Category: Cooking

Lufthansa Taste of America Dinner Party

Last week we attended a fancy dinner hosted by Lufthansa USA.  Lufthansa is kicking off their #TasteOfAmerica food truck journey across the country and will be hosting different events along the way.

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We celebrated Lufthansa’s new regionally-inspired menus and had the opportunity to try the onboard experience on the ground at an exclusive dinner party in Irving.

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We walked into a beautiful home and were immediately greeted with champagne accompanied by the music of a string band.  We mingled for a bit and then were all escorted out to the patio of the estate.

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Everything looked so gorgeous!  The tablescape and atmosphere made for a perfect fall evening.

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We were all served a five-course dinner complete with wine pairing.  Everything was delicious!  If this is considered “airplane food” then sign me up honey!  It was like eating at a 5 star restaurant.  We were served exactly how you would be on the plane.  The menu is available to passengers in first class and business.

We started off with an appetizer & small entrée.

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For the main course I chose pumpkin ravioli and Terence got the beef dish.  Both were superb!

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After the main course we were served cheese platters and then dessert.

I chose the molten chocolate cake and OMG.  Sooooo good!  There was also an apple pie tart that looked amazing too!

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We had the best night out thanks to Lufthansa.  If you fly with them anytime soon I’m 100% convinced you will LOVE the new menu!  Thank you Lufthansa for the wonderful food, company, and treating us to such a fabulous night out!

Digging For Dino Bones: Cool Whip Back to School #AddCoolWhip #CollectiveBias

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone.

Connor officially starts Pre-K on Monday.  Of course he’s been going to “summer camp school” all summer.  But his official start date back to pre-school is Monday.  He’s been learning about dinosaurs for the past month in his class.  He’s just crazy about dinosaurs and fossils and dinosaur bones!  He’s been asking tons of questions and loves learning their names and all about them.

I thought it would be fun to make a snack using dinosaurs.  I headed to Walmart and bought some Cool Whip (for the snowy peaks) and some Jell-O mix to fossilize the dinosaur bones.

I made a big bowl of Jell-O and hid dinosaur bones inside for a quick and easy snack.  Then I topped it off with snowy peaks of Cool Whip.

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 Snowy peaks

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 Making footprints

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 You can also use Jell-O Pudding mix.  I prefer chocolate because it looks like mud and put some cookie crumbles on top for dirt.  Then do your dino dig that way!

Right now you can save $1.00 when you buy ONE tub of Cool Whip Topping and any TWO boxes of Jell-O Pudding Mix. *While Supplies Last*

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I used two packages of Strawberry Jell-O and a large tub of Cool Whip.  I buried a few dinosaur bones and let the Jell-O harden.  Then topped with the Cool Whip.  It was super easy and Connor LOVED it!

You can kind of see the fossils below buried in the Jell-O.

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Digging for Dino bones 🙂

He was so excited each time he found a dinosaur hidden in there!

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 It also makes a yummy treat!  What’s better than Strawberries and whipped cream???

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Summer’s almost over!  So head to Walmart and save some money while making a fun snack for your kiddos.

Twinkie Tiramisu #TwinkieCookBook #MC

“I wrote this review while participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on
behalf of Twinkies. I received samples and a promotional item to thank me for
participating.”D7K_1472

Twinkies are BACK and in a big way!  I was devastated when I heard the news that Twinkies were going to disappear a while ago and I’m so excited they are back on the shelves.  I’ve had Twinkies my entire life, they were a part of my childhood.  There is something nostalgic and magical about a Twinkie.  They perfect combo of short bread and cream stuffing….please never leave my life again Twinkies!

To welcome the comeback of Twinkies there’s going to be a Twinkies Cookbook.  I know right?  I mean this is going to be the most awesome cookbook EVER!

If you would like to submit a recipe to the Twinkie Cookbook go HERE  before July 31st.

I decided to whip up a little Twinkie treat in my kitchen and you know what this “Java Mama” loves??? ESPRESSO!

