Looking for Mother's Day Gift Ideas?

JoyAmo created this heavenly Personalized Horizontal Mother’s Necklace with Kids inspired by the eternal bond between a mother and a child. If you are looking for the perfect gift for Mother's Day give her a present she will cherish and wear every day. Give her this stunning mother necklace with kids charms.

10 days until Valentine's Day!

Valentine's (and Galentine’s) Day is around the corner and what a better way to express your love to others than a thoughtful and personalized gift that is sure to bring a smile to your nearest and dearest.

More great gift ideas for Mother's Day

Ready for another round of great ideas for mom this coming Mother's Day? Then you've come to the right place because I have some more great ideas in store for you!

Have fun at home while practicing #SocialDistancing

Right now is a crazy time for pretty much all of us. Some of us are learning how to "homeschool" our school age kiddos, some are learning how to "co-exist" at home with their spouses full time, and some are just trying to deal with all of the new uncharted territory all around us in general. No matter how you look at it time right now can be pretty stressful if you don't take some time out of your day to just enjoy life. That's the one thing I've learned in the last several weeks, we have to stop and enjoy the time we do have all together at home. Below you'll find some ways to do that thanks to the good folks over at Tastykake, Pilot Pen, Domino and Party City.

Take back your counter with the Modernhome 8Qt Air Fryer Oven

If you're kitchen is anything like mine then you know what limited counter space looks like. And how frustrating it is when it quickly fills up with all of those "must have" appliances. You know those trendy things like toaster ovens and air fryers? Those things we swear we are going to utilize, but then they end up sitting on the counter taking up valuable space and only getting used a couple times a month. That was the first thing that initially drew me to my new Modernhome 8Qt Air Fryer Oven. The ability to turn that wasted counter space into something useful and a less cluttered space. By switching to this new appliance I was able to get rid of both my toaster oven and my over-sized air fryer. Not only does it perform the functions of both of the appliances I got rid of, it can do even more! And it takes up a ton less space leaving me more counter room for prepping food. No more moving appliances from one place to another to get space for this girl!

Bake the perfect cookie with T-Fal!

Have you ever heard the expression the secret to the perfect cookie is all in the pan? If so you've probably talked to someone that uses a T-fal AirBake Cookie Sheet. I've been using them for years and I swear by them when it comes to baking cookies. There's just something about their AirBake technology that bakes up the perfect cookie every time. Well...that is unless my son is baking them. For some reason he over bakes them EVERY time. But you can't blame the cookie sheet for that!

Pair up the cookie sheet with a few other T-fal kitchen tools and you're ready to bake up (and decorate) the perfect cookies!

T-fal AirBake Cookie Sheets
Available in Natural Aluminum, Nonstick and brand new Copper finish, the AirBake cookie sheets use unique Micro-Dome technology distributes pockets of air that provide even heating of the baking surface,  meaning better browning, decreased bake times, and practically NO BURNING.

T-fal Ingenio Silicone Spoon Spatula
The T-fal Ingenio Spoon Spatula features a flexible silicone design. This is ideal for scraping bowls or spooning batter. Bowl rest prevents the spatula from sliding into the bowl. Great for stovetop use as well, heat resistant to 500 Degree F. Easy to clean and is dishwasher safe.

T-fal Ingenio Blade Spatula
With flexible silicone ideal for scraping sides of the bowl or folding mixtures, the T-fal Ingenio Blade Spatula will make baking this season easier than ever! Featuring a unique hook on the handle to prevent the spatula from sliding into the mixing bowl will ensure to keep messes to a minimum.

T-fal Ingenio Spreader Spatula
Featuring a contoured edge for perfect scraping and a rigid straight edge for seamless spreading, the T-fal Ingenio Spreader Spatula is must-have for holiday baking season!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Spice up the Holidays with Spice Islands

With Christmas just a little over a week away it's time to start planning that holiday menu - if you haven't already that is. And what better way to do it then with some of the most commonly used holiday spices. I choose Spice Islands spices because I know they are high quality and will give my foods the best flavor.

