SmashBurger’s new better-for-you Kids Meal Menu

20150828_193714

SmashBurger has become one of my favorite burger places, and one that is rapidly growing in my home state of NJ. While it is a chain, many in this area are owned by a local husband and wife team, who take their restaurants very seriously. When you walk into Smashburger, you order at the counter as you would from a fast food restaurant, and then you are given a number to place on your table. A server brings the food to your table once it has been properly smashed (or cooked).

20150828_190853

The burgers start on a butter greaser grill to sear in a delicate butter flavor.  This butter flavor is seared into Angus certified beef, which is fresh (never frozen) and shaped into a loose ball.  The ball is then smashed with a special masher which caramelizes the burger’s bottom and brings its juices to the surface.  As each burger is cooked to perfection, a medley of spices are added to the top of it to bring out the burger’s flavor.

pic7

My fella trying out the new kids meal with fried chicken and fries (and a chocolate milk drink). They also gave him a cup of BBQ sauce, which is his favorite.

The burger itself is then dressed in a variety of options from the traditional burger to avocado, bacon, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, Swiss cheese, onions, etc.  For a change of pace, make up your own burger, with any sauce you wish, add cheese, and etc to your liking.

20150828_192309

The sides at Smash burger are very good as well and includes fried pickles and light flavorful Smash fries.

All those all those options sound great for the adult patrons, but kids may not be as easily impressed. For them there is the kids menu, which includes chicken strips, now available in grilled or crispy, the kids mash burger, hot dog, or grilled cheese with your choice of sides including Musselman’s Unsweetened Squeezable Apple Sauce.  The newest additions to the kids menu are the better for you options available (the grilled chicken strips and the unsweetened apple sauce).

20150828_192824

I would suggest going and checking out a Smash Burger today, because not only is there a good burger with your name on it, but your kids will like it as well.
Tracking Pixel

Muller Yogurt’s – New Dessert Inspired flavors #YogurtWithBenefits

Disclosure- The below has been provided in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest.

20150828_194755

Muller yogurt are known for their delicious and nutritious yogurts and their new line of dessert inspired flavors are no different.  Muller yogurt’s new Dessert Inspired flavors provide a satisfying, self-indulgent moment you deserve.  Dessert Inspired flavors feature creamy, signature Muller yogurt on top of a layer of fruit or caramel sauce and are served with delicious crunchy goodies on the side. The dreamy new varieties include Strawberry Cheesecake, Raspberry Brownie Supreme, Dulce De Leche Delight and Peach Cobbler.  Muller Dessert Inspired flavors offer a decadent sweet treat you can feel good about:
• Provide a good source of protein and calcium
• Made with no high fructose corn syrup,
artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
• Contain 220 calories or less

pic6

 

Each flavor tastes just like you’d expect, from the rich creamy strawberry cheesecake, to the decadent raspberry brownie, to the fruity peach cobbler- each flavor brings a new delight to your taste buds.  The Dessert Inspired flavors feature creamy, signature Muller yogurt on top of a layer of fruit or caramel, and are served with delicious crunchy goodies on the side.  What we really like about these is the fact that they each contain 220 calories or less per serving so they can act as that mid afternoon treat when your sweet tooth is kicking in.  I honestly really like these, and have bought them since this review (and plan to continue buying them- they are a perfect snack or dessert alternative).

pic4

Muller Dessert Inspired yogurt varieties are now available at participating retailers nationwide for a
suggested retail price of $1.25.
Look for the black Muller packaging in the yogurt aisle.
Follow Müller Yogurt USA on Facebook and use the hashtag #YogurtWithBenefits to join the conversation on Twitter.

20150828_194802

Adding fun with Fisher Nut Exactly Snack Bites #FisherNutExactly

It is now fall and since schools have school started, activities start as well.  Schedules which were previously filled with “I’m bored” are now filled with car rides and chauffeuring the kids around.  One of the most difficult things to figure into your schedule is even a little bit of ‘me’ time.  That time during the day when you breath and take a step back, without anyone demanding things of you.  Some use lunch time to do this, others take small breaks through out the day.

P1030413

It really helps your sanity, and patience.  Hey- it can mean the world just to have a few minutes without someone or something literally or figuratively climbing on your back, yes?  You can bring some fun into your day with a little snack break and new Fisher Nut Exactly, which are the new 15 to 16 calorie per bite snacks. These won’t pack on the pounds, and are not only delicious but also fairly good for you.

