Holiday Cookie Ideas

Almost every one bakes cookies for the Holiday season. It's a great family tradition in many homes. And a fun way to spend time with family members and children, and for making memories.

Sugar cookies are one popular cookie that is made every year. They are easy to make, and can be used with your favorite cookie cutters.

Spritz cookies are another fav, especially if you have a cookie machine. These are great for the machine and fun to decorate.

You will also find Linzer cookies on the table during the Holiday season. These cookies are so good. They are very similar to shortbread cookies. They sometimes have fancy center cuts in them, but always have a delicious filling inside.

If you own a rosette iron, these cookies are great. They are often a Italian fav during the Holiday seasons. These deep fried cookies are loved by many and are also fun to make.

Your Neapolitan cookies have not one but three different flavors to them. They are three different doughs with different colors, put together then sliced and baked. Kids will love making these.

Another kid fav cookie is the thumbprint cookie. They especially love making the thumb print, and filling the indent with their fav filling.

It just wouldn't be Christmas without the traditional ginger cookie. The whole house smells great when these fav's are baking.

The biscotti is another great Italian cookie. It goes wonderful with a hot cup of coffee for breakfast or for after your Holiday meal.

And if your from the south how about making some pecan tassies. These cookies are more like small pecan pies, and are a fav among the southerners.

Food Gift Ideas

Gift ideas for Christmas, can be edible. Who doesn't love a good cookie, or candy. And you can even make a gift in a jar with the recipe attached. Another gift idea for the cook you know is to make some infused olive oils, and then decorate the jar. Labels are easy to make on your printer. Know someone who loves to bake, how about making them a jar of homemade caramel sauce for their next recipe. Of course you can always make the wine lover you know a great gift basket of their favorite wines and cheese. For the nut lover how about some homemade roasted almonds using ideas from spicy to sweet. Fudge homemade makes a great gift idea, especially for a co worker. Also homemade candy or peanut brittle is another gift you can make someone. If your making candy how about some homemade truffles coated with crushed peppermint candies. Gifts from the heart are the best kinds to receive and give.

Happy Holidays

Olive Tap Product Review

Today I received a bottle of olive oil, and balsamic vinegar from the olive tap company.

This company is not only a tasting emporium it is a gourmet market. There are many great olive oils and balsamic vinegars, as well as spices and herbs you may sample. Also they have sauces and condiments as well.

There are a ton of great recipes out there to use olive oil and balsamic vinegar in. From classic salads to cakes, these two products are fantastic for using.

The oils and the vinegars from Olive Tap are not like any others, and are not mass produced. They are from pure artisans. And you can taste this in their products. The olive oil was light and very flavorful. The same with the balsamic vinegar. Both made a great salad dressing for tonites dinner.

The two products are truly full of rich ingredients, and very unique in their own right.

Any of their products would make great gifts for the upcoming Christmas Holiday.

If you would like to learn more please visit their website www.theolivetap.com .

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Honest ade review

If your looking for a great drink, try some products from Honest Ade. The company started over thirteen years ago and is going strong. Two guys got together and created this drink.

The drinks are fifty percent organic so that means less sugar.

The company sent me two bottles to try, the first is the pomegranate blue, and the other is honey green tea.

To drink first, was the pomegranate blue. This was a little on the sweet side, but tasted very refreshing. It contains no corn syrup or fructose, what so ever. A very healthy drink, is what you are putting in your belly. The drink is a mix of pomegranate and blueberries. So your getting a great antitoxitant drink here. If your looking to replace soda, this is the drink for you.

The second bottle to taste test, was honey green tea. What a healthy drink, it contains EGCG with a touch of honey. You are getting double the benefits here. Tasted great, I would definitely drink this instead of soda. This is a good pure tea to drink. The caffeine level is lower that a cup of coffee to. This is also made with organic ingredients.

If you would like to learn more about what the company has to offer, visit them at their website www.honesttea.com.

  Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Plush Puffs Review

Today I received four products from Plush puffs gourmet marshallows. The four flavors we're chocolate chipetta, gingerbread spice, pumpkin pie and peppermint.

The marshmallows pack a powerful flavor punch. They are not only great to eat, but can be used in many recipes. The marshmallows are the creation of two chef moms, who's first hit marshmallow was toasted coconut. From there they have created many different flavors.

