Great Thanksgiving Week Give Away!!! Sign Up Today!

We have a winner...Janet Faye..please send me your email within 24 hours to claim your prize!! Congratulations!
Gathering the family around the dinner table to enjoy a home cooked meal is a great way to unwind, but there aren´t always enough hours in the day to prepare an entire meal from scratch especially on Thanksgiving when you have so many things to do.  

I use these all the time and they taste so close to homemade.  My family never leaves a bite in the bowl.  I know you will enjoy them as well.  They are quick and easy to make and delicious to eat.  This makes dinnertime so much for enjoyable than starting from scratch making these potato dishes.  For more information, visit BettyCrocker.com, and be sure to follow Betty Crocker on Twitter and "Like" the Facebook page to keep up with all of the latest news on your Betty Crocker favorites!  You can visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/4775/ for $0.55 off one package of Betty Crocker Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes and in the meantime, I want you to have these two packages of Betty Crocker Potatoes and this beautiful bamboo bowl.  The picture does not do this bowl justice.  You will also receive a Betty Crocker Spook and this red trivet. 




To win this great prize package please do the following:
Follow my Blog and post a comment that you are a follower and tell me what kind of Betty Crocker Instant Potatoes you like best.  You can visit their home page to see all the different varieties.
For a second chance share this give away on your facebook page.
For a third chance, follow me on twitter and share this give away on twitter.


I will draw for the prize on Friday, November 25th.  

This prize has been provided by Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark and I was not paid to share this give away with you.

NEW RECIPE for Pretzel Bouquet

 What better bouquet to give to someone than a HK Anderson Pretzel bouquet.  Just melt chocolate, dip pretzel and sprinkle with decor.  I used Sprinkles and Heath Toffee Bits.  They are beautiful and delicious.  This is an awesome gift to give someone or a fun centerpiece for your table. Someone grabs one every time they walk by!         

If you love pretzels like my family does, you will absolutely love HK Anderson Pretzels.  We recently were blessed to receive a sample box of several of their pretzels to try and to share our opinion with you.  I also want to share one of my favorite recipes with you.
HK Anderson believes snacking can be delicious AND wholesome... the way it used to be. Using healthy ingredients that also provide great taste, they strive to bring delicious and wholesome alternatives to our snacking choices. Healthy families promote healthy communities and ultimately a healthy America. Sound simple? It is, just like their products: simple and satisfying.

Here is what we thought.  First of all we tasted the Peanut Butter Filled Nuggets.  My husband LOVED them.  He is a big peanut butter fan and these had the perfect amount of peanut butter for the size of the pretzel.  He said it was a burst of goodness inside the salty pretzel nugget.  He ate the whole bag.  My son Marshall's favorite were the Honey Wheat Braided Twists.  He liked the way they looked and how crunchy they were.  Plus, it was a bonus that they were wheat he said.  My favorite were the Double Baked Butter Balls....if you know me, you understand...anything with butter..yummy.  I loved the shape and they were crunchy and fun.  They would be great in a snack mix because of their flavor and the shape is so cool.

That left the Salty Stix.  With those I made my FAMOUS pretzel snack mix and they were enjoyed by all.

That is the recipe I am going to share with you now.  I encourage you to get some of these pretzels.  I know you will love them.  And remember, they are baked, not fried to make them even healthier for you.  Isn't that exciting?  Over the holidays, there are many recipes that call for pretzels.  Snack mixes, cookies, salads and so on and so forth.  Why not use HK Anderson pretzels to make that treat just a little bit healthier and a lot better taste?  You can find out more about their products at www.hkanderson.com .  Go there and check them out.  My Wal-mart, Staples, and Big Lots carry them.

Delicious Snack Pretzels

2 - 1 lb bags HK Anderson Salty Stix Pretzels

2 pkg. of Hidden Valley Ranch Dry Dressing

2 cups canola oil

1 tsp. - 1 tbsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. - 1 tbsp. cayenne pepper

1.  Mix seasonings with the oil and put in 2 gallon size zipper bag.  Add pretzels and shake well to coat all the pretzels.

2.  Place pretzels on large baking sheet and bake at 225 degrees for 2 hours, stirring every 15 - 20 minutes to evenly cook.  Turn off oven and let sit for 1 hour.  Place in storage container to keep fresh.  

My family jokingly calls these "cocaine" pretzels because you get addicted and can't stop eating them.  They are so good and I know you'll love them.  ENJOY!!!

 

FAMILY TACO FIESTA

WE HAVE A WINNER... MINDIE HILTON  Contact me within 24 hours to claim your prize!! How would you like to have a great family fun night.  My family just recently had a fiesta and used these cute new dishes and some delicious Old El Paso products.  You can win an Old El Paso “Family Night” prize pack which includes a packet of original Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase your taco fixings.

