Tag Archives: cooking

Food, Parenting 101, Video

Coronavirus Cabin Fever

Leave a comment

We’re at the end of week 4, sheltering in place is feeling a bit more normal. I go from my daytime yoga pants to my night time sweats. The kids have asked to stop going places, because well, we can’t! I’ve had to make sure I get in my steps and take laps around the neighborhood for fresh air, or even just hop in the car for a drive…just to get away. Everyday is a new challenge and while we try to adjust, so do the kids. But is anyone feeling coronavirus cabin fever?

I spoke to parenting expert and author Donna Bozzo, and she have some sound advice and ideas for how to handle being hunkered down during coronavirus. In the video there are a few takeaways, like cook a family meal and re-create a restaurant experience with the kids, or repurposing household items to create finger puppets with the younger babes, and helping the older kids become a bit more domesticated with a good old-fashioned sewing lesson.

And with Easter on the horizon, and many of our normal traditional on hold this year, she suggest spinning the egg hunt into a treasure hunt adventure.

For more advice and ideas from Donna, check out her books What the Fun and Fidget Busters.

Food

Pickles and Ice Cream Cookbook

Leave a comment

Cover

Pickles and Ice Cream is a cookbook featuring bizarre pregnancy cravings. It contains random recipes like “Oreos and Toothpaste” or “Tomato Soup with M&Ms.” The finished food creations were then  photographed like gourmet meals and feature short stories about the women who craved them. Hungry much?

TOOTHPASTE OREOS®

Now, I never had any crazy cravings during either of my two pregnancies, but I certainly know some women who have…. So I love that this book takes a look at some of the most bizarre and brings them to life. The book is beautifully done with vibrant photos and honest, funny reviews on the various “dishes.” And — no, I’m not pregnant, but there must be something in the water because, I’ve recently had more than a handful of finds announce their pregnancies! At any rate, it’s a fun cookbook that would be the perfect addition to a home that’s expecting…or can relate.

BACON MARS BAR® BURGER

Written by award-winning copywriter Vicky Jacob-Ebbinghaus and RPA art director Juarez Rodrigues, the strangely unique book contains a collection of 70 of the most outlandish things moms-to-be have craved during their pregnancy. During their research, they looked at around 50,000 pregnancy cravings from all over the world. They then created a list of the best, worst and most random pregnancy cravings and began shopping for the recipes, which proved challenging, such as when they needed to get cement from a condemned building or a pickled pig’s foot or lamb’s eyes. Press play below to check out some brave souls who dared to take a taste!!

ENTER TO WIN!! I’m giving away 2 copies of this bizarre pregnancy cravings cookbook!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

News

Baking with Kiddos on TV

4 Comments

gdsac1

Okay, so we didn’t actually bake. There’s only so much you can squeeze into a few minutes of TV….but the theme of the segment was gadgets and ideas on how to get kids cooking and baking this holiday, making time in the kitchen a family affair! I did this TV segment as a spokesperson for Brilliant Baby Products on Good Day (Sacramento), and I must say it was a good time.

Now, by profession I am a television host…BUT usually I am the one asking the questions and guiding the segment, rather than the “expert” or guest. In this case, I was the guest and I brought along several products and ideas, along with a couple cute kid models to help me tell the story! Haven and Jack – children of my friends…served as  my little helpers and all in all I think it went pretty well, and I can’t wait ’til I get to do it all again!

Here’s the segment if you want to check it out!

And — below I’ve listed the products I featured along with links for more info!

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Lisa Kozich

Leave a comment

lisacrockName: Lisa Kozich
Children & Age: I have a six year old son named Owen Paul.
Location/Hometown: I currently live in Pittsburgh, PA. My hometown where I gew up is Johnstown, Pa.
Quick Bio: I attended Pennsylvania State University for my Bachelor’s degree. I have Master’s Degree in counseling psychology from Capella University. I am a counseling therapist and the CEO of Crockin’ Moms. I created fan pages, mommy groups, and websites to connect with other moms after becoming a mom myself. Also my blog www.crockmoms.com is made to share recipes with others, mom tips, and DIYS. After creating my blog and fan pages, I had begun to attract followers which has created a positive community. With this, I have created networks on all social media sites. One site in particular is my FB fan page, which reaches 8 million followers per week. Link to my FB page is https://www.facebook.com/crockpotmama

Q: What is your “go to” snack/toy/show/trick when your kids start to fuss?
A: My go to I use when my son starts to fuss is first, his favorite book, then watching superheroes and my son loves eating popcorn, bananas, cheese and yogurt for go to snacks.

