Posts by admin:
- Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Basmati and Wild Rice
- Thai Jasmine Rice
- Basmati Rice
- Long Grain Rice
- Whole Grain Rice and Quinoa
- Red Beans and Rice New Orleans Style
- Chicken Flavored Rice
- Golden Vegetable Rice
- Thai Lime and Herb Rice
- Pilaf Rice
- Spanish Style Rice
- 1 (9.9 ounce) container of Veetee Whole Grain Brown Rice & Quinoa
- 1 can chickpeas, drained
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 3/4 cup mushrooms, roughly chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dill
- 1/2 teaspoon mineral salt
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 Tablespoons parsley, chopped
- balsamic vinegar
- Heat a non-stick on medium heat and add oil.
- Fry the red onions with the mushrooms for 5 minutes.
- Add the chickpeas, garlic, dill, and salt and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Meanwhile heat the rice in the microwave for 2 minutes and empty rice into a large glass bowl.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes to the rice.
- Remove bean and mushroom mixture from stove top and add to the glass bowl with rice.
- Toss ingredients together and serve immediately.
- Sprinkle with parsley and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
- Website: http://www.veetee.com/en-us
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veeteeusa/?fref=ts
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veeteerice/
- Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/veeteeusa/
- 1 14-ounce container Sabra mango peach salsa
- 1/3 cup tomato juice
- 20 pineapple pieces, thawed
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- small bamboo skewers
- 1/3 cup Sabra garlic hummus
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup sharp cheddar cheese
- egg white wash
- paprika
- parsley
- salt
- 1/4 cup cheese for sprinkling
- 2 ounces vodka
- 1/2 an IPA beer , preferably Blue Moon Peach IPA Beer
- Sub lager for IPA
- Use Sabra Homestyle Salsa
- Grill cherry tomatoes instead
- Pour the salsa and tomato juice into a blender and blend until smooth, not chunky.
- Chill while preparing pineapple skewers and breadsticks.
- Place 5 pineapple chunks on a small bamboo skewer, repeat with the rest of the fruit.
- Heat a griddle and add olive oil on medium high heat.
- Grill the pineapple for 10 minutes, alternating during that time, ensuring griddle marks.
- Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line baking sheet with silpat or parchment paper.
- In a food processor, add all the ingredients from hummus to cheddar cheese and blend well.
- Dough will resemble wet sand.
- Place on a lightly floured surface and knead dough until dough comes together.
- Flatten dough to a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick and brush with egg white wash.
- Using a knife, cut about 8 strips width-wise.
- Twist each dough strip and place on cookie sheet.
- Repeat with the rest of the dough.
- Sprinkle with paprika, salt, parsley, and cheese over all breadsticks and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Cool and place in a long glass for snack time!
- Rim glasses with lime salt
- 4-ounces Bloody Mary mix
- 2-ounces vodka
- 1/2 a cold beer
- Serve with a skewer of pineapple and 2 hummus cheese breadsticks.
Elegant Tex-Mex Fare at Cantina Laredo
February 5th, 2016Sorry I have been MIA for a few weeks but life has been busy after the new year. After we returned from Texas from seeing relatives it was important to reorganize our lives and start with our normal every day. I will be writing about what our family has been doing the last 3 weeks that includes a health jump-start and lifestyle.
The last thing I forgot to share before the year were all the yummy eats our family had been enjoying. As we budget monthly, we really set aside to be able to dine out once a week and sometimes we alternate with new places to dine and other times we visit our go-to places.
One of the places that has become our new normal is Cantina Laredo. While it is a good 20-25 minutes away from us, I have visited for lunch on two occasions. I also introduced my husband to the restaurant and he was glad that they served tasty and tender fajitas which is his go-to meal at Tex-Mex places.
In December, I held a women’s Christmas party with some ladies from my church. Many had not heard of Cantina Laredo or that it was at the King of Prussia Mall but they were impressed with the flavors and dishes served. We proceeded to have a book exchange while eating our delectable desserts.
Truthfully, I think that Cantina keeps its patrons happy with seasonal menu items and sometimes offering new drinks or appetizers or even deals for special occasions, like Super Bowl season. They will be offering Combo Fajitas for $10 a person but only if you go online and sign up for their newsletter, you have to show them a picture of the special or go to their Facebook and see if they post the advertisement.
During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays they offered tamales to-go or for parties, so, since I know my husband likes tamales, I had him taste one on his birthday and he was smitten. He later order 2 dozen to freeze so we could have it on occasion when we had a tamale hankering.
