Our Family Treat

Hapari Winner

2012-05-30T09:04:00.003-06:00

Happy Wednesday...I can't believe it is already the middle of the week! Wahoo!

Thanks for all of you for entering the giveaway. Congrats to....

#30 The Balls

Congrats! Email me at cucinafamiglia@gmail.com by Friday to claim your prize!

"Oh, the Places You'll Go!" Idea

2012-05-24T13:02:00.000-06:00

I have seen this book given so often as a Graduation Gift many times. I heard about an even better idea though, and thought I would pass it along. Starting in preschool and every year on up, give this book to your child's teacher at the end of the school year. Have the teacher write a little note to your child. Then when your child graduates, give it as a gift. It will be so fun to see all the little notes. Luckily my kids have had the same teachers (and are still young enough that it won't take long to catch up). I am so excited about this (and am already loving reading what the kids teachers have wrote for them)! Hope you love this idea too!

Hapari Swimwear Review and Giveaway

2012-05-21T23:11:00.000-06:00

I have a love affair with the pool/beach/water/etc. I love laying out in the sun relaxing and playing in the water with the kids (or sometimes relaxing by the pool if the hubby is around). But finding a perfect swimsuit can be difficult. One of my FAVORITE swimwear companies is Hapari. I have been a loyal buyer of theirs for years. I love the styles, colors, and that they are modest. Especially after just having a baby, I have many parts of my body that don't look the way I would like. Hapari is great for that.

I am dying over their new cinch tank, which is perfect for chasing the kids around the pool, or hiding those troubled areas, or even if you are pregnant! Seriously...darling! I have many different designs of Hapari suits, including their twist top and v-neck tops. Love them all. Plus I love that if you own a black, brown and white swim bottom, you can mix and match their tops to go with them.

Also, did you know that Hapari has silicone inserts that will work in almost all Hapari swimsuits! Plus Hapari is known for having a great selection of swimsuits in plus sizes, Captains Quarters for both men and boys (which the men/boys in my life are a big fan of these), and also my personal favorite, the Shores.

So with swimsuit season upon us...whether we like it or not...you will be happy to rock a swimsuit from Hapari. I promise you will find one or two (or maybe even three or four) suits that you must own.

Win It: One person will win a $85 gift certificate to purchase whatever you would like from Hapari!

Mandatory: You must either post a link on your Blog, Facebook or Twitter linking to one of these sites:

http://www.hapari.com/blog/

http://www.hapari.com/womens-swimwear/

http://www.hapari.com/plus-size-swimwear/

http://www.hapari.com/modest-tankinis/

Then come back and tell us you did so by including the URL in your entry.

Extra options:
*Share this giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter (1 entry per link)

Details:
Make sure to leave separate comments for each entry. Open to anyone! Contest ends May29th at 11:59 PM and winner will be chosen by Random.org generator. When winner is announced you will have until Friday to claim your prize, or a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I was provided this product free of charge. Opinions expressed are my own. Individual results may vary.

Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats

2012-05-16T07:56:00.001-06:00

Last week we had a little pot luck lunch to celebrate a friends birthday. One of my friends brought this little treat. I was a little nervous to eat it...because let's be honest, I am not a cereal fan. I don't eat cereal at all. My kids do...but I hate the way it smells. I don't remember the last time that I ate a bowl of cereal...I had to be younger than 5 the last time.
Anyway, everyone was trying them...so of course I had to as well. Immediately I was a fan. Nothing beats a treat with peanut butter in it!

Ingredients:

5 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons Karo syrup

1 package marshmallows

6 cups Cocoa Krispies Cereal

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup chocolate chips

16 Peanut Butter cups, chopped

In a bowl, combine cereal and peanut butter cups.

In a large pot, melt butter. Add Karo and marshmallows and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and fold in cereal mixture. Press into a greased 9x13 pan.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt peanut butter for 30 seconds (if not melted, try another 30 seconds). Drizzle over Cocoa Krispies. Follow the same step with the chocolate chips.

Let cool before serving.

Grad "U" ation!

