Wednesday, March 23, 2011

What's Coming UP????? Lots..check it out and see.

Hey followers.....
You might ask "what's coming up?"  Or at least I hope you are asking that...

Well!!  I am going to be featuring a VERY Special lady who just won $10,000 for a delicious cup cake recipe.  I'll ask her what her secrets are and how we can do the same thing.....You are going to love this interview.

Then I have been really into baking some good things for you lately...I'm going to give you a preview today, but you'll have to wait for recipes and more to come.  Are you entering baking contests???  I am and I am so excited to see what the future has to hold. 
  
Rasberry Burst Cupcakes..so good and so pretty.
Creamy and fancy.
I LOVE cupcake towers!  Don't You??


  
How about a little taste of Peanut Butter and Chocolate?
I Love making desserts...this one is NO BAKE!!
Watch for the interview...and more great recipes and photos!!!  What would you like to see a recipe for???
Leave me a comment as to what you want me to bake next....I'll do my best.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Is Your Home Healthy? Find out how to protect your family from hidden household dangers.

Hi Followers!

I hope you had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day.  It won't be long until Easter and I am busy preparing some wonderful dishes to share with you.  Hopefully I can give you some inspiration and share with you what Easter was like at my house as a child and as I was growing up.  It is a very important holiday in our house.

But today, I want to share something very important with you about making sure your home is safe and healthy.  I have been reading the book, The Healthy Home, by Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz and learning so much. The Wentz's are a father and son team who have come together to write a book that walks it readers room by room through a typical house, point out surprising health risks that we see everyday.  It has great colorful illustrations and quizzes.  It's really interesting and informative.  I've already made some changes in my own household.  Take two minutes to watch this video that is so interesting and will be a little teaser to the book.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-GGiziJvFI&feature=player_profilepage

You can also find out more at the website www.myhealthyhome.com.  You can purchase the book on Amazon and they even have it for the Kindle.

Now for us foodies...there is alot of information about safety in the kitchen and helping to get the very best nutritional value out of our foods.  Here is a sample of what you'll find.

Cut Less, Retain More
If you've ever cut up an apple only to have it turn brown in a manner of minutes, you've witnessed the depleting effects oxygen has on fresh produce. By exposing fruits and vegetables to oxygen, you're reducing the nutrient value of the food exponentially. Your taste buds have probably also noticed this -- bags of shredded carrots hardly have any flavor at all, whereas biting into a fresh, whole carrot is a completely different, and more satisfying, experience.

To prevent losing the nutrients in your foods, simply put down the knife. Give your children whole apples in their lunches instead of cutting them up. Skip the cartons of pre-sliced carrots and celery -- cut up your own vegetables for a party tray instead. You'll begin to see that many fruits and vegetables come prepackaged in their own skin, and don't need to be prepared in any way to be enjoyed. And if you must cut up your fruits or vegetables before you eat them, do the cutting right before you plan on eating, and cut larger pieces to prevent exposing too much of the produce to the air. 


And great news.. "One simple rule to remember; The less work you need to do while you're in the kitchen, the more nutrient value your food typically will have...reduce the amount of slicing, dicing, cooking, blending, boiling and peeling.

 




Cook with Care
How you decide to cook your vegetables will have a big influence on how much of the food's vitamins are retained to feed and fuel your body. Most research supports microwaving, baking, and steaming as the methods that are the least destructive and most efficient at protecting the nutritional content of your food. That's right, microwaving is on the ‘good' list.

 





In fact, studies show that vitamin C losses from broccoli due to boiling exceeded 30 percent, as opposed to about 20 percent for steaming and less than 10 percent for microwaving. 
                                                      Table of Contents:

Bedroom
Chapter 1: There's the Rub
Chapter 2: The Body Electric!
Chapter 3: Sleepytime
Bathroom
Chapter 4: Let's Get Personal
Chapter 5: Bright, White, and Pearly
Chapter 6: Don't Be a Dope


Kitchen Chapter 7: For the Love of Food
Chapter 8: Let's Get Cooking
Chapter 9: Drink Up!
 
