One of the things I wish I had done while my Dad was still alive was making him some Polish food. I am by no means a pro at this but it is something I wanted to learn to make. I have made these a handful of times and they were always a huge hit with everyone who has tried them. While my boys and I were back home for Christmas, my mom talked me into making them for her. They are really not as difficult as you might think. Just time consuming. I wanted to get a nice picture of them finished by the hounds moved in and I didn’t get a chance Enjoy!

Dough:

Filling:

• 4 large baking potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch slices
• 1 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 to 1 cup grated dry farmer’s cheese (Feel free to use your favorite FINELY shredded/grated cheese!)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
• Freshly chopped Chives (optional)

In a large bowl, combine the flour, egg, milk and water. Beat the eggs as you mix and gradually add the rest of the water until the mixture is combined.

Place your dough on a well floured surface. Knead it gentlt only until the ingredients are blended and the dough is smooth and slightly sticky, about 3 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to over work your dough.

Form a ball with your dough and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

For the filling:
Put the potatoes in a medium pot and add just enough cold, salted water to cover them. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork tender. You don’t want them mushy or water logged.

When the potatoes are soft, drain them and return them to the pot. Make sure you get out as much water as you can. Add your cheese, butter,chives, salt and pepper. Mash them just until blended and large lumps are gone. Season again with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool while you roll out your dough.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. On a well floured surface, roll out your dough with a rolling pin until it is about 1/8 inch thick. I used a 3 inch metal cookie cutter to cut each pierogie out. Make sure you you keep them covered with a damp towel as you work so they don’t dry out.

Once you have all of your rounds, go back and lightly roll over each one. I found that this makes them a little easier to pinch closed and gets out and thick spots you might have missed.

Fill the center of each one with a teaspoon of the potato mixture. Join the edges and pinch them firmly to seal them. Press around the edges with a fork. I had a few stubborn ones that didn’t want to stay closed but most of them closed jsut fine without wetting the edges. Make sure you have a tight seal or you will have a mess when you cook them.

You can cook these as you work or wrap them and cook them the next day. Drop no more than 6 in the pot at a time. When your pierogies float to the top, let them cook another 2-4 minutes. At this point you can store them for frying later, move them right into a saute’ pan and cook until they are golden brown on each side.

Happy Holidays! Right about now, you’re probably winding down from a wonderful holiday season filled with great family, great friends, and of course, great food!

Thankfully, Betty Crocker is here to help make cooking and entertaining easier than ever with Betty Crocker’s Red Hot Holiday Trends 2011! The food experts at Betty Crocker have selected trends that will be red hot this holiday season, and have created delicious recipes to bring each one to life. These fun and delicious recipes are sure to fire up any holiday event, and keep you toasty and warm for the New Year ahead.

