J&D's New Bacon Products Review

I am in love with the taste of J&D's BaconSalt and Baconnaise. It adds such a nice seasoning to everyday foods. I am thrilled to share 2 new products from the J&D's Bacon Line.

First is Bacon Ranch. This is a mix with the delicious bacon taste the J&D's is famous for. What I like about the Bacon Ranch is you can make it 2 ways. As a dressing made with buttermilk and mayonaise or as a dip using sour cream. Each method produces a scrumptious bacon treat. I made the dressing and used it on a green salad and it was so good I had another helping. It was easy to make and very tasty. As a dip it was perfect for vegetables, chips, and pretzels. Good stuff.

Second is a totally different direction of MmmVelopes. These are envelopes with the bacon flavoring that you taste as you lick the envelope to seal it. No more gross tasting envelopes. What is cool about the MmmVelopes is they actually look like a bacon strip too. Light colored bacon striping on the MmmVelopes makes for even more fun. You know they really give you the flavor of bacon. Interesting!


Both new products along with the great tasting BaconSalt and more are available directly from the J&D's Store. If there is a bacon lover in your family these might be the perfect holiday gift idea.

I think the folks at J&D's are really having a lot of fun with their bacon seasonings. I wonder what they will come up with next? Bacon Hot Chocolate Justin?

Many thanks to Justin of J&D's for providing the review samples.


Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Molla Space - Art of Living Review

My home has no theme of decor other than Early American Lived In. I do wish I could have a designer home. Maybe someday (sigh). Even though it may be out of reach for now I can still experience clever designer art and design with the help of Molla Space. What a fun place to shop.

Our mission is to advocate, advance, and create the art of living in our own way. As commercialism dictates the definition of trend and fashion in our daily lives, our desire for uniqueness and creativity are often forgotten. For this reason, we hope to enrich your surroundings with self-expression, discovery and individuality through our work.

The products at Molla Space are pretty interesting and eye catching. Design is abundant in the many categories of items available. Clever, fun, graphic and just down right cool things can be purchased at Molla Space. Browse the Desk and Stationery section and you will find a Fish Pen, a Mousetrap Mousepad, and a Delete Grenade (for getting rid of pesky things). The Home Accessories section is where I had the most fun. How about a Peaceful Bomb Vase or a Outline Vase? In the Kitchen and Tableware category I found a neat looking Shadow Coaster that would look great on any desk. Take the time to browse all the sections of Molla Space and you will find even more designer "art" for your home or office.

Courtesy of Molla Space I received my own Printing Vase. This is a great idea. The vase is made of a polyester material in the shape of a decorative vase complete with designs. The PrintingVase Sleeve fits over an empty wine bottle to create a fancy vase. No wasting the wine bottle and it can now be put in any decor. Ingenious. My Printing Vase is the Black Blossom style which has white blossoms on the black material. It looks pretty and makes use of an otherwise discarded item. Right now the Printing Vase is on sale for only $10.00 and it comes in a black or white and 2 designs. I am impressed with the Printing Vase.
For something special and designer in your home, shop at Molla Space. You will be amazed at the style you will find at reasonable prices. If you have an eye for art and graphic designs, check out Molla Space. I have added a touch of designer to my lived in style. Thanks Molla Space.

Many thanks to Jeff of Molla Space for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Carapelli Olive Oil Coupon and Recipes

Here is a special promotion from Carapelli Olive Oil. You can get a $1.00 off coupon on their website valid thru 12/30/2009.  If you like to use Olive Oil to cook with take advantage of the added savings and get your coupon today. By using three-quarters of a teaspoon of olive oil for every one teaspoon of butter or margarine, chefs at home can reduce the fat in their holiday menu by up to 25 percent.

Here are some delicious sounding recipes provided by Carapelli.

Olive Oil & Herb Mashed Potatoes

Serving Size: 12

Categories: Side Dish

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 10 Russet potatoes: peeled cut in half
• 1/2 cup Tuscan herb paste -- See recipe below**
• 1 cup heavy cream: warmed
• 3/8 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt

Directions

1. Boil Potatoes in salted water. When cooked tender, mash potatoes.
2. Mix salt and pepper with Tuscan herb paste, Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil and warm heavy cream. Fold into potatoes.

Tuscan Herb Paste

Ingredients

¾ cup Carapelli Light In Taste Olive Oil
1 cup Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh basil
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh rosemary
½ packed cup fresh Italian parsley
½ ounce (1 tablespoon) fresh thyme
1 ounce (2 tablespoons) fresh sage
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

1. Blend Herbs and crushed red pepper with Carapelli Light In Taste Olive Oil using a blender or food processor.
2. Stir in Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

and on the website is a Tuscan Roast Turkey recipe. Yum! Enjoy!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Ideas Summary

I have featured quite a few Holiday Gift Ideas over the past few weeks. Here is a listing of some of my reviews in once place, plus a few other items that I think would make great gift selections this year.

Kitchen:
GelPro Anti-fatigue mats can be ordered direct from GelPro starting at $99.00.
Mug Revolution Handmade Coffee Mugs starting at $18.00
Butter Bell Crocks for an elegant holiday butter server. Special Buy 2 get one free Santa Crock.
Friis Coffee Savor canister for keeping coffee fresh. Perfect for the coffee lover.
Flirty Aprons for that cute spunk in the kitchen. $10 off your entire purchase when you purchase $60 or more. This special ends Monday 11/30 at midnight. The coupon code is 10OFFAPRON.
Electric Lazy Susan Buffet from Nostalgia Electrics. Great for parties.
To Go Ware for green lunches. November 27-30th enjoy 30% off all purchases of $10 or more, using the coupon code THANKS30.

Gourmet:
Bea's Gift Baskets and Gifts. Free Shipping On Any Gift Basket or Gift of $50 or More!
Kiss My Thistle Shortbread Shop for scrumptious goodies.
Scrumptulicious Cookies makes wonderful sweet treats.
Bella Biscotti for fantastic cookies and biscotti.
Kauffman's Fruit Farm for fine fruits and gifts.
Larry's Beans Coffee Artists for Cowboy Coffee.
Vivani - The art of chocolate.
Asher's Chocolates yummy chocolate covered pretzels and more. Monday 11/30 Only! Online Promo Code: CYBERSALE for free shipping!
Bella Biscotti scrumptious biscotti and cookies.
Bliss Candies decadent smores and caramels.
Aroma Ridge coffees and cakes. Yum.

