Delicious Gingerbread Recipes from Nickelodeon!

 Christmas came early - your Nickelodeon favorites are on DVD this holiday season! To help you celebrate, we're thrilled to share these delicious Nickelodeon Gingerbread Recipes! You'll learn how to make Blue and Josh's house out of gingerbread and how to turn regular gingerbread cookies into your favorite Nickelodeon characters.

Back to School Cereals Kids Will Love

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with sugar. I didn't really think it was possible to find a gluten-free cereal that didn't taste like card board. But we got an exciting surprise when we tried out Honey Nut Chex.  This cereal has no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with whole grains and other all-natural ingredients, and they taste great! You won't be able to tell the difference between this and other brands that are loaded with sugar. Each of my kids wanted a second bowl because they liked these cereals so much. And since it made with whole grain and gluten free, I know its good for them.  

If you prefer a cereal with a little crunch, Baked Oat Bites from Nature Valley are another fun choice. My teen children devoured this box of cereal in one day. It's made with cinnamon and has a light, sweet drizzle.  I have to agree that the cereal was awesome.  It's an option both kids and adults cane enjoy. It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor.  

If you want to have a little more fun  with your cereal, check out some of these fun trail mix recipes.  The Blueberry crumble is my favorite!

• Peanut Butter and Jelly Chex™ Trail Mix
• Hot & Spicy Chex™ Mix
• Blueberry Crumble Chex™ Party Mix
• Sweet and Salty Bunny Chex™ Mix
• Tropical Oat Bites Cereal Snack Mix

If you're looking for some awesome cereals to start your kids' school days off right, try Honey Nut Chex and Nature Valley Baked Oak Bites. Look for them in stores nationwide including Walmart and Shoprite.

Bake it Happen & Help Fight Breast Cancer #bakeithappen @bakeithappen00

Bake It Happen is an internet campaign that helps to raise money for breast cancer research. It was started by two sisters after their mother, Judy Levin, lost her battle with the disease.  Judy was an avid baker whose recipes were in high demand.  After receiving multiple requests for Judy’s recipes, her daughters, Shari and Stacy, realized they could spread Judy’s culinary love and benefit  Metastatic Breast Cancer research at the same time. This is how the Bake it Happen campaign was born.

Every year, Bake It Happens releases new recipes. To get access to these amazing treats, you need to sign up at www.bakeithappen.net.  Bake it Happen will be featuring four different recipes this year including Banana Chocolate Chip Loaf, Pumpkin Oatmeal Chip Cookies, Judy's Black Bottom Cupcakes, and Compost Cookies.  After you bake one of these delicacies, you can snap a photo and share it on social media using the hashtag #bakeithappen.  For every photo posted of their Bake it Happens recipes, they will DONATE $5 to The Cancer Couch Foundation! 

In addition to the internet campaign, Taste Buds Kitchen will also be hosting Bake it Happen baking classes throughout their seven kitchens nationwide!  In these themed classes, children can bake a special TBK versions of the Bake it Happen Pumpkin Oatmeal Chip Cookie!  Each kitchen has graciously dedicated to donate a portion of the proceeds from these classes to The Cancer Couch Foundation!!

Even if you don't like baking (I know I don't), you can still contribute to the campaign. Just look for the donation button on the website. Even a few dollars will help in the fight for a cure!  Visit the Bake It Happen website today and see how easy it is to make a difference. 

The Meals that Matter Most - Holiday '16 Birds Eye - #Giveaway

Birds Eye is helping families include the goodness of vegetables in the holidays. They make holiday cooking easy enough for the kids to join in the meal prep and provides recipes so good you’ll want to make them together every year! You can spend more time with family, and less time in the kitchen with quick, easy, delicious recipes with Birds Eye vegetables. Frozen veggies provide as much nutrition as fresh, with added convenience and lower costs. They make it easy to include multiple vegetable options on your holiday table without any stress. Here are a few of my favorite recipes.

