Courtney's Sweets

Sweet Baby 15 Weeks

2012-01-28T08:06:00.000-08:00

Sweet Baby is now the size of an Apple!

I still can't believe that I'm pregnant, when does it finally kick in? I know I've seen the ultrasounds and I've heard our little one's heartbeat. It's just so surreal! :) I can't wait for our next ultrasound to see how big our little peanut has grown. Seeing our baby from yolk sac, to little embryo, then an actual form of baby already was just beautiful. There is no better feeling than seeing the baby move and wiggle around - although I'm quite anxious to feel baby moving already, just a few more weeks for that!

About our baby: Our sweet baby now measures about 4 inches long, crown to rump, and weighs in at about 2 1/2 ounces, about the size of an apple. Baby is busy moving amniotic fluid through their nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in their lungs begin to develop. His or her legs are growing longer than her arms now, and can now move all of their joints
About me: I feel a little tired lately, but not as much as my first trimester. Oh and now my appetite is definitely back!
How far along? 15 Weeks 1 Day
Total weight gain: I haven't gained any weight yet.
Maternity clothes? Not yet, but I did purchase some cozy pants at Old Navy - can't pass up a sale!
Stretch marks? None yet, I know they'll be coming!
Sleep: Sleeping is okay, getting up is the hard part.
Best moment this week: My appetite coming back!
Worst moment this week: Getting more frequent heartburn whenever I don't eat within a certain amount of time.
Miss Anything? A big, juicy, medium rare, cheeseburger!
Movement: We have a little more time to wait until we feel baby.
Food cravings: Lasagna :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken almost any way you cook it. Especially ground chicken.
Gender: We're finding out in March! :)
Labor Signs: No.
Symptoms: Heartburn, slightly nauseous still.
Belly Button in or out? Same, in.
Wedding rings on or off? On.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! :)
Looking forward to: Feeling baby move. They say it commonly occurs 16-22 weeks!

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Streusel Topping

2012-01-26T13:34:00.000-08:00

I must say that during this pregnancy one would expect I'd want nothing but sweets. It's been the total opposite. I can't get enough fruits and vegetables! I've been on a banana kick and finally craved something a little sweet over the weekend, so I made some banana muffins. It was a co-workers birthday so I had to add a few things to make them more scrumptious! I found a recipe online and loved most of it, aside from the topping since I love the streusel from my Caramel Apple Streusel Muffins I always use it. It's my goto streusel!

These muffins were incredible! In fact, I can't wait to make them with other fruits! What did you crave during pregnancy?

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins with Streusel Topping
Approx. 12 Muffins - Slightly adapted from allrecipes

1 1/2 Cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
4 Medium Ripe Bananas, mashed
3/4 Cup Sugar
1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/3 Cup Butter, Melted
1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

Streusel Topping: 

1/8 cup Rolled Oats 

1/3 cup of  Sugar  

3/4 tsp of Powdered Cinnamon 

1/3 cup of Unbleached All-Purpose Flour 

1/4 cup of Cold Butter, diced into cubes  

Preheat oven to 375.
In a large bowl combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, beat together bananas, sugar, cinnamon, egg, vanilla, and butter. Slowly stir and add in the flour mixture, just until mixed. Fold in chocolate chips.
Mix all ingredients for streusel topping by hand, texture should be crumbly.
Place batter into muffin cups and top with streusel, bake for 18-20 minutes.
Cool, and enjoy!

Sweet Baby 14 Weeks

2012-01-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Sweet Baby is now the size of a Lemon!

I really should have posted this Friday, but to be honest I fell asleep. I do that a lot lately :) I still can't believe that I'm pregnant. It's an absolutely amazing feeling knowing that I created something so beautiful with someone I love so very much. Chris and I cannot wait to meet our little one!
We've been getting lots of questions by family and friends. Here are just a few!

