Fondue Parties For Tweens Teens And Adult Parties Are Back

Fondue Parties For Tweens Teens And Adult Parties Are Back

To Make Chocolate Fondue for your next party all you need is a Fondue Pot found at any local kitchen store, fun foods for dipping and some great Friends!

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces of good chocolate chopped
• 8 ounces of heavy cream
• pinch of salt
• fun food for dipping: (pound cake, pineapple, strawberries, Oreo cookies, bananas)

Chop with a serrated knife the chocolate, here we used white Ghirardelli my fave!

Take a small sauce pan and add two inches of water. Turn stove to med heat. Place a glass bowl on top to use as a double boiler.

Add the chocolate, cream and salt. Stir until chocolate is melted and smooth.

Pour into Fondue Pot and light tea light.

sing the Fondue forks or skewers dip cookies, cake and fruit into the chocolate!

This is great for any party Adult or Kids (with supervision).

HINT: Make sure to stir the chocolate every so often to prevent burning, add more cream if chocolate gets too thick!

Have fun ;)

Pretend Play Kitchen Pot and Pan Set On It's Way

Waiting on some fun Foodie stuff for you little tykes!

A wooden play kitchen pot and pan set is on the way from www.PretendPlayKitchenShop.com for B's review!

Stay tuned ;)

Zevia Natural Diet Soda Giveaway and Review

I received my Sample of Zevia Natural Diet Soda I am ready to let you all know how it was!

Well being a huge Diet Pepsi Fan it was a tough one. The sugar free, zero calories 100% Natural Stevia (an herb known as sweet leaf) Soda wasn't too bad.

My favorite was the Black Cherry. I really liked that a lot I actually will go and get some more.

The other flavors were okay. The diet cola, not so much, nor did I care for the Dr. Zevia. It has a bit of an after taste to me. Everyone has their own taste so some of you may like it.

I however recommend the Black Cherry! I just saw that Plum Market carries it so I know where I can find it ;)

Win your own FREE six pack of Zevia! Become their Twitter or Face Book Fan and you will be entered for a chance to win. Give away ends Oct 5th!

Come back and comment on my blog to let me know you have entered, do both and double your chance to win!

Twitter @Zevia or become a fan on Facebook: ZEVIA®.

Happy Cooking!

This Product Was a Free Giveaway

Tip Of The Day: How To Freshen Up Old Grapes

Did you buy to many grapes the last time you were at the store? Or, didn't the kids eat them up fast enough? If your like me I buy bulk from Costco or Sam's. Buying bulk means "bulk". You tend to get more than you need unless you plan way ahead.

If you have some prune like grapes in the fridge that have either sat on the counter too long or just didn't get eaten quick enough, don't throw them out! There is an answer!

BEFORE

Here is the photo of the before prune like grapes I had.

Take a large mixing bowl and fill with "cold" water. Immerse the grapes into the water and let sit for about an hour.

Drain and put back in the fridge. Your grapes will be good as new!

AFTER

Happy Cooking ;)

Top Chef Spin-Off

Guest written by our friend Mason Abbott

Top Chef: Just Desserts is a new show that will premiere on Bravo this fall. I like the original series, so I'll give this one a try, too. Gail Simmons, who acts as a judge on the original show, will be the host of this one. I'm interested in seeing more of Gail's personality. I feel that she's been overshadowed by Padma and Tom. I'm glad she's getting her own show. I think she can carry this show on her own without Padma and Tom.

I want to see how this spin-off differs from the original. Tom is actually my favorite judge on the original series, and he really brings the drama. Hopefully, Gail and the producers will come up with fresh, unique challenges. I don't know if I could stomach it if it was exactly the same as the original.

I don't think Bravo has announced a premiere date yet, but I'll be sure to check their website for updates. I've always been a fan of the Bravo channel, especially back in the good old days when they played Top Chef and Project Runway marathons so frequently. I plan to watch Top Chef: Just Dessert on my satellite dish fromwww.tvbydirect.com. A friend of mine goes to culinary school, and we'll probably watch the show together.

