Get. In. My. Belly!!! Lasagna Roll-Up Recipe & Review

Yes, I AM quoting a movie from 1999! HOLLA!

I love lasagna.  To me, it is probably one of my Top 5 favorite meals.  Of course, lasagna isn’t always healthy plus it takes awhile to make and can get expensive.  The lasagna I make is AWESOME but it requires me to make a meat sauce, and then layer what turns into a 10 pound dish with ricotta, Parmesan, shredded and fresh mozzarella and provolone cheeses.  And then bake for what seems like an eternity. Seriously, it is amazing but can get pretty pricey with the cheeses and takes awhile to prepare and cook.  I make this lasagna maybe once or twice a year just because, really who has the time?!?!

But again, I love lasagna so I have been searching for variations that are less expensive and quicker to make.  I have seen recipes for Lasagna cupcakes HERE but they move away from the lasagna noodles all-together and use wonton wrappers.  Sounds good, but not the same when you are looking for a quick version of lasagna.

And then I found this, Lasagna Roll Ups!!

Recipe HERE or below.

Let’s Talk Feta – Recipes

I love feta.  LOVE. IT.

It is just the perfect amount of salt and tang and can be added to so many things!

I have a couple recipes that I use feta in that I feel needed to be shared.

Talk To Me – This and That

Friends, please share your thoughts, comments, and or opinions on any or all of the following items.

1. Blueberry Muffins.

I am looking for a good blueberry muffin recipe.  I made the one from Ms. Betty Crocker, and well they were not that great.  First, they needed lemon zest.  Second, they were bland.  Third, they were dense, and I want something lighter and cake-i-er.

Do you have a good recipe?  Would you want to share?

2. Books.

I am looking for some good books to read.  GASP!

I know. 

If you know me at all you know that reading for me is skimming through a food magazine or skimming through a child’s book.  However, I feel like my brain is turning to MUSH.  More now than ever before, my brain is failing me and I think that perhaps reading books will help my brain become more active.

So any suggestions?!  What are YOU reading?! 

For the record, I tend to like sci-fi books. 

3.  50 Shades of Red.

So I have been seeing red lately.  Why, because I want to color my hair red and I am trying to figure out what shade to go with.

I know I will go with a semi-permanent color as it fades away nicely without leaving me with drastic roots.  Plus, I am not the kind of person who can commit to one hair color other than my own for a long period of time.

Now I know it all depends on your skin tones, but what are your thoughts on going red.  More so, what shades do you like?

Here are some examples.  I could go more copper, light red, dark red, auburn….so many choices!  

What color do you like?!  If you have an opinion, what color do you like for me?! :-)

#1

#2

#3

#4 

(I don't think I am brave enough to go this color red!)

#5

#6

 #8

#9

#10

A Sneaky Mom! Feeding Your Child. - The Sneaky Chef Book Review.

I have to say that SO FAR (knocking on wood), Henry is a pretty good eater.  He at least tries everything.  He may try it and then spit it out and hand it back to me while making the face of disgust, but he tries it.

He also eats a nice variety of foods each meal.  We have tried very hard to make sure he eats as healthfully as possible while we still have influence and control over his eating.  We know someday he may become pickier, though we are hoping not!

He loves cheeses and even Parmesan cheese is one of his favorite cheeses.  He looooves broccoli, no really.  I buy frozen broccoli florets 2 bags at a time and steam batches of it for him every week and the boy just devours it.  Pasta and rice are probably his favorite foods and staples in our house.  Terry makes batches of brown rice every week and we mix that with veggies, turkey, or leave it by itself.  And mac and cheese or plain pasta with a little butter and Parmesan cheese or even pasta with sauce are weekly foods.  He also loves bananas and applesauce and has those every day.

BUT….so you are not rolling your eyes at me as I talk about what my child does eat, I have to say there are things he will not touch.  For example; potatoes.  He is NOT a fan of potatoes…mashed or otherwise.  (How can he be our child?!?!)  I made tater tots one time and he was just eh… with them.  And he wants to have nothing to do with mashed potatoes.  And sweet potatoes will also not find their way into his belly.  He loved them jarred, but I think it is a texture thing when they are mashed.  And speaking of textures, things that have a “skin/shell” on them like peas and beans are a no.  Well really, he just likes to push them into his tray with his finger instead of eating them.  While he does like pureed fruits, he is not a fan of sliced fruits like pears or peaches.  I think because they are slippery and he just wants to smash them.  Not sure when I can start feeding him apples as those are crunchy, but perhaps he will like those.

