September 2013 – Makin' it Mo'Betta

I’m a Chain Chewer {sponsored}

Kim

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of . All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a confession to make…I’m a chain chewer. Gum chewer that is. There, I said it. At 41 years old, I still chew gum all.the.time. I mean, I’ve always liked gum, but my love for it stayed with me long after childhood. It got me through college (not once, but twice!), and my first “real job”, but I don’t think it became such a habitual thing until (many years ago) when I worked as a nurse in the hospital. It helped me stay awake during shift work, kept my breath fresh while in people’s faces (nurses are all up in your personal space) and the habit just stuck. No pun intended.

Needless to say, I buy many, many packs of gum! Since I do buy it so frequently (and it’s often getting swiped by my kids), I try to find the best value. Thankfully, there is with two 7 piece packs, for a total of 14 pieces! Orbit® gum, which is known for that Just Brushed Clean Feeling™, is one of my favorites. Even better, it’s available in Spearmint and Peppermint at Dollar General, so I know my ‘value pack’ is a great value! Y’all know how I like my Dollar General Store!

I personally love Spearmint, but I like to switch it up every now again with Peppermint. Yep, livin’ on the edge over here 😉

What about you? Are you a gum chewer? Do you buy the occasional pack, or are you like me with packs in the house, in my purse, in my gym bag, and in the car? (I know right?! Obsess much?!)

Celebrate National Coffee Day – DIY Pumpkin Latte & More

Kim

I’ve kinda gotten into all the weird food holidays. I mean there is a holiday for everything! You may have seen my post on Facebook yesterday that it was National Drink Beer Day! Did you celebrate? (Are you following Makin’ it Mo’Betta on ? Please do!) Well today’s holiday is one I celebrate erry-day…it’s National Coffee Day! In honor of this most deserving holiday, I’ve gathered up some of my favorite coffee recipes, beginning with….

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE! Only fitting since it’s Fall, and Pumpkin Fever has hit. I personally can’t afford to hit Starbuck’s everyday (plus the closest one is 30 minutes away), so I love being able to make my own.

This is a recipe I posted a couple of years ago, and can be found here.

For an even easier recipe, there is this Creamy Pumpkin Pie Coffee. I can’t wait until my local store starts selling the Cinnamon Cool Whip again! I love that stuff. Bad ingredients and all. I must have been taking a coffee break from cleaning, because I see the nice big bottle of Windex in the background. Professional photographer I am not.

If you happen to be one of those who doesn’t like to drink coffee, but likes mocha flavored stuff, then you should try this…

Fudgey Mocha Nut Pie. It’s delicious.

And if you don’t really like the flavor of coffee at all, but you love chocolate, then adding a little coffee can really intensify your chocolate flavor in recipes, without actually tasting like coffee.

Turn canned frosting into frosting that tastes like it was made from scratch with these easy tips here.

Or make this delicious Chocolate Layer Cake.

And just because it goes WITH coffee so well, I’m including this yummy Chocolate Chunk Biscotti!

Yep, I love my coffee, so I’m delighted to share in this holiday!

What’s your favorite way to drink coffee?

I love a good coffee drink, but every morning I start my day with a cup of Hawaiian Blend or Newman’s Own made in my Keurig. I BIG PUFFY HEART my Keurig. Like, I would cry if something happened to it. Then I usually have a cup of decaf in the evening, and then I have a “special” coffee at least once during the week (Pumpkin Spice, Mochas, etc.) My love of coffee is one of the reasons I failed at The Fast Metabolism Diet! I’m so weak.

I take my coffee seriously.

Friday Fun Finds #6 – Special Diet Edition

Kim

I’m discovering all kinds of awesome new products! Food blogging has it’s perks 🙂 I recently told you about my new favorite chips, and now I have a new favorite cracker as well. Artisan Nut Thins…these are AWE-SOME! Not only are they crispy and flavorful and delicious….they are wheat and gluten free too.

I enjoyed them all, but since I absolutely love sesame seeds, I have to say that was my favorite, but really, I would buy any of them (and will as soon as I find them!)

