The Food Blog’s Shopping List and Tidbits for March 1 through 9

As many of you know, the bloggers were on a break for a little while. They came back right about the time I left for vacation so if you’ll allow me, I am playing catch up. This is the promised grocery list for March 1st through 9th. You can look forward to another list at the end of this week! Earlier this morning I posted an introduction to this new feature. I hope that it is useful and you enjoy it! Please feel free to leave comments below! Tidbits: Don’t forget to check out the Best Peanut Butter in the … Continue reading

A to Z cooking: C is for Crème Fraiche

Crème Fraiche is a French specialty. In French, the words mean fresh cream. It has a slightly tangy taste and its texture can be anywhere from thick but still runny like sour cream or as solid as spreadable margarine. Crème fraiche goes very well into soups because it can be boiled without curdling. It also is a great alternative to whipped cream or ice cream over dessert. To make crème fraiche, add 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream together with 1/4 cup cultured buttermilk. Pour into a clean jar (like a canning jar) and shake to combine well. Let it … Continue reading

Help CPK Choose the Next Frozen Pizza Flavor – Win a Trip

Do you like frozen pizza? Help California Pizza choose the next flavor of their Limited Edition frozen pizzas. You could win a trip for two to California wine country! Like most contests, you must start by going to the CPK Facebook page. Facebook seems to be the place to hold contests and sweepstakes related to a specific product. In order to enter the contest by CPK, you have to start by going to their Facebook page. Here, you will be presented with a request for help. They want you to help them select the next California Pizza Kitchen Limited Edition … Continue reading

Traveling with Your Pet: Fabulous Food Finds Part 2

According to the latest National Pet Owners Survey taken by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 63% of U.S. households, or 71.1 million homes, own a pet. The survey also found that that 19% of dog owners and 3% of cat owners take their four-legged friends with them when they plan to be away from home for at least two nights. What’s more, AAA lists more than 13,000 lodgings throughout North America, which offer pet accommodations. And we’re not just talking about beds for Fido to flop on. Dozens of hotels across the nation are catering to cats and dogs … Continue reading

My Husband’s Favorite Dessert: Key Lime Pie

Dads deserve the best on Father’s Day for all they do. While many women are going out of their way to buy tools, ties and t-shirts, I’m going out of my way to teach my kids how to squeeze limes and make whipped cream from scratch. Truth be told, my husband’s favorite dessert is key lime pie. So I’ve mastered the preparation. And yes, you have to squeeze the limes fresh. And yes, they have to be Key limes. Store bought juice will be easier, but it will also yield a noticeable difference in the taste of the finished product. … Continue reading

Oatmeal Waffles with Homemade Apple Butter

No doubt about it, my kids jump up and down when I start talking about having breakfast for dinner. Breakfast for dinner is the coolest thing in the world apparently when you’re a kid. However, many moms think that waffles fall into the semi-junk food category. After all, once you douse it with syrup how healthy can it be? That’s exactly why I try to make whole grain waffles and pancakes and if possible, I avoid topping them with syrup. Did you know that you can actually buy low fat ice cream topping and it has less sugar in it … Continue reading