The week of October 17 (This week), Pork Tenderloin is on Sale for $2.00 off per package of pork tenderloin, in honor of National Pork Month at Costco. Pork Tenderloin is a wholesome cut packing tons of flavors, ounce for ounce, pork tenderloin is as lean as a skinless chicken breast.

This week I am in a challenge to create a “Family Favorite” recipe using this cut of Pork for my family. I will be posting that recipe, along with pictures, later this week plus a $25 Costco Cash Giveaway for YOU to try and win!

For even more recipes and tips please visit Costco’s “In The Warehouse” provides flavorful recipes and tips for preparing featured cuts of pork. Check back weekly for fun, new information on Costco’s featured cuts. You may also want to visit PorkBeInspired.com for info. on all of the different cuts of pork and about the best, healthiest way to cook Pork.

Things that stuck out at me as I read through the websites listed above were how many cuts of Pork there are (There are so many choices!). The many many ways you can cook pork.  There are also some great freebie cook books on there as well. So, you definitely will want to visit to grab those!

And did you know that Pork tenderloin is heart healthy & is endorsed by the American Heart Association?  Yep! It is true. The pages also tell the best ways to handle and store Pork, which I feel is a very important thing to know with any foods this information.

An Important Temperature Update: In May, the USDA reduced the temperature guideline for pork loins, chops and roasts from 160 to 145 degrees F, with a three-minute rest. This will yield a juicy, flavorful product that may be pinker in color than most home cooks are used to. Ground pork, like all ground meat, should be cooked to 160 degrees.

I hope you will all come back at the end of this week to see what Pork Tenderloin Recipe I chose as our Family Favorite. And also for your chance to win the $25 Costco Cash!

Happy National Pork Month!

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure: I’m receiving compensation plus entry into a sweepstakes from Costco through TheMotherhood.com in exchange for my pork tenderloin post. All opinions are my own.

As you may have already seen over on my sidebar, I have been chosen to be an Brand Ambassador for Ragu.

During my reign as a Dinner Club Blogger, I will be sharing with you recipes, idea’s, tips, and more about Making Dinnertime better and easier for you. The campaign is called Mom’s the Word on Dinner. It is all about sharing advice with other mom’s.

There are video’s with discussions for you to watch and a also, I would love to engage with you on hearing some of your idea’s and tip’s for Dinnertime as well. During this campaign I will also be having some awesome giveaway’s that you WON’T want to miss, and I myself will be holding 2 house parties which I will be taking lots of pictures, and do posts about.

In addition to the ongoing fun and conversation, the Mom’s the Word on Dinner community features photos, polls, quizzes and dinner ideas with quick and easy recipes.

I would love to share with you the video named : The debate – TV at the dinner table : on or off?

What are the rules for TV during your family meal time? Is the TV on at your dinner table? Moms discuss the rules in their house with Ragu® and Mom’s the Word on Dinner at http://www.facebook.com/ragusauce. Be part of the conversation today!

My rule has always been NO TV at the dinner table. The television must be turned off, and I do not allow it back on until EVERYONE is done eating. Television doesn’t have to be on 24/7 in fact to me, it shouldn’t be. I even have days where the family is not even allowed to turn on TV, or any other electronics at that. I think there is nothing ruder then having TV on while eating. Dinnertime to me is Family time. A time when the family always sits at 1 table and eats together after our Grace. We have some of the best talks with our kids and each other during dinner. I think that is MUCH more important than Television any day!

JOIN IN THE CONVERSATION, we would LOVE to hear your thoughts,

The Plus Size Mommy

Disclosure – I am an Ambassador for Ragu Mom’s the Word on Dinner Program.
This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador in the Ragu Mom’s the Word on Dinner Program. I am being compensated for my Ambassadorship. All opinions and idea’s are my own. Visit www.facebook.com/ragusauce to join the conversation.

Few things say “home” like the classic taste of cinnamon and sugar. Just think of the many recipes you can make with this popular flavor pairing. Now Land O’Lakes makes it easier for you to spread a little sweetness with the new LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread.

There will be smiles around your table and will grow with every bite of this delightful butter added to your favorite breakfast foods and other dishes. It’s a simple way to get your kids to eat breakfast and start the day right when they can add a dollop of sweetness to their favorite foods.
LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread contains cinnamon and sugar swirled into creamy, all-natural butter. It has no artificial ingredients.

