I am usually not a big fan of purchasing prepackaged meals for dinner, however, I had a coupon for this Birds Eye Voila! Shrimp Scampi product so we purchased it.

This product can be found in the frozen meal aisle at your grocery store and isn't cheap (in my opinion) but with the $1.00 off coupon, we decided to buy it and try it out.

You need to keep the product frozen, right up until cooking time. The package holds 1 lb. and 5 ounces. The package also states that it's a complete meal in 10 minutes. The meal can be made stove top or in the microwave. We chose to make ours stove top as the package states that is the preferred method.

Package Description: Why go out to eat? This classic dish marries plump, tender shrimp with succulent garden peas and sweet red and yellow bell peppers. It's all blended in a garlic butter sauce and served over linguini pasta for a true Italian taste.



This package will feed 2 adult eaters.

My Review: The sauce packet is frozen inside the bag with the other ingredients and I had a hard time, getting the sauce packet to release from the frozen shrimp and pasta so I had to run it under some warm tap water to get them to separate. This meal did only take 10 minutes to make so it was quick on the busy night that we prepared it.

Taste: I personally didn't care for the meal at all but that is mainly because I don't like peas and I don't like garlic sauces on my pastas...in my opinion, the garlic taste was too strong. However, my husband who is a fan of strong garlic tastes totally loved this meal.

Shelly's rating: 5 out of 10 stars on taste
Sam's rating: 8 out of 10 stars on taste

I personally would not buy it again as it just wasn't my cup of tea in regards to taste. However, my husband said he will buy it again as he enjoyed the ease of preparation and the taste.

Note: I was not compensated in any way for reviewing this product. I personally purchased it and used it. My product review is 100% unbiased and based on my thoughts and use of the product.

8 Key Benefits Of Using Silicone Bakeware

Silicone baking products came out onto the market place several years ago. When I first saw these products in the local retail stores, I was skeptical that they would perform just as well as my traditional baking dishes.

I decided to purchase a loaf pan and take it home to try it out. After all, I am an avid baker and would really put it through the test. After a few uses, I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised at how well it performed, matter of fact, it performed better than my metal and glass baking dishes.

Over the years, I have purchased numerous pieces of silicone bakeware and I can honestly say, I now use them every day when I bake for my family.

Here are 8 key benefits of why you need to use this type of bakeware in your own kitchen.

1. You will find that you can readily purchase the baking pans out in the market and for an economical price...many will come with a multi-year warranty, which makes them a great investment.

2. You will find that you will get even heat distribution, completely baked centers and even browning of your baked goods.

3. Silicone bakeware does not rust, dent or stain. Your bakeware will look beautiful for many years, with the proper care.

4. You will find that the majority of the baking pans are dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, conventional oven and convection oven safe, up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Please read manufacturers instructions as this can vary.

5. You will save time and calories because these types of baking pans do not need any greasing or flouring. They are made from a nonstick material, making the removal of your baked item, quick and easy.

6. Once they are removed from the oven, they cool down quickly.

7. Due to the type of material they are constructed from, you can easily fold the baking pans in half or collapse them for storage which saves on kitchen and cabinet space.

8. Clean up is a snap! You can place them on the top rack of your dishwasher or easily hand wash them in hot soapy water.

In closing, I think once you try a piece or two, you will be pleasantly surprised at how silicone bakeware will out perform your metal and glass baking pans. Your baked goods will bake better, taste delicious and clean up...will be a snap.

This article is copyright 2009 by Shelly Hill, all rights reserved. This article can not be reprinted without Shelly's permission.

Did you know that Tupperware has a great line of microfiber kitchen and cleaning items? If you didn't, then I think you would be pleasantly surprised with the high quality microfiber items that Tupperware now carries.

1. Tupperware Microfiber Dish Cloth Set is sold 2 per package. They each measure 8" square so they are a nice size.

2. Tupperware Microfiber Kitchen Towel measures 15x15" in length, a nice plush microfiber over-sized towel for use in your kitchen.

3. Microfiber Window & Mirror Cleaning Cloth will leave you glass and mirror surfaces clean and streak free. Each cloth measures 16" squared.

4. Microfiber Stainless Steel Polishing Cloths are sold 2 per package and each one measures 10" square. Perfect for cleaning stainless steel appliances with just tap water and it leaves them streak free!

5. Tupperware Microfiber Dusting Mitt (not show in photo) will clean surfaces in less time, wet or dry. Reusable mitt grabs dirt and dust from TV or computer screens, mini blinds, furniture and more.

I personally own and use each of these products and love them! You will help to save the environment as you are only cleaning with water plus as an added bonus, you will cut down your cleaning time.

We live about 15 minutes from Speciality Bakers who make the most delicous Lady Fingers in Marysville PA. They also make and sell angel food cake, pies and other bakery goodies.

History of Ladyfingers http://www.sbiladyfingers.com/history2.htm

They have numerous lady finger recipes posted on their website at:
http://www.sbiladyfingers.com/All_Recipe.htm

Here is one of my families favorite lady finger recipes that was given to me by my great aunt back in the early 1980's and it was given to her by her sister back in the 1960's.

Strawberry Lady Puffs Dessert Recipe

2 tbsp. sugar
1 tbsp. cornstarch
pinch of salt
2 eggs
1 c. milk
1 c. whipping cream
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract
12 lady fingers
Preserved strawberries

Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt. Beat eggs, add with milk. Cook over double boiler, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and coats a spoon. Chill. Whip cream, fold in. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Split lady fingers; halve. Arrange in sherbet glasses, top with cream mixture. Garnish with fresh or preserved strawberries. Serves 4-6.

