to cover filled with so much deliciousness!

The minute I saw the word goulash, I was intrigued. Then when I went on to read the recipe, my curiosity was only solidified. This dish is unlike any goulash we've ever had. Okay, it has ground beef in it, but that is where the similarities end. Well, that and the fact they are super simple, perfect for a weeknight and sure to please your hungry bunch. To me, this tastes like something the cowboys would eat out on the trail off the chuck wagon! So hearty and full of protein, veggies and a little chili kick!

Be sure to read the note in the recipe to see the additions I made to the original recipes. Oh, and scroll down to the end of the post to see how you can win a copy of Sunday Dinner at Grandma's for yourself! Or maybe for your grandma!

Country Goulash

Submitted by Amy Woods Collinsville, TX Found on pg. 154

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 clove garlic, minced

1 onion, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

16 oz. pkg. tri-color rotnini, cooked

1 (14 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained

1 (16 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

3 TBS chili powder

1/2 tsp. salt

In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown beef with garlic, onion and pepper. Drain. Add cooked pasta and remaining ingredients; toss to coat. Heat through over low heat. Serves 4-6. *NOTE* I used 1 tsp. garlic powder instead of fresh clove. I also added 2 TBS Worcestershire sauce after meat was browned. I topped mine with about 1/4 c. Monterrey Jack cheese and chopped green onions.

Shared on The Country Cook May 29, 2015

*********Giveaway*********

To Enter: Leave a comment telling me your favorite dish Grandma used to (or still does) make. Be sure to leave an email address so I can find you!

Extra Entry: Follow Gooseberry Patch on Facebook

(1) Winner will receive (1) copy of Sunday Dinner at Grandma's. 

Contest Ends: June 10, 2015

Disclaimer: I received a free cookbook in exchange for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Don't Burn Yourself

Ya'll know how much I love a good kitchen gadget or utensil! I'm always on the lookout for the newest and best thing. And if I can find something that is cool, and still super functional, that's just icing on the cake...so to speak! This is exactly the case with the new FingerMitt from KMN Home. 

With the new FingerMitt you can remove HOT dishes from the oven without burning your hands, keep a firm grip on the baking dish, plate or pan, and handle hot food before it cools. 

Just imagine, no more burning your finger prints off! Plus, no more dropping a dish you can't keep steady due to a thick, awkward oven mitt. And now you can even handle the food itself, while it's still steaming hot...like shredding chicken! I don't know about you, but something that gives me some extra grip on my glass baking dishes, is invaluable. I can't tell you how many times, I've removed one from the oven, only to have it slip out of my hand and shatter on the floor, ruining both the meal and the dish! With the FingerMitt I have a great grip, and flexibility, while still protecting my hands!

The FingerMitt protects your hands up to 500°F. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this 5-finger

mitt...or glove...with its unique grip design suspends heat from hands and is great for use with ovens, grills and stove tops. The 5-finger design adds more dexterity and functionality while safely handling hot items. Oh, and it just happens to be dishwasher safe too, for easy clean up! 

I think this would make a great gift for the cook or baker in your life! Be sure to log onto KMN Home today to order one for yourself, and for a friend! 

Be A Rock Star In Your Kitchen {A Review}

What if I told you there is a way for you to prepare a delicious, healthy meal with almost no thinking at all? That there is a service does takes all the guess work out of it, and does all the prep work for you? Sound like something you might be interested in trying? Well, then let me introduce you to the new Indiana company, Fresh Artistry. 

Based in Indianapolis, Fresh Artistry is focused on helping the home cook feel and look like a master chef without any of the hassle or skill involved. Their local chef designs menus, and they deliver fresh, pre-measured produce, herbs, spices, meats and instructions right to your door step. With the easy to follow recipe guides, your meal will turn out perfectly every time. 

And when I say meats, let me be more specific because one of the things I was most impressed with when I received my delivery was I could tell the meats were local. In fact, my chicken came from Miller Amish Poultry in Orland, Indiana; and wrapped at Moody's Butcher Shop in Avon, In. It has no antibiotics, hormones, or preservatives....ever. This is exactly the kind of meats I use in my home, so it's nice to know Fresh Artistry has the same standards as I do. 

One of the other things I loved most about my Fresh Artistry delivery was the simplicity. I've tried a few of the sous-chef delivery companies out there, and some of them were so complicated I felt very over whelmed. But this box was easy to read, easy to understand and the game plan was very clear.

So, what did I get to cook? An absolutely delicious meal my family gobbled up: Peach-Chipotle Glazed Chicken with Smashed Potatoes and Fresh Green Beans. 

We seriously couldn't get enough of this yummy dish. The only complaint we had was we didn't have enough to make it again! 

If you love to cook at home, but don't have as much time as you would like to commit to it, Fresh Artistry would be great for you. Or maybe you have a foodie in your life you are looking for the perfect gift for this holiday season. They would love this! Or maybe you know of a newlywed couple who is just starting out, this would be quite the treat for them too! 

For more info, menu options and pricing plans, be sure to find them online, on Facebook, and Twitter.