Made from simple ingredients, such as cream, sugar, canola oil and cinnamon, LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread can be used for spreading, topping, cooking and baking.

Tasty and versatile, LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread is great on toast, hot cereal, baked apples, vegetables, and much more.

Learn more about how you can add LAND O LAKES® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread to your favorite foods at www.LandoLakes.com or on Facebook. With a little bit of sugar, spice and everything nice, create new memories at home with sweet and wholesome breakfasts, savory dinner ideas, and twists on delicious sweet treats and desserts.

My family and I love eating cinnamon toast in the mornings, or even for a late night snack. We bought bread with it in it. Now all we have to do is buy plain bread and put on the new Cinnamon Sugar Spread. It makes more slices of bread and costs us less. That makes me happy when I save money and still get a great piece of nice toasty bread with the new butter.

I also love to cook with it. It is amazing how great your glazed carrots turn out when you melt this on top of them. I cannot wait to try it in other recipes too.

You can find out more by visiting LandoLakes.com you can also follow them on Twitter at : @LandOLakesKtchn .

Giveaway:

One (1) of my lucky readers can now win a prize pack from Land O’ Lakes! The details on entering are below :
This is the awesome Prize Pack you can win (pictured below) Winner’s prize pack will contain:

• One refrigerated sample of new LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread******
• One VIP coupon good for the purchase of one package of new LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
• One porcelain spreader
• One spatula
• One mini waffle pan
• One heart shaped cookie cutter

• Follow me on Twitter, I am @plussizemommy = 1 entry (comment and tweet me, and tell me you are)
• Follow me over on Networked Blogs, look over in my right sidebar and just click follow = 1 entry (comment and let me know you are)
• Give this post a Stumble on StumbleUpon Here, all you have to do is click the “SU” Green and Blue button under “Bookmark Us”  section on my right sidebar, comment and let me know you have = 2 entries.
• Follow @LandOLakesKtchn on Twitter, Tweet them and let them know I sent you, leave me a comment with the tweet thread letting me know you did = 2 entries
• Link this post to a post on Your blog, comment with the link to the post = 5 entries.
• Share this Giveaway on Facebook, comment with the thread of where you shared it = 5 entries per share (up to 3 shares per day).
• Comment and tell me what recipe you would use this butter in/on, or how you would like to eat it = 1 entry

Lipton Onion Burgers Recipe :

Makes 8 servings

Prep Time – 10 minutes

Cook Time – 12 minutes

Ingredients:

1 envelope of Lipton Recipe Secrets Onion Soup Mix

2 pounds of lean ground beef

1/2 cup of water

1. combine all ingredients in a large bowl, shape into 8 patties

2. Grill or Broil until done

Alternate choices : Lipton Recipe Secrets Beefy Onion, Onion Mushroom, or Savory Herb with Garlic Soup Mix.

Cost per recipe = $6.80

Cost per serving = $0.85

*Based on Average retail prices at national supermarkets.

You can find more great recipe idea’s and learn how to get your kids cooking in the kitchen with you by visiting : www.thefamilydish.com . You can also enter to win a family cooking vacation to Florida by submitting your 1 minute family cooking video to : www.thefamilydish.com. Contest submission ends 8/30/2010.

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure- I am sharing this recipe as an Ambassador for Unilever’s- The Family Dish Program. I am a contributor to www.thefamilydish.com . This post was created in connection with my appointment as an Ambassador in Unilever’s Family Dish Program. For more great idea’s, go to www.thefamilydish.com.

Summer’s best friend is the berry!  Luscious, red, juicy and bursting with flavor – what’s not to like?  What’s more, whether you grow your own berries or depend on the farmers who grow berries for Driscoll’s,  you know that they are not only at their best but plentiful too.  So the next time you’re at the market, pick up a few extra clamshells of Driscoll’s berries for a yummy DIY strawberry jam.  It’s easy and when you do it yourself you can personalize it with subtle nuances of flavors that take your jam from comfort food to gourmet.  What’s best is that you made it yourself!