P1030520

Fisher Nut Exactly is a combination of roasted nuts and whole grain popcorn, rolled into a bite-sized snack that’s dipped in milk chocolate, dark chocolate, peanut butter, or salted caramel.  We were given the chance to sample the peanut popcorn with peanut butter, almond popcorn with milk chocolate, and pecan popcorn with salted caramel.  Each bite is a mouthful of nuts, popcorn, and a topping on one side.  This is a nice way to snack without the guilt, and has no artificial preservatives ( a great way to snack).  Instead of wondering what a serving size is, its easy- one bite is 15 or 16 calories each.  Just add it up as you have more, and you will know exactly how much you have consumed.

P1030514

Fisher Nut Exactly are the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and nutty, and are available nationwide in a Walmart near you.  For more information about Nut Exactly flavors and product availability,  check out www.FisherNutExactly.com.  Show us how you’re enjoying Fisher NUT EXACTLY with the #FisherNutExactly hashtag on social media.

P1030521

Stew Leonard’s All-Natural Naked® Line @StewLeonards

Stew Leonard’s Naked® brand line, which includes Naked Beef, Naked Chicken, Naked Salmon, Naked Pork and Naked Hot Dogs & Chicken Sausage is Stew Leonard’s way of providing customers with high-quality, yet affordable options. The products contain no antibiotics, added hormones or preservatives, and are also raised and harvested humanely. Blind taste tests conducted by Stew Leonard’s butchers and chefs have proven Naked Beef, Chicken, Salmon and Pork to be more tender, juicy and flavorful than other natural brands. Naked Beef and Chicken are Pesticide Residue Free.
“The line has been a huge success ever since we launched it back in 2007 with Stew’s Naked Beef,” said Stew Leonard, Jr., CEO and President of Stew Leonard’s. “Each Stew’s Naked® product is the top-seller in its category.”

20150825_100629

Outside, kids can visit the petting zoo and other adorable attractions.

NAKED® CHICKEN
In 2006, customers started clucking about the 100 percent all-natural fresh chicken that Stew Leonard’s has launched under the brand name “Naked® Chicken.” The chickens are raised on family farms in Pennsylvania’s Amish country, where they are fed a pure vegetarian diet of corn and soybeans, given ample room “to streak” in the barn, and are never given antibiotics or
hormones. Naked® Chicken has a natural creamy color, is moist and juicy with an authentic chicken flavor Chicken, and is additionally pesticide residue free.

20150825_120505

Stew himself teaches the kids fun facts about lobsters.

NAKED® BEEF
Strip steak took on a whole new meaning in 2007 with the launch of Stew Leonard’s allnatural meat line, branded Naked® Beef because it is from Black Angus cattle that have never been given hormones, antibiotics or steroids, and are fed completely on grass and grain. Available in strip steaks, rib eyes, porterhouse, tenderloin and sirloin cuts, as well as freshly ground, Naked® Beef is guaranteed tender. Naked Beef is additionally pesticide residue free.  Kim May is one of the ranchers who is supplying Stew Leonard’s with Naked Beef. On his 400 acre family-owned farm in southern Nebraska, Kim is committed to sustainable agriculture, and grows all the corn and hay that the cattle are raised on. A rancher for 20 years, Kim is in the upper five percent of all ranchers in the United States for the quality grade of his cattle. His philosophy is, “if you treat your cattle tenderly, you’ll get tender beef.”

NAKED® PORK
In 2008, Stew Leonard’s went “whole hog” and offered customers all-natural meat with the introduction of Naked® Pork. The breed used for the Naked® Pork line is the Duroc Pig, known for their tender texture and distinctive pork flavor as well as their muscular build and unique red coat. The pigs are raised in Samson County, North Carolina on family farms whose heritage
in pig farming goes back more than 100 years. Every pound of Naked® Pork is process verified, so it can be traced back to the farm where it was raised.
Naked® Pork is available in boneless center-cut pork chops, bone-in center-cut pork chops and pork tenderloin. Pork chops are the most popular cut from the pork loin, which is the area that runs from the pig’s hip to shoulder. The “classic” pork chop is boneless, while the bone-in pork chop makes for an elegant presentation at the dinner table. The tenderloin is the tenderest cut of pork, while also being the leanest.

