What's Happening in Our Kitchen....

This weekend, shuffling around the leftovers, we have been tweaking recipes for Tuesday's filming.  We're already moving on to Super Bowl prep. We're having fun and tomorrow the final taste testers are coming over for the thumbs up, thumbs down vote that takes place in my kitchen.  The visiting taste testers for this set of recipes are a bunch of fun loving, tweenagers who aren't afraid to speak their mind letting me know what taste combinations make it and what needs improving!

 Shhhh!  Truth be told, I think they love the opportunity to sit and eat and eat and eat!!!! What growing tweenagers don't?  And, I'm glad to oblige their growing tummies....

More on the outcomes to be released this week!

Black Friday Left Overs...

I cannot believe that I ventured out on BLACK FRIDAY!  I only went out to get a wreath for the holidays and let my kids do their holiday shopping.  The crowded parking lots and long lines reminded me why I am a Black Friday Avoider.  However, going out without my own agenda, focusing on what the kids wanted

to do and only going to two stores made for an entirely low pressure experience! 

Not only did I not have to cook the entire meal yesterday, because I went to my parents and got to come home with left over turkey, I also get today off from cooking.  Today, like most, it's all about the leftovers.  However, my crew is not a big left over loving bunch unless you disguise it.  So, now that I think about it, my one day of not cooking really did turn into cooking because I experimented and created a  Baked Cranberry Turkey Special!

9 inch pie crust
Turkey, cooked and diced
Whole cranberry sauce
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup orange juice

1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees. 
2. In a saucepan combine the whole cranberry sauce, cinnamon and orange juice.  Heat the mixture on medium to low heat, stirring all of the ingredients together. 
3.  Spread 1/2 of cranberry mixture onto the pie crust leaving room around the edges. 
4.  Top the cranberry sauce with diced turkey. 
5.  Wrap up the sides and seal the edges all around.
6.  Place onto a non-stick baking dish.
7.  Bake for 35 minutes.  Until crust is golden brown.
8.  Slice and serve with the remaining cranberry sauce on top.

Thumbs up from our kitchen!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

from our kitchen to yours....

This year I did not host the feast and got out easy on the Thanksgiving prep.  Instead, I got the chance to focus on one of my favorites; making desserts!  YUM!

We experimented and mixed and stirred and made a big mess in the kitchen.  In the end we had created;

Mud Pie (all edible of course!)

Apple Caramel Pie

Caramel Cream Pumpkin Pie

Plain Pumpkin Pie for Dad

And, of course Gobble Ups!

As I was cooking with my kids I realized how thankful I was for their help.  And, when I looked around at the flour covered counters, the particles that hit the floor (which is inevitable when cooking with kids) and the mile high pile of dirty dishes, I realized how thankful I was for my Dish Washer!

Thanksgiving Trivia

Thanksgiving reminds me of the first feast with Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together to celebrate. There is an extensive history with this holiday. Did You Know?!?!
* That the first Thanksgiving lasted for three days! Wow, that was some kind of feast ...

* Although the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 with the Pilgrims in Plymouth, it wasn't until 200 years later that Thanksgiving became a national holiday!

* Before President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving to be held annually on a specific day that Presidents before him called a national Thanksgiving whenever it was necessary and that sometimes there could be more than one Thanksgiving celebration in a year.

If you like fun facts and a little investigative fun, see if you and your family can find three states that have a city named Turkey in it. Or, to share fun facts as part of your holiday fun, hide a Thanksgiving fact underneath everyone's Gobble Up Dessert for family members to share.

Chef Snoopy Inspired!

We took the lead from Chef Snoopy & celebrated Thanksgiving a little early.  We rented Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving, invited friends and served up nothing other than popcorn, pretzels, jelly beans and toast.  It was a big hit with the kids and they loved it.  It was a simple, but fun celebration that definitely was memorable for all. 

It's on our 'to do' list for next year.

Gobble Up, Gobble Ups!

