Mint Oreo Brownies

I was searching Pinterest (Are you following my pins?) last week for a fun dessert recipe. Somehow I stumbled upon a great one. Today I finally made this yummy recipe. It was so easy and turned out wonderfully. I followed the directions and only had to bake a little longer. Otherwise everything was perfect. These brownies are delicious, especially if you love the chocolate mint combo.

Here is the recipe as found on Averie Cooks.com:

Fudgy Mint Chocolate Brookies

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted

1 egg

1 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons brewed coffee (enhances chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup flour

25 mint Oreos, quartered, divided (save 5 for the top)

Directions: 

1. Preheat the over to 350. Line a 8x8 pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Melt butter in bowl.

3. Let butter cool for a few minutes, then add egg, brown sugar, coffee, vanilla, peppermint extract (Do not add too much!) and whisk until smooth.

4. Whisk in cocoa powder until smooth.

5. Add flour and stir until just combined. Don't overmix.

6. Quarter 20 Oreos with a sharp knife and stir into batter. (Save 5 for top.)

7. Turn batter into pan and smooth top.

8. Quarter the remaining 5 Oreos and place evenly on top of batter.

9. Bake for 28-30 minutes, or until done. (This took me about 5 more minutes in my oven.) A toothpick will come out mostly clean when done.

10. Let brownies cool, cut, and eat. Yum!

Yield: 9-12 pieces, depending on how big you want your brownies

My #DisneySide Party

*I received free products in order to host the Disney Side @Home Celebration. All opinions are my own.*

Parties are fun! Disney is great. Put the two together and throw in a birthday, you have one great party. (And one cute, little, Mickey Mouse eared baby!)

We received our Disney Side party kit full of great things. First of all it came in a huge box. Inside was all of our Disney Side party supplies inside of American Tourist Luggage, which just happens to be the official luggage of Walt Disney World Resort!

There were lots of great party supplies like Disney napkins, cute, balloons, plates, a tablecloth and more. To play we had Disney bingo and trivia. The HP photo card packs were great for creating invitations and printing photos of the event.

We made up party gift bags with lots of goodies inside. Each person got a Mickey & Minnie Mouse poster, Craisins, a Run Disney poster and bumper sticker. Plus there were balloons, tattoos and stickers. It was a great goody bag without all the sugary sweets and cheap toys that parents cringe about.

Our Disney Side party was a little different. We incorporated it with Zachariah's 8th birthday. He had been talking about doing something a little different this year anyway. We typically have a low-scale party with all of our family at our house for birthdays. But the older he gets, the less fun that is (especially when he's the oldest cousin...by 4 years). So we discussed a few different options and settled on bowling. I knew we could do our Disney Side party along with the birthday fun.

We were able to set up our decorations at the bowling alley. The kids bowled, then we ate pizza and had our special Mickey Mouse cupcakes (in the Mickey Mouse cupcake wrappers, of course). They ran around and played like crazy little boys do. I think it turned out very well. They enjoyed the fun of bowling and the fun of our Disney Side too. They were so busy the whole time, I don't even have a great picture of the birthday boy himself (he's in the green hoodie).

Our Disney Side Home Celebration was a hit! How do you show your Disney Side?

Gorton's Wicked Good Seafood - Fish BLT Sandwich Recipe

Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.

How does your family feel about fish? Mine likes it quite a bit. Fish is not something that my mom made a lot of when I was growing up. I never really developed a taste for it. I think the most I'd do was eat the frozen fish sticks. As I got older I started trying more fish and other seafood. I found that I really do like it. I am still bad about cooking it for my family enough, but we all do like fish.

I recently participated in a campaign for Gorton's Wicked Good Seafood. We got to try a few different varieties of the frozen fish products that they make. One of my favorites is the Lemon Herb Fish Fillets. So tasty and easy to make. We also were able to try the new Fish Sandwich Fillets. 

I looked at Gorton's website for recipes to inspire me. Not only do they have recipes, but you can also download coupons and explore their other great products. When I found the recipe for a Fish BLT Sandwich, I knew we had to try it. My boys love bacon. I knew this recipe was a winner for us. The Fish BLTs were very quick and easy to make. I served them along with a salad for dinner and everyone was pleased. My son enjoyed it and so did my husband and I. If you're looking for a great way to change up a fish meal for your family, you should give this recipe a try.