Birds Eye Green Bean Casserole 

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking
Time: 30 minutes
Serves 8-10 people

 INGREDIENTS
 • 2 bags (16 oz. ea.) Birds Eye® Cut Green Beans, thawed and drained
 • 1 can (10.75 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
 • 1/2 cup milk
 • 1 1/2 cups crispy French fried onions
• 1 pinch ground black pepper

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix green beans, soup, milk, 1 cup onions and pepper together in an oven-safe casserole dish.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through.
4. Sprinkle with remaining onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until onions are crispy.

Apple & Whole Grain Stuffed Acorn Squash 

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Serves 10 people

INGREDIENTS
• 1 bag Steamfresh® Protein Blends Italian Style, cooked according to package directions
• 2 medium acorn squash, halved and seeded
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Tbsp. pine nuts, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped basil leaves

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
 2. In large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook onion and celery, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes or until softened.
3. Add sausage and cook until browned.
 4. Stir in Italian Style Protein Blend, broth and stuffing cubes. Toss until combined.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and basil.
6. Turn into large shallow casserole dish and bake 30 minutes or until heated through and top is golden brown.

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive an awesome Bird's Eye Prize that includes free product coupons & branded merchandise. To enter, just fill in the Giveaway tools form below. This giveaway will end on 12/19/16. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Open to the US only  Thanks again to  the sponsor or offering this fantastic prize. 

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Go Gluten Free with Pasta Lensi - #Giveaway #Recipe

I was raised in a very Italian household, so of course pasta has always been a big part of my life.  I remember when I was little my grandmother would make the sauce and even sometimes the pasta from scratch. It would take her all day, but the end result was worth the time.  But that's not something I will ever have the time or patience to do. So the next best thing is Pasta Lensi. It's quick and easy, but still tastes as good as homemade. Plus, it's a  gluten free and cholesterol free option. Each one is made with a single ingredient you can feel good about putting into your body. 

I received a few boxes of Lensi Pasta  including the Red Lentil Fusilli, Black Bean Sedani, and Chickpea Casarecce. While these names sounded intimidating at first, they actually taste pretty good and have a much better texture than some other gluten free pastas I've tried. They also cooked to perfection. It wasn't too hard or too soft. It was just right, and it tasted wonderful too. This pasta is perfect for Alfredo or red sauce. It's great for a main course or a side dish.  My whole family enjoyed eating it and it's so easy, my daughter was even able to cook it by herself. One of the things we decided to make together was a quick and simple pasta salad. Here are the instructions. 

Ingredients

1 Cup Each of Chickpea Casarecce, Black Bean Sedani, and Red Lentil Fusilli Pasta

1/4 Cup Sharp Provolone Cubes

1/4 Cup Salami Cubes

1/4 Cup Mixed Black and Green Olives

1 Bottle Italian Dressing of Choice

Instructions:

1) Boil pasta to desired texture

2) While Pasta is boiling slice your black and green olives.

3) Strain Pasta and place in bowl

4) Add in cheese cubes, sausage cubes, and olives

5) Add Salad dressing to taste and stir

Gluten-free, vegan,  and low in sodium, these pastas are a awesome way to switch up all your recipes. I especially love how pretty the different colors made this dish look.  Pasta Lensi Legume Pastas are an authentic Italian pasta brand made in the Lombardy region of Italy. They strive to keep mealtime peace, while inspiring delicious new ideas for dinner. Pasta Lensi Legume’s single ingredient pastas introduce contemporary flavors like chickpea, black bean and red lentil, and pack extra protein and fiber to round out the nutrition in your dish.  To see all they have to offer, be sure to visit their website.  For some fun and unique recipe ideas, check out their extensive recipe collection.

The Giveaway 

One lucky winner is going to receive a prize pack that includes three boxes of Pasta Lensi, a reusable tote bag, and a $50 Walmart gift card.  To enter, just fill out the Giveaway Tools form below. This giveaway will end 11/3/16 and is open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to the sponsor for offering this great prize!