Gobble Ups! You are going to love these little treats!  Not only do they taste great, but they are so quick and easy; always one of my favorite combinations....

Gobble Ups really got their name, because you want to do just that...gobble them up!  You really can't stop at one & since they're such a small treat in size; you don't have to.  They actually remind me of a Boston Cream Donut kind of taste.  This little treat is small in size, but big in taste and is always a crowd pleaser.  The can be made simply or you can festive them up by using chocolate to create a turkey, which kids love! 

Simply use a waxed paper to draw three feathers & a turkey head.  Flip the waxed paper over onto a baking sheet.  Drizzle melted chocolate within the lines.  Set the chocolate into the refrigerator to set and add to your Gobble Up to create a turkey dessert for your Thanksgiving dinner.  Here is a link for the full recipe and more information on melting chocolate;

http://www.pricechopper.com/Recipes/Detail/6790/Gobble_Ups/

Mmmm! Apricot Honey Cornbread with a twist!

Apricot Honey Cornbread is a delicious addition to any Thanksgiving table and it's a great recipe for kids to help make. Add a little twist, and this recipe becomes an artist pallet for kids to create an added special memory in your kitchen this holiday season!

Simply search on line for some festive fall symbols and let your children paint a design and/or tell a story by using gel frosting tubes that you can find in the baking aisle at your grocery store.

To try the Apricot Honey Cornbread visit; http://www.pricechopper.com/Recipes/Detail/6789/Honey_Apricot_Cornbread/




 

Gobble Ups! in Watertown

Saturday, November 21

12 - 3

Watertown Price Chopper

1283 Arsenal St.

Watertown, NY

Try Apple Rings...

I love Apple Rings!  Why?

It's simple...it's quick....kids can help...it's a great alternative to apple sauce...it's festive...it's healthy....and, it tastes great...

To try Apple Rings watch the video clip by visiting http://www2.pricechopper.com/kids/video/index.shtml

Or, grab the recipe at http://www.pricechopper.com/Recipes/Detail/6788/Apple_Rings/

Involving the kids in your holiday kitchen plans is a great way to spend time together; something in our busy lives I'm always thankful for!

Lift off is on the Countdown....

What do Moon Rock Soup, Martian Munchies and Rocket Fuel all have in common? They are part of our countdown to "BLAST OFF" fun!


A few weeks ago when my middle guy was home sick, somehow he stumbled upon the NASA station with a view of the space shuttle in position; later we found out that they had just put it in its position for an upcoming launch. We googled the events and marked our calendar so that we wouldn't miss the 'take off' which is now scheduled for November 16th. The date has changed since we first marked our calendars and you can learn more details about the launch and any changes in dates/time by visiting http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the some great tasting recipes while you are counting down to lift off!

 
Martian Munchies

2 Tbsp. butter
6 oz. white chocolate morsels
1 cup marshmallow fluff
1 tsp. vanilla extract
4 cups cornflakes
Green food coloring
Wax Paper

Makes 2 Dozen
Cover a baking sheet with wax paper; set aside.

Place the cornflakes in a large Zip-loc bag, breaking up the cornflakes until they are in smaller pieces. Set aside. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the marshmallow fluff and white chocolate morsels to the butter. Stir the mixture until all of the ingredients are melted and smooth. Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in the green food coloring, adding enough to reach desired shade of green. Add the vanilla extract and stir until mixed well. Stir in the cornflakes until they are completely coated.

Spoon the mixture into individual servings onto the wax paper and let set before serving.

For added fun, shape the spoonfuls into UFO’s and add mini M & M’s for colorful lights.

Time Saving Tip: Spread the entire mixture in a 13 x 9 greased pan to make Martian Munchie bars instead of indivdual Martian Munchies.

More Count Down Fun with Rocket Fuel

Frozen lemonade
2 tsp. raspberry extract
2 T. grape juice
3 cups ice

Mix the lemonade together as directed on the container. In a blender, combine 2 Cups of lemonade, ice and raspberry extract together. Blend until the ice has been completely crushed. Pour the mixture into a clear glass. Drizzle the grape juice over the top of the lemonade mixture. The grape juice will seep down for a fun affect and added taste.