	Trend: Double Desserts Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing. Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange.
	Trend: Boozy Baking From booze cakes to cocktail pies, bakers everywhere are bringing the bar into the kitchen. A titch of tequila or a skosh of scotch whiskey adds a serious shot of fun and flavor for the over 21 crowd. We’re loving these boozy baked goods! Recipe: Boozy Bourbon Chocolate Cupcakes Taste for yourself what the buzz is all about! A bit of bourbon, a hit of coffee liqueur and some vanilla vodka-spiked frosting make these sophisticated chocolate cupcakes the ultimate “holiday helpers.”
	Trend: Color. Flavor. Fun. Traditional baked goods are being transformed with bright colors and playful flavors. With a little creativity and imagination, no one can resist this happy, fun food! Recipe: Cake Batter Cookie Stackers Take sugar cookies to a whole new level of delicious! Kids and adults will love these cake batter flavored cookies with colorful frosting, and lots of sprinkles! Stack ‘em up and watch ‘em go.
	Trend: From Cave to Kitchen Forget the man cave. Today guys are in the kitchen making (or at least appreciating) really good food. Big food. Really good, big food that’s stacked and stuffed with the flavors they can’t resist. Recipe: Mantastic Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffle Sandwich Here’s a new take on chicken ‘n’ waffles – made better with beer, bacon, and bourbon. It’s the ultimate manly man meal.
	Trend: Skinny Cocktails Here’s the skinny! Drinking high-calorie cocktails is so last year. The modern mixologist is shaking things up with light & flavorful cocktails. Recipe: Skinny Clementine Martini Add some clever sparkle to your next party. Enjoy these natural, light martinis made with fresh juice, high-quality liquor, and a splash of club soda. Lower calorie cocktails never tasted, or looked, so sweet. Cheers!
	Trend: Better Than Bought From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity. Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress.
	Trend: Veggie Love Once just tolerated, vegetables are now celebrated. Omnivores and herbivores alike have discovered that veggies offer variety and great taste, and are feeling the love. Recipe: Sweet Potato Hummus Hummus with fresh sweet potato packs even more plant power. Add a delicious blend of smoked paprika, coriander, and cumin to make this flavorful dip.
	Trend: Shareworthy & Allergen-Friendly Allergen-friendly foods may be free from things like nuts, dairy and eggs, but shouldn’t be free from flavor. Thankfully, we’re seeing new foods and recipes that can be enjoyed by everyone – whether you’re allergy-sensitive or not. Recipe: Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread Gather everyone around the table to enjoy this moist and delicious pumpkin bread. Made with no nuts, no dairy, no eggs, and no gluten – no kidding!
	Trend: D-I-Y for D-O-G Man’s best friend deserves man’s best effort. That’s why making your own dog food is one of the latest canine crazes! This year, homemade dog treats are at the top of fido’s list. Recipe: Dog Bark This treat will make your dog sit up and beg for more. Make the bark by melting carob chips and peanut butter then top with your dog’s favorite ingredients – bacon and cheese. Bow WOW!
	Trend: Food Craft The kitchen is the new craft room. With food as their medium, clever cooks are making amazing edible food crafts that are as good to look at as they are to eat. Recipe: Chocolate Coal Lumps Naughty or nice, everyone will love these easy cho-coal-late treats. Cocoa Puffs® cereal dipped in melted chocolate and marshmallows create these tasty stocking stuffers.

 Chex® Party Mix is mixing it up with a fresh idea that puts a whole new spin on the classic cookie exchange. Ditch the hours of baking and make 15 minute Chex Party Mix recipes instead – all you need is a microwave and some friends to stir up the fun.

The concept is simple – invite some friends over for a party and ask everyone to make enough of their favorite Chex Party Mix recipe to exchange with party guests. Taste, mix, swap, and share the recipes, putting the treats in easy DIY packages for everyone to take home.

From decadent to savory your guests are sure to love with these delicious favorites that can be made in the microwave in 15 minutes or less. These five Chex Party Mix recipes are just some of the fabulous 15 minute recipes that can be found at ChexPartyMix.com.

• Original Chex Party Mix – A tried and true classic of many holiday gatherings.
• Chex PB & Chocolate Blast – Is there really a better combination than peanut butter and chocolate? Yes, when Chex cereal is added!
• Chex Pumpkin Pie Crunch – Mix things up and try this mouthwatering alternative to the beloved holiday pie.
• Hot Buttered Yum Chex Mix – A combination of cinnamon, brown sugar, honey and marshmallows blend effortlessly together in a crazy-delicious, gluten free crunchy mix.
• Chex Caramel Chocolate Drizzles – Melted chocolate, chewy caramel and a delightful crunch carry this gluten-free party mix recipe from microwave to table in 15 minutes.

ENTER TO WIN! Your prize pack will contain:
• 2 boxes of Chex cereal to create Chex Party Mix recipes
• 5 featured Chex Party Mix recipes
• 10 takeout containers so your guests can take their Chex Party Mix to-go
• $20 gift card to purchase recipe ingredients and decorating supplies

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Six years ago, Sara Tidhar found herself in a predicament. She had suddenly become a single mom and realized that to make ends meet, her stay-at-home status had to change. And quick.