2012-05-11T11:37:00.001-06:00

I am taking a moment to brag about my awesome husband! He just graduated last week from the University of Utah. We are so proud of him!! He has been going to school since we have been married...so we are excited to have him home!

We had a little get together with some friends and I made a few little graduation treats. So whether you have a college graduate, high school, or even Kindergarten...these are fun little treats! The best part, is the kids have fun making these. Just have them unwrap the candy...and you assemble!

Ingredients:
Skewers/sucker sticks/whatever you have on hand
Peanut Butter cups
Ghiradelli chocolate
licorice
M&M's (or any other candy)
Frosting

Layer with peanut butter cup, then chocolate square. Each with go perfectly through the skewer. Then use a little frosting on the M&M and licorice. Let set before serving.

Ingredients:
Ding Dongs
Chocolate Graham Crackers
Chocolate frosting
Licorice

Spread a layer of frosting on the ding dong. Top with a graham cracker. Then use a little more frosting and top with a little piece of licorice (or any type of candy).

Christine's Gourmet Toffee

2012-05-09T15:18:00.001-06:00

I am a huge lover of toffee...and caramel.
Yep...love them.
Caramel especially.
When my little package was delivered from Christine's Gourmet Toffee...I was so excited. I don't know about you all, but by the time the clock hits 2 or 3, I have hit a wall. I need a little pick me up. My package came right on time. I tore open my package of Sea Salt caramels, (don't judge) but I ate the whole little package while waiting to pick up carpool. Yep, it was that good. The sea salt with the caramel was the perfect combination. I was a little disappointed that I didn't have more than one package in the little box! Luckily I can purchase my own for only $2.50 for a package.

Coming in as a close second fav were the Chocolate Toffee Bites. Now these ones I didn't sit an eat the whole package. I nibbled on these for a few days. But I love that they were in little bite size pieces.

I loved ALL of the toffee that I was sent from Christine's. My only request would be that they come in smaller little pieces. Yes I know I can break them off, but maybe have them come in little bite size pieces. That way it is easier for the consumer!

You can purchase your own products online...and have them shipped right to your house. They taste so fresh. There are different sampler packs, or fill free to create your own. But be sure to check out Christine's Toffee. You will be glad you did!

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

2012-05-04T09:15:00.006-06:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo...tomorrow! We plan on celebrating as well...hopefully we will share those recipes soon.
If you are in need of a few for your celebrations...here are some of our favorites!

Sour Cream Enchiladas

Shrimp Tacos

Cream Cheese Enchiladas

Cafe Rio Pork Burritos

Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

Cafe Rio Chicken Salad

Chicken Chimichangas

Queso

Cheesy Bean Dip

Sopapilla Bars

Mexican Haystacks

2012-05-03T07:49:00.001-06:00

Life is starting to get busier and busier. Four kids will do that to ya! We are always heading off to soccer practice, games, dance, church activities, school activities, etc, etc...sometimes it is hard to find time to squeeze dinner in as a family. But to me, that is one thing that we don't compromise on. Even if there is only 15 minutes to spend at the table together, I will take it. My kids love sitting around the table talking about their "good and bad" of the day. If I ever forget, our 3 year old makes sure we do it. Our 8 year old always says, "Nothing good, nothing bad." So we make him talk about anything that happened during the day that he wants to share. Hopefully we will keep the lines of communication open...especially when they all hit those teenage years!

This recipe was one I found on Pinterest. It looked super easy...and was right up my ally since it is a crock pot recipe! EVERYONE ate this right up. Chips makes anything enticing for kids, right?

This recipe makes a ton, so we were able to freeze half of it for a later date!

Source: adapted from Jen's Yummy Fun

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

2 cans Rotel tomatoes

1/2 onion, diced

1 bag frozen corn

1 can diced green chilies

1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Dip

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup milk

1/2 cup water

1 cup sour cream

2 teaspoons cumin

1 tablespoon chicken bouillon

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Fresh Cilantro

Cheese

Tortilla Chips

Rice

In crock pot, place chicken, black beans, Rotel, onion, corn and chilies. In a bowl, whisk/blend ranch, cream cheese, milk, water, sour cream, cumin, chicken bouillon, pepper, and garlic salt. Pour over chicken mixture. Cook for 4-6 hours on low. With 30 minutes to go, remove chicken and shred. Place back in the crock pot and cook for 30 more minutes.