One of my husbands favorite things to eat is marshmallows, so he was excited to try some of these. The first one that the two of tasted was the pumpkin pie. This was great, a bold flavor of homemade pumpkin pie. This would taste great over some Thanksgiving day yams. The taste stays in your mouth way after eating it.

The next plush puff we tyred was the gingerbread. There is nothing more warming then tasting gingerbread. This puff reminds you of fresh baked gingerbread cookies. These puffs are a good size to. No mini marshmallows here. I tyred mine in a mug of hot chocolate. It was fantastic.

Peppermint was the next puff. Wow, this was a pretty bold sensation in your mouth. It definitely screamed the Holidays are coming. This puff also went into my husbands mug of hot cocoa. He really enjoyed this one. I could see this puff, being melted onto of a pie.

The last puff to try was the chocolate. This was so good, to good for words. This had to go in the kitchen so we could make some smores. And they we're a great hit, for our movie night. Not only was the puff chocolate, but it had many mini chips around it. It was twice as nice.

Plush puffs has some other wonderful flavors that sound great. If you would like to know more please visit the website and check out the gourmet marshmallows. www.plushpuffs.com.

These gourmet marshmallows came in a great box, ready for gift giving.

 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.

Baja Bobs Review

Baja Bob's is the company product I am reviewing today. The product is Baja Bob's sugar free original margarita mix.

The cocktails originated while at a party with friends. Their small idea became a big hit, and soon Baja Bob's cocktails mixes we're created.

The box I received contained several single packets, that you can take on the go with you. Portable packets of different flavors. These are great since they are sugar free and light on calories. They are easy to make, just add the water, alcohol and ice, and you have a great tasting Margarita.

These are the great taste you get in the box.

1. (2) Boxes of Mudslide Mix Singles (20 servings)
2. (2) Boxes of Margarita Mix Singles (20 servings)
3. (2) Boxes of Mango Margarita Mix Singles (20 servings)
4. (1) Packet of 1/2 Gallon Margarita Mix (16 servings)
5. (1) Packet of 1/2 Gallon Strawberry Mix (16 servings)

My husband and I are both have to watch our sugar. So this product worked great for us. We mixed all the ingredients and had a night time cocktail. You would never know they mix was sugar free. The Margarita's we're very tasty.

Bob's doesn't just have this box, they have alot of other great tasting products. It's a great website, where you can get a ton of information, and recipes as well.

If you want to know more, jump on over to the website at www.bajabobs.com .

You can also find baja bobs on twitter and face book.

 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Country Bob's Sauce Review

If you are looking for a good all purpose sauce, to put on your steaks, and chicken, or even fries, look no further. Today I would like to introduce you to a sauce from country Bob's. This sauce and the company's other products came to be back in 1968. When Bob perfected and created the sauce of his dreams. Sharing at first with only family and friends, he soon decided to market his sauce, and well it just took off from there.
I know once you try country Bob's sauce, it will become a permanent staple in your house.

I decided to try the sauce with one of Bob's recipes from his website, cherry glazed ham. It called for his sauce, some cherry preserves and a good size ham. Who could resist a three ingredient recipe. And who could have predicted such a succulent piece of meat when it was done. The combo of the sauce and the preserves was fantastic. A little sweet and savory, made the ham on the table a big hit. You can get some great recipe ideas right from Ken, on the website or from the blog.

Whats in this sauce?
Tomato concentrate, (tomato paste and water), high fructose corn syrup, vinegar, corn syrup, sugar, molasses, salt, onion powder, caramel color, garlic powder, tamarind, corn starch, natural flavors, and other spices.
Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce is Gluten Free.

When I say this is a all purpose sauce, that's exactly what I mean. You can create recipes from burgers to pizza using this powerful little sauce in a bottle. The sauce will just inspire you to create more and more recipes for your family and friends. It would make a great gift for the Holidays as well.

Country Bob uses the finest of ingredients for his products, all the way down to making their own plastic safe bottles. Now that's caring about your customers.

Also at country Bob's you can find other products from his sauce to apparel. So if I have grabbed your attention, and you would like more info, hop on over and visit Bob at www.countrybobs.com . Don't forget to make them apart of your twitter and face book to.