Whether this holiday marks your culinary debut or you’re a seasoned chef looking for a fresh take on some seasonal favorites, you can take some notes from the pros. Every good chef has an arsenal of tricks and techniques to create amazing dishes every time, and the perfect blend of spices is one of those winning secrets.

In a properly seasoned dish, the spice accents the natural flavors without overpowering them. That’s why it’s a good idea to build your menu around spices and herbs of the highest quality, such as Spice Islands®, which crafts and packages the best spices and herbs from around the world to deliver the most authentic and intense flavor possible.

Traditional Turkey Rub
2          teaspoons Spice Islands Crushed Rosemary
1          teaspoon Spice Islands Thyme
1          teaspoon Spice Islands Onion Powder
1/2       teaspoon Spice Islands Garlic Powder
1/8       teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Saigon Cinnamon
            freshly ground Spice Islands Black Pepper
            freshly ground Spice Islands Sea Salt
            pure olive oil (optional)
1          turkey

In small bowl, combine rosemary, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder and cinnamon. Generously add pepper and salt. Lightly coat turkey with oil, if desired. Rub all surfaces of turkey with seasoning. Roast according to package directions.

Cranberry Apple Chutney
1          bag (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4       cup water
2          large apples, cored and chopped
1 1/2    cups sugar
2/3       cup finely chopped onion
2/3       cup golden raisins
2          teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1          teaspoon Spice Islands Minced Garlic
1          teaspoon salt
3/4       teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Allspice
1/4       teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Saigon Cinnamon
1/8       teaspoon Spice Islands Ground Cloves
2/3       cup dark corn syrup
1/3       cup cider vinegar
2/3       cup chopped pecans

In large saucepan, combine cranberries, water, apples, sugar, onion, raisins, ginger, garlic, salt, allspice, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat; cover, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes. Add corn syrup, vinegar and pecans. Cook uncovered 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve with roast turkey, pork roast or baked ham.

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes
18        paper baking cups (2 1/2 inch diameter)
18        gingersnap cookies
12        ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4       cup sugar
1          tablespoon corn starch
1          teaspoon Spice Islands Pumpkin Pie Spice
2          eggs
1          cup canned pumpkin
1/3       cup light corn syrup

Heat oven to 325 F. Line muffin tin with paper baking cups. Place 1 cookie in each cup. With electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, corn starch and pumpkin pie spice. Add eggs and mix well. Add pumpkin and corn syrup; beat 1 minute. Pour filling into liners, dividing evenly. Bake 30-35 minutes until just set. Chill 1 hour.

For more recipes, visit SpiceIslands.com

Connect with Spice Islands: Facebook | Pinterest

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of the above mentioned brand. I received product(s) in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Nutri Ninja® Nutri Bowl™ DUO™

Dear Nutri Ninja® Nutri Bowl™ DUO™ where have you been all my life! Who knew it would be (and should be) so easy to combine ingredients all together with just the touch of a button. No more tirelessly mixing and mixing by hand trying to get all of your ingredients to blend together all the way and not in clumps. And no more using your blender from the 90's to try and make the perfect smoothie only to get a clumpy, icy drink you have to chew to finish. With the Nutri Ninja® Nutri Bowl™ DUO™ you can do both of those things (and more really) all with one machine. Depending on what you're making depends on what top you'll want to use, and which blade assembly. But rest assured they all fit the base so you won't need anything additional. That is unless you want to expand your system by adding on a coffee and spice grinder - I bet I have some of y'alls attention with that one! Just think of how you could downsize the amount of individual kitchen appliances by having this DUO system. I just love when appliances offer you additional accessories that you can purchase. I would much rather have one base with different tops than individual appliances for each task I want to accomplish.

Take for instance this nice bowl of pickle dip I made. I wanted to make up a quick batch for a group of friends we were having over and the DUO made it so easy on me. I just dropped in all of my ingredients and in the Nutri Bowl and using the prep blade diced it all up and mixed it at the same time. Like WOW, no dicing each thing up individually then trying to mix it all together with a block of semi-soft cream cheese. Boy were my hands and arms rejoicing.

