Baked Potato Bag and Giveaway Preview

Hi Foodie Friends!

Do you ever find yourself trying to pull together a dinner menu at the last moment?

You forget to take something out of the freezer or your plans change unexpectedly?

I commute one hour each way so I typically look for quick cooking options for weeknight dinners.  Consequently, baked potatoes are never on the menu. I love baked potatoes and making home fries with any leftovers, but Monday-Friday time is of the essence. I could throw some in the microwave, but I don’t like the texture of a microwaved potato. The skins get wrinkly and the flesh is either hard or mushy.

NOT ANYMORE!

Have you seen one of these? 

It is a microwaveable potato bag. I found it at the Fort Pierce Farmers Market when I was there in April. The potatoes come out with crispy skins and tender, fluffy flesh. YUM!

It is so easy to use. I simply wash and dry the potatoes and place them in the bag. Set the microwave for four minute intervals, and check for doneness after each interval. I can cook four potatoes in about 8-12 minutes.  I've also tried cooking corn on the cob in the bag and it worked beautifully. When the bag gets soiled, I simply throw it in the washer.

Best of all, the kitchen doesn't get hot from oven use or boiling water.

Guess what? 

I bought two of these bags. One for me….and one for YOU! 

It will be part of my 

ONE YEAR BLOGIVERSARY GIVEAWAY PACKAGE! 

Mark your calendars and come back on June 28 to enter.  Better yet, come back tomorrow of another preview of what is in the package.

I am linking this post to the following parties: 

Foodie Friday
Fat Camp Friday
Real Food Wednesday
Show and Tell Saturday
 

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Alphabe-Thursday: I is for Implausible

I’m Incredulous!

It’s Implausible…

Is A Musing Potpourri one?

Not quite, but June 28 is the big anniversary. In honor of the occasion, I am sponsoring a giveaway package, worth more than $100! Please visit me on June 28 for your opportunity to win.

All next week, I will give glimpses at some of the goodies.

I am submitting this as my “I” post for Alphabe Thursday. Please visit Jenny Matlock’s blog to enjoy other “I” posts.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Blast from the Past: Pippi Longstocking

Long before Harry, Ron, and Hermione hopped the Hogwarts Express for their first year of wizard school, children were entertained and amused by another child heroine. Her name, you ask? Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Ephraim's Daughter Longstocking, known by her friends as Pippi Longstocking. She was my favorite character growing up in the 60s.

Do you remember Pippi?

The Pippi Longstocking series was written by Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren. The 11 Pippi chapter books were published from 1945 to 2000. The books have been translated into 64 languages.


Pippi has fiery red hair, which she wears in pigtails pulled so tightly that they stick out sideways from her head. She sports a short patchwork dress with mismatched thigh-high stockings and big shoes.


As an unconventional eight-year-old, she spins many a tall tale and finds adventures around nearly every corner. She lives in a small Swedish village in a house she calls Villa Villekulla with her monkey, Mr. Nilsson and her horse, Lilla Gubben (Little Buddy). Her partners in crime, so to speak, are two children who live next door, Tommy and Annika.


Aside from her super-strength and keen common sense, Pippi possesses two main items. She has a suitcase full of gold coins, and a large chest of drawers containing various small treasures.

Who is your favorite children's literary character?

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!



MINI CHEESE AND ONION PASTRIES

Today, I am happily joining Lynn's Celebrity Cook-Along at Happier than a Pig in Mud. On the 15th of each month, we gather at Lynn's to share recipes from the celebrity chef of the month.  This month we are honoring the Pillsbury Doughboy. 

As one of the most recognizable icons in the cooking world, he has assisted cooks at all culinary talent levels and who wouldn't love to poke his belly?

I chose to make Mini Cheese and Onion Pastries.  They may be served as an appetizer or as a side with a meal.  My family loved them.   

Let's Cook!