Are you going to find out baby's gender? Yes! We are so thrilled and cannot wait to see what our baby is going to be! It's still a surprise because I haven't a clue if it's a boy or girl. We just can't wait until July to find out so we'll be finding out as soon as the doctor says so! ;)
Do you have names picked out? Not yet, we're waiting to find out if it's a boy or girl before we try and pick.
Did you guys want to get pregnant? Yes, this is 100% expected. Although many doctors said it can take 6 months to a year. Our sweet baby was conceived right away. We're truly blessed.
What are you hoping for? Of course everyone wants a specific gender. Naturally women tend to want girls and the husband's want boys. I honestly am so blessed that I have this chance to be a mommy and I want exactly what this little one is.

I also thought it would be fun to do a little Q&A on how my pregnancy is progressing. I will try to do this each week so I can share these memories with baby one day!

About our baby: Baby is stretching out. From head to bottom, he or she measures 3 1/2 inches, about the size of a lemon and weighs 1 1/2 ounces.
About me: I definitely feel bloated, hoping this goes away soon. Trying to avoid salt.
How far along? 14 Weeks 2 Days
Total weight gain: I haven't gained any weight yet, but haven't lost anymore since losing 5lbs.
Maternity clothes? Not yet, very thankful for yoga pants!
Stretch marks? None yet, I know they'll be coming!
Sleep: Sleeping is okay, getting up is the hard part.
Best moment this week: The fact that I can withstand some protein now.
Worst moment this week: When I made tacos and couldn't bare eating them. I ended up eating a hoagie roll loaded with vegetables and mozzarella.
Miss Anything? Brie and crackers. Oh and a turkey sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Not the same when the meat is heated.
Movement: We have a little more time to wait until we feel baby.
Food cravings: Watermelon and Grapefruit!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken almost any way you cook it. Especially ground chicken.
Gender: We're finding out in March! :)
Labor Signs: No.
Symptoms: Slightly nauseated still as well as tired all the time!
Belly Button in or out? Same, in.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Thankfully I'm pretty happy, I only get upset during movies. I have never cried so easily during a movie.
Looking forward to: Next prenatal appointment. We don't get to see baby, but we do get to hear their heartbeat. :)

Jewish Apple Cake

2012-01-21T04:56:00.000-08:00

You'd think that with me being pregnant I'd be craving cake and lots of it. Well, it's the total opposite! I'm craving salty, sour, and spicy. I can't get enough of grapefruit lately. I have been on a sour kick this week so I have a bunch of granny smith apples. I was finally craving something a little sweet, so a cake that I used to have from a supermarket came to mind. It was called Jewish Apple Cake, then they started calling it Grandma's Apple Cake. Either way, I absolutely love it!

I found a recipe online and thankfully it was pretty close to what I remembered! I added more apples and somehow added way too much OJ so I added a little flour to balance, and it turned out fine! Phew! :)
Have you ever tried this type of cake? If you like apple pie this is basically it in a cake form. Mmm throw a little ice cream on top and you're set!

So let's get to the recipe. Obviously like I stated I added a little more of things so this is slightly adapted.

Jewish Apple Cake
14 Servings - Slightly Adapted from allrecipes.com

3 1/8 Cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
2 1/12 Teaspoons Baking Powder
2 Cups White Sugar
1 Cup Vegetable Oil
4 Eggs
2/3 Cup Orange Juice
2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
4 Apples, Peeled, Cored and Sliced
3 Teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
5 Teaspoons White Sugar
1 Tablespoon Butter, Chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour a 10in tube pan.

In a small bowl combine 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon and 5 teaspoons sugar, set aside. In a large mixing bowl combine flour, salt, baking powder, 2 cups of sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, orange juice, vanilla, and remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix well.

Pour half of the batter into the tube pan, and then half of the apples and some of the cinnamon mixture. Repeat with the batter, apples, and cinnamon. I swirled them around to distribute the apples more.

Top with the chopped butter.

Place into the oven for 70-90 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with minimal crumbs.

Wordless Wednesday - Fruit Smoothie Breakfast

2012-01-18T16:47:00.000-08:00

I prefer this over any fast food breakfast.. in fact I love smoothies for breakfast :)Banana, Apples, Frozen Strawberries, Mango, Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice, and a little water!

