Food Tasting: Apple Soda

Okay..so title is boring..but this is no regular apple soda..(does the United States make Apple Soda? Guess there is the sparkling stuff...) This soda is from Taiwan - I got at my local asian market. It only cost $.99 not too shabby.

I got this stuff awhile ago and kept telling myself to try it soon..try it soon..but kept forgetting..go figure.

It's called Apple Sidra. It's a yellow aluminum can, the top has a red wavy like banner with one part that dips down says "Apple Sidra" with a logo of the stick and leaves of an apple. The front of the can, well there are two front. One written in english - the other is Taiwanese. (I think) Both fronts have an apple and both says I'm guessing both say, Apple Sidra in between the apple. The bottom of it reads : Apple Soda All Natural Ingredients. I say that, but turn to the ingredients side and I don't think it's all natural..could be wrong.

Ingredients: Carbonated water, Fructose, Sugar, Apple concentrate base, natural apple flavor, citric acid, caramel. It's produced by: Oceanic Beverage Co., Inc - Tao Yuan Hsien, Taiwan, R.O.C. Product of Taiwan.

So let's get the tasting...I open the can like an other soda and I smell the aroma of apple. So that's good right? They said all natural "flavor". (doesn't seem natural really to me) I poured into a clear glass to see if it was thick or had some chunkiness. Now some chunkiness in drinks aren't bad...quite good. Although when they surprise you..no so good. So as I pour it, it's a caramel color..so sign of chunkiness but very fizzy. As I pour the rest of it in, its like beer. Get's that foamy like top. Yum. Sugary foam. I check it out and take a sip...hm..it tastes like carbonated water and sugar with a hint of apple. Like apple candy. :) Fizzy apple candy. Not the fake flavor of apple, really is a natural tasting apple. You do get a lot of the carbonated flavor...but it's fine. I'd buy this again. :) My daughter loves it. It's approved.

If you know of anything I should try put a link in the comments or just tell me too. I am and so is my hubby..were up to it. Doesn't have to be asian...:)

Cheesy Butternut Squash Noodle Bake

So I made this recipe I found out of a Better Homes and Garden magazine. To be honest...I rarely actually make something I tear out of magazines. So sad...but butternut squash was in season and I knew I could get it at my favorite Saturday Farmer's Market!! (can I hear a woot woot!?) Plus this recipe hid the fact it had this squash. 

So as I read this recipe I knew I had to change it around. Somethings it called for I didn't have. The recipe is originally called "Cheesy Butternut Squash Cavatappi Bake". As you can see I changed Cavatappi - to Noodle. It does say any other elbow macaroni is fine. Let me tell you...I have so many dried pasta's. (Got most of the for free - yay coupons) I looked through some and I found a pasta I had stored in a bag...so I have no idea what it's called...I'll try to find it. (I found it - it's called plexoudes pasta, which is greek. Who knew?) Other things I changed is the cheese I used and mushrooms. Like all my recipes - I adapt. If I don't have something I find something that will. Just remember you can use anything you have in your home. Don't need to go out to the store for something special..use what you got. (Winks)

So enough rambling, right? Here is what you need or can substitute.

Ingredients: 

3 Cups peeled and cubed butternut squash

3 1/2 Cups of Chicken Stock

8 ounces dried pasta (any macaroni type)

1 Tablespoon of butter

8 ounces of cremini or button mushrooms, sliced (any)

2 Tablespoons of flour

1 Cup Fat-Free Milk

1 1/2 Cups of cheddar cheese, shredded

Turkey Bacon

Panko Crumbs (Optional)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 Degrees. Lightly coat a 2 quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray, set aside.

Take the butternut squash you peeled and cubed and place it in a saucepan with your chicken stock. Bring to boil. You will know it's done when you can pierce the squash with a knife and it goes in like butter... drain some of the stock, leaving just a bit. Then in the pan, smash the squash. I did this and even put it in my blender for a smoother..velvet like texture. Set aside.

Cook the pasta according to the directions, drain. In a medium saucepan heat the butter over medium high heat. Add mushrooms. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mushrooms. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add milk and some salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in squash. Add pasta. Gently fold to combine.

Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the cheese, then put the rest of the pasta on top. You can put some bacon and panko crumbs for some extra crunch. Bake, uncovered, 20 - 25 minutes or until heated through. Makes 6 servings. 

Remember to have fun and if you want to check out BHG version - link is below. This is my adaption to theirs. Hope you like it. 

Also for those vegetarians out there...you could totally do it. If you do, let me know. I would love to see or hear how it went too.