Strawberry Jam
Makes roughly four half-pint jars

35 oz. Driscoll’s strawberries washed, hulled and cubed
35 oz. granulated white sugar
1 lemon, sliced
1 packet pectin, such as CERTO or Sure-Jell
1 Tbsp butter (to reduce foaming)

Method:
Combine the strawberries and sugar in a large, nonreactive pot; enamel or stainless steel are best. Let stand for at least 20 minutes, up to two hours.

Stir the contents of the pot well, and put over medium-high heat. Add the lemons, pectin and butter. Stir frequently, taking care not to burn the sugar. Bring to a boil and maintain a rolling boil. Skim away any foam that forms; if there is too much foam, add a little more butter.

Once a boil has been reached, take the temperature with a quick-read thermometer. Continue boiling and stirring until the mixture consistently reads 220ºF. Turn off the heat. Remove the lemon slices. If canning, process immediately (see On Canning, below). Otherwise, allow to cool, then pack in jars and refrigerate, or freezer-safe containers or bags if freezing.

Variations
For an extra berry punch, replace some of the strawberries with an equal amount of Driscoll’s® organic raspberries, blueberries or blackberries.

Or, once the jam reaches the target temperature, try giving yours a twist by adding one of the following:

• 1 Tbsp real balsamic and a few fresh cracks of black pepper
• 2 Tbsp Campari
• A handful of mint or basil, finely chopped
• Seeds from a vanilla bean
• Whatever you like
  

On Canning
As a rule, fruit preserves can be canned using the water-bath method. Water-bath canning is not difficult, but it does require attention to detail. You’ll need some specific equipment (see Equipment, below), and you need to make sure your jars, lids and utensils are well sterilized.

The USDA publishes a very thorough guide to home canning, with excellent instructions on how to can safely. We recommend reviewing this carefully before canning. You can view the guide here: http://www.uga.edu/nchfp/publications/publications_usda.html

Equipment
Before you start cooking up your berries, make sure you have the following items:

• A large pot *
• A rack that fits in the bottom of the pot *
• A pair of canning tongs *
• A magnetic lid wand *
• A jar funnel *
• A ladle *
• A quick-read thermometer
• A kitchen scale
• Cooling racks to set the hot jars on
• Plenty of kitchen towels
• Plenty of jars, rings and unused lids
• Patience, and a sense of humor
  

Most of these items, as well as a variety of jars, lids and rings, are readily available in most hardware stores, as well as some grocery stores.

* You can often find kits that have all these elements together, rather than purchasing them separately.

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

This 4th of July- instead of store bought desserts- put a blast of fun into making unique baked goods the whole family can enjoy! Try out some fantastic recipes from Duncan Hines® and cupcake experts Karen Tack and Alan Richardson, authors of the New York Times Bestseller Hello, Cupcake and the newly released What’s New Cupcake. Spend less money to create a sweet treat with Duncan Hines!

These recipes are perfect for any July 4th party. So whether you are cupcake crazy or just want to wow the crowd, try these unique and easy recipes that will be sure brighten up your 4th of July just like fireworks do!

Flag Cakes

Makes 12 Servings

Ingredients:

1 pkg Duncan Hines® Moist Deluxe® Classic White Cake Mix

1 (3 oz) pkg red flavor gelatin

1 (8 oz) container whipped topping

1 cup boiling water

1/2 cup cold water

1 pint strawberries

1 cup blueberries

1 cup miniature marshmallows

aluminum foil/fancy foil – color of your choice

star shaped stickers

miniature American candy flags

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 °F. Grease and flour a 13×9-inch pan.
Prepare, bake and cool cake according to package directions.
Use a large fork to make holes in the cake about every 1/2-inch.
Pour gelatin into a large bowl. Add boiling water and mix until gelatin is completely dissolved. Stir in cold water. Pour gelatin over the cake allowing it to run into the holes.
Refrigerate cake for 3 to 4 hours before serving.
Cover a cake tray with aluminum foil then place on tray to decorate.
Frost the sides and top with whipped topping. Then arrange strawberries, blueberries and marshmallows on the cake to create a ‘stars & stripes’ pattern. Use the blueberries to create a blue background in the upper left hand corner.
Take your foil stars and miniature American flags and decorate the sides of the cake. Once you have finished decorating the cake, place in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.