Zevia Natural Diet Soda Just Arrived

My pack of Zevia Natural Diet Soda just arrive for me to sample and review! I am so excited. Zero calories!

Zevia Natural Diet Soda has some cool flavors like Ginger Root Beer, Black Cherry, Orange, Cola, Dr. Zevia and Ginger Ale!

I will let you know in about a week what I think ;)

Stay tuned!

Karen B's Shiney New Toy A Weber Grill

Here she is!!

My shiny new toy, a Weber Grill! YeeHaw!

I am so excited! She (yes She) was just delivered off the truck two minutes ago!

Out with the "very"old rusty one to the recycle bin and in with the new ;)

Stay tuned for some fab recipes all Winter long from Karen B's Cooking Made Easy!

Happy Grilling ;)

Tip Of The Day: Vitamin B6 and B12 May Slow Alzheimer's

Vitamin B is shown to slow the Alzheimer's disease.

This just out today, research has shown from an Oxford University study found that a high dosage of the vitamin shortened the rate of brain shrinkage in elderly people with memory problems suffering from Dementia/Alzheimer's.

Vitamin B6 and B12, as well as Folic acid, lower the levels of an amino acid that is linked to the brain-cell damage similar to that seen in Alzheimer's.

Patients with the highest levels of the amino acid in their blood showed the most benefit.

The results conflict with earlier findings that Alzheimer's disease patients did not benefit from vitamin B.

This study is published in the journal of American Medical Association (article from CBS/WLS).

Those of you who have a family member suffering from this disease should be aware of the chances you may get it. It is important to prevent this from happening to you. See your Dr. and get a check up and ask about what you can do to prevent you from getting the disease.

Official Football Kickoff Day with Food Networks Guy Fieri and New Orleans Saints Photo Shoot

What a way to Kickoff 2010 Football Season than with Food Networks Guy Fieri!

Here is the Food Networks Guy Fieri during a photo shoot this morning in New Orleans.

Notice the grill in the photo out in front of the GMC truck.

Another great shot of Guy Fieri with the New Orleans Saints Mascot!

What a fun day!

Happy Football Kickoff Day :)

Kickoff Football and Tailgating with 1001 Grill Covers.com

Today is the Official Kickoff Day for Football in New Orleans!

Kickoff Day means get your Grill Covers off it's time to tailgate!

Barbecue and Grilling are one of the mainstays for all football games and parties. Barbecue Grill Covers are a necessary accessory to protect your grill from the outdoor elements. So why not find a cover that not only protects your grills but looks great as well.

1001 Grill Covers.com can help you. They have a wonderful selection of Barbecue Grill Covers available to choose from.

1001 Grill Covers.com goal is:

"To provide their customers with the largest selection

of grill covers and the best possible prices!"

I love the Chili Pepper covers for the Kettle Grills and Smokers! How fun is that!!

Their selection of Grill Covers includes Cart Grill Covers, Kettle Covers and Smoker Covers that come in many many designs. You can choose from stripes, solids, chili Peppers and for all you Football fans out there OHIO State and PENN State now in stock.

I also wanted to let you know that this company always offers FREE shipping inside the U.S. and Canada!

Happy Official Football Kickoff Day!

Back To School Healthy Eating Guide

Traffic Light Eating:

A Healthy, Easy-to-Follow, Eating Guide!

I picked this up at my Son's School this morning and wanted to share with my readers! So important.

Green = Go!

Eat anytime and as much as you want.

Includes: All Fruits and Vegetables (foods grown on trees or from the ground)

Yellow = Slow Down!

OK to eat every day, but not too much.

Includes: Whole grains (pasta, rice, bread), eggs, fish nuts, seeds, lean meats, turkey/chicken, olive and canola oils, low-fat yogurt and cheeses.

Red = Stop and Think!

Think about making a better choice.

Includes: Butter, cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream, doughnuts, white breads and bagels, chips, sugary beverages (i.e. soda, sports and juice drinks), processed and fatty meats.

