Messy Moments with Wet Ones

Did you know that according to a study conducted by Wet Ones Hand Wipes, 91% of moms say that they have stopped their child from participating in an activity because it was too messy?  Gah!  I am ashamed to admit I have done that on more than one occasion.  Oh, you guys want to finger paint??  Um... I bet you'll do that in school tomorrow!  (Zero points for mom.)  Yet, at the same time, 84% of moms also admit that making a mess while cooking is one of the most fun activities they can do with their kids.  And I am happy to admit that I also fall into this category.  When I let my guard down, and allow them to crack the eggs (resulting in a gigantic mess), the joy on their faces says it all.

I adore cooking for my family and it's even more fun when my children can help out, but the struggle is real.  I feel like I often miss out on great moments with them because I'm so concerned with cleaning as I go.  Therefore, I'm so happy to be partnering with Wet Ones Hand Wipes this back-to-school season (omg, already??) to help parents embrace those messy, memorable moments in the kitchen.  Wet ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes are a convenient 2-in-1 way to wipe away dirt and messes and kill 99.99% of germs when soap and water aren't readily available - and as parents, that is often the case!

Below is one of my new favorite meals to make with my kids, and it's perfect for creating messy moments with the fam.  So get in the kitchen, get messy, and know Wet Ones has you covered.  You can even share your messy moments at WishIHadAWetOnes.com for the change to win prizes!

Oreo Layer Cake

I have had "get haircut" and "GO TO DENTIST" on my to-do list for months, and yes, the latter has been in all caps.  Finally, due to an issue with a tooth that I don't want to talk about (because Google has led me to believe it's DEAD), I decided that making a dentist appointment was more crucial than getting that long bob, or lob.  So today, I am going to see my new NY dentist and I'm terrified. Maybe that is because late last night, I sat and ate a giant piece of this RIDICULOUS cake and drank a glass of red wine.  BUT THEN I FLOSSED (for the first time in forever) SO EVERYTHING IS OKAY.

Our beloved nanny turned 27 this week, and since she is an Oreo-lover I wanted to find a cake that truly highlighted the famous cookie.  I came across this recipe and after realizing actual Oreos are layered below the cake batter, I knew it was the one.  Because I ran out of cookies (and because I was trying to make the cake SLIGHTLY less rich) I only layered them in one of the cakes.  This, cake, is, SO INTENSE... and so Oreoy, which should be a legit word in the Scrabble dictionary I think.  The Oreo creme filling and the chocolate buttercream are unreal.  I think my dentist will approve.     

Outdoor Oasis from Kohl's

Happy 4th of July!  What are your plans today?  It's raining here, but that won't stop us from getting outside and grilling some food!  (I mean, we moved to NY from CA in the middle of winter and grilled outside in March, so there you go.)  And look!  My outdoor table is already set!  Thanks to Kohl's, who is sponsoring this post, I am all ready for summer entertaining on the patio.  Plastic dishes and glassware have gotten so chic over the years, and at Kohl's that is no exception.  Check out their Sonoma Outdoors line, where I found these plastic, dishwasher safe and BPA-free plates, bowls and cups, for instance.  I'm also obsessed with the above "bread basket," which I use mostly for fruit.

Thank you Kohl's for having such cute, affordable stuff!  

Have a happy and safe 4th, my friends.    

Madhava Baking Mixes + Syrups Giveaway!

I'm sorry I haven't been around this week... both kids have been sick, we took a surprise day trip to Disneyland and mostly... getting ready for a MASSIVE cross-country move!  I will be back next week, with cookies and patty melts and more.  Maybe something healthy.

But let's talk about this giveaway!  One of my favorite brands, Madhava, recently came out with new products: organic baking mixes, organic coffee syrups and organic pancake syrups!  They are offering a lucky reader one of EACH of the above (with the exception of the brownie mix which isn't out yet).  I recently tried two of the mixes and fell in love.  If you're like me, and sometimes feel guilty using boxed baking mixes because of the overly-sweet, processed nature of the food, you don't have to feel that way with Madhava's products!  They are organic, made with ancient grains and natural sweeteners and low-glycemic.  Most importantly, they taste AMAZING...      

