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- Kikkoman soy sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used to cook many different types of cuisines.
- Kikkoman soy sauce is naturally brewed.
- Consider using Kikkoman soy sauce as a natural browning sauce in your meal preparation.
- A splash of soy sauce can give anything from salsa fresca to carnitas an added boost of flavor.
- Kikkoman lime or lemon ponzu act as all in one grilling marinades.
- Brush Kikkoman Teriyaki on your meat before cooking to enhance flavor and add a tangy, savory flavor.
- Kikkoman Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce features Asian spices and chili peppers, a hot sauce that adds a kick when used as a marinade for meat or as a condiment.
- Kikkoman rice vinegar is ideal for emboldening flavor in salads, paella and soups.
- By using 1/2 tsp. Kikkoman Soy Sauce in place of 1/2 tsp. table salt, the sodium content of the recipe is cut by 1000 mg.
- 3 large chicken breasts (about 12 ounces), sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 Tablespoons Kikkoman soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 navel orange, juiced
- 1 lime juice, minced
- 1 large zucchini, shredded
- 3 carrots, shredded
- 1 cup button mushrooms, sliced
- 1 large bell pepper, julienned
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced peanuts
- 1/2 cup peanut butter powder
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 Tablespoons agave nectar or honey
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 pound dry spaghetti
Family-Friendly Activities in Chestnut Hill Area + Giveaway
July 31st, 2014
When we go on vacation we really really try to stay strict to our girls’ schedule because if we do not then our whole experience is just a mess. Who wants to regret going on a staycation? I looked back at all the activities it did not seem like we did a lot but then again, I realized that we are with small children who need their rest and their breaks. It worked well how we planned it and we were happy.
Here are a few places we enjoyed visiting and we hope you put it on your list.
Jenks Playground
This playground belongs to the school but is open to the public at specific hours during the school year and open all the time during the summer. It is a fun playground in the form of a fort or castle. There is a larger one for older kids and a smaller version for the toddlers that is perfect. It even had a sand box which I personally do not like.
There was one set of swings that allowed my oldest daughter to stay there all afternoon. Musical spots were located in the younger kids section and was a big hit with my girls. We went to that park at least 3 times that whole weekend.
Morris Arboretum
Even though I do not have photos, (my pictures did not save), this place for running and discovering. I have to be very careful in telling my girls that we’re going to a park because they think we are going to a play ground but then I mean a green spot for running. A lot of disappointment happened on that weekend.
My oldest has taken to eating random foliage so we had to take that she was not eating random stuff, but then we kept them engaged with the sights and the occasional squirrel sighting. There is an excellent tree house and bridge for all families that allows kids to climb on ropes. It is very nice.
Awbury Arboretum
I am used to going to quiet places just to walk but you add kids and it is different. This arboretum is 10-12 minutes from Chestnut Hill but it is very different from Morris Arboretum. It is the only 50 acres of open space in that part of the city. There are open ponds, meadows and various trails that are mostly unguided. We had a map and a ball for the girls and we did a lot of roaming before having to find a playground for the girls to have more entertainment.
Farmer’s Market
A random farmer’s market is my secret pleasure. Well, it is not any secret but it is just a must-do in any town, city or state. I like seeing the local vendors, fresh produce, and the people enjoying local goods. My girls like it as long as we can get a treat. I bought a pint of fresh blueberries that were enjoyed for lunch a little after.
Bredenbeck’s Bakery
We were encouraged to check out this bakery for its delicious treats and pastries but we had not had lunch yet so we bought an assortment of cookies for all of us to have after lunch. Well, scratch that, we ended up giving cookies before lunch and were devoured rapidly.
Market at the Fareway
Right beside the Chestnut Hill Hotel is this market open daily at 9am. There are 10 vendors either selling produce, meats, or prepared meals to take or to enjoy in the courtyard.
It really is ideal and we enjoyed a delicious fennel pretzel from Metropolitan Bakery and a combo meal that included a large wrap with chips and drinks.
It was very economical and perfect because we wanted to enjoy something laid back and not sit at a restaurant again.
In-room activities and shopping
There are only so many things one can do with real little ones and so we returned to the rooms and let them cool down and unwind with puzzles, books and a little snack before going to bed for an afternoon nap. It worked really well. While the girls settled in bed, I took the first shift of their nap time so that my husband could explore the Germantown avenue in Chestnut Hill. We really were not going to feel bad about it since it was more precious to have our girls down for their naps.
After an hour and a half my husband took the second shift of the girls’ nap and I went out on my own. It was just so nice because I really have not had time to just relax and walk around shops for a long time. There were so many local toy shops selling wooden clothes or boutique clothing shops tantalizing me with cute outfits, but I stuck to my likes by checking out Penzey’s Spices, Greene Street Consignment, Chestnut Hill Cheese Shop and more!