Our Sweet Baby

2012-01-11T16:57:00.001-08:00

There's one recipe that every couple makes in life. The best recipe you could ever wish for, want, or need. A precious sweet baby. Sometimes you go your entire life wanting that baby, waiting for the perfect time. You'll never be ready, yet you've always been ready. Something that tells you that the time is right. Signs, feelings, and emotions leading until the day that you find out and see those two little lines appear. You're PREGNANT!

It's at that moment where the whole world stops, you're heart grows bigger, you're mind runs wild, and tears and smiles follow within seconds. It's the moment you're ready, the moment you've always dreamed of. It's your turn to bring an amazing sweet innocent life into this world. They need you as much as you need them. It's when you become a mommy your life just makes that much more sense.

To know that you've made such a miracle, a blessing, which is your own beautiful baby. It's crazy to think that I always wanted to be the age that my mother conceived me as I conceive my own child. What I find absolutely comforting is that not only am I the same age, but it's the same exact time frame. My mother conceived me when she was 26 and it was October. My due date was July 19th, but I was born on the 24th. Now for our precious baby the due date is July 20th. It makes me feel that much closer to my mother. It's the little signs that make me know they're watching over me. My parents would have made the absolute best grandparents, instead our baby will have two beautiful Guardian Angels.

I feel blessed, and overwhelmed with joy,
We can't wait for our sweet baby.

French Bread Vegetable Pizza

2012-01-07T05:51:00.000-08:00

I love vegetables.. I could survive off them if cheeseburgers weren't so darn amazing. I had some extra rolls on hand as well as some sauteed broccoli that I needed to use up. I love White Pizza with Vegetables so I found it fitting to make them into that for dinner the other day.

There's just something amazing about Mozzarella, Broccoli, and Fresh Tomatoes. Don't you agree? It's a New Year, new me.. right? So as long as I'm eating colorful vegetables I'm on the right track!

French Bread Style Vegetable Pizzas
Serves 2

1 French Bread or 2 Hoagie Rolls
2 Gloves Garlic
1 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Cup Sauteed or Boiled Broccoli, chopped
1 Ripe Tomato, chopped
6oz Mozzarella, sliced

Preheat oven to 450.
Slice and gut the bread and set aside. Take the garlic and lightly smash it to release the flavor, in a small pan brown the garlic with the olive oil. Once the olive oil is perfumed with the garlic, brush the oil onto the bread. Put the bread onto a cookie sheet and toss on the mozzarella, broccoli, and tomatoes and place into the oven. Bake 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Enjoy!

*Note: If you're using something other than french bread, place the bread into the oven prior to adding the toppings, so the bread gets a little crispy.

Wordless Wednesday - Iced Coffee

2012-01-04T13:17:00.000-08:00

Coffee, little milk, caramel, some ice.. ahhh nice :-)

Courtney's Sweets Highlights of 2011!

2011-12-31T05:23:00.000-08:00

This year has been extremely great. I am always thankful when we have a healthy and happy year, and this year was just that. Aside from my finger incident all has been well!

I was so thrilled when I was able to do a review with KitchenAid on their new KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice™ System. No more mandolin accidents for me! This processor is a lifesaver!

and the cherry on top was reviewing Calphalon's new Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set. Nothing sticks to these pans, not even if you tried!

These are two of my absolute favorite brands, and I never thought I'd work with such amazing companies. Truly a blessing for my little kitchen!

I also shared the recipe for my Best Chocolate Cake recipe. I'm very picky when it comes to cake, in fact I am not a huge cake eater and choose not to eat something that doesn't taste absolutely incredible. I'm happy with this recipe that I finally perfected, and I hope you enjoy it too!

In August I survived Hurricane Irene! Aside from major flooding damaging homes in some areas, everyone in my family was safe, and without harm!

I was lucky to attend an event Chobani Kitchen in NYC. I love Chobani, and was more than eager to attend this event and see many recipes created with this yogurt!