In addition to the amazing menu, there are special events held like the Tequila Dinner and Tasting I attended. I was able to taste Don Julio tequila in a variety of drinks using the 1942, Reposado and Blanco. While I had only had tequila in a margarita, I had never been to a tasting of this kind where I had a chance to taste different tequilas from the same brand in different cocktails. It was a foodie experience and one that everyone should try at one point.
We had a Don Julio representative talk about the tasting notes and how the tequila is made and how the company got started. It was pretty informative and amazing at the same time. I felt like I could enjoy the pineapple upside down shot we had at the end of our whole meal. The chefs at Cantina Laredo are impressive in my opinion, and I wish someday to go behind the scenes and see them work.
I want to continue to give you a preview of what this event included which was in my opinion very much worth the cost per person. We started out with our appetizer and drink, then our main meal came with two choices for our protein with another cocktail, and then we had a surprising membrillo flan to finish with a shot. While we were still sober by the end of the meal, the restaurant offers Uber for those patrons not able to go home on their own, which makes for thoughtful business.
This tequila tasting or flight can be done at any time and is available on the menu, so even if you know your loved one enjoys tequila, the King of Prussia location boasts more than 100 tequilas. My hubby had a chance to taste a REAL nice one and he ended up purchasing it for his birthday. Make it a night to remember folks!
HEY GUYS or even wives! You don’t have a place to take your loved one? Check out the Valentine’s Menu available February 12-14. It will not disappoint.
Cantina Laredo
King of Prussia Mall
Related articles across the web
Sharing is Caring!
-Be Mine- Valentine’s Day Giveaway
February 4th, 2016We are very excited to share with you an awesome sponsored by Mommy Scene and filled with lots of amazing natural products and fun stuff for families!
Be Mine Gift Set
Bun Maternity Classic Black Cozy Nursing Hoodie + Cozy Nursing Tee
Wythe and Berry Organic Vegan Creams – Lavender & Chamomile + Lemon & Eucalyptus
La Magie Nail Polish – 1 peel off pink polish + 2 pink wash offs + 1 color lock top coat
Sudsy Dough Moldable Soap – 12 oz. fragrance of choice
Pure Hazelwood necklaces, 1 adult size and 1 child size
Jack N’ Jill Bunny Gift Kit
Baby Bump Bundle – Lollacup Straw Sippy Cup
GroVia Hybrid Trial Kit – 1 Hybrid Shell with Hook & Loop Closure + 1 No-Prep Cloth Soaker Pad + 3 Disposable BioSoakers
Revelae Kids Discovery Box style of choice
This giveaway is sponsored by Mommy Scene and is open to US entries. One winner will be chosen and displayed on the giveaway widget after the giveaway ends on Feb. 14th, 2016. Mommy Scene and participating blogs are not responsible for fulfilling brand-sponsored prizes. Prizes will be shipped directly from each brand.
Sharing is Caring!
Party Clothes for Little Girls at Monsoon Kids
January 25th, 2016Monsoon Kids is an international line of boutique clothing for babies, kids and even women. There are stores in the US like the one I visited at King of Prussia Mall. For unique clothing for your children, check them out online or inquire if there is one near you.
I never thought I would have three girls but here I am almost 37 years old with three girls under the age of 5. I think I might have told this story before but before I started having children, I really never thought I would have girls. Most of the families I used to babysit were mostly boys. I really thought it was training for the life as a mother of boys. Boy, was I wrong, because maybe I really did not know how it would be.
I have many mom friends who only have boys and we compare stories and it is quite different. There is always a reason why God gives us what he does and I am thankful. I am thankful that I have girls because it continues to encourage my femininity. Does that make sense? I used to not like pink or frilly colors but since having girls, pink and purple are such fun colors for me. Do you get what I am saying? My girls love wearing dresses and skirts and they love primping that I even desire it. Why would I dress them up and then look like a slob myself?
When I go shopping for myself, I only then turn to shopping for my girls because girls clothing are so precious and I seriously get distracted. When the holidays were here I had a chance to shop for my girls at Monsoon Kids at King of Prussia. They are cute boutique filled with clothes for babies, toddlers and kids. While they are widely known in the UK and around the world, Monsoon Kids is starting to make more of a presence with boutiques in malls around the US.
It was really really difficult shopping in Monsoon because they have SUCH beautiful dresses and even more so when the holiday season was around. I was able to find 2 matching dresses for my older daughters to wear to Christmas Eve service and then I purchased a gorgeous champagne colored dress with sequins for my 5-month old. I usually never splurge for my little ones but it was so worth seeing my girls matching and dresses so elegantly for the season.