Fish Sandwich BLT

INGREDIENTS:
4 Gorton's Fish Sandwich Fillets
4 Hamburger Buns
8 Slices Bacon
Lettuce
Tomato

DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare four Gorton's Fish Sandwich Fillets according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, prepare 8 slices og bacon according to package instructions.
3. Place Gorton's Fish Sandwich Fillet on hamburger bun and top with two slices of cooked bacon. Add lettuce and tomato and enjoy!

We added tartar sauce on the bun and served with a salad. Perfect!

Connect with Gorton's on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest too. 

Brew Over Ice #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received these products for review. All opinions are my own.

It's still summertime. The weather this year hasn't acted like that too much here in Ohio. But it's still the summer season. It's sunny out and fun to be outdoors. Part of being outside in the summer, though, is keeping cool. A great way to keep cool is with a refreshing iced beverage. Now you can use your Keurig brewer to have a nice iced drink to enjoy.

The product: If you have a Keurig brewer, perhaps you've already heard of (or even tried) the new Brew Over Ice products. They are K-Cups that you brew over a glass of ice for a cool refreshing drink. It's a great change for summertime. You can still get your coffee fix without having a hot drink on those sweltering days. Or maybe you're an iced tea lover. The Brew Over Ice tea varieties will be perfect for you. You can get even more use out of your Keurig now.

You will find many varieties of Brew Over Ice including Snapple Teas, Green Mountain & The Original Donut Shop coffee, Vitamin Burst, Green Mountain Naturals, and Celestial Seasonings. There are different kids of each.

It's so simple to do. You already have a Keurig if you're interested in these, so you know how to operate one. Now you're Keurig can do more. It can Brew Over Ice too.

Here's how it's done: Step 1- Fill a 16-oz. cup to the top with ice and place a Brew Over Ice K-Cup pack into your brewer. Step 2- Press the 6-oz. or 8-oz. button for optimal flavor. Step 3- Stir and enjoy!

That's it. It's so simple and easy to enjoy great cold beverages now too. It opens up many more possibilities with your Keurig brewer. Everyone in the family will want to try it out now.

What we thought: My husband has been using the Brew Over Ice cups for a little while now. He likes the iced teas, like Celestial Seasonings Half & Half (smooth black tea and natural lemonade). It's easy just to make one drink at a time when you need it.

We received a package with a few Brew Over Ice drinks to try out here. I really liked the Donut House Collection Sweet & Creamy iced coffee. I'm not a big coffee drinker but with a little sweetness I'm more likely to enjoy it. I didn't know what I'd think of this, but honestly it was really good. It had just the right amount of sweetness and was creamy too. My son took a little sip and claimed it was "yummy".

The other variety I'm looking forward to trying is the Vitamin Burst Acai Berry Iced Fruit Brew. I imagine it will taste like a vitamin/juice drink. It sounds sweet and refreshing. There are so many other varieties that we are looking forward to trying as well.

Be sure to check out the "Brew Over Ice Sweepstakes" going on now at http://game.brewoverice.com!

Where to buy: You can find these Brew Over Ice products on store shelves all over. Be sure to visit www.brewoverice.com/coolwaytobrew to download a $2 off product coupon for your next purchase.

Prize: One of you will win a prize pack (as shown above) container a fun Brew Over Ice light-up ice bucket, to-go cup with straws, 4 coasters, and 3 samples of Brew Over Ice K-cups.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open now until 12:01am EST on 9/6/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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New Sesame Street Cereal from Post #Giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Toddlers are a fun group. Little kids are doing so many new things and are learning so much. It's fun to see all the changes that they go through. What do you think of with toddlers? Learning to eat. Walking. Self feeding. Cute children's shows and cartoons. Now here's a product that toddlers will love. It encourages self feeding and has some of their favorite characters.

The product: Post has launched a new cereal with toddlers in mind. It is Sesame Street Cereal with their favorite characters on the box. And the cereal inside is perfect for little hands. Reach a new milestone with your little ones with a cereal they will love.

Post Sesame Street Cereal comes in two varieties, A is for Apple and B is for Banana. For your growing child this cereal is made with 2/3 of their daily whole grain serving plus it has only 1 gram of sugar per serving. Cookie Monster and Elmo are featured on the boxes of this cereal. The cereal itself is in the shape of little X's and O's. It makes picking it up easy for little fingers. And it is soft and melts in your mouth for easy and safe consumption for your little ones.