Happy shopping at Country Bob's

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

zChocolat Review

Today I received the most beautiful product to do a review on. It was from a International company call zChocolat. They sent me a mahogany box with my name engraved on a gold plate on the front, and inside was a bag of sachet lavender, also inside the box was two layers of gourmet chocolates. Also the gift comes with a book. The chocolates on the top have numbers, and you look in the book, and it gives you a detail of what the chocolate is made from. And what is inside the chocolate as well.

This is so wonderful, a beautiful keepsake well after the candy is gone.

The chocolate candy's we're out of this world. So creamy and decadent. They give you a assortment, two layers of them, that are also in their own little box. The candy's can be filled with anything from nuts to fruits. There are also white chocolates as well as dark chocolates.

You can have your chocolate boxes engraved and also add little trinkets to the bag.

Anyone would love to receive a elegant gift of chocolate from this company. There are so many more products they have for you. So check out their website at www.zchocolat.com .

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

La Vie Celeste Review

Let me introduce you to a company that I received a product from today. The La Vie Celeste is the company. They make the finest skin care products, made with the finest ingredients, that give you natural satisfaction. Customer satisfaction is their main goal. So it is important to them, that all their products are top of the line. Extensive research is done on all the ingredients they use, before products are passed over to the consumers.

The product I received today was their facial cleaner.

Eager to try the product, I used it right away. It was a really nice cleanser. It uses mother of pearl and pink and white clays that not only clean your face but exfoliate it at the same time. The cleanser is free from soap, and detergent, and oils and fragrance as well. Also the cleanser is free of toxic chemicals. The instructions we're easy to follow. And the results, well my face felt smooth and silky. It left my face feeling very hydrated. Another nice feature is, the cleanser is great for all skin types. You can gently feel the cleanser exfoliating as you use it. If you have sensitive skin, you are going to love this product. In fact everyone who uses it will love it. With just a little bit applied to your skin, you get such great results.

I highly recommend this product, especially to those who care about their skin.

If you want more information visit their website, its full of great info and more products to choose. Also you can find them on twitter and face book as well. www.laviecelesteskincare.com.

 

      

Alexia Food Review

You know when a company loves food as much as you do, you are getting quality products. That's what you get with Alexia foods. Their high passion produces only the finest in products for it's consumers. From bread to main dishes, at Alexia you get it all.

And today, I get to taste some of their fine food products. Lets start with the sweet potato fries, which I served with fried pork chops.

Sweet potatoes are one of my all time favorite foods. And the bag of sweet potatoes from Alexia went just right with my dinner tonite. They had a sweet and savory flavor to them, which worked great with my fried pork chops. They we're easy to make, they we're done in 20 minutes. The sweet potato fries tasted just like I cut fresh ones and baked them. These are more healthy for you to since the fries are baked and not deep fried. Alexia sweet potato fries are also a great alternative, to regular potatoes. And since they are so much quicker to make, whipping a batch up is a delight.

   Also for dinner this evening we had some of Alexia's Ciabatta rolls. These are fantastic, and any bread lover will enjoy them. Very easy and convenient to make, and as good as fresh baked ones to. The bag is so easy to keep in the fridge, and grab a few to throw in the oven at any given time. I made some garlic butter to go with them, and together the combo was mouth watering. These rolls would also be great to use for sandwich's. They turned out with a little crunch, which make them even more special, and delightful. No one could tell they came frozen. They would be great for a Italian night dinner as well, since they are made with rosemary and olive oil. I already have them planned for another night for dipping in herbs and oil olive.

 Along side the Ciabatta rolls we served some of Alexia French Rolls as well. These traditionally made rolls we're a hit on the table also. These to tasted as if I got them fresh from the bakery. And let me tell you, while they we're cooking the whole house smelled great. These to would be great to make a sandwich with.

If you would like to learn more about the foods from Alexia please visit their website at www.alexiafoods.com . Also you can find them on face book.

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Dale and Thomas Popcorn Review

If you love popcorn, you will love the popcorn from Dale and Thomas. That's the product review I will be doing and talking about today. The company sent me some of there popcorn in six different flavors to try, and tell all of my readers about.

