Busy Family Meal Planning

May 21st, 2008

Bountifuls salad dressing giveaway!

I have now had the opportunity to try several of Wish-Bone’s new Bountifuls salad dressings. There are four flavors: Tuscan Romano Basil, Hearty Italian, Berry Delight, and Simply Santa Fe. The Tuscan Romano Basil is my favorite. It’s tangy and robust, and you can really taste the Romano cheese and basil. […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 42 comments

May 21st, 2008

Grilled asparagus…several variations

Asparagus is the perfect spring food! It can be done on foil in the oven at 400 or on the grill. It only takes about 10 to 12 minutes till it’s tender crisp, so it’s pretty easy to time it with the rest of your meal. Here are several variations that you […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 2 comments

May 21st, 2008

Tasty brussels sprouts

A really tasty way to fix brussels sprouts has several variations depending upon what you’re doing for the rest of the meal. They can be ready to serve about 5 minutes, or you can finish them off on the grill or in a stir-fry for added kick! If you cut off the woody bottoms and […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 1 comment

May 20th, 2008

Quick scallops and asparagus risotto

If you’re lucky enough to live near a Whole Foods grocery store, then here’s a recipe for Quick scallops and asparagus risotto that you can make using their products. If not, my cheater’s version is below! This meal needs no addition except for a salad of fresh spring greens and herbs to make a great […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 1 comment

May 19th, 2008

Introducing…

Tracey Thompson, of Foodie Obsessed!

Tracey’s blog is full of great recipes and industry news for those of us who just can’t get enough! Tracey’s preferred title is “The All-Powerful Wizard of Everything…a.k.a ‘MOM’”! This gives you a clue into her delightful sense of humor and entertaining writing style. To tempt you further, Tracey […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 0 comments

May 19th, 2008

Making basic risotto

Risotto can be made in large batches and either kept for a couple days in the fridge (no longer) or even frozen if you cook it to the barely al dente stage. No matter how complicated the recipe is that calls for risotto, the basics of preparation of the rice are basically the same. […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 2 comments

May 16th, 2008

Strawberry shortcakes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Mary Catherine Muir
Is there anything better in the spring? Fresh strawberries, yum! This is such a spring classic, I think that it’s one that you need to bring the kids in on! Thank you to Cooking Light for this fabulous recipe:
Old-Fashioned Strawberry Shortcakes
Makes 6 servings
[…]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 8 comments

May 16th, 2008

Gluten-free Italian cornmeal cake by Whole Foods

Gluten-free Italian cornmeal cake

What a great idea! Adding the ricotta cheese and orange juice makes this cake heavier, moister, and sweeter…perfect for dessert! Thanks to Whole Foods.
Gluten-Free Italian Cornmeal Cake
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup full fat ricotta cheese, preferably hand-dipped
1 cup ground almonds or almond meal/flour
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 0 comments

May 16th, 2008

Foodie blogging round-up

HG, You Go Girl!
Jean reviews Hungry Girl’s new recipe book. It blasted onto the NY Times Best Sellers List as #2!
Healthy Eating - Sometimes Challenging for the Home Business Owner
Mary Emma Allen, at Home Biz Notes, shares ideas on how the time pressed home business owner , or anyone, can eat better/
Publish […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 0 comments

May 15th, 2008

Another good way to save time…

…is to streamline your house cleaning process! Kelly has a brilliant list of the Top 20 ways to save time while cleaning your home on her wonderful blog, Thrifty Mommy. Karen, her co-blogger at Thrifty Mommy suggests 10 Tips for spring cleaning success (it doesn’t matter if spring is almost over…you can do […]

By Cyndi Lavin -- 1 comment