Living Areas
Chapter 10: Clean Living
Chapter 11: High Tech, High Risk
 Garage and Yard
Chapter 12: Gremlins in the Garage
Chapter 13: Going Green in Your Yard 

So you can see that there is much more than just the cooking part...
Let me know what you think about the book and the web site please.  I would love your feedback.
I was provided a copy of this book, but was not paid to give a review.  The opinions are my own. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Happy St. Patrick's Day to My Followers

Hi, Happy St. Patricks Day everyone.  I have a couple of great recipes for you and some beautiful photos. I wanted to post them a day ahead so you'll have time to go to the store if you want to make these tomorrow.   I know you all love to eat great food and I love to cook it.  I have been experimenting a lot lately and will share those recipes with you.  The people my hubby works with and my neighbor are really loving this phase of my cooking.  I make it, they eat it.  I got some good comments about St. Patty's Day from some of my followers.  Marie, Shannon and Nancy, you will all be getting something special soon.  Thanks for following and for commenting.  I am really working on making this a site you want to visit every day!!  

Irish Coffee

This version of Irish Coffee is non-alcoholic for those of you who do not drink liquor.  It's delicious and easy. 
 
1 cup (8 ounces) hot coffee
1 tsp brown sugar
1/4 cup International Delight Irish Cream
1 heaping tbsp. vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Combine coffee and brown sugar and stir until sugar is dissolved.  Add International Delight Irish Crème in a mug and stir to blend. Float softened ice cream or whipped cream on top. Serve immediately.


Pot Of Gold Cheddar Soup

5 tsp. butter
1 small onion
1/3 cup flour
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Dressing Mix
1 tsp. dry mustard
8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1. Begin by chopping onion and set aside.  Melt butter and saute onion until translucent (approx. 5 minutes).
2.  Stir flour into the butter and onion mixture.  Mix well and add chicken broth, milk, salt, cayenne pepper, ranch dressing, and mustard.  Stir ingredients together and simmer for 5 minutes. 
3.  Add cheddar cheese to soup mixture and stir until cheese is melted and well incorporated. 
4.  Serve and enjoy!
 So you have a meal fit for a leprechaun.  Or your family, which ever you'll be serving today.  Now don't forget that the traditional dish for St. Patty's Day is corn beef and cabbage.  I went to the farmers market in Immokalee, FL and found the most beautiful head of cabbage to cook.  I haven't cooked it yet, but I wanted you to see it.  It's so BIG and beautiful and I only paid $1.00 for it.  It will feed an army...



That is an 8" Chef's Knife beside the cabbage to tell you how big it is and those beautiful pink roses are from my rose bush right outside my back lanai door.  It blooms so much and is so beautiful. 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Masterbuilt is on QVC today...watch and see what they are offering!!!

Hey everyone, Masterbuilt, the company who gave us the awesome Turkey Fryer before Christmas is on QVC beginning at noon today.  Go and see what they are offering...I can't wait.  Check them out on Facebook and get in on the livestream during the show.

Here is where you can find them:

Twitter: @JohnMcLemore, @DadgumThatsGood, @Masterbuilt

Here is a photo of the fryer if you weren't following at the time....

Today they are talking about their wonderful smoker and the great cookbook I told you about.

Be sure to drop in to QVC for a little while to purchase a smoker!!!  That's on my mother's day gift list....hint hint hubby.

Here is the smoker...he's showing it right now on QVC, it's Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

You can cook an entire meal at once in the smoker...Meat, veggies, mac & cheese...wow, awesome!!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Sassy and sweet they're the talk on the street!!!


Sassy and sweet they're the talk on the street!!
2011 Sweet n'Healthy Blogger Recipe Contest
Hey Followers!!
How about serving your kids a delicious, scrumptous, yummy dish that is good for them?  I have just the dish for you.  It's my Sassy and Sweet Orange Blossoms.  Yes, they have oranges in them, but more importantly they have sweet potatoes in them too making them even better for you and your kids. 

                                       
Imagine a delicious dish that is good for you.  Why sweet n' healthy?  Because
sweet potatoes are so versatile and can be made into side dishes as well as desserts. 
Sweet potatoes aren't just for Thanksgiving.  The sweet potato is the vegetable with SUPER FOOD POWERS!