Cook rice as directed.

Layer with chips, rice, and chicken mixture and top with cheese and cilantro.

FOR FREEZING:

Let thaw in refrigerator. Heat on stove top at medium high heat for 20 minutes.

Asparagus Pasta with Garlic Balsamic Vinaigrette

2012-05-01T06:30:00.000-06:00

Nothing compliments a barbecue better than a fresh and cool pasta salad. This is a simple, and delicious way to make warm weather pasta weather.

Ingredients:

2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes sliced in half

2 cups asparagus chopped into 1 inch pieces

1 box or bag of fettuccine (or other long pasta)

Sauce:

2 cloves garlic finely minced

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tbsp fresh basil chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper each (or to taste)

Start by boiling water, add the asparagus to the boiled water for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from water and immediately place in ice cold water to keep color and texture. Add a tbsp of salt to the water and add pasta.

In a separate pan, heat up 1 tbsp of the olive oil, until hot. Add the garlic and cook briefly until it just starts to turn blonde. Remove from heat immediately and add remaining oil, herbs and balsamic. Whisk together to emulsify. (this can be done in a blender as well to get it more incorporated if you don't want to whisk.

Cook pasta according to instructions, and strain. Add the asparagus, tomatoes, and the sauce. Toss and let cool. That is is. Super elegant, and very tasty. Enjoy!

Kneader's French Toast and Caramel Syrup

2012-04-16T07:57:00.000-06:00

Years and years ago when I was watching Good Things Utah, Kneader's came on and made french toast. I copied the recipe down...but I didn't know if I would ever make it because I wasn't a french toast fan. Remember, I don't like soggy bread?!? Fast forward until about a year ago. My friends have raved about Kneader's french toast. Since that is one of our favorite spots to go to for breakfast, I finally dared to try it. Oh. My. Gosh. It was so good. So I pulled out the old recipe and decided to make it for my family. They were all big fans too! Hope you like the recipe as much as we did!

Ingredients:

1-2 loaves of Kneaders Chunky Cinnamon Bread (cut into 8 slices)

(if you don't have a Kneader's by you, use any sort of cinnamon bread)

8 eggs

3 cups milk

1 tablespoon brown sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon vanilla

butter

Butter baking dish generously. Slice bread. Whisk together eggs, milk, brown sugar, salt and vanilla. Dip each piece of bread into the mixture (the recipe calls for you to actually pour the mixture over the top of the bread when it is in the dish, but I was worried that it would make the bread super soggy). Cut butter into pieces and place a piece over each slice of bread. Refrigerate for an hour. Bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes.

Kneader's Caramel Syrup

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup Karo syrup

1 cup heavy cream

Whisk ingredients together and heat on the stove until smooth.

Serve french toast with syrup, whipped cream and berries.

Avocado Chicken Salad

2012-04-06T06:02:00.002-06:00

The other day I was watching The Daily Dish while I was cleaning. During the cooking segment they made this recipe. It sounded right up my alley. I knew I had to make it right away. What I loved about this was that it honestly took about 5 minutes to put together. But that was because I used items already made.

Tip:

One of my favorite tips is to make shredded chicken ahead of time. About once a month I take one of those big ol' frozen chicken bags from Costco, throw it in the crock pot with 2 cans of chicken broth, and about a tablespoon of Montreal steak seasoning. Let it cook on low for about 6 hours. Shred the chicken. Drain most of the juice and put it in 3-4 freezer bags to use later in the month for easy meals such as this!

For this recipe I used a rotisserie chicken though because I didn't let my chicken thaw that day. Either way would work great. Or just cook up a few chicken breasts.

But let me tell you...this is one of those meals that I have been thinking about all day. It was that good. Hope you like it as much as we did!

