>U Mom Knows Best: June 2017

Friday, June 30, 2017

Mini Blueberry Pistachio Pies With Setton Farms’ NEW Pistachio + Blueberry Cranberry Chewy Bites

Blueberries are a perfect fruit for 4th of July!

  What could be healthier than blueberries and pistachios? I discovered a wonderful dessert that uses two healthy ingredients along with a bit of sugar making it a healthy guilt free dessert. I found this dessert on Setton Farms and decided to make these pretty mini pies for 4th of July. This recipe is so easy to make and I love that you use a cupcake pan for the mini pies. I made some substitutions from the original recipe and was very pleased with my version of the recipe. I used graham crackers crumbs for the base instead of the pie crust and just served my pies in these pretty silicone cupcake molds. I also used the graham cracker crumbs for the streusel topping.  The Setton Farms Blueberry Coconut Pistachio Chewy Bites give the dessert a wonderful nutty taste with a bit of crunch. These tasty Bites also give this dessert a healthy dose of protein, potassium, and antioxidants. Win, win, win! I include the original recipe and picture just in case you want to make it with the pie crust. I include my substitutions at the end of the recipe.



 My boys and I just love snacking on these Blueberry Coconut Pistachio Bites. They are the perfect healthy pocket snack! I just love that these delicious bites are individually wrapped.



Personal Blueberry Pistachio Pie with a Streusel Topping
                                                   
                       Image from http://www.pistachiochewybites.com/personal-blueberry-pie
                                                                                           
Yields 8 personal pies

Filling Ingredients:
10 oz fresh or frozen blueberries
2 teaspoons maple syrup
2 tablespoon organic evaporated cane sugar
Zest of half a lemon, plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
1 tablespoon organic flour
1 pre-made pie crust, thawed and flattened- see notes for making a graham cracker crust

Streusel Topping Ingredients:
½ cup organic flour
2 tablespoons evaporated cane sugar
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
¼ cup vegan butter
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°.

Cut out 3-inch circles of crust from the dough and gently place in greased cups of a cupcake pan. Set aside.

Place blueberries in a large bowl. Combine with maple syrup, sugar, lemon zest and juice, vanilla extract, sea salt, arrowroot, and flour. Gently toss to coat. Dice 4 Setton Farms Blueberry Coconut Pistachio Chewy Bites and fold into mixture. Set aside.

In a large bowl, using a pastry whisk, combine flour, sugar, sea salt, cinnamon and vegan butter. Mix until coarse and crumbly. Dice 2 Setton Farms Blueberry Coconut Pistachio Chewy Bites and fold into mixture, until just combined.

Add blueberry mixture to each pie and top with topping. Place cupcake pan on a large walled sheet pan to catch any runoff.

Bake for about 35-38 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling in center. Let cool in pan for about 15-20 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Source: Spork Foods                



                                                                                                                                                                    Notes: 
Graham cracker crust modification recipe
 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
 1/4 cup butter, melted
 1 tablespoon sugar
  
In a small bowl toss together graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for the topping. Press the remaining crumb mixture, about 1-2 tablespoons, into the bottoms of the silicone cupcake liners that are placed into a cupcake pan. Chill this in the freezer while preparing the filling. Once filling is done pour it into the cupcake liners. Then add 2 diced Pistachio Bites to the remaining graham cracker crumb mixture and top the blueberry pies with this mixture before baking.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
      

FREE Haribo Gummi Candy




FREE Haribo Gummi Candy Receive ONE (1) FREE Haribo Gummi Candy (4.5 - 5 oz.). Offer includes Gold-Bears, Sour Gold-Bears, or Happy-Cola flavors. Available in most stores.

Exp 07/16/2017


  This Friday, June 30th, 2017– ONLY, you can load a coupon to your Kroger (or Affiliate) Plus Card for FREE Chef's Cut Real Jerky
Although 06/30/2017 is the only day that you can load the coupon, the coupon offer is redeemable through 07/16/2017

               https://kroger.softcoin.com/programs/kroger/freefri/

                I love Friday Freebies!