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Lightlife Smart Dogs - A Better Way to Barbecue

This year, my teen daughter decided she wanted to become a vegetarian. I completely support her decision, but my other three kids want no part of it. Making family meals that we can all enjoy has been a challenge, but with Lightlife Smart Dogs, at least barbecues will be covered. Lightlife Smart Dogs have all the flavor you crave from a traditional hot dog, with one big difference. They are completely meat-free! These protein packed dogs allow vegetarians to enjoy summer barbecues along with everyone else. Just top them off with your favorite condiments, and even a seasoned meat lover may not be able to tell the difference. Lightlife Smart Dogs are a delicious meal the whole family can enjoy.

In addition to being vegetarian friendly option, Lightlife Smart Dogs are also certified vegan, and Non-GMO Project Verified. So fire up the grill and give the whole family a barbecue to remember. Lightlife Smart Dogs are the #1 Meatless hot dogs for a reason! These plant-based dogs are ready to grill right out of the package. Each one has only fifty calories per link, so even if you aren't a vegetarian, but are looking to cut back on calories, these dogs could be the right choice for you. 

To learn more about these fabulous products, you can visit their website. Also be sure to check out their amazing recipes. Here is one example: 

GRILLED FRANKS WITH SESAME APPLE SLAW

Created by: 

Lightlife

Lightlife Product: 

Smart Dogs

Smart Dogs Jumbo

Ingredients: 

4 Lightlife® Smart Dogs®
grilling spray
1/4 head green cabbage, cut into 2 wedges
1/4 red cabbage, cut into 2 wedges
2 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil, divided
1 cup shredded Granny Smith apple (1 medium apple)
2 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 tsp. agave sweetener
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
4 hot dog rolls

Instructions: 

Spray cold grate of outdoor grill with grilling spray. Prepare grill for medium-high heat.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over cabbage; grill 8-10 mins. or until both sides have softened and have grill marks, turning once. Remove from heat; cool.

Meanwhile, combine apple, sesame seeds, remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, vinegar, agave, salt and pepper in medium bowl; set aside.

Grill Smart Dogs® 8-10 mins. or until hot, turning once.

Meanwhile, remove core from cabbage and cut into shreds. Add to apple mixture; toss to combine.

Place Smart Dogs® in rolls and top each with 1/3 cup of slaw.

 If you're a vegetarian or love someone who is, be sure to look for Lightlife Smart Dogs in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store today. Check their store locator to find a location near you!

Super Foods for Super Dads – Father’s Day Recipes, Gluten-Free & Vegetarian - #Giveaway

He packs lunches like a pro, plays like nobody’s business and scares away the monsters at night – he’s Super Dad! This Father’s Day, we’d like to help you celebrate your Super Dad by sending you super foods from Nature’s Path that will give him the energy he needs to be your hero.Here are a few gluten-free, vegetarian recipe ideas from Nature’s Path using Qi’a, a super food blend of chia, hemp and buckwheat that are full of plant-based protein, fiber & ALA omegas. Just click on the links to get all the details.

Treat him to breakfast in bed:

·        Blueberry Burst Scones

·        Qi’a Bumpy Smoothie

A vegan feast fit for a superhero:

·        Qi’a Crusted Tofu

·        Baked Asparagus Fries

·        Ginger Qi’a Vegetables

My Thoughts

My grandfather swore by oatmeal, but I always found it a little bland.  The instant oatmeal tastes better, but they are usually so packed with sugar, I wonder if they're still good for you. Luckily, I discovered Nature's Path Oatmeal, and they offer the best of both worlds. Nature's Path offers delicious blends of organic oatmeal that are a delight to your taste buds. I got to try three  different types and they were all awesome.

Qia Superseeds and Grains - This blend is packed with superfoods liek chai, hemp, quinoa, and buckwheat. One packet gives you a real energy boost in the morning. I love the texture and the taste.