Next up –

For anyone wanting a dairy free dessert, has you covered. I had never tried a dairy free ice cream before, but these were great. I also liked the fact that the Crispy Crunch Bars were sweetened with stevia instead of aspartame or sucralose. The dark chocolate coating had a little bit of a bitterness to it, but it paired well with the creamy middle. I love dark chocolate so I didn’t mind, and my kids really enjoyed them as well. The Tofutti Cuties, appropriately being held in the top left pic by my little cutie, are the perfect snack size sandwiches. My little man loved them, and I think his sisters might have gotten one each from the box! Tofutti has a wide variety of products available.

If you missed it, last week I highlighted my new favorite peanut butter – PB2, and just the other day, I saw it at Wal-Mart! I was excited, especially since it wasn’t crazy expensive. You can use it to make the ‘skinny’ Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie!

What about you? Any new finds? TGIF!

I was sent samples of today’s Friday Fun Finds. All opinions expressed are my own.

Balsamic Glazed Onions

Kim

It might seem weird to have an entire post devoted to onions…but I have to tell ya, these were the best onions I have ever eaten! (Other than maybe the deep fried blooming onion. It’s hard to beat anything deep fried!) If you like onions, even just a little, then these are worth trying. To my bloggy friend – This post is not for you 🙂

These onions transformed this London Broil from good to ooohmigoooodness!

They may not look like all that, but the combination of balsamic vinegar and honey, with a splash of Worcestershire….mmmmm!

This recipe was adapted from a cookbook I was sent to review called Delish Just Four Ingredients Fast! (Hearst Books, May 2013) I’m all for recipes that only require a few ingredients! (You can find it on Amazon if interested. NOT an affiliate link.)

Balsamic Glazed Onions

adapted from Balsamic-Glazed Baby Onions

1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 T. wholegrain mustard
1/4 cup (I used 1/8 cup)
1 pound baby onions (I used 1 large Vidalia onion, cut into 8ths)

Combine vinegar, mustard, and honey in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Simmer uncovered, about 5 minutes or until glaze thickens. Cook onion in heated oiled large frying pan, brushing constantly with glaze, stirring, until browned and cooked as desired.

*My notes: I did not simmer my glaze long enough for it to thicken. I was feeling impatient. I also didn’t cook my onions in a pan…I brought the glaze to a boil, then poured it in an oven proof dish with my raw onions and stuck it in the oven to cook. When the onions were tender, I removed from the oven and added a dash of Worcestershire sauce and fresh ground pepper. They were amazeballs, and I’m sure they would be even better with the nice thick balsamic glaze on them!

Are you Team Onion or no?!

Prepare for the Day with Sam’s Club {#sponsored}

Kim

This post brought to you by . All opinions are 100% mine.

How do you get ready for your day? Coffee is a must for me 365 days a year. {My husband however, only drinks coffee in the winter. With a lot of sugar free creamer and several SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Packets!} Most people have a routine that they pretty much follow everyday, with products that they use daily. If you’re like me, go messin’ with that routine and I’m all out of whack for the rest of the day!

With a family of 5, it’s easy to run out of stuff, and living where I do, running ‘down the street’ to pick something up just isn’t an option. That’s why I’m glad Sam’s Club carries many of my favorite products. You can get great deals and buy in bulk, so there is less chance of running out and messing up my routine! It’s not just my morning routine either, I have a bedtime routine too. I absolutely have to take a shower before going to bed, and I need to take my Zyrtec®. Thankfully, Sam’s has me covered. Some of the items Sam’s carries include:

Products

Cool Mint® Listerine® Antiseptic Mouthwash

Lubriderm®Daily Moisture Lotion

RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer

SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener Packets

Zyrtec®

Neutrogena Rainbath® Refreshing Shower and Bath Gel

Are any of these a part of your daily routine? Are you a creature of habit, or do you have a laid back personality that allows you to ‘go with the flow’? I’m definitely more Type A! So, what do you have to have to get your morning on?!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Chess Pie

Kim

Sometimes I run across a recipe that I just have to try, just out of sheer curiosity. That’s the way I felt when I saw Baltimore Bomb Pie over at . I’ve never been to Baltimore, never heard of the pie, and never seen nor heard of the Berger Cookies she talks about. However, I was intrigued about using chopped up cookies in a pie. Especially when she mentioned a version using chocolate chip cookies! I had to give it a shot. I mean, come on! Cookies, butter, pie crust…could you really go wrong? I think not.

