Shaw's Southern Belle Crab Cakes

Sometimes I need to give myself a reality check & remind myself, that I am not Julia Child...or Rachel Ray...whatever the case may be.  I realized that recently when I tried to make crab cakes & failed miserably.    Well. I figured, if you don't succeed, try, try, again...right?  Not this time.  I didn't really feel like striking out, so I headed to the frozen foods section & picked up a box of Shaw's Southern Belle Crab Cakes.

It's not often you find a truly delicious item your looking for on the first try...but I sure did in this case.  These crab cakes are better then I could ever make & a whole lot less trouble.    If your into a easy & filling side for a quick meal, give these cakes a whirl.  They will not disappoint!

Pagoda Express Pork & Shrimp Eggrolls

I love my life, but, I am kind of in the middle of nowhere.  There are no Chinese restaurants to call up & order delivery or to run to for carry out.  That leaves me to my own devices if I want Chinese food....which I love.  I also love making it, but not all the time.  Frozen treats have always been a poor substitute to most carry out...until I discovered Pagoda Express Egg rolls.

These tasty egg rolls were a welcome surprise to my palette,  The crust was flaky & the veggies inside were crispy & tasty.  The variety I chose (pork & shrimp) were not lacking in the main ingredient either.  I was pleasantly surprised by the taste & quality. I invite you all to discover the authentic taste PAGODA EXPRESS® products offer. Try all of their crispy egg rolls, savory potstickers and wonton varieties.  Check out Pagoda Express for all they have to offer.

McCormick Grillmates Seasoning Blends & Weber Seasonings

It's close enough to grilling season for me to talk about some of my favorite seasonings combinations.  I love to GRILL!  I grill all year, but some of you I know are fair weather grillers & this is for you.

I have been using the grill mates for quite some time & pair them with Weber seasonings to create flavors that are just out of this world delectable....

I have combined smokey maple or molasses bacon with lemon pepper, and garlic & herb....Fantastic!  I don't limit myself  to putting chicken seasoning on chicken or hamburger seasoning on hamburgers either...I am always mixing up different flavors & they make my mouth water every time!

These seasonings are also very reasonably priced, so stock up, mix & match & let your imagination guide you into a wonderful grilling season & make it the tastiest ever!

Check out McCormick Grill Mates Seasoning Mixes  and Weber Seasoning Mixes for information on all their products & seasoning blends.

Enjoy your summer!

Newman's Own Products..Mild Salsa

A lot of celebrity's dabble in the food bizz, but nobody, not even Emeril Lagasse or Rachel Ray can boast the success the late Paul Newman has had with his diverse Newman's Own products.    My first dip into Newman's Own products was with their mild salsa, which is what I would like to shout out about today.

Now I have tried a LOT of salsa in my 53 years, and I have to say Newman's Own is my absolute favorite.  It's chunky & flavorful & chock full of peppers, onions, tomatoes...and oh, so yummy!  

Newman's Own has branched out in so many directions, and it's really no surprise...they really are that good.  In addition to the salsa, they have marinades, salad dressings, sauces, skillet meals, cereal.... Visit Newman's Own Products.  

What's really wonderful about Newman's Own Products  is this idea was in Paul Newman's heart and, today, Newman's Own continues his commitment to donate all profits from the sale of our food products to charity. That's right, all of our after-tax profits are given to Newman's Own Foundation and then dispensed to charities throughout the U.S. and around the globe. Over $370 million has been given to thousands of charities since 1982. To learn more about Newman's Own Foundation and its grantees, visit NewmansOwnFoundation.org.

Awake Caffeinated Chocolate

I was lucky enough to be able to sample the new Awake Caffeinated chocolate bars in 2 flavors...milk chocolate & caramel.  Both Dan & I found them rich & very satisfying.  

In addition, the packaging was appealing without putting to much emphasis on being caffeinated.  The chocolate gives you a little energy boost without being over the top, and it simply melts in your mouth.  

So...Here’s the deal with Awake chocolate these delicious new chocolate bars with as much caffeine goodness as a cup of coffee (or a 250ml energy drink). Perfect for when you gotta get stuff done, and just don’t have the energy to do it.

If you would like more information on these yummy treats, please visit Awake Chocolate for more information.

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....