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Fresh Homemade Apple Pie #freshfuitbowl #BBBProduct

Disclosure: SDSG got this product as part of an advertorial.

Apple pie

I was asked to make a fresh fruit item to introduce the new Fresh Fruit Bowl that is being sold exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. I asked my mom what she wanted to make with me and she said an apple pie. So I went out and bought the apples and pre made pie crusts.

crustI unrolled the pre made pie crusts and put them in the pie pans while my mom was peeling and cutting up the red and green apples. To keep the apples from turning brown we put them in cold water with lemon juice.

apple fillingMy mom mixed up the apple pie filling. Then my husband put the filling in the pie pans. I loved having my husband helping my mom, I was then free to take pictures. Plus I thought it was cute seeing my husband in the kitchen with my mom.

Apple Pie Filling:

6 cups thinly sliced, peeled apples (4 medium red & 4 medium green)
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice

sauce

Then my mom and husband drizzled Carmel and toffee sauce on the pies before the crumble topping was put on. This makes the pie taste oh so good.

crumble topping

My husband mixed the ingredients up for the crumble topping while my mom kept adding to it. My husband would think he was done mixing and my mom would add more butter it was so funny to watch.

Crumble Topping:

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup butter, diced

carmel drizzelTo finish the apple pies my husband drizzled Carmel sauce on the tops. Then we bake the pies for 40 to 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is golden brown at 400 degrees. Cover edge of crust with 2- to 3-inch wide strips of foil after first 15 to 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive browning. Cool for at least 2 hours before serving.

apple pieThe apple pie was so good and didn't last long in my house. My family loved it and I am glad we were able to make this with my mom. This was a great day that will forever be in my memories.
fruit bowlFor the Fresh Fruit Bowl I thought to use it for what it was made for. My mom and I cut up cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew melon. To top off all the fresh cut up melon my husband got large grapes to mix in with it. The fresh fruit was a great snack on the warm days we have been having. Everyone loved being able to get a bowl of cold fruit when ever they wanted to snack. The bowl works great and kept the fruit fresh more than a week then it was gone.

fresh fruitDisclaimer: Individuals can enter the Good Cook Fresh Fruit Bowl contest on multiple participating blog sites to increase their chances of winning. However, one prize will be awarded per promotion. If an individual wins a Good Cook prize on two or more bloggers’ sites, they will only qualify to receive one prize. Limit one Good Cook win every 6 months.

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win a Fresh Fruit Bowl. This is open to US and ends 7/27/14 @ 5:59 pm est. To enter, Simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win!

Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

Entries: 16300
This giveaway has ended.
Sallyt is the winner!
Disclosure
 

An InLinkz Link-up

Good Cook’s “Build Your Kitchen Drawer” Sweepstakes AND a Flash Giveaway 6/9 Daily US #goodcookkitchenexprt #KitchenDrawerContest

build your kitchen drawer logo

The Build Your Kitchen Drawer Sweepstakes, starts June 2, 2014 and ends July 14, 2014.

During this time, you will able to build your ideal Kitchen Drawer filled with great Good Cook tools and gadgets. To enter, just visit goodcook.com and choose up to 15 items from selected Good Cook products to create your ideal kitchen drawer then enter to win everything they selected.  If you can’t decide what you want, you can let the Kitchen Experts help – simply choose one of the featured Kitchen Expert Blogger drawers and enter it for a chance to win.

Kitchen-Drawer-EventReady to start building your kitchen drawer so you can enter to win??  Just head over to goodcook.com and find the participating items you want to win.  Then just click on the "Add Me" image next to the product (image above).  So what are you waiting for? Go make your drawer.

Good Cook offered a flash giveaway to each of their Kitchen Experts, and I know my fans would LOVE a chance to win a trio of kitchen drawer essentials!!

trioOne lucky winner will win a trio of kitchen tools!!

Prize includes:
Nylon Basting Spoon, Black 12 1/2"
Nylon Spotted Spoon, Black 12 1/2"
Nylon Square Turner, Black 12 1/2"

Disclaimer: Individuals can enter the Good Cook Trio of kitchen tools contest on multiple participating blog sites to increase their chances of winning. However, one prize will be awarded per promotion. If an individual wins a Good Cook prize on two or more bloggers’ sites, they will only qualify to receive one prize. Limit one Good Cook win every 6 months.