If you want to send a exquisite gift this Holiday season, I would highly recommend, a gift from this company. Not only are their popcorn flavors to die for, they wrap their products, ready for gift giving.

You don't need to be a kid to love this popcorn, but beware, it will bring the kid out in you.

So lets get started and taste a little of each. First on the table was the Hall of fame kettle popcorn. I have to tell you, that popcorn in my house doesn't last long, and after tasting this first bag, I don't see it lasting the night. This had to be some of the best darn kettle corn I have ever tasted. I promise you, this kettle corn will not disappoint anyone who tastes it. The sweet and salty combination was very impressive. And the popcorn was so fresh, and smelled wonderful when you opened it. In every bite you can taste the touch of cane sugar that is sprinkled on. This is a very exquisite product for sure. And it's great to know that all their popcorn is gluten free and kosher. The texture and flavor was pure heaven. I just could not wait to try the next. Could it get any better than this, well let's find out.

Well, maybe it can get better, especially when you get popcorn with chocolate on it. Oh, but you don't just get chocolate, you get white chocolate as well. So taste buds, heaven is on the way. Big fluffy kernels with not one but two chocolates drizzled on them, it was a perfect combination for sure. The chocolate was creamy, and paired with the popcorn, well this was just over the top. If you give this one for a gift, well it might just be to hard to part with, better order extra.

Now for those who are looking for a Southwest Kick, Dale and Thomas have a flavor of Southwest Cheddar Chipotle. Yes folks, this in a popcorn flavor. This one had a big flavor to it. The combination of smoky roasted chipotle chile's, with the sharp cheddar cheese was over the top as well. Remember now these flavors are paired with their sweet and salty kettle corn, so you are getting a great exquisite gourmet popcorn with this one. Loved it.

Now if you think your mouth is watering, well it doesn't stop here. They also sent some of Dales Carmel Popcorn. And they having a warning about this one, they say beware it is highly addictive. Well I can't get the bag away from my daughter. But she was kind enough to share a few kernels. The fresh corn and the buttery rich caramel taste will for sure make you addicted. This one is crunchy goodness, pure perfection. Yes folks, you will for sure, not want to share this with anyone.

There's just one other flavor combo that can't be beat, and that's peanut butter and chocolate, and white chocolate is even better. And this next bag is just that. Light fluffy popcorn that is coated in peanut butter, and then drizzled with white chocolate. I know by now, there are some mouths just a watering. This one I am not sharing, the rest of the gang will just have to hang on until the next bag.

Dale was kind enough to send his flavor of Caramel. But the final bag is Chocolate Chunk N Caramel. Oh, yes, more caramel and more chocolate. Let's see, if anyone is peeking as I open it. Once again, they hit the jack pot with this combo, a rich combination of their finest popcorn topped with a buttery caramel and studded, with chunks, yes chunks of deep rich chocolate. Talk about sumptuous, well this one is a winner for sure.

Well who knew popcorn could be so great tasting. If you would like to find out more about Dale and Thomas, please head over to their website at www.daleandthomas.com . There is so much more to see and get. You just won't know where to start. And while your there make sure you friend them on face book as well.

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Holiday Parking

With the Holiday shopping season among us, we know that find a parking spot is not going to be easy. But did you know with some strategies and tips you could make this task a little less frustrating.

Luck will only get you a prime spot. But finding it may turn your hair gray before you locate it. The rule of thumb is, to know where to look, and when to know you have to give up.

First rule, if the cars are moving briskly, well you have a good chance of finding a prime spot. However, if it looks congested, don't even bother, it probably is not going to happen.

When looking for a parking lane to drive down, the third row is the better choice. Most people will either look in the first lane or the second lane. The further down you go from these parking lanes, the better chance you have of getting a parking spot.

Hovering around the good spots, only waste time and gas. And then you start to get frustrated. The back of the lot, may not be your favorite parking spot, but at least you will not be agitated.

You could be a parking spot spotter, follow someone who may be parked in a prime spot. However, this to can take time, and you once again only get frustrated.

You could give up early and give in. Or try one more tip. Search around the back of the store to see if there are any spots and doors to enter in. This is good for any mall shopping. Most like to park at one area of the mall, compared to other spots.

Good luck, and happy shopping.
 

