Review and Giveaway: Tropical Traditions Coconut Flour

I may be a kitchen enigma but while I could do without cooking, I actually do enjoy baking. Of course, who doesn't love some warm, straight-out-of-the-oven goodies? I can always count on Tropical Traditions to add a delicious, seasonal flair to my baked goods. From their virgin coconut oil and coconut cream concentrate to their coconut flakes and organic raw honey, I'm always impressed with the quality and taste of their products. So, naturally, I was excited to try out their Organic Coconut Flour.

Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Flour is derived from the fiber of the coconut meat after most of the oil has been extracted to make Virgin Coconut Oil. It is certified organic, gluten-free, unsweetened and untreated. It is high in dietary fiber and protein, making it a great substitute for traditional grains or wheat-based recipes. And because is contains natural sugar from the coconut meat, you'll need less sugar added to your recipes!

After perusing a number of recipes, I decided to make some fruit-filled muffins as a breakfast treat for Nate and I.

Gluten Free Strawberry Coconut Muffins

Servings: 6-12 muffins
Preparation: 10 minutes

• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 6 eggs
• 1/3 cup raw honey
• 1/3 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup strawberries, fresh or frozen, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a small bowl, combine coconut flour, salt and baking soda.

In a large bowl mix the eggs, honey, coconut oil and vanilla until well blended. Mix dry ingredients into the wet, blending with a hand mixer or by hand. Gently fold in strawberries.

Place batter in paper lined muffin tins and pour batter in about 1/2 - 3/4 full.

Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Take them out and let them cool and serve topped with Strawberry Cream Cheese (optional).

These muffins were mmm...mmm...good! Spongy texture and just a very mild coconut flavor, which accented the strawberry beautifully. They were awfully pretty to look at too:

Even Nate gobbled them up and we know how picky he can be!

I didn't have the ingredients for it on hand but their optional cream cheese topping sounds fab. I'll definitely have to give that a go next time!

Cream Cheese Topping

• 1 cup homemade or store bought cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chopped strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 - 3 tbsp raw honey, to taste

Place everything in a blender or food processor and blend till smooth. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. When muffins are ready, generously top each muffin and enjoy!

I bet they'd also taste great with some lightly toasted coconut flakes on top or even a warm honey glaze. *drool*

I can't wait to do more baking with my Organic Coconut Flour. I think I may attempt the Grapefruit Pound Cake or Lime in the Coconut Cookies. (Can you tell I'm on a fruit kick?) I love that it is versatile, gluten-free and all-natural. I may even use it to thicken up my smoothies.

BUY IT: Want to try some for yourself? I know you do! Visit www.tropicaltraditions.com to purchase the Coconut Flour (ARV $10.95) or browse their vast variety of organic products.

DELECTABLE DEAL: When you place your order, make sure you choose "referred by friend" from the "How did you hear about us?" drop-down box and reference my ID #5429861 to receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Jader Shilhavy!

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win their own 2 lb. bag of Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Flour!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Tropical Traditions and tell me another product you'd love to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Tropical Traditions on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Win a 2lb. bag of organic coconut flour from @troptraditions and @kris10chumley! Ends 9/9 http://bit.ly/aZMwYd

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. (2 entries!)

4.) Become a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

6.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on September 9, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As mentioned above, I was sent a bag of Organic Coconut Flour from Tropical Traditions to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. I was under no obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review and mine and mine alone. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: The I Hate to Cook Book 50th Anniversary Edition CLOSED

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

I'm may be a stay-at-home mom but I hardly fit the domestic stereotype. My house is cluttered and "lived in", far from impeccable. And my husband is lucky if I have a homemade dinner on the table once a week. It's not that I hate cooking. Once I'm actually making a meal, I think to myself, "now this isn't so bad". I actually enjoy making a dish with love and the feeling of satisfaction from nurturing my family. But the truth is I don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. I'd rather be spending quality time with my family. Or blogging, of course. I need quick, easy, pleasing meals that get the job done.

So, when I was offered an opportunity to review the I Hate to Cook Book, I couldn't resist.

Peg Bracken's classic I Hate to Cook Book was originally written in 1960, at the helm of the women's lib movement. She bucked tradition and confirmed what housewives from the world over had been ashamed to admit: it's okay if you'd rather be doing something else instead of hovering over the stove! With her deliciously simple recipes, a pinch of humor and a dash of wit, Peg Bracken charmed her way into kitchens and hearts. Fifty years later, her book still resonates with our modern generation. It's nice to know some things never change.

The moment I read the introduction, I knew I was in for a treat. No other cookbook has made me laugh out loud like this one:

This book is for those of us who want to fold our big dishwater hands around a dry Martini instead of a wet flounder, come the end of a long day...you're flattened by articles that begin "Of course you know that basil and tomatoes are soulmates, but did you know..." They can stop right there, because the fact is, you didn't know any such thing...Oh, you keep on buying cookbooks, the way a homely woman buys hat after hat in the vain hope that this one will do it...For one thing, they contain too many recipes. Just look at all the things you can do with a chop, and aren't about to!

