Haagen-Dazs Five ice cream is cool. Dry ice is too!

It's no secret that some of the perks of being a blogger is getting free product. But sometimes you get a little something extra too.

Last week I received 4 containers of the new Haagen-Dazs Five ice cream from Mom Central to taste and then review. But this freebie came with an BIG extra bonus...a cooler FULL of dry ice!

Ice cream on dry ice is COOL!

The 'coolness' quotient is then doubled by the fact that the package came with a warning.

How exciting...I had to use special gear for this one.

And then the dry ice experiment.

I looked up a few experiments online but only one I was brave enough to try was this:
1. Use safety gear (do NOT touch dry-ice or it will burn you) and put materials in your kitchen sink.

2. Take a piece of dry ice and place it into a cup of water...watch it smoke.

3.Then add dish soap and watch...it was like a volcano of bubbles!

No pictures as I was busy making sure no one knocked over the ice and caused major damage to themselves. But it was fun, and made me feel like I was back in that chemistry lab in high school fiddling with all kinds of things that could explode. Cool.

For the full review head on over to Twofer Thumbs Up (including video of the Twofer tasting exotic flavors like passion fruit and ginger!) AND for a chance to win 3 FREE containers of HDFive ice cream for yourself!

Janine

My Trip to Lotte Korean Market - leave the neuroses at home

Indulge me if you will....
Here is the other title I considered for this post:
"Local Korean Market has a 'Lotte' Seoul"

L and I were running errands the other day near the local Korean chain of grocery stores called Lotte. I have never been in one but heard great things about Asian markets specifically that their produce is much cheaper and they have the freshest fish around at great prices.

I'm trying to get more one-on-one time with the girls and L is always one for an adventure so we popped in...and immediately started taking pictures like the tourists we are. The fact that all the signs are in Korean first, then English, kinda gives you and idea.

Tourist photo

First we strolled through the fresh fruits and vegetables many of which I have no idea existed...or even how to cut, cook and eat. Take, for example, the durian or King Fruit.

Durian "King Fruit" photo credit: Wikipedia

Next we ventured to the prepared meals area where we found a whole batch of sushi (yes, grabbed some to-go of course), marinating ribs, a variety of seasoned tofu and veggies, a pre-packaged baby squid

Mmm, baby squid

and of course the Asian equivalent of the rotisserie chicken section....roast duck hanging by the crook of it's neck.

L with poultry. Duck on the right.

Finally, we ended our quick trip at the fish department. "Mommy! Look! Those fish have their eyes! Are they still alive?" I hear you just have to ask and the fishmonger will skin and fillet any fish you want to buy. The market was busy that day so I stuck with the pre-cleaned and cut packages of sole and salmon, but not before eyeing the open containers of self-serve shark steaks. Just pick up the tongs, grab a bag, and load up!

Jaws anyone?

I have to say my neurotic self was itching to grab the hand sanitizer and slather it on both of our hands. But I pushed those thoughts back and adopted the 'When in Rome' attitude. Sometimes the best way to know the fish is fresh is to touch it, smell it, hold it - we do it for fruit, why not for fish?

I also have to also note - I haven't been to other Asian markets but this store was Pristine with a capital P...not easy for any grocery store.

My basket quickly started to fill and we had only been down the far right side of the store! I'm definitely heading back there this weekend for produce and just to see what else there is. On the way to check out they had samples of a new grape juice that L seemed to really like. It was tart, almost unsweetened, but tasty all the same.

The BEST part? I got a basket full of fruit, veggies, sauce and fish for under $30.
What should I look for next time?
If anyone has experience shopping at Asian markets I would LOVE some tips on foods to try.

Considering kimchi,
Janine

The best Sunday snack

As I've posted before, we have a wall of TVs that exist solely for football Sundays. The TVs bring much more than football into our house...they draw guests.

And with guests, comes food - or really the need for food.
Thanks to Mom Central I recently discovered Ultimate Party Meatballs!



Just 3 ingredients plus 20 minutes, and I have a filling little snack.

Here's all you need:
1. 2lb bag of frozen, pre-cooked, cocktail-size meatballs
2. 16 ounce can Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce
3. 12 ounce bottle Heinz Chili Sauce

Put the cranberry sauce and chili sauce in a large pan on med-low heat and stir until smooth (about 5 mi.)
Add the meatballs, cover and cook for 15 min. (stirring occasionally) or until meatballs are heated through.

That's it! They taste tangy yet sweet. The Twofer LOVED them and took the leftovers to school the next day in a thermos for lunch! My husband LOVED them and ate more later that night. I LOVED them because not only did they taste great - they were quick and easy to make! (Plus, anything that is accepted as lunch the next day get extra points in my book.)

And now for the obligatory football reference joke... The Ultimate Party Meatballs scored a touchdown and were a real crowd-pleaser!

I will definitely stock these ingredients for future Sundays.
Visit UltimatePartyMeatballs for more recipes, entertaining tips, and the chance to win a $3000 Ultimate Party*! *sweepstakes ends. Jan 31, 2009

Then if you win, invite me to the party :). Or maybe I'll offer to host it in my basement and my wall of TVs.

Now back to the game,
Janine
Thanks again to Mom Central for the opportunity to review this item!

Caviar vs. Fish Sticks

My twins are not your typical 5 year-olds at least in terms of food.

They would rather eat caviar than fish sticks.