Hot Oatmeal with Flaxseed - This a great choice for those who prefer their oatmeal plain. It's a great source of Omega-3.  Just add a little fresh fruit if you want some extra flavor.

Optimum Power Blueberry Cinnamon Flax- This was my favorite and it's spectacular. I never  imagined blueberry and cinnamon would be such an amazing combination, but this oatmeal tastes so amazing, it's easy to forget it's good for you.  Even my kids love it.

They also have some awesome cereals and snacks bars that offer the same great benefits. If you'd like to learn more about Nature's Path and all they have to be sure to check out their website or look for their products in a store near you. 

The Giveaway 

One lucky winner is going to receive a Super Foods Prize Pack similar to the one pictures(flavors may vary).  To enter just fill out the giveaway tools form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end  6/26/16. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Nature's Path for offering this fantastic prize!

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Celebrate Memorial Day with Crunchmaster - #Recipes #Giveaway

In addition to being certified gluten free by the Gluten Free Certification Organization, Crunchmaster crackers (www.crunchmaster.com) are made with high quality ingredients and packed with whole grains, cholesterol free and low in saturated fat. It has several products that are NON-GMO verified.  There are lots of fun ways to enjoy them this Memorial Day. Check out these tasty recipes.

Blackened Chicken with Grilled Peaches

By Amie Valpone

Ingredients

• 1Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for grill grates
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. ground pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 cup Crunchmaster Rosemary & Olive Oil Multi-Seed Crackers, ground
• 4 skinless chicken breasts
• 4 fresh peaches, sliced
• 1 large apple, chopped
• 1 head Bibb lettuce, torn

Directions

1.     Heat grill to medium-high heat; brush with olive oil.  In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp. olive oil, paprika, pepper, sea salt, cayenne, thyme and Crunchmaster Crackers; rub olive oil mixture onto chicken and peaches.

2.     Grill chicken breasts and peaches for 4 minutes each, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink inside and peaches have grill marks.

3.     Transfer to a serving platter; serve chicken atop a bed of Bibb lettuce with chopped apples and grilled peaches.

Grilled Salmon with Blackberry Cherry Salsa

By Amie Valpone

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more for grill grates
• 1 cup Crunchmaster 7 Ancient Grains Pepper Crackers, crushed
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 ¼  tsp. sea salt
• 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 1 ½ cups dried cherries
• 2 Tbsp. red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeno pepper (ribs and seeds removed), minced
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp. lime zest
• 1 cup fresh blackberries plus more for garnish
• 2 Tbsp. almonds plus more for garnish

Directions

1.     Heat grill to high heat; lightly oil grates.

2.     In a small bowl, stir together coriander, 1 tsp. sea salt, and ½ tsp. pepper. Rub salmon with oil; coat with coriander mixture.

3.     Grill salmon to desired doneness approximately 2 minutes; flip and continue to cook for another 3 minutes.

4.     Meanwhile, to make the cherry salsa combine cherries, onion, cilantro, jalapeno, honey, lime juice, lime zest, blackberries, almonds, remaining sea salt and pepper in a medium sized bowl; toss to combine.   Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5.     Remove salmon from grill; transfer to a serving plate.  Serve with cherry salsa; garnish with additional blackberries and almonds. 

My Thoughts

I try my best to keep my family as active as possible. Both of my children are  involved in sports and their TV and video game time is limited to an hour a day. But it's also important to watch what they eat.  It isn't easy to find fun snack foods that are good for them and that they are actually willing to eat. That's why I was really happy to try out a few of the delicious varieties of crackers and chips from Crunchmaster.  These crispy snacks are gluten free, cholesterol free and saturated fat free.  They are also a good source of fiber and made using whole grains. The best part of all is that they taste just as good as any other snacks.