Please comment below to win, and let me know which product you're most excited to try.  

*You must be an official follower of this blog to qualify, and a winner will be chosen on Wednesday, 2/26, at 8am PST.  Good luck!

Review: Dr. Praeger's

I was recently sent some products from Dr. Praeger's, a line of nutritious, all-natural frozen foods that the whole family will enjoy!  It sounds like they told me to write that but they didn't, honestly.  My whole family has become addicted to their broccoli, sweet potato and spinach nuggets.  Which is not an easy feat, by the way, considering my son won't touch a green vegetable (other than frozen peas).  The other night he asked for 15 broccoli nuggets.  And, like I said, you will enjoy them too.  You can tell that they're fresh, almost like you made them yourself.  Look for them the next time you're out!

And stay tuned for a homemade meal later on today...    

**Quick note: earth to Julie who won the Cake Stand Giveaway, if I don't hear from you over the weekend I am going to pick another winner so please email me soon : )

Lee Kum Kee Orange Chicken

Last week, we had a 'Welcome Home' dinner for Carson and the theme was orange (because of this).  Jack and I had fun decorating the table with orange balloons, pumpkins, festive flowers and screwdrivers.  Not the tool, the drink, and Jack didn't help with that part I swear.  Coincidentally, I had just been sent some products from Lee Kum Kee and included was a packet of sauce for Orange Chicken.  Orange!  No preservatives or artificial flavoring, no MSG and no HFCS.  Prepared with fresh ingredients, ready in minutes... highly recommended for a weeknight dinner.  Do I sound like a commercial yet?  Should I take over Flo's job?  But seriously, I like making my own sauce like the next Julia Child wannabe, but I'm a mom of two and I want to keep what little sanity I have left.  Therefore, sauces in bags are the answer.  Serve this Orange Chicken with brown rice, carrots, and a salad with orange tomatoes and orange bell peppers and you're ready for your orange party.  Don't forget to invite some Oompa Loompas.  And check out Lee Kum Kee's website for other yummy products!              

Piedra Azul Tequila + Blood Orange Margarita

One major perk of writing a food blog is being contacted by lovely people who represent lovely products, like tequila.  Piedra Azul Blanco Tequila, to be specific.  It's named after turquoise (la Piedra Azul), which I love, and made from 100% Blue Agave Weber...        

I had planned to cook up a few things with this tequila, but time got away from me (my baby has officially, stopped, sleeping) so instead I started drinking straight from the bottle.  In the name of research!!  I love tequila and typically drink it  straight up and ice cold (with some fresh limes).  What's important to me is a smooth finish - which this had for a reasonably priced alcohol.  But, I figured not everyone enjoys tequila straight, so I also made a delicious Blood Orange Margarita using Madhava Agave Nectar for sweetness, another product I love.  

Hey everyone, I love products hint hint!!

I hope you enjoy your weekends and if you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, pick up a bottle of Piedra Azul and don't forget to party responsibly.  I am a commercial. 

Blood Orange Margarita
(Serves 2)
Printable Recipe

1/2 cup blood orange soda or freshly squeezed blood orange juice
1/2 cup Piedra Azul Blanco tequila
2 T freshly squeezed lime juice
2 T Madhava agave nectar
Limes or blood oranges for garnish

In a pitcher, stir together blood orange soda or juice, tequila, lime juice and agave nectar.  Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses (optional).  Garnish with lime or orange.

Snicker Dudes

Just got THESE from my Foodzie box. I WOULD MURDER SOMEONE FOR MORE. Order 79 bags for yourself now.


Messing around with my blog. You like? You dislike? You have suggestions? You have bad gas?

Taste No. 5 Umami Paste

I want to taste this in my mouth. You can also buy here.