So I decided to make a “Twinkie Tiramisu” and OMG y’all it is so good you have to make this.  It’s super easy and guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Let me walk you through how to make a Twinkie Tiramisu:
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Above are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe.

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You will need 14 Twinkies total for the tiramisu.
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This is like building a casserole. Layer the Twinkie halves, drizzle on espresso, spread mascarpone/whipped cream mixture, layer another 7 Twinkie halves, drizzle espresso, and then spread the remainder of the cream mixture over top. Then dust with cocoa powder.

twinkie tiramisu

Twinkie Tiramisu

Ingredients:

14 Twinkies
Cocoa powder (for dusting)

Directions:

Slice Twinkies in half long ways, straight through the cream filling. Set aside.

Espresso Syrup Ingredients:

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 1/3 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2/3 cup brewed espresso coffee, cooled

1/4 cup Italian Brandy (optional)

Directions:

Combine water and sugar in small saucepan. Bring to a simmer to dissolve sugar, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, let cool and add in coffee (and the optional brandy). Set aside.

Mascarpone Filling Ingredients:

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1 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 pound mascarpone cheese, softened at room temperature

Directions:

Whip cream, sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in softened mascarpone cheese until well blended. Set aside.

Assembly Instructions:

Place a layer of 7 Twinkies (14 halves) into the bottom of a 9×13″ baking dish or cake pan. Drizzle with half the espresso syrup. Spread half the mascarpone filling over this layer. Repeat with remaining 7 Twinkies, syrup and filling. Smooth top with spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Remove wrap and sprinkle with cocoa powder just before serving. 

Doesn’t this just look soooooooo GOOD!

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I’m so excited Twinkies are back and I hope you’ll consider submitting your recipe to the Twinkie Cook Book too.  I can’t wait to read a copy myself.

Follow along with the latest on Twinkies and Hostess Snacks on Facebook & Twitter

Nonni’s Biscotti Bites: The Perfect Coffee Companion + Giveaway!

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Oh my gosh y’all I’ve got to share with you about Nonni’s Biscotti Bites.  I’ve always loved biscotti, but these are by FAR the best I’ve had out of a bag.

Nonni’s, creator of the number one selling biscotti, recently introduced two new scrumptious treats – Double Chocolate Salted Caramel and Very Berry Almond Biscotti Bites…to go along with the already yummy Almond Dark Chocolate (My favorite!)

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The new bite-sized creations maintain Nonni’s devotion to use only the highest-quality ingredients, including real almond pieces, dark chocolate drizzles, luscious caramel bits, sweet cranberries and creamy Greek yogurt. Nonni’s Biscotti Bites are less than 40 calories per cookie, making them a smart and sweet snacking solution.

Fresh from Nonni’s artisan bakery, Biscotti Bites are now available in three decadent flavors including:

  • Nonni’s Almond Dark Chocolate Biscotti Bites – A delicious treat full of real almond pieces and dipped into semi-sweet dark chocolate.

  • Nonni’s Double Chocolate Salted Caramel Biscotti Bites – A joyous indulgence loaded with caramel bits, dipped and drizzled in rich milk chocolate then finished with a sprinkle of sea salt.

  • Nonni’s Very Berry Almond Biscotti Bites – A decadent bite brimming with fresh nuts, sweet berries and dipped in creamy Greek yogurt.

 You all need to try these ASAP if you love biscotti! Also, Nonnie’s Biscotti is hosting a series of giveaways on their social pages to encourage fans to experience the fresh-baked greatness for themselves. The “Who’s on top?” giveaway will begin July 14, where fans can help Nonni’s decide which of Nonni’s three Biscotti Bites flavors is the most favored, for the chance to win free product!

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Find and follow Nonni’s Biscotti on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram for chances to win!

ENTER TO WIN A SET OF NONNIE’S BISCOTTI OF YOUR OWN!  

JUST TELL ME WHICH FLAVOR YOU WOULD LIKE TO TRY IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.