Books:
How to Roast a Lamb is available from Amazon and other booksellers.
Once in a Blue Moon by Eileen Goudge is available from Amazon and other booksellers.
New York Cooks recipes from New York Chefs available from Amazon.
250 Treasured Country Desserts available from Amazon .
Cookie Craft Christmas available from Amazon.
Field Guide to Candy guide book and recipe book for candy lovers available at Amazon.
Top Chef The Quickfire Cookbook for the Chef in your family available at Amazon.

Home:
Soy Candles by Soy Delites. Beautiful Candles with lovely scents.
Calypso SHOP totes perfect for being green while shopping. Thanksgiving/Holiday Sale 20% OFF & FREE Freight - Promo Code Holiday09 good through Dec 5th.
Jennifer Squires Photography wonderful photos in high quality. Shop wide holiday sale on open edition 8x10 prints, $24 each! (Regularly $35)*
Vinyl Wall Expressions create your favorite quote for your walls.
Taraluna for fair trade products.
The Screaming Pillow when you just have to let it out!

Bath and Body:
Whish Body Products for excellent pampering ideas. Whish Body Scrub is delightful.
Beauty Bundles for many wonderful personal pampering gifts.
Pearl Distributors for fine pearl jewelry.
My Lip Stuff over 400 flavors of lip balm. Great Stocking Stuffers.
Cream Perfume Company has the cute little wood pots of perfume.

These are just a few of the wonderful products that I have reviewed. Be sure to check the sites of the products for specials they may be running for the holidays.

It was my pleasure to review the products and if you are looking for the perfect gift consider ordering from these fine businesses. They have the One 2 Try personal opinion stamp of approval.

Happy Shopping.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Idea - Eating (A Memoir) Book Review

I know how food makes me feel. I am one of those people that lives to eat instead of eating to live. I bet I am not alone. Food is such a central part of everything we do. Chefs become chefs for their love of food. Foodies are in a class all by themselves. Then there are the cookbook writers, food artists and of course food television. Then there are food bloggers sharing good things with readers. It is interesting just how much food is a part of our everyday lives.

I recently had the opportunity to read a memoir book by Jason Epstein - Eating. Jason brings his love of food to us in casual conversation style. He details the many lunches and dinners on all parts of the country as if he was talking to us across the table. It is simple conversation stories. Even better, Jason includes recipes in the same conversational format. Simple delightful recipes explained like a story, with wit and love of ingredients. My favorite chapter was Lunch in a World Turned Upside Down. Jason details his first lunch in New York City after the 9/11 events in a very emotional time. The recipes included are from Sag Harbor for Lobster rolls, Oysters and Warm Bass Salad.




I enjoyed reading Eating. My only want was that it was longer. It grabbed my attention and I wanted to read more but it seemed to end so quick. It is a lovely well written book.

Eating A Memoir can be ordered at Amazon or check with your local book sellers.

Category: Biography & Autobiography - Personal Memoirs; Cooking - Essays; Cooking - American
Format: Hardcover, 192 pages
On Sale: October 27, 2009
Price: $25.00
ISBN: 978-1-4000-4296-8 (1-4000-4296-8)

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Studio Marcy - Unique Lampwork Glass Beads Review

I love cute glass beads. I have admired Studio Marcy on Etsy for some time now. Marcy makes the cutest glass beads in fun characters and designs. I love her food beads. She presently has a Key Lime Pie, Pancakes and syrup, Ice Cream Sandwich and Butterfly Cupcake charm for sale. So adorable. She just posted a really cute Dancing Santa Glass Bead in beautiful colors. Browse her shop and look at the detailed work in her glass beads. The items all have personality.

I recently asked Marcy to create a custom piece for me. We discussed the design of a Cupcake Girl Charm. Through several messages and a few prototypes we worked together to get my charm just right. She made the charm in a short time and the price was very reasonable for a custom bead. Only $28.00. My Cupcake Girl charm is a beautiful chocolate brown with a frilly pink cupcake dress, pink accents and lovely pink cheeks. She even has a cherry in her hair. What I love about her the most is she looks like me! My hair style, my chubby cheeks and love of chocolate. It is not very small either, it is larger than a quarter. Marcy did a spectacular job in creating just what I wanted. Now I can't wait to create a necklace so I can wear her. 

Isn't she the cutest?


Marcy is a glass artist who loves making people smile through whimsical beads and sculptures. She is happy to discuss custom orders and is adding new beads to the shop all the time. So keep checking back. It always makes me smile to look at her fun glass work. Now I have one of my own.

Shop at Studio Marcy today. You might just find the smile in your day in her glass characters.

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day Review

Home made bread. Is there anything that smells as delicious as the lovely loaves baking in the oven? Now there is a new book from the authors of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. The second title is Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day features 100 new recipes using Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables and Gluten-Free Ingredients. The process is the same as Artisan Bread where you mix enough dough for many loaves and store it in the refrigerator. Having the dough available allows you to make fresh bread with additional ingredients at a moments notice.



My sister has been making recipes from the Artisan Bread book for a long time now. She says it is so easy and the bread is fantastic. On her recommendation I could not wait to review the copy of Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day I was provided. I enjoyed browsing the recipes in Healthy Bread. They all sound fabulous. My only concern is the availability of the ingredients themselves. The recipes call for Vital Wheat Gluten, Whole Wheat Flour, Rye Flour, Graham Flour, Bulgar, Oats and more. Not something I can easily obtain at my local grocery store. If you have access to a health food store or whole foods store, you may find the ingredients much easier to locate. I would love to make the Whole Grain Rye Bread, Bradley Benn's Beer Bread, and Wild Rice Pilaf Bread. They all take wonderful whole grain healthy ingredients. There is a Carrot Bread recipe that is calling my name. Carrots, coconut, pineapple baked in a whole grain dough. Mmmmmm I really must try this one. Off to the healthy market!

