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Gifts & Gadgets

Don’t Monkey Around With My #MustHaveBox

 DISCLOSURE: POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try.

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I have to admit that I was extremely curious to find out what would be in my November #MustHaveBox from POPSUGAR. Last month’s box has this stylish compact umbrella (it’s in my glove compartment for those days when the rain sneaks up on me), a tall bottle of brown sugar vanilla shower oil (which I use daily to keep my skin moisturized as winter creeps in) and some dark chocolate cocoa (I’m saving this for the first measurable snow fall of the season).

With the November #MustHaveBox securely on my kitchen counter, I grabbed a box cutter and with ninja-like precision opened up the treasure chest to find:

  1. KENDRA SCOTT Elaina Rose Gold Bracelet in White Pearl (Wow! This elegant bauble will make a terrific stocking stuffer for someone on Santa’s nice list.)
  2. PEHR Chambray Runner in Wine (My dining room table was screaming for a new runner, and everything looks better in wine!)
  3. STOWAWAY COSMETICS Dawn to Dusk Palette (My niece has a birthday coming up. This will help her look good from dawn to dusk, right!)
  4. AJ GOODS Nest Wire Bowl (Perfect for bananas or apples. Doesn’t Monkey look cozy?)
  5. MERI MERI Star Party Picks (These will be perfect for zazzing up appetizers for our next family holiday party.)
  6. OOGIE’S SNACKS Gourmet Toffee Butter Popcorn (This was the first item I opened, and it was definitely the right choice. Deliciously salty and sweet, this toffee butter popcorn was totally addictive!)

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I’m ready for December’s #MustHaveBox for sure! If you’d like to have “Happiness Delivered” to your doorstep, try the Must Have Box from POPSUGAR. Get $5 off your first #MustHaveBox with promo code SHOP5.

Gifts & Gadgets

My Kind of Favorite October Surprise? The #MustHaveBox from POPSUGAR

DISCLOSURE: POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try.

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This #MustHaveBox arrived on my doorstep earlier this week. I’ve never received one before, and I was more than a little curious about what I’d find inside.  When I opened the box, I found a treasure trove of five (5) eclectic goodies that included:

  1. HENRI BENDEL Packable Umbrella (The perfect size for the glove compartment or briefcase)
  2. LALICIOUS Brown Sugar Vanilla Shower Oil and Bubble Bath (Pardon me for about 90 minutes while I enjoy a hot soak in the tub)
  3. MY CUP OF COCOA™ Dark Drinking Chocolate (Yum!)
  4. MORNING CULTURE Rise & Shine Diner Mug (Everybody knows a classic diner mug is tots adorbs)
  5. MAKEUP ERASURE Mini (I think one of my nieces will be glad to get this)

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And there were two (2) special extras inside my #MustHaveBox:

  • POWER YOUR HAPPY by Lisa Sugar (Can’t wait to read the inside story from the founder of POPSUGAR)
  • REVLON® ColorStay™ Liquid Eye Pen (Another gift for the “other” niece so she doesn’t get jealous!)

Dark chocolate cocoa, a mug, brown sugar vanilla bubble bath and a good book….I’ve got everything I need for a relaxing, decadent bath.

I can’t wait until next month’s #MustHaveBox arrives to see what goodies are in store. Want “Happiness Delivered” to your doorstep? Try the Must Have Box from POPSUGAR. Get $5 off your first #MustHaveBox with promo code SHOP5.

Entrees/ Events & Entertaining

Celebrating National Cheeseburger Day with a Sizzling Ranch Patty Melt

#SayCheeseburger #CollectiveBias #shop KRAFT Classic Ranch Patty Melt

Ranch Patty Melt

The cheeseburger is as American as food gets. It’s truly iconic. But when you ask a group of people to visualize what’s on (or in) their favorite cheeseburgers, there are no two descriptions exactly the same. That versatility is one of the exciting things about the cheeseburger – and why I like to experiment with new variations of ingredients in a never-ending quest for the perfect cheeseburger. A recent cheeseburger experiment that has come the closest to burger nirvana is my Ranch Patty Melt.

The patty melt itself is deceptively simple. Aside from the seasonings and butter, there are only four primary ingredients: meat, onion, cheese and bread. It’s the preparation and how these ingredients are combined that give the patty melt its sizzle.

