Cooking with Coconut Oil

I was recently sent a jar of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil from Tropical Traditions to review. I've read mixed reports about whether or not coconut oil is healthy, so was pleased to receive their Virgin Coconut Oil Book, which was full of all sorts of interesting information. I highly recommend you checking this book out. This video, "How We Discovered Virgin Coconut Oil - An Interview with Brian Shilhavy, CEO Tropical Traditions" is full of interesting information as well.

Every other review of this oil I have read has stated that they were unable to taste the coconut in it. When I opened it, it smelled of coconut, so I dipped my finger in and had a taste. At this point, it just tasted like oil. The whole family did however smell and taste it in the first dish I tried it in. Most of us loved it, although dear hubby seemed to think I'd lost my mind. He is not a coconut fan though. The first recipe I made was a pasta salad and although the coconut flavor was there, I think it was a nice addition to the dish. I am anxious to try this in more recipes. I already know that I love baking with it. The neighbor cannot wait for me to make some coconut shrimp or chicken using the coconut oil. I think I am going to enjoy experimenting with it.

If you are a first time Tropical Traditions customer you can receive the book free with your first purchase. When you place an order, click on "How did you hear about us?" then choose "Referred by a friend." Then just enter this code:5488541 and the book will be added to your order free of charge!

Oh! Nuts Review

Did I ever tell you I like nuts? Not talking about my friend Lynette over at Crazed Mind or Juls with the Crazee Scotts but about nuts. Like cashews, pecans and pistachios, mixed nuts are wonderful. And they are good for your heart too! In particular, nut eating greatly lowers the risk of heart disease. Nuts are of course a fatty food and many might worry that they will put on weight by eating more nuts. Happily though, on present evidence, nuts do not seem to cause weight gain. This is great! In fact, nuts are a suggested snack on the new eating plan I am on.

Well the folks over at Oh Nuts! were kind enough to send me Assorted Pastel Jordan Almonds, Mixed Nuts Roasted Salted, and Honey Roasted Cashews to review. I sat across the street with Grandma Marge and we snacked on these the other night. Yeah, one of my fellow nut lovers is right across the street. We kept reaching in and grabbing more and more til we realized we could eat the whole bag. Thankfully Lynette showed up just then to relieve us of the addiction. A few handfuls later she was begging for someone to take it away from her. Yeah, she fell into the same addiction. I am not sure anyone could eat just one or two nuts and walk away. At least no one around here.

Not only are nuts good for snacking, but I love cooking with them. Nuts add a great flavor to everything from salads to desserts. I love slivered almonds on desserts, pecans with fruit, walnuts in breads, I could go on and on. The recipe possibilities are endless when it comes to nuts! So, definitely keep OhNuts! in mind for all your nut needs this holiday season.

What is your weakness? Mine is cashews and the candy coated Jordan almonds, and Grandma Marge loves pecans. Lynette says that she has to stay away from pistachios or she never stops eating them. So are you a nut lover? Or just a Nut?

Do you make "The Best Sandwich Ever"?

If so, you could be a winner. Check out the information below for all the details. I was sent samples of some wonderful Mezzetta products, peppers and olives, to experiment with and get my creative juices flowing. Mezzetta is a brand we buy regularly and I know they make quality products. It was fun sampling some delicious things I'd never tried before. I don't know if I'll create the big winning recipe, but we sure have enjoyed trying new things and savoring some wonderful flavor combinations. I'll let you know if I come up with anything truly spectacular!

Hurry on over and check it out for yourself! The deadline to enter is Labor Day!

No More Bland-wich

MEZZETTA MAKE THAT SANDWICH CONTEST 2009

Best sandwich recipe will win $25,000 and a trip to Napa Valley.

(Napa Valley, CA) – G.L. Mezzetta, Inc., America’s number one producer of imported and domestic peppers and olives, is challenging sandwich lovers and amateur cooks across the country to submit their recipe for “The Best Sandwich Ever” in the Second Annual Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest. The Grand Prize winner will receive $25,000 and a culinary trip and tour of the Napa Valley, home to G.L. Mezzetta, while two runners-up will each win $1,000.

“This contest officially marks the end of the bland-wich,” explains Jeff Mezzetta, President. “Mezzetta products easily add so much flavor that there’s no reason to ever eat another boring sandwich. Healthy sandwiches no longer need to be uninteresting.”