The authors Jeff Hertzberg, M.D. and Zoe Francois also have a website for tips and recipes and answers to your questions.

You can purchase Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day, and the first book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day at Amazon or check with your book seller. This book would make an excellent gift.

Here is a recipe for you to try!

Chocolate Espresso Whole Wheat Bread

by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoë François,

Authors of Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day: 100 New Recipes Featuring Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Gluten-Free Ingredients

"I was so pleased when the nutritional powers that be deemed dark chocolate and espresso 'good for you'. Considering what a large portion of my diet they occupy, I was relieved to know I no longer needed to feel guilty, not that I ever really had. So in an attempt to make you all a bit healthier and a lot happier I've come up with Chocolate Espresso Bread. Not too sweet but packed with flavor." --Zoë

Makes enough dough for at least two 2-pound loaves. The recipe is easily doubled or halved. Use any leftover dough to make cupcakes.

2 cups whole wheat flour
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 cup cocoa powder
1½ tablespoons granulated yeast, or 2 packets
1 tablespoon kosher salt (increase or decrease to taste)
¼ cup vital wheat gluten
1 cup lukewarm brewed espresso or strong coffee
1¼ cups lukewarm water
4 large eggs
½ cup neutral-flavored oil
¾ cup honey
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) for brushing on top crust
Raw sugar for sprinkling on top

1. Mixing and storing the dough: Whisk together the flours, cocoa powder, yeast, salt, and vital wheat gluten in a 5-quart bowl, or a lidded (not airtight) food container.

2. Combine the liquid ingredients and the chopped chocolate and mix with the dry ingredients without kneading, using a spoon, a 14-cup food processor (with dough attachment), or a heavy-duty stand mixer (with paddle). You might need to use wet hands to get the last bit of flour to incorporate if you're not using a machine.

3. The dough will be loose, but it will firm up when chilled. Don't try to use it without chilling at least 2 hours.

4. Cover (not airtight), and allow the dough to rest at room temperature until it rises and collapses (or flattens on top), approximately 2 hours.

5. Refrigerate it in a lidded (not airtight) container and use over the next 5 days. Beyond that, the dough stores well in the freezer for up to 2 weeks in an airtight container. Freeze it in 2-pound portions. When using frozen dough, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before use, then allow the usual rest/rise time.

6. On baking day, grease an 8½× 4½-inch nonstick loaf pan. Dust the surface of the refrigerated dough with flour and cut off a 2-pound (cantaloupe-size) piece. Dust the piece with more flour and quickly shape it into a ball by stretching the surface of the dough around to the bottom on all four sides, rotating the ball a quarter-turn as you go.

7. Elongate the ball into an oval and place it into the loaf pan; your goal is to fill the pan about three-quarters full. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rest and rise for 1 hour 45 minutes.

8. Thirty minutes before baking time, preheat the oven to 350°F, with a rack placed in the center of the oven. If you're not using a stone in the oven, a 5-minute preheat is adequate. Steam is not needed.

9. Just before baking, Use a pastry brush to brush the loaf's top crust with egg wash, and then sprinkle with the raw sugar.
10. Bake near the center of the oven for approximately 45 to 50 minutes, until firm.

11. Remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool on a rack before slicing and eating.

Copyright © 2009 Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoë François, authors of Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day: 100 New Recipes Featuring Whole Grains, Fruits, Vegetables, and Gluten-Free Ingredients

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Review

Enticing, exhilarating and sensual describes the new fragrance perfume line from Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries sold exclusively at Sephora. The first fragrance in the series is Bare Skin.

I was able to sample this lovely fragrance. I am not a fragrance expert and I could not tell the notes in the scent as described above. I do know what I like. I did smell a fresh, clean musky scent with richness and elegance. The fragrance is uplifting and sensual. I really like it. I found it very pleasing. I have asked for a full size bottle as a gift this year.

The Bare Skin product line includes:

Bare Skin Eau de Parfum 1.7oz ($55)
Bare Skin Solid Perfume Compact ($35)
Bare Skin Perfumed Body Cream ($30)

Each product can be ordered direct from Sephora or check your local Sephora retail store.

For an exquisite gift this holiday consider purchasing Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries fragrance Bare Skin. It is a gift that will delightfully linger long after the holiday.

Many thanks to Catherine and Bare Skin for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Smith Teas Review

As many of you know I enjoy a lovely cup of tea in the evenings. I look for lighter caffeine types of tea to drink as an after dinner moment. I was recently introduced to Smith Tea. With many years of experience Steven Smith Teamaker has taken his love of tea and produced fine teas in small numbered batches. Exquisite in ingredients, taste and looks. Smith Teas are truly a fine tea.


For this review I was thrilled to receive an assortment of teas from Steven Smith. My first impression is the classy appearance of the packaging. It is a lovely antique looking design in earthy colors with clean graphics. The appearance is a clue to the high quality of the tea inside. First I tried the Herbal Infusions. I first tasted the Peppermint Leaves herbal Infusion. It was so refreshing and clean in taste. The aroma was a nice peppermint. I found the Peppermint Leaves a very soothing drink perfect for after dinner or before bedtime. I sampled Big Hibiscus Herbal Infusion made from Hibiscus Flowers with added roots, flowers and lemon myrtle. I liked the fruity flavor of this tea. It was very red in color and a pleasure to the eyes. The Herbal Infusions are a real treat all caffeine free.

Venturing into the White Teas, I enjoyed a cup of White Petal Full Leaf White Tea. This tea was bliss in a cup. So delicate in taste with a smoothness to the last sip. My favorite tea was a black tea named Kandy. This tea was rich, flavorful and pleasing. The flavors of the Ceylon teas work together for a delicious cup. This tea is perfect for anytime.

All of the flavors of Smith Tea were equally wonderful. From White, Green and Oolong teas, the Black teas and the Herbal Infusions a tea drinker will find the best blend for their taste at Smith Teas.

You can order Smith Teas direct from the online shop. Steven Smith knows tea and it is our pleasure that he shares it with us.