I am trying hard to work on eating better and I've already came up with a big list of ways I can put my new Ninja to good use. It really doesn't take up too much space so I'm even leaving it sitting right on my counter with a cup attached. It helps me stop and remember I need to make better choices if I catch myself heading for that even snack. Eventually I will head straight to it for my evening smoothie without even thinking about it...at least that's my goal.

About:
Nutri Ninja® Nutri Bowl™ DUO™ introduces Nutrient Fusion, which creates a fusion of foods containing nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and other foods.

For the first time ever, this groundbreaking innovation combines Ninja’s powerful Nutrient & Vitamin Extraction*— breaking down fruits and vegetables to unlock their full potential**-- with the all-new Nutrient Fusion* that brings fresh, vibrant ingredients together for flavorful, nutritious meals, snacks, and desserts worth savoring.

One 1200-watt base, two vessels. Easily switch from powerful Nutrient Extraction* to versatile Nutrient Fusion** with the Nutri Ninja® Nutri Bowl™ DUO. Whether it's breakfast, dinner, or anywhere in between, the options are endless.

*Extract a drink containing vitamins and nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
**By blending whole fruits and vegetables, including portions that are usually discarded.

Connect with Ninja: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Make sweets for your sweetie Foodstirs style!

I do my best to make things for my family that are good for them, even when it comes to sweets I try my best. But as you know sometimes it's hard when you're in a hurry to whip up a dessert from scratch that's not full of sugar, sugar, and more sugar. So instead of beating my head against the wall trying to come up with solutions that are both good for my family, and good tasting I've decided to keep some easy to use mixes on hand like the ones in my photo from Foodstirs. Foodstirs baking mixes are super easy to store in their compact boxes and just as easy to make. They are organic and make with high quality ingredients so there's no worry you're going to "treat" your family to something that's really not a treat at all. I love that they have themed kits each month based on the season/holiday because it gives me an excuse to have a mother/daughter baking night. We are planning to make these cookies and brownies this weekend for the guys for Valentine's Day. The cute heart cutters that came with each package will definitely make them super special! (I'll be sure to update my post with pictures when we are done so be sure to make the post to check back.)

On the Foodstirs website you can order individual baking mixes, sets (like the one above that has both the cookie mix and icing mix), or sign up for a monthly subscription so you're always getting to try something new and fun. The monthly Baker's Club includes not only baking mixes but also decorative ingredients and supplies. You could even gift a subscription for that hard to buy for person on your list. I don't know about you, but I would love a food themed subscription for my birthday!

About:
Foodstirs is a modern baking solution that makes it easy (and delicious!) to bake sweet, homemade memories in the kitchen with loved ones. The company’s organic and GMO-free baking mixes and kits are made with the highest-quality, clean and ethically-sourced ingredients, and are free of artificial preservatives, colors and flavors, for seriously delicious baked goods that never sacrifice ingredient integrity for taste. Each Foodstirs baking mix starts with just six to ten clean, simple ingredients – like organic unbleached heirloom flour, Equal Exchange organic Fair Trade cocoa, and Wholesome Biodynamic cane sugar – for amazingly delicious quick scratch desserts in only six steps or less.

Connect with Foodstirs: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Hot toys you won't want to miss!

When it comes to shopping for kids for Christmas there are always those hot toys that they all want to find under the tree and in their stockings. And that's what this post is all about, hot and fun toys your kids will definitely be happy to find this Christmas!

The pocket-sized collectibles lines, Puppy in My Pocket and Kitty in My Pocket, have all new puppies and kitties based on real breeds! With over 100 new puppies and kitties, as well as playsets and accessories, girls will love collecting and taking care of their new friends, which all have realistic and highly-detailed features. A Collector‟s Checklist is included with each puppy and kitty to help collect them all. Accessories include carriers, connectable towns, and clip-on pouches. Also new this fall are the Mom and Triplet Puppies Family Packs – multipack of figures that comes with either a bed or a stroller and additional small accessories such as, bottles, rattles, dog bowls and more!