So she did what came naturally: She started to cook. She hoped the comfort she felt at the stove would help her think of a way to continue putting food on the table. But it was her son who came up with the solution: “Mom, you should sell those nuts you make for us.”
 Sara had been making roasted nuts for her kids since they were little. She felt good about giving them a healthy snack, and the kids were crazy about them.

Candied Pecans

Simply scrumptious: These buttery mammoth pecan halves kissed with pure cane sugar are deliciously addictive.

We give you fair warning: these nuts are so delectable, you may not be able to keep your hand out of the bag. We slow roast big, flavorful pecans with a bit of organic canola oil to give them featherweight texture and amazing crunch. Each nut is then sweetened just right with nothing but the purest cane sugar. Eat them straight out of the bag and be transported to a more carefree time when treats were as innocent as they were delightful. Toss them in a spinach-and-blue-cheese salad to give your lunch an instant status upgrade.

Candied Walnuts

Deliciously back-to-basics: These creamy walnuts kissed with pure cane sugar are dreamily delectable.

Oh, the noble walnut: so rich, so flavorful, so ready to be Santé-fied! We slow roast premium walnuts with a bit of organic canola oil to give them our trademark light texture and amazing crunch. Each nut is then sweetened just right with nothing but the purest cane sugar. Put a bowl out at your next party and watch them disappear. Mix them into your favorite pancake recipe and your kids will call you a superhero.

Garlic Almonds

Zesty garlic, cayenne and black pepper give these almonds their savory punch. A touch of pure cane sugar makes them irresistible.

Buckle your seatbelts: these crisp almonds are as peppy as a sportscar. How do we get them that way? We slow roast them with a bit of organic canola oil to give them our trademark light texture and amazing crunch. We then season them with our secret recipe of zingy spices and sweeten them just right with nothing but the purest cane sugar. Keep a bag in your desk at work for an afternoon pick-me-up that’s way healthier than a candy bar. Just make sure you lock the drawer. These nuts have a way of vanishing when you’re not looking.

Roasted Salted Pecans

Deliciousness pure and simple: Mammoth pecan halves roasted and salted to perfection.

Be prepared: Our pecans will forever change what you think about regular roasted nuts. That’s because we use a secret family recipe (shhhh!). We carefully roast them with a bit of organic canola oil to make them light as air and oh-so-crunchy and then add just enough salt to make them undeniably delicious. Of course, they’re to die for straight from the bag. But don’t stop there. Chop up a handful for your grandmom’s chocolate chip cookie recipe. Toss with linguini, shrimp and olive oil. Sprinkle over waffles with syrup. The possibilities are endless.

Do you have ALDI’s grocery stores in your area? We do but, I must confess, I have never been in one locally. I vacationed in Atlanta a few years ago and shopped at one very briefly to pick up a few things. I didn’t pay much attention to the store itself and now I wish I had. It might help me with this article. I know stores are so different from one area to the next.

I recently was given the chance to write this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI. I went to the website and looked them up and found that there was one very close to my home that I didn’t even know existed. I agreed to participate and they sent me some gift certificates.

The funny thing was, when I received them, they included a shopping list to purchase various items that were important in association with wine for entertaining. Did you know ALDI’s sold wine? I didn’t! Heck, I didn’t even know grocery stores sold alcohol until I moved to Ohio. They don’t in PA where I am from!

I headed over to my local Aldi with my gift certificates in hand to check out what they had.  To my surprise they had a really big selection. I picked up a bottle of Chaza Moscato, (this is a deep red wine made with a sweeter more flavorful grape), a bottle of Villa Malizia Pinot Grigio (this is a white wine and this brand is good choice for the price but it a typical Pinot) and a bottle of Landshut Riesling (this is a white wine, very clean taste and leaves your mouth almost refreshed). To pair with these I also purchased Edenvale Brie Cheese, Belmont Cheesecake Sampler, Grandessa Mini Eclairs and Havarti Cheese. I LOVE LOVE Havarti! I was given $50 in gift certificates to create a holiday treat. I purchased all of these items for $50.28.