I’LL CHOOSE A RANDOM.ORG WINNER ON JULY 12, 2014. (US ONLY)

SAY CHEESE!!!! #MC #HavartiParty

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Arla Dofino. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

Last weekend our neighbors came over and her daughter and Connor just love to play together.  While they played Savannah & I sampled some yummy cheese while we drank our Moscato 🙂

Sometimes you just need to have some Mommy time while the kids play.  I LOVE cheese….like seriously I could eat it every day….all day and never get tired of eating cheese.

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Arla Dofino has some great Havarti cheeses.  So, I made a plate of cheese and crackers for Savannah and I to try.  We tried the Arla Dofino Creamy Havarti, Dill Havarti, and Hickory Smoked Havarti.

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Served with crackers it makes a great snack.  We talked and pretty much ate half that plate of cheese.

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My favorite was the dill flavor.  It’s so fresh and I think it would be great in dip or in mashed potatoes. YUM.

Savannah loved the Hickory Smoked Havarti.

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The kiddos pretty much went with the plain creamy Havarti.  They both love cheese- of course they are 4 & 5 year olds!!!

See all that yummy dill going through the cheese???  Soooooo good!

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We had a great playdate and wine and cheese sampling thanks to Arla Dofino Cheeses.  I can’t wait until we can do this again sometime.

Check out more about these yummy cheeses on Facebook & Pinterest

Revolution Foods: The Perfect, Healthy Snack for your Kiddos #MC

“I participated in an Influencer Program on behalf of Mom Central for Revolution Foods. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

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As a busy, working Mom it’s sometimes hard for me to make sure my family is eating the healthiest options out there.  I’m constantly battling with myself about what to put on our table that is filling and also healthy.

Connor loves to build things like any young boy does!  I went grocery shopping last weekend and picked up a few meal kids from Revolution Foods.  D7K_9824
Revolution Foods was founded by two moms that ignited a healthy food movement in schools nationwide, now offers Revolution Foods Meal Kits, a convenient way for kids to eat meals made with natural, high quality ingredients and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives (that your kids will actually enjoy!)

I picked up the Ham and Cheddar Meal Kit, Turkey and Cheddar Meal Kit, & Cheese Pizza Meal Kit.
Connor often snacks after school and I love that Revolution Foods kids have no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Also, each meal kit contains at least 7 grams of whole grains and one serving of fruit.
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Connor’s favorite thing about the snack was building his own “sandwiches”. He loves ham and cheese sandwiches so I knew he would enjoy the ham and cheese kit.D7K_9846 D7K_9844 D7K_9859

Revolution Foods Meal Kits are available at Safeway stores nationwide.

Right now you can get a  Revolution Foods coupon for a discount on Revolution Foods Meal Kits HERE.

Brancott Estate Wines: Lighter on Calories, Not on Taste

“I participated in an Ambassador Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Brancott Estate Wines. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #MC ”

I remember when Terence and I got back from Paris (a trip we took for our 10th anniversary).  We thought we knew all about wine because we drank it practically every day over there.  So, when we returned home we joined one of those “Wine of the Month” clubs.  It lasted awhile and then we decided we liked to pick out our own wine.

All wines are not created equal.

I love to sit back at the end of the day after I get off work and catch up on my DVR while drinking a good glass of wine.  That’s my way of winding down and relaxing 🙂

I recently tried a couple of bottles from Branscott Estate “Flight Song”.  I’m definitely a white wine kind of gal.  I was so excited to try these.  Both were light, crisp, and refreshing.

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And to top it all off they have 20% fewer calories than other wine varieties.D7K_7686

Here is some great info about Brancott Wines:w4y4

Light, crisp, and spritzy and the perfect beverage to serve for yourself or at a party that anyone will love.  I couldn’t even tell it was missing ANY calories because the flavor was delicious!  The fact that it has less calories just makes it even better.D7K_7693 D7K_7696

So how do you un-wine-d at the end of the day?