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win a Trio of kitchen tools. This is open to US and ends 6/9/14 @ 5:59 pm est. To enter, Simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win!

trioGood Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

This giveaway has ended.
Entries: 1781
Joni D. is the winner!

Guest Disclosure

SaraLee’s Super Simple Cheesy Noodle Casserole #‎goodcookkitchenexprt ‪#‎KitchenDrawerContest

Disclosure: SDSG got this product as part of an advertorial.

Super Simple Cheesy Noodle Casserole

I learned a version of this from my mom and over time I have made many versions of this. I tend to use what ever is sale that week at the store to deiced what version I want to make. I used a box of spiral noodles, a head of broccoli, head of cauliflower, 2 jars of cheese sauce, a pack of smoked sausage, a small pack of ham and a pack of shredded cheese. My family so loves this when I make it.

sscncprepWhile my noodles are cooking in my saucepan, I cut my broccoli and cauliflower into bite size pieces. After cutting the broccoli and cauliflower up, I washed them and let them sit and drain. I then will stir the noodles. Now I will start to cut up my sausage and ham into bite size pieces. By the time I get the meat all cut up my noodles are done.

noodlessscncI will pour the veggies into the baking dish and use the strainer for my noodles. I will drain and rise my noodles and let cool. I usually just put the strainer in the sauce pan and let it sit and drain for about 5 minutes.

sscncI then mix the noodles, veggies, meat and cheese together in a baking dish. I then will bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is all hot and bubbely. I can make this dish in under a hour and my family gets a serving of veggies and love it. The left overs don't last long as my husband packs most up for luch the next day for work.

sscncDo you remember how I mentioned the contest from Good Cook in my SaraLee’s Tater Taco Casserole post? Good. Here is the drawer of must haves I put together for this event.

Kitchen drawerTools in My Kitchen Drawer:

1. Double-Sided Flip Measuring Spoon – measuring spoon set includes double sided pockets that inverts to different measuring capacities of 1/4 tsp, 1/2 tsp, 1 tsp, and 1 tbsp for precise cooking or baking with either liquid or solid ingredients.
2. Egg Separator – Ensure your eggs are properly seperated
3. Pastry Blender – The extra wide non-slip plastic handle offers a comfortable and secure grip for added control and stability and its flexible stainless steel blades create smooth batter free of lumps or imperfections
4. Spatula, Spreader – (Used in recipe.) I use it at least 3 or more times a week.
5. Smart Scoop Ice Cream Scoop – My family uses this a few times a week as we love ice cream.
6. Nylon Turner – (Used in recipe.) I love using this. Just great for cooking and mixing
7. Berry Colander – (Used in recipe.) I love it. I use a few times a week
8. Nylon Whisk – This easy grip whisk will beat eggs, blend flour and perform numerous critical baking tasks.
10. Locking tongs – easy store locking mechanism and soft grip TPR handles. Silicone tips are heat safe to 450F, and are perfectly safe for use on nonstick surfaces.
11. Large Silicone Flex Turner – This extra large head silicone turner flexes as you pick up foods, making it easy to flip eggs, pancakes or quesadillas.
12. Paring Knife, 2pk – (Used in recipe.) Fine-edge blades quickly trim vegetables, peel potatoes, and slice cheese.
13. Safecut 4-1 Can Opener – eliminates kitchen clutter by also serving as a bottle opener, cap twister, and tab puller.
14. Stainless Steel Oven Thermometer – This practical thermometer features an easy to read temperature gauge with bold graphics and a quick reference temperature guide for added convenience
15. Measuring Spoons, 6pc. – spoon set includes 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 teaspoon plus 1/2 and 1 tablespoon sizes
16. Collapsible Funnel – The wide mouth and narrow neck make it easy to use for any purpose, while the collapsible design flattens the funnel to 1/3 its size which takes up less storage space in drawers
17. Prep Bowls, 5pc Set – Durable set of prep bowls has measurements for dual capacities in each bowl, all the way from ¼ cup to 2-cups.
18. Thermometer, Meat – When you do your next roast, chicken or turkey, insert this precision instrument into the thickest part of your meat–this thermometer is designed to be left in during the cooking process
19. Utensil Pot Clip – (Used in recipe.) I use mine almost every time I cook.

The Build Your Kitchen Drawer Sweepstakes, starts June 2, 2014 and ends July 14, 2014.