Q: How do you balance being a mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: To balance myself I like doing extra charity work. I also like listening to music, meditating, and reading books.

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new moms?
A: My piece of advice is don’t be afraid to ask for help. Also, talk to your pediatrician and don’t be hesitant to them on certain aspects on health, growth, and developmental stages. Lastly, reach out to other moms, they can offer the best support.

crock logo

Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: I try to incorporate walking, running, the elliptical machine, and I like to do yoga when the time allows me to.

Q: Share your most memorable mommy moment to date?
A: My most memorable mommy moment was when my son Owen looked at me and said “mommy I Love You!” and when he walked the first time!

Q: Share your best or favorite place for a family vacation and tell us why?
A: The best place I’ve been on a family vacation was Surf City in North Carolina. It was a very relaxing atmosphere on a private beach. I also can’t wait to bring Owen to Disney World someday.

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: My parenting style is a mixture. I am strict at times but also laid back. Having somewhat of a daily, night time, and homework routine is a big plus for my kiddo. Having these routines most of the days helps our son know what is coming next and gives a sense of security and helps develop self-discipline.

Q: Describe your Haute Mom (fashion style):
A: I would say my style is chic/modern. I dress mostly as I did in my mid 20’s. I like to dress up but can be relaxed and dress down too. I like to still like to wear my Nikes but also wear heels too.

Q: What’s the best surprise you’ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: I surprised my son with spider man at my Mommy’s club event and he knew my sons name. He couldn’t stop talking about Spider-man being there and how was happy to meet my son. The look on his face was priceless.

Food

Holiday Mix Nuts Roca Candy

1 Comment

roca5

Every week, Chef Bob of Farm Fresh Supermarkets, makes an appearance on the TV show I host and this week he made his “Holiday Mix Nuts Roca Candy.” Now, I’m not big on nuts, but I know people tend to go “nuts” for this stuff, especially around this time of year! Well, he graciously shared his recipe with me, so now I’m going to share it with you!

roca3 roca2 roca1

Holiday Mix Nuts Roca Candy

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour

Ingredients:
1 lb. Unsalted Butter
2 cups Sugar
2 Tbsp Light Corn Syrup
5 Tbsp Water
1 Tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract
2 1/2 Cups Mixed Nuts (Planters Deluxe)
12 oz bag Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 bag of 12 oz bag White Chocolate Chips
1/2 cup Chopped Mixed Nuts

Directions:
1. Over Medium heat, melt butter in a large pot.
2. Add corn syrup, water, vanilla and sugar to pot and cook until temp reaches 290 degrees (use a candy thermometer) or until the mixture becomes the color of a brown paper bag (about 15-20 minutes) stirring constantly with a wooden spoon (mixture will rise and bubble quite a bit).
3. Remove from heat and stir in mixed nuts.
4. Pour mixture onto a non-greased cookie sheet with edges.
5. While the nut mixture is cooling, melt the semi sweet chocolate and white chocolate chips separately in a double boiler until all the chips are gone, and chocolate is smooth.
6. Pour the warm semi sweet chocolate over the nut mixture and spread evenly.
7. Use a fork or spoon to drizzle the white chocolate over the dark chocolate.
8. Sprinkle with chopped nuts (Planters is fine), and allow candy to cool completely and chocolate to harden before breaking it apart.

Note: May want to cool in freezer for at least an hour.

If you want to watch the video clip when he made this click HERE

Food

Christmas Tree Cupcakes!