The patty melt will usually be served with onions and Thousand Island dressing. That tangy, creamy flavor of the Thousand Island dressing is a great pairing with the sautéed onions. But for my Ranch Patty Melt recipe, I’m substituting the Thousand Island dressing with a classic ranch dressing as a topping and with extra on the side for dipping.

Ranch Patty Melt

With all of your ingredients en place, mix together the ground turkey, salt, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Don’t skimp on the Worcestershire! Form four oval patties with the meat, matching the relative shape of the crusty rye bread. Set the patties aside as you prepare the onions.

Slice up a yellow onion and sautée it in a skillet with butter over medium-low heat. It takes about 25 minutes to properly brown the onions, but be patient. Don’t rush the process; the onions could easily burn. Can you see the buttery steam rising from the pan in the photo below? It smells so, so, so, so good.

Ranch Patty Melt

Cook the patties in a skillet over medium heat until done in the middle and browned on the outside. When the patties are cooked, you’re ready to start the final assembly. In another skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

You’re going to assemble each Ranch Patty Melt as follows:

  • slice of crusty rye bread
  • slice of Swiss cheese
  • turkey burger patty
  • one-fourth of the sautéed onions
  • two tablespoons ranch dressing
  • another slice of Swiss cheese
  • another slice of crusty rye bread

Grill the sandwiches in the skillet until golden brown on one side.  Add the remaining butter to the skillet and flip the Ranch Patty Melt sandwiches over. Cook until golden brown and crisp. The cheese should be all melted and gooey. Cut in half and serve immediately.

Ranch Patty Melt

Doesn’t this look like absolute cheeseburger perfection? How can it get any better? That’s my challenge for my next cheeseburger adventure…Ranch Patty Melt

Ranch Patty Melt

Rating: 51

12 minutes

Cook Time: 28 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ranch Patty Melt

Ingredients

8 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1 large yellow onion, skinned, halved and sliced
1 1/4 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
8 dashes Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 slices Swiss Cheese
8 slices crusty rye bread
1/2 cup ranch dressing, plus more for dipping

Instructions

Organize your ingredients and cooking instruments. You'll need a medium bowl and three skillets (one small, one medium and one large) to prepare the onions, burgers and the completed patty melts.

In a medium bowl, mix together ground turkey, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Form into 4 oval-shaped patties, similar to the size of the rye bread slices. Put patties on a plate; set aside.

In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Toss in the onions and cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally. Onions are done when they are golden brown and soft. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Cook the turkey burger patties on both sides, until done in the middle and browned on the outside. Set aside.

In the medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Assemble the patty melts first with a slice of rye bread topped with a slice of Swiss cheese. Add the turkey burger patty and one-fourth of the cooked onions. Cover the patty with 2 tablespoons ranch dressing followed by another slice of Swiss cheese. Top with another slice of rye bread, and grill the sandwiches until golden brown.

Repeat until all 4 sandwiches are in the skillet. When browned on one side, add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Carefully flip each sandwich over, and cook until golden brown, crisp and cheese has melted.

Cut in half and serve immediately. Serve with additional ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

http://bakedchicago.com/national-cheeseburger-day-ranch-patty-melt/

Desserts

An All-Time Fall Favorite Dessert: Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Peanut Butter & Pretzel Topping

I know Fall is near when the Honeycrisp Apples make a dramatic appearance at the grocery store. Right now, they are in peak season. So run and grab a bushel of the best Honeycrisp apples you can find. Hoard them like the golden bites of juicy deliciousness they are. I’ve learned over the years that they last for weeks when chilled in the refrigerator.

Why do I encourage you to hoard these beauties? Because, bite for bite, there is nothing more naturally sweet and juicy you can eat. It’s the best that nature has to offer, for sure!

I even share my treasure of Honeycrisp apples with my four pugs as a special daytime treat. I slice an apple up and they line up (very well behaved, of course, because they love them so) to take turns chomping down on a juicy slice of heaven.

Bing the apricot fawn pug

This is Bing. Could you turn down giving an apple slice to a face like that? He’s an apricot fawn-colored pug, and he’s a Honeycrisp apple-loving pug.

For an easy any-night-of-the-week dessert, I adapted this recipe from Martha Stewart’s Pretzel Crumbles recipe from 2011. I added peanut butter to the pretzel crumble topping, and I think Martha would agree that was genius of me. Thanks, Martha!

Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Peanut Butter & Pretzel Topping

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 2 servings

Baked Honeycrisp Apples with Peanut Butter & Pretzel Topping

Ingredients

4 T butter, cold
1 T ground cinnamon
4 T all-purpose flour
4 T dark brown sugar
4 T crushed pretzels
4 T crunchy peanut butter
2 Honeycrisp apples, halved and cored

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, blend butter with the cinnamon, flour, and brown sugar. Stir in crushed pretzels and set aside.

Place the apple halves in the prepared baking pan. Scoop 1 tablespoon of peanut butter inside the well of each apple half. Scatter the pretzel mixture over the apple halves.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until apples are soft and the topping is crisp. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

This recipe is lightly adapted from Martha Stewart's Pretzel Crumbles recipe http://www.marthastewart.com/355997/pretzel-crumbles

http://bakedchicago.com/time-fall-favorite-dessert-baked-honeycrisp-apples-peanut-butter-pretzel-topping/

Kitchen Confessions

Stay Satisfied Longer with #PowerfulProtein

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias

I’m a planner. When it comes to meal options, I have to plan ahead. My schedule is too hectic to leave what’s for lunch or dinner up to chance. And it’s usually when I don’t know what is on the menu and I’m too tired to think that I can make poor choices.

That’s especially true when faced with the question of “what’s for lunch?” at the office. I hate the wasted time of running out of the building, and I definitely don’t have time to sit down in a restaurant. So the outcome is usually finding whatever fast food restaurant is closest to the office that will get me back to my desk pronto. That’s not very satisfying and I usually find I’m hungry again late in the afternoon.

So instead, I like to take my lunch with me to work. Often that means leftovers from the night before or a sandwich I’ve made with ingredients I’ve personally put together. Not only is that a big time- and money-saver, it’s also usually better for me.

But sometimes there’s just isn’t time to make either of those things happen. And that’s where my advanced planning saves the day and satisfies my hunger. You see I actively plan for those days where I don’t have time to make a homemade lunch or snack from scratch by making sure my freezer is stocked with high-protein meal options like the new STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen.

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad - Steak Fajita

Just how high is the protein? Each STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen meal option is packed with 25 grams of protein or more. The STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen Steak Fajita smells intoxicating coming out of the microwave – and it’s ready in under 10 minutes. Close your eyes, breathe in deep and take a bite. You’re tastebuds will think they’re in Mexico! It’s a tender prime steak in a smoked red chile sauce (see the green and red peppers!) and it comes with a side of brown rice (my fave!) that is seasoned with black beans and corn.

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad - Cilantro Lime Chicken with fork

The steak fajita was deliciously satisfying and quite good. But I think my favorite is the Cilantro Lime Chicken. The white meat chicken mixed in with the brown rice in a verde tomatillo sauce was protein perfection. The red bell peppers gave it a pop of color and a sweet simmering heat.

Like I said, I have to plan for those days when I don’t have time to make lunch. So whenever I need to stock up the freezer or fridge, I go to my local Walmart and hang a left down the single serve entrees aisle in the frozen foods section.

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad

I found all of the STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen meals in a special high-protein section of the freezer.

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad

They’re easy to spot. And they come in some great meal options, like STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen Steak Fajita, Cilantro Lime Chicken, Rotisserie Seasoned Turkey, Bourbon Steak, Oven Roasted Chicken and Monterey Chicken.

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad

I’ve found that STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen meals are also great for satisfying late night snack cravings. With summer schedules, I might miss a meal or eat earlier than usual to enjoy the great weather outside. Sometimes I get a strong hunger pang about 10 pm, which is too late to eat something big but also too early to go to bed and wait until morning for breakfast. I feel better choosing something packed with lean protein instead of, say, chips or popcorn.

STOUFFER'S Fit Kitchen at Walmart #PowerfulProtein #CollectiveBias #ad - Cilantro Lime Chicken

Try STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen for yourself. You’ll find that the protein definitely leaves you satisfied.

How would the new STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen fit into your active lifestyle? Discover all of the STOUFFER’S® Fit Kitchen meals by following STOUFFER’S® on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Events & Entertaining

What Makes a Fanboy’s Saturday Night Extra Fun? A Sci-Fi Marathon + Pizza!