Another event I went to was TECHmunch by BakeSpace! I was so glad to meet Babette! I've been on her site for a few years, so it was nice to meet her in person and attend the event! I fell in love with Jacques Torres' Chocolate Chip Cookies that day!

And last but not least, I found the most incredible Whey Protein! I was searching for months, trying different proteins, and all fell short on my expectations. I would get bloated, cramps, and just felt horrible. That was until I found BiPro . Not only do I use it for working out, but I also use it to help me get the most protein that I need throughout the day. I never want to overwork my pancreas with making it digest meats/poultry multiple times a day. BiPro has been a great solution for me.

This year was great for my blog, and I hope 2012 is just the same. I thank each and everyone of you who visit my blog. Nothing but good for 2012!

Happy New Year!!

xox

Courtney

Dr. Praeger's Veggie Pancakes

2011-12-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love vegetables. I love potatoes more than anything, so when I tried Dr. Praeger's Veggie Pancakes it was love at first bite! They're almost like a potato latke, but healthier, and much more convenient.

They come individually wrapped and cook 16 minutes in the broiler. One thing I hate about prepackaged food is that I can barely recognize any of the ingredients in the product. That is so not the case with Dr. Praeger's products. They're ingredients you would use at home, and ones that you would trust.

They have plenty of Veggie Pancake Varities, from Broccoli, Spinach, Sweet Potato, and even Traditional Potato! Not only do they have regular pancakes but they also have little bites in cute little shapes for children. Fun, and healthy! These pancakes have become quite addicting. Usually I purchase about a box a week, but my local Shoprite was having a sale so I stocked up on the limit allowed!

I'm so set for the winter months.

Disclaimer: I purchased this product. Dr. Praeger's has amazing products and I wanted to share my love for this product with you.

Wordless Wednesday - Sleeping In on Vacation

2011-12-28T09:05:00.000-08:00

Waking up after 10am is just what vacation is about sometimes, since I usually wake up 6-7am.
I need to take down the tree, and even change my screensaver.. Have you taken down your tree yet?

Mindless cooking..

2011-12-22T18:42:00.000-08:00

Do you ever cook and just put this, that, and the other? I do it constantly.. In fact I just did it on this chicken breast I put a little of this and a little of that, and by the time I tried to remember all I could do was eat it up.

That's why I love taking step-by-step photos of everything I make. I'm all about visual. I love many cook books, but if there's no picture I'm 50% less likely to make it. I enjoy my blog just like anyone else would. My blog is where I come to read recipes that I've made instead of jotting them down on a piece of paper that I'll most likely lose.

I also can't find the post it that had the recipe for these delicious cupcakes I made during the summer..

I better start experimenting, cause these recipes were good!

Chicken Cheesesteak

2011-12-20T16:14:00.000-08:00

First let me apologize for the picture quality.. I took some step by step photos, but the lighting was horrible. I miss the daylight around dinner time. This sandwich is just too good to not share with you. I seriously have eaten this 3x in the last week - it's that delicious!

I'm from South Jersey, where the Philly Cheesesteak is #1. I love a good cheesesteak, but I really love chicken cheesesteak! Crispy crunchy bread, melted cheese, and lots of toppings!

Chicken Cheesesteaks
Makes 4 Sandwiches

3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Oil for pan
2 Red Bell Peppers
2 Green Bell Peppers
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon Lemon
1/4 Cup Water
Salt + Pepper
4 Hoagie Rolls
American or Mozzarella Cheese slices

Preheat oven to 450.
In a pan with a little oil cook the chicken breasts until cooked through. Once done chop into tiny bite size pieces. Chop the peppers into slices and then cut in half. Add the peppers into the chicken along with the Worcestershire sauce, lemon, water, salt and pepper. Cover and cook on medium- low for about 10 minutes. Slice and gut your hoagie rolls and them into the oven with slices of cheese for 5 minutes. Back to the chicken! Remove the lid and let the water cook out. Once the peppers are tender stop cooking. Put the chicken mixture onto the rolls and enjoy!