Listen to what they say about it...

"Bored with salty? Think sour, bitter, and sweet are overrated? Then you might be in the market for a flavor bomb called umami. Since 1985, the foodiscenti have been talking about the revelation of a fifth taste that humans can detect. Finally, umami (or simply put, savoriness) is hitting the mainstream thanks to a little tube called Taste No. 5 Umami Paste. It's a rich concoction of tomato, anchovy, garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive, and mushroom, giving it an earthy, robust feel. Mix a dab into burger meat, squeeze it in a pan before saucing pasta, rub it into fish before grilling, or spread it on bread."

Thanks MB for the tip!

Giveaway: MORE BATTER BLASTER!

Thanks to Batter Blaster, I am giving away 5 cans to one lucky reader! They have new flavors: Buttermilk, Organic Whole Wheat with Brown Sugar & Cinnamon and Double Chocolate! Um, yes please.

If you weren't around for my last Batter Blaster Giveaway, now's your chance to snag these delightful cans. And if you were around, and you just didn't win, well now is your chance for deep, dark, bloody revenge. Inappropriate. I've been reading The Hunger Games.

Remember, this giveaway is not just about making fluffy, organic pancakes and waffles. YOU CAN FRY THINGS (seen here). That deserves all caps.

And now, for the rules of The Games, I mean, The Giveaway:

1. You must be an official follower of this blog to win (please click the "follow" icon in the right margin).
2. Only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
3. Winner will be chosen at random on Friday, August 12th at 8am.

Good luck!

Foodzie

A wonderful new friend gifted me a year subscription to Foodzie. Have you heard of it?


For $19.99 a month, you are sent a tasting box of their favorite artisan products, in little sample sizes. They're seasonal, inspiring and a great way to try something new! I just got my first box for June...


Already losing my mind over Mrs. Sipps's Spiced Almonds! Best. Gift. Ever. I'm sure you'll be hearing more about this over the next year. Thank you P!

"Cars 2" Mac & Cheese

Fact: Kraft Macaroni & Cheese tastes even better when shaped like mini Lightning McQueen's.

That's all I got today.

Siriously? I'm Serious: This Happened

Once Upon A Time The Other Day... I was at the market. I go there often. Not "everyday often" - but sometimes everyday often. Look, you try shopping with a toddler and remembering EVERYTHING on your list!! By the end of the trip I'm usually all, here's a balloon, please stop screaming. So, the other day I was at the market, in the check-out lane, trying to keep Jack from licking a pack of batteries, when I felt a tap on the shoulder.

Man: Excuse me? Ms. Pinter?
Me: Yes? (ohmygodheknowsmyname)
Man: I am the manager here...
Me: (ohmygod, I'm being arrested, I ate that grape...)
Man: ...and you are a frequent customer...
Me: (ohmygod, they're getting a restraining order...)
Man: ...and we really appreciate your business, and would like to give you this Elite Customer Card.
Me:
Man: So here you go.
Me:
Man: Thank you!
Me: (BRIGHT RED)


(Are you enjoying my 6am bloated, wobbly face?)

Did you know ANY of this was possible? That Elite Customer Cards existed?!? That your MANAGER might consider you a famous grocery store shopper?!? I am equal parts embarrassed, horrified, and ecstatic. Let me tell you a little about this card, and by "tell you" I mean brag...

-I have 24-hour party ordering service. Who is up for a 3am crudités party?!?

-I can call a "Wine Steward" at any hour of the day. I think I might call every single morning and ask what pairs well with different kinds of cereal... see how long it takes before they take my child away.

-Refunds without receipts. I'm going to bring in an impulse shoe purchase and see if they'll exchange it.

-Guaranteed in-stock or equivalent substitution. I can't wait to ask someone for Pocky Sticks. If they bring me THESE instead I'll be so mad.

*Sarcasm aside, thank you Pavilions. Most days are not complete without you.