20150825_120814

One of the several animated displays to entertain the kids. This is not just a grocery store- it’s “The Disneyland of Grocery Stores”.

NAKED® SALMON
Stew Leonard’s unveiled Naked® Salmon in May 2008 just in time for the summer grilling season.  Stew Leonard’s Naked® Salmon is antibiotic and chemical free, but costs less than half of what you would pay for wild Alaskan salmon. Our Naked® Salmon are raised on a farm in the waters off northern Scotland that practices environmentally-sound techniques and are fed a diet that emulates what is found in the wild, providing a rich omega-3 fat content. The farm harvests and delivers fish within hours of capture to provide the freshest fish possible.

NAKED® HOT DOGS & CHICKEN SAUSAGE
In 2009, Stew Leonard’s introduced 100% All Beef Hot Dogs and Chicken Sausage to its popular “Naked®” brand line, offering customers a comprehensive range of all-natural meat products. Unlike conventional hot dogs, Stew’s Naked 100% All Beef Hot Dogs are uncured and, therefore, contain no added nitrates or nitrites, which research suggests may be linked to certain chronic
diseases. They are also minimally processed and contain no antibiotics, added hormones, artificial ingredients or preservatives. Stew’s Naked Chicken Sausage is also minimally processed with no antibiotics, added hormones, artificial ingredients or preservatives and comes in six varieties: sundried tomato; bratwurst; sweet apple; mild Italian with pepper and onions;
buffalo wing style and; spinach and garlic.

20150825_113014

Bagels and other baked goods made right on site- and the smells permeate the entire store. Don’t leave without trying some.

Earning Money for My Child’s School With Box Tops #BTFE #ad

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own and honest.

Most schools struggle with funding, and host fundraisers fairly constantly to help fill in any gaps- or even huge deficits- that they can.  Many schools use Box Tops as one way to get cash for their schools, and it is a really easy way that doesn’t annoy parents with fliers or forcing them to buy overpriced garbage they neither want nor need. I mean, awesome stuff they are privileged to sell and harass people to purchase.  Something like that…..

20150821_130833

The way Box Tops for Education works is that you buy food.  You eat the food. Then you clip off these little areas that say “Box Tops for Education” on the items you bought and consumed, and send them into your child’s school.  The school sends them in- and they get money.  You don’t have to buy anything you weren’t already getting, and the school gets cash.  Win win!  This is a fundraiser we are always happy to participate in.

20150821_131212

We picked up some General Mills® items from our local Walmart on our last shopping trip.   Some of the items even had bonus box tops, meaning that the school will get even more cash back because they will get extra box tops with our regular purchase. When you are done with your food (and more!  You can get box tops on items like tissues and paper towels, too), just make sure you check your boxes, cans, and everything else to see if there are any on the item. If there are- clip them, save them, and send them in to your child’s school.  Easy!  And you already spent the money, someone might as well get something extra from it, right?  Learn more about Box Tops for Education at Walmart Here!

20150821_131527

Some Box Tops for Education™ Facts:

Box Tops are worth $0.10 for your child’s school
Box Tops is one of America’s largest school earnings loyalty programs.
Over 80,000 k-8 schools participate
Schools can use Box Tops cash to buy whatever they need.
Box Tops for Education has contributed over $525 million to participating schools since the launch of the program in 1996.

20150821_131942

Win a Krusteaz Back to School Prize Pack

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.
08 29 15 green cannon 010

Back to school season is just around the corner. We know that your family is savoring the final moments of summer while also gearing up for the beginning of another school year. Get ready for all those school lunches and after school cravings by creating your favorite snacks together.

P1030323

Krusteaz, a delicious brand of convenient, high quality boxed baking mixes, wants to help by sharing their new Bakery Style Cookie Mixes with you and your family.  To get you ready for back to school, we’d love to send you a kit for review that would include the following:

P1030327

  • New Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mixes including:
    • Triple Chocolate Chunk
    • Meyer Lemon
    • Double Peanut Butter
    • Brown Sugar Oatmeal
    • Oatmeal Scotchie
    • Butter Vanilla Sugar
  • A Krusteaz lunchbox
  • Some fun kitchen items like a Krusteaz-branded oven mitt and aprons (one for an adult and one for a child!)
  • A selfie stick (for fun family photos taken while baking and enjoying cookies!)
  • Cookie cutter and measuring spoons for kids from Curious Chef
  • Cookie recipe inspiration cards

One of you can win a great prize pack!