Bracken gives helpful household hints and recipes for those times when you've committed to bringing a dish for a potluck or been on the receiving end of unexpected company. Whether you need a speedy supper, delightful dip or a droolworthy dessert, Bracken's recommendations use ingredients you probably already have on hand so you won't have to run any further than your pantry to pull it all together. I loved that many of the dishes were casseroles so they require minimal prep - leave all the hard work to the oven!

Here are just a few recipes that caught my eye:

I love chili and Tex-Mex inspired comfort food. So, this casserole particularly appealed to me. I would add a dallop of sour cream and maybe some chives to the final presentation but this is something that the whole family could love. Nachos with a kick.

Pedro's Special

1 lb. ground round steak
1 chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1 8-oz. can of tomato sauce, plus 1/3 can tomato juice, beef broth or water
1/4 tsp oregano
2 tbsp chili powder
1 16-oz. can kidney or pinto beans with liquid
1 medium-sized bag corn chips
a bit of lettuce
more chopped onion

Brown together, in a little oil, the ground meat, onions and garlic. Stir in the tomato sauce, oregano and chili powder. Now dust off a good-sized casserole, grease it, and alternate layers of this mixture with layers of beans, and corn chips, ending with corn chips. Bake it, covered, at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, uncovering it for the last ten. Before you serve it, strew some shredded lettuce and chopped raw onion on top, for that Olde Tyme Mexicali look.

This sounds so easy, yummy and most importantly, impossible to screw up.

Turkey Divan

1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, thinned slightly with 2 tbsp sherry and a little heavy cream)
1 package frozen broccoli, cooked or thawed and drained
6 good-sized slices of turkey
grated Parmesan cheese

Put about 1/4 of the soup mixture in a buttered casserole. Put the broccoli in , cover it with slices of turkey meat, and pour on the rest of the sauce. Sprinkle the Parmesan generously on top and bake at 350 degrees, uncovered, for about 20 minutes.

If you're tired of serving your kids traditional grilled cheese, this alternative really jazzes it up. I would use whole grain bread for a nutritional boost.

Pizza Sandwiches

Spread one side each of two slices of bread with canned pizza sauce. For the filling, use a slice of salami, a slice of mozzarella or processed sharp cheese (the processed will melt better), and a sprinkling of garlic. Grill them in butter.

Not all of the recipes are up my alley (Ham-Lima Supper or Wild Rice and Chicken Livers, anyone?) but the majority of them are things I could see myself eating regularly. My favorite section of the book dealt with kids' birthday parties. With Nate's big party coming up in two weeks, I've stolen some of her tips, such as:

• Most children will eat peanut butter on anything or in anything. Offer vegetables such as celery dipped in peanut butter. You can also spread peanut butter on rolled-out biscuit dough, spread jelly on top of it, then roll it up like a jelly roll, slice one inch thick and bake as usual.
• Serve lemonade in clear plastic glasses with a drop of different-colored food coloring in each, which not only looks festive but tells each child whose is which.
• In the summertime, freeze maraschino cherries inside ice cubes for the lemonade. (Okay, so I have a new-fangled icemaker but I'm still going to freeze the cherries themselves and use them as a pretty addition.)
• Have a card table set up somewhere, with crayons and coloring books on it to occupy children until the party starts.

The only thing I didn't like about the I Hate to Cook Book is that there are no photos. It's not really necessary but I prefer to see a visual of something before I attempt to make it. Overall, I love the book and feel as though it was written just for me. It's not too often that I come across a cookbook that doesn't require me to Google some of the ingredients, so this is truly something special! I will definitely be returning to this book for years to come.

BUY IT: You can purchase the I Hate to Cook Book at most major book retailers or online at Amazon.com (ARV $13.44).

WIN IT: Not one - but two - lucky readers are going to win their own copies of the I Hate to Cook Book!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Tell me why you want to win this book. Easy peasy! Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

If you'd rather blog than cook, you need the I Hate to Cook Book by Peg Bracken @kris10chumley! 2 winners Ends 8/14 http://bit.ly/ccW4De

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Become of fan of the I Hate to Cook Book on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

6.) Add my blog button to your site and comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on August 14, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of the above book from Anna at Hachette Book Group to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Organically Raised Cookbook CLOSED

Thank you to Anni Daulter for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

As I've previously confessed, I've never been much of a cook. I would rather eat out or throw a frozen entree in the oven, simply for convenience. But when I became a mom, I knew I wanted more for my son. I wanted to give him the best of everything - including nutrition. I was dedicated to breastfeeding for at least one year (exclusively for six months). And when the time came for solid foods, I researched how to make my own baby food. I even purchased a Beaba BabyCook to make it fun and easy. I was thrilled to exceed my first goal and breastfeed for just under 18 months before Nate self-weaned. But I must admit that over time, I've fallen a little short of continuing the healthy, homemade meals beyond the puree stage. My son has grown picky and intolerant of new things, which causes frustration in both of us. I desperately needed a new strategy, which I've found in Anni Daulter's new cookbook, Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers.

