Prep: 15 minCook: 25 min
Ready in: 2 hours 25 min
Serves: 8
Ingredients
Directions
Nutritional Information
Amount Per Serving Calories: 504 | Total Fat: 31.5g | Cholesterol: 192mg
thanks to http://allrecipes.com for the fabo recipe
Monday, April 18, 2011
Free $20 Credit on Rue La La! Don't Miss Out on this One!
I love free credit! From now until 4/25, you can get a FREE $20 credit to Rue La La (new members only). You do not want to miss this deal they only do it once in a while and its a great credit. Last time they did this promo I joined and ended up getting 3 lipstain/gloss duos for free!Note: it can take up to 48 hours for your credit to appear
Thanks to the Daily Goodie Bag for pointing this one out!
Get Megamind on Amazon for only $6.99 with free shipping on Amazon
Pretty awesome deal you can get Megamind (Single-Disc Edition)
for only $6.99 with free 2 day shipping through Amazon Prime. Pretty awesome deal for a birthday, or christmas gift.. or for a TCF donation *winks*Thanks to Coupons Equals Cash for pointing this out
Open Discussion: Television what do you think?
As I sit here listening to glee on youtube I got to thinking about Tv and its influence on the youth of today and its influence on my life and my friends, my entire life I grew up hearing how TV was bad for youth, but I don't personally think it affected me that much, but then again I do not know why but the again other than a few shows that I "had" to watch I never have been a big TV person, in fact I complain a lot about the amount of TV watching that happens in our household because the electric hum of the TV bugs me.
However we do live in a society that loves TV, so I am wondering what are your views on TV and children, how much is too much? What is ok for children to watch? I had a child I use to nanny that at 6 was not allowed to watch TV, until I got special permission for him to watch Sesame Street, even then we could put it on and had to turn it off right away. He was allowed to watch his movies, it was his moms way of making sure he did not watch things she did not want him to watch and he did not seem to mind, and though I got tired of watching bob the builder over and over I did not mind either made my job easier cause I did not have to worry about allowing him to watch something he was not allowed to. So what are your thoughts on TV and children?
Money Saving Monday ~ Couponing- The junk food myth
Among the top-5 excuses for not couponing, people with most always choose something along the lines of “I can't get healthy food,” “You can only get junk with coupons,” or “We try and eat real food.” Now, I'll admit it, the majority of grocery coupons out there are for over-processed, sugar-filled, and downright unhealthy. But, and this is an amazing and big but: NOT ALL ARE!
This last week I planned out a Safeway trip to use my coupons, doubles, and take advantage of the Friday-specific sales. This is how it turned out:
I saved almost 50% on this purchase and paid $60 for it all. Let's go through a run-down of what I got.
Steaks. Real meat.
Cheese. 8 pounds of cheesy, dairy goodness.
Yogurt. My daughter's most favorite food on Earth, and not junk.
Potatoes. Not straight out-of-the-ground potatoes, but these packets are made from real potatoes and usually what we do is go half-and-half with the flakes and real potatoes.
Rice. Microwave rice. What are the ingredients? Water, rice, oil, seasonings.
Bananas and cauliflower. No coupons for these guys, but a couple of my daughter's favorite foods (mine too!).
Bag of salad. I usually will buy my own lettuce and stray away from the pre-packaged stuff just because it costs more, but with my coupon and double, it was free!
Chicken. A whole roast chicken in the back, I'll be trying to stretch that into four different meals. Hopefully it'll be a success and I can share it with you!
And the “junk”
Soda. I'll admit it, we like soda! But we are trying to slow our intake down and not spend nearly as much on individual cans of them, hence the 2 liters. On Friday, these were on sale for 69 cents each.
Cereals. Sugary, over-processed, blah-blah-blah, I like this stuff still!
Chocolate Chips. 8 bags of them. This should be enough to last until Christmastime when baking stuff usually goes on sale.
What am I saying? I'm not perfect! I like soda, but I still love salad and eating carrots as a snack. But I guess what I'm mostly saying is that if you're shunning couponing because you try to stray away from junk food- give it a chance! You won't get piles and piles of free stuff, but you can save money, and that's what we want to help you do!
Merry savings to all and to all some spare change,
Laura
Gaggle of Chicks Easter Egg Hunt: Enter to win $1000!
Who wouldnt want to win $1000?
Participate in Gaggle of Chicks’ first-ever online egg hunt and you could win! Each day this week, an egg featuring letters will be hidden on one of Gaggle of Chicks’ favorite websites. Use the letters in the egg to help you answer the following question:
What secret food did Gaggle Mama most crave during pregnancy?