So while he does eat many things and there is a fairly wide range of foods he will eat and that are nutritious, he is still like every other kid out there and likes snack foods and/or will throw food over his high chair or refuse to eat something because it doesn’t feel right, look right, or because it is 1pm on a Wednesday and he has decided he doesn’t want to eat it.

Insert, The Sneaky Chef.

(Henry figured out what I was doing!  heehee)

A couple weeks ago I bought the book “The SneakyChef”.  I thought perhaps there would be good suggestions on how to add some more nutrients to foods he already loves and even expand what he eats while letting him eat foods I may not normally feed him.

I was slightly skeptical about this book when I first read it…..yeah right a brownie is going to taste good with spinach in it!!!

The way the book works is there are 4 different healthy vegetable and/or fruit purées that you can make and store in your freezer and then as needed you can add to different kid friendly and influenced recipes in the book.  That is the sneaky part.  Each recipe tells you which puree/s you can add to it.  Most recipes are made from scratch but there are also some that can be combined with pre-packaged foods, like boxed mac and cheese.  None of the recipes are suppose to take long to make and all are influenced by what kids like to eat.

The first recipe I tested was something I knew Henry would love…..mac and cheese.  You had the option of taking boxed mac and cheese and adding a puree to it or making one from scratch.  I made mine from scratch, but as we do make boxed mac and cheese regularly this will be good to add.  I did adjust their recipe slightly because I didn’t want to bake mine and like my recipe, but the ingredients where the same.  I choose to add the orange puree to mine.  The orange puree consists of a sweet potato and three carrots chopped and boiled together until tender and then pureed with a little water and that is it (made 1 – 1 ½ cups).  I made the mac and cheese and added about ½ cup of the puree to the ¾ pound of mac and cheese.  I also added broccoli for even more of a nutritional boost.

Henry LOVED it.  He devoured it like he normally does.  I tried it and I thought it was delicious!  I couldn’t taste the carrots or sweet potatoes at all, though there were chunks because I used a blender instead of a food processor...I should use the food processor.  It tasted like my normal homemade mac and cheese and infact the puree made it slightly creamier and a hint sweeter.

 (This is the face he makes when he poses for pictures...silly boy)

TEST 1 = SUCCESS.

Now I am assuming that many of the savory dishes may be easier to sneak in veggies, but what about sweets….how can those have fruits and veggies and still taste good?!

So enter test two, brownies.

The recipe calls for spinach and blueberries to be pureed with a bit of water and lemon juice.  I didn’t have lemon, so just water.  The puree smelled like fresh cut grass….I was skeptical.

You then make a batter with only a half a cup of sugar (compared to most homemade recipes that have a cup or more), some cocoa powder, ¾ cup chocolate chips, butter, flour (you are supposed to do a flour blend of reg. flour, wheat flour and wheat germ….I just used regular flour), vanilla, eggs, and ½ cup of the spinach puree.  You then bake for 30 minutes.

(Uh, this can't taste good....)

Folks, these actually tasted great!!  They tasted like chocolate brownies and I couldn’t taste the spinach or blueberries at all.  I was totally surprised.  

A couple notes: it suggested a 9x13 or 9x9 pan.  I used a 9x13 and these things do not rise very much so they are very thin brownies.  A great size for kids, but I would prefer them a little thicker and will try a 9x9 pan next time.  They taste better cold rather than warm, unlike most brownies.  You store them in the fridge and I tried them again later that evening after being in the fridge and they almost taste fudgy at that point.  They would be amazing with frosting or powdered sugar on top….and with spinach and half the fat and calories you could do that!  Finally, I have a small food processor so I don’t think my puree was chopped as fine as it should be.  I should have done it in batches to get a finer puree.  Terry thought they tasted good, but we both noticed a slight textural thing with the blueberries.  I tested one at work with a couple parents and they thought they tasted great and would defiantly pass kid pickiness! 

(No picture of Henry eating it as he usually doesn't get chocolate, I know mean parents, and he devoured his brownie!)

TEST 2 = SUCCESS!

Overall, I am impressed and happy with the book.  I am not interested in all the recipes, but there are good ideas and tips and I will keep trying different recipes.  I am not sure how many nutrients stay when you boil your veggies, I may try steaming them.  However, I know the spinach as it was frozen and the fresh blueberries were packed with great nutrients!  

Only really complaint with the book so far: I really wish the book had nutritional information for each recipe so I could see how it compared and how much healthier they were.