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

Every Saturday night in early summer, you’ll find my TV set ready to record my latest science fiction obsession: Season 3 of Orphan Black on the BBC America channel. Typically, I record it so I can watch it whenever I want. But before the season premier of season three, I had to watch the entire second season in a Saturday night marathon filled with clones, intrigue and DIGIORNO®’s new pizzeria! thin supreme speciale pizza.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

DIGIORNO has four new pizzeria! thin pizzas: primo pepperoni, spinach & mushroom, margherita and supreme speciale. The supreme speciale is topped with Italian sausage, premium pepperoni, red and green pepper strips, and caramelized onions. The sauce is made from vine-ripened tomatoes, basil, thyme and oregano — and it’s topped with real mozzarella cheese.

I ADORE THIN CRUST PIZZA. And I’ve been a fan of DIGIORNO’s Rising Crust Pizza. But I’m extremely picky when it comes to thin crust pizza. You want the crust to be crunchy without being dry or easily burned.

So what makes DIGIORNO’s new pizzeria! thin crust different? It’s drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and it’s proofed for almost 90 minutes before being baked in a 700° oven. Wow! When you open the freshness wrap you can see the quality of ingredients.

This new thin crust delivers on the promise of a crispy outside and a soft & airy inside. Because of the herbs and olive oil, it reminded me of a great Italian focaccia bread fresh out of a hearth oven. For the culinary-challenged, it’s easy to get these results by following simple baking directions.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

Preheat your oven to 375° F. It’s important to keep the pizza frozen until it’s ready to go into the oven. After the oven is done preheating, remove the pizza from the freshness wrap.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

Place it directly on the center oven rack. I took a wire baking rack, which I lightly sprayed with olive oil non-stick spray, and placed the pizza on that to make removing it from the oven easier.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

After about 18 minutes, the pizza should be ready. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and the edges are a golden brown. Let is stand for a few minutes before slicing and eating.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

As you slice the pizza, you can hear how crunchy the crust has turned out.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

I really like the square shape, which makes it easier to slice into uniform pieces. And there’s plenty of slices to share with the guys. Add in a side salad, or some humus with chips, and you’re ready for a marathon viewing session of mind-blowing science fiction.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

So far I have tried three of DIGIORNO’s new pizzeria! thin flavors: margherita, supreme speciale and primo pepperoni. The margherita reminded me of the margherita pizza I had in Naples, Italy, on a family trip a few years back. You could tell the mozzarella couldn’t have been any better unless you made it fresh yourself. But I think my favorite is the primo pepperoni because the pepperoni is so darned good.

If you’re a true fan (or fanboy!) of thin crust pizza, then you should try DIGIORNO’s new pizzeria! thin pizza. And DIGIORNO is so confident that you’ll agree this new pizzeria! thin is delicious that it offers a “Love It or It’s Free Guarantee” refund. If for some reason you don’t like it, you can visit DIGIORNO.com for information on how to get a refund.

#DIGIORNO #YouBeTheJudge #CleverGirls #ad DiGiorno pizzeria thin supreme speciale pizza

Now I’ve told you what I think of DIGIORNO pizzeria! thin. DIGIORNO would love to hear from other fanboys and fangirls about what you think of the new pizzeria! thin pizzas. Taste one for yourself and visit DIGIORNO on Facebook or Twitter to share your feedback and photos. Be sure to use the hashtag #YouBeTheJudge.

 

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Kitchen Confessions/ Soups, Salads & Sides

Quality Oil Fuels Better Performance for Road Trips…and Picnics

canta mato salad #FuelTheLove #ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias

When summer arrives, I get very excited. Excited because summer means fresh fruits and vegetables. And summer also means it’s time to jump in the car with my four pugs to take a road trip. When I can combine the two – like a road trip that ends in a fresh foods-filled picnic – I’m in heaven.

But before I head out on any road trip, I’ve got to gas up the car and have the oil levels checked. I mean who wants to break down on the side of the road in the summer heat? Just like your body needs water to hydrate and run properly, your car needs quality gas and oil to perform its best. [On the night of my high school graduation, my car broke down after midnight in the middle of the country with no houses in site. I was stuck for hours – this was before cell phones were invented – and I promised myself that would never happen again. So I always make sure my car is serviced and ready to roll before heading out of town.]

So I drove to my local Walmart Super Store and dropped off my Nissan Rogue (The best car ever! And the first car I’ve ever really loved.) at the Auto Center for an oil change and to get all the fixings for a picnic.

Pennzoil Summer Rollback #FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias #ad

I learned that Pennzoil was offering a Rollback price at Walmart Automotive Care Center Stores until September 9, 2015.  I always get the Platinum Full Synthetic motor oil because it provides the best protection and cleanliness among all Pennzoil oils.