7 Comments

tree

I decorated these fun Christmas Tree cupcakes on the show – courtesy of Twisted Sisters Cupcakes, and I thought it was such a simple, but yet very cute idea and easy to do. All you need are the cupcake, sugar (ice cream) cones, green icing, white frosting and powdered sugar, sprinkles, mini M&Ms, etc… whatever you want to decorate with on your tree. A small piece of fondant can also be used to cut and add a star as a tree topper!

tree3

First, bake and cool the cupcakes. Then you take your cupcake and cover with white frosting, and sprinkle some powdered sugar on top of the top for a “snow” effect. Then lightly use a butter knife to cover the outside of the cone to be “green.” After that you want to fill the pastry bag (can use ziploc bag) and slowly squeeze out small amount to create the “leaves” on the tree.

When finished, you can sprinkle with powdered sugar to give the tree a dusting of snow, or use sprinkles, mini M&M’s or other small candy to decorate you tree. Then place the tree on the cupcake and there you go! These could make cute centerpieces or edible decor on a table or just be a fun kids holiday craft idea! Enjoy!

Here’s video of the TV segment I did…

Haute Moms

Haute Mom: Karen Endsley

2 Comments

usgirlshmName: Karen Endsley
Children: Sienna Blaise, 3 ½ years old
Hometown/Current Location: Orlando, FL/Norfolk, VA
Quick Bio: I am the host of Cooking from the Heart, a cooking show geared toward busy moms/dads who want to prepare healthy, delicious, budget-friendly meals for their families, but don’t want to miss out on precious family time, by being stuck all day in the kitchen. This is my dream gig because I love cooking and I love helping people find ways to simplify their lives. They say if you do what you love, they you will be successful, and I am thrilled to say that my “local” cooking show was picked up nationally in June and will now be available in 57,000,000 homes nationwide! It’s so exciting to think that someone in L.A. or N.Y could be making my chicken and dumplings!

All my life I’ve loved adventures. I’ve hiked the Great Wall of China, gone paragliding in the Swiss Alps, canoed in the Amazon River and also ridden through the Andes on the top of a train, among other things. After marrying the man of my dreams in my late thirties, I embarked on the biggest adventure of all, motherhood. As “older parents” our biggest challenge has been keeping up with our daughter’s energy. I love that we have learned to play again – I have an excuse to jump around inside bounce houses and go to skating rinks! And, I really love when my wonderful husband takes Sienna for a Daddy/Daughter day and I get to recharge!

You can check out the show at www.cox11.com or nationally on AMG networks. Also, I upload the shows and other recipes, tips, pictures etc on my Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/KarenIsCookingFromTheHeart

Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new Moms?
A: If there is one piece of advice I would give to a new mom, it would be “Don’t compare yourself to other mothers!” When you are in the throes of nursing, dealing with diapers, and basically surviving on 4 hours of “interrupted” sleep a night, it is easy to see other mothers apparently dealing with everything beautifully. They look great and it seem to be breezing through what you struggle to get through on a daily basis, and you feel like an utter failure. But trust me, I know this through personal experience (and lots of conversations with moms), their homes aren’t spotless, their laundry isn’t all done, and you probably just caught them on “shower day.”

Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: Lots of conversations and lots of love. I think it’s easier to model and explain what you expect for your child at a young age. They are such little sponges and things like manners and good behavior will become “first” nature if they know what is expected of them. When my daughter exhibits good behavior I always praise her (and often rain kisses on her). When she does something naughty, I always address it immediately –no matter where we are or what we are doing. I tell her we need to have a “conversation” and explain why the behavior was naughty, what consequences it can have and how she always has a choice when it comes to her behavior. Since we started having our conversations, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve had to put her in time out. Also, because she understands what is going on and has some control over her “choices,” tantrums have practically become a thing of the past.

hm pic

Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: As the mommy of a wonderful little girl, I think one of the most important things to do is to make sure my daughter has a great sense of self and loads of confidence. I try to reinforce this in a couple of ways. I make sure that she knows how deeply she is loved, that no matter what happens, if she has a naughty moment etc….  or even if I am frustrated with her behavior at the moment, I will always love her completely. I also try to make sure I always praise her as a whole. By this I mean I tell her she is very smart, funny, brave, kind, silly, etc… I want her to know she has strengths in many areas, so that in the future, if one aspect of her falters, she will have so much more to draw from and won’t lose confidence in herself.