During this time, you will able to build your ideal Kitchen Drawer filled with great Good Cook tools and gadgets. To enter, just visit goodcook.com and choose up to 15 items from selected Good Cook products to create your ideal kitchen drawer then enter to win everything they selected.  If you can’t decide what you want, you can let the Kitchen Experts help – simply choose one of the featured Kitchen Expert Blogger drawers and enter it for a chance to win.

The 5-day Good Cook product giveaway on Facebook starts June 2 and ends June 7, 2014

During this time you can enter to win additional selected products for your kitchen drawer. Also, there will be Instant winners! Every drawer entered has a chance to win an instant prize, and you can submit a new drawer every day for a chance to win.   

Just look for the “ADD ME” icon below on any participating product and add that item to your drawer. 

Kitchen-Drawer-Event

An InLinkz Link-up

SaraLee’s Tater Taco Casserole #‎goodcookkitchenexprt ‪#‎KitchenDrawerContest

Disclosure: SDSG got this product as part of an advertorial.

TTCasserole

What is your family's favorite comfort food dish? My family loves when I make a super easy and super good Tater Taco casserole. I make this dish at least twice a month and I have friends of ours that will stay for dinner when I make this dish. I learned a version of this casserole from my mom and over the years added my own way of making it.

allinonepanIn a large skillet, cook beef over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in taco seasoning, 2 cans re-fried beans and water. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes. Stir in corn and half of a cream cheese brick.

Now you can eat this just as it is, with a flour tortilla, over toast or over chips. This is just a few other ways my family and I love to eat this mix.

ttcasseroleTransfer mix to a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Arrange tortilla shells in a single layer to cover the bottom on the dish and put about 2 scoops of mix in the dish and spread out evenly. Sprinkle cheese over the top and repeat the step again. You can do 2 or 3 layers. I do 2 because my family likes more filling than tortilla shells.

ttcasseroleAfter you get your layers done the hard part starts. You now have to arrange Tater Tots in a single layer over the top. I like using small tater hash browns from time to time. I pretty much decide by what is on sale that week. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until potatoes are crispy and golden brown.

ttcasseroleGood Cook sent me 5 kitchen items as part of their upcoming Build Your kitchen Drawer 5 Day Gadget Giveaway and HUGE Sweepstakes! 

kitchentools

  • Pot Clip Holder
  • Egg Separator
  • Flip Measuring Spoon
  • Safe-cut Can Opener
  • SMART Ice Cream Scoop 

 The Build Your Kitchen Drawer Sweepstakes, starts June 2, 2014 and ends July 14, 2014.

During this time, you will able to build your ideal Kitchen Drawer filled with great Good Cook tools and gadgets. To enter, just visit goodcook.com and choose up to 15 items from selected Good Cook products to create your ideal kitchen drawer then enter to win everything they selected.  If you can’t decide what you want, you can let the Kitchen Experts help – simply choose one of the featured Kitchen Expert Blogger drawers and enter it for a chance to win.

The 5-day Good Cook product giveaway on Facebook starts June 2 and ends June 7, 2014

During this time you can enter to win additional selected products for your kitchen drawer. Also, there will be Instant winners! Every drawer entered has a chance to win an instant prize, and you can submit a new drawer every day for a chance to win.   

Just look for the “ADD ME” icon below on any participating product and add that item to your drawer. 

Kitchen-Drawer-Event

Edible Bake-A-Bowl for dinner and dessert #‎goodcookkitchenexprt‬

Disclosure: SDSG got this product as part of an advertorial.

Bake a bowlI love being a Good Cook Expert, as I get to try new items from time to time. I was sent the Bake-A-Bowl 6-Cup pan to try out from the Good Cook Sweet Creations line. When I got the pan, I couldn't wait to try it out. The first thing that came to mind was breakfast bowls for dinner. To make my bowls I used pre made biscuits that were on sale at my local store 10/$10. I had to play with the Bake-A-Bowl pan as I have never used one before.