Where have you been my whole (parenting) life??

What? Oh, did you think I was one of those moms who always made her son a home-cooked meal? You're cute.
(Thanks J!)

Model.

I've decided I'm going to start modeling for food-related products. All of them. I will be so rich, more so than her. Just look at how convincing I am...


That is SCREAMING, "buy tin foil." I emit the art of persuasion.


So please contact your local food-related product company, and tell them I'm available.


(Let's pretend this never happened.)

Peanut Butter Chip and Swirl Chocolate Brownies

On December 4th of 2009, I decided I would start a blog about food. I called it Siriously Delicious, because my name is Siri, and puns are fun. I began by writing a letter to peanut butter, because I love it, and I obviously didn't know what else to write about. It took me awhile to figure out what to post each day, seen here and ohmygod here. And then one day I decided to come up with a recipe for a cookie, and I hit my stride. Suddenly this blog became a place for me to test recipes, try out recipes, talk to you friendly people and most importantly, document it all. It has become a part of my stay-at-home-mom daily routine, and I have YOU to thank for that. So THANK YOU, for reading, for responding, for trying my recipes, and for telling me how to improve. I want to send you all baskets of muffins.

But I can't. So instead, here is a recipe for a peanut butter brownie that I came up with yesterday. I thought it was fitting, since this whole blog started with my weird romantic love for a product. p.s. These brownies are delicious if I may indeed brag.

Peanut Butter Chip and Swirl Chocolate Brownies
(Makes 16 brownies)
Printable Recipe

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
10 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or use chips)
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 pkg. peanut butter chips
4 heaping T creamy peanut butter

Preheat oven to 325. In a double boiler, melt butter and chocolate, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.


Once cooled, stir in sugar.


Whisk in eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla and combine.


Fold in flour and salt.


Stir in peanut butter chips.


Place batter in a square baking dish lined with parchment paper. Spoon the tablespoons of peanut butter on top at random.


Using a knife, swirl the peanut butter into the batter, creating a marbling effect.


Bake for 30-40 minutes, until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Deep Thoughts

I like things that are mini.



They make me feel like a giant.

Harvest Grains Blend

I don't mean to isolate you readers who are Trader Joe-less, but...


I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS.

A savory blend of Israeli Style Couscous, Orzo, Baby Garbanzo Beans and Red Quinoa.

Baby garbanzo beans?? Who knew they existed?! Red quinoa?! STOP IT! This is the perfect blend of grains. Smooth orzo, a slight textural difference from the garbanzo beans, a little punch of flavor from the quinoa and couscous. Boiled in chicken stock, a bit of butter and a sprinkle of salt.

Listen to me people, my boyfriend has never cared for couscous or quinoa and he loves this. My SON loves this. There is a Harvest Grain Lovefest going on in my house. If you are near a TJ's (and "near" means one state over), pick this up. If you are not, well, then I might include it in my next giveaway : )

Peanut Butter M&M Butterscotch Cookie

Your M&M ideas have been BRILLIANT. This one is my personal favorite... Toasted pita wedges or cibatta bread cubes dusted with sugar dipped in warm chocolate sauce or nuttela with bits of crunchy M&M's mixed in. Okay Sara, okay.

But for my first attempt at *getting rid of them* I took the easy route... cookies. Peanut Butter M&M's and Butterscotch chips, anyone? By the by, it took me a very long time to decide whether the candy should be plural or singular in this cookie title. Thoughts?

Peanut Butter M&M Butterscotch Cookie
(Makes 2 dozen cookies)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp
2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 cup butterscotch chips
6 small bags of Peanut Butter M&M's

Preheat oven to 375. Using a mixer, cream together butter and brown sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, and then vanilla. Mix until smooth. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add to wet ingredients and stir. Then add butterscotch chips and M&M's.


Place by rounded spoonful onto baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.


Alrighty, 6 bags of M&M's gone, 752 to go. Happy Memorial Day weekend!!