Tortuga Rum Cake Review

If your looking for a great rum cake to serve this Holiday season, why not try the Tortuga Rum Cake. This cake is made by a family owned company, who pride themselves in making the finest Caribbean rum cakes and other gourmet products. They have such a wide range of products to choose from, such as their rum cakes to great gifts.

So today I am trying mine, that the company sent to me to taste, test and review about. They we're gracious with sending me two cakes to try, their orginal and a key lime rum cake. So for dessert tonite, that is what we are having. One slice of each, warmed up, and I think at least one with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

So let me tell you about the orginal rum cake my family and I had this evening. The Golden Original rum cake, was the first slice my family and I tasted, warmed up a little in the mircowave and served with a hot cup of coffee. It was a delightful way to end our evening. The cake was so moist and fresh, and you could taste the walnuts in every bite. This flavor from Tortuga, is their most popular, and known world wide. And after tasting it, you will know why. Tortuga only use's the finest ingredients such as, natural and imported ingredients, only the best. This flavor has a special blend of five year old oak barrel aged rum in it. A Tortuga Gold Rum to be exact. Both cakes came individually hand glazed. The rest of the cake we will save and slice, and re-serve again to our quests on Thanksgiving day.

Next on our plate to taste was the Tortuga Key Lime Rum Cake. This I warmed up also, but served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, after it was warmed up. Wow, is the first words that came to our minds, after tasting this combo. With every bite, you could taste the flavors of the Cayman Islands. And thats what you get when you have one of these wonderful rum cakes, a taste of what it would be like, sitting at a table in the Cayman Islands, eating this rum cake with a nice shot of rum to wash it down. This to is made with only the finest of ingredients. And it really is noticable in every bite. The cakes are so moist and so fresh. Serve this at your next get together, and you will be the hit of the party.

There are other ways, I can think of on how to use these wonderful tasting rum cakes. And one that comes to mind first, is cubing some of the rum cake and using it in a Turkey stuffing. It could be that one secret ingredient that know one will be able to quess what it is.

With Christmas approaching, Tortuga has so many products that you can send as gifts. And if they taste anything like the one's I have tasted, your quest will love the gift.

So if you would like to learn more about the company, and all the things they have to offer, hop over to their website at www.tortugarumcakes.com . I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Herr's product review

Today I received a box of Herr's products to review. But first let me tell you a little about this potato chip, snack making company. The story starts all the way back to 1946, James Herr was only twenty one when he started his potato chip company, in Lancaster PA. And from there, the Herr's snack products grew, into one of the leading snack food industry's of the new millennium. 

They we're very gracious with the snacks they sent for me to taste, test, and review. I thank them very much. So let's get started.

The first bag tasted was the cheese curls.

These delicious cheese curls are made from pure corn meal and then baked until they become a puffy cheese curls. In every bite you feel the crisp, and taste the cheese. And just like all of Herr's products, the cheese curls are made from only the best ingredients. They never use any added preservatives. These great cheesy curls, are a wonderful pairing for a hot bowl of soup, or even your favorite sandwich. Anyone who loves cheese, will love this snack.

Next in the box, and sampled was the Baby Back Rib chips. Now just the name of that reminds you of summer, and those ribs on the grill. Well it's now fall, but when you taste these chips, everyday will be a summer day in your mind. They taste just like the name says, Baby Back Ribs. With just the right amount of seasoning you will really enjoy these. And they to are made with the best ingredients. Each bite of the chip, you can taste and feel the crispness.

Now I don't know about you, but if you like spice, you will love Herr's Jalapeno chips. You know these chips are made from the finest potatoes, just like all the others, when you bite into them, you will see what I am talking about.

If you are looking for a great recipe to try with these chips, smash some up, and use them to coat and fry some chicken breast. They make a great coating and makes the chicken taste great.

Then there was the bag of reduced fat chips. Who knew you could watch your waist and eat these great tasting chips at the same time. Kettle cooked, with less fat, and delicious as well. These chips are steam fried, to a crisped perfection. Which of course you can surely taste. You can't go wrong with these, after all they have zero grams of trans fat, and they have, you guessed it no preservatives.

I was happy when I spotted the blue foil bag of Herr's original chips. They have them bagged this way to help retain the vitamin C, that are in the chips. These chips also are made with the finest ingredients, and of course like all the other snacks, you can taste that they we're. Not only good tasting, they also contain essential nutrients. You know your eating good snacks with Herr's.