Unlike traditional cookbooks, Organically Raised is more than a reproduction of recipes. It's a philosophy. Mom of four, personal chef and owner of Bohemian Baby Fresh Organic Baby Food, Anni Daulter shares her passion for "conscious cooking", or as she describes, "the art of preparing meals with awareness and presence, which infuses the food with higher energy". This generates a sense of calm and not only feeds the body, but also indulges the soul.

Anni introduces us to the "Fundamental Five" of Conscious Cooking (Organic, Mindful, Seasonal, Flavorful and International) and discusses why they are imperative for a healthy start. She also answers common dietary questions, discusses the importance of "rainbow eating" and gives tips and advice for making the most of your "sacred space". She concludes with a wealth of delicious recipes, ranging from baby basics like a "harvest time" pear and pomegranate blend and peach-raspberry-acai yogurt to exotic toddler treats like goji berry hummus, basil-walnut pesto quesadillas and teriyaki chicken sushi rolls. A sweet touch is that each dish is named for the child who inspired it!

As soon as I received my cookbook, I couldn't put it down. The photos are some of the most exquisite I'd ever seen and I couldn't wait to test my conscious cooking skills. Each recipe had an inspiring mantra alongside it to keep me on course (example: "With every bite, I wish to nourish your growing body and gentle spirit and to give you the best nutritional start I can.")

After much deliberation, I decided to make the sweet potato cakes and breakfast quiche.

Mackenzie's Superstar Sweet Potato Cakes With Sour Cream

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 medium garnet yam
4 Yukon Gold potatoes or 2 large russet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp wheat germ
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
3 tbsp unbleached or all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes and place them in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked. Drain the potatoes and let them cool.

2. Peel and dice the yams into 1-inch pieces. Steam the yams for 20 minutes, or until soft.

3. Place the yams and potatoes in a large bowl. Mash until well mixed and only a little lumpiness remains. Set aside.

4. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add the onion, salt, pepper and wheat germ. Cook until the onion is soft and begins to brown. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Add to the potato mixture.

5. Beat the eggs and cream together in a mixing bowl. Stir them into the potato mixture along with the cheeses and flour.

6. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat or set a nonstick electric skillet to 375 degrees. Flatten 1 heaping tablespoon of batter into a round cake and place in the skillet. Repeat with remaining batter. Cook the cakes for 5 minutes per side, or until a brown crust forms on each side.

7. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream as a dipping sauce.

(c) Organically Raised by Anni Daulter, 2010

Sure, these require a little more prep than sweet potato fries (Anni also has a yummy recipe for those, BTW) but man, are they worth it! The cakes are really flavorful, the perfect combination of crunchy and soft. Their compact size makes them a great snack or side dish and the sour cream dip makes the experience fun for picky toddlers. I love how they jazz up an old kid-friendly favorite like mashed potatoes but add more nutrients with the mix of sweet potato. This recipe would be perfect for children who may not like vegetables alone but will eat them if they are concealed. Besides, what kid - or adult for that matter - wouldn't find the word "cake" enticing?

(Psst...Anni also suggested to use them as topping for salad! Delicioso!)

Bodhi's Favorite English Broccoli-and-Cheese Quick Quiche

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

Splash of olive oil
2 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt
2 pinches of ground red pepper
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3 eggs, well beaten
1 cup organic milk (or soy or rice milk)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 unbaked pie crust (9 inch diameter)
1 tsp wheat germ
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Pour a little olive oil into a heated skillet. Add the broccoli, onion, garlic, salt and peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender and the onion is beginning to caramelize. Set aside.

3. Beat together the eggs, milk and cream in a mixing bowl. When well mixed, add the wheat germ.

4. Place the broccoli mixture in the pie shell. Evenly sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella on top. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese.

5. Bake for 40 minutes.

(c) Organically Raised by Anni Daulter, 2010

This was my first time making a quiche - but it certainly won't be my last! It was so easy to make and I love that you can pretty much substitute whatever vegetables you want. The pretty presentation makes it perfect to serve for company. As a matter of fact, I shared some with my neighbor and she also raved about it! This would be a wonderfully savory meal for Sunday brunch - or any day of the week.

I love that these recipes are palatable for the entire family and not just the kiddie table. If your children are old enough, they could even help you with the preparation, making it a bonding and learning experience! I can't wait to try out more recipes, like Massimo's Tuscan Rustic Pizza with Fresh Herbs, Veggies and Three Cheeses, Noni's Cold Watermelon Soup or Adrian's Lavender Cupcakes with Lavender Swiss Meringue Butter Cream. Is your mouth watering yet?

Since reading this book, I've noticed I've become much less stressed in the kitchen. I am starting to perceive cooking as a rewarding experience and a chance to share my love with my family, rather than a chore to be crossed off the list. I just wish I had found this book sooner!

Bottom line: Every parent should find their zen in the kitchen with Organically Raised.