Once I finally gave this bad boy a taste, it reminded me of Chess Pie, so that’s what I’m calling it. Whatever you call it, you can call it delish. It’s rich, buttery, chocolate-y and oh, so not Weight Watchers friendly 🙂

Chocolate Chip Cookie Chess Pie

1 batch of chocolate chip cookies (approx. 12-18 cookies)*
1 unbaked pie crust
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 tablespoon cornmeal (flour can also be used)
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

*I used Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookies – the take and bake kind, but homemade would be delish!

Chop up cookies in bite size pieces (I quartered them), and fill the pie crust. You may not need to entire batch of cookies – just depends on what kind you are using.
Mix the softened butter, sugar, eggs, cornmeal, vinegar and vanilla until blended.
Pour the butter mixture over the cookies and carefully stir together, until all the cookie pieces are coated. Lightly mash everything down into the pie crust.
Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes until the top and crust is a nice golden brown.
Allow to cool slightly before cutting…if you can!
Serve warm or room temp with Cool Whip or ice cream.

Source:

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Switch & Go Dinos – Review & GIVEAWAY {#sponsored}

Kim

Yes, another giveaway! This one is for the little ones in your life. My 5 year old is actually responsible for this review…he was more than happy to help mom out 🙂 Upon opening the Switch & Go Dinos…

We were given the opportunity to review a new toy from ‘s Switch & Go Dino line. Is it a helicopter? Is it a dinosaur? No, it’s Blister the Velociraptor!

It’s a helicopter that easily transforms into a dinosaur…what little boy wouldn’t like that?! (And probably some little girls too!)

Mr. Three immediately went to work transforming his helicopter into a dinosaur. He was amazed by all the sound and visual effects he discovered. The helicopter makes realistic flying sounds, has an LED search light, and things you can launch, which my son loves!

This was my favorite however. After changing it over to a dinosaur, he discovered that the dinosaur’s eyes are animated. He was so funny, I’m glad I still had my camera out!

There is more to this than ‘just a toy’ too. As I have come to expect and appreciate from VTech toys, they are educational as well. In dinosaur mode, there are sound effect buttons that make dinosaur sounds, but also phrases that teach facts about each dino. In addition to Blister the Velociraptor, there is also Jagger the T-Rex™, SkySlicer the Allosaurus™, MC Roar the Giganotosaurus™, Stompsalot the Amargasaurus™, Quiver the Stygimoloch™, Torr the Therizinosaurus™ and Akuna the Velociraptor™! Kids can have a army of helicopters and a family of dinosaurs!

I was thrilled that it sparked my son’s imagination, kept him entertained, and away from his hand held video games. I have found Blister in dinosaur mode, ‘guarding’ the entrance to the playroom – I guess my son is trying to keep his other toys protected 🙂

Now that I’ve told you about this awesome toy, you want one too right?! Well, the fabulous folks of VTech have offered just that. One Makin’ it Mo’Betta reader will win a Blister the Velociraptor™, and with Christmas right around the corner, this would be a great toy for Santa to have in his sack! To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form.

Open to US residents.

As stated, I received a sample product from VTech to review. All opinions expressed are my own or that of my official toy-tester (my 5 y/o son).

Low Carb Cinnamon Crunchies

Kim

If you are following a low carb diet, you know how difficult it can be to satisfy that sweet tooth sometimes. Several years ago, a co-worker told me about these cinnamon snacks and I’ve been making them ever since. When I tell you the ingredients, you may think I’m a little nuts, but seriously, they are good! (I can’t say they are good for you, but there is a lot of debate about low carb diets and the amount of fat in them.)

These are similar to the cinnamon twists from Taco Bell. Can you figure out the main ingredient from the picture? Pork rinds! Yep, I’m not kidding…

Low Carb Cinnamon Crunchies

1 bag plain pork rinds (full size bag, not snack size)
4 T. butter, melted
1 T. cinnamon
1-2 tsp. sweetener of choice (I prefer to use stevia)

Place pork rinds in a gallon size ziploc bag. Pour melted butter over pork rinds. Close bag and shake until pork rinds are coated in butter. Mix together cinnamon and sweetener, sprinkle over pork rinds, shake bag again until pork rinds are coated in cinnamon mixture. Store in air-tight container.