Optional: Add a ¼ cup of lemon lime soda to each glass for fizzy fun at a party.

Did You Know?!?


It takes about eight minutes for a space shuttle to accelerate to a speed of more than 17,000 miles (27,358 kilometers) per hour.

Gobble Ups Near You?!?

Join me to make Gobble Ups!

Saturday, November 14

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Hudson Price Chopper

351 Fairview Ave.

Hudson, NY

Today's filming for December....

Snowballs with Ellie.

Caramel Chocolate Dipped Pretzels with Kaitlyn.

Cinnamon Pancake with a snowflake design with Katie.

My best friend came from VT to cheer me on...

Never saw my eyes this close up.....Thanks Mike & Jeanne!

Today we filmed for the Price Chopper Kids Cooking Club release for December.  We made Cinnamon Pancakes with designs, Caramel Chocolate Dipped Pretzels & Snowballs!  Watch for the full release out next month.  In the meantime, you can now take a peek at the great Thanksgiving recipes we filmed last month; Baked Apple Rings, Honey Apricot Cornbread and Gobble Ups for dessert.

Count Down to fun!!!!!

What do Moon Rock Soup, Martian Munchies and Rocket Fuel all have in common?  They are part of our countdown to "BLAST OFF" fun!

A few weeks ago when my middle guy was home sick, somehow he stumbled upon the NASA station with a view of the space shuttle in position; later we found out that they had just put it in its position for an upcoming launch.  We googled the events and marked our calendar so that we wouldn't miss the 'take off' which is now scheduled for November 16th.  The date has changed since we first marked our calendars and you can learn more details about the launch and any changes in dates/time by visiting http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy the some great tasting recipes while you are counting down to lift off!

Moon Rock Soup!

Moon Rock Soup is my twist on an oldie but goodie.  I grew up knowing a version of this recipe as pastina and others might know a similar version called the Italian Wedding Soup.  My children have eaten this since they were very young and it has been a tasty, healthy alternative they have really enjoyed.

1 pound ground turkey

1 cup parmesan cheese
1 box star shaped pastina or other small pasta
3 large fresh carrots
10 oz. frozen chopped spinach (thawed)
1 large can chicken broth (48 oz.)
4 eggs
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper

Pre-cook the pasta as directed on the package, drain; set aside. Mix the ground turkey and parmesan cheese together thoroughly; set aside. Pour the chicken broth into a pan. Fill the can half full of water and add to the chicken broth.

Make small meatballs with the meat mixture approximately 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter to form moon rocks for your soup. As you make the moon rock meatballs add them to the chicken broth. After you have added all of the moon rock meatballs, bring the broth to a boil and let them simmer on high in the broth for 30 minutes.

Peel and either shred the Carrots to add to the soup or put them into a food processor. Add the spinach, carrots, bouillon, salt and pepper to the mixture and simmer until the carrots are tender.

Scramble the eggs in a separate bowl and add to the soup. Cook for 10 minutes.

Add the pasta to your colorful galaxy mix, season to taste with additional bouillon, salt and pepper if desired and serve

Did You Know?!?

That some of the moon rocks found by astronauts have been determined to be 3.3 billion years old and that some are even older? Scientists are able to determine their age through a special radioactive age dating technique.

Coo Coo for Coconuts!

If you've read any of my blogs, then you know that we are all about experimenting and trying new and different tastes!  I've chatted about it before & I'm certain to again, but the produce section of your grocery store is a great place for kids to pick out all types of new things to try.

This week my daughter spotted the coconuts and so, yes, one came home for the taste testing.  She carried it all the way through the store and throughout the house in great anticipation of the grand coconut opening.  I hadn't planned on opening it that very night, but in the mind of a child is there really any other plan? 