BUY IT: You can purchase Organically Raised online at Amazon.com (ARV $14.95), as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders.

To learn more about Anni and conscious cooking, visit her at www.organicallyraisedcookbook.com or www.consciousfamilyliving.com.

WIN IT: Anni has graciously agreed to give away another copy of her cookbook to one lucky reader! YAY!!!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Organically Raised and tell me something you learned from the website. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Organically Raised on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Infuse your child's food with love! #Win an @organicraised cookbook from @kris10chumley ENDS 7/29 http://bit.ly/duL6dC

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Organically Raised on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

6.) Add my blog button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 29, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this cookbook from the author to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review and purely mine. Your experience may differ.

Giveaway: Cookware.com CLOSED

Thank you to CSN Stores for participating in the Goodie Goodie Gumdrops Earth Week Event!

Spring is in the air and there's a spring in my step. After the dullness of winter, I am so ready to revamp my home decor. Particularly in my kitchen. We have a really nice kitchen island that desperately needs some new seating. So, I've been checking out the counter stools over at CSN Stores' AllBarstools.com.



I'm one for a more modern style to coordinate with our stainless, black and chestnut theme. I like sleek, slim and simple yet elegant. I think I prefer a stool with a back for support but also don't want to take up too much room. What do you think? Once our tax check arrives, we'll definitely be investing in some new stuff for our beautiful new house.

Along with some new stools, I really want to get some new kitchenware. Where better to go than Cookware.com?! I'm loving this pot rack to hang above our island. It's stylish and affordable!



I'm also drooling over this Cocoa Latte maker. Mmmm...did I just say latte...?



One of my favorite recent kitchen purchases, however, has been my bamboo butcher-block style cutting board. Not only is it incredibly durable, practical and "green", but it is gorgeous. I leave it out as a display on my island because it gives my kitchen a touch of natural beauty. At every get-together we host, we get comments from people wanting to know where we bought it. We use it just about everyday and absolutely love it.



This African Congo Cutting Board from Totally Bamboo is a similar model, with colorblock wood and parquet end grain. Made of naturally grown bamboo, this board is made with food-safe non-formaldehyde adhesives, no dyes or stains and low-impact biodegradable packaging. Totally Bamboo is known for its high quality, sustainable bamboo products and exceeds the demands of environmentally-conscious consumers around the world.



WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win the Totally Bamboo African Congo Cutting Board - a $45 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Take a look around Cookware.com and tell me another product you'd like to have. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and CSN Stores on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet of come up with one of your own:

Beautify your kitchen with a sustainable Totally Bamboo Cutting Board from @CSNStores and @kris10chumley Ends 5/11 http://bit.ly/aSBeCK

Just leave a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of CSN Stores on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and/or event button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry/each)

Giveaway will end on May 11, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only (excluding AK and HI). Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I was offered this giveaway opportunity from Sean at CSN Stores. I was not sent a product to review, nor was I compensated in any way for this post.

Review and Discount: 5-in-1 Tasty Baker

As you know, I deal with an extremely picky toddler. He is the ultimate food critic. What he gobbles up one day is rejected the next. His unpredictability leaves me with quite the kitchen quandary. I am constantly looking for new ways to get creative with food, in the hope that he'll indulge with excitement and eagerness. When I came across Pop Art Toaster, I knew I had found a way to make mealtime fun.

Pop Art Toaster turns ordinary food into edible pieces of art. Their retro style toasters and coordinating stencil plates allow you to express your unique personality by branding images or words right onto your toast, bagels, english muffins, hamburger buns or flat frozen pastries. It's a fun way to spice up breakfast and entertain kids or guests during a party, play date or other occasion. As if that isn't enough, they offer a creativity kit with 5 FDA-approved, flavored edible markers that color the toasted images! It's like a coloring book you can eat! Who says you can't play with your food?! With a Pop Art Toaster, you can make breakfast time learning time by helping your child match pictures and concepts.

Think about it. What could be more fun than serving your Valentine breakfast in bed with the Love Struck toaster set (shown, above right) or inviting Hannah Montana over for lunch with their sandwich/panini maker? You can even have Mickey Mouse, Tinkerbell and the rest of the Disney gang join in on the fun! The possibilities are virtually endless.

Pop Art Toaster has expanded their adorably crafty toaster line to include the 5-in-1 Tasty Baker. The 5-in-1 Tasty Baker (ARV $29.99) puts the "fun" in multifunctional. This compact, table top appliance can bake 5 different products: pancakes/waffles, muffins, breads, cakes, brownies - even eggs! Kids will love the 7 whimsical molds, including a dog, cat, train, blocks, heart, smiley face and birthday cake. Mom will love that it is nonstick and takes 1/3 of the time of traditional oven baking! This innovative machine has received numerous accolades including a 2009 Seal of Excellence Award from Creative Child Magazine and an iParenting Media Award.



Pop Art Toaster generously sent me their Original 5-in-1 Tasty Baker to review. (There are also Mickey Mouse and Disney Princess versions!)