I was actually really happy with my dresses because I did not think they really looked like holiday dresses but more like party or special occasion dresses which means I will be able to get the girls to wear them often. We had SO many people compliment the girls.
I was able to purchase royal blue flats for my oldest daughter and matching accessories for all girls. I only wished I had a chance to primp myself up, seeing Monsoon also has a line for women.
I was pleased with the quality of the dresses and the service given at the store. After I purchased the dresses, they were all pressed on site and placed in plastic bags to keep them clean. I simply cannot get over how many dresses there were to choose from and how amazing their sales were during the holidays.
If you’re daughter is having a special birthday party, this is the place to find a unique and beautiful dress. I am afraid that my daughter would have made me buy other dresses that looked like princesses if she had been shopping with me. Love it!
If you get a chance and are in the Philly area, check out Monsoon Kids at KOP Mall on Instagram. They post sales quite often. Check them out! If not, check Monsoon Kids ONLINE!
Disclosure: We received a stipend to shop at Monsoon Kids at KOP Mall. We loved our time there and are smitten. All opinions are my own.
Sharing is Caring!
Quick Chickpea and Mushroom Rice Pilaf + Giveaway #VeeteeDineIn
January 21st, 2016I have joined a group of bloggers sharing recipes that are healthy and quick. Busy schedules do not mean take-out meals. Check out Veetee Rice USA as they introduce their ready-made rice in 2 minutes. Check out my recipe along with 6 other food bloggers.
This post has been sponsored by Veetee Rice. All opinions, ideas, and recipes are my own.
Is everyone enjoying their new year? I certainly am but it is certainly different from any year. This year we celebrated a late Christmas in January which made it an interesting holiday. Actually, I cannot believe we are already halfway past January! We have now officially unpacked, washed clothes, and put away our Christmas decorations. I guess it is safe to say that we are READY to get into our new year.
With the new year comes the enthusiasm and inspiration to get fit. I was never a person to stick to resolutions but I think it is safe to say that a resolution can be done anytime when really needed. our family has been resolved to get many things in order like our finances. Another that has been a long time coming has been our diets. My husband and I definitely are a match made in heaven when it comes to eating. We both enjoy eating but it has come time to make better choices and embrace portions.
One of the exciting things I am looking forward making are healthier meals on a consistent basis with minimal cheating. Mentally, I think we lie to ourselves when we say that healthy food is not tasty but it truly is. I have tried to share this with my husband and hopefully we can venture being resolved to change our eating habits.
I have teamed up with Veetee Rice USA who provides a dine-in ready rice in 2 minutes that are GMO-free, with 8 varieties that are gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan friendly. It comes in a recyclable BPA-free plastic container with a see-through seal showing the kind of rice and is shelf stable for 12 months. It can be heated in a microwave or the rice can be stir-fried for 2 minutes. 
We are definitely rice consumers but I sometimes forget to cook my rice for my meals and end up waiting a full 45 minutes for my brown rice to be ready. Veetee Rice to the rescue folks! I have already used a variety of packages that the company has sent me. Here are the varieties I received. We have so much of it too!!
I have tried both methods to reheat the rice and I believe I like it better microwaved because the rice is not mushy but it you do a fried rice recipe, I bet it would be perfect. I look forward using different recipes to use this rice because our schedule is so busy now that the school season is in season. Quick meals are a must in my home with 3 kids under the age of 5. It is never a dull moment.
Since I am always on the go or pressed for time, I created a quick vegetarian lunch option that can easily be consumed for dinner with a side salad. I am a big Mediterranean fan so anything with chickpeas and rice excites me so I made a savory dish that only require heating the rice in the microwave while I sautéed mushrooms, red onions and chickpeas to mix in with the rice. I split the meal with my husband and we were satisfied until dinner.
What a great way to start the new year with healthier and lighter options to a new you. I am looking forward having Veetee Rice help me with this goal especially with this delicious rice dish. Try it! It takes less than 20 minutes to make.
I am a mother of three girls under the age of 5. This is SUCH a quick meal and it is so filling. I also got my husband to enjoy it as well.