Cheese Butternut Squash Cavatappi Bake

Food Review: Healthy in a Hurry

So over the weekend my hubby and I came across a food truck we have never seen in Decatur before...sure enough when I looked it up they are from Bloomington. Bummer, right?! Decatur truly needs someone like this...these girls are like the BOMB! (OMG - yes I said it)

                                                  HEALTHY IN A HURRY FOOD TRUCK

The girls in the truck were very nice and made yummy food. You see I've been wanting fish taco's all summer...and they had them. So you know...I got them. (winks) Hubby got their buffalo burger..not my thing but oh my..delicious, but I stuck to my three fish (not fried) tacos. So filling...

The fish taco's like I mentioned came in three...not one but three, for $8. Deal? Yes. Let's see to describe this taco..let me think back....(mouth waters) seasoned white fish, I believe a cucumber slaw (not sure...sorry I didn't dissect my taco, I failed..) Monterrey shredded cheese, some sauce with a kick (read it was a homemade baja sauce) wrapped in some tortilla's. I was so flavorful...it made me happy to eat it. Then I got to enjoy a crisp, juicy watermelon slice from my hubby's lunch. ( he doesn't like watermelon - I devour it) It was so cute, came in a little baggy. Yum.

His buffalo burger was pretty good too, usually I don't care for anything that isn't the norm. (chicken, fish, turkey, cows...piggy) It was moist and the cheese...I think was feta? was so yummy. But sadly I had one bite, I had too much of my own that I really wanted to finish. His was a 1/3 pound lean bison burger topped with feta cheese and sun dried tomato served on a bun (brioche). Let's say one thing..my daughter (picky eater to new things..and 3 years old..loved it. She ate more then hubby) Got many pictures of her taking big bites. (hah)

After we ate we had to leave but those girls in the truck talked to us a bit. Sad to say they aren't open year around - we did tell them we'd wait in the snow for them and they thanked us. Commented how cute my daughter is and we thanked them for yummy foods. Hope they come to Decatur again...who know's we might travel up to Bloomington just for their food. (winks) You can also check out their facebook page : Healthy in a Hurry

Apple Pie Purses

So for the Emmy's I made Apple Pie Purses. My mom's favorite pie is apple - and it's the season so I had to make these. What you'll need are the following :

Ingredients:

1. Approx. 2 Apples shredded or diced finely
2. 1 1/2 Teaspoons of Lemon Juice
3. 3/4 Cups Brown Sugar (All depends on the tartness of your apples)
4. 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
5. 1/2 Teaspoons of Nutmeg
6. 1 Teaspoons Cornstarch
7. Oil for greasing the pan
8. Wonton Wrappers
9. Caramel Sauce ( I used Smuckers)

Directions (adapted from Overtime Cook)

Shred or finely dice some apples and place them in a bowl. You will need to toss them in some lemon juice quickly so they don't brown. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir to combine then set aside for 15-20 minutes to let the juices run from it.

Drain the juice from the mixture, then add the corn starch and toss to evenly coat it.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Grease a mini muffin pan well with oil (not spray) liberally on the inside of each cup. Make sure you don't skimp on the oil as it will give the purses the fried texture. Set aside.

Place about a teaspoon of the apple mixture in the center of a wonton wrapper, then bring the edges all together and pinch them sealed, thus creating a purse. ( If the wonton wrapper is dry, you can wet the edges with water or oil to make sure they seal correctly)

Place each purse in the cup of the prepared pan. Spray the tops well and put in the oven for 15 minutes or until the outside is nice a crispy. Serve warm with caramel sauce or any topping you'd like. Remember have fun and let me know how it all went :)

                                                                         VOILA!

Ipsy Glam Bag : September 2013

So this month's Ipsy bag is another fun bag. If you got one, you know what I'm talking about - if you don't know what I'm talking about - you are missing out. (Down below is a link) 
Seems my bag is different then others I look for. (I always wanna see what everyone else gets. Truly I am happy with my bag, wouldn't have it any other way.) Here is what I have in my bag this month:

Nyx Single Eye Shadow ($4)

Elizabeth Mott's It's So Big Mascara ($8)

Starlooks Obsidian Kohl Eye Pencil ($12)

J-Cat Fantaboulous Lipstick ($2.49)

Freeman Beauty Facial Paper Mask x3 ($1.99 Each)

Sample of em's Life Palette, Career Life (Michelle Phan creator of Ipsy new brand)

I haven't tried any of these really..okay I guess I tried the lipstick - it's a nude and I've been dying to find the perfect nude. J-Cat is puurfect. (had to) Other than that I haven't tried anything...of course I haven't really gone out other then to the store. Next work day I'll try something.
I won't be trying the mascara for awhile...I'm sorry but I have lots...too many...like 5 okay? 2 open right now..wait..shoot 3. Well shoots...gotta get using them...hah.
Usually I don't find myself using eye pencils...sadly this is the truth, I don't like when they get dull to where I have to sharpen them. I guess you can say I haven't learned the "art" of sharpening pencils. (laugh now...)
Eye Shadow...love this eye shadow..blends super easy with fingers or a brush. Worth the buy.
Down to the facial masks...I'll use that with one of my lovely spa days. Ladies..we gotta have one of those..at least...at least once a month. I'm I right?
So does anyone out there get the glam bag? If you do and got this one - let me know or show me what you did with your bag. I'm very interested. I'm still pretty new to this makeup scene.