The first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box was how small the appliance was. It really didn't take up much room on my counter at all. Since I have trouble getting Nate to eat fruit, I thought I'd make blueberry muffins for our first experiment.

The directions were pretty concise and straightforward. First, you plug it in, spray the molds lightly with nonstick spray and adjust the heat setting. Easy enough, except I wasn't sure which of the 5 heat settings to use. I took an educated guess and went for the middle with 3. As you wait for your Tasty Baker to heat up, you prepare your batter and use their handy scoop (included) to pour the mixture over the molds. The lip on the scoop was perfect for spreading the batter and getting in those little crevices.




Since oven-baked muffins typically take about 15 minutes, I closed the lid and set my timer for 5 minutes. Turns out that was PERFECT! The muffins were cooked thoroughly and, true to its word, they didn't stick. Well, we had a bit of a casualty with our choo-choo train but I think it's because I was a bit stingy with the spray in that area. For the most part, I could easily remove the muffins from the molds with a plastic fork. As you can see, they really turned out well! We even had enough batter left over to make a few more for Mommy to taste. I loved that the molds were a kid-friendly size so that I didn't have to spend more time cutting them up into bite-sized pieces. I could just serve them as is.



So, I think we can all agree that the muffins were cute. But did they get two thumbs up from Mr. Snooty Booty himself? After inspecting the shapes intently and even doing some stacking to test firmness, he took a bite. And another. And then another. He kept returning for more! He wound up eating an impressive three muffins. Considering he wouldn't touch muffins before, I'd say the Tasty Baker definitely is a keeper!



Cleanup was also a breeze. The included 2-sided brush made it easy to remove any leftover debris from the molds. With just a bit of dishwashing liquid and some water, the plates were sparkling and ready for the next use.



We've already done muffins and pancakes so next time, I think we'll try some biscuit and egg sandwiches or some layer cakes for a small after-dinner dessert. YUM! And the birthday cake mold will be perfect to make a special birthday breakfast for my little man come July.

The only improvement I would like to see with the Tasty Baker is a recipe booklet with heat setting recommendations. This information can be found on the website but I would love to have it right at my fingertips.

Bottom line: I would highly recommend the 5-in-1 Tasty Baker if you want to make mealtime fun for your picky eater. It's incredibly simple to use, ultra-fast and convenient. Considering its capabilities, I think it is reasonably priced too.

BUY IT: You can purchase the 5-in-1 Tasty Baker or other Pop Art Toaster products online at www.poparttoasterstore.com, as well as Target, Amazon and other select e-tailers nationwide.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: For a limited time, Pop Art Toaster is generously offering my readers a $5 off coupon code for any minimum purchase of $25 in their store! Just use code "LTD5809". Enjoy!

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a 5-in-1 Tasty Baker from Dana at Pop Art Toaster to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this review and my honest opinions were given. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter CLOSED

I can't seem to get enough of Tropical Traditions products. I've already reviewed their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and Coconut Cream Concentrate, both of which have tickled our taste buds and enhanced our culinary creations. But the folks at Tropical Traditions were kind enough to offer me yet another yummy product to share with you all: their brand new Coconut Peanut Butter.

As with their Coconut Oil and Coconut Cream Concentrate, Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter is all-natural and 100% organic. There are only two ingredients: organic peanuts and organic coconut. No fillers, sweeteners or preservatives! The peanuts are free from aflatoxins, grown by small family farmers in both New Mexico and Texas. The dried coconut is pure coconut meat from the Philippines, grown with no fertilizers or pesticides. It contains no additives and is unsweetened. Just fruit and nut combined for a tasty, healthy snack!

I recieved a 16 oz. jar of Coconut Peanut Butter to review. The texture was very similar to regular peanut butter. It was smooth and easy to scoop and spread. But it had a lovely, light coconut aroma. I used it on toast, bananas and celery (with raisins, aka "Ants On A Log") as a substitute to my Jif for midday snacks. And it was mmm, mmm, good! I found the coconut flavor to be very subtle, allowing the peanuts to remain centerstage. Overall, a unique but fulfilling morsel!



I wanted more recipe ideas so I browsed the Tropical Traditions website and decided upon the Coconut Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa.

Coconut Peanut Butter Hot Cocoa
Serves 4 - 5
Preparation Time: 3 minutes

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup sugar/honey, more or less to taste*
• Dash of salt
• 1/3 cup water
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup Coconut Peanut Butter

Combine dry ingredients in a medium saucepan and whisk in water over medium heat. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly. Boil for 2 minutes. Whisk in Coconut Peanut Butter. Add milk and whisk and heat until hot, but do not boil. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract. Serve topping with whipped cream.

(c) Tropical Traditions, recipe courtesy of Sarah Shilhavy

It was extremely rich and chocolately with a hint of coconut and peanut butter. I personally prefer a thinner consistency so I diluted it with a little more hot water for a more palatable texture. However, it was perfect as an after-dinner treat on a cold February evening. I just wish I had whipped cream on hand to top it off!



