Stay Tunned....

I am sooo looking forward to an upcoming review about CSN Stores!!  They have over 200 stores with a vast selection of just about anything you could ever be looking for and I mean that.  From a Dutch Oven to Light Bulbs, literally!  I actually had a gander at their Dutch Ovens because to be honest,  I don't have one nor have I actually ever had the opportunity to try one.  Which one do you think would be a good one?  What do you take into consideration when picking one out?  Let me know!  And stay tunned to see what I chose!

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Garden Zucchini Lasagna

Growing up, I spent a lot of Summer's on my Grandparents farm.  My Aunt who lived a short distance away also had crops popping up around her house.  From corn to just about anything you can think of, there was always plenty to go around.  Almost every family member who'd visit would go home with a nice supply of fresh eggs, veggies etc.  My Aunt made quite a few things that I loved using Zucchini.  Before then I had never really been a big fan, but she certainly changed that for me.  Today, I'm sharing with you a "part" of a recipe that she used to make Zucchini Lasagna.  I threw my own version on it last night so I hope you like it.  This is a really good dish that's definitely worth trying especially if you like trying new things.  In my opinion it's refreshing and yummy!  If you could get your hands on some fresh garden zucchini that would be great too.  I do believe they bring more flavor and goodness to the table.

Ingredients

Sauce Mixture
1 lb or so of ground beef
1/2 chopped onion
1 jar of spaghetti sauce - any variety you wish --- I used a marinara sauce ;)

Cottage Cheese Mixture
1 tub cottage cheese
1 egg

1 8 oz block of mozzarella cheese - grated

a couple tablespoons or more of Flour

Zucchini - I had 1 big "mama jamma" zucchini that I used for this dish but depending on the size I'd say about 4 regular size ones or a couple big ones!  I personally prefer bigger since they cover nicely. You want to cut these thinly.

Directions
Cook your beef with the onion over the stove until your meat is nicely brown and crumbly.  Drain and return to the pot and add your sauce.  You will need a 12x8x2 baking pan - or close to it.

Layer half of your zucchini at the bottom and shake some of your flour over it.  Then spread half of your cottage cheese mixture over your zucchini then also half of your sauce mixture over your cottage cheese layer.   Keep repeating until you've used up the ingredients.  I used about 2 -3 layers with mine.  Cover with your mozzarella cheese and bake at 375 for 35 minutes. 


Serves about 6

ENJOY!

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Fried Calamari

So, I was out grocery shopping the other day and low and behold found calamari aka squid on sale.  It came with the tentacles and tubes already cleaned and ready to prepare.  Personally I really don't dig the tentacles and just looking at the octopus looking things throws my appetite off.  Anyways, I didn't use the tentacles I just used the part you would normally eat as an appetizer at a resturant.  I also washed mine in running water before I started preparing them.
I think the key to making these is to cook for just the right amount of time and no more.  The longer it cooks the rubbery it gets.  So, I say 3 minutes frying time max for each batch.  I think the ingredients all depend on how much you will be frying but there's no set amount.  You really need enough flour to coat your calamari and enough oil that they are submerged when you drop them in. 

Ingredients
1 lb cleaned Calamari thawed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces or already store bought squid rings
oil for frying
2 cup flour seasoned with cayenne and paprika
parsley (dried or fresh) for garnish and a little taste after frying
milk/buttermilk whatever you have on hand (about a cup)

Directions
Get your oil nice and hot.  Meanwhile, drop a handfull of the calamari in your milk and soak for a few minutes.  Once nice and wet toss them in your seasoned flour and coat well.  Once your oil is hot and ready to go drop in your batch shaking off excess flour before hand.  I say a handfull because you do not want to over crowd your pan or they will not cook up well. I would cook small batches at a time.  Fry anywhere from 1 minute to no more than 3 minutes just until lightly golden brown and crisp.  Drain on a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with parsley and lemon juice/wedges if desired.  Continue this same process until you've cooked all your calamari.  Also, it's best to eat these right away.  They aren't very good cold and it doesn't take them long to get that way.  I serve mine with marinara sauce, cocktail sauce or even meatless spaghetti sauce.

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Namaste Foods Review and Giveaway

So who doesn't love pasta and yummy baking mixes?  I know I do!  I recently had the opportunity to review Namaste Foods which specializes in fine foods that contain no wheat, gluten, corn, soy, potato, dairy, casein or nuts.  They have 18 in mixes which include baking mixes, pastas, pizza, flour blend, biscuit, piecrust & more blend, waffle/pancake mix and 2 frostings. What I liked about Namaste is that you can add your own twist to the mixes like fresh fruit or veggies and make a hearty or creative dish out of their mixes.   With more and more people switching over to a gluten free or allergy free diet it's nice to know that they don't have to jeopardize quality or taste. 