Keeping Bugs Away The Natural Way

My new patio area is my favorite place to sit!


The other day I was stressed out to the max so I went outside and after a few minutes, everything was ok. With the boys home for the summer, it seems like I get nothing done. A simple task of reading my emails seems to take hours. The boys can be loud and they like to ask me a thousand questions. They also make more messes when they are home. So my days are spent telling them to clean and talking to them. So it takes longer to get things done. The other day was the worst! I had to run several errands and take the teen to school for his senior pictures. That took almost three hours and then it was dinner time when we got home. So it was 7:30 at night before I was able to sit down to read my email. Then when I did my husband started talking to me and he had the TV on loud. Thirty minutes past and I had not even read any emails and I had work to do on the computer. I was very stressed and I decided to bring my computer outside. I sat down in my new patio area that I had created last month. Read about that here. My youngest son plugged in my new fountain and the water sounds started to calm me. I was then able to get some work done.


I wanted to stay outside for a long time but it was starting to get dark and I knew that the bugs would start biting me. Then I remembered that I had just received a Bug Zapper/Light so I reached up from my comfy chair and turned it on. 

Sponsored Post: I received a Stinger Cordless Insect Zapper Lantern to facilitate this post.

  I just love how this bug zapper uses a black UV light to attract those pesky bugs and zaps them dead. I don't have to spray any harmful chemicals. I don't even have to plug it so I can use it anywhere in my yard. No, it does not run on batteries. It is rechargeable and each charge lasts for 3.5 hours. My son hung my new light up with a clip so I can easily take it into the house when it needs charging. My teen loves that this bug zapper needs no electricity and wants to take it camping, I think not as I want to be able to use it when they go camping. I stay home for some much-needed girl time when the boys go camping.

It has been tested and proven by entomologists to help eliminate up to 40% more flying insects compared to similar products that use white UV light technology and has quiet zapping operation ideal for areas up to 625 square feet.


Doesn't the light look perfect in my new sitting area? I love that the bug zapper is quiet! I also took some photos of the bug zapper at night so you could see how it looks in the dark. The zapper can also be used as a light with a flip of the switch. It also comes with a Nosquito Octenol Lure to attract those stubborn bugs. 


 The Stinger Cordless Insect Zapper Lantern is available at Amazon, Wal-Mart, Home Depot and https://www.stingerproducts.com/.  It comes in three colors-Teal, Red and Black


Perfect for patios, decks and more, the Stinger Cordless Insect Zapper uses black UV light to attract and kill annoying flying insects.


The bug zapper came in handy when I was watching my boys light fireworks on the 4th of July. It was zapping away at the bugs. My older son, who does not live with us, was even amazed at how well it was working. He wanted to know if my husband was going to bring it with camping. Now only if it had a way to be charged with his solar charger.



Thursday, June 29, 2017

The Admin Behind The Party

Purple Yellow and Blue Balloon on Swimming Pool

Like any delicate operation, any good birthday party has to start with a plan. You will have to be working with military precision to make this day go well. And, to give yourself a fighting chance, you need to do some work to get there. There is a lot of work ahead of you. But, given the right amount of time, you’ll be able to put all of the pieces together. To help you out with this, this post will be going through some of the steps you need to take when you’re building this plan. Most people don’t go this far into their parties. But, it’s well worth it.

The big day will only go well if you know what is going on. Some people will be having their party at a venue, like Chuck E Cheese. But, others will want to have their party at home. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll probably need to make some bookings. Companies which host parties like to know a long time in advance when you’re planning a visit. And, services like entertainers for your party could easily be overbooked by the time you get around to calling. Once you know what you’re going to be doing, you’ll also have sometimes in mind. With these times, you can form a plan for the day. Give yourself plenty of time to waste, just in case you end up getting delayed.