The TONKA Die Cast Vintage 3 pack of vehicles is the perfect addition for any die cast car collector! Featuring 3 classic TONKA vehicles in vintage stylings and a vintage package, these vehicles are built tough, featuring heavy metal construction and real rubber wheels.

Tonka Tinys are the perfect vehicles to take on the go! These micro-sized vehicles are built Tonka tough and feature the same great styling as the classic Tonka vehicles. These vehicles are perfect for vehicle-loving kids or collectors! Tonka Tinys have working wheels to allow kids to create their own adventures! Choose from 22 different replicas of real-life trucks. Each vehicle comes with its own garage for storing and stacking!

The Ultimate Baking Starter Set includes real cooking tools and two perfectly proportioned mixes to make eight scrumptious Sprinkle Surprise Cupcakes and eight tasty Tuxedo Cupcakes, complete with edible toppings and decorations. The set contains kid-friendly equipment, including two mixing bowls with an interchangeable suction base to keep it stable, a unique egg cracker that allows kids to crack eggs without the mess, and a silicone mini cupcake baking sheet. Perfectly-sized cooking utensils include three measuring scoops, one scraper, one whisk, sixteen cupcake liners and four pastry bags with coupler tip to expertly frost cupcakes with a swirl.

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Are you ready to "bake better" this holiday season? @missjonesbakes

With a holiday parties coming non-stop now through the New Year it's time to start thinking about "baking better". What do I mean you ask? Well let me tell you about a great company I just learned about, and tried for myself over Thanksgiving.

It's called Miss Jones Baking Co. and am so excited about using them to bake this year! Not only are their baking mixes and frostings completely and utterly drool-worthy—they're certified organic, non-GMO, plant-based, responsibly sourced, and contain no artificial colors or flavors. Talk about guilt-free indulgence! Just check out these awesome organic brownies with their salted caramel frosting.

What do you think? I couldn't believe they were both organic when I tasted them.

Between now and December 23, Miss Jones Baking Co. is holding the Bake-it-Better Challenge, which gives you the chance to win a Grand Prize worth over $1,500—including a $1,000 gift card, the full line of Miss Jones products, a KitchenAid Mixer, William-Sonoma Goldtouch Baking Set, Scharffen Berger Chocolates, and much more!

Plus, every entry means $1 donated to the SF-Marin Food Bank. At this time of year, I know every little bit helps—so join in the fun and make the holiday season sweeter for everyone.

It's super easy to participate:

Step 1: Bake something fantastic using a Miss Jones baking mix or frosting. Get creative—ideas like pumpkin cake bars, chocolate and pecan cupcakes, maple and walnut sugar cookies. The Miss Jones website has great inspiration, and using one of their mixes makes it super easy (and yummy, obvies).

Step 2: Take a photo of your beautiful treat and post it to Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #betterwithmissjones. If you're submitting via Instagram, be sure to tag @missjonesco, too! If you're submitting via Facebook, be sure to post your entry directly onto the official Miss Jones Baking Co. Facebook page.

That's it. For each entry containing the hashtag #betterwithmissjones, $1 goes to the SF-Marin Food Bank—and you can enter multiple times!

To learn more about the contest, go to: www.missjones.co/better.

Let's all Bake It Better this season!

Connect with Miss Jones Baking Co: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram 

Disclosure: I received compensation in the form of product in exchange for my honest and unbiased thoughts. All thoughts and opinions stated are my own and are in no way influenced by my partnership with mentioned brands.

Mark your calendar for National Cookie Day this Friday!

Mark your calendars because this Friday is National Cookie Day! My daughter and I have already been planning out what cookies we are going to be making for a family gathering we have on Saturday. But now that I've seen these awesome ideas I think we may be switching a few of them!

Need some inspiration? Check out this awesome recipes all featuring Country Crock.