The North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission has sponsored a fun recipe contest for bloggers showing great ways to use sweet potatoes.  I wanted to join in on this fun contest and at the same time share how good for you and delicious sweet potatoes can be. 


This recipe is easy to make and is kid friendly.  Have your children help you make these for special time together.  My kids always loved to cook with mom and grandma.


Sweet potatoes are as American as apple pie, and even more so. Native Americans were already growing Sweetpotatoes when Columbus came to these shores in 1492. Sweetpotatoes have been growing in the South for as early as 1648.


Sweetpotatoes are not even potatoes! In fact, they aren't even distant cousins.
Potatoes are tubers from the solanaceae family.  Sweet potatoes are part of the morning glory family.
North Carolina sweetpotato growers planted 42,000 acres in 2009. Across the nation, 106,000 acres of sweetpotatoes were planted. North Carolina produces 40% of the national supply of sweetpotatoes.
 
At http://www.ncsweetpotatoes.com/ your children can find lots of fun and games and learn about the sweet potato also.  They can meet Spencer Sweetpotato.

Spencer Sweetpotato
  
 
 
 
So if this isn't all you want to know about sweet potatoes, please be sure to go to their web site.  As for now, I'm going to share my recipe with you!!




Photo taken from http://www.ncsweetpotatoes.com/
















SWEET AND HEALTHY ORANGE BLOSSOMS

1 box white cake mix ( I use Pillsbury)

1 tsp. baking powder

1 cup orange juice

1 ½ cups sweet potatoes

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup oil

3 eggs (room temperature)

1/8 tsp. orange extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Peel 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes and cube in equal pieces. Bring 3 cups of water to boil and add the cut sweet potatoes. Bring water back to boil and reduce heat. Simmer potatoes until fork tender (approximately 10 minutes). When done, drain water and mash the sweet potatoes until they are as smooth as possible.

3. In large mixing bowl combine white cake mix and baking powder. Add orange juice, 1 1/2 cups of mashed sweet potatoes, sour cream, oil, eggs and orange extract. Beat on low until the ingredients are all well incorporated. Next, beat for 2 minutes on medium high.

4. Spoon mix into cupcake liners until they are ¾ full.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 - 20 minutes.



Frosting

16 oz. cream cheese (softened)

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cup sifted confectioner’s sugar

½ tsp. orange extract

Orange food coloring to desired shade (you can mix red and yellow)

1. Mix cream cheese , butter , orange extract and food coloring together until smooth. Add confectioner’s sugar ½ cup at a time. Mix until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto cupcakes.




Decorate your cupcakes with delicious Orange Cream Cheese Frosting!!  Yummy!






Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes:


* Has a high nutrition rate when compared to other vegetables

* Rich source of anti-oxidants for protection against heart disease, stroke, cancer, and delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease

* Among the top 3 food sources of potassium

* Low glycemic index for maintaining steady blood glucose levels

* Fat and cholesterol free

* High in fiber



Ways to add more sweet potatoes to your diet

* Pack a baked sweet potato for lunch, topped with vanilla yogurt or cinnamon-flavored applesauce

* Add peeled chunks to your favorite stew

* Switch from potato chips to sweet potato chips

* Peel and cut into strips to eat with your favorite dip

* Blend into a breakfast smoothie

* Substitute in recipes calling for white potatoes or apples

Hope you pick up some sweet potatoes and enjoy them.  You can check http://www.ncsweetpotatoes.com/ for recipes and more information.  Some of the information in this posting was copied from their website but there is much, much more!!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

You don't have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day or to WIN a Prize!!


Hi Followers!!  Happy St. Patrick's Day!  It's coming soon, how will you celebrate?  I want you to submit your ideas and I'll pick the best idea.  If your idea is chosen I will send you a fun prize!  I'll be posting some great recipes and ideas that I want to share with you too!!!  Keep watching and checking in.  

Here are some photos of some of the goodies I'm going to prepare on that special day.  
Pot of Gold Cheddar Soup and Irish Coffee

It's Just past Valentines Day and I have a new dessert for you!!

Hello followers!!

I just created a new and delicious dessert that requires NO cooking and only takes about 15 minutes.  I have to say that I just took it to a meeting I went to and believe me when I say that they all LOVED it.  I just had to share it with you.  Not only is it beautiful to look at, but it tastes delicious.