Many thanks to Steve Smith for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Smart Balance Milk Review

I love using Smart Balance products in my kitchen. The Smart Balance Spreads are my buttery spread of choice. I have used them for quite a while now, my family enjoys the taste. I was thrilled to be offered a chance to sample the New Smart Balance Milk products. The milk has been received so well in the testing communities that Smart Balance has decided to distribute the milk nationwide. It is currently on a limited release and can be found in FL, ME, RI, MA, CT, NY (Metro NY and Albany), NJ, VT, NH, and GA. It will soon be available nationwide.

Smart Balance™ Milks taste rich and creamy like fuller-fat milks but with less saturated fat and more nutritional benefits. Smart Balance™ Milks, available in fat free and low fat varieties, contain more calcium and protein than regular whole milk; and come in varieties offering heart-healthy Omega-3s; and include Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant.

The Smart Balance Milk comes in 4 varieties:
Smart Balance™ Fat Free Milk and Omega-3s & Vitamin E
Smart Balance™ Low Fat Milk and Omega-3s & Vitamin E
Smart Balance™ HeartRight™ Fat Free Milk and Omega-3s, Vitamin E & Natural Plant Sterols
Smart Balance™ Fat Free Milk and Antioxidant Vitamin E

All of the Smart Balance milks have no hormones added.

It is not yet available in my area but courtesy of Smart Balance I was sent 2 cartons of milk to sample. My first sampling was the 1% LowFat Milk. I found it very delicious. It is rich and creamy like whole milk. The lowfat milk contains 30% more calcium and 30% more protien than whole milk with less fat. With the added omega-3's and Vitamin E, I was not sure it would compromise the taste. It did not affect taste at all. The milk tasted fresh, creamy and very smooth. I found myself drinking extra glasses of milk just for the taste. The Fat Free milk was also very refreshing without the added fat. I can't wait until it is available in my grocery stores. It will be my milk of choice. With so many great tasting good for you products, try the entire line of Smart Balance in your kitchen.

For a fresh tasting healthy milk try Smart Balance Milks for your family today. Check with your grocers for availabilty.

Many thanks to Kaitlin and Smart Balance for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

P.B. Loco Peanutbutterlicious! Review

I enjoy peanut butter but never as much as the scrumptious peanut butter concoctions from P.B. Loco.

It is an Adults Only Peanut Butter. Some P.B.Loco flavors may be too intense for younger taste buds. If you have parents or guardians, they should be looking over your shoulder.

P.B.Loco is peanut butter for adults who already know the scintillating pleasures of cold microbrews, left-of-the dial bands and independent movies. It's for grownups who aren't completely grown up and who are averse to button-down shirts, closed-toed sandals, and life without a dog.

I love the wonderful flavors:

Peanut Butter with CocoaBanana
Peanut Butter with Asian Curry Spice
Peanut Butter with Dark Chocolate Duo
Peanut Butter with Jungle Banana
Peanut Butter with Raspberry White Chocolate
Peanut Butter with Chocolate-Chip Cookie Dough
Peanut Butter with Sumatra Cinnamon and Raisin
Peanut Butter - Munchy Crunchy
Peanut Butter - Dreamy Creamy

Is your mouth watering yet? The flavors are incredible. How do they think of these wonderful combinations. I think I need to be a taste tester for future flavors. Courtesy of P.B. Loco I received two sample size jars to taste. The funny thing is the jars were both the same flavor. It was the Peanut Butter Raspberry White Chocolate. Mmmmmm so delicious! I have always loved raspberry with chocolate and the P.B. Loco flavor does not disappoint. I found it smooth and creamy white chocolaty with a wonderful raspberry fruitiness. I had it on english muffins and toast and plain from the jar. It was so good I need to order a full size jar. I plan on ordering the CocoaBanana flavor too. I bet that is fabulous. I wish the P.B.Loco cafe was in my area. I would be a frequent customer. The menu is filled with peanut butter goodness. Not close to a P.B. Loco Cafe, you can order online to make sandwiches in your own kitchen.

You can visit P.B. Loco for online ordering and by signing up for the "Free Stuff" you will receive coupons to use at P.B.Loco's online store. Here is an even better deal! Spend $30 or more at Pbloco.com and receive a FREE jar of P.B.Loco Dreamy Creamy Peanut Butter. To redeem this coupon, place $30 or more of merchandise in your shopping cart at Pbloco.com. Enter coupon code BLOG1209 when you checkout. A free jar will be added to your order. Offer expires December 25, 2009.

Peanut Butter lovers unite! Place your orders today! Your PBJ will never be the same again.

Many thanks to Macey of P.B. Loco for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Idea - Top Chef - The Quickfire Cookbook

I love the show Top Chef. I have seen just about every episode and like to choose my favorite early in the beginning to win the competition. I own the Top Chef Cookbook that is signed by Hung. It always makes me want to eat the fabulous dishes the Chefs are making. Just once I would like to be invited to one of the parties that they have to prepare a lot of food for. That would be a dream come true. In the mean time now I can read about and create Top Chef decadence in my own home. Top Chef - The Quickfire Cookbook brings to light many of the quickfire challenge recipes to drool over, or maybe not if the recipe did not work. With a foreword by Padma Lakshmi (the host) it makes great reading for any Top Chef fan.

First of all the book looks great. The cover is a lovely bright orange with the famous knife emblem raised in detail. There is a fire emblem embedded in the cover too. The bright colors continue throughout the book making it fun to read. The table of contents include: Ingredient Challenge, Time Challenge, Creativity Challenge, Technique Challenge and Judges' Challenge. Within each section are the mouthwatering recipes from many of the competing Chefs. Ilan, Stephanie, Jeff, Dale, Cliff, Hung and my absolute favorite Chef, Fabio. My mother is also a very big fan of the show and she always said she would eat anything that Fabio made. I agree. Mixed in with the recipes are color photos of the foods, the Chefs and many behind the scenes shots. You will find bios of the Chefs for each season. There are mini features like Who Cooked It Best and Plate Like A Master.

I adore this book as a fan of the show. I may never be an accomplished Chef but with the help of Top Chef - The Quickfire Cookbook, I can compete in my own kitchen. If you have a budding Chef, a fan of the show or a cookbook collector, consider Top Chef - The Quickfire Cookbook as a holiday gift this season. You just might get to taste the recipes.