Corn on the Cob

Makes 8 ears of corn: 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

1 can (16 ounces) Vanilla Frosting, Yellow food coloring

About 3 ½ cups Small jelly beans (Jelly Bellys) in assorted yellow, cream, and white colors

4 pieces Yellow fruit chews (Laffy Taffys, Starbursts)

1 tablespoon each Black and white decorating sugars

(available at baking supply stores)

8 sets Corn Holders (optional)
Instructions:

Tint the vanilla frosting pale yellow with the food coloring.
Working with 3 cupcakes at a time, spread yellow frosting on top of each.
Arrange about 5 rows of jelly beans, close together, on each cupcake. Place the 3 cupcakes side by side on a corn dish or a serving platter. Repeat with the remaining cupcakes, frosting, and jelly beans.

Cut the fruit chews into eight 1-inch squares, and soften the edges slightly by
Hand so that they look melted. Place 1 square on top of each group of 3 cupcakes. Sprinkle with the sugars. Insert 1 corn holder, if using, in each of the end cupcakes.

Candy Stars and Stripes Forever

Make 1 flag: 48 standard and 48 mini cupcakes

Ingredients:

48 Standard vanilla cupcakes baked in white paper liners

6 Mini vanilla cupcakes baked in white paper liners

42 Mini vanilla cupcakes baked in red paper liners

3 cans (16 ounces) Vanilla frosting, blue and red food coloring

Assorted red and white candies such as:

Swedish Fish, regular and mini

Fruit leather (Fruit by the Foot)

Candy-coated chocolates, regular and mini (M&M’s)

Jordan Almonds

Gumdrops and spice drops

Sprinkles and jimmies

Gumballs and gum rectangles (Chiclets)

Jelly Beans

Licorice Pastels, licorice laces, nibs, and twists

Gummy bears

Mini jawbreakers

Sour strips and fruit chews (Sour Power Belts, Sour Patch Kids)

Instructions:

1 ¾ cups of the vanilla frosting blue with the food coloring. Tint 2 cups of the vanilla frosting red with the food coloring.
Spread the blue frosting on the tops of 12 of the standard cupcakes and the 6 mini cupcakes in white liners and smooth. Arrange the white candies on top in decorative designs.
Spread the red frosting on the tops of the 42 mini cupcakes in red liners and smooth. Arrange the red candies on top in decorative designs. Spread the remaining 36 standard cupcakes with the remaining vanilla frosting and smooth.
Starting at the bottom of the flag, arrange 3 rows across the 8 white-frosted cupcakes on a large serving platter or cutting board. Arrange the top 3 rows with 4 blue-frosted and 4 white-frosted cupcakes. Make sure all the cupcakes are touching one another. Place the mini red cupcakes between the rows of white-frosted cupcakes; 2 rows of 12 bridging the bottom 3 rows and 3 rows of 6 bridging the top 3 rows. Place the 6 mini blue cupcakes in between the rows of blue-frosted cupcakes.

Shared by : The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent product coupons for Duncan Hines.

Summer means fun with family and friends and lots of outdoor entertaining, from backyard grilling to pool parties and picnics in the park. Finlandia Cheese, the #1 imported cheese in the country, provides delicious, high quality cheeses with robust flavor, sure to make grilling and sandwich favorites even more delicious this summer season. Finlandia offers the finest line-up of premium, all-natural, imported and domestic cheeses available.

This summer, make your burger better with Finlandia Imported Muenster. This mild, creamy, full-bodied cheese is tangy and slow melting because it is made from the purest milk and aged over 60 days. With over 150 years of master cheese making experience, Finlandia creates expertly crafted, delicious tasting cheeses that are rich, robust and full of flavor. Finlandia cheeses are also all natural, lactose-free, and hormone-free.

Finlandia’s array of premium all-natural cheeses are available at your corner deli, your supermarket’s deli department and at club stores. Delicious Finlandia cheeses are available sliced at the service deli counter or pre-sliced in the self service deli section. You can also find Finlandia in chunk sizes perfect for snacking. Finlandia’s line-up includes: Swiss, Light Swiss, Lacey Swiss, Muenster, Gouda, Havarti and Double Gloucester Cheddar and Oltermanni.

“Our biggest fans are our consumers,” says Frank Belfiore, Marketing Director. “They consistently tell us that nothing compares to the taste, quality and flavor of Finlandia cheese. That is what we strive for.”