New to me was, the whole wheat pretzel sticks, that we're in the box. My family got to test taste these for me. Made with a touch of honey and 12 grains, my family loved them. I could see also using these in recipes. They we're full of rich flavor. Also these pretzel sticks are low in fat, and are high in fiber. So they would be great for in between meals for snacking. The pretzels like the chips, are made with the finest ingredients, are are fresh and crispy to the bite.

 

The last bag in the box to test taste was a bag of honey wheat pretzels. These pretzels are made of whole grain wheat flour. They are great for the healthy conscious eater. Low in fat, and also high in fiber, just like the whole wheat pretzels. In every bite you can taste the honey. They also would be great to use in some recipes.

Herr's has so much more to offer in products then the one's I have been able to taste. After all they have been going strong for 65 years. If you would like to visit them go to www.herrs.com . There is so much to choose from, and so much to read about. From products to recipes, theres a ton of information available to you.

 Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

 

 
 

Is your dog deaf

Having a dog that is deaf this not all that uncommon. Some can be born deaf, or deaf from a injury, even a illness. Most of your senior dogs can even develope deafness. If you feel your dog is going deaf, just have them checked to make sure it did not result from a illness. Part of the aging process is having your senior dog loose its hearing. But they will adapt and continue to live a happy life. You can even teach your deaf dog hand signals.

Turkey day Tips

For first time Thanksgiving cooks to old pros, every one always welcomes a few short cuts, and good tips to get through the day smoothly.

The bird, that glorious brown, succulent looking roasted turkey, its all about him. This is the easy part of cooking your Thanksgiving meal. Here are some turkey tips to get your bird to the table stress free.

Planning the size for your bird is the first step. It is 1-1/2 pounds for each person. Then comes the thaw. Plan on thawing your bird in your fridge not outside on the counter. A twenty pounder will take at least five days to thaw. If the bird is not completely thawed when you take it out, run it under cold water for thirty minutes per pound and make sure to keep the water clean.

Stuffing your bird should never be done ahead of time. Stuffing should go into your bird right before you put the bird in your oven. Don't pack your stuffing, place it into the cavity with a spoon. Packing the stuffing in will not allow for the interior to get hot enough to cook the stuffing.

Faster yet, don't stuff your bird, make your stuffing in your crock pot. This will be the easy way and bacteria free way to enjoy your stuffing. Just place a onion and some celery inside your bird, along with some butter and herbs.

Did you know that you can even cook your bird frozen. Yes, you can and it will still be as juicy as cooked thawed. So don't panic if you wake up and your bird is still frozen in the fridge. Cook your bird at 325 for five and a half hours before serving. All the insides can be removed during the cooking process. Make sure you wash your hands after removing the insides to still avoid salmonella.

Rolls, everyone loves good rolls with their meal. But if you don't have time to bake, refrigerated rolls can be just as good. Also invest in different types of breads to slice up and give everyone a variety to choose from. For your pre packaged rolls, you can dress them up your self, with some parm and herbs, even poppy or sesame seeds before baking and after. For your loaves of bread, you can make different flavored butters to go along with them.

Now we all want our potatoes, for that wonderful gravy from the bird. You can go with the traditional mashed, to the bags now sold in stores of steam and mash. You can even used flake potatoes and doctor them up with butter and herbs to taste just as good as the real thing.

If you are serving appetizers, keep it simple with some finger foods. After all you don't want to get to stuffed before the big meal.

Save time and cook your veggies in your crock pot. This will be cooked and done with out all the fuss.

Don't have time to bake the dessert. How about buying your pies, or getting a good frozen one.
 

Natural Bird Cage Cleaner

You don't like to live in a dirty house, and well either does your bird. But they can't clean their house, it's up to us. But you also need to clean it with products that are safe for them. Yes it is true, these wonderful creatures can be very messy. And the droppings can be a stubborn task to remove.
 
A good cleaning product only takes a few minutes to put together. And it can last a long time, and also get those stubborn droppings off the cage. To start get a empty spray bottle, three cups of very hot water, three tbsp of baking soda, and two tbsp pure lemon juice. These products are all safe for your birds. Not only are they safe but will break down the natural enzymes and kill any bacteria.