I will also still be pushing to get Henry to try more foods, but if I can add an extra layer of nutrition to what he eats, especially to foods that may not be as nutritious then bring on the sneakiness!

If you are interested in any recipes, let me know :)

Any tips for getting your kids to eat healthfully?  Do you sneak foods?

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup!

My sister and I will make meals and then trade with each other containers of food.  Last week she gave me a delicious chicken taco soup that was made in a slow cooker. Taco soup IN a Crockpot….you can’t beat that!

The soup really was tasty and a bit spicy! Delicious.

Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1 onion, chopped

1 (16 ounce) can chili beans

1 (15 ounce) can black beans

1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained

1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce

1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle beer

2 (10 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

1 (1.25 ounce) package taco seasoning

3 whole skinless, boneless chicken breasts

shredded Cheddar cheese (optional)

sour cream (optional)

crushed tortilla chips (optional)

Directions:

Place the onion, chili beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, beer, and diced tomatoes in a slow cooker. Add taco seasoning, and stir to blend. Lay chicken breasts on top of the mixture, pressing down slightly until just covered by the other ingredients. Set slow cooker for low heat, cover, and cook for 5 hours.

Remove chicken breasts from the soup, and allow to cool long enough to be handled. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, and continue cooking for 2 hours. (My sister just let it cook all day and shredded it before eating, she didn’t do the 2 hour thing)

Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips, if desired.

Enjoy!

Nom, Nom, Nom....Time to Eat! Progression of a Hungry Babe. Alternate Title: When The Hell Did You Become a Big Boy?!

“mmmmmm, sweet potatoes makes meez happy!”

“Itsez, finger lickn goodz!”

“I’m outz! Nos more pleaze.”

“Timez to kleenz up!”

After lunch it is time for something to drink. Wait, you are holding your bottle yourself?!  

"Iz gots this."

Oh Henry, when did you become such a big boy.

Getting Soup-y With It (Two Easy, Inexpensive and Delicious Soup Recipes!)

I am ALL about soup in the winter especially when the soup is easy, inexpensive, and very tasty! 

I have made the following recipes this month and I have to say they both turned out amazingly.  Soup-a-licious if you will.  I also like that they were both reasonably priced to make and took very little time.

I did make slight alterations, which I point out in red, but I am horrible at sticking to recipes so I don't know if my suggestions are better or worse!!  I also like leftovers as T & I eat this during the week for lunches, so I tend to make more than what the recipe calls for.

The first soup is really healthy and satisfying!  Oh yeah, and it tastes awesome. (Seriously folks, this is my new favorite soup. I LOVE it.)

Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice Soup

Giada DeLaurentiis

Recipe HERE

Ingredients

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

5 to 6 large shallots, chopped (I used two medium onions)

3 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

8 ounces ground white turkey meat (Next time I may add a little more, but I like turkey)

1 tablespoon herbes de Provence (Did not have so added pinches of dried thyme, basil and rosemary)

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed (I needed a little more)

One 15-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice, drained (I used a 28oz can because that is what I had and I would use that much again.  Plus I didn’t drain them and got more of a tomato flavor which I loved)

1 cup cooked brown rice (1 ½ cups)

1 small bunch kale, coarsely chopped

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (Bought but forgot to add. Didn’t miss it)

1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan, optional

Directions

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, carrots and bell pepper and saute, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to brown and soften slightly, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the ground turkey and stir until the meat turns white and begins to color very slightly around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. (I cooked the turkey thoroughly before adding the broth)  Add the herbes de Provence and stir, 1 minute. Add 4 cups broth, tomatoes and rice. Bring to a boil. Stir in the kale and season with 3/4 teaspoon salt and the freshly ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Season with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Ladle the soup into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with parsley and Parmesan, if using, and serve.

Lamb (or Beef) Stew with Tomatoes and Bacon

Rachael Ray Magazine

Recipe HERE

*I have made this twice, once with beef and once with lamb.  Both were really good.  Both times I served over mashed potatoes and that is why I added more liquid, so there would be a broth to go over the potatoes.  I think the next time we make this instead of eating with mashed potatoes (which is awesome) I am going to add less liquid and add some carrots, mushrooms and pieces of potato into the stew to make it even more hearty.