Collect the other letters during this week by heading over to a different participating website each day. At the end of the week, unscramble all of the collected letters to discover the answer to the question above. For clues on where to find each day’s egg, sign up for Gaggle of Chicks and check the daily email. Each daily email will feature a link that will direct you to that day’s egg.
Want to have a better chance at winning?
Invite your friends to join Gaggle of Chicks using your unique URL referral. You’ll get an additional entry for every new Gaggle member that you refer who correctly answers the question. So get your friends to join, and work together to win! I will also update this thread daily with the location of the next set of letters!
After you have already collected all the letters throughout this week, simply email the answer to contest@gaggleofchicks.com by 12PM EST on Monday, April 25th. If you get it right you will be entered to win $1000
* Fine Print: To enter, participants must be Gaggle of Chicks members. Only one entry per person. For each referral that correctly answers the question, an additional entry will be given to the referring participant. Multiple entries will lead to disqualification.
** Gaggle of Chicks is also running giveaways for their Facebook every Friday in April with one lucky Facebook fan winning an iPad 2 on April 29th! To enter, simply ‘like’ Gaggle on Facebook.
4/18's letters can be found at
4/19's letters can be found at
4/20's letters can be found at
http://www.centsablemomma.com/
4/21's letter can be found at
4/22's letter can be found at
http://hip2save.com/2011/04/gaggle-of-chicks-easter-egg-hunt-win-1000-2.html
Healthier Sweet Snacks and Desserts
I had a friend tell me she would love to cut desserts and soda out of her diet but her hubby is addicted to sweets so its impossible, and stressful to do so. I can 100% understand how she feels, I came from a family who thought cake for breakfast was ok as long as you had a glass of milk with it, sadly while my brother and sister seem to have the metabolism of 3 year olds, I having always been the chubby child could not get away doing such things. So what do you do when your family doesn't want to give up the sweets you could take the hard route don't buy them, ban them from the house, but come on how often does that work? Instead substitute, you can even sneak in healthy treats that are beneficial to their health!
So what kind of deserts are healthier and nummy? Well my friends I have come today to bring you a few recipes that you can enjoy without feeling like your torturing the family, just remember no matter how healthy it is if your eating too much of it, its still unhealthy, so stick with the right proportions!
Snacks
Gorp~
When I was a kid we use to go camping all the time, and gorp always makes me think of camping.. and Yosemite by song.
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 ounce whole shelled (unpeeled) almonds
- 1/4 ounce unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
- 1/4 ounce dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped pitted dates
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chocolate chips
PREPARATION
- Combine almonds, peanuts, cranberries, dates and chocolate chips in a small bowl.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 102 calories; 6 g fat ( 1 g sat , 3 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 11 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 29 mg sodium; 69 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium, magnesium, fiber, vitamins E and C.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 fat
______________________________________________________________
Coconut Bananas ~
- 4 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 4 teaspoons toasted unsweetened coconut
- 2 small bananas, sliced on the bias
PREPARATION
- Place cocoa and coconut on separate plates. Roll each banana slice in the cocoa, shake off the excess, then dip in the coconut.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 80 calories; 1 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 19 g carbohydrates; 1 g added sugars; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 5 mg sodium; 274 mg potassium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 fruit
____________________________________________________________
Apricot Conapes~
INGREDIENTS
- 16 dried apricots
- 8 teaspoons crumbled blue cheese
- 2 ounces chopped shelled pistachios
- 1/2 teaspoon honey
- Freshly ground pepper
PREPARATION
- Top each apricots with 1/2 teaspoon cheese. Sprinkle with pistachios and drizzle with honey; sprinkle with pepper.
NUTRITION
Per piece: 64 calories; 4 g fat ( 1 g sat , 2 g mono ); 1 mg cholesterol; 7 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein; 1 gfiber; 20 mg sodium; 170 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Protein, potassium, calcium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1/2
Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1/2 fat
_________________________________________________
Strawberry and cream cheese sandwiches ~
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon reduced-fat cream cheese, (Neufchâtel)
- 1/4 teaspoon honey
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
- 2 slices very thin whole-wheat sandwich bread
- 2 medium strawberries, sliced
PREPARATION
- Combine cream cheese, honey and orange zest in a bowl. Spread bread with the cheese mixture. Place sliced strawberries on 1 piece of bread, top with the other.
NTURITION
Per serving: 128 calories; 4 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 8 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 2 g added sugars; 4 g protein; 3 g fiber; 191 mg sodium; 63 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (25% daily value), Vitamin C (90% dv), Folate (67% dv), Iron (20% dv).
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat
Deserts
Indoor Smores~
INGREDIENTS
- 2 whole graham crackers, broken in half
- 4 marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons bittersweet chocolate chips, melted
PREPARATION
- Position oven rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat broiler.