From the beach to the ballgame, layer on your favorite cheese slices as the perfect compliment to any sandwich, burger or deli meats. Try some of the recipe ideas below:

The Ultimate Cheeseburger

Ingredients
1 ¼ pounds lean ground beef
1 ¼ cup chopped onion
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons prepared mustard
Salt & pepper to taste
Suggested Finlandia Cheese: Swiss, Muenster or Gouda
4 sesame seed buns or hard rolls

Combine lean ground beef with onion, ketchup, horseradish, mustard, salt and pepper. Gently mix with hands till all ingredients are just blended. Shape into 4 patties about ½ inch thick. Grill or broil to desired doneness. Pile high with your favorite Finlandia cheese.

Fresca Crab Panini

Ingredients
2 lbs. king crab leg meat
5 oz. Finlandia Swiss cheese
2 ripe avocados
1 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
1 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning
3 oz. diced Bermuda onion
1 small Habanero pepper
1 tbsp. diced red peppers
1 tbsp. diced green peppers
1 tbsp. diced yellow peppers
2 oz. alfalfa sprouts
8 leaves red leaf lettuce
16 slices Tuscan bread
Olive oil needed for Panini grill

Blend mayonnaise, Habanero, one avocado and ½ of the Bermuda onion in blender. Roughly chop crab meat and toss in a mixing bowl with remaining onions, tri-color peppers and avocado mayonnaise. Chill mixture for 15-20 minutes Lay out slices of Tuscan bread and lightly spray each side with olive oil. Layer 1 lettuce leaf, 2 slices of Finlandia Swiss cheese, 4 oz. of crab mixture, 3 slices of avocado, 2 slices of Finlandia Swiss cheese, sprouts and top layer of bread. Toast sandwich on Panini grill for 6 to 8 minutes until bread is toasted well and cheese is melted thought. Cut in half and serve immediately.

Big Apple Turkey Rye Not

Ingredients
2 Tbs. apple butter
1 Tsp whole grain mustard
2 slices marbled rye bread
¼ cup shredded coleslaw
2 oz. thinly sliced turkey breast
2 oz. sliced Finlandia Swiss Cheese
2 slices red apple

Mix apple butter and mustard. Toast bread, if desired. Spread apple butter mixture on each slice of bread. Then layer one slice of bread with coleslaw, turkey, Finlandia Swiss and apple slices. Top with remaining bread slice.
Serves 1 sandwich

The Dakota

Ingredients
Chunky California Chicken Salad (chicken salad prepared with
mayo, raisins, almonds and dried cranberries)
Crisp bacon slices
Finlandia Swiss cheese
Submarine sandwich roll

Pile Chunky California Chicken Salad on a sub roll. Top with generous slices of crisp bacon and smother with Finlandia Swiss. Grill sandwich in pan or in the oven until cheese melts. Serve.
Makes 1 sandwich

Shared By : The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I received a product coupon for Finlandia Cheese.

MAKE DAD BREAKFAST IN BED THIS FATHER’S DAY

JUNE 20th

With Father’s Day fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect way to celebrate dad.  As for gifts, most fathers have more than enough ties and gadgets, so why not give him something more memorable this year. Start his day with a delicious, warm and cheerful breakfast that is sure to fill his stomach and his heart.  With Aunt Jemima® Frozen Pancakes, making breakfast for dad can be so simple that kids, along with another adult, can help make his day.

Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are easy to make and can be prepared in only one minute in the microwave or toaster.  Choose from a wide variety sure to please dad’s palate including: Buttermilk, Low Fat Buttermilk, Whole Grain, Mini and Blueberry and New Confetti Pancakes. Aunt Jemima Frozen Pancakes are available nationwide in the freezer section of grocery stores at suggested retail price of $2.69 for a package of 12 pancakes.  They are a good source of 6 vitamins and minerals and contain no preservatives.