Cherry Cheesecake Parfait
  You can serve it in individual dishes like I have in the photo above or your can make a great big bowl and serve it that way.  I also think it would be great in a 9 x 13 dish with the topping spread out over the entire dish.  However you choose to serve it, it's quick, easy, and so good that you'll want to lick the bowl.

This recipe will serve 16-20 people depending on the serving size you choose.  It's so colorful and pretty to look at.

Keep a tub of cool whip handy for those who want to top their serving with some extra creamy goodness.


  Why not try this the next time you want a great dessert to serve to a group?  Or cut recipe in half and serve anytime to your family. Although, you might want to make the whole thing because it says good for days.



CHERRY CHEESECAKE PARFAIT

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 large box jello instant cheesecake pudding (you can use vanilla if you can't find the cheesecake)
1 small box jello instant cheesecake pudding (you can use vanilla if you can't find the cheesecake)
1 21 oz. can crushed pineapple
1 21 oz. can chunk pineapple (drained)

2 21 oz. cans Lucky Leaf Cherry Pie Filling
16 ounces Cool Whip topping
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (I prefer pecans)
1 jar maraschino cherries

1.  Blend together the softened cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk.  Add both boxes of instant pudding and the can of crushed pineapple (with juice) and continue to blend until well incorporated.
2.  Stir in the entire can of chunk pineapple.  Fold in one can of the cherry pie filling followed by folding in 8 oz. of the Cool Whip.
3.  Stir in 1 cup of the chopped nuts.
4.  Pour into individual serving dishes or one large dish.  Top with the remaining can of pie filling, nuts and maraschino cherries.


I hope you will enjoy this delicious dessert as much as we have.  


I used the Lucky Leaf Pie Filling and it is so delicious.  They have a wide variety of different pie fillings and I think this recipe would be great using another flavor also. 


 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

New Items for Spring at CSN Stores online....check out their outdoor playsets!

CSN Stores has over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be "outdoor playsets", fitness equipment, or even cute cookware!’  Click on the words, outdoor playsets, to get a direct link to all the playsets CSN Stores have to offer.   I have found that shopping there is so quick and easy and they have anything you might want for a price that you would be glad to pay.  They even offer free shipping on many items.

Check out this great deal....for just $225.99 you can have this sent to your house with free shipping....that's a savings of $125.00 alone on the swing set, never mind the shipping.  

So while you are relaxing in the cool shade, reading your favorite cookbook, you can watch the kids have a great time outside on the swing set or another great item you've gotten from CSN Stores online.












How about something for the kitchen????  That's my favorite department...

I just took a knife stills class in Salt Lake City and the instructor said that this brand of knives were good quality.
I know the price is right too.  Just $99.99 for the entire set...that's a savings of $137.00 and the shipping is free on these also.


Be sure to go to CSN Stores at www.csn.com.  to meet all your shopping needs.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Delicious Dishes by Debbie: Ham-I-Am-Giveaway Starts TODAY, Green Eggs and Ham...

Delicious Dishes by Debbie: Ham-I-Am-Giveaway Starts TODAY, Green Eggs and Ham...: "Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? Would you eat them in the rain or on a train? If so, it’s time to say cheers to 50 years of Dr. Seuss’ G..."

Friday, February 11, 2011

Ham-I-Am-Giveaway Starts TODAY, Green Eggs and Ham 50th Anniversary

Congratulations to follower JILL!!!  You have won this terrific give-a-way.  Please contact me within 24 hours with your address to receive your prize.  Keep watching for more giveaways.  Love to all.  Debbie
Do you like Green Eggs and Ham? Would you eat them in the rain or on a train? If so, it’s time to say cheers to 50 years of Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham… In the kitchen!  I have loved teaching my children to cook and have had some of the most fun times and memories in the kitchen with them.  I also loved reading Green Eggs and Ham and other great Dr. Seuss books to them.  They remember that so well and it was a time when we could bond as mother and child.  Today, both boys cook great and one is even cooking in a restaurant....he loves it.  I know that they too will read these very same favorite books to their children.  You can win a special edition of the Green Eggs and Ham book celebrating the 50th anniversary of this story.
 