I like to load mine up with banana peppers.. yum!

Wordless Wednesday - Want it now

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

I made this awhile back when I had some family over.. I want it now!

Easy Sugar Cookies

2011-12-12T16:37:00.001-08:00

There's something about a traditional sugar cookie. No glaze, buttercream, or icing. Just a cookie with some sugar. I remember my mom used to make the refrigerated kind and it was good. It wasn't until I started baking that I had homemade. Now the refrigerated is just for the refrigerator, not for my oven!

The smell throughout the house when you make something from scratch is just incredible. Better than any scented candle you can buy. I love when they come right out of the oven. Warm, soft, and slightly crunchy on the ends. This is truly a perfect cookie.

Easy Sugar Cookies
Makes - 3 Dozen
slightly adapted from allrecipes.com

2 3/4 Cups Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder
1 Cup Butter, softened
1 1/2 Cups White Sugar
1 Egg
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a stand mixer combine the butter and sugar and cream until smooth.
Beat in the egg and vanillas. Combine the dry ingredients into a bowl and slowly add into the butter mixture on medium speed.
Scoop out cookies using a cookie scoop into sugar or sprinkles.

Place onto cookie sheet and flatten just a little.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are slightly golden.

Cool on wire racks.

How To: Storing your Nonstick Cookware

2011-12-05T04:54:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love my Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set. One thing about my appliances and cookware is that I love having them always look like new. There's no reason I should have dingy looking pans just from the way they're stored. Aside from taking care of them after each use I make sure that they're protected while they're not being used.

I purchased some shelf liner from my local shopping center and cleaned it with soap and water. I then cut the liner into pieces big enough to use to separate my cookware.

Not only will it keep my cookware cushioned, it prevents my pans from getting any marks when I stack them.

Maximizes spaces, and keeps them looking new!
How do you store your cookware?

Disclosure: I was sent the Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set for a previous review, but was not compensated otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - My little baker

2011-11-23T03:32:00.000-08:00

He only comes around when something is in the oven..

Mini Buttery Biscuits

2011-11-21T04:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I absolutely love biscuits with my Thanksgiving meal! Not only is it perfect for the leftover turkey, they're just perfect plain too! I like my biscuits buttery from the start so if I want to eat them plain that's quite alright. I hate kneading dough.. it's just one of those things that I don't have time for. That's why I love the dough hook on my KitchenAid Stand Mixer. It's one of those things everyone "kneads" in their life, don't you think? ;-)

So these biscuits are pretty easy, just put everything into your mixer and let it do all the work. I am all about one bowl mixing, which you most likely know by now. I love the fact that these biscuits are mini. I could eat 3 to equal a regular size muffin. Much better than eating 3 regular size biscuits!

Mini Buttery Biscuits
Serves 7-10 people

2 Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1/3 Cup Butter, chopped into tiny squares
3/4 Cup Milk
1-2 Tablespoons Butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Combine dry ingredients with chopped butter into a Stand Mixer with dough hook until mixture is course and crumbly,

Slowly pour in the milk,

Knead the dough in the mixer for 2-3 minutes on medium speed. Then put your dough on a floured surface and flatten it out.

To cut mini biscuits, I use a large piping tip. It works wonderfully!

Place your biscuits on a baking sheet, and brush them with the melted butter.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until biscuits are lightly golden.
Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored nor a review post. This is my own item that I purchased.

Delicious Coleslaw

2011-11-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so infatuated with my newest kitchen appliance, the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice™ System. I don't know anyone who wants to spend extra time in the kitchen chopping, slicing, and shredding. This unit has been a total life saver! The other day I was craving some coleslaw, and I figured since I never made it I had to blog it! I wanted to make a side dish for my nephews Baptism, and I'm so glad I tried making this. I like to make it a day in advance so the flavors can develop a little. I hope you give this recipe a try!

Coleslaw
Makes 10 servings

1 Head of Cabbage
2-3 Medium Sized Carrots, peeled
2 1/2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Cup Mayonnaise
1/8 Cup Sugar
1 Teaspoon Salt
Squirt of Mustard

Chop the cabbage in pieces so that it can fit into the feed tube, as well as the carrots. In a food processor slice the cabbage on a thin setting. Then shred the carrots.