Ginger Spice Holiday Cookies – Get in the holiday spirit with these goodies that combine cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg for a flavor kick. Top them off with frosting and sprinkles for decoration!

Chocolate Crinkles – These chewy chocolate morsels topped with confectioners’ sugar look as though they’ve just been dusted by snow.

Fun Crispy Treats – With just four ingredients, these rice crispy treats take only 13 minutes to make and you can add melted chocolate and candies for a holiday twist!

Zebra Chocolate Chip Cookies – Spice up your chocolate chip cookies with “zebra drizzle,” that adds some festive flair to your favorite cookie.

Cinnamon Stars – Add some sparkle to any soiree with these cookies that are sprinkled with a blend of sugar and cinnamon.   

Walnut Moons – A perfect complement to the Cinnamon Stars are these walnut-flavored cookies in the shape of little moons.

Country Crock is a buttery spread that is the go-to ingredient for baking. Country Crock is part of the good fat family and made with real, simple ingredients, including delicious oils, purified water, and a pinch of salt.

Connect with Country Crock:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Duncan Hines® Perfect Size Cakes

Sometimes you don't want a big 9 x 13 cake or for that matter don't need one that big. I know we like to have dessert sometimes after a light dinner, but it seems like I always end up tossing out part of it because no on wants to eat it day after day until it's gone. That's why I like these new Perfect Size cakes from Duncan Hines®. With these mixes my family of of four can have dessert after dinner and not have to worry about eating it for days and days. The cakes are made in a 6" pan that can easily be cut into four pieces so that everyone can enjoy a piece. Plus after we are done serving it up the pan gets tossed in the trash so there's very little clean up required.

About:
Duncan Hines® has the “Perfect Size” cake to fit any occasion and your hectic schedule. These great-tasting cakes with a serving size of two to four, are perfect for a few people when a full-size cake is too much.

Duncan Hines has created Perfect Size cakes in five deliciously indulgent favors:
• Chocolate Lover’s – chocolate cake with chocolate frosting
• Golden Fudge Cake – golden cake with chocolate fudge frosting
• Red Velvet Dream – red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting
• Lemon Bliss – lemon cake with lemon frosting
• Strawberries and Cream – strawberry cake with cream cheese frosting

Check out October’s Most Googled Recipes

Have you ever thought about how different times of year people tend to cook different things? I know for me as fall starts to settle in I tend to do a lot more baking with apples and squash. There's just something about the smell of warm apple pie that makes your mouth water.

According to 2014 Google Trends, chili and apple pie recipes were among the top 10 recipes searched in October. And, it looks like the trend continues in 2015, as Google Trend data indicates the same recipes searches the first week in October (Oct. 1-7).

If chili and apple pie recipes are ones you would search for here are a few recipes to get you started.

Fresh & Light Chicken-Veggie Chili – Nothing like a warm bowl of chili to keep you cozy when it’s cold out.

Apple Crisp – What are you to do with all those apples from the orchard? Whip up this snack – a spin on your favorite apple pie dish.

And of course people are searching for Halloween treat recipes too!

Halloween Cake Pops

Halloween Marshmallow Crispies

Mummy Cookies

Halloween Chicken Fingers

Halloween Cake

All of these recipes are made from Country Crock®, a buttery spread that’s a part of the good fat family and made with real, simple ingredients including delicious oils, purified water and a pinch of salt.

Take grilling indoors with the Chef Tony Vertical Griller #MadeWithLoveCooking

The Chef Tony Vertical Griller is great for cooking hamburgers, chicken, steak, salmon and so much more. All you have to do is grease the wire grid, lay your prepared meat on both sides, and then cook in your pre-heated oven. When you take out the griller you'll see all the grease and fat that's dripped down during baking.  No more soggy meat that's been sitting in it's own grease while it cooks. The end result is meat that's better for you and tastes great too. You can even use the rack in flat position for roasting chicken or turkey.