Here are some ways to celebrate dad:

HEAVENLY HOMESTYLE HAPPY FACE

Ingredients:

Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes

Microwaveable Bacon

Microwaveable Sausage Links

Home fries- any style you prefer

Table Syrup

Directions:

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Homestyle Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package

-Prepare the microwaveable bacon according to package and arrange as hair

-Prepare microwaveable sausage and arrange as a happy face smile

-Prepare home fries according to package and use as finishing touch for the happy face eyes

-Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

BUTTERMILK BANANA BEAR

Ingredients:

Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes

Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes

One Banana

Blueberries

Raisins

Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

Directions:

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Buttermilk Pancakes in a toasted oven or microwave according to package

-Prepare Aunt Jemima Frozen Mini Pancakes in a toaster oven or microwave according to package and -arrange as bears ears

-Prepare two small slices of a banana and place on top of the mini pancakes for the bear’s ears

-Prepare two smaller slices of banana and arrange onto of pancake for the bear’s eyes

-Prepare one blueberry sliced in half and then place on top of banana slices for the bear’s eyes

-Prepare three raisins and arrange as the bear’s nose

-Add Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup to make the bear’s smile

-Put on a plate; serve with Log Cabin or Mrs. Butterworth’s Syrup

FROM ME :

I cannot wait to help my kids surprise my husband on Sunday morning (Father’s Day) with these adorable breakfast meals. They are going to be as fun to make as I am sure yummy to eat. I took them to the grocery store today to get everything we needed. I will be sure to write a future post letting you know how it all went. These recipes seem so easy I think my 4 yr. old will be able to even put them together to create a cute animal or angel for her daddy. She will be so excited. These are also great to make for you child when they are sad or not feeling well to cheer them up a bit.

Check back for some more recipes I will be sharing for Father’s Day dinner and desserts too!

Shared by: The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent coupons to buy the Pancakes for the recipe.

I was recently honored with the title “Rice Krispies Brand Ambassador for The Motherhood.com” Summer Edition of the Rice Krispies Recipe Box Challenge, along with 9 other woman. We were asked to participate in a very fun project where we were sent a “Mystery box” and a “Mystery Clue Word” in the mail. We had to get with our team by using Twitter, Facebook, and any other way possible to complete a sentence by putting each of our mystery word clues together. Then using the mystery ingredients in our Mystery box and other ingredients we had to come up with a recipe to go along with that sentence.

I was so excited to be a part of this awesome project. I love clue’s and games, and this was right up my alley, cause I love cooking too. I must admit I was a bit nervous on how/what recipe I would make. But after thinking about it the moment we fit our sentence together, “Fourth of July’s Cooler When Kids Help Create Rice Krispies Treats Recipes!” (WITH “COOLER” being the Main CLUE WORD) It was like a light bulb turned on in my head and I was ready to Rock and Roll with this.

I couldn’t wait to get started today, in fact, if I wasn’t so tired, I would’ve started yesterday night after our sentence was approved, but you know, I did have to go buy other ingredients today and I did need some sort of sleep

So today bright and early I got up with my girls and we went to get pedicure’s and then we hit Walmart to shop for what we needed. They were so excited too. I told them my idea’s and they were sooooo wanting to get home to create our recipes!

I made a Muvee of us creating our recipes. I can only submit 1 of my recipes for this contest. The winning recipe will get their recipe posted to www.ricekrispies.com. I am hoping of course to win, but I am so excited to just share my recipes with you and also see what wonderful creations the other ladies come up with.

Here is My Muvee followed by my 3 recipes. Please note, I am very new at making vlogs/movies on my blog, so please bear with me I am hoping to get better with every movie I make.

To let you in on what was happening on the video a little -
The first pics of the stars and paper are what I was sent for my clues. I was also sent a box of Rice Krispies and a bag of Jet Puffed Marshmallows. I just wanted to include these because I thought it was so sweet.

Then you can see me melting butter and marshmallows. Then you can see me making all of the food and in some instances my family members enjoying what I came up with! They were all very pleased at the treats I made.

Now for the Recipes :

1. Strawberry Rice Krispie Cakes

–

Butter – 3 Tablespoons
Marshmallows – 1 pack
Rice Krispies – 6 cups
Strawberries – sliced (about 2 pints, depends on how many people your serving)
Cool Whip
Vanilla Ice Cream
cupcake pan

Melt butter and Marshmallows in large pan. Put Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Pour melted butter/marshmallow mixture over the Rice Krispies and mix well. Spray cupcake pan with Non-stick cooking spray. Mold Rice Krispie treats into cupcake pan into circles, let cool. Wash and slice strawberries.
After Rice Krispie “cakes” cool, remove one and place on a plate. put 1 scoop of Vanilla ice cream on top (or your favorite kind). Spoon starberries on top. Put a dollop of Cool Whip on top. Use patriotic sprinkles onto the Whipped topping. Of course top it off with a 1/2 of a strawberry. VOILÀ ! Serve…