Why not set aside time at least once a month for “Taco Night?” Old El Paso offers a variety of seasonings, sides, sauces, and meal kits as simple solutions for a night of catching up with the family over a delicious taco dinner. To satisfy your Mexican style cravings, the Old El Paso® line up of products includes chilies, dinner kits, dips and sides, enchilada sauce, refried beans, seasoning mixes, shells, taco sauce and salsa. The Old El Paso taco seasoning mix selection includes flavors like Burrito, Cheesy Taco, Chili, Fajita, Taco, Mild Taco and even a seasoning with 40% less sodium. For a fun twist on Taco Night, be sure to try one of the delicious recipes below. Double Layer Tacos Old El Paso Favorite Recipe! Layered taco shells and tortillas create the "double" in beef- and bean-stuffed tacos. Chicken Ranch Tacos Need a new idea for a 30-minute dinner? Here's a twist on ta cos using precooked chicken. To keep your family laughing at the dinner table, have some fun with El Tacodor™, the world’s only Family Taco Game. With El Tacodor, your family can share a special night at home by challenging one another to quick fire trivia, wordplay and pantomime. Visit www.ElTacodor.com today to download instructions, a score card, and a challenge sheet for even more fun on Family Taco Night! Visit Old El Paso for news and great tips, recipes and more. Take a minute to share family fiesta photos and videos from Family Taco Nights on the El Tacodor Family Spotlight! In addition, you can visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today! Send me a photo of your family fiesta night and get 5 entries into the drawing for this prize package.  You must be a follower on my blog and post once to tell me you are a follower for one entry.  You can earn additional entries by blogging, tweeting, and posting this on facebook.  Be sure to list each of these in a different comment for each one to count.  So that is 8 ways you can be signed up for a great prize. Drawing will be held on November 21st, so don't hesitate to share this and get your name in. Old El Paso provided me with these products, information and  giveaway through MyBlogSpark.

Sciabica'sOlive Oil and Making a Difference

I got the privilege of trying 

Sciabica's California Unfiltered Fresh Pressed Oil of the Olive

100% Extra Virgin

Sevillano Variety, Fall Harvest 2010 Pressing

and 

Manzanillo Variety, Fall Harvest 2010 Pressing

Let me tell you something I discovered.  There is a difference between the Olive Oil you purchase at your supermarket and this Fresh Pressed Oil of the Olive from Sciabica's.  I have tested the two varieties listed above this post and want you to be sure that you visit their web site and or facebook page and see all the wonderful different varieties of Olive Oil they have.  I have included a recipe from their facebook page using the garlic oil and I have to try that as well.  This would be a delicious thing to make on a cold fall day.  How about for a football game or to take to a tailgating party?  Please check it out at http://www.sciabica.com.

Large Soft Garlic Pretzels
Recipe found on page 155 in Gemma Sciabica's Popular Recipes Cookbook.
(Makes 12 to 15)

1 tablespoon dry yeast
1/2 cup water, lukewarm
1 egg
1/4 cup Sciabica's Extra Virgin Garlic Olive Oil
3 cups flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

In large mixing bowl, add yeast, ¼ cup flour, water and 1 tablespoon sugar, let stand about 10 minutes.
Stir in egg and olive oil. Add remaining ingredients, stir to blend.
Knead dough on lightly floured surface. Place back in bowl, cover, let rise about 30 minutes.
On floured surface, cut dough into 12 to 15 pieces. Roll into ropes ½ inch in diameter and about 18 inches long.
Form into pretzel shape. Place on greased baking sheets. Brush tops with egg white, sprinkle with coarse salt or caraway seeds.
Bake in 350 degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Variation:
For a chewier pretzel, drop pretzel into a pan of boiling water. When dough floats to top of water, remove to greased baking sheet.
Brush tops with egg white, sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake until golden.

Delicious Dishes By Debbie Celebrates her 100th follower!!!

Big thanks to Amber Wigal Parsons for being my 100th follower.  Thank you so much for joining and I am going to send you a special prize!!!  Congratulations.  I'll tell you all about it soon!

Do you love Wine Country Cooking?? You'll love this new cookbook and you can WIN ONE along with delicious Progresso's Panko Bread Crumbs.

Our lucky winner is #5, Donna!!  Congratulations.  You have 24 hours from 8:00 p.m. on 11/16 to claim your prize.  you are going to LOVE THIS!!!

I just received Chef Michael Chiarello's BOTTEGA cookbook.  It is a collection of Bold Italian Flavors from the Heart of California's Wine Country and I can honestly say that it is one of the nicest cookbooks I own. 
From snacks to dessert, this cookbook covers it all.  It has simple to follow gourmet recipes that will turn you into an expert at Chef Michael's cooking.

Bottega is one of  Napa Valley's most highly regarded restaurants and after seeing this cookbook, I am dying to go there.  However, these recipes are made for the home cook to be able to create dishes that look and taste like the originals at the restaurant.  Stories about the recipes come right along with the recipe itself and that makes this extra special.  

The chef´s secret is out - panko is in! A longtime secret of Japanese cuisine, panko is now a pantry staple for creating perfect crispiness in any dish. This October, Lemon Pepper will join the ranks of Progresso´s line of panko bread crumbs, which includes Original and Italian flavors.

"Panko has been a major part of some of my best crunchy dishes for years," says Chef Chiarello. "It´s exciting to bring those dishes home, where some of the best dining memories are made. To me that´s what cooking is all about - sharing meals with your friends and family, and the memories you get to keep for a lifetime."