Now, it’s time to get your guest list in order. Your child will be largely in control of their guests. But, it’s also a good idea to consider the people who invited your child to their parties. Once you know who’s going to be invited, you can get some nice personalized note cards to send your invitations. Remember to include details to help your guest’s RSVP and let you know if they’re coming. As you get these back, you can start to form your final guest list. This is also your chance to finalize your bookings with the companies and services you’ve chosen. It can be wise to pay a little extra to have a spare space or two. You never know what might happen between now and the party.

The day itself will be one of joy and just a little bit of stress. Of course, you will have a good plan to help you undertake this grand endeavor. It’s a good idea to enlist the help of another parent or two, depending on the size of your group. Large groups of kids can be very hard to keep track of. So, having additional adults is a great way to make it easier. Try to follow the timings in your plan as well as you can. But, if things go wrong, don’t worry. Your plan should have plenty of extra time to account for problems. And, this will take away any lingering worries you have on the day.


This should inspire you to get your plan started as early as possible. A lot of new parents make the mistake of thinking this sort of event will be easy. But, unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Once your kids are older, you’ll be free from this job. There are a few more years until that point, though.

Magnaflex Stem Toy Video Review



      I am starting something new on my website this week. My boys have enjoyed reviewing toys with me in the past so I decided to let them start branching out on their own. My boys will now do video toy reviews on my website. The plan is for them to start doing these toy reviews on my website and Youtube channel and as they get better, they want to start their own Youtube channel. I looked at these toy reviews to be a way to learn over the summer and also keep them busy. I am hoping that eventually, my boys will be able to even do the writing for the videos.

Since this way their first video, I offered my boys my advice on how to format the video. They did take some of my advice but for the most part, they made the video themselves. I want to say thank you to WowWee toys for sending my boys these cool Magnaflex flexible magnetic sets

What are Magnaflex?

Magnaflex by WowWee is an educational and fun toy that will promote creativity, visualization, and fine motor skills all summer long! It's a flexible magnetic construction toy that kids can easily bend, zip, snap or stack together to build any 2D and 3D figure they can imagine - like animals, vehicles, or even wearable accessories! Kids are sure to challenge their brains to create new objects (all pieces/sets are interchangeable so they'll never run out of ideas), and this hands-on play will promote dexterity while making learning fun! 
   
Build imagination
MagnaflexTM creative construction kits help inspire kids of all ages to build anything they can imagine. Building kits include colorful magnetic strips, connector pieces and an easy-to-follow instruction guide with project ideas including animals, vehicles, wearable accessories and more. Magnaflex unique shape and material allow kids to easily bend, zip, connect, or stack the magnetic strips together. Decorate your creations with metal connector pieces that also add structure.

FEATURES
Kids can build 2D or 3D creations anywhere with this innovative, educational toy that promotes creativity, visualization, and fine motor skills. Magnaflex high-quality building pieces are interchangeable and can be combined with different colors from other sets for more complex projects. Neodymium rare-earth magnets safely enclosed inside the Magnaflex strips ensure a strong magnetic connection. And when playtime is done, Magnaflex strips can be stacked together for easy storage and transport.

Now watch the video to learn more about the Magnaflex sets 




BUY ONLINE FROM 
Amazon and Toys R Us

So how did my boys do on the making of their first video?

Learn more at 


Pressure Cooker BBQ Baked Beans

These BBQ baked beans are so easy to make and are perfect for summer barbecues. They taste just like the ones mom used to make.


  A barbecue is not complete without baked beans. I used to make my baked beans in the slow cooker but that was an all-day affair as first I had to cook the beans and then it took more time to slow cook the beans into baked beans. The whole baked bean process could take 8-10 hours using a slow cooker. Sure I could buy those cans of baked beans, but homemade tastes so much better. So, since I recently acquired a pressure cooker, I just had to try making my baked bean recipe in it as I knew that the pressure cooker would cook those BBQ Beans so much quicker.