Next on my "to-bake" list are these to-die-for Inside-Out Coconut Peanut Butter Cups. My mouth is watering at the sight of these candy confections. I'd also like to thicken up my morning smoothie with some Coconut Peanut Butter, or use it to take my PB&J to a new dimension.

Bottom line: Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter is a fun way to add some gusto to an old favorite. It is a good bit pricier than Nutella or other nut butters but I like knowing I am supporting family farms and a company committed to quality, fine-tasting goods.

BUY IT: You can purchase Coconut Peanut Butter exclusively from the Tropical Traditions website (ARV $9.99).

DELECTABLE DEAL: When you place your order, make sure you choose "referred by friend" from the "How did you hear about us?" drop-down box and reference ID 5429861 to receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people's lives, and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Jader Shilhavy!

WIN IT: Tropical Traditions is giving one lucky reader their own jar of Coconut Peanut Butter!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Take a look around Tropical Traditions and tell me about another product you'd like to try. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and @troptraditions on Twitter and tweet about the contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Win a jar of delicious, nutritious @troptraditions organic coconut peanut butter from @kris10chumley! Ends 3/7 http://bit.ly/cVYqlY

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions newsletter. (2 entries!)

4.) Become a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 7, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As I mentioned, I was sent a jar of Coconut Peanut Butter from Tropical Traditions to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. I was under no obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review and mine and mine alone. Your experience may differ.

Review and Giveaway: Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms CLOSED

I've never been a huge fan of cooking. I've always viewed it as more of a necessary evil than a pleasure. When I became a stay-at-home mom nearly one year ago, I thought I'd have more time to experiment in the kitchen. But, if you can believe it, it seems as if I have less time now than I did when I was a working mom! Most nights, I'm scrambling around for something I can quickly throw together and call it dinner. So, when I came across Jane Doiron's cookbook, Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms, I just had to request a review. And I was ecstatic that she agreed!

Jane Doiron, an elementary school teacher and busy mom of two boys, knows what it's like to be short on time and pressured to make a delicious family feast. She wanted to find a way to make her family's favorite recipes ahead of time without sacrificing the taste and texture of the food from freezing. After years of experimentation, she developed a cookbook to optimize make-ahead preparation. Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms features 140 recipes for meals and sides that can be prepared in advance and frozen or refrigerated until you're ready for mealtime. This lessens the confusion and panic that sets in when 5pm rolls around and you have only just begun to think about what to make for dinner.

The cookbook begins with some helpful tips for proper freezing, saving time and achieving the best flavor in make-ahead meals. Very helpful indeed for the novice such as myself. The recipes are well-organized and presented in logical categories, from appetizers and side dishes to main courses and desserts. I skimmed through the recipes and was happy that none of them were obscure or overly complex. The vast majority were things I could see my family eating. I liked the great variety of dishes, from traditional (Lasagna, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Sloppy Joes, Tacos) to more unique (Thai Chicken Thighs, Zucchini Apple Bread, Seafood Quiche).

I decided to make the Buffalo Chicken Dip in honor of the Super Bowl and the Cheesy Pasta, Ham and Peas for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner. The directions were easy to follow and I liked that the text was large enough that I didn't have to squint while wrist deep in hot sauce. I was able to prepare both dishes in the evening after Nate had gone to bed, and refrigerate. So all I had to do the next day was pop it in the oven! Both recipes turned out really well and had us going back for seconds. I altered the chicken dip by adding blue cheese crumbles to the top (hubby is a blue cheese fan) and I substituted Velveeta in place of Cheez Whiz for the pasta bake. But both dishes still had an excellent flavor and are meals I would definitely make again. Even Nate was a fan of the Cheesy Pasta and he is an uber picky eater.



The only thing I was disappointed in was that there were no photos of the recipes (aside from the front cover). I prefer appealing pictures of food to motivate me and give me an idea of what the finished dish should look like. Aside from that, I really enjoyed this cookbook and can't wait to "make-ahead" more meals. It has shaved a good bit of time off of my meal planning by prepping the night before, allowing me to spend more time with my family - or to myself! Next on the list for me are the Bacon Tomato Mini Cups and Stuffed Cornish Hens. Oh, and the Mini Pecan Pie Muffins sound delicious too!

Bottom line: Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms gets six thumbs up from us. The recipes are tasty, relatively easy to make and I had most of the ingredients I needed already on hand. If you are a busy mom (and let's face it...who isn't?) and want to plan ahead for those inevitable days when you're low on time and energy or if you are searching for a way to trim back your take-out, this cookbook is perfect for you. It would also be quite handy if you are looking to stock up on meals before a surgery, childbirth or to share for a potluck or fellowship.