Combine the vegetables with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl. (I used a stock pot)

Refrigerate or enjoy!

Disclosure: I was sent the KitchenAid 13-Cup Food Processor with ExactSlice™ System for a previous review, but was not compensated otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Cupcakes are yummy

2011-11-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

I made over 50 cupcakes this weekend, and they were gone quicker than I could make them. That makes me a happy baker! ;-)

LAND O LAKES® Eggs - Yellow Cupcakes & Review/Giveaway

2011-11-13T07:23:00.000-08:00

My husband and I go through at least a dozen eggs a week. French toast, scrambled, hard boiled, and even in some of our favorite side dishes like potato salad! One thing I'm sure most of you know is that when you're baking, eggs are in almost every recipe from cakes, to cookies, and even some breads! I like to choose quality ingredients for both my family and my friends, so I usually get what I think is the best.. I was so thrilled when Land O'Lakes contacted me to review their eggs. Not only have I seen them in the stores, but I'm a big fan of their butter for baking since it's what my mother always used!

Their new All-Natural Eggs are definitely Eggstraordinary! They are produced by hens that are fed a premium, all vegetable, whole grain diet rich in corn, and soy protein that doesn't have any animal fat or animal by products. One thing I noticed right away is how yellow the yolks are. They're absolutely beautiful! Not only do I feel better about using them for cooking, but I plan to only use them for baking as well. The first thing that came to mind is a yellow cake. Yellow cake isn't yellow from food dye or at least I hope that people aren't doing that, but it's actually yellow from the yolks of the egg. I was so excited to see how nice the yolks looked, and I knew I had to make a yellow cake!

Yellow Cupcakes

2 Sticks Unsalted Butter, room temperature
1 1/3 Cup White Sugar
9 Egg Yolks
2 Teaspoons Real Vanilla Extract
3/4 Cup 1% Milk
2 Cups Cake Flour
2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/2 Teaspoon Salt

Pre-heat oven to 350.
In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugar until creamy - about 2 minutes. Add in the egg yolks one at a time. Once combined add in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder & soda, and salt. Add flour mixture into the butter mixture alternating with the milk.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out with minimal crumbs. Cool on a cooling rack, once cooled use frosting of your choice.

I chose to use some whipped ganache.

What I love even more about this recipe is that for breakfast Chris and I enjoyed some scrambled egg whites, so there wasn't any wasted eggs. Perfect!

Did I mention there's a giveaway? Land O'Lakes is generously giving one of my readers a premium gift package (valued at more than $150) that includes an All-Clad Omelet Skillet, a $50 VISA gift card and a full-value coupon for any variety of LAND O LAKES® Eggs. On to the details!

Mandatory Entry (Must be done before extra entries)

Go visit Land O'Lakes website and tell me which eggs you'll choose with your free coupon. (Leave comment below)

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Follow Courtney's Sweets on twitter and tweet about this giveaway. Include the Tweet URL. (Daily Entry) "I want to win a @LandOLakesKtchn gift package including All-Clad Skillet, $50 Visa GC, and Eggs! http://tinyurl.com/7ppodld"

Good luck!! :)

Giveaway will run until Saturday, December 3rd at 11:59pm EST. US Entries only please, excluding AK & HI, no PO Box. Winner will be drawn via Random.org. The winner will be notified by email, and will have 48 hours to respond. If they don't respond a new winner will be drawn.

Disclosure: I was sent a free coupon for Land O'Lakes Eggs for review, but was not compensated otherwise.

Kerrygold Sweet and Savory Butter

2011-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Have you ever tried Kerrygold Butter? It's absolutely incredible. I love using it to cook, bake, and especially for buttercream. Always use good butter for buttercream! I also used it for spreading on bread, but that was until they came out with their new spreadable butter. They make it in Regular and Reduce Fat. Now before you say, but isn't there already spreadable butter? Yes, you're right.. There's spreadable butter out there, but it's not 100% butter.. most of them contain vegetable oil. That's what I love about Kerrygold, it's Pure. Pure delicious Irish Butter!