What we thought: On first site, I know my son would have loved these cereals when he was a toddler. Having Elmo & Cookie Monster on the box will thrill any young Sesame Street fan. Not only are the boxes catchy with favorite characters, but the cereal is pretty good. It has a slight hint of the flavor in the little pieces. It reminds me of Cheerios with a hint of apple/banana flavor. The texture is great for little ones. It is a soft cereal that they can easily chew and swallow. I think these cereals are great for any families with young children. They will definitely enjoy trying this. I will be getting some more when Jonah is big enough to try it too.

Where to buy: You can find the new Post Sesame Street Cereal in your local grocery stores now.

Prize: One of you will win one of each box, A is for Apple and B is for Banana, of Post Sesame Street Cereal.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 6/28/13 at 12:01am EST. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Kroger June Value

Disclosure: The information and gift pack have been provided by General Mills and Kroger through MyBlogSpark.

Summertime is here. School is out and hungry kids are home. It's time to stock up on your favorite brands from Kroger.

The product: Kroger is a great store to shop at. They always have great deals on your favorite products from the best brands. You can often find great savings on your favorite brands from General Mills like Pillsbury, Totino's, Chex Mix and Yoplait.

What we thought: We don't have a Kroger in town, but often stop to shop in one when we're away from home. There are a few within driving distance in neighboring towns. When there are great deals, I love to make the trip just to shop there. This last time we found one of my husband's favorites, Ale-8-One pop (link not sponsored, just a product we love). We can't get there here, but when we were near Cincinnati last month we were able to get it. He is all stocked up for a while now thanks to Kroger and the $25 gift card I received.

How to connect: You'll find Kroger on Facebook and Twitter.

Prize: One reader will win a $25 Kroger gift card.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 6/21/13. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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Resource Spring Water

The product:

Resource® natural spring water. Resource is a 100% natural spring water with natural electrolytes for taste, sustainably sourced and packaged in a bottle made of 50% recycled plastic. Resource water is good for you and mindful of the Earth. With natural electrolytes for taste, its recycled bottle helps you keep nature in mind too. 

It is more than just hydration, it’s Total Electrolytenment™. Electrolytenment™ is about living a more enlightened and holistic life.

What I thought: Resource Spring Water is cool, clean and refreshing. I like the size of the bottles, and they are easy to keep in my fridge. Then I can take one as I'm headed out the door. I found this water to be very clean in taste. Some bottled waters have different tastes to me. I want something that is just pure. This was very pure, and I enjoyed it very much.

Where to buy: You can find Resource Spring Water in stores and online.

How to connect: Find Resource Water at http://www.resourcespringwater.com/. Click the image below to find Resource on Facebook.

*Disclaimer: Content and/or other value provided by our partner, resource natural spring water.*

Minute Rice- Minute Steamers #Giveaway (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner listed below.

Need a quick addition to a meal? Or maybe you need some easy meal inspirations. We all need a little help from time to time, and this easy to fix solution will work for you.

The product: We all have busy times in our life. Sometimes getting a meal ready for dinner can be a hassle. MinuteRice's newest product, Minute Steamers (available in the frozen food aisle at your local Walmart), are the perfect addition to your family's dinner table. From freezer to plate in just four minutes, Steamers help make perfectly cooked rice a part of a well-rounded, affordable meal, making the back-to-school transition easy for you and your family.

Minute Steamers is available in seven different varieties, including: Whole Grain Brown Rice, White Rice and flavorful mixes such as Whole Grain Brown & Wild with Vegetables, Broccoli and Cheese Rice, Spanish Rice, Fried Rice and Macaroni and Cheese.

To help make mealtime even easier, Minute Steamers offers Four Ingredient Meals with Four-Minute Steamers, combining some of your favorite ingredients and kitchen staples with Steamers to create yummy, simple meals the whole family can enjoy.


South-of-the Border Turkey Dinner

Ingredients:

• 1 bag Minute Steamers Brown Rice
• 1 pound ground turkey, cooked and crumbled
• 1 can (11 ounces) southwestern corn blend
• 1 cup prepared salsa

Directions:

• Prepare rice according to package directions.
• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine turkey, corn and salsa.
• Cook on HIGH 2 minutes.
• Stir in rice.

Tips:

• Add 1 cup shredded Monterrey Jack cheese.
• Use as filling in tortillas and top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
• Roll into burrito-sized tortillas and serve with sour cream.