"Traffic Light Eating" is the foundation of the L.E.A.N. Programs, developed by famous Pediatrician and child-rearing author, Dr. William Sears.

Taught exclusively by certified L.E.A.N. coaches, L.E.A.N. programs are simple and practical educational workshops designed to inform and educate Parents and caregivers on how to help their children grow up with healthy eating an exercise habits.

The focus of these programs is on the four pillars of health:

Lifestyle - How we live

Exercise - How we move

Attitude - How we think

Nutrition - How we eat (incorporating Traffic Light Eating!)

Parent Workshops: Dr. Sears' Click this link for more info:

Workshops starting January 25, 2010

Birmingham Community Education

Happy Eating!

Don't Wash Cast Iron Skillets With Soap

Quick Tip Of The Day:

Don't wash your cast iron skillet with soap! It will take off all the seasoning it has taken years to do.

Wash with a brush and hot water. Dry thoroughly and then wipe a coat of non-flavored cooking oil (vegetable oil) with a paper towel all over the cooking surface. Your pan is now ready to use when needed.

Place a paper towel in pan if stacking with other pans for storage.

Enjoy!

Grocery Shopping At Wegmans

Posted by Dorian Compton

One of the best perks of going to school in Maryland, was living within driving distance of my favorite grocery store Wegmans. My first encounter with Wegmans was in Rochester, New York where I was attending my first college. Within my first week of living there, I realized that I needed to find a grocery store to replace some of the awful meals I was eating on campus. Wegmans was a short walk from campus, and an even shorter drive. After my first trip, it soon became a weekly trip to go to Wegmans, even if we did not need any food. For some reason, many of us had the same feeling when we entered Wegmans, and that was a feeling of being home.

The smells that greet you as you walk in the door force you to look at all the meals that are being prepared. These range from chicken and beef to seafood and other delectable items. Shopping for seafood was made easy by the fresh fish that were always available on ice, and a knowledgeable staff that could help you with all of your needs. Even better, Wegmans was founded in upstate New York, and the largest Wegmans was a short ride from my school. Open 24 hours, the main location was the same as all the other locations, but had extra space for a cooking school and restaurant in the middle of the store. Before I left to go grocery shopping I always made sure to set my Home security alarm.

Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

My Family has made these wonderful crunchy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles for years. I have taken the liberty to make them a tad bit healthier for you by adding less salt and sugar. Side by side 1/2 liked the original version and the other 1/2 liked the healthier.

Both liked them no matter what before I did the taste test ;)

You can use the early pickling cumbers (the small ones) if you can get them or regular cucumbers also.

Ingredients:

To make 4 quarts or 8 pints:

• 2 cups vinegar
• 2 cups water
• 4 cups sugar (2 cups for healthier)
• 1/2 cup salt (use half the amount if you are watching salt intake)
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon Mustard seed
• 1 teaspoon Celery seed
• 4 garlic cloves sliced thin

Fresh Dill sprigs
Cucumbers sliced thinly
Onions sliced thinly

Wash and Sanitize your canning jars. You can run them in the dish washer.

Place rings and lids in hot water from microwave to sanitize.

Combine the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, Turmeric, Celery seeds and Mustard seeds in a large sauce pan. Bring to boil reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat to cool.

Slice all cucumbers, onions, garlic and chop the dill a few time into large pieces. Combine all in a large mixing bowl. Toss to combine.

Fill your jars with the cucumber mixture making sure to pack well and do not fill past the neck of the jar. Set aside.

Mix brine well before each scoop and using a soup ladle pour over packed jars filling just above the cucumbers.

Wipe rims of jars with hot wet cloth to remove drips ad lid and ring then tighten. Turn jar upside down on dish towel until all other jars are complete.

Place in refrigerator. Turn and shake the jars every day to mix the brine through out the pickles. Pickles should be ready in three days.

Pickles need to be kept in the refrigerator. Turning occasionally mix up the spices they may settle on the bottom.

These are wonder crunchy pickles you can make any time and serve anytime of the year.

Tie a ribbon around the lid and take for a Hostess gift to your next dinner party!

Enjoy!