The mixes I received for my review were the Waffle and Pancake Mix and the Muffin Mix.  What I like about these mixes is that it gives you ideas on the back for ways to add a little "goodness" to you plate (ex.  add applesauce or honey etc).  The directions are easy and don't require a shopping trip to get special ingredients to make them. 

The first one I tried was the Waffle and Pancake Mix which just required eggs, oil, and water.  I also added fresh blueberries to my mix - YUM!  The pancakes I made turned out wonderful.  The Muffin Mix was just as nice.  With that one I added chocolate chips to it and made chocolate chip muffins.  That mix just needed eggs, oil and water as well.  This one also suggested that you could substitute fruit juice instead of water for extra flavor - Brilliant!  I really enjoyed trying these mixes.  If my father in law lived closer I would have invited him over because he's on a gluten free diet and is trying not to have to sacrifice taste at the same time.  So this would be great for him!

To purchase any of the mixes just visit Namaste Foods online or enter your state here to find a local retailer near you.  Shipping is prompt and they even have gift certificates which you can purchase to give as a gift and a cookbook!

Also, Namaste Foods is offering one lucky reader from Time 2 Eat Yall their very own Namaste Grocery Tote as well as a pasta and baking mix, coupons, literature and assorted goodies!!!!!

Must be 18+ - US Only and must have a "real" street address - NO PO Boxes (the cleaners come Fed Ex).


Mandatory Entry
Visit Namaste Foods then come back and tell me what mix you would like to try other than the ones listed in the review!


Leave your email with you comment ex time2eatyall at gmail dot com

Bonus Entries

-Follow Time 2 Eat Yall via GFC
-Tweet about this giveaway!! 1 per day
-Comment on ANY other post on Time 2 Eat Yall and come back here and tell me which one
-Blog about this giveaway!!
-Subscribe to Time 2 Eat Yall via a Reader
-Subscribe to Time 2 Eat Yall via email and verify

GOOD LUCK!!

Giveaway ends Monday Aug 2, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Winner will be chosen at random and will have 48 hours to respond. 

There was no compensation for this review. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not swayed by the items mentioned above.

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Simple Green Review and Giveaway

“We, the Sunshine Makers, as a socially responsible company, are committed to being worldwide market leaders providing quality, environmentally safe, cleaning products.”

Cleaning our kitchen is something we may not all love but sometimes it's just got to be done!  That's why I'm pleased to introduce you to Simple Green.  I recently had an opportunity to review their all natural line of kitchen cleaners.  Simple Green Naturals are 100% naturally derived, with ingredients originating from nature: chicory, coconut, corn, palm, naturally occurring minerals, saltand sugar, and water. Nothing else.  Not only are they safer for the enviornment but they make the job easier with their awesome products!

After spending almost a month trying and testing out their products, I am impressed!  I think they not only clean proficiently but they last longer than traditional cleaners because there's not a need to use as much.  For my review I received the naturals glass and surface cleaner, natural multi purpose spray cleaner, ,natural liquid hand soap, and naturals dishwashing liquid.  In addition, I recieved the NON TOXIC Simple Green Stainless Steel cleaner and polish spray which was the only product that wasn't all natural but it is the "bomb"!  It cleaned like no other stainless steel cleaner I've tried.  No streaks at all!
	From the dish soap to the glass cleaner I have a new line of cleaners that I enjoy using.  There's a few key points that I love for instance with the dish soap, you don't need to use that much to get the suds and the bubbles last longer in your water than traditional soap thus saving you money!  Same goes with the hand soap, glass spray and all the cleaners!  In addition, you don't have the horrible chemical smell when you use these products . The hand soap for instance has an herbal smell and upon receiving this for review I took my Bath and Body Works hand pump off the counter and put Simple Green into play.  Well, to be honest the light herbal scent and the long lasting quality is very desirable.  In fact, I really didn't miss my Bath and Body Works as much as I thought I would.  Same goes for EVERY cleaner I replaced with the Simple Green line.
Simple Green is sold to consumers like us as well as industries.  In my opinion the prices run average as compared to other name brand cleaners except they do an exceptional job.  In addition, when you fill out the form from their website here they will send you coupons!!!  Their products can be purchased online directly from their website or found at many retailers across the country such as CVS, Home Depot, and LOADS more which you can check out here. They even have a line for animals!!!!!
And something else that's incredible is that Simple Green is offering one lucky reader from Time 2 Eat Yall their very own line of Naturals kitchen cleaners- naturals glass and surface cleaner, natural multi purpose spray cleaner, ,natural liquid hand soap, and naturals dishwashing liquid. !!