Alright - well my lovelies...have a wonderful day - ciao!

Three Sister's Gourmet Soaps

So this weekend was Arts in Central Park - here in Decatur, Illinois..hubby had to work but luckily they were open at 10 am so we went down as a family. (I am so excited we did) We parked and everyone got out of the car. There I noticed two booths before you get to Central Park. One was of course a farmer's market stand (had to get a few more things) and the second one was Three Sister's Gourmet Soap. Never have I heard of them - but it's soap..I had to stop. There was a lady there - (Libby James I think - she gave me her card) She was very nice and let us look at her table (and..she let me snap of few photos for here). She had a variety of different soaps...even soaps for you guys out there. I'm sad to say I didn't catch every name out there. Some on the top of my head were gardenia, almond honey oatmeal, drakkar(men), apple blossoms, English rose tea. All these soaps were wrapped beautifully in paper and tied with some ribbons. They looks like little presents. Super cute.

The prices for these soaps aren't bad either. Mrs. James said $5 each or $12 for 3. So my husband sniffed some and found his (drakkar), I chose one for my mother (apple blossom), then lastly one for myself (almond honey oatmeal). 

I haven't used them yet, but soon I will. I want to enjoy this soap...how about a nice bubble bath? Oh I think so. She also told me they started making bath salts. Hope I see her again, the holiday season is coming...I think I will get some more. Relax in a bubble bath, some salts and soap...glass of wine? Sounds great to me. You? 

If you are interested in this company - it's called Three Sisters Gourmet Soap - here in Decatur, Illinois

Farmer's Market

It's Saturday!!! And what is Saturday? It's the farmer's market of course! Sorry..I haven't been able to go to this one in awhile so I got too excited. My hubby, daughter and I spent close to $30 on some fresh foods. Plus they had doggies and a kitty there, that makes the market even better. Get to looks for foods and possible a new animal for our home. So I got lots of food photo's and puppies!!

            Granny Smith from the market - and granny smith from the stores...so different.

                              Granny Smith from Kroger on left - Granny Smith from Orchard on right

                                                It's Pumpkin Season!!

 I believe this little girl's name was Swiffer? She was so cute - 2 years old

 Big boy there is Uno - he has a one on the back of his neck - very laid back.

                                           Oh..can't forget Pepper Season!!!

This young girl is the pepper girl. My hubby is very nice to her - gives her tips and helps her with Math. Where my daughter just loves standing there. :)

Did I mention how much I love the market. Wish we had them more then just Saturday's. Well hope your weekend was wonderful like mine !

Concord Grape Jam

You know at first I was so annoyed with these grapes...peeling..then pitting. I couldn't stand it. Finally I just put everything in my tiny magic bullet. (Everything meaning the stem, skin, skins and the grapes of course) I blended and poured into a sieve. Poured the juice into a pot with some sugar and lemon juice. (I think I ended up putting about 1 cup of sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice.) Boiled and simmered for an hour- let cool...boiled again..because it wasn't thick enough...let cool and an hour later BAM! Jam. Ha. I was so excited I posted it on my Facebook page.

                              Above: This is how the started - right from the farmers marker

                                            Above: After peeling them - took too much time

Above: Blended it all - strained it so much easier

 Above: That container made this much - not bad                     Above: Oh...yes 

Done. It was so yummy. Just Concord Grapes - Sugar - Lemon Juice. All natural. I believe these grapes are in season too. So buy some - it's a hassle but well worth it.

Green Tea Marshmallow Snacks

Green Tea and Red Bean Paste Marshmallow Bars

Ingredients:

3-4 Teaspoons of Matcha Green Tea powder

4-5 Tablespoons of Butter

1.5 Bags of Marshmallow Minis

5-6 Cups of Cheerios

Optional : Red Bean paste with a bit of honey 

(To thin it out)

Directions:

You can follow any recipe of marshmallow krispies. This recipe is adapted from Asian Skinny Green Tea Rice Krispies Treats . I didn't have any rice krispies but I had so much cherrios. So of course you can substitute any extra cereal you have. 