We received a few varieties of Crunchmaster to try out. I personally LOVED the  Multi-Seed Crackers.  They are so tasty, you don't really need to put anything on them, but they are the perfect compliment to any cheese or meats.  I thought they were better than most of the popular name brands crackers. They are light and crunchy and not greasy at all.  The  Sea Salt were tasty too. They are lightly salted and nice and crispy. They  both have lots of flavor, and don't taste like card board like most gluten free products. Ky kids never have guessed they were a healthier alternative to regular crackers, but I know the difference, and even if they cost a little bit more, they are definitely worth it because they are so much healthier for my family.

The Giveaway


If you would like to try these tasty crackers and chips for yourself, check thestore locator, located on the left hand side of their home page, to find a store near you. You can also order direct from their online store.   You can even find a  printable coupon! Give Crunchmaster a try and take the first steps to a healthier lifestyle today. Remember, they are the perfect choice for a healthy packed lunches once your kids head back to school.  
  
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The Giveaway 


One very lucky winner is going to get a prize pack of Crunchmaster Crackers!   To enter, simply complete the Giveaway Tools form below. Open to the US only.  Giveaway ends 6/5/16. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Crunchmaster for offering this great prize.

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Delish classroom snack idea for Easter from Barbara's

This year, skip the generic egg-shaped candy and send your little one off with a container full of yummy cereal bars courtesy of Barbara’s, a company known for making delicious snacks and cereals from simple, wholesome ingredients.

Guaranteed to be a hit, these bars contain Barbara’s Snackimals Cereal in Vanilla Blast, as well as other healthy goodies like cranberries, blueberries, and sunflower seeds.  Check out the recipe here.

Also be sure to check out the 28 Days Sugar Reset Challenge.  Essentially, the Challenge is an interactive and educational month-long campaign offering a 28-day plan with daily tips and nutrition advice that focuses on the importance of a lower sugar diet and how much one should aim for daily based on the new dietary guidelines, as well as how to “reset” the body’s craving for more sugar and how to avoid sugar crashes by reducing daily and balancing glycemic and sugar intake.  

Reducing the amount of sugar we consume on a daily basis can be difficult, especially since added sugars can be lurking in places we least expect –even in foods considered “healthy options.” So to ease the process and guide you through the Challenge to help you reset your body’s cravings for the sweet stuff, Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Andrea Donsky will give you her personal step-by-step advice with easy daily tips, simple product swaps, recipe ideas, eating hacks and more. At the end of the challenge, you will not only have reduced your daily intake of sugar, but have key strategies to maintain these healthy habits for a lifetime.

You  can sign up to participate here, and on Barbara’s Facebook Page under the 28-Day Sugar Reset Challenge Tab. 

My Thoughts

The stores are packed with dozens of cereal choices but its hard to find ones that my kids will eat that aren't filled with artificial ingredients. I didn't really think it was possible to find a natural cereal that didn't taste like card board. But we got a exciting surprise when we tried out Snackimals from Barbara's. Their cereals have no artificial preservatives and no artificial colors or flavors.  They are made with 100% whole grain oats and all-natural ingredients. And they taste great!

For our review, we got to try out the Snackimals Vanilla Blast.  I told my son this was a healthier brand then the one we usually get. He shrugged, took a mouthful, then looked up at me in shock and said, "Wow,  Mom.This actually tastes really good!" If a four-year-old likes it, you know it must taste great. I have to agree that the cereal was awesome. You won't be able to tell the difference between this and the big name brands.  It stayed crispy in the milk and had just the right amount of flavor. Each of my kids wanted a second bowl they liked it so much. And since it made with whole grain and has no trans fat I know its good for them.

Another great thing about this company that is worth pointing out is that they really give back. They are actively involved in helping preserve the natural habitats of seabirds, including their mascot the Puffin. Plus they are a green company that uses environmentally friendly post consumer cardboard in their packaging. If you would like to learn more about Snackimals Cereal and all the tasty products they offer, check out the Barbara's website. You can also follow them on twitteror become their fan on face book.  You can find their cereal at Whole Foods. Check them out today and start living healthier!