I recently had the opportunity to try out the Chef Tony Vertical Griller and I have to say when we can't get outdoors to grill it's going to be my go to way to cook meats. I love how the fat just drips off the meat instead of it sitting in your pan surrounding your food. I honestly couldn't believe how much fat was sitting in the pan under my hamburgers when I pulled them out of the oven. I cooked them using the broiler setting and they came out very moist too. It's definitely a great way to cook food in a healthier way.

Make sure you check back tomorrow because I'll be hosting a giveaway where you can win your own Chef Tony Vertical Griller!

Buy it: You can purchase this and other Made With Love products through their Website.

Connect with the brand:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Yummy Sugar Cookies Baked on my BakeitFun Baking Mat #bakingmat

Silicone baking products have come a long way from when they were first introduced to the market. I know I personally didn't have a very good experience using a silicone baking pan I had purchased when they were first introduced. My food stuck to the pan and made it hard to get out. But thankfully like most things with time silicone products have come a long way. I was a little skeptical when I went to try my baking mat due to my previous experience, but now I can file those worries away. I have to say I really do love how the mat works, especially with baking cookies. I didn't follow the cookie sizing chart on the mat because I was using a roll of cookie dough that I had cut into slices, and therefore ended up with the cookies all touching each other. But that didn't change my perspective at all, the sugar cookies came out perfect in my book because they were nice and soft even after having removed them from the mat and they were completely cooled. After I took the first set off there wasn't any cookie crumbs left behind to clean off, and the next batch baked just as good as the first one. My mind has been since running through all of the great foods I could use it for without them stick. Plus clean-up is a breeze with some hot soapy water.

Features:
• 100% Professional German Grade, FDA Safe & BPA Free Silicone.
• Heat Resistant from -40°F up to 450°F.
• Oven, Dishwasher, Microwave and Freezer safe.
• Non-Stick: Nothing sticks to it.
• Reusable up to 2000 uses.
• Convenient Size: 16 ½" x 11" fits a half-sized baking sheet.
• Professional 0.75mm thickness.
• Rulers help you measure food placement.
• Circles provide perfect cookie sizing.


Buy it: You can purchase the BakeitFun Baking Mat online.

Holiday Gift Guide: Get Baking with the Love Cooking Company

If you're like me you've probably already started getting into baking mode for the holidays. I know as soon as Thanksgiving passes it seems like there's always a holiday party or get-together popping up where you need to bring a side dish or dessert to share. And well, I'm one of those that always seems to choose to make a dessert. I think I default to that so that I can try out new recipes in the kitchen, but not over do it by having it sit on my counter tempting me to eat way too much of it. I don't know about you, but if it's sitting there I'm more likely to eat a dessert item than if I have to go out of my way to make something for myself. So if I make it to take somewhere else I can have one, then share the rest with others. It's a win-win in my book.

I think that's what the Love Cooking Company had in mind when they came out with some of these really awesome pans I got from them. The idea of baking something yummy, then sharing it with others...therefore spreading the "Love". Having two kids I'm always looking for new and fun ways to make snacks for things like scouts, classroom treats, and of course birthday parties. And I have to say I am loving the Mrs. Fields Cupcake Cone™ Pan. It allows you to make twelve awesome cones filled with the cake of your choosing, then you can top it however you like. They are so easy to make, and the clean-up after is so much better than cupcakes. There aren't any wrappers to peel off and throw away, and you can serve them right in the same pan you baked them in! Plus if you take the top off the pan you can use it like a normal baking pan!

I've really just started getting into my holiday baking so I haven't had a chance to try out my Mrs. Fields Cool Bake pan yet, but I am super excited about it. I'm looking forward to being able to bake a sheet of cookies that I don't mess up trying to get them off the pan to cool them on a separate rack. I've always wanted to try and make a filled cake, but never knew just how to do it. With the Mrs. Fields Fill N Flip™ Set I'll be able to do it in a very simple and easy way.

You can find these pans and lots more baking necessities on the Love Cooking Company website. They make great gifts for the baker in your life (or the perfect addition to your own kitchen of course!).