Bake a bowlThe first try I just put each biscuit in the bottom of the pan and they came out not so much like a bowl but more like an indent in the biscuit lol. I then took the biscuit and molded it over the top part of the Bake-A-Bowl pan and baked the pan up side down. The biscuit bowls came out much better. I liked the way they came out by doing this.

bake a bowlWe filled the biscuit bowls with scrambled eggs, hash browns, crumbled sausage, bacon, cheese and  sausage gravy. The bowls were perfect size and you could eat them with your hands if you wanted to. My family loved these and can't wait until we have them again.

bake a bowlA few days later I made chocolate chip cookie dessert bowls. I got break and bake pre made cookie dough and made the bowls the same way I did with the biscuits.

Bake a bowlI took two of the cookie squares and molded them over the top of the Bake-A-Bowl pan and baked the pan up side down. This works when you don't have time to make cookie dough from scratch.ice cream scoopI also was sent the Twister ice cream scoop from Good Cook to try out with my dessert bowls. I was in a rush one night that my family stopped and got meals from a drive thru and I even bought a quart of the restaurants ice cream. I planed on making hot cookie bowls later that night that would go great with ice cream.

dessert bake a bowlI took the hot cookie bowls and put them in small bowls and we filled them with ice cream. This was so perfect for my family and was a great treat. I loved being able to make a quick and fun dessert for my family before we sat down to watch a movie together. I even topped mine with chocolate syrup. These were so yummy.

bake a bowl

Just for my readers: You can save 25% off at goodcook.com for the Good Cook Sweet Creations line by using code: BAKEBOWL

Disclaimer: Individuals can enter the Good Cook Edible Bake-A-Bowl contest on multiple participating blog sites to increase their chances of winning. However, one prize will be awarded per promotion. If an individual wins a Good Cook prize on two or more bloggers’ sites, they will only qualify to receive one prize. Limit one Good Cook win every 6 months.

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win a Edible Bake-A-Bowl Pan. This is open to US and ends 5/27/14 @ 11:59 pm est. To enter, Simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win!

Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

This giveaway has ended.
Entries: 18302
Shane R. is the winner!

Disclosure

White Chocolate “Easter Themed” Treats #‎goodcookkitchenexprt‬

White Chocolate treatWith Easter right around the corner and the kids on spring break, I am glad I got the Good Cook Sweet Creations Spring Bark Mold to make treats with. My family got together and we made bark together.

Bark makingThe first step is to take one bag of chocolate chips and to melt them down. I melted mine down in a glass measuring cup in the microwave. I would heat the chips up in 30 second intervals and stirred them each time. after about 2 minutes the chips were completely melted. I then poured the chocolate evenly into the mold.

bark makingThe second step I did was to mix M&M's and walnuts in a bowl with a second bag of melted down white chocolate chips. You are free to use what ever filler you want.

making barkSame as the first step, you want to spread this evenly over the mold and then place in the refrigerator for an hour to set.

BarkMy bark came out of the mold very easy and just needed to be broken into separate square before serving. I let this set out for about 30 minutes to soften up a little before I broke it up.

finished barkHere is the finale look before everyone started to eat this yummy Easter spring treat known as Bark. These were gone with in a few days in my house and we are planning on making more but we will be using a new recipe that we saw on line. I will have to post about that one after we make it. This was fun for the whole family!

Fan Discount: Right now you can get 25% the Cook Sweet Creations above by going to goodcook.com and Using CODE: SpringFling

 

Sweet Creations Cupcake – Cake Pop Carrier #goodcookkitchenexprt & #sweetcreations

CupCake carrierI got the Sweet Creations Cupcake – Cake Pop Carrier just in time for the holidays and I love it. There is 3 levels that make for a great table center piece to hold your cupcakes and or cake pops. My mom made a bunch of cupcakes over the weekend and the carrier came in handy to transport them all. I couldn't believe how many cupcakes we were able to fill the carrier with.

CupCake carrierThe carrier holds 24 cupcakes securely and up to 40 cake pops. As you can see in the picture my mom had more than enough cupcakes to fill the carrier. Now I have a safe way to transport cupcakes when my mom decides to go on a baking spree.

You can find the Sweet Creations Cupcake/Cake Pop Carrier exclusively available at Bed, Bath and Beyond

ribbon inYou can add a ribbon on the top 2 tiers of the carrier stand. By adding the ribbon you can have the carrier matching any party theme. I think by doing this, it makes the carrier more versatile. Now you can make this the center piece at any event.