What we thought: We tried the Minute Steamers Mac & Cheese. I fixed it as a side dish to go along with supper one night. Just a simple meat & veggies kind of night. It needed a little spicing up. The mac & cheese was so easy to make. I just put the bag straight from the freezer to the microwave. It only takes a few minutes and you have a fresh, hot side dish. We thought the mac & cheese was pretty good. Not the best mac & cheese I've had, but I'd rate it on the better end. It's something that we would definitely eat again.

The only draw back for us was the size. There really wasn't a lot in the bag. I would say it was about 2 adult size portions. We split it between 2 adults and 1 child (who eats like an adult), and it was a pretty small portion for each of us.

I also got a bag of the Fried Rice, but haven't had a chance to try it yet. It looks yummy. I could make it as a dinner side or maybe a quick, easy lunch for myself one day.

Where to buy: I had a hard time finding the Minute Steamers in my local grocery stores, but was able to get it at Walmart. It is available in these varieties now.

Prize: One winner will receive an assortment of  Minute Rice items such as a kitchen timer, reusable grocery tote, and potholders.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 2/19/13. It is open to US residents only.Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Ice Breakers Duo Fruit & Cool

Fruity? Cool? Is is possible to have both in one? Of course, with Ice Breakers Due Fruit & Cool you can enjoy the best of both worlds.

The product: Ice Breakers Duo combines sweet fruity tastes with refreshing cool crystals. You can try both amazing flavors- Strawberry and Raspberry.

Which characteristic best fits your personality? Cool or fruity? You'll have to visit Ice Breakers Duo on Facebook to take the quiz. Are you "sweet as a puppy" or "cool as a cucumber"? While you're on their page, you can also check out the custom Ice Breakers Duo Pandora station. You can listen to music  vote on your favorite songs and "Duo" your profile picture by combining your sweet or cool side with a friend's.

What we thought: I don't like really strong minty things, so for me the Ice Breakers Duo Fruit & Cool are a perfect mix. I like the sweet fruity flavor, but the cool feels refreshing for my mouth too. I keep these in my purse all the time now. Both the strawberry and raspberry are great flavors with these too. My son really likes them as well. I have to be careful when I pass the container to him, because instead of taking just one he'll keep eating them. We prefer to teach him moderation.

Where to buy: You can find the Ice Breakers Duo in stores and online now.




*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

LunchBlox Sandwich Kit

The product: LunchBlox Sandwich Kit:

• Saves space and stays organized in your lunch bag
• Includes a specially designed Blue Ice pack that keeps lunches chilled on the go
• Containers are perfectly portioned for lunch foods commonly carried away from home
• Containers are microwave-, dishwasher- and freezer-safe and BPA-free

What I thought: I pack my son's lunch about 4 days a week. This is a nice addition to his lunch box. I can keep his sandwich from getting squished in the larger container. And when he wants lunch meat or tuna salad, I just put the ice pack in with it. It keeps everything fresh until he eats lunch. The other smaller containers are great for snacks, fruits and veggies too. This is a very handy kit to have around for school lunches for us.

Where to buy: You can find the LunchBlox Sandwich Kit in stores and online. I just saw them on an end display at our local Meijer.




*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Hershey Simple Pleasures

I don't know about you, but I have a sweet tooth. Now I'll admit that it's been quite a bit less with this pregnancy, but it is definitely coming back. Chocolate is a big weakness & it's hard to resist good chocolate anywhere...even in the New Year. Now Hershey's has a great tasting chocolate with 30% less fat to help us out.

The product: 

Hershey Announces a Sweet Surprise for Chocolate Lovers with Launch of Hershey's Simple Pleasures Chocolates