Pressure Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
~ Delicious
~ Healthy
~ Perfect for BBQs
~ A Potluck Favorite
~ Loaded with Protein
~ Full of Fiber
~ Best Side Dish for Cookouts
~ Plant-Based


  My inspiration to make BBQ baked beans came from a box of sauces that I was sent. I was sent these wonderful cocoa-based sauces from The Cocoa Exchange and I just knew that some of them would be perfect in my homemade BBQ baked beans. I also need a side dish for our 4th of July BBQ. The Pod & Bean portfolio of sauces from The Cocoa Exchange has these amazing seasonings that give your food a unique depth of flavor.  I just knew that the Kansas City BBQ Sauce and the Stone Ground Mustard from The Cocoa Exchange would give my BBQ beans a unique taste. 

 My BBQ Baked Beans tasted so good. The thick, sweet-spicy Kansas City BBQ sauce gave my beans a nice mild kick of heat. I licked the spoon after I added the Stone Ground Mustard and knew that this mustard would be great with a slice of my soft pretzel bread.  Whoever thought of adding rich cocoa to sauces was one smart person. The cocoa just gives these sauces a wonderful taste.

 This delicious bean recipe uses dried beans and is a meatless recipe. It is a great way to make a meal from uncooked beans. It is the perfect potluck recipe and is a vegan recipe. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein so this bean recipe could be the main dish of a vegetarian meal or a delicious side dish for your favorite hunk of meat that you cooked on the grill. I don't know about you but BBQ baked beans are a favorite summer recipe but this meatless recipe can be enjoyed year-round.

Ingredients needed for Pressure Cooker BBQ Baked Beans
~ White Navy Beans
~ Barbecue Sauce
1 large onion
~ Apple Cider Vinegar
~ Stone Ground Mustard

    I also received a bottle of Blackberry Chipotle Sauce and a bottle of Green Chile Hot Sauce. Now to think of what to make with these sauces. I think I need to visit the Cocoa Exchange website for some inspiration as they have some amazing recipes.

  Sponsored Post: I received samples from the Cocoa Exchange to facilitate this post.

 Don't worry if you don't have these amazing sauces as you can use your favorite barbecue sauce in this easy recipe. Any flavor of BBQ sauce will work. I like using honey BBQ sauce in my baked beans when I want a sweeter version of barbecue baked beans.

Look at these Beans Facts
~ Loaded with protein
~ Full of fiber
~ Great for meatless recipes
~ A rich source of antioxidants
~ Cheap source of protein
~ Good source of iron
~ Low in Cholesterol
~ Plant-Based
~ Available in many varieties

No pressure cooker?

 If you do not have a pressure cooker, then you can use a slow cooker to make this amazing plant-based recipe. Just place the beans in the slow cooker and cover them with plenty of water so the water is a couple inches higher than the beans. Cook the dried beans on high for 6 hours. Then drain the water and add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high for 3-4 hours so the beans can soak up all the flavors of the sauce.

Make to save to print or save this recipe on Pinterest
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Wednesday, June 28, 2017

The Macy's 4th of July Sale $1,000 Giveaway #Macys4thFun

Check out these awesome deals and enter to win a $50 Macy's gift card!

Enter to Win a $50 Macy's Gift Card!

 The Macy's 4th of July Sale is going on now! To celebrate, they're giving away $1,000 in Macy's gift cards. Macy's has some incredible deals going on right now but this sale ends July 4th so you better go take a look right now and see all the great items that they have on sale. I needed it a new swimsuit and coverup and I was amazed at all the swimsuits and cover ups that are on sale. I had a hard time selecting as the swimsuits and covers were all so cute. I finally decided on this cute pink Coco Rave
Ruched Bandeau Swimdress and this Raviya Tie-Dyed Maxi Cover-Up Dress. Go HERE  and HERE to see if they have them it in your size.




 Macy's has way more than swimsuits on sale and this sale gets even better as I have a promo code that saves you even more.

Up to 20% Off Sitewide
Promo Code: FOURTH
Free Shipping on Orders Over $99. Some exclusions apply.
Valid through 7/4/17

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Macy's and get shopping as these incredible deals won't last long!


