A blog for moms with family fun, reviews, giveaways and more...

Tomato, Watermelon & Blueberry Salad Recipe

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This Tomato, Watermelon & Blueberry Salad recipe is from Chef Dave Martin (Top Chef) who prepared it for myself, a group of fabulous bloggers, and McDonald's executives at the Culinary Loft in New York City. I've altered the recipe slightly, but maintained the integrity of the salad. I was in NYC for the McDonald's Flavors of Summer First Taste event and getting the recipe for this salad was one of the highlights of my trip. It's a sweet and savory salad that is easily prepared, and suitable for your fanciest of dinner parties or a Summer backyard BBQ. I really enjoy a healthy side dish like this one to accompany our typical BBQ fare. Here's a picture of Chef Dave's salad served at … [Read more...]

Chocolate Cherry Coca Cola Cupcakes Recipe

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You may have noticed that I have a fondness for cupcakes. They're small, cute, versatile, delicious, little gems of pure baked happiness! For Mother's Day, I decided to try a new cupcake recipe. I am delighted that this Chocolate Cherry Coca Cola Cupcake recipe turned out to be even better than I had anticipated. I hope you'll try them, because they are truly delicious! Ingredients: 1 package chocolate cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Moist Supreme Devils Food) Eggs and oil per cake mix instructions 1 can Coca Cola 1 8 ounce jar maraschino cherries in syrup 1 21 ounce can cherry pie filling, lightly drained Your favorite Butter Cream Frosting Recipe plus 2 tablespoons maraschino … [Read more...]

Baked Fish Sticks with Parmesan Recipe

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Why does fish taste better when it's cut into sticks? I'm sure it has something to do with that fact that fish sticks are one of those few foods where you are allowed to eat with your fingers. You don't have to worry about that knowing look from mom telling you to pick up that fork. These baked fish sticks with Parmesan are very easy to prepare and taste better than the frozen variety, although I have nothing against the good old fashioned frozen fish sticks. I grew up on them after all. Baked Fish Sticks with Parmesan Prep Time: 10 Minutes, Bake Time: 10 to 12 Minutes at 450 Degrees Ingredients: Nonstick Cooking Spray 1 pound tilapia or other white fish, patted dry 1 cup … [Read more...]

Berry Frappe Recipe

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Welcome the warm weather with this delicious berry frappe! I love anything fruity and this frothy berry frappe recipe is both refreshing and delicious. Make this for your guests and they are sure to be impressed. Here's What You'll Need 12 ounce bag frozen unsweetened raspberries 1 pint strawberries, sliced 12 ounces cream soda 8 ounces non-fat or low-fat plain yogurt 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate 2 cups club soda 1. You will need to blend the ingredients in two batches, so your blender doesn't floweth over (Trust me on this one, as I speak from a very messy experience. Place 1/2 of the following ingredients in blender: raspberries, creme soda, yogurt, … [Read more...]

McCormick Look Book: No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake Recipe

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I get so excited when I find a very simple recipe that is good enough to serve my company! The McCormick Look Book has many mouth-watering recipes that are just that, easy to prepare and good enough for your guests. It's chock full of Spring themed recipes that will inspire cooks to create the perfect springtime meal for family and friends. McCormick sent us a package full of spices, extracts and food coloring. Everything that I will need for my springtime cooking and baking! My Dad is coming to town this week and although we are going to be very busy during his visit, I still want to make something special for him. I found a fabulous No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake recipe in the … [Read more...]

Potato Puffs Recipe

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Potato Puffs Recipe These little gems couldn't be any simpler to make and they are quite delicious. The kids really enjoyed these! Here's What You'll Need 1 - 4 ounce bag instant potatoes (loaded baked potato variety) 3 eggs 1/2 shredded cheddar cheese cooking spray 24 count - mini muffin tin Prepare instant potatoes according to package directions. Stir in 3 whisked eggs and cheddar cheese. Spray muffin tins with cooking spray and spoon in potato mixture, filling to top. Bake in 375 degree oven for 15 -20 minutes, until golden brown. Enjoy!   … [Read more...]

Silk Fruit&Protein Seasonal Fruit Smoothies #SilkFruit #CBias

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Silk Fruit&Protein Seasonal Fruit Smoothies - Get Juiced About Protein! We are always making smoothies in our house and like having them at all different times of the day. Smoothies are great for breakfast, lunch and dessert. I like that they can easily be made with whatever seasonal fruits and ingredients are on hand. A Smoothie A Day Keeps the Doctor Away! I try to make sure that our smoothies always contain dairy, fruit, and protein. I've been adding protein powder to our smoothies for the longest time, although I have to admit that I don't much care for the texture and flavor that it adds. I was thrilled to learn about Silk Fruit&Protein as something I could use in our … [Read more...]

Homemade Doggy Ice Cream

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With the warm weather upon us, even the dogs need some cool treats. I recently purchased some doggy ice cream from the store and paid an arm and a leg for it. The dogs loved their cool treat, so I knew I had to come up with a less expensive homemade version of doggy ice cream. I also like knowing that they are eating treats without preservatives or any other potentially harmful ingredients. Ingredients: 2 cups plain non-fat yogurt 1 cup peanut butter 1 banana, mashed 2 tablespoons honey (optional) In a medium bowl, mash banana and mix in yogurt. Slightly warm peanut butter in microwave or on the stove top, to make it easier to mix. Add peanut butter and honey to the banana and … [Read more...]

Eat Your Veggies: Zucchini Boats with Country Crock

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This post is sponsored by Country Crock. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. If only I had a dollar for each time I have said the words "eat your veggies". Getting your kids to eat their veggies can be a real challenge. Thanks to the Country Crock folks, I now have some fantastic new kid-friendly vegetable recipes! I made some Zucchini Boats from a recipe I found in the Clare Crespo Cookbook. It's a digital download with twenty-five fun, tasty, and healthy recipes that are perfect for families with children. Aren't these zucchini boats adorable? They're also quite … [Read more...]

Candy Bar Cake Balls

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This all started due to an epic cake fail a couple of weeks ago, when in my haste I attempted to turn my cakes out of the pan while they were too warm. I stored the broken pieces of cake in the freezer in hopes of making some cake balls. Of course, I totally forgot that I had picked up lollipop (aka cake pop sticks) last week, when I started this recipe. Thus the candy bar cake balls were created. They are really quite delicious, even if they aren't on a stick! Ingredients: 1 deep dark chocolate cake (recipe below) 1 can chocolate frosting 2 - 4.4 oz candy bars, coarsely chopped (I used Butterfinger) 1 - 12 ounce bag chocolate candy melts 1 - 12 oz bag vanilla candy melts Deep … [Read more...]