Mrs. T's Pierogies

What's a pierogie you ask?  Well let me tell you, if you have to ask...you are missing out...but, I will tell you anyway.  Pierogis (as any self respecting Polish girl can tell you) are dumplings of unleavened dough – first boiled, then they are baked or fried usually in butter with onions – traditionally stuffed with potato filling, sauerkraut, ground meat, cheese, or fruit. Of central and eastern European provenance, they are usually semicircular, but are rectangular or triangular in some cuisines.

I am sure, as with anything, home made ones are hard to beat, but Mrs T makes some darn good ones at a darn good price.  I am sure they would put my efforts to shame!

Pierogies come in many different varieties, but our personal fave is Potato & cheese.  Take your box of Mrs T's out of the freezer, separate the pierogies, and toss them in the frying pan.  Add butter, onions, and my personal touch,,,bacon & let them slow cook.  Comfort food made simple & oh, so delicious!  

So if you have never had a pierogie, let me introduce you to Mrs. T, the mother of all pierogies.  Besides for the potato & cheese variety, they do have several others,  Check out Mrs T's for everything you ever wanted to know about pierogies.  Take it from a Polish girl, I bet my dupa you will love them!  Enjoy!

The Times They Are a Changin'

When I was in highschool, all my older relatives told me to take it from them, someday I will wish I was back in highschool.  Well, I am now 53 years old and although I miss my "younger" days, that has never happened.  The truth is, I didn't learn much in high school.  Oh sure I learned stenography which became forever emblazoned in my mind...but what good is that???  Most of what I learned that is at all useful anymore is manners, forgiveness, to do unto others as they would do unto you, compassion, kindness, & common sense.  I did not learn these things in school.  I learned them from my family while I grew up.

In addition to the "old folks" telling me about the good old days when music was music & me swearing I would NEVER say that.  I won't go so far as saying that I never said something similar  (after all, who really thinks rap is music???)   In the 70's there was music I did not like...The Who, Rush, Judas Priest..to name a few.  I am pretty open minded, and I love a lot of today's stuff....those my age who don't, need to open up to it.

But that's not the point of this rant.  For me, it all comes down to manners & common sense & wondering what happened to them?  Also, taking responsibility for your kids instead of shirking it off to teachers, day care workers or anyone else.  Here a a couple words we should all remember.  Please.  Thank You.  My cousin Amy Christopherson Logan recently had her first book published called A Girl With A Cape.  The book details Empowerment for kids AND adults. This is a story about a little girl who feels there is so much more to life...that SHE can make a BIG difference!  And this is what it's all about to me.  Be kind to others.  This is the only way we can continue this legacy & hope that it rubs off on even 1 person.  If it does, you made a difference.    I honestly do not know what happened to common sense.  I cannot believe that everyone is so self involved that it has all exited stage left.  When I was a kid, we respected elders, or we got our asses beat.  No, it was not child abuse.  It taught me respect & it never crossed my mind that I was abused.  I was not.  Kids seem to think that they can cry abuse for getting a spank on the bottom & because of this, adults don't discipline in this way. Instead, we have "time outs" and look where our youth is these days as a result?  Kids need to learn for every action, there is a reaction.  That my friends is common sense.  I do not condone beating kids, but a little swat on the bottom never hurt anyone, and it never will.  

I feel this post getting away from me because I have so much to say.  What I really want to relay is for each & every one of us to take responsibility for ourselves.    Also, try doing an act of kindness for another person each & every day.  If it doesn't come back to you right away,  so what?  You will feel great inside, I guarantee it.  

If you would like more information on my cousin Amy Christopherson Logan's Book, please got to A Girl With A Cape for more information    If you would like to order a copy please go to Get Your Cape.  

Peace out you guys, I didn't mean to ramble, but I knew my mind would race when I posted on this....

Shore Lunch Brand Batter Mix

There's not much better then fresh fish cooked the night you caught them.  Aside from the thrill of the catch, it is so very rewarding to provide for yourself & for it to be equally delicious.  We have tried many batter mixes & some of our own creation, but for my money, nothing compares to Shore Lunch brand.