You can also place the coated pork rinds on a baking sheet and heat for a few minutes to make them warm and extra crispy. You can also do this if they start to get soft and they will crisp up again. Ours usually don’t last long enough! You may need to play with the cinnamon-sweetener ratios to get your desired flavor. Check out my Pinterest Board for more recipes and ideas!

ALPO® Wet Dog Food {#sponsored}

Kim

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of for . All opinions are 100% mine.

Okay, so no recipe today per se. Not for us humans anyway (of course, looking at this dog food line, it looks pretty darn good. Seriously, go look ! Homestyle Prime Cuts in Gravy; Chop House Filet Mignon flavor. Sounds good to me. I’m kidding. Not really)

I talk about my 3 kids all the time, but only seldomly talk about my other children. You know, the four legged, furry kind. They are very much a part of the family.

These are my fur babies. We have a 7 year old Staffordshire Bull Terrier and a 1 year old Miniature Dachshund. They are both spoiled rotten (especially the little one!) My staffy is super smart, and is the protector of the family. I always know that if something is not quite right, he will let me know. (Whereas my little dog will bark at his own shadow!) Because they mean so much to my family, what they eat is very important. I’ve always been pretty particular about their diets, because I want them to be as healthy as possible. They don’t eat table food (except what gets dropped….they are always under my feet when I’m in the kitchen…just waiting!) and they get specific portions each day. However, I want them to be happy with their food too! I want them to get excited about meal time, and the ALPO® wet dog food line looks like something they will definitely be excited about. We will be trying this soon, and letting you know how they liked it! In the meantime, learn more by checking out this video-

and like to stay on top of what’s new and more for your beloved fur baby. Stay tuned for more on my fur babies, and to learn more about our experience with the wet dog food line!

Southern Style Pork BBQ – In the Crock Pot

Kim

Today I’m going to share one of my family’s favorite foods, pulled pork barbecue…Southern style! I realize that barbecue is different depending on where you live – but around here, it’s a vinegar based sauce over slow-cooked pork and served with a vinegar based coleslaw, served alongside some fried hush puppies or corn sticks. I’m drooling just thinking about it.

Even though I’ve been eating this most of my life, I just recently figured out how easy it is to make at home. Super easy. Super, super easy using one of my favorite small kitchen appliances – The Crock Pot! Or a slow-cooker if you prefer. I realize ‘Crock Pot’ is actually a brand name, but so is ‘Band Aid’ and most people don’t walk around asking for an adhesive bandage. Anywho, how irrelevant.

Traditional pulled pork barbecue is smoked over hot coals for hours, but frankly, ‘ain’t nobody got time fo dat’ (but if you do, please call me over so we can get our pig pickin’ on!). This version is still delicious.

Southern Style Pork BBQ

3-5 lb pork roast

1-2 bottles Uncle Yammy’s Southern Style Barbecue Sauce*

*If you can’t find a good Southern style barbecue sauce, you can make it like this from .

Place pork roast in slow cooker and pour a bottle of sauce over it. Let cook on low for 10-12 hours. (I do this overnight. A 5 lb roast may need 12 hours, whereas the 3 lb should only need about 10). In the morning, carefully remove roast and drain juices, reserving about a half cup. Using 2 forks, pull pork roast apart, it will fall apart easily. Place pork back into slow cooker, add reserved juice and 1/2 to 3/4 bottle of barbecue sauce (it depends on the size of your roast and how ‘saucy’ you want your meat). Let heat through for a couple of hours on low (I just use my ‘warm’ setting, b/c my cooker runs a little hot I think.)

I like mine on a bun with slaw and a little extra sauce! My girls eat theirs sans slaw, and the hubs likes his without the bun. Of course, the very best way is to take a piece of cornbread, cut it in half (horizontally) and make a sandwich with it. (I’m thinking about you, grandma!) Yes, lawddddy-BE… that’s some good stuff!

This makes plenty to have leftovers or to feed a crowd. You can also make this with chicken (see post here) instead of pork. It’s not the same flavor, but still pretty good, and easy!

So what about you? Are you a vinegar sauce or a red barbecue sauce person?!