Additionally, be sure to check out the Progresso's Wine & Dine with Chef Michael Chiarello Sweepstakes. Now through December 31st, participants can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Napa Valley to attend the Spring Bud Break Party, an annual dinner and wine tasting event taking place on May 7, 2011. In addition to two tickets to the party, the grand prize also includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations. Visit www.progressobroth.com for the sweepstakes rules and entry form.
Be sure to sign up for my giveaway of the Panko Breadcrumbs and this AUTOGRAPHED cookbook.
You can sign up by making a comment that you are a follower of this blog and tell me about a dish you use with Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko.
2nd chance by posting this on Facebook and leaving a comment that you did so.
3rd chance by posting on twitter and leaving a comment that you did so.
4th chance by posting this on your blog and leaving me the link where it is posted.
So you have 4 chances to win this great prize package.  I was given one myself by General Mills and  MyBlogSpark for sharing this great prize package with you.
The drawing for this prize will be held on November 15th, so get your comments in quick!!!
Random.org will be my method for determining the winner.

Check out this new Hor D-Oeuvres Cookbook I've found!!!

I recently received three totally different cookbooks and I love each one of them for different reasons.  One is for appetizers, the other for wonderful Chef from Napa Valley, and the third is a cookie party cookbook.  Let me tell you about them and I know if you love cookbooks, you'll want to order one or all of them.

The First is called :  Tastefully Small Savory Bites and was written by Kim Hendrickson.
This cookbook is a collection of Easy, Sophisticated Hors D'Oeuvres For Every Occasion.

Everyone loves an hors d’oeuvre. Beauty, flavor, and novelty, all packed into a small bite, are what give a good “appetizer” its name. This collection of over fifty original morsels, from Wild Mushroom Rugelach to Thai Shrimp Baskets, Orange Pecan Brie Cups, and Country Pâté Truffles, gives you the know-how to dazzle even the most discerning guest. Step-by-step instructions, vibrant color photos, and lovely watercolor illustrations make the most dramatic dishes easy. Every recipe includes both bite-size and full-size versions and variations. Nearly every item can be made either all or partly in advance, giving you more time with your guests.
Whether for a cocktail party, buffet, or afternoon tea, Savory Bites is your complete source for entertaining, including chapters on vegetable canapés, “naked canapés” (simple biscuits and crackers), and basic guidelines for a successful event. For a sure case of love at first bite, make it Tastefully Small. http://www.salviapress.com/savory_bites.html

One of the recipes I really enjoyed that was simple and quick is the PECAN MOUNDS.
Here is the recipe.

1 1/2 c. pecans
1/4 c. egg whites (2 large egg whites)
1 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.  Grind pecans in a food processor or spice grinder to generate 1 cup of ground nuts.  Don't over process: you want ground pecans, not pecan butter.
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, with a rubber spatula to create a smooth batter.  Mound a kitchen teaspoonful onto baking sheets 1 - 2 inches apart (they will spread a bit).  Bake for 10 minutes.  Cool to firm up before removing. 

I would highly recommend this cookbook if you like wonderful appetizers.  It has some very unique recipes in it.


I was not paid for this review, but was given a copy of the cookbook to try. 

Thanksgiving Dishes - Aunt Nixie's Cranberry Salad

Thanksgiving will soon be here and I for one am very excited.  While I will not be making a big Thanksgiving dinner this year, I will be taking a dish to my brother's house.  I have decided to make a wonderful Cranberry Salad that my Aunt Nixie made so well.  She shared the recipe with me before she passed away and I beg you all to make this dish.  It will be so popular at the Thanksgiving table.  It's so delicious and easy to make.

It's of course the pink dish at the table.  It has apples, walnuts and cranberries in it and it is so yummy.  You can also put it in a mold and flip it over to make a beautiful presentation.  I think the children would love this as well as the adults.  So give it a try and I think it will become a Thanksgiving staple that is requested year after year.

Aunt Nixie's Cranberry Salad
1 can cranberry sauce
1 can whole cranberry sauce
2 c. boiling water
2 tbsp. lemon or orange juice
2 pkgs. (3 oz. each) strawberry jello
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. mayonnaise
2 c. diced apple, peeled
1/2 c. chopped walnuts

1.  Melt cranberry sauces over medium heat.  Drain, reserving liquid and berries. 
2.  Mix together cranberry liquid, boiling water, and jello.  Stir until jello is dissolved. 
3.  Add juice and salt.  Chill until mixture mounds slightly on a spoon. 
4.  Add mayonnaise, beat until smooth and fold in the cranberries, apples and nuts.
5.  Pour into a 2 quart mold and chill until set.

I make this a day or two ahead of time and it keeps very well.  This will serve 12 people easily.
Enjoy and happy fall!

Check out Gourmet Mom on the Go

Hey everyone, Gourmet Mom On The Go, my friend Mandy, is having an "eggstra" special giveaway on her blog. Go and check it out.
"Win an Eggcelent Prize Pack from @IncredibleEggs over at @GourmetMom! http://ow.ly/32kUx"
And another giveaway she is having is from Lawrys.  Check it out also.