You Can connect with Good Cook Online on Facebook. Twitter & Pinterest

CupCake carrier

Now for the giveaway: One lucky person will win a Sweet Creations Cupcake – Cake Pop Carrier. This is open to US, 18+ and ends 12/31/2013 @ 11:59 pm est. To enter, Simply do the tasks on the Giveaway Tools widget below and you're set to have a chance to win! Remember you can't win if you don't enter. It only takes one entry to win!

Good Luck, SaraLee's Deals Steals & Giveaways readers! Thanks for entering!

This giveaway has ended.
Entries: 15907
Vikki B. is the winner!
Disclaimer

Christmas Decorated Sugar Cookies – Sweet Creations by Good Cook Cookie Exchange

The products in the post are sponsored by Sweet Creations, all opinions are 100% my own!

Christmas CookiesMy mom and I made Sugar Cookies and decorated them for Christmas. I used a basic sugar cookie recipe from one of the many cookbooks that my mom has. After baking and letting the cookies cool over night, We then decorated the cookies with made from scratch Royal icing. The cookies turned out great and are now part of my mom's Holiday treat platter that she makes up and gives out to friends and family.

Christmas CookiesThese are the Sweet Creations products I used in this recipe:

  • Stainless Steel Cookie Dropper
  • Mixing Bowl 3pc Set
  • Hi-Temp Spatula, with Measurement Markings
  • Large Cookie Sheets
  • Flex Cookie Turner

Just for my readers:  You can take 5% off your Good Cook Sweet Creations purchase by using code "COOKIE".

Sweet PackYou can win one of these cookie making kits by going *HERE* and voting on your favorite cookie. There will be 25 of these kits given away. I would love for you to vote for my cookies but the choice is yours to make, Good Luck!

Disclaimer

Thanksgiving 2013

Full ovenMy mom made a huge dinner for Thanksgiving. Here is her full oven . Can you believe how much food there is.

Mom & greenbeanMy mom is getting the green bean casserole out of the oven.  

Turkey butterHere is my mom's cute butter shaped like a turkey.

Turkey cuttingMy mom cooked a turkey breast and it was great.

Ham & OlivesHam wraps and cream cheese stuffed blacked olives

turkeyThe turkey all cut up on the platter I got from Good Cook.

full tableHere is the table full of food. Can you believe my mom made all this food for 5 people. There was Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed potatoes, Squash, Sweet potatoes, Cream Corn, Garvey, Rolls and Cranberry sauce.

Cream cornHere is another shot of the table.

Good Cook $200 Prize PackI want to thank Good Cook for providing me with the Thanksgiving cooking package.

dessertsMy mom really went over board with the Good Cook baking products that I got and she made a bunch of yummy desserts.

Now you can guess we had a bunch of left overs. I can say that the left overs didn't last long in my house as, later on Thanksgiving night a few a of our friends that didn't have a dinner to go to came over and pigged out.

Left overNow there was a few veggies and turkey left and we made a potato casserole with cheese rolls and white turkey gravy with the left overs that we had.

Pumpkin Roll With Cream Cheese Filling

Pumpkin Roll With Cream Cheese FillingThis is a great fall treat. You can make this for the up coming holidays or just to treat your family. This is a really easy dessert to make.

Pumpkin sponge cakeMy mom made the Pumpkin sponge cake the night before so it had time to rest & chill.

To make the sponge cake:
Beat 3 eggs for 5 minutes, Add:
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup pumpkin
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 nutmeg
3/4 cup flour

Spread mix on a 15×10 cookie sheet and bake at 375 for 15 minutes. Then remove cake from pan and place on towel or parchment paper and place in the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours.

Cream Cheese fillingTo make the filling: Mix well:
4 Tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. Vanilla
6oz cream cheese

Well mixedOnce the cream cheese is mixed well you then want to add 1 cup powdered sugar and mix that in well. Once everything is mixed then you want to fold in 1 cup of nuts (I used walnuts).

spreading the fillingNow it's time to spread the cream cheese filling out onto the pumpkin sponge cake. Try to spread as evenly as you can.

rolling Once the filling is all spread out you can begin to roll the sponge cake. Take your time so you don't break the sponge cake.

Still rollingAs you can see it is a slow process to get the roll perfect. Slow and steady is the way to do it.

rolled for movingNow we moved the roll on saran wrap to keep the roll soft and moist, plus it's easy to transport this way. You can wrap back into a towel if going to serve the same day. I like to cut my Pumpkin roll right before serving.

pumpkin roll