Pennzoil Summer Rollback #FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias #ad

I trust Pennzoil and have used it in my cars for years. It helps clean out the sludge that other oils can leave behind, which keeps my car in top performance. And I like that Pennzoil provides a free warranty for its products.Pennzoil Summer Rollback #FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias #ad

I dropped my car off with the friendly Automotive Care Center Department Manager, and I was on my way to get the ingredients for a fresh tomato and cantaloupe salad. [Spoiler Alert: They were done with my oil change before I was done grabbing my grocery goodies. How convenient is that!]

tomato cantaloupe salad Pennzoil Summer Rollback #FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias #ad

There’s a lot to love about this recipe. It has only four ingredients. And the key to its refreshing, sophisticated taste is quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh mint. Seriously. A quality olive oil can make all the ingredients of a dish work together beautifully, much like how a quality automotive oil can help your car’s engine work more smoothly.

tomato cantaloupe salad Pennzoil Summer Rollback #FuelTheLove #CollectiveBias #ad

Now I’m ready (as is my car) for a summer filled with road trips, picnics and fun. If you could go anywhere on a road trip picnic, where would you go and what would you bring in your picnic basket?

Where will the road take you this summer?

Tomato-Cantaloupe Salad

Rating: 51

12 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cantaloupe, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Instructions

Gather your ingredients. Slice the tomatoes. Cut the cantaloupe. Chop the mint.

Put the tomatoes and cantaloupe in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, add chopped mint and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container.

http://bakedchicago.com/quality-oil-fuels-better/

Soups, Salads & Sides

My Official Salad of the Summer: Pasta Primavera Summer Salad

pasta primavera summer salad

When summer heats up, the last thing I want to do is make things even steamier by cooking over a hot stove or cranking up the oven to get a meal ready. Yet, I do want to prepare a nutritious and satisfying dish. So I rely on my microwave even more to whip up a delicious meal for myself or friends and family. And it keeps my kitchen – and me – feeling cool.

I recently learned how to cook pasta in the microwave. Yes, I bought the not-so-fancy plastic pasta cooker I saw on television but you could easily cook almost any pasta with a microwave-safe glass bowl. It’s so simple, I can’t believe I never thought of it before.

Making pasta salads, which taste great warm or chilled, are a great meal option especially in the summer when you don’t want to have a heavy meal. And when the vegetables are fresh from the garden or local farmer’s market, it’s time for some pasta primavera. Pasta Primavera Summer Salad pairs perfectly with Bumble Bee® Prime Fillet® Gourmet Flavors Albacore Tuna with Sundried Tomatoes and Olive Oil.

I adore albacore tuna, especially when it’s packed in olive oil. Because there’s garlic-infused extra virgin olive oil coating the pasta and vegetables in this pasta primavera salad, it blends beautifully with the tuna.

pasta primavera summer salad

Doesn’t it look absolutely delish!?! And it’s beyond simple to make.

To get started all you need is some of your favorite pasta, two of your favorite fresh, in-season vegetables, Bumble Bee® Albacore Tuna, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper. These eight ingredients will come together in less than 15 minutes of cooking time (all in the microwave, so you get to stay cool in the kitchen!).

To make garlic-infused olive oil couldn’t be simpler. Take some minced garlic (about 1 teaspoon) and put in a small bowl. Cover with 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and let it steep while you prepare the vegetables and pasta.

I chose to use sugar snap peas and baby lima beans, but you can use any fresh vegetables you love. I blanched them in the microwave by putting them in a glass bowl and lightly submerging in cold water. Cook them on high for 5 minutes and voila! Drain the water and rinse with cold water to stop them from cooking, which can cause them to lose color, nutrients. Set aside the vegetables while you cook the pasta.

The pasta cooks in the microwave on high in about 10 minutes (for 2 servings). Drain the water and put the pasta in a large mixing bowl.

https://instagram.com/p/4irQHzgost/?taken-by=bakedchicago

Combine pasta with the vegetables and add the Bumble Bee® Albacore Tuna with Sundried Tomatoes and Olive Oil. Drizzle with the garlic-infused olive oil and toss to coat.

pasta primavera summer salad

Those sundried tomatoes and sugar snap peas almost make you want to dive in with your fingers…..

pasta primavera summer salad

…..but be civilized and use a fork!