Must be 18+ - US Only and must have a "real" street address - NO PO Boxes (the cleaners come Fed Ex).

Mandatory Entry

Visit Simple Green and tell me another product other than the ones in this review that you would like to try! 

Bonus Entries
-Follow Time 2 Eat Yall via GFC
-Tweet about this giveaway!! 1 per day
-Comment on ANY other post on Time 2 Eat Yall and come back here and tell me which one
-Blog about this giveaway!!
-Subscribe to Time 2 Eat Yall via a Reader
-Subscribe to Time 2 Eat Yall via email and verify
GOOD LUCK!!

Giveaway ends Monday Aug 2, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  Winner will be chosen at random and will have 48 hours to respond. 

There was no compensation for this review. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not swayed by the items mentioned above.

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Tomato, Basil, and Mozarella Roll Up

The other day I was out grocery shopping and one of the ladies in the deli area convinced me (okay so you already know I HEART cheese) to try the mozarella unwrap and roll pack which I must say was an easy sell for her!  I was just going to grab a ball of it but decided what they hay.  I absolutely love mozarella with just about anything tomato so I already figured I'd do it just as it said on the pack.  However I'm about seasoning so here's what I did besides just the plain version:

I unwrapped my roll and added olive oil and a Basalmic Vinegar Dressing (I used Ken's) to the top (looks like war paint) -

Then I added sliced Roma Tomatos over that along with some fresh basil from my garden ;)

Then I just rolled them up (mine were huge).  I would suggest the tighter the better to keep them together nicely and the thinner your tomatoes are the easier it is to roll also.  NOW - if you can resist the urge unlike me, don't try these until they have chilled for awhile.  This will certainly allow the flavor to marinate some.  I also added a little more of the dressing over the top for extra ump.  Enjoy!

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Wisconsin Cooks It Up - Grizzly Style

As most of you know I was away the past week traveling to Wisconsin for my sister's wedding.  It was beautiful and I really like Wisconsin.   This time of year they have beautiful lush greens all around the farms you see while traveling.  Wisconsin even has beaches... not ocean of course but I was surprised to actually see waves!  This is my first glimpse of anything relating to the ocean since I moved up North...and well it's serene.

When we first got there it was like 40 degrees...burrrr... but soon it finally warmed up some for us luckily because we only brought one sweatshirt each.  Being right off the lake we got the wind effects which contributed to the temperature changes.  I also loved Wisconsin food!  They certainly know how to dish up some good grub. 

My absolute most favorite place we ate at was actually where the rehearsal dinner was at called Grizzly's.  I had a Wood-Smoked BBQ Beef Brisket Sandwich which was a house smoked beef brisket topped with Swiss cheese, grilled onions, red peppers, and BBQ sauce. Served on a grilled ciabatta hoagie. Wow...this was YUMMY!  I had actually never had brisket before so this was a real treat for me.  They have quite a nice menu - you know when your just looking at what each dish is called and it ends up making your stomach growl - you know it's gotta be good. Like, Wood-Fired Salmon -A tender salmon filet broiled on our wood-fired broiler. Blackened with our citrus rum sauce optional AND Bear Creek Pasta - Angel hair pasta, diced chicken breast, bacon, and sautéed mushrooms, tossed with Dijon-honey or Alfredo sauce. Topped with cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Baked to a golden brown just to name a few!  I can see where the name comes from other than your stomach growling.  My sister's neighborhood has a couple of black bear cubs running around!  I didn't get to see one but when you let the dog out to do his business you have to be on the look out.  Grizzly's are located in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota.  If  you are ever in those areas you have to stop in and scoop up some brisket!

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Happiness Is........

Yea!!  I received the happiness award from Jayaycee Blog!

Her blog is about knitting, cooking, reading, movies, family and friends with a little of this and that mixed in between!   Be sure to stop by her blog and say hi!  

Here are the rules.............

1. Copy and paste the darling Happy 101 award into your blog.

2. Tell everyone about the awesome blogger who passed this award on to you (see above, check) and include a link to her blog (check, check).

3. List ten things that make you happy.

4. Pass the award on to other bloggers and visit their blogs to let them know about the award.

Don't laugh....I think my answers may sound goofy...but...I wasn't trying to be too personal....but sounds pretty sappy to me....