INGREDIENTS

3 slices bacon, cut 1/2 inch thick (I added 6 slices)

1 1/2 lbs. boneless lamb shoulder, cut into 1/2 -inch pieces (Or Beef)

Salt and pepper

1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (Minced garlic)

1 sprig fresh rosemary plus more for garnishing

1 cup chicken broth (1 ½ cups*)

1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes (1- 28 oz can*)

DIRECTIONS:

In a 6-qt. dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a medium bowl. Season the lamb with salt and pepper. Working in 2 batches, add the lamb to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch; transfer to the bowl with the bacon.

Add the onion, garlic and rosemary to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the broth, bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until nearly evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the lamb, bacon and tomatoes to the pot and press a piece of parchment on top. Cover and cook over low heat until very tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Garnish each serving with a rosemary sprig.

I have made this once with the parchment and once without it.  Apparently the parchment paper reduces the amount of liquid that drips back down into the stew during cooking and makes it thicker. Both times I needed to add a little cornstarch to thicken it up but when we did use the parchment there was liquid caught ontop of the paper….don’t know if I would use parchment again though.

Could You Please Pass The Giant Gummy Bear?

One of the things Terry got me for Christmas was a 1 pound package (two half pound) of Reese’s peanut butter cups. These things are HUGE, half pound huge at that.  A few years ago he got me ½ lb Sugar Daddy candy bar that is still sitting in the kitchen. (Seriously, the thought of eating that makes my teeth hurt.)

Now, there is a part of me that would really like to dig in to those peanut butter cups but I wonder (1) how will they taste being that the ratio of peanut butter to chocolate in a standard cup is near perfection and have they recreated that ratio in these cups? and (2) how do you even begin to eat one?  Do I cut it like a pie?  Just take a bite out of it?  I seriously don’t know which way seems less ridiculous and which is the least glutton-ess way of eating these.

In general, I don’t know how I feel about this whole giant candy craze that seems to be going on, and yes I realize that the person saying this is currently in possession of two ½ lb peanut butter cups. 

At Christmas giant marshmallows, giant gummy bears, and other giant sugary products were really popular gifts (hence me receiving my peanut butter cups).  But what do you do with a giant 5 lb gummy bear?  (Buy it here from Amazon for a mere $26.95 is what you do) Would I take that into work and sit it on my desk and whenever I am in the mood for some Cherry flavored, red dye, high fructose corn syrup deliciousness just lean over and take a bite out of my bear, whose name would be Sam by the way.  It just doesn’t seem right. 

 Or how about serving up a 2lb gourmet marshmallow at your next dinner party. (Buy one here for $28.)  Nothing says you love your friends and family more than putting them in a sugar coma after eating a slice of gourmet marshmallow.  

These giant treats just don’t seem right, and are the epitome of the type of overindulgent society we currently live in. Or maybe it is just a representation of our desire to always be a kid at heart.  Or maybe it is just people who figured they can make a quick buck off gimmicky items such as these.  Or maybe, just maybe, Willy Wonka is real and he is letting us know. 

Now pass me a knife and a large glass of milk, I have a 1/2lb peanut butter cup to eat! 

Guess Who Still Sells Tastefully Simple? ME! NEW DELICIOUS PRODUCTS TODAY!

So here are the facts:

I still sell Tastefully Simple. 

I actually really like many of their products, especially their Fall and Winter products.  (To be honest, the Spring/Summer products are OK but not very practical in my opinion.)

I love the ease of use and convenience of most of their products.

While I don’t enjoy selling Tastefully Simple I LOVE doing the tasting parties for my friends!

I signed up for something to do when I thought Terry was moving for school.

I wouldn’t have signed up to sell had I known that a few months later I was going to get knocked up.

I haven’t had the time or motivation to really put into having parties and getting myself out there.

I will be selling until September 30^th, but after that it is up in the air…..and this makes me kinda sad.

I would love to keep selling, but at this point I am wondering if it is just too much….with a new baby.   

The Fall/Winter products go on sale today and let me tell you the food looks and sounds AMAZING!

I am actually excited about this catalog and already have a list of items I want to get for myself.

I wanted to share with everyone what is new….SO ENJOY!  And don’t drool on your keyboard.