Season with salt and pepper and you’ve got a classic summer salad that’s perfect for a light lunch to enjoy at home or at the office. And for when you don’t have even 15 minutes to make lunch, you can still enjoy savory albacore tuna with sundried tomatoes and olive oil. Bumble Bee® Prime Fillet® comes in a very portable single serve pouch. Just grab it and go.

pasta primavera summer salad

Share which type of pasta, fresh vegetables and Bumble Bee® tuna you’d use to create your own version of the perfect Pasta Primavera Summer Salad in the comments section below.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Pasta Primavera Summer Salad

Rating: 51

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 2 - 4 servings (2 as entree or 4 as side dish)

Ingredients

15 ounces baby lima beans
4 ounces sugar snap peas
1/2 pound uncooked mini farfalle pasta
5 ounces (2 packages) Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Albacore Tuna with Sundried Tomatoes & Olive Oil
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic
sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, season to taste

Instructions

Put the minced garlic in a small condiment cup or bowl. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and set aside. The garlic will infuse itself in the olive oil while you prepare the vegetables and pasta.

Blanch the lima beans and sugar snap peas in a microwavable bowl. Add enough water to cover vegetables; microwave on high for 5 minutes. Remove from microwave and drain. Rinse with cold water, drain and set aside.

Using a pasta cooker for the microwave, follow pasta package directions to prepare. For 1/2 pound of mini farfalle pasta, cook on high for 10 minutes. If you don't have a microwave pasta cooker, use a glass or microwave safe bowl. Put pasta in bowl and cover with water. Do not overfill; all pasta should be lightly submerged. Do NOT put a cover on the bowl; that will cause it to boil over before it's done cooking.

Drain the cooked pasta. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in the vegetables. Add the Bumble Bee Prime Fillet Albacore Tuna. Drizzle the garlic-infused olive oil over the pasta and vegetables. Stir until all ingredients are well coated. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

Adapted from Nigella Lawson's Pasta Primavera Salad, 2003.

http://bakedchicago.com/pasta-primavera-summer-salad/

Entrees

Family Night With Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs Makes Eating In More Fun!

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs #ad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Panda Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

Growing up, I remember how much fun it was to eat out with the family at our favorite neighborhood restaurant. Back then, my Mom would cook every day but Sunday – her official day off from the kitchen.

As an adult, I still love to go out to eat. But sometimes restaurant food tastes so much better when I can enjoy it while relaxing in the comfort of my own home. That’s why I jumped at the chance to bring the new Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs home for a Family Night In.

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These Chinese Spare Ribs are only available for a limited time at Panda Express. They’re slow cooked for 5 hours with sesame oil, garlic, red peppers and other ingredients for a one-of-a-kind sweet, spicy and savory flavor. Don’t they make your mouth water?

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs #ad

Planning a family night in takes no planning at all. That’s what makes it so easy to do any night of the week. I just drop by my local Panda Express, located in the Louis Joliet Mall, to see a bountiful buffet of tantalizing options.

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs #ad

Of course, I’m getting the Chinese Spare Ribs, fried rice and chicken egg rolls. But I can’t pass up the Black Pepper Chicken. And don’t forget the fortune cookies!

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs #ad

The line moves very fast, but you can also Order Online and drop by to pick up your order before heading home for dinner with the family.

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs #ad The fried rice and chicken egg rolls are delicious and satisfying. And there’s enough for everyone to share.

Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs #ad

But the main event on everyone’s mind – and tongues – is the Chinese Spare Ribs. They fall off the bone; the perfect marriage of classic American barbecue and Chinese Char Siu.

Who enjoyed the Chinese Spare Ribs the most in my family? Sauce-laden fingers and mouths might have given that person away – except that it was all so finger-licking good there was no barbecue sauce left!

Watch this video from WannaBite.com for some great ideas for Dad’s Night Dinner with your family:

Find out more about Panda Express dishes on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Win a $25 gift card from Panda Express! Leave a comment below sharing why you’re excited to try the new Panda Express Chinese Spare Ribs for a chance to win.

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Beverages

Jamba Juice’s Fresh-Pressed 100% Juice is On-the-Go Goodness

Jamba Juice #JuiceByJamba #ad

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Jamba Juice. All opinions are 100% mine.

Jamba Juice has always been known for delicious smoothies, and now it has launched a new line of Fresh Squeezed Juices that are jam-packed with fresh-pressed real fruits with absolutely no preservatives and that refresh the body with 100% juice.