 Shore Lunch makes many varieties of its batter, including Oven Style, Cajun Style, Original Recipe, Beer Batter,  Cornmeal Recipe, Classic Fried Chicken, and Buffalo Style.  Shore Lunch original has long been our favorite.  It is light, flaky & flavorful.  Like I said, not much better then fresh catch, unless you coat it with Shore Lunch.

Please check out Shore Lunch for a list of all their products, including batter mixes, soup mixes, and frying oil.

Blue Bunny Chocolate Mini Swirls

I recently had a fierce craving for chocolate, so I browsed my ice cream section of the local grocery store, and made my choice.  Blue Bunny Chocolate Mini Swirl Cones.

I am not a big ice cream person, and to me, this was a perfect fit for my taste.  I satisfying dose of chocolate in a small package.  They did not disappoint!

These mini cones are swirls of creamy chocolate flavored ice cream dipped in a milk chocolate coating all inside a crunchy chocolate sugar cone.  Now in a mini size!  10 cones per box. They also come in vanilla,  caramel, & birthday packs.

Check out Blue Bunny for information on these and all their tasty treats!

Thomas' Everything Bagels

I have long been a fan of anything Thomas Bread can put out, but their Everything Bagels are the best of the best in my opinion.

These bagels are so delectable, you could eat them without any topping whatsoever....but don't do that!  I eat them with butter, but try them with half cream cheese & half butter for a mouth watering treat! The taste is a wonderful and delicious mix of very chewable seeds along with a crispy outer and soft inner roll.

Forget the boring breakfast like toast or a muffin. These bagels are so good, I go out of my way to find them & scoop them up and freeze them when I find them on special.  Yes, they are that good.  

Thomas makes a variety of bagels, breads & other products.  Please check out Thomas' Breads for a list of all they offer & where to buy.

Kristen Peters Personalized Custom Blend Aroma Therapy Give Away!

From Kristen:

Would you like to: Enjoy a level of energy that is beyond anything you’ve experienced? Feel fully alive and comfortable in your skin, exuding a youthful radiance? Shed those extra pounds without having to diet or use will power? All of these possibilities exist for you.. not as some far removed ideal but as an expression of your natural state of beauty and vitality. Holistic nutrition is one of the most powerful approaches available to help you uncover who you really are.. you know, the person who is full of life, energy, and passion.. and who feels confident, clear, and attractive. If you’re like most people, however, you’ve never really known how to use food as the powerful healing agent that it truly is. Because of this, you likely struggle with fatigue, extra weight, depression, stress, or irritability. You’re here right now because you’re ready to enjoy a new, liberating relationship with food, one that can dramatically enhance your physical and emotional well-being. I’m here to help you every step of the way! After dedicating my life to the study of nutrition and personal development, along with helping many clients over the years, I have developed a unique and highly effective approach to reaching your health goals that is: vastly more effective than conventional diets and gimmicks 100% realistic and achievable based on your unique lifestyle optimal for long-term wellness (not just short-term relief) actually fun and very simple to implement deeply supportive on all levels– physical, mental, and emotional


I had the pleasure of trying Kristen's joint relief rosemary peppermint gel. I found it soothing & fragrant. I am so excited to be able to offer a personalized custom blend aromatherapy.

About Kristen Peters:

I am a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Certified Aromatherapist having studied with the American College of Health Sciences based in Portland, Oregon. I live in Raleigh, NC with my wonderful husband and three kids. I hold a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biochemistry from North Carolina State University, “Go Wolfpack”! I work full-time as a microbiologist with one of the top pharmaceutical companies in the world. The purpose of my blog is to help others learn about proper food choices by giving advice, recipes, and the latest news hoping to reach out to the community and help others help themselves and turn their lives around by alleviating the negative conditions that affect them by the Standard American Diet (SAD). Not long ago, I suffered from depression, had a food addiction, drug addiction, was overweight, and severely fatigued. I knew I had to change myself and finally live the life I had always wanted to. I missed the feeling of lightness and happiness that came with childhood and longed to feel like that again. I knew that by taking good care of myself that I can age well with pride & joy, which is my goal. I wanted to be able to feel vibrant, jump out of bed, and play with my children when I came home from work, made dinner, did dishes, and prepared to do it all over again. I wanted zest in my life and to marvel at each day again. I knew that it was completely MY choice on how I was living. I can choose to live the same way I had been accustomed to for the past decade or I can change it and enter my mid-30′s with some pizzazz. I also knew that what I fed myself had everything to do with how I felt and looked. In order to change on the outside I had to change on the inside and what I put into my body. After years of “practice” and studying, and figuring out how to do this while taking care of a family, I am ready to share what I’ve learned with you. If you feel you need a change and want more happiness, pizzazz, and lightness again, allow me to be your support and guidance. Together we can make it happen; we can make the change you’ve longed for. Now is the time. Visit my contact page and email me for more information. Please feel free to browse my site, comment, and start discussions. The more the merrier! Happy health to you all and here’s to living a joyous life again. xoxo Kristen Peters

This give away ends 6/30/2013. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips

Stacy's Pita Chips are baked and all natural, perfect right from the bag or with your favorite dip!  Made from authentic pita bread baked in our own ovens, our Pita Chips are the ones that started the entire Pita Chip Craze! We make them with premium, all natural ingredients including 100% sunflower oil and 0g trans fat. Enjoy them straight from the bag, or with your favorite dip, spread or topping.  I have enjoyed Stacy's original simply naked pita chips many times & they are by far my face of all the different varieties Stacy's offers.

In addition to my favorite, Stacy's also offers pita chips in these tempting flavors: Parmesan Garlic & Herb, Multigrain, Cinnamon Sugar, Italian Harvest, Garden Veggie Medley, C'est La Cheese Pita Crisps, Simply Naked Pita Crisps, , Perfectly Thymed Pita Crisps,  Simply Naked Bagel Chips, Toasted Garlic Bagel Chips, and Everything Bagel Chips.  Whatever your taste, Stacy's has a taste for you,,,,check them out!

Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips

Please check out their website to locate a store near you.

SPRINKLE & A DASH CUP OF CAKE GIVEAWAY!!!!!

Sprinkle & A Dash has sponsored a Give-Away for one of their absolutely heavenly Cup Of Cakes!

A Sprinkle & A Dash

I have had the pleasure of trying their original Belgian chocolate flavor & it was to die for!

Please leave me a comment if you have tried this yummy treat before, or check out their website for plenty of tasty options.  Either way, to enter this give away, please leave a comment with your name & email address!

This give away ends 5/31/2013 at which time a winner will be randomly selected from all valid entries received with name & email addresses.

GOOD LUCK ALL!

Please feel free to share with all your friends!

My Cup Of Cake From A Sprinkle & A Dash

A Cup Of Cake...From A Sprinkle & A Dash

My cup of cake is more or less heaven in a cup!  A chocolate lovers dream come true to be sure.  This fabulous treat comes with its own cup. (which can also be ordered with a logo)  Inside one little cup, we've gathered all the ingredients you need to create your very own delicious, all natural Belgian chocolate souffle cake - in just minutes. Goodbye bowls, beaters, whisks, and mess. With My Cup of Cake, whipping up a luscious dessert is fun, fast, and easy. Make it anywhere, and enjoy it everywhere!

My Cup Of Cake comes in several different varieties including: Classic Belgian Chocolate,  Belgian Chocolate Salter Caramel, Belgian Chocolate Raspberry Truffle &  Belgian Chocolate Gluten Free.  They also sell refills, gift packages, and more!