I'm working with Random House Children’s Books and asking YOU to help us celebrate this milestone by reviving the classic story with recipes that give green eggs and ham a 21st century twist. Celebrity chefs Michael Symon and Melissa d’Arabian, Mitzi Dulan, RD, CSSD and Steamy Kitchen blogger Jaden Hair have created inspired recipes that not only teach kids about nutrition and healthy eating, but teaches them a life skill that can help boost their self esteem.
 
AND it’s a great time to bond as a family!
 
If interested, you could win your very own, “Ham-I-Am Giveaway” and win a Green Eggs and Ham gift set. The giveaway package includes the following:


·               Green Eggs and Ham 50th Anniversary Edition
·               One set of adult sized Green Eggs and Ham apron/chef hat
·               One set of kid sized Green Eggs and Ham apron/chef hat
·               One gift certificate valued at $25 for your favorite pork product
·               One extendable fork

 
I'm asking my followers to submit responses to: “Which recipe did your kids have the most fun making?” or “What’s your family’s favorite way to have fun in the kitchen?” for a chance to win. If you are not a follower, please sign up and make your comment.  You can receive an extra entry for posting to your facebook, posting to your blog, and for posting the giveaway to your twitter account.  Be sure to make a separate posting for each entry and give me the link to the posting please. 

I am also going to add a great recipe for delicious ham salad for you to make with the delicious ham that you could win.  So why not take the time to pass this on to your friends and family and give them a chance to win this great prize?  I will draw a name on February 18th, so you have one week to enter.  Good Luck!


Ham Salad Recipe
Preparation time: 20 minutes. Serves 8-10.


Salad Ingredients:




  • 1 1/2 pound trimmed, diced ham




  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced celery




  • 2 tablespoons diced red onions




  • 2 hard cooked eggs, chopped
    Dressing Ingredients:




  • 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise




  • 2 tablespoons mustard




  • 1 1/2 teaspoons honey




  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish




  • Salt and pepper to taste




  • Instructions:




  • Combine salad ingredients (diced ham, celery, onion, eggs).




  • In a mixing bowl, combine dressing ingredients and mix until smooth (no lumps).


  • Combine the ham mixture with the dressing and serve.




  •  


    Please note that the National Pork Board is not sponsoring the giveaway promotion, but rather supplying the prize pool for you and supplied the same prize for me to host this giveaway.

    Thursday, January 27, 2011

    Introducing Pillsbury Simply...Biscuits and Breads GIVEAWAY

    WE HAVE A WINNER....IT'S MINDIE HILTON....Mindie....send me your address to have this great package mailed to you by Pillsbury withing 24 hours to claim your prize.  Congratulations and thank you for supporting my blog.  I am getting ready to post away now...So everyone stay tuned.

    You really need to try this wonderful new product by Pillsbury.  I have been sent some coupons to try this product and it is heavenly.  So great and delicious.  Let me tell you a little about it.


     Pillsbury has enhanced its popular Simply…® line of products with Pillsbury® Simply…® Biscuits & Bread. These ready-to-bake biscuits and rustic French breads complement many mealtime favorites.
    During the busiest of meal preparations, Pillsbury Simply… Biscuits & Bread are the perfect solution for moms who are busier than ever, but still want to nurture those they love with something home-baked that they can feel good about serving. Simply…Biscuits & Bread are made with wholesome ingredients, including flour, buttermilk and sugar. They also contain zero grams of trans fat, no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors or flavors; I have a special prize pack giveaway for you.   
    The prize pack includes:
    Bread basket, Premium honey, Stainless steel spreader, Cutting board


    Be sure to post a comment about what you would serve with this delicious bread.  You can also earn another entry by posting this on your facebook, tweeting about the giveaway and sharing it on your blog.  
    I will have a drawing on February 5th so you can hopefully receive this great prize package by Valentines Day.
    Be sure to leave your comments.  I was not paid to advertise for Pillsbury.

    Find them in your grocery store.

    Wednesday, December 29, 2010

    Shannon's Shanonigins: Happy New Year GiveAway

    Shannon's Shanonigins: Happy New Year GiveAway: "Well it's almost here, 2011. Can you believe how time flies? To remind us that everyday is a present, I couldn't resist t..."