I love that they've come out with a Reduce-Fat. I can now enjoy their butter, without worry about how much I'm using. Let's just say I'm pretty generous with my butter. I take after Paula in that respect. Thankfully with 25% less fat and 50% less sodium I can rest easy that I am still enjoying the flavor I love from Kerrygold's butter. How did they do this you ask?

"Mother Nature is the key. During the summer months, the milk Kerrygold cows produce is at its highest in naturally softer milkfat. Kerrygold gently churns this summer milk using a proprietary process that also increases the softer milkfat to make a more spreadable butter."

Those folks are pretty smart, and they have great taste too! I love that their cows roam free, and they don't use any artificial growth hormones. Kerrygold really is Natural. Their butter is always a beautiful yellow color because their cows enjoy a diet of Irish grass that is so rich in beta-carotene!

Now thanks to Kerrygold I can enjoy their delicious butter as soon as I take it out of the fridge. It spreads beautifully and melts right onto warm bread. I'm so happy that I got the chance to try their delicious new spreadable butter, but I'm even happier that I was able to experiment and make two recipes to share with you!

Sweet Strawberry Orange Butter

6 Strawberries
1-2 Tablespoons Sugar (More or less depending on strawberries sweetness)
Zest of a whole Orange
1/4 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean Paste
1 Tub Kerrygold Reduced Fat Irish Butter

In a blender or small food processor chop together the strawberries and sugar.

Add into a bowl with orange zest and butter, mix until incorporated.

Refrigerate for about a half hour, then enjoy on fresh baked biscuits, muffins, or even toast!

Savory Garlic Butter

7 Large Cloves Garlic
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 1/2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1 Tub Kerrygold Naturally Softer Pure Irish Butter

Chop garlic into tiny pieces, you may use a food processor or just chop. In a small frying pan on medium heat combine ingredients aside from butter.

Cook until boiling, reduce and simmer until sauce is thick.

Once sauce is reduced add into a bowl with the butter and combine.

Allow to firm up in refrigerator before serving. Perfect for chicken, steak, pork, and even vegetables!

I suggest you make this with Steak and Fries. It's a family favorite and usually I'd have to make it and melt the butter, and do the whole process. Now I can have it on hand and melt it right on top. We enjoy this at least once a month.

I just want to thank Kerrygold for making the best butter a girl could ask for! I love your Products!

Disclaimer: I was provided with Kerrygold's new Spreadable butter as a part of a food blogger contest to create two recipes for their new butters. This is not a paid review. All opinions are my own and cannot be influenced.

Wordless Wednesday - Chobani and Customer Service

2011-11-08T15:49:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love Chobani, and their terrific customer service.

Thanks for making my day, Chobani! I heart you.

it's also a perfect snack while blogging.

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored nor paid post.

Fresh Produce from the Market

2011-11-06T09:09:00.001-08:00

I love going to the Produce Market every weekend and stocking up on stuff that we need in the house. I used to live closer to Hammonton NJ before marrying Chris and I loved going to the local farmers and buying there. They don't have many farms where I live now, but I prefer going to a produce market rather than a grocery store because of the price.

I'm not getting the great deals that I used to when I bought from the local farmers. ($5 for a bucket of tomatoes which was over 5lbs) When I visit family I always make sure to stop by where I used to go especially when I'm in the area. There's nothing like fresh berries!

Today I picked up a few things including,
Asparagus, Carrots, Celery, Parsley, Cilantro, Leeks, 2 - Onions, 3 - Scallions, 3 - Zucchini 2 - Tomatoes, Peeled Garlic, 2 -Strawberries, and 3 - Black Berries.

I can't survive a week without my blackberries.. They're my favorite berry!

I hope by going to the market I save a little more than I would have at my local store. I know the quality is good so that makes me happy! How do you purchase your produce?