Delicious New Crème Filled Chocolates Hit Store Shelves

HERSHEY, Pa., June 5, 2012 – The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) announced the launch of Hershey’s® Simple Pleasures® chocolates – delicious, smooth and creamy chocolates with 30 percent less fat compared to the average of the leading milk chocolates. “We know people love chocolate and want to live a balanced lifestyle,” said brand spokeswoman, Anna Lingeris.  “With Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates, our goal is to give chocolate lovers a reason to celebrate because they can finally have it all … delicious chocolate they can feel great about loving.” Made using the highest-quality ingredients, Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates have a smooth chocolate outside with a rich crème-filled center. They are available in three varieties, Milk Chocolate with Chocolate Crème, Dark Chocolate with Chocolate Crème, and Milk Chocolate with Vanilla Crème and are individually wrapped for easy portion control in 24-count 5.6 oz. bags. Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates are now available in mass retailers and drug stores nationwide. The first new brand from Hershey since 2007, Hershey’s Simple Pleasureschocolates will have strong brand support with dedicated advertising launching in July as well as a strong digital media presence. Fans can visit the Hershey’s Simple Pleasures chocolates website (www.hersheyssimplepleasures.com) to learn more. About The Hershey Company  The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) is the largest producer of quality chocolate in North America and a global leader in chocolate and sugar confectionery. Headquartered in Hershey, Pa., The Hershey Company has operations throughout the world and approximately 12,000 employees. With revenues of nearly $6 billion, Hershey offers confectionery products under more than 25 brand names, including such iconic brands as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Hershey'sBliss, Hershey's Special Dark, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, Jolly Rancher and Ice Breakers.  Hershey also offers premium and artisan chocolate products under such brands as Scharffen Berger and Dagoba through the Artisan Confections Company, a wholly owned subsidiary.  The company is focused on growing its presence in key international markets such as China and Mexico while continuing to build its competitive advantage in the United States and Canada. For more than 100 years, The Hershey Company has been a leader in making a positive difference in the communities where its employees live, work and do business. Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of the company’s global business strategy, which includes goals and priorities focused on fair and ethical business dealings, environmental stewardship, fostering a desirable workplace for employees, and positively impacting society and local communities. Milton Hershey School, established in 1909 by the company's founder and administered by Hershey Trust Company, provides a quality education, housing, and medical care at no cost to children in social and financial need. Students of Milton Hershey School are direct beneficiaries of The Hershey Company's success.

What I thought: We were excited to try these new chocolates from Hershey's. We had the Chocolate with Chocolate Creme variety. They are chocolaty and filled with a smooth chocolate creme in the middle. My first thought was that the chocolate isn't quite as creamy as most chocolates. Realizing that these are meant to be a low-fat alternative to regular chocolates put it in perspective. While the quality of chocolate may not be quite as good as the ones with all the extra fat, this is good chocolate. When I need a sweet treat and am watching my fat intake, this is definitely a go to chocolate to have. They are individually wrapped, so they are easy to put in a drawer at work or home for that emergency chocolate snack break. I know that you'll enjoy these too. I can't wait to try the other kinds too.

Where to buy: You can find the Hershey's Simple Pleasures in stores and online.



*Disclaimer: I received these from Hershey's to review. All opinions are my own.*

Applegate Bacon #Giveaway (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winners listed below!

Mmm, bacon. If there is one thing that most people like (except vegetarians), it's bacon. Lately we've been seeing bacon in everything...including chocolate sundaes with bacon on top. That might be a bit too much for me, but I do enjoy bacon. Now you can enjoy the meat without worry of where it came from with Applegate Bacon. And you'll want to get your hands on this bacon in time for your holiday

The product:
Applegate:
All of the Meat…None of the Mystery

Defining Natural Meat
For more than 25 years, Applegate has been producing high-quality meats and cheeses,
including hot dogs, bacon and deli meats, with only natural ingredients. Natural can mean
many things, but when consumers see the word “natural” on the Applegate label, they are
guaranteed that the meat inside is:

• Free of antibiotics or hormones
• From animals fed a vegetarian or 100% grass diet and treated with humane animal
standards
• Free of chemical nitrites, nitrates or phosphates
• Free of artificial ingredients or preservatives

Providing Great-Tasting Meat Choices Consumers Can Trust
More and more consumers are seeking out natural and organic products, and Applegate
works with nearly 1,000 family farms to offer Americans great-tasting choices from trusted
production practices.

Applegate’s network of farmers treats both their land and their animals with the utmost
respect. The animals are raised humanely and never given antibiotics, hormones or artificial
growth promoters. And all of Applegate’s products are made with natural and organic
ingredients that are minimally processed, without any artificial additives to mask their
naturally wholesome flavor.

Natural Turkey Bacon

Our Natural Turkey Bacon is a delicious alternative to pork bacon that you can enjoy every

day. Our recipe uses select cuts of hand-trimmed natural turkey thigh meat – carefully

seasoned and smoked over the crackle of hardwoods. Why is it so great? Because we use

whole cuts and don’t use fillers or nitrites, our turkey bacon is meaty, smoky and delicious.

It’s also:

• Casein Free

• Dairy Free

• Gluten Free

• Low Carbohydrate

• Low Fat

Natural Sunday Bacon

Declared by The New York Times to be, “…superb, filled with the flavor and aroma that

makes everyone gravitate towards the kitchen,” our Natural Sunday Bacon possesses all

the flavor of old fashioned country bacon without added nitrites or chemical preservatives.

