Van Gogh Vodkas – The Perfect Holiday Drink

November 18, 2014 by 4 Comments

When you think of the word Van Gogh, the average person thinks of a work of art. Some know a few paintings, some may not, but all know he was an artist and a master at that. When you hear of Van Gogh vodka similar thoughts occur- artistic and special vodkas for those special occasions when only the best will do.

11 04 14 products 007Van Gogh are constantly updating their flavor,s and two of these perfect flavors are Double Espresso Vodka and Rich Dark Chocolate both of which are perfect for dessert drinks. Also these are perfect for when you want something a bit more than a coffee or a glass of milk but want a splash of something extra. The Double Expresso makes form mouthwatering adult milk shakes while the rich dark chocolate complements a rich coffee quite well. Another easy way to prepare a simple drink with these vodkas is on the rocks or with a touch of club soda. Both of which let the drinker appreciate the complexity of the flavor of the vodka without the alcohol punch. Below are a few more ideas for Van Gogh vodka recipes. Enjoy.
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Lamb Shawarma and Tahini Sauce

November 14, 2014 by 3 Comments

American Lamb is one of the most versatile meats available in your local grocery store. It imparts a wonderful taste to your dishes and makes for some incredible Latin, Middle Easter, Asian and Mediterranean foods. From gyros, kabobs, bulgogi, or stew- all can use American Lamb to truly bring out the proper international flavor while still buying local. Nearly 82,000 family owned sheep operations are in existence in the United States giving us consumers a steady rate of local family owned meats.

WP_20141030_18_53_41_ProToday we will be making a wonderful traditional Mediterranean dish, Shawarma. Shawarma is a marinated lamb dish which is put over rice, inside of pita or simply by itself. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and a delicious way to bring some international flare to your dinner room table without having to break the bank on odd spices and ingredients that will only be used once. So be sure to check it out and enjoy. Also I threw together a tahini sauce which is great when poured over the Shawarma, but is not necessary to make this meal. If you do make the tahini sauce, it is quick and easy, but you might want to make quite a bit.  It can be poured over or dipped into by everything, which it will be once you taste it.

Lamb Shawarma

1/2 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular yogurt can be used)
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Jennie O Sausages For Healthier Meals

November 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Jennie-O provided coupons to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own.

healthier bacon
For many years, people have been trying to eat healthier while also enjoying their meals. But this little problem is a difficult one. With more healthy foods there is often the thought that there is less flavor because of less sugar, salt and fat. But this is a common misconception. Instead of fewer flavors there should be more flavors in your foods with a more dynamic profile and most of all an improvement in your health, eventually of course. When paired with an exercise program you are guaranteed to lose weight with healthy foods. Turkey based foods instead of beef or pork is one easy way to eat healthier while sacrificing little in terms of taste.
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Sea Bass Spring Rolls

November 11, 2014 by 2 Comments

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Makes 14 spring rolls

Ingredients:

½ lb    Chilean sea bass, cut into ¼-inch cubes

1 lb    kani (imitation crab), shredded

3 Tbsp    mayonnaise

1 Tbsp    sesame oil

½ tsp    mirin

½ tsp    kosher salt

14    sheets feuille de brick or spring roll wrappers

  • oil, for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine sea bass, kani, mayonnaise, sesame oil, mirin, and salt.
  2. Spread filling over the bottom-center of each wrapper. Fold in sides; roll up tightly.

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Caramel Apple Strudel Recipe

November 10, 2014 by 2 Comments

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Ingredients:
4 tbsp of butter for simmering apples
4 cups of Fuji, Pink Lady or other favorite baking apple
2/3 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
Pinch of ground cloves
1/3 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 stick of melted butter for brushing fillo dough
8 sheets thawed Kontos fillo dough
Jar of caramel topping, warmed
French vanilla ice cream

Method:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Peel apples and slice them about 1/8-inch thick.
  3. Gently melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a pan with lid. Add the apples and saute, covered, for about 10 minutes until the apples soften.
  4. Combine the softened apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, cloves and optional nuts.

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Eggplant Chicken
 in Garlic Sauce Recipe

November 7, 2014 by 1 Comment

Makes 2 servings

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Ingredients:

1 lb    eggplant, cut into 1½-inch chunks

  • kosher salt, for sprinkling

1 lb    skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

3 Tbsp    cornstarch, for dredging

3 Tbsp    chopped garlic

¼ tsp    chili pepper flakes

⅓ cup    shredded carrots

  • canola or vegetable oil,
for frying

Dark Sauce:

⅓ cup    low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp    sugar

1 tsp    toasted sesame oil

1 tsp    ground black pepper

1 tsp    cornstarch

Instructions:

  1. Sprinkle eggplant chunks with salt; allow to rest for 20-30 minutes (this process will prevent eggplant from soaking up too much oil during frying). Rinse salt from eggplant and drain well.

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S’mores with Oliver and Hope- Help Kids and Have a Sweet Time

November 7, 2014 by Leave a Comment

To celebrate the recent national S’mores day, August 10th we are looking at a new book released by UHCCF (United Healthcare Children’s Foundation) called Oliver and Hope‘s Adventure Under the Stars. This book follows Oliver the bear and Hope the butterfly as well as their friends Millie the barn owl and Chewie the English bulldog for their first camping trip. The trip has lots of excitement and fun and of course s’mores. The book is illustrated wonderfully and has a great message about being courageous and adventurous especially when trying new things. This is the second book starring Oliver and Hope the first being, Loiver & Hope’s Amusing Adventure. There is a special meaning behind the book. For every copy of the book sold a portion goes to UHCCF.

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UHCCF helps families in need of financial assistance help pay for their child’s health care treatments. Some of the treatments included are physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs , orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. In 2013 the grant awarded more then 1,700 grants totaling $5.6 million to children and their families across the US.
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A Greek Take on the BLT

November 6, 2014 by Leave a Comment

Greek BLT
Makes 4 servings

pic7
Ingredients:
12 slices Applewood Smoked Bacon
½ cup Kontos Tzatziki sauce (contains Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, oil, and salt)
4 pieces Kontos Greek Lifestyle Flatbread
Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for brushing the bread
1 ½ cups Baby Arugula
2 ripe Tomatoes (heirloom if available)
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