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Chicken & Homemade Gnocchi in Buttermilk Blue Cheese Sauce

November 17, 2011 By
homemade gnocchis with chicken and blue cheese sauceInstant potatoes are far more flexible than many people realize.  I haven’t made gnocchi (potato pasta/dumplings) for some time, because it can be a rather time consuming process, although my daughter adores participating.  Using Betty Crocker Roasted Garlic Instant Potatoes not only saved me a step, but provided some wonderful roasted garlic homemade gnocchi sweet pepper butter sauceflavor.  Perhaps the best part of using Betty Crocker instant potatoes over cooking and mashing myself, is the consistency the recipe provides.  The flakes are easy to measure, no lumps (very bad for gnocchi) and there is no concern over varying water content in potatoes.  The gnocchi came out nice and tender and I really couldn’t get enough of them, especially in this sauce.  I put aside some of the gnocchi and simply tossed them in butter with sweet red peppers for my daughter, which she enjoyed (great simple side dish).  I will be making my gnocchi with Betty Crocker Roasted Garlic instant potatoes from now on.

Chicken & Homemade Gnocchi in Buttermilk Blue Cheese Sauce
Print
Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • *Homemade Gnocchi*
  • 2/3 c buttermilk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tbs butter
  • generous pinch of dried crushed thyme
  • salt & pepper
  • 1 pouch Roasted Garlic Betty Crocker instant potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 1 3/4 c flour + 1/2 cup for kneading
  • 2 tbs Parmesan cheese
  • *Chicken & Gnocchi in Buttermilk Blue Cheese Sauce*
  • 2 chicken breasts (trimmed & sliced)
  • 8 oz. Crimini mushrooms (halved, then sliced)
  • 2 tbs. butter
  • 3/4 c chicken stock
  • 1 cup butter milk
  • 1 cup crumbed blue cheese
  • generous pinch of dried thyme
Instructions
  1. Make your gnocchi first.
  2. Place buttermilk, water, butter & thyme in sauce pan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
  3. Mix in the rest of ingredients (except the flour for kneading). I do this in a stand mixer with dough hook.
  4. Generously flour a kneading and rolling surface.
  5. Knead the gnocchi dough, then roll out “snakes” of the dough about a 1/2″ round.
  6. Cut the rolled dough into gnocchi. Keep the surface well floured. If you want to freeze the gnocchi to use later, make sure to shake them in a bit of flour before placing in freezer container, so they don’t stick together.
  7. Drop batches of the gnocchi into boiling water, and remove with a slotted spoon as they float to the top. They cook quickly.
  8. *Prepare the sauce*
  9. Place butter in large saute pan, on med heat.
  10. Saute the mushrooms, chicken and thyme, until outside of chicken is cooked and mushrooms are nearly done.
  11. Add the buttermilk, chicken stock and blue cheese. Stirring until sauce starts to thicken.
  12. Add gnocchi, and simmer while gently stirring, for about a minute.
  13. Serve.
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making homemade gnocchi

While I of course would love to have you try my recipe (I sure enjoyed it), there are many delicious and easy recipe ideas that incorporate Betty Crocker Specialty potatoes, at the Spud Hub on BHG.com. I encourage you to stop in and browse the recipes there, as well as enter their Sweepstakes (they are giving away $250 gift cards). You may just find that perfect dish for tonight’s supper.

Disclosure: I was given the opportunity to share my experience with Betty Crocker Specialty Potatoes, as part of a sponsored blogging program. I was compensated for my participation. All opinions and recipes presented here are my own.

Filed Under: Entrees, Food, Food & Beverage, Pasta, Poultry, Recipes

A California Wine Club Membership Makes a Wonderful Holiday Gift! (Discount Code)

November 16, 2011 By 1 Comment

california wine club discountLike many “foodies” I enjoy wine, but often find myself grabbing the same “safe” bottles when shopping.  The California Wine Club has been a fun experience for me, since it has brought two bottles of quality wine to my doorstep each month.  I am getting a mix of red & white wine, but the option is available to get just red or white, if you have a strong preference of one over the other.Blind Faith pinot noir

This month the featured winery was Castoro Cellars, of Templeton California.  The package included the 2010 Paso Robles Gewurztraminer and 2010 “Blind Faith” Paso Robles Pinot Noir.  The Pinot Noir was smooth with nice berry flavor, and just a hint of smokiness, an easy drinking wine that stood up to drinking by itself ( I had a couple glasses Castoro Cellars 2010 Paso Robles Gewurztraminerwhile installing my bedroom flooring).   I feel it would also pair well with a large range of meals.  I am not at all well versed in German style wines, so I had no expectations when opening the Gewurztraminer.  I found it to be fruity and a little sweet, but not overpoweringly so at all.  If I had to try and pinpoint the fruit flavor, I guess it would be a cross between pineapple and pear. The acids in this wine are subtle…  just enough.  This wine would be nice with delicate dishes, that would be overpowered by typical white wines.  I guess I should start trying more German style wines.