First you want to melt your butter. I first did 3 tablespoons of butter. After it was melted I added one bag of mini marshmallows. After seeing what it looked like, I figured I would add some more butter and marshmallows. So it all depends on how much cereal you have. The rice would probably be fine with just one bag of marshmallows and the 3 tablespoons of butter.

After it's all melted together you can stop right here, turn the heat off and add your cereal. For me I added matcha green tea powder. You can get this in your local asian food grocer or even online. I really think it's worth it. I put in 4-5 tablespoons because I really like green tea so I can take it. It's also up to you how much you really want. When the green tea was all blended I added some red bean paste that I mix with honey to thin it out.  Again this is optional. 

I poured in the cereal and used my super strength to stir and made sure the cereal was all covered. I put on some gloves, sprayed them with pam and started to press the cereal into a lightly sprayed pan. Ever so often I would spread some red bean paste on some cereal. 

After it all is in, press down with all your might and set aside to cool. You can after this cut in how ever many shapes you want. Remember to have fun! let me know what your creations were..bye!

Grocery Haul

So I went to Kroger with my husband a few days ago...I was excited about it too. I took a photo and I got laughed at.  I don't think it was that weird...is it?
Well this trip we just picked up a few things but I paid under $15 for this. All pretty much thanks to the P&G coupons for gillette. It was $2 off Gillette Shave Prep...and you know what, it was $1.99 on  sale. So math time, $2 - $1.99 = $0. Pretty sweet deal, right? I mean my husband doesn't need too much shave prep, but why not get as many as I can, its free. :)

Following Items:

Kale : $.99
Mio :  $2.49 Sale ($1.00 off Coupon) $1.49
Uncle Ben Rice Cups : $.74 ea. X 4 ($1.00 off 4 Uncle Ben Products)
Kroger Brand Vanilla Ice Cream $2.98
Gillette Shave Prep: $1.99 on sale x 4 ($2 off ea.) $0
Kroger Cucumber Melon Candle : $5.99 Managers Special

I hope I remembered all that correctly, I wanted to take a picture of the reciept but I forgot. So I did this by memory. But that aside it was a pretty good trip.
Got Kale for jucing in the morning. Mio for my waters.. Uncle Ben Rice Cups for hubby's dinner at work. Candle for my mother. Shave prep for hubby. And Ice cream for us all! 
Point of this all is, coupons aren't as bad or as hard to use as people think.
Save some money, not hard its fun. It can be stressful in line with the cashiers. But remember you are saving money for your family...have fun with it!

Halloween scars

Does anyone remember using elmers glue in school? Do you remember using the glue letting it dry layer after layer? Is what I did for this tutorial. Now I figured I don't have the money to buy the expensive stuff so I rememberd Elmer's glue. But in my house I don't have elmers glue I had something else called mod podge. Which pretty much feels the same, so I started to experiment with it. As I started to play with it I noticed it makes skin. So I hope you are all interested in learning how to make scars with glue and I will show you how to color it with things you should have in your own home. Let's get started.

The tools you will need are the following:
Mod Podge or Elmer's glue
A paintbrush or anything to put glue on
patience
And make up

Okay you want to start off by having where ever you are doing this to, clean. Wash your hands or even an alcohol wipe will be fine.

Start layering off the glue. You want the edges pretty thin, where the middle you want more thick. Make sure you dry each layer pretty well. So do this a few times to get where you would like it.

When you have the thickness you are happy with you can start making the holes in the skin. What l have done was take either a tooth pick or what I did in the picture above is take a nail art tool. you can put holes in the skin or what looks likes cuts. 

Now it's time for the makeup. Fun? Yes indeed. First apply the concealer. I just used my hands but if you have one of those makeup sponges lightly dab it on. You want it close to the color of your own skin...but do remember we are also putting powder on it to set it a bit. Like I said - next puts some powder on it. You can use your own brushes for this and just clean them later. (IF you'd like me to I can put a tutorial on how to clean them with everyday items in your home) Now I take the red lipstick and puts some inside the "wounds" and dab it on the skin and around the skin. Rub the outline of the skin, the part that is really your skin. You want to blend it well. I dip my finger on my blush, I have a pink and a brown. Rubs those over the red lipstick on the outer edge. Blend well. I added some periwinkle blue just to add some more dimension. You want this to look bruised as much as possible. So just mix it up. You can look online to see what a bruise really looks like. I added blue shadow, some green...more pink. I just had fun, so should you. Then I wanted to make sure they were all blended, so I took my kabuki brush and rubbed it all around. I added more "blood" red lipstick to the wounds and done. You got yourself a wicked wound. 

If you do try this, please let me know - you can even show me yourself. If you have comments or questions don't hesitate and let me know! Good luck - have fun!