Top Chef - The Quickfire Cookbook can be purchased direct from Chronicle Books, at Amazon or check with you local bookseller.

Top Chef: The Quickfire Cookbook
By the creators of Top Chef
Foreword by Padma Lakshmi
Photographs by Antonis Achilleos

8 x 10 in; 224 pp ; images throughout
Hardcover
Published in September, 2009
ISBN 9780811870825
ISBN10 0811870820

Many thanks to Chronicle Books for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Idea - Ms Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar

Courtesy of Zojirushi, I received a Ms. Bento Lunch Jar to experience for this review. The Ms. Bento I was sent is very useful. The outer stainless steel container holds the 3 inner containers in a locking jar. The inner containers are perfect for carrying soup in the bottom one, a main dish in the middle, and a side dish in the top bowl that fits in the lid. By pre-warming the outer container as well as the soup bowl and main container with hot water for jsut a few minutes, will keep your food warm until meal time. The side dish in the lid stays cool for veggies or crackers or any thing you can think of. What I like about the Ms Bento is this model comes with its own canvas carrying bag that matches the Ms Bento Jar. It also comes with a forked spoon to carry in the bag. It is all you need to enjoy a wonderful meal. How does it work? Very well. I used it for soup and it was the perfect portion, the soup bowl holds 6.8 oz. I put rice and hot veggies in the main bowl, it holds 10.5 oz. and they also stayed warm. In the lid divided side dish container, it holds 11.2 oz, I had slices of apple and some crackers. They stayed fresh without becoming heated by the hot food. The Ms. Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar is very easy to use and easy to clean for the next time. No more fast food money spent or sandwich bags wasted. Very green for the environment.

You can purchase the Ms Bento Stainless Steel Lunch Jar at Amazon. For other fantastic lunch jar models visit Zojirushi. They also make many more products like rice cookers, electric kettles, carafes and more. You are sure to find the perfect holiday gift.

Many thanks to Krista of Zojirushi for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Idea - Electric Lazy Susan Buffet

Holiday dinners are a special time in my family. Unless you are the one in the kitchen doing all the cooking. It can be a challenge getting everything to the table at the same time, hot and ready to eat. I found the perfect solution. The Electric Lazy Susan Buffet from Nostalgia Electrics. This appliance is a great addition to any kitchen. For entertaining, holiday dinners, special occasions to everyday dinners, the Electric Lazy Susan Buffet will become your favorite appliance.

The Electric Lazy Susan Buffet™ is the perfect all-in-one serving solution and a great addition to any dining table. Its simplicity of use and elegant design make it ideal for entertaining guests. The unit breaks down to a warming tray, large buffet cooking pan and four dishes with polycarbonate covers that hold 1.5 quarts of food. After cooking, the cord can easily be removed from the warming tray unit to serve family and guests as a Lazy Susan, keeping foods warm for up to one hour. Made of resilient and easy-to-clean stainless steel with cool-touch handles, this appliance is designed to provide years of enjoyment.


I am thrilled to have received an Electric Lazy Susan Buffet to try for this review. My first impression is it looks great. The stainless steel with silver handles makes it look classy and able to go with any decor. The size of the buffet is large enough for 4 generous dishes. It comes with 4 small warming trays with lids. You can use the buffet with all the small warming trays or you can remove them and use the large warming tray for bigger meals. I like the feature in the lids of the notched opening for the serving spoon to be kept in the dish. That is a handy feature. I also like the lazy susan aspect of the buffet server. The entire tray rotates on ball bearings so each different dish can be easily reached. The best feature of all is the warming temperature. It takes a mere 15 to 20 minutes of plug in time to reach the maximum temperature, then you can unplug it from the wall and it will stay at the warm temperature for up to 60 minutes before having to be plugged in again. You can place the buffet right in the middle of the table and not have to worry about the cord. I think that is fantastic. Hot food for everyone. The Electric Lazy Susan Buffet is a perfect gift for any host or hostess, or everyday meal maker. My only concern for the product is the storage when not in use. It is rather large and does not fit in my cupboards without removing everything else. I am limited on space in my kitchen so I have to keep my buffet in the garage until the next time. With only the one storage issue drawback because of my small kitchen, I still recommend the Electric Lazy Susan Buffet.

I am a big fan of Nostalgia Electric products. I have a few of their appliances. I have used the quesadilla maker for many years. It makes delicious, crispy quesadillas in just a few minutes.


My nephew loves my Old Fashioned Movie Time 53" Popcorn Cart.  I received it as a Christmas present a few years ago. It makes the theater style popcorn and stores it in the cart for serving. It is so much fun to watch the popcorn pop while the aroma fills the house. My nephew requests popcorn every time he visits. It is a pleasure to make.

You can purchase selected Nostalgia Electric products at many retail locations.

For direct ordering of the:
Electric Lazy Susan Buffet - visit Manufacturers Clearance or Amazon.
Electric Quesadilla Maker - visit Manufacturers Clearance or Amazon.
Old Fashioned Movie Time Popcorn Cart - Visit Manufacturers Clearance or Amazon.

Shop Nostalgia Electrics for these and many more fun appliances. Think holiday gift giving!

Many thanks to Jessica of Nostalgia Electrics for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis Electric Lazy Susan Buffet for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Daregal Fresh Frozen Herbs Review

I like to incorporate herbs and spices in my cooking. My only problem is having the fresh herbs on hand. Daregal Fresh Frozen Herbs is my answer to always having herbs available. Why choose Daregal Fresh Frozen Herbs? Convenience for one. The herbs are picked and packaged within 3 hours of harvest. They retain all their flavor, aroma and nutrients. They are washed, chopped and ready to use. Once washed, the herbs are coated with a light mist of natural vegetable oils preventing the herb particles from sticking to one another. This unique process preserves the flavor, aroma and color of the freshly picked herbs. A huge plus is the shelf life. The Daregal Fresh Frozen Herbs will stay fresh in your freezer for 36 months. Fresh herbs anytime for any recipe always on hand.