Now enter this awesome Giveaway and you might just win one of twenty prizes of a $50 Macy's gift card! Enter the Giveaway HERE

Giveaway starts on Wed., June 28th at 12:00 AM ET & ends on Tues., July 4th at 11:59 PM ET

  • Twenty (20) winners will receive a $50 Macy's gift card.
  • Users enter the giveaway by heading to the Macy's page on Savings.com and submitting their email address on the form at the top of the page.
  • The winners will be chosen through a lottery drawing and notified on Wednesday (7/5) via the email address they used to enter

How To Get More For Your Dollar: Thrifty Finds And Saving Tips

You might be a new homeowner, a parent, a college student or just someone who wants to make better financial decisions, either way, knowing how to manage your budget, can help you save and live on a limited income, without going without.


There are hundreds of small or more significant ways that you can save money and can get more for your dollar out and about, while shopping, and even within your home. Several money-saving tips are included below which you can make use of, and share with other people who are looking to save money and live better.


Money - Savings | Saving Money in a piggy bank for the futur… | Flickr
Photo source- Flickr

Compare the market


Don’t just shop in one particular store for all of your groceries, but look around for the best offers in different places. While this may seem time-consuming, you can break it down by going to a particular supermarket one day, which you know has fresh produce on offer for example, and going to another store later in the week which sells cheaper canned goods. Shopping around will allow you to get the best possible price, stay healthy, and assess the quality of two similarly priced products.

Buy Own Brand products


There is often very little difference between a name brand product and a supermarkets own brand. Of course, in some cases you will get what you pay for, however with basic household staples such as flour, sugar, toilet paper and there is likely to be very little difference. Decide what products you are willing to switch and test it out on your family without telling them. It is very unlikely that anyone will notice that you used a budget range of sugar in a cake! In fact, it is often branding and marketing that encourages consumers to buy a popular name brand over another, and you shouldn't fall trap to purchasing a product simply because of its packaging.

Get Into Couponing


Couponing is one of the best ways you can get more for your money without compromising on quality. Being organized with your coupons means that you will know in advance what offers are available to you on a particular day, week, or month, and allows you to better organize your budget and plan your shopping list costs before you go to a store. You don’t have to limit your coupon usage to buy your groceries, however, as there are many coupon sites, such as https://www.couponsherpa.com/ that offer savings and deals on a wide range of products and services. Having friends who coupon can make this a fun and social activity, as well as allowing you to swap and share coupons.


Free stock photo of coupons
Photo source- Pexels


Buy In Bulk


Buying the items you regularly use at a bulk warehouse, such as Costco or other similar stores, is usually far cheaper than buying these items on an individual basis from supermarkets. As well as saving money, buying in bulk can also save you time, by cutting down on the number of trips you make to the store. Make a list of the most common things that your family uses or go through quickly and see how much money you save by buying these in bulk. Make sure that you purchase non-perishable items, as you will want to be able to store them for a period.

Go To Markets


While many people consider buying their groceries at a farmers market to be too expensive, if you are smart you can save money and get a better quality of produce than you would get in a supermarket. Farmers markets have fresher produce, a wider range and allow smaller independent vendors the chance to offer their local produce. If you become a regular at farmers markets, you are likely to get to know the suppliers and may be able to snap up bargains or offers before anyone else. The best time to go when you are hunting for a bargain is towards the end of the market when vendors are trying to get rid of their products and will offer it at a reduced price, and sometimes even for free.


Go To Flea Markets And Second Hand Stores


Whether you are moving home and looking for furniture,  need to find a special wedding gift, or looking to decorate your home, then consider buying second hand. Places such as flea markets and thrift stores are great for individuals who may not have the budget for antique stores but who still desire the look and feel of antique or vintage items. If you hunt carefully and know what you are looking for, you might be able to find a unique item at a fraction of its original price.