Buy it: You can purchase Love Cooking Company products at Target.com, Kohls.com, Sears.com and Amazon.com.

Digital Meat Cooking Thermometer #Giveaway #PBKay - Ends 10-22

I don't know about you but I've always had trouble using the traditional food thermometers to check the temperature of my meats. I've always hated trying to read the little needle as it moves around to the correct temperature. I just never felt like it was giving me the temperature accurately. With my new Digital Meat Thermometer however I can have an accurate reading in as little as 5-10 seconds. It features an easy to read display that has a temperature range from -58 to 572 degree F (-50 to 300 C). It's virtually hands free and has an auto-off feature that kicks in after 15 minutes. I love this part because I'm famous for using things like this then laying them on the counter, forgetting to go back and shut them off. The other nice part is the case that the thermometer slides into for safe storage between uses.

Win it:  One lucky reader will win a Digital Meat Cooking Thermometer. This giveaway will end October 23rd at 12:00 AM EST. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If no response, a new winner will be chosen. Open to residents of the US.

Entry Method:  Please use Rafflecopter form to enter.
a Rafflecopter giveaway  
Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

As good as scratch with Immaculate Baking

With the big holidays of the year coming upon us we are all getting busier as each day passes. At least that's how it seems for me. And as the weather changes and it becomes cooler outside I also get that baking bug. I like to make treats for my family and friends whenever I can, but when times running short it's hard to make them from scratch. I like knowing exactly what goes into my baked goods and know that there aren't any extras that aren't good for me or my friends and family. Thanks to the Immaculate Baking company I can now make those beloved treats and know that they are just as good as if I had made them from scratch myself.

Just in time for the busy holiday baking season, Immaculate Baking now offers eight new scratch mixes that marry convenience and great taste with simple and carefully selected ingredients - our scratch baking mixes include the same ingredients you would choose if baking from scratch.

All of Immaculate Baking’s convenient baking solutions are made without use of GMOs and have been enrolled for Non-GMO Project Verification. Currently, over half of Immaculate Baking’s products are Non-GMO Project Verified; Immaculate Baking anticipates its entire lineup will be Non-GMO Project Verified in the near future.

The first mix I tried from Immaculate Baking I tried was their Brownie Scratch Baking Mix. I have to say it was awesome. It was nice and chocolaty and moist, I really couldn't even tell it was from a box. I can't wait to try some more of the mixes and share them with everyone when we have family dinners on Sundays. The scratch baking mixes are in my opinion just as good as well...made from scratch!

What type of baking mix would you like to see from Immaculate Baking?

Bake Well with Immaculate Baking! #IBBakesWell #PlatefullCoOp

I'd heard of Immaculate Baking before, but never had the experience baking with their products until now. I'm one of those people that loves to bake, and would like to do more from scratch baking, but just can't seem to find the time. Well, thanks to Immaculate Baking and their scratch baking mixes I can bake lots of treats for my family that are close to homemade. Immaculate Baking uses the same ingredients you would use if you were to bake cookies, cakes, and brownies from scratch. Immaculate Baking’s eight new dry baking mix items have 0g trans fat, and does not contain artificial preservatives or high fructose corn syrup.

I decided to do a taste test with my family since I already had a package of another brand of brownies in my pantry just to see which they would pick. I wanted to find out if they could tell a difference between a popular name brand brownie mix and the Immaculate Baking scratch baking mix. I made up both pans of brownies while no one was home so there was no way they'd know ahead which was witch.

Upon baking the brownies there really wasn't much difference in the appearance between the two pans. It worked out perfect because when looking at them they had no idea which one was what brand. So I proceeded to cut up the brownies and give each of them a small piece of each kind. And after they had tried both everyone agreed that the brownie mix "A" was better. They said it tasted more like a brownie, and that the other one kind of tasted like chocolate cake more than a brownie. And my husband even went as far as comparing it to brownies his mom made when he lived at home. Now I can't wait to bake some more of the Immaculate products to see just how great they turn out too!