The selection of Daregal Fresh Frozen Herbs includes:


Here's another bonus from Daregal . Enter the 2009 Sweepstakes for your chance to win 6 Fresh Frozen Herbs every week.
Many thanks to Mike of Daregal for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Idea - Flirty Aprons

Over the summer I had the pleasure of featuring Flirty Aprons in a review. I was sent a lovely Women's Original Apron in Cocoa Lime. The colors match my blog! I love my apron. It is cute, stylish and very durable. Flirty Aprons has just announced a new design Scalloped Aprons. They come in Sassy Red, Chic Teal and Saucy Safari. Very flirty and colorful. With styles for women, men and children and prices starting at $19.95. a Flirty Apron would make a wonderful holiday gift.



Flirty Aprons is also new to Facebook. Become a fan and be entered into a drawing to receive two Flirty Aprons!

Here's the link:

Flirty Aprons Facebook.

Da Cajn Critter Cookbook Review

I love cookbooks. I have collected many over the years. Sometimes I will sit and read a cookbook more than a novel. I love learning about new ways to cook and different regions of culinary tastes. I was recently introduced to a Cajun cookbook call da cajn critter by Pamela D. Lyles. What an absolute joy to read. The colors of the book are very inviting. A bright yellow cover with the cutest Chef crawfish critter. This book is written with a lot of love. Pamela grew up in New Orleans and has been cooking since she was a little girl. Her collection of 185 recipes is gathered from many family and heirloom recipes and a love of good southern foods.

There are 3 rules every Critter lives by:

Rule #1
The first rule of cooking with Da Cajn Critter is that there are no rules. It’s all about having fun and enjoying whatever you are making.

You will have to read the book to find out about the other 2 rules.

I enjoyed da cajn critter cover to cover. I have many recipes bookmarked to make. The categories are so much fun. Let's Get This Party Started is appetizers. Rise and Shine with Da Critter is Breads, Breakfasts and Brunches. The Main Events is Meats, Fowl and more. They Saved the Best for Last is Desserts. The book is filled with a wonderful southern charm feel. It made me want to pull up a chair in Pamela's kitchen and watch her cook her magic. The recipes are mouthwatering. All with a southern touch. I can't wait to make Cool Crab Meat on Artichokes. Yum. Mardi Gras Jello shots anyone? I simply must make Aunt Norma's Coffee Cake. It is an heirloom recipe from Pamela's family. How nice to share it with us. From soups to desserts this cookbook brings the cajun meal to everyone. Spicy, rich, scrumptious southern eats done perfectly by da cajn critter.

Here is the Thanksgiving Menu from da cajn critter:

Da Cajn Critter’s
Thanksgiving Menu

Linda & Kathryn’s Famous Pesto Brie (Pg 17)
Mama Bea’s Cheese Cookies (Pg 11)
Mama Bea’s Salted Pecans (Pg 21)
Served with Chardonnay Wine


Pomegranate Salad (Pg 53)
Baked Turkey (Pg 94)
Or
Cajun Fried Turkey (Pg 95)
Dirty Rice Dressing (Pg 127)
Sweet Potato Casserole (Pg 126)
Green Bean & Mushroom Casserole (Pg 121)
Oyster Dressing (Pg 103)
Served with Viognier or Pinot Noir Wine


Mom’s Pecan Pie (Pg 164)
Mama Bea’s& Dorothy’s Cherry Pie (Pg 163)
Whipped Cream Topping (Pg 166)
Coffee & Tea
Served with Champagne

If you have turkey leftovers, make
Uncle Alan’s After -Thanksgiving Turkey Gumbo (Pg 84)

Yum. Sounds delicious to me and all the recipes are in the cookbook.

You can order your copy of da cajn critter from dacajncritter.com for $24.95 per book. It is also available at Amazon. This is a wonderful collection of recipes sure to please any chef. This cookbook would make a useful holiday gift.

Cravin Cajun? Got the hots for Gumbo? Crawfish Boil? da cajn critter brings you the best southern flavors. Whoooo Eeeee! That's some good eatins.

Many thanks to Perri and da cajn critter, Pamela, for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Winner - I Sew Cute Necklace

The Winner for the I Sew Cute Necklace is:

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38 Timestamp: 2009-11-18 22:01:38 UTC

38 Meredith said... I'm a subscriber!

Congrats to Meredith! I have sent a notification email. Thank you everyone for participating.

Eat Your Way To Happiness Book Review

Here is a great book to help get more happiness from the foods we eat. Eat Your Way To Happiness written by Elizabeth Somer M.A., R.D. details that healthy eating is a lot easier than you may think.

Discover:

The 1,2,3 combination of breakfast foods that will keep you energized all day.

Which carbs and fats to eat—and why the right ones will help elevate your mood and decrease your weight.

The 12 super foods that pack an added punch for boosting mood and slimming your waistline.

Nutritious foods that have been scientifically shown to tweak brain chemistry so you feel calmer, happier and more energetic—and more likely to stick to your diet.

The format of the book is easy to read. In the introduction there is a self assessment quiz to determine if you eat like a happy fit person. My results... I need help. Each chapter outlines one of 10 diet secrets to get you to your fit self. The chapters make sense. It starts with choosing real foods and limiting processed foods. There are some real foods that should be limited. By eating 75% of real foods you are already eating better.

The chapter I found the most interesting is secret 2 follow the 1-2-3 rule for a healthy breakfast. I skip breakfast quite frequently and to read how important it is to our systems to eat a healthy breakfast was awakening. The 1-2-3 rule is one to three servings of a high quality carpohydrate, 2 servings of fruits, and one protein. The chapter details each serving. I liked the one minute breakfast ideas for grab and go nutrition.

The other diet secrets explained in the book are:
Choose Quality Carbs
Adopt the 6% Solution
Sprinkle it with Super Mood Foods
Embrace the good fat
Get Smart with Supplements
Choose the right thirst quenchers
Indulge in the right vices
Eat right at night
and of course exercise.

Here are some meal ideas from the author:

1. Wrap It: Fill a Mission Life Balance flour tortilla with 2 ounces of turkey breast meat, 1⁄2 cup shredded romaine lettuce, 2 tablespoons grated carrot and 1 tablespoon low-fat Caesar salad dressing. Serve with a glass of 1% milk and a piece of fruit.