Iron Hill Brewery
Located in the heart of Chestnut Hill is Iron Hill Brewery known for its locally made brews is definitely a kid-friendly establishment. It is always packed in the evenings and there is enough noise to dispel occasional excitement from kids. There was definitely enough distraction and the food was super delicious too. I liked the variety of food on the kids menu because I know my kids get tired of the same choices.
The kids ate fish and chips with steamed broccoli and we enjoyed a delicious French onion soup, crab quesadillas and French dip Sandwich. It was all so fresh and super tasty.
Even after our weekend was over I knew that I looked forward coming back to Chestnut Hill because there are several festivals, like the Fall for the Arts Festival, that occurs during the fall that intrigued me. I know that this area would be gorgeous during the fall so we look forward coming back.
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Tapas at Cantina Avenida in Mt.Airy {Review}
July 30th, 2014
Nothing completes dinner than dessert. If I could eat dessert first, or actually eat it first, then I would at Cantina Avenida. My girls love treats and desserts because they come on occasion. They each split an rice pudding and devoured it plus they had bites of our desserts too. It was a pretty amazing finish to our dinner.
Horchata Rice Pudding – The pudding arrived with a dried cherry compote which I promptly snagged from my kids dish which is bad of me, but I am a cherry lover, what can I say? The pudding had a nice cinnamon flavor and an even sweetness that was not overwhelming at all. It was a perfect kid-friendly dessert even though my oldest toddler would have preferred the chocolate brownie.
Chocolate Chile Brownie – This brownie was the most decadent and heavenly brownie we have ever had. My husband is picky about his brownie and he deemed this one as his favorite. The chile in the brownie gave it a depth of flavor but was not at all spicy. The ice cream on top made it an instant favorite for our kids.
Vanilla Quatro Leches – I usually chose the tres leches cake when I go to Mexican restaurants because I like comparing and adding them to my list of favorites. At Cantina Avenida, the Quatro Leches (or Four Milks Cake) makes its name by having the almond milk added in the mix of regular milk additions. It was not a wet cake but a moist cake served with a flavorful raspberry sorbet. It was really stupendous.
Our experience at Catina Avenida was pretty marvelous. Our kids survived a whole hour and a half by the grace of God and the activities we brought the kids. They of course were entertained by the food but we definitely could not have asked for anything more. Our waitress was attentive and very professional, always enticing us with tidbits of information about the establishment.
Disclosure: Our dinner was provided compliments of VisitPhilly.com. All opinions are my own.
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Family-Friendly Stay at the Chestnut Hill Hotel {Review}
July 29th, 2014
Despite having two little ones under the age of 3, I do not think it is quite impossible to travel with them around the area. My oldest daughter loves the train and both girls just like being outdoors. When I attended a blogger event in the Chestnut Hill area, I knew I had to bring my family back. The visitors center took some mommy bloggers from the area on a tour of the main street and I was convinced that it was very family-friendly.
We mostly rely on staycations nowadays whether it is with our girls or as a couple but I have found that they can be just as satisfying of a trip as a long one out of state. Two weekends ago our family was in desperate need of a trip so we stayed two nights at the Chestnut Hill Hotel which is on Germantown Avenue and central to all the shops, playgrounds, and restaurants we might need.
When we checked in, we found out there were three sections where rooms were located. Our room was located beside the hotel by the post office. We were delighted with a spacious room with two Queen beds, a sitting area, and a kitchenette. My daughter exclaimed how excited she was to be in a hotel and promptly claimed her bed. Since we still have a young one, the hotel was able to accommodate us with a crib. I do not trust my child not to roll off.
The bathrooms were nice and we even had a tub where to bathe the girls.
The Chestnut Hill Grille was also in the same building as the hotel, so I was not too thrilled that we had to walk by people as we headed to our room. Our girls would go up to people at their tables and greet them. Not their fault. Ha! It was just a small detail. Other than that, there was a cute little courtyard behind the hotel that had a fire pit and a calming fountain that lured our girls the whole time we stayed at the hotel.
There was a lot of action in the area. There were people always dining at the grille, or going to Green Soul cafe with delicious healthy food, or even the Market at the Fareway with great options for lunch or a light dinner. I really just fell in love with the area. (I will be writing a post about more specific things to do with families with young kids.)
Our whole stay at the hotel was real pleasant. We did a lot of walking to area shops, splitting the time with my husband during the girls nap times, so that we could both get a chance to explore the main drag. I loved the heavy curtains in our room because it made it super ideal to get our girls to fall asleep.
Included with our hotel stay was complimentary WiFi and continental breakfast in the mornings. The room was set up very elegantly with china and silver. It made me a little nervous with the girls but we monitored them. They even had high chairs for the girls which made for a very calm and controlled breakfast.