So...10 things that make me happy:

 1.  Seeing people smile

 2.  Sunshine

 3.  Getting my way...hehe

 4.  Hearing kids laughter

 5.  Listening to music really loud when no one else is home

 6.  Diamonds...lol

 7.  Endulging in a good read

 8.  Chocolate

 9.  Wine

10.  And last but certainly not least - my family!

I'm passing this award onto.............Craft Blogs that I've discovered!  If you have the least bit interest into crafts and I mean these ladies make some sweet stuff out of nothing...Then you gotta check them out!!

Craftastical

Life In PJ's

Beyond The Picket Fence

Congrats!

I'm looking forward to hearing what 10 things make you happy!

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Chicken and Rice Frugal Style

As I posted before I'm out of town this week for my sisters wedding.  Actually, today is her wedding day - auto post ;).  I should be getting all dolled up and pretty right about now!  I decided to guest post for myself!!  As I had stated the other day, I have another blog called The Frugal Bug which before I started this blog had posted a couple of recipes - frugal ones that is.  Anyhoo, today I'm going to share with you another "frugal style" meal or "budget friendly" recipe.  Again, looking back at old post make me laugh a little so I hope you enjoy it too!

Chicken and rice is of my favorite comfort dishes.  I not only grew up on it but, it's so very economical and hearty!  I grew up down South, so depending on where you live there are many different versions.  Mine is what I like to call "Frugal Style"!  

So, basically to start it off I put my chicken in a big pot and add water to cover it.  I then add some spices.  You can be generous here.  I add quite a few shakes of Seasoned Salt - Dry Thyme - Garlic Powder.  Feel free to add whatever your favorite spices are.  If you have it on hand - adding onion and celery to the water will also add flavor.  The cooking police are off today!

Now you are ready for the stove.  Start if off on High - once it starts to boil turn the burner down to medium.  Continue boiling until your chicken is practically falling off the bone.  

Once you are to this point- take out your chicken and set on a paper towel lined plate.  This will cool  and drain  while you get your rice ready. DO NOT get rid of the broth!!  You will use this instead of water for your rice.  (For ideas on leftover broth see bottom of post)

  Doesn't chicken look so nasty!  lol...Cook your rice according to the bag instructions (mine was 1cup rice to  2 cups broth)

Let your chicken coooooool.   Once it's cooled off - start tearing it up into small bite size pieces and place them in a bowl.  You can use the skin if you choose or discard.  If you added celery and onion - go ahead and cut it up and throw it in there too.

When your rice is done - mix it in with your chicken. Add salt and pepper... I added a ton of salt and pepper.  Season according to your taste.  For a kick I even added a couple dabs of hot sauce.  These pictures are ugly, I know.  But, when has pulled apart chicken ever looked good- besides smothered in BBQ sauce?

 And you my friend are done!!  You can heat this up in the oven or microwave if it has cooled down too much.   I serve mine with a veggie and bread w/ butter.  

That's how I roll Frugal Style with my Southern roots! :)

Leftover broth ideas:

First refrigerate over night.  The next day skim off the fat at the top.  Then it's ready to freeze or cooking.  (Some people save the fat to use in cooking - up to you)

Pour in ice cube trays then freeze. Afterwards put cubes in ziploc bags-For easy servings  in recipes

Chicken and Dumplings

Vegetable Soup 

I often use mine when making stuffing - instead of water

.

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Fall Off The Bone Baby Back Ribs

Do you have grillin on your mind for this 4th of July?   Whether you have a gas or charcoal grill you can still pull off fabulous baby back ribs!  The key is to slow cook them off of the direct heat.  For gas I'd turn one side on and let them cook on the other side (off the direct heat) with the lid closed.   Same goes for charcoal (my preferred method).  I pile up the charcoal on one side then cook the ribs on the other side away from the flame. 

First and foremost before I do any of that I season generously my ribs with a dry rub. You can mix up your favorite spices in a bowl and evenly distribute it on your meat or I sometimes just sprinkle it on both sides with whatever I'm in the mood for that day. Here's a what I used (which changes depending on what I feel like)

Pepper, Season All, Garlic/Spice Mixture, Emerils and Cayenne Pepper (Worchestershire Sauce too)

While that's sitting I get my grill ready. I basically wait until the coals are nice and hot and turning grey. Then I place my ribs on it and close the grill lid and leave it alone for 30 minutes. Every 30 minutes I flip them over and close back the lid.

I generally cook mine for about 2 to 2 1/2 hrs depending.  When your meat starts shrinking and then finally almost tearing apart from the bone I'd say it's done.  But use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure.  Also, during the last 30 to 45 minutes or so, I start applying my BBQ sauce every 20 minutes until they are done.  This batch got done a little quicker and turned out nicely! 

Enjoy!

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