In my opinion a California Wine Club Membership would make a fantastic gift for any avid cook, as well as, anyone who simply enjoys a nice glass of wine on occasion.  The club makes tasting wine an easy and enjoyable experience, that you can have right in your own home.  Each moth the club sends 2 bottles from a small California winery, nicely packaged to ensure no broken bottles.   An informative magazine is included with each shipment, which tells you about the producing winery, the family that runs it and information about the wines themselves.  If you have never experienced small estate wines before, you’re sure to be surprised at how distinctive they each are, and knowing about the people that made your wine, adds a little to the enjoyment, as well.

California Wine Club Discount for my Readers

The California Wine Club has generously offered a special trial deal for my readers. Just $13 for the first shipment with no obligation to stay!

If you prefer to do two red or two white wines, rather than one of each no problem.  To take advantage of this deal use the promo code: blommi and follow this link to  The California Wine Club.  You will also get 10% off gifts!

Filed Under: Food, Food & Beverage Tagged With: , , ,

Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook – Review

November 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

everyday exotic cookbookIf you want to experiment in the kitchen a bit, but have trouble integrating exotic ingredients into your menu, or just want to zing up traditional fare, this is a great cookbook for you.  It would also make a lovely gift for the foodie in your life, especially if they are a fan of the Everyday Exotic show on the Cooking Channel.  Since the cookbook is a new release, so it is unlikely they have it already, and some of the recipes in this book are quite interesting, even for more seasoned foodies.

The Everyday Exotic Cookbook has large colorful pictures depicting the completed recipes, as well as some nice ingredient shots.  Pictures are important to me in a cookbook, and I was not at all disappointed with this title by Roger Mooking & Allan Magee.

Everyday Exotic: The Cookbook has a suggested retail price of $29.95, but is currently available at Barnes & Noble for $19.57 (Free shipping on orders over $25).  Why not pair this book with a few of the exotic spices and other ingredients used in it, and make a gift basket no foodie would be soon to forget.

Media copy provided.

Filed Under: Books, Food & Beverage, Holiday Gift Guide 2011, Household

150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes, 2nd Ed. ~ Cookbook Review

October 26, 2011 By 1 Comment

slow cooker recipe bookThe 150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes (Second Edition), from Judith Finlayson, seemed just the cookbook for me, since my poor crock pot sits on a shelf …neglected.  I usually concoct my own recipes, but since I don’t use this appliance often, a bit of guidance would be helpful.

This slow cooker cookbook is packed with recipes, illustrated with huge vivid pictures of the completed dishes.  This is just what I love in a cookbook.  I want to see what the results should look like, and many options are essential.  Here is an example of a recipe/photo page (note: my junkie camera doesn’t really do it justice, but you get the idea).

slow cooker fish stew recipeThis slow cooker cookbook is currently available at most major book sellers.  I found it is listed at $17.37 from Target, and $18.02 at Barnes & Noble.

 

10th Anniversary Edition!

The first edition of The 150 Best Slow Cooker Recipes has 425,000 copies in print and has been an outstanding success. A lot has changed since then, from our tastes and interests in healthier food to a much wider range of slow cookers, so we decided to revisit this bestseller. The result is a sensational slow cooker book that reflects today’s home cook.

This updated and revised edition features nearly 100 of your original favorites, plus an additional 75 new recipes that have been carefully sourced and selected by the author from some of her previous bestsellers. It means more fish, seafood and vegetarian/vegan favorites, as well as more whole-grain offerings – this is important as more and more people are eating vegetarian at least some of the time and are consistently looking for lighter and healthier options. People are also broadening the use of their slow cookers and often employing them for entertaining.

Judith Finlayson believes strongly that eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures. As a food-writer and journalist, Judith has spent much of her life seeking out memorable food experiences. Her other best-selling cookbooks include The Healthy Slow Cooker, 175 Essential Slow Cooker Classics, The Complete Whole Grains Cookbook, and Delicious and Dependable Slow Cooker. She lives with her husband and daughter in Toronto.  Judith also has 750 Best Appetizer Recipes releasing this Fall.

Media copy provided.  All opinions presented here are my own.