Contestants can enter the Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest at www.mezzetta.com in any or all of three categories: cold sandwich, hot sandwich, and vegetarian. The Grand Prize winner will be selected from the category finalists. Entries will be judged on appearance, taste, creativity, and use of Mezzetta products. Entries are being accepted from Memorial Day (May 25, 2009) to Labor Day 2009 (September 7, 2009).

The 2008 winner of the Mezzetta Make That Sandwich Contest, Edwina Gadsby, wowed judges with her hot “Spanish-Style Grilled Cheese Sandwich, with Smoky Paprika Roasted Pepper & Tomato Topping.” Combining innovative ingredients with the complementary flavors of Mezzetta® Brand Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Olive Oil, Roasted Red Pepper Strips, Crushed Garlic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Edwina created a sumptuous sandwich and took home the $25,000 grand prize and a trip to Napa Valley.

Contestants have a time-saving weapon in their sandwich-making arsenal, with Mezzetta® Brand Deli-Sliced products. Deli-Sliced peppers take the prep out of the process and makes sandwich-building a snap. Tailor-made fixings in the line include thinly sliced Hot or “Tamed” Jalapeños, Hot or Sweet Banana Wax Peppers, Roasted Bell Pepper Strips, Hot Cherry Peppers, and of course, Mezzetta’s signature Peperoncini.

With over 100 different specialty food products, the Mezzetta family offers a huge variety of great sandwich partners including olives, relishes, pickles, and peppers. With just a twist of a jar, Mezzetta will transform an average sandwich into a delicious masterpiece. One of Mezzetta’s most popular items, Deli-Sliced Tamed™ Jalapeños are completely unique. Their low heat allows the flavor of the peppers to shine through. A barbequed brisket or pulled pork sandwich are ideally suited for Mezzetta Tamed™ Jalapeños. And, Mezzetta Deli-Sliced Roasted Sweet Red Bell Pepper Strips have added color and flavor to many a Philadelphia Cheese Steak.

More information on the Mezzetta Make that Sandwich contest is available at www.mezzetta.com; on-line entry begins May 25, 2009.

Ouch! I Did It Again

I am absolutely awful about cutting myself in the kitchen. I try to be careful and am almost fanatical about kitchen safety, but it still seems to happen. I suppose me and knives don't mix. We use a lot of Band Aids around here!

I recently asked to review a product called ABC Gauze. This product will be in my first aid kit in the kitchen, as well as in the medicine cabinet for years to come. This awesome bandage stops bleeding as soon as you apply it to the wound, it converts into a completely safe "blood stopping" gel when it comes into contact with blood. I was truly amazed at how well it worked. It would be great to have on hand in the kitchen, the tool box, tackle box, fishing trips, anywhere a first aid kit is stored. I firmly believe no kitchen should be without this amazing product. Click on over to the ABC Gauze website and check it out for yourself. I can't wait to hear what you think.

Quick & Easy Breakfast Smoothie Recipe

The kids and I love smoothies. This recipe is one of our favorite concoctions. It's cool, refreshing, and the perfect start to a busy day!

What You Need:
1/2 cup orange juice
1 cup milk
1 frozen banana, cut in chunks
6 oz. container vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup sliced strawberries, optional

What You Do:

Simply place all ingredients into the blender, then pulse until mixture reaches desired consistency. Add a straw and enjoy!

Slow Cooker Rice Pudding Recipe

This is a wonderful, no fuss slow cooker dessert. My kids love it warm for dessert after dinner and cold as breakfast the next morning. Dried apples and cranberries with apple pie spice is the favorite variation around here. Expert with it to see what your family enjoys most.

What You Need:

1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
1 cup long grain white rice, cooked...this is great for leftover rice
2 eggs
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon or apple or pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dried apples, apricots, cranberries, or any dried fruit of choice

What You Do:

Combine all the ingredients in a well buttered round slow cooker. I use a 1.5 quart capacity size.

Cook on low for three to four hours. This smells amazing as it cooks.

Turn of and let set for about 30 minutes before serving.

Spaghetti Salad Recipe

This cool, refreshing salad is a bit different from the average pasta salad, as it uses spaghetti noodles. Makes a wonderful, light lunch of dinner on a hot summer day.

What You Need:
6 oz. spaghetti noodles
1 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped pecans, almonds, or walnuts
1/4 cup chopped chives
1/4 cup dill or sweet pickle relish
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup drained tuna
1/2 cup mayonnaise

What You Do:
Cook noodles in salted water until done. Drain & cool.

Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Chill.

Serve on a bed of lettuce leaves for a pretty presentation.