How much do you think my trip cost?

Calphalon Contemporary 10-Piece Bronze Anodized Edition Nonstick Review - Banana Split Pancakes

2011-11-05T14:42:00.000-07:00

Have you seen the NEW Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set? When I first saw them reveal this new set on facebook I was in love. I absolutely love my Calphalon Contemporary Stainless Steel Set, and I'm beyond thrilled that they brought this design in nonstick. The bronze is perfect for any kitchen. It has a brushed design,

and the handles and rims of the lids are mirrored stainless steel. Where as my stainless steel set is a brushed look all around.

When I saw this set come out of the box it was the same feeling as getting a pony for Christmas. One thing that differs aside from the nonstick from my original set is that they've included a 3qt Saute Pan. Aside from just having a long handle it also has a closed handle on the opposite side for even handling, perfect!

My first nonstick set I ever owned was a store brand and had a red coating and chipped like crazy, not to mention the inside chipped as well. The Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set is hard-anodized so it will never chip, crack, or peel!

This 10 piece set includes:

8-in. Omelette Pan
10-in. Omelette Pan
1.5-qt. Covered Sauce Pan
2.5-qt. Covered Sauce Pan
3-qt. Covered Saute Pan
8-qt. Covered Stock Pot

Features include,

Durable Bronze Anodized Exterior, that lasts a lifetime.
Heavy gauge Hard Anodized Aluminum, heats evenly.
Multi-Layer Nonstick, for lasting release.
Stay Cool Handles
Oven Safe to 450°F

Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set set undergoes Calphalon's renowned hard-anodization process with an innovative new step, which results in a beautiful fully-infused color that will last a lifetime. It even comes with a Life Time Warranty! My previous set from the store brand didn't even last a year. I think I can get used to a lifetime of not having to repurchase cookware.. How about you?

The Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set is only $399, and would make a perfect gift for a loved one.. or even yourself!

Just a note from me, like with all nonstick cookware please remember to use a med-low heat. Never a high flame. Never heat an empty pan, and use nonstick friendly utensils to keep your cookware looking it's best.

Now onto a recipe that I was inspired to make as soon as I opened this beautiful set!

Banana Split Pancakes

serves 4

1 3/4 Cup All Purpose Flour

3 Teaspoons Baking Powder

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

3/4 Cup Milk

1 Medium Banana

6 Frozen Strawberries defrosted

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

1 Egg

1/8 Cup Sugar

Butter for Pan

Vanilla Yogurt

One Banana Sliced

Chocolate Sauce - see recipe below

Combine dry ingredients, and set aside. Take the banana and strawberries and puree using an immersion blender or traditional blender.

Add Milk, Banana Strawberry Puree, Vanilla, Egg, and Sugar into the dry mixture. Mix well.

Heat a small frying pan on med-low with a little butter, once the butter is melted use a paper towel to smear the butter around the pan and to remove excess. Place pancake batter by 1/4 - 1/3 Cup into pan. Flip once pancake has small bubbles.

Once pancakes are finished place a dollop of Vanilla Yogurt, Drizzle some Chocolate Sauce, and a few slices of Banana. Enjoy!

Chocolate Sauce
Makes 1 3/4 Cup Sauce

3/4 Cup Cocoa Powder
3/4 Cup + 1-2 Tablespoon Sugar
3/4 Water
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Bean
1/8 Teaspoon Salt

Mix ingredients together in a small sauce pan on medium heat. Sauce should be slightly boiling, stir constantly until mixture is completely combined and all ingredients are dissolved.

Let cool and keep in the refrigerator no longer than one week.

My chocolate sauce melted right out of the pan.. Hello paper towel cleaning.

You can use this Chocolate Sauce as Chocolate Syrup also, so good!

Thank you Calphalon for making trusted and quality products, and always helping home cooks present beautifully cooked dishes in your amazing cookware that will last a lifetime.

Disclosure: I was sent the Calphalon Contemporary Bronze Nonstick 10-pc. Cookware Set for review, but was not compensated otherwise. All opinions expressed are my own.