2. Rice Krispie Ice Cream Sandwiches

-

3 Tablespoons of Butter
6 cups of Rice Krispies (can use plain or Cocoa Krispies)
Vanilla Ice Cream (or your favorite kind)
1 pack of Jet Puffed Marshmallows

Melt 3 Tbs. of Butter and 1 bag of Marshmallows in a pan. Put 6 cups of Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl. Pour melted mixture over the top of the Rice Krispies and mix well. Spread onto a thin baking sheet. Press it down firm onto pan. Cool.
Cut into rectangular squares (or any shape you desire). Take one flat rectangle off of cookie sheet and place on plate. Top with Vanilla Ice Cream. Add another Rice Krispie Treat rectangle on top, pressing down firm into a sandwich, Serve. You can also place these into individual baggies and store in the freezer to save for later yumminess.

3. Snap, Crackle, Pop Sticks

-

6 Cups of Rice Krispies
3 Tablespoons of butter
1 pack of Jet Puffed Marshmallows
Vanilla Ice Cream
Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup
Smucker’s Chocolate Fudge Shell Ice Cream topping
6 oz. plastic cups
Craft Sticks (like tongue depressors)
1 – 16 oz. cup

Melt butter and Marshmallows in a big pan. Place 6 cups of Rice Krispies into a large bowl. Cover with melter Marshmallow Mixture, Mix Well. Squirt in some Hershey’s Chocolate Syrup until Rice Krispies turn chocolate colored. Squirt into 6 oz. plastic cups enough Syrup to cover the bottoms. next layer in Rice Krispie Treat Mixture, Then a layer of Vanilla Ice Cream. Then 1 more layer of Rice Krispie Treat mixture. Stick a stick into the middle and place into Freezer to set (about an hour). Pour Smucker’s Chocolate Fudge Shell Ice Cream topping into the 16 oz. cup. When set take out cups of mixture, pull gently out of cups with Stick (will be like a Popsicle). Dip All the way down into chocolate shell and swirl until the whole thing is covered (except for the stick). Take out and let shell harden around the ice cream mixture. Bon Appetite!
Once these are hardened you can place into individual baggies and store in Freezer.

I had so much fun with this project and so did my whole family. Thank you to TheMotherhood.com for asking me to be a part of this Ambassadorship. Also Thank you to www.ricekrispies.com for bringing this exciting recipe challenge to us.

If you would like to see what the other 9 ladies are making, you can visit them at their sites, or by keeping touch with them via Twitter by using the #ricekrispies hashtag, below are their names :

Amanda Mommy Mandy http://www.mommymandy.com

Kelsey Naptime Chef http://www.thenaptimechef.com

Jodi Mom’s Favorite Stuff http://www.momsfavoritestuff.com/index.php

Melissa GirlyMama http://www.girlymama.typepad.com

Maricris Zen Mama Ventures http://zenforyou.dalefg.net

Alicia The Mommy Insider http://www.themommyinsider.com

Jenny Mommin’ It Up http://momminitup.com

Kimberly Pretty Pink Momma http://prettypinkmomma.blogspot.com
Melanie Modern Mami http://www.modernmami.com

I cannot wait to see what everyone is cooking up! Speaking of cooking up, I am also giving away a Rice Krispies TreatsTM Cookbook


Here is how you can win :

I came up with 3 recipes but I can only choose 1 to enter into the Recipe contest to have my recipe posted on www.ricekrispies.com. So, here is where I need help. Leave me a comment telling me which 1 of my 3 recipes you think I should enter. I will use random.com to randomly pick from all comments left on this post the winner of the cookbook!

For a bonus entry, go and visit www.themotherhood.com ‘s Rice Krispie Circle and leave another comment saying which of my 3 recipes you think I should enter and then come back over here and tell me you did. For vising the circle and then stopping back to let me know you did. I will reward you with a Bonus entry to try and win the cookbook with!

This giveaway begins NOW and will end on July 24th at 5PM EST. Winners will be announced via this blog on July 25th, 2010. ONE winner will be chosen via random.org from all eligible comments left on this post. Official Rules to this giveaway can be found at the bottom of this post. (PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE ENTERING).