Q: What is the best surprise you/ve ever done for your kids/family?
A: We moved away from home (FL) almost 3 years ago, leaving all of our family behind. My daughter is an only child and as such was very close to her older twin cousins and absolutely adores them. When I found out my 11 year old niece was going to be giving her first concert, I knew we couldn’t miss it. I don’t know who was more excited when I told her that we were not going to school that day, but instead to Florida to see her cousins. Sienna was thrilled! I also didn’t tell my sister or any of her family we were coming. My daughter and I hid on the front porch when we got to their house and my mother went in to visit. She sent the kids out to get something she “forgot” in the car, and we jumped out! The screams of delight brought my sister out of the house, and seeing the tears in her eyes made my heart swell. There was so much love! It was the best 2 way surprise ever!!!

Food

20 Minute Meal: Mongolian Beef

1 Comment

mongolianbeef

Mongolian Beef
1 1/2 lbs Flank Steak
1 tbsp Fresh Garlic
1 tbsp Fresh Ginger Root
3/4 cup Soy Sauce
2/3 cup Water
1 Egg
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/2 cup Corn Starch
1/4 cup Olive Oil
2 bunches Scallions (sliced in 3 sections)
1 pound Broccoli Florettes

Sauce…
1 tbsp fresh garlic
1 tbsp fresh ginger (ginger root)
3/4 cup soy sauce
2/3 cup water
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
In pot, bring all ingredients to boil and then turn off.

Flank steak…
Slice very thin and add pepper and garlic powder. Beat egg and mix into steak. Dredge steak pieces in corn starch or flour. In large skillet, add oil and heat on high. Add steak and brown on both sides. Add broccoli and scallions and cover with lid for 3 minutes. Add sauce and turn heat to medium. Cook about 5 minutes and turn off heat. Do not cover or broccoli – will get mushy.

Serve with rice. Enjoy!

This healthy “Mongolian Beef” recipe comes courtesy of Chef Courtney

Food

5 Minute Meal: Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Wrap

Leave a comment


ThaiVeggieWrap
Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Wrap… 5 minute meal

4 spinach wraps
1/4 cup broccoli
1/4 cup asparagus
1 tbs diced red onion
1/4 cup sliced mushrooms
Handful slices red/yellow bell peppers
4 sliced cilantro leaves with stems

Sautée all ingredients in 1/2 tsp butter for 5 minutes on medium heat. Put ingredients in wrap, sprinkle cilantro and lightly drizzle sweet chili sauce. Wrap and cut in half. Enjoy! Under 200 calories for this wrap. Feel free to use gluten-free wraps too!

This healthy “Thai Sweet Chili Veggie Wrap” recipe comes courtesy of Chef Courtney

Food, Mommy 101, Product & Gear

Veggies Are Tasty and Fun

Leave a comment

MIHAELA LICA BUTLER GARDEN SUPER HERO TALES
A child explores a magical world, where veggies talk, and tell unbelievable stories. “Garden Super Hero Tales” reveals where veggies came from, what adventures they had along the way, and how they can transform any child into a super hero.

Mihaela Lica Butler, a journalist, career woman, and full-time mom released the children’s book that brings a world of magic and cooking fun into the family kitchen. “Garden Super Hero Tales” inspires children to eat healthier, and to enjoy vegetables, by telling 10 beautiful stories, which narrate adventures of vegetable greats from the garden.

The stories are illustrated with photographs and 20 beautiful coloring pages, and followed by authentic vegan and vegetarian recipes, to inspire healthy eating habits for the entire family.

“Garden Super Hero Tales” is the first volume in a series of 10 that will set the stage for 100 different veggies, herbs and fruit, to show their true super powers for a healthy diet. The books are inspired by the author’s own son, Paul-Jules, who is the main hero of the stories. The reader joins the little boy as he explores the magical world of the veggies, who traveled around the world, and have many beautiful memories to share. Smaller children can still follow Paul-Jules’s journey, through images by photographer Mihai Petre, and beautiful illustrations by Patricia Revita.

“Garden Super Hero Friends” will be available for sale via Amazon, and other online retailers beginning January 2014. Early shoppers can already find it on Lulu.com: http://www.lulu.com/content/14328674. For more information, and loads of cooking fun, follow the Super Heroes on Facebook.