At Applegate, we take our bacon seriously. We use select cuts of antibiotic-free pork, and

season it with natural ingredients like sea salt. Then we smoke it for hours over hardwood.

(In this context, smoking is a great habit, and one we will never give up.) Whether you’re

preparing an old-fashioned country breakfast or an elegant dinner salad, Sunday Bacon is a

perfect choice for people as serious about taste as they are about healthy bacon.

It’s also:

• Casein Free

• Dairy Free

• Gluten Free

• Low Carbohydrate

What we thought: We were excited to open the package to see the Applegate Bacon and Turkey Bacon. It looked so yummy. My favorite way to eat bacon is on a BLT sandwich. So yummy and a quick, easy supper. Applegate has some other great recipes that I can't wait to try, especially the Brown Sugar Natural Bacon. Yum!

Better than the taste and delicious bacon recipes is knowing where it comes from. Knowing the meat is humanely raised with no antibiotics and no hormones makes me feel better about giving this to my family to enjoy.

How to connect: You can learn more at applegate.com. And be sure to check out their other recipes, like the one for French Onion Soup with Crispt Bacon Topping and Cheese Puffs with Natural Bacon.

Where to buy: Look for Applegate Bacon in your local grocery store. Check the website for one nearest you. (It looks like Kroger stores have it around me.)

Prize: 3 of you can win a coupon for a Free Applegate Bacon product to try for yourself.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 12/21. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Gorton's Seafood #Giveaway

Seafood in your kitchen...even if you don't live near an ocean. That's something we often miss out on in Ohio...fresh seafood. And that could be one of the big reasons that we enjoy vacationing near the ocean when we can. Gorton's makes some great seafood products that bring a little taste of that to your home.

The product: Gorton's is promoting a new "Eat Seafood Twice a Week" campaign. This recommendation comes from many health organizations, and Gorton's wants to encourage your family to partake. You can read more about the health benefits of seafood for yourself.

You can easily find a way to get seafood into your family's meal rotation by seeing all the tasty recipes on Gorton's Recipe Gallery. You can find things like appetizers of fish stick lettuce to family favorites, like marinara topped crunchy fillets. The possibilities are endless when you look at the wide range of seafood products from Gorton's, including 20 products that are 200 calories or less.

What we thought: I was really looking forward to trying Gorton's Grilled Seafood Roasted Garlic & Butter Grilled Tilapia. Unfortunately I couldn't find it at the local grocery store I went to. (I'm going to keep looking around for it, because I really want to try it.) Instead we got our stand-by favorite Gorton's Crispy Battered Fish Fillets. I don't do anything fancy with these. We just bake them and serve them with a side of tartar sauce and some vegetables. Yum! It's something that my whole family enjoys.

Where to buy: You can find Gorton's Seafood in your local grocery stores.

Prize: Gorton's is offering 3 of my readers a $2.00 coupon plus a limited-edition Gorton's Seafood plate remind you to Eat Seafood Twice a Week.

Giveaway: This giveaway is open until 12:01am EST on 12/22. It is open to US residents only. Please enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

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*I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

Green Giant Seasoned Steamers

With a dash of imagination, a pinch of culinary skill, and a heap of flavor, Green Giant Seasoned Steamers are giving you a new reason to enjoy eating your vegetables. Shake up your vegetable routine with these flavorful, chef-inspired options that are seasoned to perfection, without a drop of sauce. Now, more than ever, you can leave your family craving more vegetables with every meal and break through meal monotony with a new palate-pleasing vegetables option for everyone! With new Green Giant Seasoned Steamers, eating vegetables just got easier and more delicious!

The product: Available in six different varieties, Green Giant Seasoned Steamers are one of the first sauce-free seasoned vegetables to bring unique chef-inspired seasonings and premium cut vegetable blends to your dining room table. These tasty Seasoned Steamers are bound to spice up any meal with six varieties including: Mediterranean Blend, Tuscan Seasoned Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts with Sea Salt and Cracked Pepper, Honey Roasted Sweet Corn, Honey Dijon Carrots and Backyard Grilled Potatoes.

What I thought: I picked out the Brussel Sprouts from our local grocery store. They had all the different varieties in the freezer section. We've been buying the pre-seasoned frozen vegetables for a while. They are quick and handy for a side dish with dinner. It's something that we can stock up on on sale and always have on hand. Then all you do is pull the package from the freezer and heat in the microwave. It's so simple and delicious. It's something that my whole family enjoys.