Honor our Vets

In honor of Veterans Day, GourmetGiftBaskets.com would like to offer our valued customers a chance to give something special back to our troops. For every purchase made on 11/11/11 of $100 or more, we are going to donate one of our very special care packages to an injured soldier at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, in time for the holiday season!

               

We are also offering as a special gift to all of our customers, a coupon code, VET11, that is good for an 11% discount on any and all purchases made on November 11^th.

Sweepstakes Wednesday

Win a Car Cha Cha Sweepstakes. You can enter for a chance to win the perfect car, you get five to choose from, with a value of $31,000, just click on the blue link for more info.

If you love Nascar you can win a chance to see Jeff Gordon in person, among some other prizes.

If comedy is more your style you can win a chance to meet comedienne Joy Behar.

How about a chance to win a new home.

Submit an easy Kosher recipe using Manischewitz, and win prizes, some worth $25,000.

Enter also the Harley Davidson Sweepstakes and see what you can win.

Staples has a Sweepstakes going on to, see what you can win.


Just click on the blue links and enter to win. Good Luck

A Granny Smith Apple Pie

I want to share with you a wonderful recipe for a apple pie. You must use a granny smith apple for this, its the best tasting pie you will ever make. Let's get started with what you will need.

Pie crust of course, buy pre made or make your own, but you will need two. Also you will need to peel and slice six granny smith apples. Then one cup of dark brown sugar, not light it must be dark. Also you will need two tablespoons of all purpose flour. Additionally you will need one tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, half a teaspoon of cinnamon, quarter teaspoon of nutmeg, one tablespoon of butter, some milk, and some white cane sugar. And lastly you will need 3/4 pumpkin pie spice, if you can find apple spice that's even better.

Let's bake. Set and preheat your oven to 425. Spray your pie pan and lay your bottom crust into the pan. Take all your ingredients, leaving the butter out and mix in a bowl. Then you will pour the mix into the bottom crust. Take your butter that you left out and dot your mixture all over. Then apply your top crust sealing the top and bottom together with a flute edge. Make sure you cut a few vents in your top crust. The next step is to brush the top crust with a little milk and dust with the white sugar. You then want to bake your pie for 15 min. After that remove your pie and cover your pie crust edges with some foil, and return it to the oven. Continue baking for another 30 Min's. And when it's done enjoy the warm pie with a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Welcoming Enterway for Holidays

With the Holidays coming why not start making your quest feel at home right from the time they reach the front steps. With beautiful fall flowers and pumpkins you can make a welcoming entryway.

How about greeting them at the door with some hot apple cider or hot chocolate. Warm them to the bone before they even enter.

Once inside how about a little table of appetizers, or finger food.

Then get the party started, after all, you have made you quest feel like family from the time they got out of their car until they stepped into your home.

Blind Dog Coffee Review

I would like to tell you about a company, who sent me three coffee products to try out, the company is Blind Dog Coffee. The founder, at the age of two developed a childhood cancer, that could have caused him to lose his life, as well as his sight. Fortunately, he is now cancer free, and only loss sight in one eye and damage to the other. The coffee from Blind Dog is of superior quality. When I opened the box, right away you could smell the wonderful aroma's. Not only is the coffee wonderful to drink, but in every cup you are helping a child. You can't get coffee any better than this.

The company sent me three different varieties to try, the first was Nevada Black.

This is a dark roast coffee, and my husband and I had a some with our breakfast. It was smooth until the last sip in the cup. The whole house smelled wonderful also.

The second bag we opened and tyred some with our lunch, it was called Tanners.

A medium roasted coffee that well with our lunch. It left a party going on in your mouth with all the wonderful flavors, also another great aroma smelling coffee when brewed.


The third and final bag was called Death Valley.

Although this was a dark roasted coffee, it was smooth and soft. It went well for my husband and I, eating some pumpkin pie after dinner and sipping on yet another flavorful cup of Blind Dog Coffee.

I would highly recommend this product. They make wonderful gifts for the up coming Christmas Holidays. And when you purchase the coffee you are lending a child a hand.

If you would like to know more about the company, and the products they have to offer please visit their website at www.blinddogcoffee.com.