Free photo: Night Market, Crowd, Seafood - Free Image on Pixabay ...
Photo source- Pixabay


Save On Energy With Solar Power


More people than ever before are turning to solar energy to meet their energy needs. This is a method of energy that usually takes the form of solar panels. The increasing costs of gas and other fuel sources mean that it is becoming more affordable to invest in solar energy. While the upfront costs of solar panels may put people off, it is an investment that will save money in the long run, as the panels will only require minimal upkeep and you will not have to pay for further costs of energy once they are in place. An additional benefit to solar panels is that many energy companies will buy the leftover energy that you do not use, making this an investment that will not only save you money but actively make you money.


Reduce Your Fuel Costs


Most people have at least one car, and it is the most popular form of transport in cities and towns around the world. Buying a car, and the costs associated with running it, leave many people out of pocket, and makes up a big part of people’s yearly costs, being almost as expensive as the price of accommodation. Choosing to leave your car at home will save you on the cost of fuel while being a great way to stay fit if you replace driving with walking, cycling or running. Carpooling is also an excellent way to reduce your fuel costs while also reducing your carbon footprint.



Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Shark Powered Lift-Away Speed Duo-Clean Giveaway

Check out this giveaway for a Shark Powered Lift-Away Speed Duo-Clean vacuum.

This is one amazing vacuum so be sure to keep reading so you can find out how you can enter to win one!

Contest runs from June 28, 2017, 12:00 AM to July 14, 2017, 11:59 PM EST



Giveaway open to contiguous USA Residents only 18 years of age or older.

Read Rosey's full review here and watch her video demo on Youtube as well!



The kind folks at Shark want to give one lucky random Reviews And More By Rosey follower their very own Shark Powered Lift-Away Speed Duo-Clean Model NV800 valued at $299.99. Please be sure to complete each task as all entries will be verified before any prize is awarded. Any fraudulent entries will be disqualified.

Contest terms and conditions: https://www.reviewsandmorebyrosey.com/giveaway-terms-conditions/

  No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Contest open to the contiguous USA residents 18 years of age or older only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 48 hours to claim their prize before a new winner is chosen. All entries will be verified before prize(s) will be awarded. Any fraudulent entries will result in forfeiture of your entries. Reviews And More By Rosey is responsible for product shipment and/or delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter, Google, Pinterest, or Instagram. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Prize winner must find the Congratulations post on my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/reviewsandmorebyrosey and comment according to the instructions in the winner's email.

Be sure to like Rosey on Facebook or follow her personal blog so that you will be the first to know about upcoming giveaways!

 

Coming soon your chance to win an overnight stay at a hotel plus breakfast and (4) tickets to Sahara Sam's Indoor/Outdoor Water Park in New Jersey valued at $500.00!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, June 26, 2017

Grilled Watermelon With A Balsamic Glaze


 I love that watermelon is in season.  The stores always seem to have it on sale. The last time we went to the store my boys begged for the biggest watermelon so I had plenty of leftovers. So I decided to try grilling the watermelon. I decided to grill the watermelon inside on my grill pan as my husband was not home so I could not use the grill, I have no clue how to turn it on and I have no desire to learn.  Before I grilled the watermelon, I made a delicious balsamic syrup to drizzle over the slices. I had used this glaze before over peaches (link to recipe) and it made the peaches taste so good. So I just had to try this glaze over watermelon. Have you ever sprinkled salt on watermelon? It sounds weird but it brings out a sweet taste so that was my thinking of trying a balsamic glaze.

Sponsored Post: I received a watermelon slicer from Marshcone to facilitate this post.

 I wanted my watermelon slices to look good so I sliced it up with a watermelon slicer. This unique tool makes slicing up a watermelon so easy. It does take a while to get the hang of using the tool but once you do, you will never use a knife again to slice up your watermelon.  I love how this amazing slicer turns my watermelon into uniform slices. It makes serving watermelon so easy. My husband loves using this tool when he creates fruit displays. He slices all the watermelon and then uses the empty watermelon rind for a serving bowl.


My watermelon slicer came with some other unique tools. I just love using the melon ball tool. It allows me to make balls of melon. My boys love these bite size pieces of melon. I eat a lot of avocados so the avocado slicer comes in handy. I just love how pretty my slices of avocado looks. The slices are great to put on my sandwiches.