BUY IT: You can purchase Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms online at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com (ARV $16.15). You can also purchase the e-book on Jane's website. (ARV $12)

WIN IT: Jane is generously offering one copy of her cookbook to one lucky reader!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Jane's blog and tell me what recipe looks most yummy. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. If you already follow and/or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow Jane's Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms blog. (1 entry)

3.) Sign up for the Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms newsletter. (1 entry)

4.) Follow me and Jane Doiron on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the tweet below or come up with one of your own:

Meal planning leave you frazzled? Get Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms from @janedoiron! Win a copy @kris10chumley http://bit.ly/aMpbH6

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

5.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

6.) Add Jane's blog button and leave a comment with the link to where we can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on March 3, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of Make Ahead Meals for Busy Moms from Jane to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are solely mine. Your experience may differ.

Giveaway: Carolyn's Kitchen CLOSED

I've never been much of a chef. As a matter of fact, I don't think I made a homemade "from-scratch" meal until I was engaged to be married. And my poor hubby-to-be probably had to choke it down. I tend to overcook my meat and undercook my pasta. If I can't zap it in the microwave, it's just too complicated for my taste. Sure, I can fool many and throw a kick-ass party with the help of my food bible, Joy of Cooking, and the Martha website. But mostly, I just fake it to make it.

Thanks to Carolyn's Kitchen, I can role play "hostess with the most-ess" every night.

These are not your grandmother's aprons. Think Sex and the Domesti-city. Carolyn West's retro-inspired aprons and gloves intertwine fanciful dress-up with mischievous pin-up girls. Her goal is to bring back the glamour and sexiness of the 1940's, using fashionable, modern fabrics. All aprons are made here in the U.S.A. and are carefully constructed with the highest quality 100% cotton fabric and eyelet lace trim. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Laila Ali, Cheryl Burke and The Girls Next Door have all caught onto the frivolous fun that is Carolyn's Kitchen!

Did you ever think an apron could make you feel pretty and provocative? From wild and animalistic to sweet and romantic, there's a style for every personality. Are you the spontaneous, daring type? Tease him by showing some skin in the Marilyn Apron & Bandeau. Or perhaps you're more shy and coy? The versatile Dorothy Apron (with optional garter) lets you decide just how much or how little to reveal.

With these sexy, sassy aprons, your oven won't be the only thing steaming up the kitchen. Your significant other may even come help you stir things up! *wink wink* If you're culinary-impaired like moi, rest assured that no matter how bad your meal may taste, you know he'll be coming back for more just to catch a glimpse of you in your get-up. And even if you make a mess of the food, at least you won't make a mess of your dress.

BUY IT: Want to "spice and entice"? You can purchase Carolyn's Kitchen aprons exclusively online (ARV $29.95 - $42.00). Bonus: they ship internationally!

WIN IT: Just in time for Valentine's Day, Carolyn is going to dress up one lucky lady in this deliciously demure Black Sweetheart Apron! That's a $42 value!



MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Step into Carolyn's Kitchen and tell me your favorite apron. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count! Remember to leave one comment per entry.

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me and Carolyn's Kitchen on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Sign up for the Carolyn's Kitchen newsletter. (1 entry)

4.) Add my blog button and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry)

5.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on February 8, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I did not receive a product to review, nor was I compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely mine.

Product Overview: Safest Choice Eggs

When you think about it, there are tons of holiday recipes that call for eggs. Cookie dough. Eggnog. Custard. Salad dressings. The list goes on and on. Rather than risk salmonella or other foodborne-related illness due to cross-contamination, you and your guests can now have Safe Eggs.

Davidson's Safest Choice Eggs are pasteurized in the shell to ensure they are safer than the average egg. Safe Eggs have the same nutritional content, same look and same great taste as a regular shell egg - but without the peril of Salmonella, Avian Influenza or other harmful bacteria and viruses! You can use Safe Eggs in all of your dishes, even those that call for raw or undercooked eggs. They are all-natural, kosher and vegetarian so they will accommodate just about any diet. Poached eggs, anyone?

Safe Eggs are perfect for those with a weakened immune system, who may be more susceptible to illness. This includes pregnant women, young children, adults over 50 and those with immunological disorders or diseases. Preggos, you can now eat that raw cookie dough without the guilt and fear!

I have not yet tried Safest Choice Eggs but I love the concept and hope to come across it the next time I take a trip to the grocery store.

For more information about Safe Eggs and some exquisite holiday recipes, be sure to visit the Davidson's website. Check out these two dessert recipes I gathered:

Ginger Crème Brûlée
Makes 8 servings

Unsalted butter
1 ½ cups heavy cream
9 Davidson’s Safest Choice™ Pasteurized Shell Egg yolks
4 or 5 slices of fresh ginger, peeled and
⅓ cup plus 8 tbsp. sugar
Blanched in boiling water for 30 seconds

1. Lightly butter 8 5-inch heatproof ramekins (little soufflé dishes).
2. Fill a large bowl with ice cubes. Set aside.
3. In a medium heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ⅓ cup of sugar. Set
aside.
4. In a heavy medium saucepan, combine the cream and the ginger. Bring just to a boil
over low heat.
5. Place the bowl with the egg yolks over a pan of simmering water and continue to whisk
vigorously until the mixture becomes a very pale yellow and feels hot to the touch.
6. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the boiling cream. Transfer the bowl back
over the saucepan, but do not turn on the heat. Whisk the mixture occasionally until it
thickens, 5 to 10 minutes.
7. When the mixture thickens, place the bowl in the larger bowl filled with ice cubes. Whisk
occasionally until cool. Strain into a clean bowl.
8. Spoon the custard into the prepared ramekins and refrigerate, covered, until firm, about
2 hours.
9. When ready to serve, sprinkle 1 tablespoon sugar evenly over the top of each serving
and caramelize with a propane torch or set under a broiler until the sugar browns.