PS...I have to tell you, I have a new favorite type of chip, Tostitos Roasted Garlic and Black Bean. Try them:) My sister introduced us to them over the weekend and we are hooked!

Ingredients:

1 rotisserie chicken, shredded (3 chicken breasts, shredded)

2 avocados, diced

1 cup pico de gallo

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lime juice (or more depending on your taste)

salt and pepper to taste

tortilla chips

Mix all ingredients together and serve with your favorite brand of tortilla chip. Easy peasy lemon squeezy as my 3 year old says;)

"Dipping Chicken"

2012-04-03T07:30:00.001-06:00

This recipe comes courtesy of my friend Lauren. She brought me this when I had Brinleyanne. My kids devoured it. And that doesn't happen to often!

When I had the baby, my good friend brought me 6 freezer meals. It was the greatest gift I could ask for. It was so nice to have on those hard days after having a baby. So after that a few of my friends and I have started doing a freezer meal group. So we each make a few meals and then trade them with each other. It is fun to try new recipes...plus it makes for a quick meal. This is one of the recipes I made. I hope they liked it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

6-10 Chicken thighs, wings, legs (just something with a bone for more flavor)

1/3 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup brown sugar

garlic salt

pepper

Remove skin off the chicken. Place into baking dish. Sprinkle garlic salt and pepper over chicken. In bowl mix brown sugar and soy sauce together. Pour over chicken. Bake at 350 uncovered for an hour, rotating chicken every 15 minutes. Serve with rice and veggies.

Freezer option:

Use freezer safe baking dish. Cover well. Remove from freezer in the morning to let thaw before baking. Bake at 350 for 1 hour rotating chicken every 15 minutes.

Sopapilla Bars

2012-03-30T06:56:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago my friend Julie told me a about a dessert she had made that took no time at all. She insisted she bring me one...and who am I to turn down sugar? These were so amazing that I knew I had to make them myself. And seriously...they took no time at all. Funny thing is I had never heard of a "sopapilla" but then we were at a restaurant and I saw them on the menu.

My thought with these are you can make them as directed, or make it your way by adding a layer of your favorite jam, drizzle a little honey or fresh fruit. Or of course...leave them the way they are...

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese

2 tubes of refrigerated crescent rolls

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1/4 cup butter, melted

1/2 cup cinnamon sugar mixture

Grease a 9x13 pan. Unroll once tube of crescent rolls. Line onto the bottom of the pan and pinch all the seams together. In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, vanilla and sugar. Then spread over the top of crescent roll layer. Unroll other tube of crescent rolls and layer on top, pinching seams together. Pour melted butter over the top and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Serve at room temperature.

Lemon Chicken Pasta

2012-03-27T07:35:00.000-06:00

This is a oldie but a goodie. It was originally posted 3 years ago!! But I wanted to bring it back for all you newbies. This is one of our favorite meals.

My sweet friend had her baby a few weeks ago, and I was planning on bringing her dinner. I wanted to bring something that tasted fresh, didn't take a lot of time, and was something that we loved too. I was quickly reminded of this meal. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients:

1 box penne pasta

½ cup olive oil

2 T. lemon zest

Juice from one lemon

½ cup green onion, chopped

¼ cop fresh Italian parsley, chopped

salt and pepper to taste

about 3/4 cup of Parmesan cheese

Marinade:

½ c. olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

2 T. Cajun seasoning

2 T. lemon juice

2 T. minced parsley

1 T. brown sugar

1 T. soy sauce

2 chicken breasts

Marinate chicken in zip lock bag for at least 3 hours. I always like to just pull my chicken out in the morning, mix it with the marinade and let it sit all day.

While cooking your favorite type of pasta, grill up the chicken, and then chop it up.

Drain pasta, add olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, green onion, salt and pepper, chicken and Parmesan. Mix and serve!

Urban Advantage Winner

2012-03-26T07:31:00.000-06:00

And the winner of the Go Go Babyz Urban Advantage is...
Drum roll please....

#76 Chelsee :)

Congrats!! Email me at cucinafamiglia@gmail.com by Thursday to claim your prize!

Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Muffins

2012-03-20T07:51:00.001-06:00

Brinley had her 2 month shots last week and wasn't feeling so hot when it came time to go to church on Sunday. I stayed home with her and snuggled while everyone was away. Once she finally fell asleep, I thought I would surprise everyone with a yummy muffin. This recipe comes from my friend Nettie who is one of the best cooks around. She caters and runs this awesome doughnut shop, Beyond Glazed in Draper. If you haven't been there, it is right off the freeway, so you MUST stop and get one of their doughnuts. Seriously, yum. Anyway...back to the muffins. These were the perfect after church snack for the family. They gobbled them right up!

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 egg

1 cup frozen raspberries (I chopped mine a little so they were in smaller pieces)

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

In one bowl combine dry ingredients. In separate bowl combine milk, butter and egg. Then mix dry and wet together until fully combined. Fold in raspberries and white chocolate chips. Scoop into greased muffin tin. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Grace & Lace Winner

2012-03-19T08:06:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! We woke up to a Winter Wonderland here in Utah. I would have been happy with all this snow in December and January! Now I am ready for Spring!
The winner of the Grace & Lace giveaway is...
#9 Matt & Alli
Congrats! Email me at cucinafamiglia@gmail.com by Thursday to claim your prize.

(CLOSED) Go Go Babyz Urban Advantage Review and Giveaway

2012-03-16T08:40:00.000-06:00

Since I am feeling like kind of a "pro" in the baby area (considering this is my 4th baby). I have used a lot of strollers...whether they are umbrella strollers, double, single, joggers, etc. So I know I good stroller when I see one.

Go Go Babyz has a really great stroller called the Urban Advantage. I like that it has three wheels. It makes turns a lot easier. It of course isn't a jogger, but it is perfect for long walks. I love that my Graco car seat can click right into this stroller. Of course it is larger then some strollers, but I love the sleek, clean look. Another great feature is how large the basket is underneath. Perfect to carry a diaper bag, or all my bags when I am shopping. I also really like that the canopy is vented and is extra long for shade. That will come in handy when Brin isn't in a car seat any more. And guess what is even cooler? You can remove the seat cushion to wash it. I think that is such a bonus! The Urban Advantage has so many fun little added features to make the stroller comfortable for the baby, and easy for the parents. Plus I love the look. It is gender neutral so it is perfect for a boy or girl! It comes in a pale blue, green, tangerine, silver and berry. It is very affordable at only $159.00 so it isn't going to break the bank. I am a big fan of this stroller, and am so excited to tell my sister and sister in law that when they have babies...this is the stroller they need to buy!

Win It: A GoGo Babyz Urban Advantage Stroller

Mandatory: Head over to GoGo Babyz and tell me what other product you think is cool!

Extra options:
*Follow "Our Family Treat" on Google Friend (1 entry)
*Like "Our Family Treat" on Facebook (1 entry)

*Like "GoGo Babyz" on Facebook (2 entries)

*Follow "Go-Go Babyz" on Twitter (2 entries)

*update your status on Facebook or Twitter telling your friends about our giveaway (2 entries)

*Add our link to your blog roll on your blog (2 entries)
*Blog about this giveaway (3 entries)

Details:
Make sure to leave separate comments for each entry. Open to anyone! Contest ends March 25th at 11:59 PM and winner will be chosen by Random.org generator. When winner is announced you will have until Thursday to claim your prize, or a new winner will be chosen.

Caramelized Apple, Pear and Onion w/ Gorgonzola bruschetta

2012-03-14T06:23:00.015-06:00

In light of our recent trip to the new Italian joint I wrote about a few weeks ago, we adventured into another type of Bruschetta...and it was a trip worth taking.