Random photo that came up on search for 'fish sticks'

They also eat, among other things...
grilled octopus
sushi (Cali roll is all I'll let them have)
tofu
eggs with spinach
shrimp
Ms. Vicky's Jalapeno chips Miss Vickie's Potato Chips, Hand Picked Jalapeno, 1.375-Ounce Large Single Serve Bags (Pack of 64)

as well as...
taramoslata (caviar dip)
and just about anything on the CAVA menu.

Take note - they have always eaten stuff like this. Oh, on occasion they've gone through picky periods but it doesn't last long. Most recently M went on an "I don't like peanut butter" spell that had me all worked up because she's been eating it once a week since they were 'cleared' for it at 2! (Plus, PB &J is my go-to food when I have nothing else to make for lunch - you can't take that away from me!!!)

And also note that I'm not counting on this lasting forever. Now that they are in school and exposed to more kids who don't like certain foods, I'm guessing their tastes may change because frankly, it's just not cool to bring in hummus and veggies for lunch...or is it? I noticed the school menu has more exotic offerings than the chicken fricasee from my days.

For now I'll keep offering different foods whenever I can and especially when we are out. I'm going to try and hide the kids menus, and have them pick from the regular menu. Anything to avoid the mac-n-cheese and chicken nuggets rut a little longer.

Oh, and for real, they HATE fish sticks.

Do your kids like any unique foods?
Tell me what else we should try!

Janine (SM)

Our Little House on the Prairie Night

Oh don't get your knickers in a bunch. I'm ScaryMom - so it's not gonna be all "Night Maw, Night Paw", but it was as close as I'm ever gonna get and here's why: the TV was off the whole evening, I was NOT on the Mac (until now) and we spent about 3 hours outside...talking to each other!

I know, I know. Crazy right?

A few weeks ago I bought a fire bowl thing for our back patio and tonight was the first fire!

L and M getting ready to burn things

Things that made me feel like Laura Ingalls Wilder:
1. We burned things.
2. We "cooked" s'mores over the fire (if you count chocolate in one hand, graham cracker in the other and a burnt 'shmallow in your mouth a s'more).
3. We told scary stories.
4. I saw 2 shooting stars.

M & L with S'mores fixins

Things that kept me from donning a bonnet and a hoopskirt:

1. The stories quickly turned silly and disgusting with lots of potty-mouth words that I'm sure Maw and Paw would not have put up with.

2. For the first time I heard the racket that the crickets, frogs, and whatever else that lives in my backyard make and I can't fathom how anyone gets to sleep when camping.

3. The glow from Mr. Scary's laptop was somewhat distracting, but hey - at least he was out there and managed to be part of the conversation!

4. The booming voice of the announcer and the faint cheer of the crowd at the local high school football game brought me back to reality quickly.

All in all it was quality time together and the fact that we all smell like roasted pork is a small price to pay when your kids go to bed saying "that was the best night ever".

Charred but smiling,
ScaryMom

Mmmmmm mashed potatoes in minutes

I am a skeptic...blame my mother (sorry mom but you're used to getting thrown under the bus by me I can't change just because it's in a blog).

I am also a mashed potato snob of sorts.
I like to put mine through a ricer, then hand mash them, THEN take the hand mixer to them for light and fluffy homemade mashed potatoes.

I often don't like the restaurant versions that everyone else does and feel I can make them better. I have made mashed potatoes flavored with garlic, Monterey Jack & sour cream, dill, chives, etc. but prefer plain with light salt.

When I'm in a rush, I have my own version of "instant": microwave, peel, and mash with just the hand masher and some milk and butter.

I came up with this method only after trying all the others:
boxed, frozen, refrigerated...and "doctoring" them up to taste a little better.

So when I saw the new Ore-Ida Steam n'Mash potatoes I just couldn't believe it would taste as good as homemade. I read the ingredients and liked it -potatoes, salt, and something I can't pronounce but basically keeps them fresh. The directions were easy too...similar to my quick method but without the peeling...the part I really hate!

And the taste? Well, when I asked the Twofer they said "39 thumbs up!". Why 39? I have no idea. Mr. Scary liked them as well and as for yours truly? A big Twofer Thumbs Up to Ore-Ida Steam n' Mash potatoes from this tater snob! They tasted like real potatoes (they are real potatoes so that's no huge surprise). Had a light and fluffy consistency (and I didn't bring out the ricer or the hand mixer!). And were ready in 13 minutes!

For the record, I bought the plain kind but they come in cheese, garlic, and sweet potatoes too.

I also have a small stack of coupons for $1.00 off for the first 8 people to leave a comment! So if you want one, let me know (and tell me where to send it if you don't live near me).

Mmm eating the leftovers,
ScaryMom

Let's Cut to the Crust, Shall We?

Today I have broken my own rule. Today I have set aside my own beliefs to satisfy the beliefs of others. Today I have lost the battle with the crust.

I cut the crust.
I cut the crust off the grilled cheese.
And now there is no going back.

Long ago I decided to give L & M whatever we ate and since they were 1 they've eaten all kinds of foods most kids wont...wheat bread, tofu, chicken parm, grilled octopus (I kid you not!), AND....bread crust on sandwiches.

Until today.
I gave in. They are getting pickier these days - is that a 5 year old thing? And I'm tired of reminding them, "Yes you do so like peanut butter! Yes you eat the crust, you've eaten it for the last 4 years!"

Today I gave in because I'm tired of the fight, and I'm tired of food going to waste, and I'm tired of eating the leftover food so that it doesn't go to waste!

What's next...white bread???
Scary thought.

ScaryMom