March 22, 2012

Have you ever ________…

Good morning!  I can't wait to share these tips, tricks and reviews with you all today!  I love anything that can make my life either taste better or seem easier and am sure you do to.   Enjoy!



1.  Have you ever used stuffing instead of breadcrumbs in your meatloaf?

 First of all, let me preface this by saying, I love stuffing.  It is one of my favorite comfort foods that I fix throughout the year, not just around Thanksgiving. 

As I was standing in my pantry the other day, I reached for the panko I had on hand and it just looked so boring sitting right next to a package of herb seasoned stuffing.  Then, it hit me, why not use the stuffing instead of plain breadcrumbs?!? 
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Score!  The smaller granules of stuffing were almost the same size as the panko which made for a perfect switch (this wouldn't work as well with cubed stuffing).


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This will definitely be my new meatloaf staple.  It added lots of flavor and tasted delicious!


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2.  Have you ever bought tomato paste in a tube?

If you haven't, I would highly recommend it!  This tubed version is available in most grocery stores near the sauces/pasta aisle.  Stored in the refrigerator after opening, this tube version saves so much tomato paste waste and is very convenient for weeknight cooking!


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3.  Have you ever looked forward to taking your vitamins?

Since the moment I found these Adult Gummy Vitamins, I look forward to eating them every morning!  They work like a charm, and better yet, don't feel like I'm swallowing a watermelon much like all of the other  multi-vitamins I've tried in the past.


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Teaching first grade everyday and training for a marathon can wear your body down, but I'm happy to report only one cold this year thanks in part to these yummy gummies!



4.  Have you ever eaten a LUNA Bar?


There are many times in our life, especially while in training, that we are in need of a quick bite to eat on the go.  Many protein/energy bars are just so-so and often times packed with lots of calories, fat and sugar. 

Luna Bars, which are developed from the makers of Clif Bars (also yummy) are made with women in mind (they aren't however harmful to men) and the nutritional needs most women lack.

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Luna bars are a bit daintier and lower in calories than a "normal" energy bar and they come in delicious flavors:

  • Blueberry Bliss
  • Chocolate Dipped Coconut
  • Chocolate Peppermint Stick (shown above)
  • Iced Oatmeal Raisin
  • White Chocolate Macadamia (my favorite)
  • Peanut Butter Cookie
just to name a few.  These bars are found in most grocery and drug stores near the vitamins and sports supplements.

For more nutritional and background information visit the Luna website here.



5.  Have you ever used a garbage bowl while cooking?

Talk about a time saver tip!  Whether you cook a lot or are just starting to experiment in the kitchen, a garbage bowl should be incorporated into your cooking regime. 

I use mine everyday, which is actually Rachael Ray version - since she is the reason I started using one in the first place, and it makes cooking and clean up a breeze.  

Just by simply putting all of your garbage in the bowl during your food prep instead of making ten trips to the garbage can not only saves time, but cuts down on cross contamination and hand washing.

 
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Special bowls aren't necessary, just fun, but any large bowl will do.  Good luck!

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