Mini Cheese and Onion Pastries

1 Cup shredded Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

1/4 cup sliced green onions

2 cans (8 oz each) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls

2 teaspoons oil

1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed

• Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, combine cheese and onions; mix well.
• Separate dough into 16 triangles; cut each in half diagonally to make 32 triangles. Place rounded teaspoon of cheese mixture on center of each triangle. Bring corners to center over filling, overlapping ends; press gently to seal. Place on ungreased cookie sheets. Brush each lightly with oil. Sprinkle with dill.
• Bake at 375°F. for 10 to 13 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.

 

I hope you plan to join us at Lynn's party this month.  It is always a lot of fun.  This month Jo at Lazy on Loblolly is sponsoring a Pillsbury giveaway in honor of this month's chef.  Be sure to stop by her Pillsbury blog post to enter the giveaway.

Lazy on Loblolly Giveaway
MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Your Best Shot Challenge: G-ma-La's Boy

I used to be so envious of all you grandmas out there...until Ashlee's little Godson came into my life.  We do not share a common blood line, but he has captured my heart and when he visits, he is the boss.  That is a lot of power at 11 months.

Splishin' and a Splashin'

Last weekend, Ashlee and I took him shopping for swimming gear.  Ashlee bought him a suit and sandals and I got him the pool.  As you can see, he loved it! 

 

 I am linking this to Your Best Shot.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!

Vero Beach

Hello Friends.

Today, I am sharing some pics from Vero Beach.  After picking Jordan and Ashlee up from Orlando Airport, we stopped at Vero for lunch at the beach.  I hope you enjoy our time at the beach. 

These people look like they are having fun.

Jordan couldn't wait to take a dip.

Aunt Cheryl looks on as Jordan and Ashlee cheese for the camera.

Keanan grew up in Florida so he doesn't get what the big deal is...

...but we Ohioans love it!

I will be linking to Blue Monday, Outdoor Wednesday, and Watery Wednesday.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY! 

Mississippi Mud Pie and a Party!

I scream

You scream

We all scream for ice cream!

According to Wikipedia, 90% of Americans consume ice cream.  Do you know what that means? Ten percent of Americans must be lactose intolerant because I can’t imagine anyone not loving this cold and creamy delight.  

Chocolate or strawberry…

In a cone or in a bowl….

Plain or piled high with toppings…

I LOVE IT ALL!

It is unfathomable to me to celebrate the summer holidays, especially Independence Day, without homemade ice cream.

In 1984, President Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month.  You gotta love a month that is dedicated to this treat.  The third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day.  The President decreed that “appropriate ceremonies and activities” should be observed on National Ice Cream Day, which this year falls on July 17.

Because I always try to do as I am told… I said I try!  I thought it would be fun to have an ice cream social.  I hope you will join me so I am not left with ice cream all over my face.  

Here’s the scoop!  

Write a post about ice cream.  It could be a poem, childhood memory, photos, a review of your favorite brand or flavor, a recipe for homemade ice cream or one that has ice cream as an ingredient…anything you like.

I will post a linky tool on Saturday, July 16 so you can link up.  I look forward to seeing you then.  Feel free to grab my button for your sidebar and tell your friends to stop by…the more the merrier!  

MISSISSIPPI MUD PIE
1 Prepared Chocolate Crumb Crust (like Oreo)
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Cup Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
1/4 Cup Butter, cut up
1/4 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
2 Tablespoons Light Corn Syrup
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
3/4 Cup Nuts, chopped (whatever nut you prefer)
2 Pints Coffee Flavored Ice Cream (YUM!)

Heat sugar, chips, butter, cream, and corn syrup in small, heavy-duty saucepan over low heat.  Stir constantly, until butter is melted and mixture is smooth.  Remove from heat.  Stir in vanilla.  Cool until slightly warm.

Drizzle 1/3 cup chocolate sauce in bottom of crust; sprinkle with 1/4 cup nuts.  Layer 1 pint ice cream, scooping thin slices with a large spoon; freeze for one hour.  Repeat with 1/3 cup chocolate sauce,  1/4 cup nuts, and ice cream.  Drizzle with remaining sauce; top with remaining nuts.  Freeze for two hours or until firm.  Top with whipped cream before serving. 

This makes 8 standard servings or 6 La servings.  

I will be linking to Foodie Friday and Fat Camp Friday.

MAKE IT A GREAT DAY!