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This “on-the-go goodness” comes in a variety of flavors like:

  • Tropical Greens
  • Citrus Kick
  • Veggie Harvest
  • Orange Reviver
  • Carrot Cayenne
  • Garden Medley
  • Orange Carrot Twist
  • Orange Berry Antioxidant
  • Kale Orange Power
  • Triple Revitalizer
  • Tropical Kick-Start

Every time I stroll up to the Jamba Juice counter, my senses get totally engaged. From the intoxicating smell of the fresh fruits to the sounds of the professional-grade mixers and the sights of fruits blending perfectly together.

There are so many enticing flavors that choosing just one fresh, cold-pressed juice was hard, but I had to try to the Tropical Kick-Start™ with fresh orange juice and mangos. Yum! I knew the fresh ingredients would be healthy, but I didn’t realize that they were also in line with a paleo diet. Good to know!

Jamba Juice #JuiceByJamba #ad

After all the fresh ingredients were assembled, they were put into the blender.

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The blender works so fast that it’s done in a jiffy.

Jamba Juice #JuiceByJamba #ad

And then my Tropical Kick-Start™ fresh juice blend was ready to pour.

Food and drink is always better when it’s prepared in front of you. When I come back, I’m definitely going to try the Orange Berry Antioxidant flavor, with fresh orange juice, strawberries and blueberries. It sounds berry delicious.

Find Your Closest Store to try a freshly squeezed juice for yourself. Which flavor will you try first? 

Post the flavor you want to try most in the comments section below. Each comment will be entered in a random drawing to win a $20 Jamba Juice gift card.

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Entrees

Your Recipes (and Family!) Deserve Only The Very Best Ingredients

chicken vesuvio

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Harvestland® by Perdue®. All opinions are 100% mine.

I’ve always believed that when you cook for your family you should use the very best ingredients available to you — and to keep the recipes you often use as simple as possible. Cooking can be therapeutic to you as the home cook, and coming together as a family to the dinner table has additional benefits for your family’s health. Simplicity is the key.

And sometimes keeping it simple means finding shortcuts in the food preparation or cooking process. Finding ingredients you can trust doesn’t have to be hard, if you know where to look. Harvestland® by Perdue®, available at Walmart, has fresh and fully cooked turkey, chicken and pork products. These products come from local family-owned farms throughout the United States and are USDA process verified.

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That means Harvestland® by Perdue®’s all-natural products are:

  • Raised cage free
  • Fed all-vegetarian diets (no animal by products!)
  • Free of antibiotics and contain no artificial ingredients

You can trust Harvestland® by Perdue® to be a natural choice for your family when you’re cooking at home. It’s food that’s pure and simple, which allows your family to Eat Like Your Ancestors.™ What does that mean exactly? Check out this fun video to find out!

Luckily it’s gotten easier in the modern world to cook for your family. My favorite secret weapon for a hearty, wholesome meal is my slow cooker. Try my Chicken Vesuvio (family-style recipe) with your family. Substitute your kin’s favorite root vegetables for a one-pot wonderful meal that will nourish the body and soul.

Family-style Chicken Vesuvio Recipe

chicken vesuvio

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 Harvestland® by Perdue® Fresh Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 pound small red potatoes, scrubbed and cut into wedges
  • 12 ounces edamame, shelled
  • 1 cup sweet yellow and red peppers, julienned
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
  • 3 tablespoons minced onion
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

Lightly coat a frying pan with canola oil and place on a stovetop burner, set on medium-high. Warm the pan for a minute so it is hot enough to sear the chicken breasts.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Using a barbecue brush, lightly coat the top of each chicken breast with canola oil. Season with a pinch each of sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the chicken breasts in the hot frying pan, seasoned side down. Cook for about 6 minutes.

Immediately coat the remaining side of each chicken breast with oil. Season with one pinch each of sea salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning. Cover the pan with a lid until you’re ready to turn the chicken breasts. After you turn the chicken breasts, cook for another 6 minutes or until both sides are browned.

Place the potatoes, edamame, peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, garlic and remaining sea salt, black pepper and Italian seasoning in a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken broth and white wine. Gently stir to immerse vegetables evenly in the broth mixture. This helps the vegetables to properly steam and cook evenly. Top the vegetables with the chicken breasts.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 3 to 3.5 hours (or LOW for 6 to 7 hours) until chicken breasts and potatoes are tender.

Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving plate. Top with juices from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Cook Time: 3 hours, 12 minutes. Yield: 6 servings.

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