Thank you for your Help with choosing the hopefully winning recipe.

OFFICIAL RULES FOR THE COOKBOOK GIVEAWAY – View official giveaway rules here.

The Plus Size Mommy

*Disclosure – I was sent a stipend as part of this project with The Motherhood. Music in the Youtube Video was from Sony, and song by Whitney Houston.

]]> http://theplussizemommy.com/lifestyle/plussize-foodie/fourth-julys-cooler-kids-create-rice-krispies-treats-recipes-ricekrispies/feed 4 http://theplussizemommy.com/lifestyle/plussize-healthfitness/hint-great-memorial-day-picnic?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hint-great-memorial-day-picnic http://theplussizemommy.com/lifestyle/plussize-healthfitness/hint-great-memorial-day-picnic#comments Mon, 24 May 2010 21:46:25 +0000 theplus http://theplussizemommy.com/?p=3410



This weekend marks the unofficial start of the summer season, and with that comes poolside drinks, barbeques, and lots of food!  We all know how hard it can be to resist the temptation of sipping on a sugary cocktail or indulging in that chili cheese dip, but what if there were delicious alternatives for your family?

For those of you who enjoy sweet beverages or cocktails, HINT, a 0 calorie, 0 sugar flavored water is your perfect alternative.  With just a ‘hint’ of natural fruit flavor, and no preservatives, HINT will give you that sweet taste you crave without all the sugar and calories.  It comes in 10 flavors, so it’s perfect in your favorite cocktail!

Additionally, below you will find some great recipes provided by Wellspring Camps, the nations leading weight loss organization, that you won’t feel guilty about indulging in, including:

• Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs
• Black Bean Dip
• Sour Cream Chicken
• Vegetarian Chili

Recipes:

























Black Bean Dip

Serving Size: 2 Tbsp

1 -15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 small can green chilies
1 cup salsa
2 cloves garlic
1/2 tsp cumin
optional: 1/4- 1/2 c cilantro

Blend all ingredients in a food processor. Add salt if needed.

Calories: 42
Fat: 0g

Sour Cream Chicken

Ingredients:

1.25 lbs. Chicken breast, boneless skinless
1 cup Onions, Chopped
1.5 Tablespoons Paprika
½ teaspoon Salt
2 cups Chicken broth, fat free
2 cups Sour Cream, fat free
2 teaspoon Flour

Method:

1.        Lightly spray pan (oven safe dish) with cooking spray and place chicken breasts in pan

2.        Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes

3.        Sautee onions in a skillet (use cooking spray) until translucent, not brown

4.        Add chicken broth, paprika, and salt – reduce stove to low heat.

5.        Stir flour into the sour cream, mix well

6.        Slowly add sour cream mixture to the broth, mix well

7.        Add reserved chicken breasts and simmer until chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

Yield: 5 Servings, 4 ounce chicken breasts

Nutritional Information:

201 Kcalories
31 grams Protein
1.66 grams Fat

FROM ME :

I was sent some HINT drinks to try in some tasty Mother’s Day Healthy Cocktails, they were very tasty. I am not a drinker per say, but every now and then, I will have a taste I love Virgin mixed Drinks which you can totally make as well. Here are some Recipes for the HINT COCKTAILS that I tried :

HINT COCKTAILS

Healthy Mama

1 Part Vodka

1 1/2 Parts Watermelon HINT

1 Watermelon Slice

Slimming Sally

3 Parts Gin

2 Dashes of Maraschino Liquer

1 part HINT Mango – Grapefruit

Splash of Simple Syrup

Relaxing Raspberry

2 oz. Raspberry Rum

6 oz. HINT Raspberry- Lime

Splash of Lime Juice

Sweet Mommy

2 oz. Pomegranate Vodka

6 oz. HINT Pomegranate- Tangerine

2 Mint Leaves

Dash Honey Syrup

Hope your Memorial Day Picnic’s are Enjoyable. Please be safe and do not Drink and Drive.

The Plus Size Mommy

* Disclosure – I was sent bottles of HINT to try in order to write this post. All recipes are from Hint, but all opinions of Hint of mine are 100% my honest opinion.










Enjoy Your Week end!

The Plus Size Mommy

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