    Wednesday, December 15, 2010

    Holiday Fun Judging Cookies with the Ft. Myers News-Press

    Me, Drew Sterwald, Norman Love
    I was so excited to be asked by Drew Sterwald of our local Ft. Myers News Press to judge a Holiday Cookie Contest on December 8th.  There were so many great cookies to taste and I had such a great time.  There were 72 entries and each judge was sat at a table with 12 different cookies.  That table of 3 judges tasted each of the 12 cookies and choose the best of the 12.  Then the top cookies were placed on a different table and all of the 18 judges tasted those top 6.  Talk about a sugar high...whew...it was amazing!!  I found out that there are some awesome cooks among us here in Ft. Myers.  I am giving you a link to the article so you can see the cookies for yourself and the top three recipes are also on the link.  Yummy!!  I suggest you try them out.  I saw many people I knew there but was asked to sit at the table with the Food Editor of the News Press, Drew Sterwald who is a wonderful journalist and a really nice guy.  The other member at our table was Norman Love.  You might know him from the Food Network and from his famous business, Norman Love Confections.  You can find out more about him at his web site www.normanloveconfections.com. 

    Norman Love and Me

    He is amazing chocolatier and such a nice man. Here are some fun photos of the day.  Hope you enjoy them.  I must say, it was fun being on the other side of the judging this time.  Much less stressful!!!  Check out the article in the News Press at http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201012150329.  This article was written by Drew Sterwald and there is a photo gallery if you want to see the cookies also.  The photographs were taken by Lindsay Terry of the News Press.  The photo gallery is at http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=A4&Dato=20101209&Kategori=LIFESTYLES&Lopenr=12090807&Ref=PH.

      

    Monday, December 6, 2010

    BIG CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY!! A Butterball Indoor Electric Masterbuilt Turkey Fryer

    We have a winner for the Butterball Turkey Fryer!! 
     Drumroll Please............
    It is Elaine!  So Elaine, please contact me within 24 hours to claim your prize!!
    Followers, I have great news!!!  The Masterbuilt company has provided a Christmas Prize Package for you.  It is a Delicious Indoor Turkey Fryer and it is valued at $159.00.  PLUS, if that were not enough, they want to give you a gift certificate for $15.00 off of a Butterball Turkey and the greatest cookbook you ever saw called "DADGUM That's Good!" written by John McLemore.  This might be the biggest Christmas present you get this year and it is FREE!!!!!

    The Butterball Indoor Electric Turkey Fryer and the Masterbuilt All-Purpose fryer help you to overcome your fear of frying.  It's patented technology makes your fryer safe and guarantees you will never over-heat your oil.  There's no open flame to worry about.  It's the fastest way to serve up the best turkey you'll ever taste, in three easy steps:   inject, fry and eat!!

    I was given the same prize package to try out because I would never recommend anything I hadn't tried and loved.  For Thanksgiving we had our very first Fried Butterball Turkey and we are hooked!! 
    Not only can you fry with this great piece of equipment, but you can boil and steam.  So, whether you are in the mood to indulge in some fried food, or you're being a bit more health-conscious, this has you covered.
    Can you imagine a big CRAB BOIL and do you know what you would pay for that at a seafood restaurant....you can't touch this!

    You won't believe the great recipes in the cookbook either.  There are recipes for frying, steaming, and boiling.  You will find this to be a very useful tool in your kitchen.  I always say a cook is only as good as the equipment she uses.  You'll be thrilled with this.  Here is where you can find out more about this great fryer.

    Twitter: @JohnMcLemore, @DadgumThatsGood, @Masterbuilt
    Please follow Masterbuilt on Twitter and Facebook . If you don't win or do and want a second fryer to give as a gift, you can purchase the turkey fryer on Amazon.com.