Where to buy: You can find Green Giant Seasoned Steamers in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Learn more about Green Giant on their website: http://goo.gl/GRkc1. And you can find them on Facebook.




*Disclosure:  The coupons, information, and gift packs have been provided by Green Giant® through MyBlogSpark.*

Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes

The sweet smell of mouth-watering desserts baking in the oven is now just a shake away! New Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes let you get to the fun faster and with less mess.

The product: Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes come in several varieties including delicious Chocolate Brownie, Confetti Cupcake, and Chocolate Cupcake. The are now available in the baking aisle at your local grocers.

These mixes are so easy (and fun) to make that even your kids will want to get in on the action. Simply add water to the dessert mix  shake, and pour into your favorite baking pan. In a matter of minutes you and your family can enjoy that same taste you love, in a fraction of time. Fun is just a shake away!

What we thought: These new shake and pour mixes really are fun. My son enjoyed helping me out in the kitchen making them. You can see in my photo above how easy it really is to make a pan of brownies. You pour the water right into the container, shake it up good, then pour it into your pan. Bake, cut and enjoy. The brownies and cupcakes were good. I found the brownies to be lacking in consistency a bit, but the cupcakes were perfect.

Where to buy: You can find the Betty Crocker Shake-N-Pour Dessert Mixes in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Get more from Betty Crocker at http://bit.ly/BCSNP. They are on Facebook and Twitter too.



*Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Betty Crocker through MyBlogSpark.*

Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain

Looking for a way to get creative in the kitchen? New Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain is the perfect canvas for a culinary masterpiece, of should we say master-pizza! Just add your favorite ingredients and enjoy a hot, fresh meal in minutes. Whether your family loves pepperoni, veggies, or the works, the possibilities are endless with New Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain.

The product: New from Pillsbury is the Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain. With 16 grams of whole grain per serving, this is a pizza crust the whole family will love. It is now available in the refrigerated section of your local grocery store.

Quick, convenient, and completely customization new Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust with Whole Grain will help you add some pizzazz to your homemade pizza along with the healthy benefits of whole grain!

What I thought: I was happy to see this new product from Pillsbury. My local grocery stores carry it. It's good to have a Whole Grain alternative when I'm using pizza crust for a recipe or to make pizza. It's very easy to roll this out, top with sauce, veggies, meats, cheese, whatever you choose, then bake in the oven. A quick easy, healthier pizza night for the whole family.

Where to buy: You will find this new product in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Learn more about this product and other great things from Pillsbury at http://bit.ly/PilAPC. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.



*Disclosure:  The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.*

Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds

Ready to go nuts over fiber? Introducing the newest flavor in the Fiber One cereal line-up, Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds! With the perfect combination of crunch and sweetness, this new cereal is a great (and tasty!) way to help get fiber you need.

The product: Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds cereal contains 11 grams of fiber (43% of the Daily Value), 23 grams of whole grain (at least 48 recommended daily), and 180 calories per serving. It's chock full of delicious crunchy nut clusters, real sliced almonds and whole grain flakes.

In a nutshell, Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds is a great-tasting and wholesome breakfast cereal that you can feel good about. Tasting is believing, so try this delicious cereal for yourself. Does Nutty Clusters & Almonds cereal change how you think about fiber? 9 out of 10 Americans don't get enough fiber in their diet.* Do you have trouble meeting the Recommended Daily Value of 25 grams per day of fiber? How will Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds help you reach this goal?

*International Food Information Council

What I thought: The Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds cereal is very tasty. I like the flavors with the crunch of the nutty clusters and the great flavor and texture of the almonds in it too. Not only did I enjoy this cereal, but the rest of my family did too. I think this is a great choice for my son over other sugary cereals he could choose.

Not only is this cereal yummy, but the fiber benefits are great. I know I'm one of those people who probably don't get the full recommended amount in my diet. Especially now during my pregnancy, I need to make sure I'm getting plenty. And this cereal is any easy way to start my day off right.

Where to buy: You can find Fiber One Nutty Clusters & Almonds in your local grocery store.

How to connect: Learn more about this cereal and other things from Fiber One on their website. You can also catch them on Facebook.



*Disclosure:  The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have all been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.*

Snyder of Berlin Potato Chips

Aren't snacks great? I know my family enjoys tasty potato chips, pretzels, and other treats from time to time. Snyder of Berlin has been making yummy snacks for 65 years now! And they are celebrating with a contest that you can enter.