NEW FALL-WINTER PRODUCTS

    * Amazing Amaretto Chocolate Sauce

    * Apple 'n Pear Slush Drink Mix

    * Bold Buffalo Blue Cheese Dip Mix

    * Bountiful Beer Cheese Soup Mix

    * Caramel Cinnamon Sprinkles

    * Chicken Tortilla Soup Mix

    * Chipotle Queso Dip Starter

    * Cranberry Orange Scone Mix

    * Creamy Portobello Warm Dip Mix

    * English Toffee Cheese Ball Mix

    * Homestyle Biscuits & Gravy Mix

    * Malted Cocoa Mix

    * Malted Cocoa Mix Mini

    * Olive & Herb Cheese Ball Mix

    * Peanut Butter Popcorn (available 10/1/11)

    * Roasted Onion Warm Dip Mix

    * Savory Peach Brandy Glaze

    * Snickerdoodle Cookies (available 10/1/11)

    * Spicy Harvest Salsa

    * Sweet Drizzle Snack Mix Pretzel & Caramel Corn BLend (available 10/1/11)

    * Tender Pot Roast Sauce

    * Tripleberry Fruit Spread

    * Tuscany Bread Dipping Mix

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

    * Butterscotch Kisses Cocoa Mix

    * Chocolate Ugly Cake Mix

    * Creamy Wild Rice Soup Mix

    * Fudgy Popcorn With Nuts (available 10/1/11)

    * Pumpkin Patch A Mix for Bread & Muffins

    * Roasted Garlic Infused Oil

    * Wahoo! Chili Seasoning Blend

I know, right?!  Sounds AMAZING!  Plus, as always, your standard line of products are available.

The Fall/Winter products are available for purchase beginning TODAY, September 1^st!  You can continue to buy items in the Spring/Summer catalog if you want as that has been extended until September 19^th.

Now I will be able to do ONLY catalog parties during the month of September.  Basically you receive all the benefits of the hosting rewards but you do not have a tasting party.  These are great if people already know the products and/or you don’t have time to host a party.  I will provide you with evites and/or regular invites and you just sit back and relax!  If I continue with TS after September I will be back to hosting tasting parties.

INCENTIVE!!!

Since I can’t really do much and haven’t been doing much I have decided to have a give-a-way for everyone who purchases something during the month of September!  Make a purchase through me or online through my website (on the side or below) and you will be entered into a drawing to receive a mountain of TS products!

If you have any questions just email me at my personal email (for those of you who know me) or at the email below!

Consultant Website: www.tastefullysimple.com/web/jhoward4  

 Email address: jenn.kristenTS@gmail.com

My consultant ID No. is 0110558.

A few teaser pictures.....

 Bountiful Beer Cheese Soup!

English Toffee Cheese Ball!

Tender Pot Roast Sauce!

Malted Cocoa Mix!

Talk to Me – Crockpot Meals

So in preparation for the arrival of our little one I have been thinking about food.  Ok, who am I kidding, I pretty much think about food ALL. THE. TIME these days.

I am going to make a few things within the next week to freeze so that the first couple weeks T & I, as crazy new parents, can at least have something available to eat that is quick, semi healthy and gives us a bit of energy!

However, we are also going to start preparing more food at home, especially when T. is home with our little man.  And even though my husband is actually a great cook, I think having some great go to crockpot recipes are a MUST!

So what are your favorite crockpot recipes? 

Any websites you like to go to for delicious recipes?

I always make the same thing…pot roast.  And while it is delicious, I really think we need to expand our crockpot recipe repertoire just a bit.

Talk to Me – It Must Be Jelly, Cause Jam Don’t Shake Like That....

So last year I bought all the stuff to start canning (the water bath method).  My MIL knows how to do it and I was going to have an afternoon with her and learn how to do it.  I wanted to can strawberry jam because the strawberries we get at this local farm near BG taste like CANDY!  I also wanted to try a few other fruits, as well as pasta sauce, salsa and even pickles.

However, we never got around to it last year and even this year it is looking like our available weekends are far and few between and we may not get around to it this year.  It is a bummer, because I really want to learn the process of canning.  I feel like it is a tradition that has become lost.

Because I may actually not get to canning in mass quantities this year either, I thought I would at least attempt to make a couple jars of my own strawberry and raspberry jam .  However, I would like to use a recipe that others have tried and they know works.

So has anyone ever made homemade strawberry and/or raspberry jam and have a good recipe for it?  I don’t want freezer jam….I would like a traditional jam. 

Also, has anyone ever done canning before?  Thoughts on canning?  Is it easy?  What method do you use for canning (water bath or pressure cooker)?

Caprese Chicken Recipe

This is one of my FAVORITE things to cook. I shared it with Ky and thought I would share on the blog. It is perfect for the summer!


Ingredients:

-Chicken breast (grilled, baked, or breaded*)

-Fresh basil (chopped)

-Small onion (diced)

- Garlic

-2 containers of cherry tomatoes halved (I actually use more but we really love tomatoes in this house.)