If you love watermelon, then you must get this watermelon slicer set. Go here to purchase one.

                                 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XVY93TY



Grilled Watermelon With A Balsamic Glaze   
Serves 4
 Ingredients
      Small seedless watermelon
       ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
       Olive oil
       Kosher or sea salt

Directions
 Cut the watermelon into slices and set aside. Pour the balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook, stirring often, until reduced to a thick syrup.
 Preheat grill to high or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also grill the watermelon on an outdoor grill.
Brush both sides of the watermelon slices with olive oil. Place the watermelon slices on the grill or pan and cook 1-2 minutes on each side, until grill marks appear. Don’t cook longer or the watermelon will get mushy.


Place the grilled melon to a platter and sprinkle salt on it. Then drizzle the balsamic syrup over the melon. Serve right away.


The grilled watermelon will be messy but it tastes so good. The grilling just brings out an incredibly sweet taste.



Easy Homemade Croutons Made In A Bag

                                Check out how easy it is to make croutons! 



   The other day I was looking through my fridge and I found a bag of rolls that no one was eating. The rolls were fine and I hated wasting food so I decided to make some croutons with the rolls as I knew that my boys love croutons, especially the teen. So I sent my youngest son out to the yard to get me some fresh rosemary. My son brought me back several big sprigs of rosemary, it is a good thing that my rosemary bush is huge so I always have plenty. I then went to my pantry and grabbed a bottle of  Extra Virgin Olive Oil, some garlic powder, sea salt, and a gallon size zip lock bag.


 This crouton recipe is so easy to make and you can use any type of rolls or bread. The bread can be stale or fresh. I love making homemade croutons with leftover french bread. It is a DIY recipe that even the kids can help make. Keep reading to get the simple and fast way to make delicious homemade croutons.


I received this product for free from Moms Meet to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided 


  Making homemade croutons are so easy to make in a bag. All you do is cube the bread into pieces and then place them in the bag with the olive oil and spices. The olive oil gives the croutons a great flavor and I love baking with it. Did you know that olive oil has a high smoke point (400 F)? That makes it great for a light saute, baking, frying, and over fresh tomatoes.


  To keep the olive oil fresh, make sure to store it in a dark and cool place (around 57F) and never in the refrigerator, on the countertop, or near the stove. Also, keep the lid screwed tight and use within 6 months after opening.


     Choose your favorite spices

Choose your favorite spices for the croutons. My crouton recipe uses rosemary and garlic but you can use spices like sea salt, onion powder, or make the croutons spicey with chili powder. You can also make the bread croutons cheesy with parmesan cheese. Just add a 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese to the bag before shaking.


Cube, shake and bake


Learn about European oil

+ Olive trees have been in Europe over 1000 years and farmers use different  soils and environments to produce the most delicious olives

+ Different olives produce different flavor profiles of olive oils

Olives harvested early in the season produce oils that are greener, more bitter and pungent

+Olives harvested at the end of the season taste mild and buttery

Spanish oil is typically golden yellow with a fruity, nutty flavor

Italian olive oil is often dark green and has a herbal and grassy flavor

+ Greek oils packs a strong flavor and tends to be green

+ French oil is typically pale in color and has a mild flavor



Easy Homemade Croutons In A Bag
Day-old bread or rolls
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon of sea salt
2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1-gallon size plastic bag

Oven 350F 
Cut the bread into bite-size pieces and place into the plastic bag. Add the spices and close the bag. Shake the bag a couple of times. Then add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil and close the bag again. Shake really well. Open the bag and place the bread pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake the bread pieces for about 20-30 minutes or until brown and toasted.

Notes: use other spices like onion powder, chili powder, or black pepper. You can even add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese to make the cheese flavored




Make sure to check out my Parmesan Rosemary Artisan Garlic Bread. This wonderful recipe also uses Extra Virgin Olive Oil and is amazing.

http://www.momknowsbest.net/2017/06/parmesan-rosemary-artisan-garlic-bread.html




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