(c) www.safeeggs.com

Chocolate Peppermint Pie
Makes 8 servings

1 (9-inch) pie crust
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 Davidson’s Safest Choice® pasteurized shell eggs
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 cup white chocolate chips, melted and cooled
1/2 cup (20) peppermint candies, crushed
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled

Pie Crust: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place or press prepared dough into 9-inch pie pan. Prick pastry with a fork. Line bottom and up sides of crust with foil and add dried beans or pie weights. Bake 15 minutes, remove foil. Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until crust is golden. Remove to wire rack; cool completely.

Filling: In bowl, beat together butter, cream cheese and sugar.

Combine eggs and whipping cream, gradually add to butter mixture while beating, scraping bowl often. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Reserve half of mixture in small bowl. Add cooled white chocolate to remaining half of mixture; beat well. Stir in crushed candy. Spread in baked pie crust; chill 10 minutes.

Return reserved butter mixture to bowl, add cooled semi-sweet chocolate; beat well. Spread over white chocolate layer. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

(c) www.safeeggs.com

For the latest news and updates, follow @SafeEggs on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook. Some incentive: all Facebook fans get a printable $1.00 off coupon!

Disclaimer: I was contacted to write about Safe Eggs by Ryan at American Pop Digital. I did not receive a product to review nor was I compensated in any way for this post.

Review and Giveaway: Cheap Cookie Cutters CLOSED

Christmas is the day after tomorrow. Eek, better get on that baking! I am hosting family this year in our brand new house so I will be donning my apron (in addition to the festive sweater!) and manning the kitchen to prepare our delicious menu. Ham, sweet and white potatoes, green bean casserole - and of course, dessert. On the delectable goodies table this year, we'll have pie and cookies galore: homemade coconut cream morsels, chocolate chunk bars, and of course we can't leave out traditional sugar cookies. Nate is too young to understand the concept of leaving cookies and milk for Santa but Mommy and Daddy are never too old to indulge! I just love tapping into my inner Betty Crocker, cutting out the holiday shapes and decorating with frosting and sprinkles. So, naturally, when I fell upon an opportunity to review a set of cookie cutters, I jumped at the chance.

Cheap Cookie Cutters is a family-owned business in Tampa, FL that sells just about any kind of cookie cutter or cookie cutter set you can imagine. Their selection is staggering. Are you a Mickey Mouse fan? You'll want to check out their Disney cookie cutters. Hosting a baby shower? Don't forget the adorable baby themed cookies, including a fetus! Planning a birthday party? Bake some number cookies to go along with your cake. Seriously, there are cookie cutters at Cheap Cookie Cutters to accompany any occasion. And if you don't see what you need, just ask them about their custom cookie cutters! With prices as low as $1.99, they are sure to fit even the slimmest of budgets.

I was sent a 4-pc. mini Christmas cookie cutter set to review, which included an angel, a holly, a snowflake and a tree. Each cutter measured approximately 2" x 2", the perfect size for those who want a tasty treat but are trying to count their calories. The cutters were made of quality metal and glided through the dough with ease to create nice pointed or rounded edges.



After baking, most of the cookies retained their shape. However, the holly shape tended to round out, which made it an unidentifiable blob. Perhaps next time I will use a thinner dough with this particular cutter and see if that makes a difference in the spread and puffiness.



Bottom line: I would highly recommend Cheap Cookie Cutters for your cookie baking needs. The cutters are not only unique but are also very affordable.

BUY IT: You can purchase all cookie cutters online, directly from the Cheap Cookie Cutter website ($1.99 and up, depending on size and style).

DELECTABLE DEAL: For a limited time, you can get 10% off your order! Just use coupon code "10off" at checkout.

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to receive the 4-pc. holiday set I reviewed - a $10 value!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Cheap Cookie Cutter website and tell me your favorite cutter. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile or if you are not a blogger!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry)

3.) Add my blog button and/or my holiday button to your site and leave a comment with the link to where I can find it. (1 entry for each)

4.) Enter any of my other current giveaways and leave a comment telling me which one(s) you entered. (1 entry each)

Giveaway will end on January 6, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. only. Winners will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: As noted above, I received a 4-pc. cookie cutter set from Chris at Cheap Cookie Cutters to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The opinions expressed in this review and purely my own. Your experience with this product may differ.