Blind Dog Coffee
1276 Pit Road
Gardnerville, Nevada 89460

Phone:

Phone 775-265-2176 

Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Gourmet Gift Basket Product Review

Today I received this beautiful gift basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets. com. It is their classic Christmas basket design, and one of their most popular.

This makes a great gift, for sending to your family or maybe even a co- worker. The basket is filled with a variety of gourmet snacks that taste wonderful. Anyone would love to receive this.

It also is paced in a reusable wicker basket, filled with colorful raffia and a nice raffia bow, which I reused my self.

My family enjoyed trying the different items in the gift basket, and they satisfied every ones taste buds. With so much to choose from it was hard to know what to taste first.  Every thing from chocolate covered cherries to a dark chocolate candy bar was in the basket. Also chocolate chip pecan cookies as well as almond clustered popcorn. And for the pretzel lover, there was raspberry honey mustard pretzel dip to enjoy with the dipping pretzels that we're also in the basket. You had your choice also of trail mix and cheese biscuits. There was peanut butter crunch and delicious peanuts to choose from to. There was something for everyone in my family to enjoy.

The company is out of NH, Londonderry to be exact. And they have so much to choose from.

Also they offer a Military Donation basket, and all you need to do is to review their selection of Christmas gifts. Someone you know in the Military will definitely smile when they receive a gift basket from Gourmet Gift Baskets.com.

If you would like to know more on how to get one of these fantastic baskets or any of their other products please visit them at http://www.gourmetgiftbaskets.com/.


Disclaimer: Momzblotter has personally reviewed the product listed above. Momzblotter has not received any monetary compensation for her review. Momzblotter did receive a free product to try out so Momzblotter could evaluate and use it for her review. Momzblotter's thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your  opinions may differ.

Thanksgiving Blessings

We all gather are families together on Thanksgiving Day. We cook, and we eat, and spend time with one another. And it is important to focus on what Thanksgiving is all about, and what it means to each and one of us. It is a time to give thanks for the things we have, and to be grateful for all the good things in your life. So when you are sitting at the table why not start a tradition and incorporate one by one, what each person is thankful for in their life.

Make you own swifter cloths

If you have hardwood floors in your home, well you probably own a swifter. And you know that when it comes time to replace the duster pad, they are a little pricey. But there is hope, you can make your own swifter pads, and save a ton of money.

You can start by knitting a swifter pad, is washable and simple to make. Making your own and attaching it to the swifter base will last you for awhile compared to a regular pad.

Microfiber cloths are plenty in any dollar store, and work well on the swifter. All you need to do is measure and place on your swifter duster head. These cloths are great and soak up water well if need be.

Pick those Apples

With the Holidays coming, how about picking some Apples, for your recipes. Picking your own can be fun for the entire family. Stock up and make all your favorite recipes. And don't forget a apple a day keeps the doc away.

Alot of your farms, have not only pick your own produce, but other great family fun adventures. Tracker rides, corn mazes, and even little zoo's to entertain the little ones.

Don't wait, check for a local farm in your area, and get to picking.

Left Over Pumpkins

Now that Halloween is over, what will you do with all those pumpkins or even all those squash you used for decorations. How about using them in some recipes. Maybe you can even use the squash for a Thanksgiving centerpiece, if it holds out long enough.

 

Of course don't forget the seeds, roast the seeds from either the pumpkin or squash they are a wonderful healthy snack.

 

Don't forget in May you can use the seeds for replanting and growing your own pumpkins and squash.

 

With Thanksgiving around the corner, how about pumpkin pie. Use that big pumpkin you have, and make some pies for you and loved ones.

 

How about taking your gourds and squash and putting them with some artificial greens into a nice basket for a wonderful arrangement.

 

You can even use leftover pumpkins to create a facial mask. I bet you never heard of doing this to often. But it can be done.

 

There are tons of things to do with your leftover pumpkins and squash, just use your imagination.

 

 

 

 

Those White Pumpkins

Pumpkins are not just orange, they are white as well. White pumpkins still have seeds to enjoy roasted, and better yet the pulp is high in beta carotene, vitamin C as well. They are great to not only eat, but are great for decorations. They are also carvable, and can be painted to. So if you have the change try these wonderful White pumpkins.