Ingredients
Instructions
Social Accounts:
For more quick, easy and delicious recipes using Veetee Rice as well as additional chances to enter the giveaway (by leaving a comment on each one), visit:
Chicken Fried Rice by We’re Parents
Lime Shrimp, Corn & Rice Skillet by Real The Kitchen & Beyond
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf by Courtney’s Sweets
Quick Chickpea & Mushroom Rice Pilaf by Opera Singer In The Kitchen
Chicken & Pepper Stir Fry by NEPA Mom
Mediterranean Rice Salad by The Farm Girl Gabs
Available at Shoprite, Walmart, Wegmans Kroger and other food markets across the USA. http://www.veetee.com/en-us/where-to-buy
GIVEAWAY ALERT
Want a chance to try Veetee rice in your own kitchen?
One lucky winner will receive ONE YEAR supply of Veetee Dine In Rice rice AND the winner will also have the opportunity to choose to donate the same amount of rice on their behalf to their local charity of choice.
Not only is this an awesome giveaway but Veetee donated roughly 80,000 trays (about 160,000 servings) of shelf stable, microwaveable rice to the Community Food Bank of NJ, part of Feeding America during the holidays. http://www.feedingamerica.org/ You have to love a brands that finds ways to give back.
Sharing is Caring!
Bloody Beer Blitzes with Hummus Cheese Breadsticks
January 20th, 2016
For every party there must be that special drink to enjoy with all the amazing snacks, dips, and food. This version of a Bloody Mary will have your guests enjoying a game day cocktail with a lighter savory snack made with hummus. A special cocktail for game day is a must especially when using Sabra Salsa.
This post is sponsored by the lovely folks at Sabra. All opinions are my own. Make sure you check out the Buy, Snap, Score offer at the end of the post to find out how to score a $5 gift card.
When we were living in Michigan, we loved attending football games and meeting up with friends. Sometimes we would go for lunch afterwards at a local burger place that I would not normally go, but with urging was promised amazing fries and amazing beverages. Sometimes, going into a hole in the wall eatery is not so fun but once the food is experienced, opinions change. This burger place was known not only for their burgers and fries but also for the infamous long island tea. There was a LIMIT on the quantity one guest could have. Really. I had never heard of such a thing until I tried one.
Long island teas are my favorite but this version was almost too strong to enjoy. Many students were known to be found by a tree, taking a nap or passed out because of the drinks potency. I kid you not. When game day comes around, everyone just wants to have a little fun while enjoying the game. Some people go to parties to root for their favorite teams, others go to enjoy the delicious eats and beer. Food is just more enjoyable when shared with others and why not take advantage of it?
There is nothing like going into a kitchen and seeing the array of dips, appetizers, and snacks available for consumption. One of the things I make sure to have is a fun beverage to go along with my food. This year I decided to take my favorite seasonal beer and create a version of a Bloody Mary for my guests to enjoy.
When hosting a party, it is important to make your drink station appealing with a variety of options for guests. While beer is usually the choice beverage at tailgating and game day parties, I thought I would spruce up the drink station with my Bloody Beer Blitzes. I love having themed beverages because then my guests can truly enjoy a drink in anticipation of the event.
What is a blitz you ask? Well, in football it is when additional players are sent into a game to disrupt the quarterback’s pass attempt or to tackle the quarterback. Thanks to Wiki, the Defense can bring all 11 players to blitz the Quarterback. This would leave no one to follow and try to stop a target of a pass. So the defense chooses to bring a certain number of players to try and sack the Quarterback, and leaves the rest to protect against a pass. Bringing 4 players or less is not considered a Blitz. It is only considered a Blitz when the defense rushes more than 4 players.
Thanks to Sabra for amazing salsas because they helped me make my Bloody Mary base for my drink. I love how fresh the salsas are especially the mango peach salsa. When I tried all eight varieties, this particular salsa was a winner in my books. Even so, I have created two variety of drinks that can be made for your party, one with a seasonal peach IPA or one with a lager.
In addition to the drink, my guests will enjoy each drink with a pineapple skewer and a lighter version of breadsticks made with hummus instead of butter. I chose to use the Sabra garlic hummus because it is not only my favorite but it added so much flavor to this recipe. If you want a spicier version, try the Chipotle hummus for an extra kick. I think it would be great with this drink as well.
As you plan your parties, know that Sabra has a great promotion going on. When you buy Sabra products and Stacy’s Pita Chips together before 2/15/16 you can score a $5 gift card. Buy 2 of each product and follow instruction HERE how to redeem to receive your gift card. What a deal!
This is a tasty appetizer for guests as they arrive to continue to whet their appetites as the rest of the dips and finger foods arrive.
Ingredients
Instructions
Follow Poet in the Pantry’s board Game Day Eats #SabraTastemakers on Pinterest.