- Place graham cracker halves on a baking sheet; top each with 1 marshmallow. Broil, with the oven door ajar and watching carefully, until the marshmallows are golden brown, 45 to 75 seconds. Remove from the oven and drizzle each S’more with a little melted chocolate.
TIPS & NOTES
- Tip: To melt chocolate: Microwave on Medium for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving on Medium in 20-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval. Or place in the top of a double boiler over hot, but not boiling, water. Stir until melted.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 98 calories; 3 g fat ( 1 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 18 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 0 g fiber; 70 mg sodium; 33 mg potassium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1
Exchanges: 1 carbohydrate
_______________________________________________
Hot Fudge Pudding Cake~
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup nonfat milk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pecan halves, toasted (see Tip)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/3 cups hot strong coffee
PREPARATION
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Combine milk, egg, oil and vanilla in a glass measuring cup. Make a well in center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the milk mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in pecans. Spoon into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Dissolve brown sugar in coffee; spoon over batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes outclean, about 25 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes; serve hot or warm.
TIPS & NOTES
- Tip: To toast pecan halves: Spread nuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F, stirring once, until fragrant, 7 to 9 minutes.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 142 calories; 5 g fat ( 1 g sat , 3 g mono ); 18 mg cholesterol; 24 g carbohydrates; 2 g protein;1 g fiber; 204 mg sodium; 114 mg potassium.
Carbohydrate Servings: 1 1/2
Exchanges: 1 1/2 other carbohydrate, 1 fat
______________________________________________
Rubarb Vanilla Compote~
INGREDIENTS
- 4 cups diced rhubarb
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
PREPARATION
- Combine rhubarb, sugar and cinnamon in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat; reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook until the rhubarb begins to break down, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 124 calories; 0 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 31 g carbohydrates; 1 g protein; 2 g fiber; 5 mg sodium; 353 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (15% daily value).
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 1/2 fruit
________________________________________________
Grilled Peaches & Angel Food Cake with Red-Wine Sauce~
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup fruity red wine, such as Merlot or Shiraz
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons Triple Sec, or other orange-flavored liqueur
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1-2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 6 ripe but firm medium peaches, peeled and halved
- 6 slices angel food cake, (1 inch thick)
PREPARATION
- Combine wine and orange juice in a small heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, 15 to 20 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, stir in Triple Sec (or other orange liqueur), brandy and 1 tablespoon sugar. Simmer until the sugar dissolves and flavors combine, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in lemon juice. Taste and stir in remaining sugar if needed for a pleasantly sweet but not cloying sauce.
- Preheat grill to medium. Oil the grill rack (see Tip, below).
- Brush peaches lightly with 2 tablespoons of the wine sauce, reserving the rest. Transfer the peaches and cake slices to the grill. Grill the cake over indirect heat or the coolest part of the grill until lightly toasted, about 1 minute per side. Grill the peaches over direct heat until softened and browned in spots, 3 to 5 minutes per side. In the last minute of grilling, brush the peaches with 2 tablespoons more of the wine sauce.
- Arrange 1 cake slice and 2 peach halves on each dessert plate and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Serve hot or at room temperature.
TIPS & NOTES
- Make Ahead Tip: Prepare sauce (Steps 1-2), cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bring to room temperature before using.
- To oil the grill rack: Oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Don't use cooking spray on a hot grill.)
NUTRITION
Per serving: 199 calories; 0 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 0 mg cholesterol; 36 g carbohydrates; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 106 mg sodium; 322 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (45% daily value).
Carbohydrate Servings: 2 1/2
Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1 1/2 other carbohydrate
__________________________________________________
Aromatic Rice Pudding~
INGREDIENTS
- 2 tablespoons pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons golden raisins
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
- 2 cups prepared rice pudding
PREPARATION
- Stir pine nuts, raisins and lemon zest into rice pudding.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 202 calories; 5 g fat ( 2 g sat , 1 g mono ); 9 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 1 g fiber; 158 mg sodium; 247 mg potassium.
Exchanges: 2 other carbohydrate, 1 fat
_______________________________________________
Strawberry Raspberry sunday~
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup strawberries, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup raspberries, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt
PREPARATION
- Puree strawberries and raspberries with sugar and lemon juice in a blender. Serve over frozen yogurt and top with sliced strawberries and raspberries, if desired.
NUTRITION
Per serving: 130 calories; 0 g fat ( 0 g sat , 0 g mono ); 2 mg cholesterol; 28 g carbohydrates; 5 g protein; 2 g fiber; 65 mg sodium; 293 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (45% daily value), Calcium (20% dv).
Carbohydrate Servings: 2
Exchanges: 1 1/2 other carbohydrate
Note: The Recipe calls for sugar but its just as good without!
A big thanks to eatingwell.com for the recipes
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