2. Salad Fixings: Top 3 cups of baby spinach and/or romaine lettuce with 1⁄2 cup berries, 1 tablespoon pecans, 1⁄2 cup broccoli florets, 1⁄3 cup kidney or black beans and 2 tablespoons low-fat dressing. Serve with 100% whole-grain bread and a slice of low-fat cheese.

3. Pocket It: Fill a 100% whole-wheat pita with 1⁄2 cup black beans, 1⁄4 cup grated carrot, 1⁄4 cup chopped cucumber, 1⁄4 cup diced red peppers and 2 tablespoons light Italian salad dressing. Serve with Rachel’s yogurt and a glass of 100% juice.

4. Burgerville: Top a 100% whole-wheat burger bun with a vegetarian burger, 2 tablespoons low-fat crumbled feta cheese, 1⁄3 cup baby spinach leaves, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Serve with a piece of fruit and a glass of 1% milk.

5. Chicken of the Sea Sandwich: Top 2 slices of 100% whole-grain bread with 2 large romaine lettuce leaves and a mixture of 2 ounces drained, water-packed tuna, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon fat-free mayo and 1⁄4 cup diced celery. Serve with a side salad or piece of fruit and a glass of soy milk.

6. Take-out Desperado: If you must go, then order a kid’s cheeseburger, a side salad with fat-free dressing and apple dippers, or Wendy’s Ultimate Chicken Grill Sandwich (hold the mayo), a carton of low-fat milk and a Mandarin Orange cup.

7. Soup ’n’ Sandwich: Have a bowl of Campbell’s Healthy Request Savory Chicken and Long Grain Rice soup and add extra frozen vegetables. Serve with fresh fruit and a grilled cheese sandwich made with 2 slices of 100% whole-grain bread, low-fat cheese and cooking spray instead of butter or oil.

8. Veggie Broil: Cut in half and toast a 100% whole-grain English muffin. On one side, put 2 tablespoons mashed avocado, 1⁄4 cup alfalfa sprouts, 1 thin slice red onion, 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and 2 teaspoons low-fat ranch dressing, and top with 1 ounce grated, low-fat cheddar cheese. Place under broiler and heat until cheese bubbles. Remove and add other side of muffin to form a sandwich. Serve with tomato juice and a side salad or fruit.

9. Campfire Crunch Sandwich: Mix 2 tablespoons fat-free cream cheese with a dash of lemon juice, lemon peel, 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries, 1⁄4 cup grated carrot and 3 tablespoons trail mix. Pile onto a slice of 100% whole-grain bread, spread evenly and top with second piece of bread to form a sandwich. Serve with 1% milk and a piece of fruit or a salad.

10. Bagel Sandwich and Slaw: Spread 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard on half a 100% whole-wheat bagel; layer red onion, cucumber, red pepper slices, spinach leaves and low-fat cheese; and top with the other half of the bagel. Serve with broccoli slaw made with broccoli-coleslaw mix, low-fat coleslaw dressing and dried cranberries.

It alls sounds delicious and easy enough to prepare. Healthy and scrumptious.

I found the information in Eat Your Way To Happiness very interesting to read and easy to understand. It certainly makes a lot of sense. The details are very well explained and almost textbook in nature. What is lacking for me in this book is motivation. It does read like a textbook with fantastic information and nutritious ideas, but for me I need some more motivational persuasion. There are some personal stories included where people have had good results. I know what I am supposed to do I just need more push to do it. I will continue to read Eat Your Way to Happiness and if I can change one thing at a time, I am on my way to better health.

Eat Your Way to Happiness
Product Details
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (November 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373892071

Many thanks to Julie for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis copy for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Winners to Announce!

All the lucky winners have been contacted by email. Thanks everyone for entering. Thank you to the sponsors for making all the giveaways possible.

Holiday Gift Idea - The Flour Pot Cookies Review

I just love cookies. It makes me smile to see and eat beautifully decorated cookies. The talent of the cookie makers amazes me. Taking cookies to a fine art is The Flour Pot - A Cookie Boutique. The Flour Pot is a labor of love run by Margie and Abbey, a mother and daughter team. With Margie's designs and Abbey's business skills, they grew The Flour Pot into a prominent cookie business with some very high class clients like Polo Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue and The Omni Hotels. Their cookies have been featured in many publications and on The Food Network. The beautiful Christmas Lights cookies are mentioned in Oprah's O-list for the month of December 2009.

The cookies are simply gorgeous. The online shop also reflects the design style and is a pleasure to browse through. Many designs are available for just about every occasion imaginable. Holidays, birthdays, bridal, corporate events, logo cookies and more are lovingly created by The Flour Pot. For this review I am honored to have received a sampling of a holiday cookie selection - Night Before Christmas.


Many thanks to Margie of The Flour Pot for providing the review sample.

Disclosure: I received a gratis sample for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Winners - Bliss Candies and Savespro gift card

Two lucky winners to announce:

Bliss Candies
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126 Timestamp: 2009-11-15 16:28:32 UTC

126 Stacey said... I would love to try the "not so plain Jane butterscotch fudge ripple bars"!

Savespro Amazon gift card
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379 Timestamp: 2009-11-15 16:34:55 UTC

379 Erica said... I would get the Murder, She Wrote: The Complete Tenth Season.

Both winners have been sent a notification email. Thank you everyone for entering. If you did not win this time, please visit the sponsors and make that purchase of something wonderful!

Holiday Gift Idea - Mrs. Renfro's Foods

Looking for something a little different for a holiday gift idea? Maybe you know someone who loves good salsas. A great gift idea is a variety of salsas and sauces sure to please. A very good place to shop is Mrs. Renfro's Foods. The salsas are made in the Tex Mex salsa tradition. The flavor combinations are loved by salsa fanatics everywhere. Mrs. Renfro's makes 17 kinds of salsa, 5 kinds of relish, and 7 other delicious food products. It is the salsa that I enjoyed for this review.