Ingredients:

Sliced baguettes (1/2 inch thick)

1/2 yellow onion sliced into 1/4 rings

1 pear thinly sliced

1 apple (Macintosh or pink lady works fine) thinly sliced

1 tbsp butter

1 tbps olive oil

gorgonzola

Proscuitto (optional)

flat leaf parsley

In a pan, over medium heat, cook the pear, apple and onion with the butter until they are brown and caramelized. Let cool. Toast the baguettes with the olive oil spread over the top in a 400 degree oven for 3-5 minutes until toasted. Remove from the oven and top with a small amount of the cheese, prosciutto if wanted, and a small portion of the pear, apple and onions. Place back in the oven for another 3-5 or until the cheese is good and melted. Top with the parsley and serve. This one is a keeper

Tommee Tippee Winner

2012-03-12T07:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Monday! After Daylight Savings, it is always hard for me to start a new week. I would much rather stay in bed for a few extra hours. Hopefully Brin will let me take a nap...even if it is for 15 minutes. I often feel more rested after 15 minutes then I do after an hour!
As for the winner...
Congrats to #65 Lombardo Family.

Email me at cucinafamiglia@gmail.com by Thursday to claim your prize.

(CLOSED)Grace & Lace Review and Giveaway

2012-03-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share this fun find with you all...Grace & Lace was introduced to me by a friend, who gave me a gift certificate for my birthday. I was so excited to get my first pair. Once I received them, I was in love. So I thought my readers and friends would all love to hear about this company as well. Right now "boot socks"and leg warmers are really trendy and fun. Once you get your first pair...you will want a few more...I know I have a couple more that I am wanting to purchase!
I was sent the Lacey Lou's. First of all, they are so well made. They are not to thick, and they are really light weight which is perfect for Spring. The button details and lace make them so feminine. They go perfect with jeans, leggings or tights. I think they would look cute with a pair of heels or flats as well as boots. I have gotten so many compliments and questions about these....and all I have to say is head to Grace & Lace.They add the perfect little "something" to your outfit.
Melissa is the nicest seller (which I wish I could say about everyone on Etsy). She is so great to work with. Also, she offers free shipping right now by using the code "FREESHIP." I know you will have a hard time picking a favorite...with arm warmers, chevron print, boot socks, leg warmers, and even little girl leg warmers. I love that there are a variety of colors to choose from. Plus...she is working on headbands, which I can't wait to see!

Win it: 1 person will win a pair of your choice from Grace & Lace!

Mandatory: Tell us your favorite pair from Grace & Lace

Extra entries:
* Like Grace & Lace on Facebook (1 entry)
* Click "share" on the pair you like best! (1 entry)
* pin to your pinterest your favorite pair on Grace & Lace (1 entry)
* blog about this giveaway and give the link here (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 18th at 11:59 PM. Once winner is announced you will have until Thursday to claim your prize or a new winner will be chosen.

Chocolate Chip Rolo Cookies

2012-03-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

Monday nights are my favorite. I LOVE watching The Bachelor. Do you watch? I know it hardly ever works out. But I still look forward to watching. I must have a treat when I curl up on the couch to watch the show. These are my new favorite cookie. I love caramel...so that must be why. So next time you are curling up to watch your "guilty pleasure" make these!

Source: Key Ingredient

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

2 eggs

3 3/4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Rolos (frozen)

Beat together butter, sugars, vanilla and eggs until fluff. Add in dry ingredients. Then add chocolate chips and nuts. Use cookie scoop to bake cookie dough balls. Then flatten with your hand. Place unwrapped Rolo into the center and roll back into ball. Once all cookies dough balls are made, put in fridge for about 15 minutes. Spray cookie sheet with cooking spray. Then add cookie dough balls. Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes until lightly brown.

(CLOSED)Tommee Tippee Review and Giveaway

2012-03-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

I am an advocate of breastfeeding. I totally understand that this isn't for everyone. But it works for me. One thing that is a must when nursing is a good pump. Whether you are exclusively pumping, pumping occasionally, or needing to pump at work the tommee tippee pump is perfect! I have used other pumps before and they are SO loud. This actually isn't to loud. My first time using it, I had to read the instructions on how to put it together. It wasn't like pumps that I have used in the past. But it took just a few minutes and I was on my way. I was impressed with how easy and comfortable it was to use. I loved that there were four different suction levels, depending on how much milk I am producing. Another plus is that it is electric or battery operated. Which means you can take it ANYWHERE!! I haven't had to use the bottles yet, but I have read really great reviews online. I really liked this pump a lot better than any pump that I have used with my other kids. I will recommend it to anyone!