So, first things first, we had to go to the phone to call Grandpa for coconut opening instructions, because when I was young, we actually would buy fresh coconuts.  In fact, I can still remember my dad standing at the counter opening them for us and pouring the milk into glasses for us to taste. 

According to Grandpa, we had to make a hole between the three spots on the one end of the coconut.  My dad recommended using an auger tool, but instead we tried a screw driver and taped it with a hammer;  NOT a good idea! It cracked the coconut and we lost most of the juice.  We did salvage some of it for a sip or two, but not much. 

Then we took a hammer (like grandpa suggested) and cracked the rest of the coconutt.  Cracking the coconut on a concrete floor is a must as the process could crack tiles, counter tops, etc.  In the end, my kids discovered it wasn't a fruit they would eat every week, but it was a fun experiment and now we are planning to cook with what's left.

Cooking with Pooh & Piglet....

I had surprise visitors on Sunday, November 1st at the Family Fall Festival in Saratoga Springs, New York!  Pooh & Piglet joined the first group through to make a snack with the kids....

World Series - Facts & Trivia!

I always love fun little facts!  Did you know?!?

*  The World Series is 106 years old?

*  Mickey Mantle hit the most home runs in a World Series? 18 in total!

*  The NY Yankees have played in more World Series games than any other team? 

*  The NY Yankees have won more World Series games than any other team?

*  The NY Yankees have lost more  World Series games than any other team?

*  You can find my Home Run Quesadilla by visiting http://www.pricechopper.com/Recipes/Detail/6773/Home_Run_Quesadillas/

Enjoy the series....if you are planning to watch of course!

The Edible Eyeball Snatcher

I was at an event on Friday making edible eyeballs with kids for Halloween. A gentleman visited my table and asked what I was doing & I explained and offered him an eye raising sweet treat, but he declined. A short while later I noticed him pacing back and forth behind my table, but didn't get a chance to give him much attention as I had a table full of treat makers at the moment. When I bent to my left to help a couple of children with their snack he suddenly reached in and snatched the sample I had made for everyone to follow. We all laughed and he seemed to go on about his way and I made another sample.


It wasn't long before he was back. He was now circling the table and his odd behavior had demanded the attention of people around. As I finished helping another little snack maker and an opening appeared at the front of the table he ran in and snatched the sample again sitting on my table. Everyone laughed again & I proceeded to make another sample for display. He came back one more time, I guess three was the magic number, and he snatched one final time.  He then ran out of the store as if he had stolen something and didn't want to get caught.

When I shared the story with my family they laughed and told me that it reminded them of the seagulls at the beach! I guess edible eyeballs at Halloween are a treat for all ages although they don't really have to be snatched to be eaten...

The "After Math"

Yes, Halloween is followed by the 'Candy After Math!' For kids, it's exciting; counting the candy, sorting the candy, planning on how to eat as much as possible.....For parents, it's a time to plot; how to get rid of some of the candy and not let them digest it all in one full swoop.

Many of my friends were more creative than I with Goblins & Witch Fairies visiting the night of Halloween to take some of the candy leaving behind a non-edible replacement as a thank you.  In my kitchen, we decided to bake it up so that most of it was used up and it didn't linger.  Here was what came out of my motherly plotting;

Junk Bar Madness

1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Chocolate candies from the Halloween Stash

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Begin by having your children select a variety of chocolate/chocolate coated candies from their Halloween Stash.  Chop them into small pieces.  If you have an enclosed chopper it's a fun project for a child to do.  Otherwise you might have to take over the sharp knife with little fingers & let them do the measuring.  Continue the process until you have 2 cups of chopped candy.  Set the chopped candy aside.

Mix all of the remaining ingredients into a bowl.  Stir in the chocolate candies.  Pour the batter into a 13 x 9 pan, preferably glass.  Bake for approximately 30 minutes, until golden brown and you can insert a knife without dough sticking to it.

Enjoy the Junk Bar Madness and share it with others if you still don't want to eat it all!