 

Filed Under: Books, Food, Food & Beverage Tagged With: ,

A Non-Candy Treat Alternative, for a Green Halloween

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

stretch island logoMy daughter and I recently received a big bag of fruit treats from Stretch Island Fruit Co. The bag included both their Fruitabü fruit rolls, and strips.  To say my daughter loved these, would be an understatement.  She has been munching out on them for the past couple weeks, as rewards for working hard in her ABA therapy sessions.

fruit rolls and stripsThe bagged rolls and strips from Stretch Island Fruit Co., would be an excellent substitute for candy, for those seeking to make their holiday greener.  It is also perfect for people who opt to give out healthy treats over candy on Halloween.

These fruit treat are available both on their website, and in retail stores/grocers.

A 30 count package of the strips retails for $13.99.

A 6 count bag of the fruit rolls is $3.29

Product sample provided.  All opinions presented here are my own.

 

Filed Under: Food & Beverage

Activia Selects: A Nutritious Solution for People On-the-Go

October 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a stay-at-home-mom you would think I would have all the time in the world to fix myself a nutritious meal, but in reality that is not the case.  You see stay-at-home does not actually equal does-not-work.  I get up early, and seem to be busy right through until bedtime.  Between my daughter’s therapies, writing & editing, cleaning, renovations and everything else, I often catch myself just grabbing something quick & easy.  The problem with quick & easy often is a lack of quality nutrition.  This is why I love products like Activia Selects, that make it so simple for me to grab a small meal, while staying on a positive dietary track.activa selects parfaitsI recently tried the Activia Selects Strawberry Parfait.  I have always been a fan of adding granola to my yogurt so this was an obvious pick for me.  The added crunch makes it come across as so much more substantial to me over yogurt alone.  I am far less likely to be looking for another snack anytime soon, after eating one of these.

putting granola in yogurt

Adding some satisfying crunch.

Not only does this Activia Select Parfait provide essential vitamins and minerals while satisfying your hunger, but it also has additional digestive benefits, as well.   Activia helps regulate the digestive systems, by including the probiotic culture called Bifidus Regularis (when consumed daily for two weeks, as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle).

breast cancer donation on each lid
I would also like to point out that under each Activia lid you will find a donation code (min. 10¢).  My cup had a 20¢ code on it.  If you eat Activia products on a regular basis, the donations could certainly add up.

If you would like to learn more about Activia Selects, check out the Activia website, or check out http://activia.us.com/products/enjoy_activia_selects.aspx

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Dannon Activia Selects Yogurt Series and received a coupon to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments.

Filed Under: Food & Beverage Tagged With:

New Healthier Bread Options for the Whole Family from Sara Lee (w/ Giveaway)

October 3, 2011 By

Sara Lee released two new healthy bread option recently.  Both have significant benefits over standard bread products and are now available nationally.

Sara Lee Iron Kids

sara-lee-iron-kids

Sara Lee Iron Kids white bread offers a more nutritious white bread option for kids by containing as much fiber and more than four times the calcium as 100% whole wheat bread per two-slice serving. Additionally, Sara Lee Iron Kids bread contains added Vitamin D.

My daughter really enjoyed her PB &J sandwiches on this bread.  It was soft, yet sturdy enough for good spreadability.

Sara Lee Thin Style Buns

sara lee thin style buns

Sara Lee Thin Style Buns provide whole grain nutrition, with just 100 calories per bun and no high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors. Sara Lee Thin Style Buns are a delicious yet less-filling way to enjoy your favorite sandwiches.

I like to make turkey sandwiches on these with just a bit of light Honey Mustard Vidalia  Onion dressing on them, or serve veggie burgers on these round buns.  Good thing I was sent two packages of them to try, because my daughter kept eating the buns plain.

Prize Pack Giveaway

My daughter and I got to try these new breads, now here is your chance to not just try out the breads, but Grab some sandwich fixings, as well.

The winner of this giveaway will receive:

  • 6 coupons (3 for Sara Lee Iron Kids bread and 3 for Sara Lee Thin Style Buns)
  • a $25 VISA gift card

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

          • Like Sara Lee on Facebook (Don’t miss their $500 Giveaway while you are there.)
          • Like Blommi on Facebook.
          • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
          • Follow this blog via email or RSS  (One entry each).
          • Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
          • Tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).  Feel free to use this tweet if you like: “  Sara Lee Healthy Bread Prize Pack Giveaway from @TwiMommi (includes $25 VISA Gift Card) http://su.pr/1s2Ydv “
          • Follow me on Stumble Upon (leave your user name in comment.)
          • Stumble Upon Thumbs Up any of my non-giveaway post that appeal to you. (Good for one entry per day).
          • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends October 18, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Food & Beverage

Big Savings with Big G cereals… and a Giveaway

September 21, 2011 By

general mills logoGeneral Mills has some big savings available in specially marked boxes  of their cereal.  $5 in money saving coupons  in-box for select products from brands including Betty Crocker®, Nature Valley®, Pillsbury®, Big G, and Maxwell House.

