Celebrate National Watermelon Day with Applebee’s #Woodfired #WatermelonSmile

Disclosure- I received an Applebee’s gift card in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and honest. For more info, see “I Disclose”.

August 3rd is national watermelon day, and to celebrate Applebee’s has introduced some new Summertime favorite menu items called Wood Fired Grill Salads.  This menu includes some delightful combinations of fresh vegetables and succulent shrimp, chicken, and of course watermelon.
Southwestern Steak Salad: Hand-Cut Wood Fired USDA Choice Top Sirloin Steak paired with chimichurri, pico de gallo, corn and black bean salsa, cheddar, crispy tortilla strips and a creamy house-made cilantro ranch dressing.

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They have a few new salads to try as well-

-Grilled Watermelon and Spicy Shrimp Salad: Mixed greens, cucumbers, feta, almonds and house-made creamy mint-Greek yogurt dressing. Also available with Spicy Blackened Chicken.

-Spicy Blackened Grilled Chicken, Avocado and Grapefruit Salad: Mixed greens, pickled in-house red onions, cilantro leaves and house-made champagne vinaigrette.

-Crispy Chicken ‘N Spicy Cornbread Salad: Mixed greens, made-in-house jalapeno cornbread croutons, grape tomatoes, shredded cheddar, applewood-smoked bacon and buttermilk dressing.

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We recently went to check out these new menu items and tried the Crispy Chicken ‘N Spicy Cornbread Salad.  Upon first glance, the spice component might make some turn away from this delicious salad, but the spice is more of a flavor then a burning mouth sensation.  The jalapeno cornbread croutons a perfect complement to the smoked bacon flavor and buttermilk dressing.  For those of you not big on salads, Applebee’s has a menu full of delicious items including burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes, steaks, chicken and fish dishes.

There is also the new wood fired grill menu including your 6, 8 or 12 oz sirloin steak, pork chops, salmon, chicken breast or baby back ribs then you get to pick two sides and your meal is created just for you.  The little guy is a cheese head and loves the mac and cheese and mozzarella sticks kids meal while my husband usually gets something different each time we go, this time he chose the crispy brewhouse chicken with a stout based gravy, cheddar cheese, garlic mashed potatoes and crispy onions on top.

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In addition to all these fun new summer dishes, Applebee’s is also celebrating national watermelon day with a contest!  To celebrate this new salad and fun occasion, from July 20 to August 3 Applebee’s is inviting guests to submit their favorite salad recipes via photo or text on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags #WoodFired and #Sweepstakes for a chance to win a $100 Applebee’s gift card.  See details and official rules at www.beesmeetup.com.

Win NATIONAL DONUT DAY Prize Pack

Disclosure- I received the below in order to facilitate this post. All opinions are my own and honest.

Now that Mother’s Day is over, its time to get ready for the next holiday. That’ s right- none other than National Donut Day, which occurs on June 3. To celebrate this wonderful and delicious holiday, be sure to grab some donuts and chow down. Everyone celebrates donut day differently, some just grab some treats, others make special meals celebrating the versatility of the round delight. Luckily for us, Entenmann’s is celebrating too.

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For the sixth consecutive year, Entenmann’s & The Salvation Army are partnering to celebrate National Donut Day and the rich heritage behind it! To Celebrate in 2016, Entenmann’s is rolling our the NEW Entenmann’s Rich Frosted Party Sprinkled Donut, an iconic treat made just for National Donut Day 2016!
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As a part of the National Donut Day festivities, Entenmann’s is hosting a “Win Free Donuts for a Year” Facebook Sweepstakes, awarding 10 Grand Prize winners one year of free Entenmann’s Donuts. In addition, 100 of those who enter, will be selected to win National Donut Day Party Pack Prizes, which include everything they need to throw their own National Donut Day party at home! For every consumer (fan or not) that enters the Facebook Sweeps, $1 will be donated to The Salvation Army, up to $35,000!
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One of you can win a prize package that includes the following: 5 $7 Entenmann’s Coupons, one $25 AMEX gift card, Entenmann’s Party Plates & Napkins, one National Donut Day T-Shirt and one Rich Frosted Donut Plush Toy with a Party Hat.
Feel free to enter using the RC form below.  Good luck!  Ends June 20, 2016.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Healthy Foods and Fitness Products

If you are looking for new, healthy foods to incorporate into family meals, we have a few new items you might want to try out.