Tommee tippee has a lot of really great products like monitors and bottles. Plus there website it is full of really great advice . Learn more here...

You can buy tommee tippee products now at Toys R Us and Babies R Us! They are perfect gift for someone having a baby...or for you, if you are expecting!

Win It: A tommee tippee closer to nature pump

Mandatory: Head over to tommee tippee and tell me what other products you like!

Extra options:
*Follow "Our Family Treat" on Google Friend (1 entry)
*Like "Our Family Treat" on Facebook (1 entry)

*Like "tomee tippee" on Facebook (2 entries)

*Follow "tommee tippee" on Twitter (2 entries)

*update your status on Facebook or Twitter telling your friends about our giveaway (2 entries)

*Add our link to your blog roll on your blog (2 entries)
*Blog about this giveaway (3 entries)

Details:
Make sure to leave separate comments for each entry. Open to anyone! Contest ends March 11th at 11:59 PM and winner will be chosen by Random.org generator. When winner is announced you will have until Thursday to claim your prize, or a new winner will be chosen.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake Bars

2012-03-01T07:20:00.000-07:00

Let's be honest, I need to stop making treats. I am never going to lose this baby weight if I keep all this sugar in my house. Sugar is my addiction. And I need an intervention. But for now...

I love cheesecake...and cookie dough. The two combined are a great combination!

Source: Brandy's Baking

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Cheesecake Filling:
10 oz cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat the oven to 325 F. Line an 8" square baking pan with parchment paper or foil allowing a little overhang and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the melted butter and graham cracker crumbs until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 6 minutes. Remove pan to a cooling rack.
While the crust is cooling, prepare the chocolate chip cookie dough. Beat butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt and vanilla until smooth and thoroughly combined. Mix in the flour. Add in the chocolate chips. Set aside.
Cream together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla. Pour the cheesecake batter into the prepared crust. Using your hand to form clumps, distribute the cookie dough onto the top of the cheesecake batter in teaspoon-sized clumps. Be sure to use all of the dough.
Bake for about 30 minutes, until the top feels dry and firm (the cookie dough) and the entire pan looks set if given a gentle shake. Move bars to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Baked Chicken Penne

2012-02-27T06:05:00.009-07:00

When I had Brinleyanne, my friend Hillary brought me the yummiest dinner. It came on the perfect day. Brooks was out of town, Brinley was just 5 days old, and the kids and I had a rough day. It was my first day at home...totally alone without help to start the morning. We were all in a rush to get 3 kids ready and out the door for school by 8:45. It was a mess to say the least. I was running on little to no sleep. It had been 3 1/2 years since I had a new baby...Luckily my Mom came down to help me for a bit and even cleaned my house. Then Hill saved the day with this dinner, which hit the spot.

Since then I hounded Hill for the recipe. I was so excited to make it for my family. It is one of those meals that comes together pretty quickly...but yet tastes divine. If you want to make this vegetarian, use veggie broth and omit the chicken. It would still ahve really great flavor!

Happy cooking!

Ingredients:

1 lb. penne pasta

6 TB butter

6 TB flour

14 oz can of chicken broth

1½ cup half and half

1½ cup Parmesan cheese

2 chicken breast, cut into small cubes

¼ tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. crushed garlic

½ cup chopped artichoke hearts

Pine nuts

Sun dried tomatoes

1 cup Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cook Penne according to package. Drain and pour into a large oven proof dish.

Sauté chicken in olive oil, season to taste. (I use minced garlic, salt and pepper)

Melt butter, stir in flour and add broth. Cook, stirring over medium heat until thickened. Add half and half and heat through. Remove from heat and add 1 ½ c. of Parmesan cheese, pepper, basil and garlic. Stir until cheese is melted.

Add chicken, artichokes, pine nuts and sun dried tomatoes to pasta. Pour sauce over and toss.

Top with remaining Parmesan cheese and bake for 15 min.