I tried the Classic Belgian Chocolate. I followed the instructions & the cake turned out perfectly.  It was moist, gooey, and well..... absolutely heavenly!  If you are a chocolate lover ...and who isn't?...or if you know one, you can't go wrong with A Sprinkle & A dash's Cup Of Cake!  Of course, when something is this good, there will be imitators...don't be fooled.  A Sprinkle &  A Dash uses all natural ingredients, not the imitation flavorings & hydrogenated oils the copy cats do.

Check out A Sprinkle And A Dash to place your order today!

Stay Tuned....Hippie Dippie Goodie Grandma will be doing a give-a-way of one of the Cup Of Cakes in the next few days!!!!

Jazz Baby by Beem Weeks

Book Description

While all Mississippi bakes in the scorching summer of 1925, a sudden orphan-hood casts its icy shadow across Emily Ann Teegarten, a pretty young teen. Taken in by an aunt bent on ridding herself of this unexpected burden, "Baby" Teegarten plots her escape using the only means at her disposal: a voice that makes church ladies cry and angels take notice. "I'm gonna sing jazz up to New York City," she brags to anybody who'll listen. 'Cept that Big Apple-well, it's an awful long way from that dry patch of earth she used to call home. So when the smoky stages of New Orleans speakeasies give a whistle, offering all kinda shortcuts, Emily soon learns it's the whorehouses and drug joints promising to tickle more than just a young girl's fancy that can dim a spotlight . . . and knowing the wrong people can snuff it out. Jazz Baby just wants to sing-not fight to stay alive.

From the Author

The term jazz baby, to me, represents the 1920's. A decade that may be overly glamorized--as any glance at the past often is. But that particular era produced many firsts that soon became staples of the American way of life. Our very culture. Easily availability of the automobile. Radio. Phonograph records. Movie theaters with their larger-than-life stars. These pastimes we now take for granted were brand new to the roaring twenties. As were speakeasies, flapper girls, and a common popular music.

History saw fit to label it the Jazz Age, a carefree time of new found freedoms and youthful exuberance. Everything changed in that decade. And if you weren't young, one of those fearless babies, you got left behind, forgotten, like the shrugged-off Victorian ideals of previous generations. Emily Ann is the living embodiment of that change. All things are new to her.

In the opening chapter of Jazz Baby, we see a battle beginning to play. Eunice Spatch and her male companion represent the old guard, the ones who have followed a well-worn path through the familiar. Things are done a certain way--we don't deviate. But Emily Ann, she's the jazz baby in the back seat, telling those two upfront that things have changed, women have the vote now. There's a new rule book that needs to be studied.

My Opinion

I found Jazz Baby to be a fascinating read and a very genuine feeling of the atmosphere of 1925 New Orleans.  It revolves around the dreams of a young white, talented Jazz singer.  In this quest, her dreams are shattered by family tragedies and other obstacles. The author captures the time & atmosphere where the story takes place flawlessly.  A young naive girl travels down her path to fame through New York's' Jazz clubs, prohibition, and racism.   It explores the seedy side of life, including drugs, sex, and brothels encountered while pursuing her dream.

There is quite a lot of sex in the book - Jazz baby also has ties to a brothel and mixes with some drug users while growing up and pursuing her dream.

I found the story intriguing & a quick and easy read.  Beem Weeks is an author I will follow & continue to read.  I would give the book 4 out of 5 stars & I highly recommend it.  You can purchase your copy on Amazon.

Krakus Polish Ham....YUMMO!!!!

I grew up in a small town outside of Chicago & most of my family were Polish.  My Grandmother had the most delicious deli ham I have ever tasted since, called Krakus ham.

It's a little tough for me to get this ham now, living in Minnesota, but I have found it now & again.  

Crafted with care and expertise in Poland, Krakus is authentic Polish Ham.

Krakus is cured naturally with only the finest hand-selected ingredients and recipes passed down through centuries. The result is truly delectable.

A one-of-a-kind, mouthwatering taste only experienced with true imported Polish ham.

 Please CLICK HERE to check out where this ham is available in your area....and please check it out if you ever see it at your local grocers deli.  It truly is YUMMO!