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First- how much tofu do you eat? If you are like most Americans, the answer is “not much”. If you are like my husband, you think tofu is for “hippies”, or at best, vegetarians. You know- hippies? (Like his wife, by the way- calm down, hippies.) You can do a lot with tofu, it’s very versatile and takes on the flavor of nearly anything.  House Foods makes a large variety of tofu items, including several kinds of noodles. There are a ton of recipes as well on their website, for those less then familiar with cooking this traditional Asian food.   You can choose all sorts of world cuisines from (of course) Asian to Italian to American and more, as well as fun, kid friendly choices.  Another way you might entice your kids to try this new food is by showing them that the packages have Kung Fu Panda on them- they can eat like Po!  You and your children can prepare the food together, which will make them more likely to give tofu a try.  Inexpensive, kosher, gluten free, non GMO- there are a ton of reasons to try House Foods Tofu the next time you head to the grocery store.  Prices vary per item.

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Another plant-based option is Vega Protein and Greens, a protein powder you can use as a breakfast shake or any snack throughout the day. The whole food ingredient proteins include hemp, peas, and sprouted whole grain brown rice. It also contains papaya enzymes which help you break down the foods you eat.  In every scoop (thus every shake) you will get two servings of  greens from kale, spinach, broccoli, and alfalfa.  It comes in a variety of flavors, from the basic chocolate and vanilla, to berry, coconut almond, mocha, and more.  The Protein & Greens is available in Vanilla, Chocolate, Berry, Tropical and Natural.The flavor and texture isn’t what you think it might be- it’s not like other “green” drinks I’ve tried, the flavor is not “biting” like many of them can be- but it’s not a milkshake, either. There are also snack bars available.   Head to https://myvega.com/ to find out more and to place an order- prices vary.

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For something perhaps more familiar to your palate, yet still something new, try Noosa Yoghurt.   The tastes and flavor combinations, along with the fact that it is made in small batches on a small family farm, make this unlike any other yogurt on the market today.  Made with all natural whole milk, fresh fruit purees, and honey, one bite will keep you coming back for more.  It’s also  all natural, gluten-free, and probiotic, so it’s good for the whole family.  It comes in a variety of sizes- some just perfect for lunchboxes in cases of four, some in larger, single containers. With brand new flavors like Key Lime, Salted Caramel (my favorite), Blood Orange, and Blackberry Serrano joining favorites like traditional Vanilla and Blueberry as well as seasonal favorites, you are sure to find something you love.  Find a store that sells Noosa near you at http://www.noosayoghurt.com/

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Before you turn in, you want to get in a good workout.  This time of year, with temperatures still low in much of the country, many of us are looking for something to break up our routine.  Have you tried the recent trend of Hula Hooping?  I know- sounds strange.  It’s more fun then you might think, though (even if you feel a little silly at first).  Hey, with every other adult carrying around a coloring book, why not?  Nostalgia is in, run with it.  Or hoop with it, as it were. The Cardio Core & More Fitness Hoop by Empower is a  three-pound, weighted, multicolored hula hoop.  It targets your core to burn calories and build muscle while you are having fun hooping away.  You can grab your new hoop and DVD set for about $33 on Amazon, also available at stores like Target.  The same brand carries a line of women’s workout accessories (headbands, gloves, etc) featuring retro-reflective ink technology that glows in the dark but looks completely normal during the daylight, making this some pretty cool fitness safety gear.

Chicken Lollipops

Here is a quick great recipe for Buffalo and Asian BBQ Chicken Lollipops by Chef Josh Capon.  These were snapped up in seconds, and smelled amazing as well.   This recipe was provided by Chef Josh Capon at the JCPenny Tailgating Party, and is perfect for the next party you are throwing.

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Ingredients:

5 lbs chicken wingettes

1 cup flour

1 bottle Franks hot sauce, or hot sauce of your choice

1 pint bleu cheese dressing

2 cups Hoisin sauce

1/2 cup soy suace

2 tbsp Tabasco

2 tsp fresh lime juice

1 cup season rice wine vinegar

vegetable oil for deep fryer

black and white sesame seeds

celery, carrot and cucumber sticks

salt and pepper

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  1. Chop off both ends of the wingettes using a sharp knife removing the joints.  Pull out one of the two bones and push the meat to one side.  Set aside in fridge until ready to use.  These can also be frozen at this point to decrease prep time during the week
  2. Make the Asian BBQ sauce:  Mix together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, lime juice and Tabasco in a small mixing bowl
  3. Marinate the cucumber sticks in the rice wine vinegar for one hour then remove and place in refrigerator.
  4. Preheat fryer to 375 degrees, season wings in a mixing bowl with salt, pepper and a light dusting of flour.  Place wings into fryer and cook at 375 in small batches until golden brown.
  5. Let drain then place in a bowl with with salt.  Then toss in your choice of sauces and coat thoroughly.  Serve the Buffalo wings with bleu cheese and celery as well as carrot sticks.  The Asian BBQ wings can be sprinkled with the sesame seeds and served with the pickled cucumbers.
  6. Serve immediately and move out of the way.  Once your guests try these they will disappear fast as well as your hand if you aren’t careful.

Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt and Pomegranate-Mint Relish

The holidays are now finally winding down for a few months unless you have a significant other, Valentine’s day is around the corner, men, do not forget.  Speaking of significant others, below is a recipe by Chef Jula Jaksis from Employees Only- her restaurant in NY on Christopher St.  It is for Lamb Meatballs with Yogurt and Pomegranate-Mint Relish, using the POM Wonderful pomegranates.

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Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground lamb
  • ¼ cup shallots, finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons mint, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
  • ½ cup bread crumbs
  • ½ cup chicken stock

Yogurt

  • 1 4-oz. container Greek yogurt
  • juice from ½ lemon
  • Pomegranate-Mint Relish
  • 1 cup arils from POM Wonderful Pomegranates
  • (or 1 cup POM POMS Fresh Arils)
  • 2 tablespoons mint, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Meatballs:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the lamb, shallots, garlic, spices and herbs.
  2. Pour the chicken stock over the bread crumbs and add to the lamb mix; combine well.
  3. Portion meatballs into desired size.
  4. In a hot pan with olive oil, sear the meatballs on medium-high heat. (Depending on the size of the meatballs and if you prefer the center to be slightly rare, searing in the pan just until browned will be fine. If you prefer a well-done center, place the meatballs in a 400°F oven for an additional 5–8 minutes.)

Yogurt:

  1. Mix the yogurt with the lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Refrigerate until serving.

Pomegranate-Mint Relish:

  1. Prepare fresh pomegranate arils, if necessary.*
  2. Add the arils, mint, parsley, lemon zest, olive oil and red wine vinegar together; salt and pepper to taste.

To Serve:

  1. Line the meatballs on a plate and put a dollop of the yogurt on each.
  2. Liberally sprinkle with the Pomegranate-Mint Relish.

*To prepare fresh arils, score 1–2 large POM Wonderful Pomegranates and place in a bowl of water. Break open the pomegranates under water to free the arils (seed sacs). The arils will sink to the bottom of the bowl and the membrane will float to the top. Sieve and put the arils in a separate bowl. Reserve 1 cup of the arils from fruit and set aside. (Refrigerate or freeze remaining arils for another use.)

In addition to Pomegranates in whole form there are also new POM POM Fresh Arils which are 4.3 ounces and 100 calories each.  Each one contains quite a few of those delicious little fruit bits pomegranates are known for.

These quick open packs are perfect for lunch boxes for kids and adults as a healthy alternative to fruit snacks or candies as a lunch time treat.

Inside Out Recipes and Activity Sheets

Check out these fun recipes as you attend or prepare your holiday parties. These recipes will really call for a party, and are so good, too.  Inside Out arrives on Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and On Demand November 3rd
Download Inside Out Recipes

Sprout® Organic baby food

Disclosure- This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are my own and honest.  For more, see “I Disclose”.

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Recently, there is a new cultural swing in food.  From fast, cheap to make and easily dispensed, to organic and more wholesome foods that have that extra nurturing touch and are better for your and yours.  It is now time to make things healthier, specifically for your little guy or gal.  This includes (or course) baby and infant food.

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We are looking at the new Sprout Organic baby/toddler foods today, which come in several varieties and quite a few flavors.  Sprout’s mission is to create delicious and nutritious foods for the entire family using the finest organic ingredients. Three guiding principles help shape all that they do: “we believe in nourishment without compromise; empowering people with transparency; and a better future through organic whole foods”.

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In regard to the food itself, each variety is naturally sweet and wholesome. Sprout recipes are made with certified organic ingredients and contain no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors or other additives. Sprout is also pleased to be able to offer a selection of recipes suitable for those with allergies and food sensitivities as well.

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Growing up, our little guy had few food sensitivities, but it is scary to think about how difficult it would be trying to keep a balanced diet for your little ones while keeping them safe from common allergens and preservatives.  Our little guy has always had such a big personality, even as a toddler.  Always babbling about something or another, even if it made no sense to the rest of us.  To keep that energy going he needed to be best nourished with real, honest, pure ingredients.  It’s not worth messing around with what you feed your child- even a kid with no allergies or health issues can only benefit form eating proper foods not filled with garbage, fillers, byproducts, and chemicals.  Those are not meant to be in anyone’s body- keep them away from your most precious love. Check out all that Sprout Organic has to offer, and see if your little one likes it.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sprout® Organic Baby Foods. The opinions and text are all mine.

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

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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.
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