-Fresh mozzarella cheese (thin to medium sliced). If you can’t find fresh shredded mozzarella cheese is ok, but if you can get fresh use that!

*Now you can grill the chicken, bake it, or bread/fry it (to bread and fry the chicken I suggest pounding out the chicken a bit so it cooks all the way through and the outside doesn’t get burnt but stays golden brown. Then for the breading - place pounded out chicken (or chicken cutlets) in flour, then egg wash, then bread crumbs and fry up in a skillet with a little vegetable oil). I have tried both breaded and grilled and both are wonderful.


Instructions:

- Grill/bake/fry some chicken breasts. (Your preference.)

Pounded out chicken

- While the chicken is cooking........In a skillet with a little olive oil and over medium heat cook up a small or half a medium onion diced with some garlic.

- After a couple minutes (just enough time to let the onions start to soften) add the halved cherry tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let them cook until the tomatoes start to fall apart and are soft and the onions are soft and cooked.

- Remove from the heat. Add as much chopped fresh basil as you want and let heat through.

- When the chicken is done cooking place chicken on a baking sheet or oven safe container and add the tomato and basil mixture on top of the chicken breasts.

- Add slices of fresh mozzarella over the tomato mixture. You can also add Parmesan cheese if you like. Sometimes we do sometimes we don't. Heat in the oven/broiler or toaster oven just to let the cheese melt a bit. (You are not really cooking, just melting)

- Serve with a salad, veggie, pasta or whatever sounds good!

I don’t measure…so I am not sure about the quantities but you can adjust as you go and make how you prefer :)

ENJOY!

Shameless Tastefully Simple Party Plug!

With the Fall & Winter months quickly approaching, now is the PERFECT time to enjoy some of the delicious, easy & new foods that Tastefully Simple has to offer! I will have a smorgasbord of tasty samples at my party that will have you drooling for more...no worries, I have napkins & we will be amongst friends! I hope to see you at my party but if you are unable to make it this time, you can browse the online store... by visiting the link below and make sure to select ME (Jenn Howard) as your host prior to checkout!




(Copy and paste this link: www.tastefullysimple.com/web/aanderson11 or just Click HERE)


Feel free to share this link with your friends and family....you are ALL invited and ANYONE can order if they want!! When ordering online there is no pressure at all, it is easy to order and the products will be delivered right to your home quickly!!


Please RSVP and let me know how many will be attending or if you have more questions about the party or products, feel free to send me an email at jennperko@hotmail.com.


Also, I am in the process of becoming a consultant in the area so if you are interested in hosting your OWN party or would like to be included on an email list when I re-order products just send me a message anytime!



THANK YOU!!

Talk To Me – Quinoa

So I have heard a lot of talk the past few months about eating Quinoa. Basically “quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. Quinoa also has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods.[5] It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest.”


Sounds like it should be good for you, no?!

As I have been trying to eat healthy I thought I would give it a try. I get that you can use it in place of dishes with rice and Josey over at My Cheap Version of Therapy had a few great sounding recipes for quinoa meals! But I made a batch tonight and I have to admit, it is a little bland on its own and I am not sure how to use it in a healthy way for lunch. I googled some recipes and there were a few that sounded really good but I like stuff with lots of flavor and not just veggies but also something lighter for lunch.


SO before I go experimenting, has anyone ever used it before and/or have some good and easy lunch ideas to share?! Any thoughts on quinoa & recipes?

Run To The Bell…..For A Bag Of Doritos

We saw a commercial for Taco Bell and apparently you can get a $2 meal deal that includes a beverage, a burrito/taco option, and a bag of Doritos. Yes Doritos. No tortilla chips and cheese dip, but rather a bag of nacho cheese flavored Doritos.


I think if you go to a Mexican eatery, even a pseudo Mexican eatery, you should get Mexican, um, Mexican-American like food. Doritos are for sub places, you don’t see KFC giving Sunchips with their Double Down. Taco Bell I feel the Doritos are a huge copout and I shake my head at you in disappointment.

Comment to Taco Bell
Dear Taco Bell, just because Doritos say they are Nacho Cheese flavored it does not mean they should be sold at your Mexican-American like food establishment. I go to your place to eat cheap and bad for me food and if I wanted Doritos I would go to Subway where Jared could sell me a healthy footlong sub. Please reconsider your actions because I fear you are just a few steps away from selling a lunch meat taco or a $5 footlong ham and provolone burrito.