Courtesy of Mrs. Renfro's Foods I received a wonderful assortment of their best salsas to sample. Here on the West coast we eat salsa like ketchup. It goes on just about everything. All the flavors of the salsa are very Tex-Mex. The heat levels vary depending on the flavor. In my family we all like our heat levels a little different. My father in law goes straight for the real jalapeno Green Salsa. He loves it. I could see the heat in his eyes. When he was finished tasting the salsa, he took even more. Sweat beads on his forehead and all. He could not get enough. I shared more of the salsa with another family member who wanted to try the Tequila Salsa and the Garlic Salsa. Both of these flavors are listed as medium heat. He may not be a chili head because he thought these were both pretty intense in heat. He loved the flavor and the ingredients in the salsas and used them more in cooking. I myself am a mild salsa eater. I enjoy the fresh flavor combinations more than the heat of a salsa. My Mrs. Renfro's salsa of choice is the Black Bean Salsa. Delicious black beans with green chile peppers make for a great chip salsa. Not too spicy just right for salsa wimps like me. My other salsa that I could not get enough of is the Pineapple Salsa. Pineapple chunks, pineapple juice and crushed pineapple all add to this sweet heat salsa. This would be great on chicken.

There are so many fantastic salsas available from Mrs. Renfro's. Look for them in your local grocer's salsa sections. For the holidays you can order direct from Mrs. Renfro's in quantities of 4, 8, 12, etc. The jars will be packaged in a protective box perfect for giving. Pick your favorite flavors and make the perfect gift assortment for your salsa lovers. Order today for a steamy, snow melting, salsa season.

Many thanks to Doug of Renfro Foods for providing the review samples.

Disclosure: I received gratis samples for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Holiday Gift Idea - Bea's Gift Baskets

I am very pleased to introduce you to a fantastic Gift Basket company. Bea's Gift Baskets and Gifts. The gourmet gift baskets are incredible. You will find many sizes and themes of gift baskets. There is truly something for everyone at Bea's Gift Baskets. Here is some truly exciting news...Bea's has been chosen as the Official Gift Basket Designer for race car driver, Ryan Newman. That is right race fans Ryan Newman! Bea's has created specially designed gift baskets to benefit the Ryan Newman Foundation. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these great gift baskets will go to the Ryan Newman Foundation.


All proceeds for the Ryan Newman baskets will go towards The Ryan Newman Foundation who's mission is: To educate and encourage people to spay/neuter their pets and to adopt dogs and cats from animal shelters; to educate children and adults about the importance of conservation so the beauty of the great outdoors can be appreciated by future generations; and to provide college scholarship funding through the Rich Vogler Scholarship program to students interested in auto racing careers.

The Ryan Newman Basket contains some of Ryan's favorite things. You will also receive the book Pit Road Pets, created by Ryan & Krissie Newman. This wonderful hard back book is full of Nascar Stars and their pets. Contents:Chocolate Fudge Popcorn, White Cheddar Popcorn, Cashews, Peanut Butter Pretzels, Ghirardelli Chocolate Bars, Sausage, Camembert Cheese, Pepper Crackers, Pet Treats, and the popular book Pit Road Pets. A great gift for the holidays.

I had the opportunity to chat with Bea's Gift Baskets owner, an absolutely lovely person, Robin. I asked a few questions she was happy to answer:

Q: How did you get started working with Ryan?
A: I made the initial contact with the Ryan Newman Foundation after I saw a story on the news about some abused animals and that Ryan and his wife Krissie had helped.

Q: Will the exclusive gift baskets be available for purchase for the fans?
A: Fans may buy the Ryan Newman basket on my web site only.

Q: What is it like to work with both of them?
A:  These are some very nice people. Ryan is great!! Krissie is beautiful inside and out. Ryan's Gift Basket is also great. It is in a Paw Print box. Cute.

So there you have it race fans. Order a very special gift basket for someone this holiday season. You are getting a great gift and helping a great cause too. What are you waiting for? Start Your Engines! Get those orders in. There is a green flag! Go!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.

Food Inc. DVD Review

The topic and my opinions in this post are sensitive in nature. Please read at your own discretion.

We are the land of the plenty. Just visit our grocery stores to prove it. An abundance of items. Where does it all come from? The answer might surprise you. Food Inc. the movie, brings to light the big business behind the food industry. In this very informative, eye opening film, the message is unmistakable. The food industry is run by big business, more so than I ever thought. What disturbs me even more is the link to the USDA and the FDA that is explained in the movie.

From Food Inc: Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment.

The Food Inc. DVD was recently released and I received a copy to watch for this review. I watched this movie with an open mind. Some of the images are graphic. Some of the information is too. It is not a preachy type of movie, it is more of an informative documentary. Each company that is mentioned in the film had the opportunity to be interviewed and every single company denied. What is that saying to us? I am shocked at the details of the way our food is mass produced in such horrid conditions detailed in the film. No wonder the cases of E. Coli and other illnesses are on the rise. From the fields of the farmers to the supermarket shelves every aspect of our food supply is manipulated by a few handfuls of big companies. It is so much behind the scenes the average consumer has no idea. I appreciated Food Inc. for making me aware of this subject. The film is tough to watch in some scenes and several images have stayed with me since my viewing. When I explained the film to my sister she wanted to know why, as a food blogger, I would even watch such a movie. My answer - I just needed to know more.

As a consumer I have a choice to purchase or not purchase a product. My goal since watching this movie is simple. Less mass produced food and more natural organic products. I have also not eaten a single bite of any meat since watching the movie last weekend. I am on my own mini boycott. Will it last? Probably not. I am still "digesting" the information I watched in Food Inc. If it has changed me forever is yet to be seen. I will do what I can to make better choices. If one company does not get my hard earned money for their mass produced, making people sick food product, I feel better.

Food Inc. has a website Hungry For Change, with more information and ways that as consumers we can make a difference. Read About the Issues to find out more of the what the movie explains. Read Take Action and Get Involved to make a difference. 10 easy steps that will have an impact.

My opinions are my own and sharing this topic with my friends, family and readers is risky. If you are concerned about the safety of our food supply, or how you can make a difference, watch Food Inc. Make your own choices. To Meat or not to Meat that is the question!

Many thanks to Melissa and Food Inc. for providing the review copy.

Disclosure: I received a gratis DVD for this review. No monetary compensation was offered or accepted. The opinions above are my own. Others experience may vary.