The product: Snyder of Berlin has a snack line including potato chips of all varieties like original, barbecue, salt & vinegar, dill pickle, and more. They also make rippled and wavy potato chips, kettle cooked potato chips, many varieties of pretzels, dips, popcorn, corn snacks, and even  specialty snacks like pork rinds and vegetable chips.

Snyder of Berlin is celebrating their 65th anniversary. Here's a little history on the company:

1920s
The Snyder family starts cooking kettle chips in their home kitchen on Centennial Avenue in Hanover, PA.
1920s
With a growing reputation, chip operations move to a new brick building at the back of the homestead.
1920s
Edward Snyder II and brother-in-law Barb Sterner work nearly around the clock to keep up with demand.
1930s
William Snyder takes over operations from his father as the company moves into its third generation.
1940s
Snyder works with manufacturers in the development of the aluminum foil bag and automated packaging machines.
1940s
Distribution spreads across Pennsylania — from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh.
1944
Jacob Stutzman, a storeowner in Berlin, PA, assists in sourcing chipping potatoes in Cambria and Somerset counties.
September 18, 1945
Stutzman and William Snyder meet with local farmers and business owners to discuss joining together to open a potato chip factory. TheBerlin Brothersvalley Industrial Association of Berlin, PA, is formed.
March 1946
Stock is sold to finance construction of our original 120 x 100 foot building at the East End of town.
October 1946
Sent to learn the chip making operations, Norman Handwerk of Berlin returns from the Hanover plant with surplus machinery that he and his mechanics refurbish for use in the new factory.
February 9, 1947
Operations begin in Berlin with seven employees.
1950
Snyder operations in Hanover and Berlin part ways. The Sterner family assumes ownership of the Berlin operations.
1963
Upon the death of her husband, Edythe Snyder Sterner becomes president. Edythe and Barb's son, Gary Sterner, becomes general manager marking the fourth generation in the family's business.
1960s-1980s
Eleven additions are constructed around the original factory with new offices, manufacturing lines, storage and distribution facilities. The added space and success leads to the introduction of new product lines — including corn chips, corn curls and popcorn.
1965
Continuous roll packaging machines begin the trend toward high speeed automation.
1972
Snyder is acquired as a division of Curtice Burns of Rochester, NY. Its association with the Pro-Fac Cooperative (Producers-Facilities) garners the commitments needed to satisfy market demand; farmers get a guaranteed market for their produce.
1994
Curtice Burns Foods becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Pro-Fac Cooperative.
1997
Curtice Burns changes its name to Agrilink Foods, Inc. to underscore the close relationship between farmers and processors.
1998
With the acquisition of the Birds Eye brand, Agrilink Foods doubles its size. In 2003 Agrilink changes its name to Birds Eye Foods, Inc. building on the prestige of the nationally recognized brand.
2009
Pinnacle Foods Group LLC completes the acquisition of Birds Eye Foods. Pinnacle Foods is a private equity portfolio company of the Blackstone Group.

In celebration of their 65th anniversary Snyder of Berlin is running a fun contest. They have special packaging for their anniversary and best of all a photo contest. From now until December 31, 2012 you can submit your own photos of Snyder of Berlin snacks for the Snyder Snack-Shots contest. Just show how you, your friends or family enjoy these snacks in the spring, summer or fall. The photos can also be of an event or occasion that you've enjoyed the snacks. Or maybe you just enjoy them with lunch or a snack break.

They have many great prizes that you can win:
*One grand prize winner will receive $1,000 in case, new camera, and a year's supply of Snyder's snacks.
*Three runners up will receive $500 in cash, and a year's supply of Snyder's snacks.
*Each month there will be monthly winners who will receive a Snyder of Berlin Party Pack of snacks and also have the chance to be a grand prize or runner-up winner.

It's easy to enter. Just go to http://www.snyderofberlin.com and click on the "Snyder Snack Shots" image to enter. All the contest details can be found there.

What we thought: We got to sample a few varieties of Snyder of Berlin potato chips. My whole family really enjoyed them. They were flavorful and crisp, just what we want in a potato chip. They are great for occasional snacking or fun to bring to parties. With all the holiday celebrations coming up, I'm sure picking up a bag of their snacks will be well received every time.

Where to buy: You can find these in your local grocery stores. Or search on their website for distribution areas or to purchase online.

How to connect: See all about Snyder of Berlin and their wide selection of snacks on their website http://www.snyderofberlin.com. And don't forget to enter their contest while you are there.



*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*