The biggest factor for me to have a great breakfast is making sure I have protein. I was glad to see hard-boiled eggs but saddened not to see any breakfast meat. They did have yogurt which was great for my girls and the usual breakfast breads with a fancy coffee machine that served decaf and regular espressos and coffee. All in all it was a decent breakfast and enough to satisfy until lunch.
The hotel is also very central to lots of area attractions and outdoor activities. We checked out the Morris Arboretum, Pastorius Park, Jenks Playground, Germantown Avenue shops, Mt. Airy, and even just drove the neighborhoods. We are thankful for being able go not to far away from home to get to know another area.
Thanks to Chestnut Hill Hotel for hosting us and making our stay very comfortable and enjoyable. Chestnut Hill Hotel is also ideal for those wanting to travel into Philly because there is a station available right in the middle of town. If you ever visit, let me know!
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The Tide Arrived at Ashbridge Square Chick-fil-A
July 29th, 2014
The summer has been cool but that has not stopped the beach parties. At my local Chick-fil-A there was a great event held for the community. For those who have not been to the beach yet this summer, like me, the beach and the party was brought to the Ashbridge Square location in Downingtown.
It was a warm afternoon and the drive-thru lines were long. The party favors were ready to be picked and virtually easy-to-play-with sand was available to all kids. It was great and I could see that the parents were happy too!
The cow was available for posing but he was just enjoying the sun and the fun!
There was a nice troupe playing nursery rhymes and they allowed kids to get their own instruments so they could play along too.
I loved seeing young kids and older kids create their sand art because they had their keepsake. A young girl, who reminded me of my toddler, was so excited with her little key chain.
There was plenty to keep all kids very active and all it took was the purchase of a kid’s meal.
There was also so fun to be had indoors. The kids enjoyed standing in line getting their favorite image painted on themselves. This cute kid decided that a shark was going to be his friend. It looked great!
Make sure you check out the website for further activities. If you do not live in the area, always ask what their website address is. There are always plenty of family or community events for all.
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Cold Peanut Noodle Salad with Citrus Chicken
July 28th, 2014
I’ve come to a point where I think I can make meals for my little family that are savory and full of flavor. I like trying new foods, products and cuisines but I am definitely the most adventurous. Asian food is one cuisine that my husband and I enjoy a lot but I was not quite sure that my girls would like it quite yet. Recipes could be too spicy or to bold in flavor that could be off-putting for young children.
Soy sauce is one condiment that I find would be too salty for toddlers but when I was asked to create a meal using Kikkoman soy sauce I was excited to see how my kiddos would respond. I knew that Kikkoman was perfectly balanced to naturally enhance favorite recipes so even though I knew there were days or even meals that my kids would not eat, I knew I was not going to be discouraged if my kids did not like my meal. My intentions are always to broaden their taste buds.
My girls and my husband like noodles and meat so I knew that my dish had to include these two staples. I know they also like peanut butter so what better to create than a sweet and savory dish? Even though I like spicy Asian food, I knew I could leave that out and still add it later if I wanted.
Our family probably has the same dilemmas that others do when it comes to feeding little ones veggies so I focused on how to sneak in some essential veggies for my girls to enjoy. I have to say that I also find ways to sneak in veggies that my husband normally would not eat so I shred zucchini, carrots, and julienne red peppers and I am pretty much set.
While I have made a noodle salad with peanut sauce before I decided to add chicken this time, marinated with orange, lime, and lemon juices and Kikkoman soy sauce. I usually warm my peanut butter to soften but I used peanut butter powder for an easier peanut sauce.
Here are a few facts I learned and that I have used in the past with Kikkoman soy sauce:
So, let’s go back to the reactions I had at dinner time. After the meal was completed, everyone sat down to eat. My toddler asked me what I had been doing. I made sure she was hungry still since she had been asking for snacks only an hour before dinner. Once I set the plates down in front on my family, my oldest toddler thanked me for dinner, which made my heart melt. I only hoped she would enjoy it. I had been telling her I was making a favorite meal with noodles and peanut butter which sparked her interested.
I waited. I did not even take a bit myself until I saw my family’s reaction. Yummy. By the time my daughter finished her serving, her mouth was messy with peanut sauce. It was such a nice site to see. She ate every bite and thanked me again for dinner. My husband let me know that I was to make this dish more often seeing that I had not made it in a while. It was a plus since it had chicken this time and even more of a plsu when the hubby recognizes the shredded zucchini and shrugs it off.
Even though my youngest toddler, who is only a year and a half, did not like it, I attribute it to her teething since she is usually my eater. It did not dissuade me but convinced me to make it again. We are definitely not the types to make separate meals for our kids. I will continue to venture forth!
Citrus Chicken
Veggies
Peanut Sauce