Oreo Cakesters Soft Snack Cakes

Website: Oreo Cakesters Made By Nabisco

I received a coupon for the new Oreo Cakesters made by: Nabisco and since my family loves the regular Oreo Cookies, we decided to purchase 2 boxes from the grocery store.

We purchased the Original Flavor and the Chocolate Creme

Each Box: 6 individually wrapped packages each containing 2 snack cakes

Serving Size: 2 cakes (1 snack package)
Calories: 250 per serving size, Calories from Fat: 100

Our Evaluation:

Shelly's: I preferred the Chocolate Creme Cakesters because I am a chocolate lover and these definately hit the spot when I was craving some chocolate yesterday. What I really like is that they are soft and chewy which is a good thing since I can't have hard and crunchy foods at this time. Taste: I give them 8 out of 10 spoons, meaning, I will definately be purchasing them again.

Sam's: My hubby preferred the original flavor and didn't care for the chocolate creme. I think that is because he loves the regular Oreo Cookies. He rated the original flavor 9 out of 10 spoons.

So overall, we love this product!

Note: Package states: Manufactured on equipment that processes peanut, tree nuts. So, if you have nut allergies, these are not for you (even though, they don't have any nuts in them).

Note: I was not compensated in any way for this product review. We personally purchased and used the product.

One of my favorite products from Tupperware is the Rock 'N Serve Containers! Why are they one of my favorite products? Well, they go from Freezer, to the Refrigerator, then to the Microwave and finally into my Dishwasher while ONLY using one container! (anything that cuts down on dish washing is a plus in my book!) They are also covered by Tupperwares famous Lifetime Product Guarantee!

I like to freeze my leftovers or refrigerate my leftovers in these containers. My husband then can use them for his lunches at work. This saves me time and money and he is eating more healthy!

Rock 'N Serve Tupperare (tm) Containers are microwave reheatable containers that have a vent plug built right into the seal (lid). You just flip open the little vent plug before microwave reheating so that the steam can escape. This also keeps your microwave clean and free of food splatters! (who likes cleaning the microwave? I surely don't!).

I like the fact that they come in a variety of sizes and shapes to suit any of my storage needs and they are also stackable which saves me on freezer and refrigerator space.

They are not disposeable junk store containers, these are reusable over and over again. I get absolutely NO staining in my containers which is also a plus! By using them, I am also helping our environment.

These are the perfect containers for those who are on the go! Great for those who camp, travel by RV, to transport lunches to school & the workplace and for those of us who want to save money by preparing meals ahead of time in our own homes.

Product Review: Romano's Macaroni Grill Garlic and Herb Chicken Penne

I am usually not a fan of boxed mixes or boxed dinner kits but I must say, this one was great!

I recently purchased this item at the grocery store to give it a try at home. The boxed dinner kit needs no refrigeration. It took less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish.

The boxed dinner kit includes: Penne Pasta, Grated Parmesan and Romano Cheese Blend, Garlic and Herb Seasoning Packet, Tomatoes with Mushrooms and Onions Sauce.

Yields: six 1 cup servings.

You will need: 1 lb. uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts and 2 tablespoons of olive oil

The directions were easy to follow, all contents in the kit were nicely separated. Box states its ready in 20 minutes but it took me 30 minutes.

This dinner kit is prepared on the stove top.

Alternative: Instead of chicken, cook 3/4 lb. Italian sausage (omit oil). Stir in 1-3 teaspoons chopped roasted garlic, the seasoning packet and tomatoes.

Nutrition Facts: Serving size 1/3 cup as pkgd. (1 cup prepared)
Servings per box: 6
Calories: 240
Calories from fat: 70

Our Rating: My husband and I both enjoyed this! I was surprised at how great it tasted and how easy it was to prepare. We give it 8 out of 10 spoons, meaning that we will definately purchase it again.

Web Site: Restaurant Favorites At Home





NOTE: I was not compensated in any way for reviewing this product. I personally purchased it and used it so my opinions are unbiased and soley mine. You might end up with different results.

We were recently on vacation down to the Jersey Shore. I am usually not big on boxed mixes, but while on vacation we hit the grocery store to stock the condo with some food. We purchased a box of the Betty Crocker Seasoned Skillets (tm) potato slices and made the recipe on the box. I was pleasantly surprised that this made a tasty and delicious breakfast.

Ham and Cheese Potato Scramble Recipe

1 box Betty Crocker (tm) Seasoned Skillets traditional recipe crispy potato slices
6 eggs
1/4 cup water
3/4 cup cubed cooked ham
1/4 cup diced green bell pepper
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 green onions, chopped (we used only 1/2 an onion)

Make potatoes using the stove top directions on the box, using a nonstick skillet. Remove potatoes from skillet; keep warm.

In a bowl, beat eggs and water. In the same skillet, cook and stir the cubed ham and bell pepper until the pepper is crisp-tender. Pour eggs over the ham mixture. Cook over medium to low heat, stirring occasionally, until eggs are firm but moist.

Gently stir potatoes into egg mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and onions.

This recipe makes 6 servings. Recipe taken from the box of the Betty Crocker Potatoes.

NOTE: I was not compensated in any way for this review. I personally purchased the product and used it.

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