As for the store itself, it was well organized, the staff was nice, it was clean and I was out in less than 30 minutes with all of my things! Check our your local Aldi’s the next time you are in the mood for entertaining on a budget.

Disclosure: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting. While participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of ALDI, I received a gift certificate to facilitate my post. The views and opinions expressed in this blogs content are solely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product should be verified by the above mentioned manufacturer, PR Agency or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of of MAK Media, LLC® and/or its above sponsor. The product itself did not persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. You can read more about our Disclosure Policy here.

• 12 eggs
• 6 limes, zested
• 3 (12 fl oz) cans evaporated milk
• 6 (14 oz) cans sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dark rum
• 1 tablespoon aromatic bitters

IMAGINATION IS KING at Burger King. The new BK Crown Program, built to inspire every kid’s imagination and encourage kids to help choose how BK gives back, brings families together to enjoy not just a meal but a mealtime experience.

• The BK Crown Program comes in a fully interactive Kids Meal box. Sitting atop each box is a newly redesigned Burger King crown, because every kid deserves to be treated like royalty at Burger King! With crowns on their heads, kids can dive into the box, taking it apart, playing fun games and activities that challenge their minds, inspire their imagination and engage with the whole family.

• With the BK Crown Program, Burger King Corporation invites kids to tell Burger King what matters to them most. BKC has established a fund to help support the Wildlife Conservation Society, National Parks Conservation Association, DonorsChoose.org and Have It Your Way™ Foundation. By visiting BKCrown.com, kids learn how BKC’s charitable partners make a difference. Upon entering BK Crown Codes and clicking on their favorite cause, each kid’s vote helps BK^® choose which charity to give back to.
• The fun doesn’t end at the restaurant; the BK Crown Program experience lives on at www.BKCrown.com where kids can place their vote for how BKC should give back, as well as find more games, win prizes and enjoy interactive play.
• Also at Burger King, for just $9.99 your family can enjoy the “BK Family Bundle” which includes a WHOPPER sandwich, Whopper JR. sandwich, two small fries, two small soft drinks and a Kids Meal. Now that’s a deal worth getting together for! Limited time only. Price and participation vary. Prices higher in HI.

Head over to the nearest participating Burger King restaurant with your family for the new BK Crown Program. You’re never to small to make a difference, and what’s important to you is also important to Burger King. That’s why BKhas established a fund to help support charities involved in improving education and protecting the environment and wildlife. By entering your BK Crown Code and clicking on your favorite cause, your vote helps BK choose which charity to give to! The Charity that we chose was the Wildlife Conservation Society. We entered all 5 of the codes from out Kids Meal boxes!

Enter our Giveaway!

Disclosure: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting. I received a gift package for my testing purposes by Burger King® through My Blog Spark® . The views and opinions expressed in this blogs content are solely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product should be verified by the above mentioned manufacturer, PR Agency or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of of MAK Media, LLC® and/or its above sponsor. The product itself did not persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. You can read more about our Disclosure Policy here.

I asked the boys what kind of pies they wanted for Thanksgiving this year and, of course, they both picked a different one. Spencer wanted a Pumpkin Pie and Royal wanted an Apple Pie. Okay, I went with that! Here is the Apple that I made. Hope you enjoy it!

Ingredients:

• 8 large Golden Delicious apples – peeled, cored and cut
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 tbsp cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 recipe pastry for a 10-inch double crust pie
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 tablespoon white sugar
• 2 pie crusts (home made or frozen)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
2. Place the cut apples into a large mixing bowl and toss with the lemon juice.
3. In a separate bowl, Stir the corn starch, 3/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together.
4. Gently toss apples in the mixture until all are coated evenly.
5. Fit one pie crust into a 10 inch pie plate. Pile half the apples into the crust and top with half of the butter pieces
6. Pile the remaining apples into the pie plate and top with remaining butter.
7. Place the second pie crust over the top of the pie. Pinch and crimp the edges to seal the crusts. Use a fork to poke holes in the top crust in a few places. You can also use a cookie cutter or a lattice if you wish.
8. Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sugar.
9. Place the pie on a baking sheet
10. Immediately lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees F and then put your pie in to bake.
11. Bake until the crust is golden brown, about 60 minutes. Check half way through the baking time and cover the edges with aluminum foil for the last 30 minutes if necessary to prevent over-browning. When you add the foil is really up to you. When the edges are brown enough for you, then cover it.
12. Cool 3 hours on a wire rack before serving.
13. Don’t forget the vanilla Ice Cream!