Team these coupon savings,  with the inexpensive nutritional breakfast these cereals provide for busy kids, and it is a win-win situation for families on a budget.  Check out the nutritional cereal benefits for yourself.

My daughter and I are hooked on the Chocolate Cheerios now…lol.

The information, prize pack and giveaway have all been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Giveaway

One lucky Blommi reader will win a Cereal prize pack, courtesy of General Mills.

cereal giveaway

Prize pack will contain:

  • Cheerios®
  • Chocolate Cheerios®
  • Cookie Crisp®
  • Golden Grahams®
  • MultiGrain Cheerios®
  • Total®

Entry Options (do as many or as few as you like, but make sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)

      • Visit the cereal benefits page and tell me something you learned there.
      • Follow this blog via email or RSS  (One entry each).
      • Follow me through Google Friend Connect (bottom of page)
      • Tweet about this giveaway can be done 3x per day at least 1 hour apart (account must be public and have at least 50 followers).
      • Share or “like” this giveaway on Facebook
      • Follow me on Stumble Upon (leave your user name in comment.)
      • Stumble Upon Thumbs Up any of my non-giveaway post that appeal to you. (Good for one entry per day).
      • For 2 entries! Grab my ad button (available here), or add Blommi.com to your blogroll -> blog must be public with minimum 25 followers. Leave a link where it can be found, in your comment. (remember to leave 2 separate comments)

One winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries, and will have 48 hours to respond to their prize winner email notification. If winner fails to respond, within that time period, a new winner will be drawn. Giveaways hosted on Blommi are sponsored by third parties. Site owner will of course endeavor to see all prizes are fulfilled, but is not responsible for missing or damaged prizes. Contest ends October 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm CT. Open to US residents , age 18+.

Filed Under: Food & Beverage Tagged With: ,

There is No Excuse Not to Eat Healthy with Hillshire Farm #GrilledEssentials from Sara Lee

August 19, 2011 By 5 Comments

hillshire farm logoI have been lucky enough to get a special sneak peak, of the soon to be released, Hillshire Farm Grilled Essentials from Sara Lee.  These precooked individually sealed chicken breasts will be hitting store shelves very soon, and are certainly worth a try.  Each breast has just 120 calories and are ready to eat after just 60 seconds in the microwave.  Perfect for a quick healthy lunch for busy moms and kids.  Great for a work lunch too.  See how easy it is, to put together a nutritious lunch with Grilled Essentials.

Quick Chicken and Spinach Salad, using Hillshire Farm Grilled Essentials

hillshire farm grilled essentialsStart with your choice of Hillshire Farm Grill Essential flavors.  Here I used the Italian Style.  Put the breast in the microwave for approximately 60 seconds.  Place baby spinach, tomatoes or whatever other salad fixins’ you like on your plate.

hillshire farm grilled essentials opening packetWhen the chicken is heated.  Cut open the pouch, and place on salad.  Add a little dressing if you like, but the juice from the chicken can also be used.  Enjoy your one minute meal!

quick chicken and spinach saladI also found the Grilled Essentials to be very handy for use in a variety of recipes.  Over the past week, I have used this chicken in a pasta dish, fried rice, sandwiches and on a homemade pizza.  In each case, using Grilled Essentials cut down on prep and clean-up time for me a great deal.  I especially liked it on the pizza, since the chicken remained nice and moist, rather than drying out.

chicken and onion pizzaI enjoyed all of the varieties, but thought the Garlic & Herb was probably the tastiest straight from the package.  The basic grilled flavor was a good choice for a buffalo style sandwich, and my daughter seemed to like the Lemon Pepper the best.

grilled essentials hillshire farmI was most impressed with the speed of preparation, and quality of the chicken.  I am very fussy, but found the texture pleasing and the meat was very moist and juicy.  This surprised me coming out of a microwave.

Upcoming Twitter Party

There will be a  #GrilledEssentials Twitter Party on Tuesday, August 30, from 9pm – 10pm (EST).  Don’t miss it!

This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias.  All opinions presented here are my own.

 

Filed Under: Food, Food & Beverage Tagged With: , ,
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