    Below are some details on the turkey fryer:

    •       The fryer is retailed at $159.96
    •       Adjustable thermostat temperature control
    •       Stainless steel construction
    •       Porcelain-coated inner pot
    •       Digital timer
    •       Folding lid with window and filter
    •       Cooking basket with drain clip
    •       Drain Valve for easy cleaning
    •       Saves on oil - uses 1/3 less than conventional turkey fryers
    •       It can feed up to 8 people when frying a 14 lb turkey

    Also, I thought you might like to check out this video from John McLemore, the CEO of Masterbuilt, explaining how to use the turkey fryer; it’s very helpful! (video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF3xQmtFyz8&feature=player_embedded)

    Now what I want you to do is sign up for this great gift from Masterbuilt so you can hopefully get it by Christmas to cook your Christmas Dinner.  I will run this for only 1 week.   So on December 13th I will  announce the winner which will be generated by using random.org from your entries.
    You may enter a comment for each of these things.  Each one will be counted as an entry for the fryer.
    1.  Follow me on this blog and post a comment telling me which recipe you would like to try from the Dadgum That's Good Cookbook.
    2.  Follow Materbuilt on Facebook and post on their page that you saw this on my blog.
    3.  Follow Masterbuilt on Twitter and post on their page that you saw this on my blog.
    4.  Follow Me on Twitter and repost this contest.  My twitter name is realwomanofphil.
    5.  Post on your Facebook about this giveaway.
    6.  Post on your Twitter about this giveaway.
    7.  Finally, repost this on your blog and give me the link.  Post that comment twice on my page here and I will give you two entries for doing this.
    Now, with that many chances, what have you to lose.  This is well worth the time to give it a try.
    I was not paid by Masterbuilt to post this giveaway.  The opinions are my own and believe me I LOVE THIS!!!! I know you will too.  Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

    Monday, November 22, 2010

    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.

    Strawberry Heaven

    “The “Debbie” recipe – the recipe that is authentically me.
    My absolute favorite dessert recipe.”
    All I ever talk about loving is strawberries. I am to strawberries as Paula Deen is to potatoes and butter.
    When thinking about my absolute favorite dessert, it had to combine cheesecake, strawberries, and chocolate. Chocolate covered strawberries to be exact!!! So I developed a pie that features all my weaknesses. I love a regular pie crust instead of graham cracker so I have used pie crust, topped with a luscious layer of Kraft Philadelphia Ready-to-Eat Cheesecake Filling, followed by 1 pound of ripe, juicy strawberries enveloped in strawberry glaze topped with creamy, dreamy Cool Whip, and followed by 6 GIANT chocolate covered strawberries. This pie would be a strawberry lovers’ most decadent dream. It is mine…now you know what I dream about.

    Strawberry Heaven
    Prep time: 50 minutes Cook time: 9 minutes
    Serves 6 - 8
    1 refrigerated pie crust
    1 ½ c. Kraft Philadelphia Ready-to-Eat Cheesecake Filling
    2 lbs. of strawberries
    14 oz. strawberry pie glaze
    8 oz Cool Whip
    ¾ c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

    Directions:
    1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
    2. Place pie crust in pie pan and flute edges. Bake at 450 degrees for 9 minutes.
    3. Cool pie crust at room temperature for 10 minutes and follow in freezer for 10 minutes to cool quickly.
    4. While pie crust is cooking and cooling, prepare other ingredients beginning with strawberries. Wash strawberries, core, and slice in half. Save 6 LARGE strawberries for top of pie. Eat a few and enjoy them while you are working so hard. Save enough for the pie.
    5. Melt chocolate chips in microwave for approximately 1 minute stirring every 20 seconds. Dip 6 large strawberries in chocolate about ¾ of the way up the strawberry. Place a piece of parchment paper on a plate and cool the strawberries on the paper in the freezer.
    6. After the pie crust comes out of the freezer, spread the cheesecake filling directly on top of crust.
    7. Place strawberries directly on top of cheesecake and pour strawberry glaze over strawberries.
    8. Pipe Cool Whip over strawberries and glaze and top with chocolate covered strawberries. Place in freezer for approximately 15 minutes and serve. Refrigerate any leftovers.

    Strawberry Heaven

    Strawberry Heaven
    This pie is for the true Strawbery ADDICT and lover.

    Mounds of Joy Whipped Pie

    Using My Blog

    This blog is intended to show you some wonderful recipes and highlight what is happening in the food world. In order to see the recipe demonstrated that is pictured. Click on the photo and you will get to see just how you can make this in your own kitchen.

    Cinco de Mayo Layered Black Bean Dip