Friday, May 29, 2009

Lighter Macaroni Salad


this summer staple has been lightened up and still tastes fabulous~you can also omit the eggs

What You Need!
1-3/4 cups (8 oz.) multi-grain macaroni, uncooked
3 cups small broccoli florets
1 red pepper, chopped
1 cup KRAFT Mayo with Olive Oil Reduced Fat Mayonnaise
1/4 cup Reduced Fat Sour Cream
2 Tbsp. Dijon Mustard
2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
Make It!
COOK macaroni in large saucepan as directed on package, adding vegetables to the boiling water for the last 2 min.; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain well.

MIX mayo, sour cream and mustard in large bowl. Stir in macaroni mixture and eggs.

REFRIGERATE 2 hours or until chilled.
Recipe and pic courtesy of Kraft Kitchens
www.kraftkitchens.com

Wanna Go Play....

in the garden? I do, I do

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Edible Arts Team Sampler Boxes~ON SALE NOW

Announcing Edible Arts Team Sampler Boxes!
Can't decide what to buy?Too many shops making you drool?Well, no more worries! Here is your opportunity to try many different sellers at once!


Introducing...The Etsy Edible Arts Team Sampler! (The boxes will not look like this!)


ALL PROCEEDS GO TO:The Great American Bake Sale! 100% of the funds we raise go to help FEED KIDS!


The boxes include treats from up to 15 of our Team Members!


A Sugar Affair


Double Dipped Sweets


Just Bakin'


Caramel Jubilee


Vintage Confections


Del Alma Bakery


Sweet Treat Maryann


Sugar Smitten


A Thyme 2 b Comforted


Fancy That Cookies


Le Bella Caramella


Sweet Lollipop Shop


Ciao Hound (Pet Treats)


Megs Creations


Fortune Cookie Cafe


Boxes go on Sale this week! Buy them HERE (on sale now;hurry, limited quantities)Please help feed KIDS by feeding yourself! The Boxes will make a terrific Father's Day gift!

Friday, May 22, 2009

Farmer's Market

There is no better season than summer for fresh fruits and vegatables. When I lived in New Jersey there was a fabulous farmer's market three miles away and there was no denying they had the BEST summer corn and tomatoes.

Now that I'm getting older and fighting hard to win the battle of gravity, I have been trying to be much better to my body. This includes eating much more fresh fruits and veggies and organics.

Here in Texas I have fallen in love with my local farmer's market Sprouts and Central Market. I love how I can walk into the produce section, ask for a sample of something new and the produce manager has no problem cutting open the absolutely scrumptious apple sitting in the bin.

So in hind sight, go check out your local farmer's market, make friends with the farmers, support the American economy and do something good for your body.....you may just decide that you like healthy food :O)



Find your local markets here: www.localharvest.org/

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Foods That Help Your Skin

May is national skin-care awareness month, so before you bust out the bikini, take a good look at your birthday suit. If you have moles that are an odd shape or color, or larger than a pencil eraser, see a doctor to rule out melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
We all know to wear sunscreen, but SPF 30 isn't the only way to protect your skin this summer. There's UV-fighting artillery stationed in your fridge and fruit bowl, too.
Watermelon Grab some watermelon—the beta-carotene and lycopene increases your protection against harmful UV rays from the inside out. Both vitamins settle into skin's outer layer, where their antioxidant action helps repair cells damaged by sunlight. In one French study, the dueling duo helped improve markers of skin defense against UV rays by as much as 20 percent. V8 juice is a source of both nutrients--just make yours is the low-sodium version to reduce belly bloat.
Orange peels The outer peel contains d-limonene, the mortal enemy of UV rays everywhere. A University of Arizona study found that eating one teaspoon of orange peel per week reduced skin cancer risk by 30 percent. Don't want to eat an orange peel? Grate one into your salad or salsa.
Broccoli Researchers at John Hopkins University found that skin treated with an extract of newly sprouted broccoli seeds and then exposed to UV radiation had 38 percent less redness and swelling then untreated skin--and remained protected for several days.
Green tea When it's hot, the bionic brew releases catechins, a type of antioxidant with proven anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. (The tea's antioxidants start to degrade as it cools, so drink it while it's hot.) A 2007 study in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that drinking two to six cups a day not only helps prevent skin cancer but may reverse the effects of sun damage by neutralizing the changes that appear in sun-exposed skin.

~article courtesy of Women's Health magazine

Monday, May 18, 2009

Friendly Household Reminder

Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores. Apparently, the mold that forms in old mixes can be toxic! Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mix, brownie mixes,Bisquick, cake & cookie mixes, etc., you have in your home.

Your tummy and tastebuds will thank you.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

And the Winner Is.....

Congratulations to Katie! She is the winner of the 1/2 dozen red velvet cookies...
Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Round One Giveaway~1/2 Dozen Red Velvet Cookies

so, are you ready?.....Want to try out some red velvet cookies? Here's what you gotta do to earn some entries:

Stop by my Etsy shop and check out what I've been mixing up, come back here and leave me a comment on what YOUR favorite "sweet treat" is.



You can also earn additional entries by Twittering about this blog post or following my blog.....



come on, you know you want to try some of these cookies :O)



Winner will be announced on Sunday May 17th!

http://sweettreatmaryann.etsy.com

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Grilled Corn Salad

This one is super easy and perfect for the summer grilling season ahead. I like mine with peppers and green beans but you can substitute any of your favorite veggies.


3/4 cup Zesty Italian Dressing, divided
1/4 cup yellow mustard
4 ears corn on the cob, husks and silk removed
1/2 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed, quartered and cooked
1 green pepper,diced
1 red pepper,diced
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

HEAT grill to low heat.
MIX 1/4 cup dressing and mustard in shallow dish until well blended. Add corn; turn to evenly coat. Transfer corn to grill; reserve dressing mixture.
GRILL corn 15 to 20 min. or until tender, turning and brushing occasionally with reserved dressing mixture. Remove corn from grill; cool. Cut corn from cobs; place in large bowl.
ADD beans, peppers, tomatoes, basil and remaining dressing; mix well.