Disclosure: I was not paid or given anything to write this post. All items were purchased by me. You can read more about our Disclosure Policy here.

I am so ashamed to say that I am so late getting this post up that it’s not even funny! the emails just kept getting buried until I forgot about it …..BUT, I still wanted you guys to have to have the opportunity to win some great McCormick stuff that I am posting it now!

Halloween is one of my absolute favorite holidays! Normally it is Christmas cookies that we are making but my nieces were in town and it was to cold to spend the day at the park so, we made cookies! I wasn’t able to get any pics of the complete project because the kids were just going nuts with frosting and sprinkles.

We used McCormick food coloring to color the frosting black, candy corn to make cat faces. My Mother-in-Law is always so happy when I bring her McCormick Black Food Coloring. It’s so hard to find around here for some reason (so she tells me) and for all of the baking she does, it’s a pain in the butt to make it. I think she is good for a few holidays now!

Enter our Giveaway!

Your giveaway prize pack will contain…… (Some items may be substituted duh to my craptastic job of posting so late!!)

• McCormick Assorted Food Color, Black Food Color and Pure Vanilla Extract
• Cupcake Liners
• Silicone baking sheet
• Le Creuset spatula
• Mu Kitchen Oven mitt
• Assorted Halloween Candy
• “Tricks for Your Treats” Halloween decorating ideas

Disclosure: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting. I received a gift package for my testing purposes by McCormick. The views and opinions expressed in this blogs content are solely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product should be verified by the above mentioned manufacturer, PR Agency or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of MAK Media, LLC® and/or its above sponsor. The product itself did not persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. You can read more about our Disclosure Policy here.

Searching for a quick and convenient side dish that appeals to all of your hungry eaters? Thanks to Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables with Pasta, pleasing your entire family just became an easy fix.

Making meal time easier than ever, Green Giant has introduced vegetables with pasta and savory sauces to their already convenient and tasty line-up of Valley Fresh Steamers frozen mixes.

New Valley Fresh Steamers Vegetables with Pasta varieties include:

• Macaroni and Cheese Sauce with Broccoli – classic elbow pasta and broccoli in a mouth watering cheese sauce
• Pasta and Vegetables with Alfredo Sauce – delicious corkscrew pasta with carrots and broccoli in a savory Alfredo sauce

Though we are not big on Broccoli, we ARE big on Mac and Cheese! I was very surprised at how good these were. We all tried some of the broccoli but I can say I might have liked to see this with something like corn in it. I couldn’t find the Pasta and Veggies with Alfredo sauce so we weren’t able to try that one. These are great for a quick side when you are short on time.

Steam-in-the-bag sides will have your family asking for seconds. Join in the conversation today on the Green Giant Facebook page.

ENTER OUR GIVEAWAY

Your giveaway prize pack will contain……

• 2 Green Giant placemats
• Broccoli stress reliever
• 32 oz. serving bowl
• Surprise face serving spoon
• A VIP coupon for the new Valley Fresh Steamers with Pasta

Disclosure: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting. I received a gift package for my testing purposes by Green Giant® through My Blog Spark® . The views and opinions expressed in this blogs content are solely my own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product should be verified by the above mentioned manufacturer, PR Agency or product designer. This post is not endorsed, sponsored or has any connection to twitter, facebook or any other network. This post is solely the property of MAK Media, LLC® and/or its above sponsor. The product itself did not persuade my personal beliefs or views. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. You can read more about our Disclosure Policy here.