New Krusteaz Bakery Style Cookie Mixes including:
Triple Chocolate Chunk
Meyer Lemon
Double Peanut Butter
Brown Sugar Oatmeal
Oatmeal Scotchie
Butter Vanilla Sugar
A Krusteaz lunchbox
Some fun kitchen items like a Krusteaz-branded oven mitt and aprons (one for an adult and one for a child!)
A selfie stick (for fun family photos taken while baking and enjoying cookies!)
Cookie cutter and measuring spoons for kids from Curious Chef
Cookie recipe inspiration cards

Enter to win the prize pack using the RC form below. Ends Sept, 19, 2015. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Mill Fudge Factory

08 29 15 green cannon 005

Family-owned and operated Mill Fudge Factory & Ice Cream Café is now offering its delectable line of hand-crafted fudge nationally through its online shop at www.themillfudgefactory.com . The Bristol, NH-based small business, founded by the Munro family in 2006, uses the family’s secret Scottish recipe and 100% natural ingredients to create authentic fudge unlike any that can be found on this side of the Atlantic.

The Mill Fudge Factory fudge is available in an assortment of classic and inventive flavors, including Belgian Chocolate, Chocolate Walnut, Natural Peanut Butter, Scottish Whiskey, Pure New Hampshire Maple, Bailey’s Irish Cream, Pumpkin Pie and much more. The Factory also offers an assortment of decadent truffles and toffee. All confections are available in gift baskets and elegant sampler boxes.

08 29 15 green cannon 008

“We take pride in creating fudge true to the recipe of my grandfather in Scotland and we do it right here in New England,” said Mill Fudge Factory Co-Owner and General Manager Noah Munro. “People tell us they can taste the care we put into our fudge. We’re so happy that we can now share it with folks across the U.S. Our fudge makes for a unique Halloween treat, a great addition to the Thanksgiving table and a fabulous Christmas or Hanukkah gift.”

Advocates of the slow food movement, the Munro family make their fudge with all natural ingredients including Callebaut Belgian dark chocolate, Cabot butter, pure honey and cane sugar and staunchly avoid corn syrup, preservatives, artificial flavors and colors. The hand-crafted fudge is now available for shipping across the United States through the Factory’s online store at www.themillfudgefactory.com .

Take Your Dinner Beyond Meat

When is meat both better for you and easier to use? When it’s Beyond Meat, 100% plant based protein.

This new meat substitute has the same consistency and similar flavor as ground beef or chicken, but with less fat and perfect for vegetarians and vegans who just want a delicious taco with ground meat- or omnivores who want to eat less meat or a change of pace.

pic3

Beyond Meat is perfect for nachos- check out the recipe at http://www.beyondmeat.com/recipes/view/beyond-beef-nachos

We have personally found meat substitutes fall into two categories.
1- The “meh”-  this means this is not meat, has never been meat, does not taste like meat- it tastes fine but I would not go out of my way for it.  This “meh” meat-less meat is ok, but not anything special. Usually, my husband hates those products.

2- Then there is the ’wow’ this is almost meat! The flavor is good, the texture is right, and I enjoy it (even as a meat-eater). This category is harder to reach and there are a few winners- Beyond Beef is one of them. It can easily be passed off as ground beef for Mexican dishes, Italian meatballs, and any other ground meat based dish. The tacos came out very good and to the point there my husbad went for a second helping- and he hates what he calls “fake meat”.  On the other hand, I’m less picky, but this so far has been my very favorite.

pic4

Another one of my favorite things in life- chili! Make it meatless with thi recipe http://www.beyondmeat.com/recipes/view/beyond-beef-chili

When cooking Beyond Meat, realize it is already cooked and ready to go, you just need to heat it up so it is the same temperature as the rest of your food. Easy Breezy. When making Italian meatballs, I started with one egg to about a half pound of Beyond Meat, then added bread crumbs to firm it up and hold it together. I then baked the meat-less balls along with the rest of the meatballs and they came out perfect. Beyond beef is non-GMO based pea protein product so you will not find any odd unprocessed bits of veges in your burger, just meat-less food.  There are also chicken-less strips made from soy protein and pea protein, which look just like grilled chicken strips.

Beyond Beef and Beyond Meat is available now in your grocer’s freezer section at local Fairways, Kings, and Target stores.