How Was Your Day? - Blogging Life and Style from the Midwest

Is My Drinking Water Safe?

January 26, 2015 By Greta Brinkley Leave a Comment

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One of my goals for 2015 was to cut back on soda. Now, I had never really been much of a soda drinker for most of my life. I usually found it a little too sweet and a little too carbonated. I really only liked fruit flavored sodas – like orange or pineapple – and those are a little difficult to find. Then Mountain Dew Baja Blast was introduced. That is my crack. It became all too easy to swing by and pick one up. Ev.er.y.Day.

Sooo…for 2015 I decided to cut back on soda. This means I’m drinking more water and more tea, which is made with water. I need to make sure that my drinking water is safe, though.

Apple Pie Hot Toddy

January 9, 2015 By Greta Brinkley Leave a Comment

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Cocktails are great, but what do you do when it’s fuh-rezing cold outside? I mean, it’s going to be a balmy 19 degrees today, do I really want a cold cocktail? HECK NO! I want something that’s going to warm me up, from the inside out. Times like this is when a Hot Toddy really hits the spot. This Apple Pie Hot Toddy is a great modern twist on the original.

Ooey Gooey Caramel Turtle Brownies

January 6, 2015 By Greta Brinkley 1 Comment

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Caramel turtle brownies are a perfectly indulgent treat that’s easy to make.

One of the things I love is a really good treat. Normally, I like to go for baked goods. Particularly brownies, as they’re my weakness, although I really do like almost all types of bar cookies. There’s just something about them that feels indulgent.

And I am a sucker for something that’s layered, like these Caramel Turtle Brownies. I mean, really – what’s not to like? Rich chocolate, soft caramel, and pecans? Oh yes please! Make a batch of these Caramel Turtle Brownies for your next get together, and people will love you for it.

Classic Clam Dip Recipe Made Lighter + Giveaway

December 26, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 3 Comments

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Special thanks to Lunchbox for sponsoring this recipe.

I am a sucker for appetizers. I can eat just appetizers and no actual meal, and be super happy. When I was a kid, it seems that clam dip was everywhere, and it was my favorite type of dip. I don’t know if it was just the 1980s, or when the classic clam dip fell out of favor.

Fast forward, and I’ve decided to do my part to bring it back. This version of classic clam dip is different though. This is a lighter and fluffier version that lower in fat and calories, but still high in flavor. That’s something we all want.

How to Select a Gift Basket

December 19, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 2 Comments

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Special thanks to Hickory Farms for sponsoring this conversation.

I may have mentioned a time or two that I am a sucker for a gift basket. I love to dig through there and see what treasures await me. And when you find that one thing that’s fallen beneath the excelsior and basket filler, it’s like you’ve discovered a gold nugget!

The thing about gift baskets, though, is they can be kind of overwhelming when trying to decide on one. Do I pick the cheese lovers or the sausage lovers? Maybe do one with some mustards or spreads…What the heck is the difference between these two identical looking baskets?!?!

Trust me – we’ve all been there. Here are a few gift baskets that everyone would love to receive. All baskets shown are from Hickory Farms.

Introducing Cameron’s Coffee + a Freebie

December 18, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 1 Comment

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Special Thanks to Cameron’s Coffee for sponsoring today’s discussion.

These days, we’re all concerned about being greener. We recycle. We buy cars that are more fuel efficient. We’re trying to go paperless. Our paper, when we use it, is mandated to be at least 30% post-consumer waste, i.e. recycled. Yet there’s a scourge that is in most of our homes, and the majority of us never even think about – our single serve coffee machines.

What the heck are we supposed to do with all of those little plastic cups? Throw them away? And do you have any idea how long they’ll take to biodegrade? Like, forever. Forever and a day, maybe. There’s a better choice for our single serve coffee cravings – Cameron’s Coffee.

What’s in My Bag with LUNA Bars + Giveaway

December 17, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 28 Comments

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Special thanks to LUNA Bars for sponsoring today’s discussion.

I’ve always been a curious sort of person, always having a question about others. Where are they going? I wonder what they do for a living. What does that person carry around with them? What is in their bag? Well, today, you’re gonna find out what’s in my bag.

Rustic Tuscan Flatbread Pizza Recipe

December 10, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 3 Comments

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Special thanks to Mezzetta for sponsoring this Rustic Tuscan Flatbread Pizza.

The holidays are upon us, and we’re going to more and more places, and hosting more get togethers. Whether we’re popping over for a small, impromptu get together, or we’re hosting a housewarming party, there is a need for snacks and light eats. The Rustic Tuscan Flatbread pizza is a perfect hors d’oeuvre. Looking for something a bit more hearty? Pair the Rustic Tuscan Flatbread pizza with a salad for a light meal. [Read more…]

Sweet Potato Pie with Whiskey and Marshmallows

November 26, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 4 Comments

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Consider adding a sweet potato pie to your holiday repertoire this year.

In many areas of the country, Sweet Potato Pie is as essential of a dish at Thanksgiving as the turkey. Can you believe, though, that until a couple of years ago, I had never had Sweet Potato Pie? It’s true! Growing up mostly on the West Coast, it just wasn’t a big deal. Here in Missouri, though, mannn…people love their Sweet Potato Pie.
For those that have never had Sweet Potato Pie, it’s sort of a more mellow, yet richer version of pumpkin pie. It doesn’t seem as sweet as Pumpkin Pie, yet has a deeper flavor. Now that I’ve had sweet potato pie, there’s no going back for this girl.

Green Beans Almondine

November 24, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 6 Comments

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A tasty and delicious green beans almondine recipe to replace the green bean casserole.

The holidays are a time of traditions, and food is a huge tradition in most families. It seems that every year, there are a few dishes that always make it to the table. And for some reason, they’re never served at any other time – only Thanksgiving and Christmas. In my family, Green Bean Casserole is one of those “once a year” dishes.

Honestly, I’m not a big fan of the classic Green Bean Casserole dish made with the gloppy soup and other stuff. Although the crispy onions for the top are pretty tasty. I prefer my vegetables less disguised, if you will. This Green Beans Almondine recipe is the perfect addition to your holiday table that your family will love.

Hickory Farms for the Holidays + Giveaway

November 24, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 1 Comment

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Thanks to Hickory Farms for sponsoring today’s conversation about the holidays!

One of my favorite things about the holidays has always been the food. While I enjoy all the family meals, the cookie exchanges, the homemade cakes and candy, and the holiday get together, there’s one thing that just tops it all for me – those fantastic gift baskets that everyone seems to send you!

You see, my mom worked in an office, and they had a lot of customers and salespeople that would both send them these amazing gift baskets. Loaded with lots of goodies like sausages and salamis, various cheeses and candies, these were something that I looked forward to. A trip to the mall wasn’t complete without a stop at the Hickory Farms pop up shop. The workers were almost always handing out samples, and you’d think that I had died and gone to heaven! Usually, we would pick up a little sumtin sumtin, too.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar

November 22, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 3 Comments

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Make these mashed sweet potatoes for your family dinner.

I never really was one much for sweet potatoes. I’m not sure why. I love me some mashed potatoes, but had never even considered having the mashed sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving. Nope, the mashed sweet potatoes were something that I just passed right over.

Maybe it was the overpowering sweetness of the traditional sweet potato dish or I got them confused for candied yams. In any case, it wasn’t until much later in life that I realized how good sweet potatoes are. Man, I’ve been missing out all these years!

These Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar are sure to delight even the pickiest eater in your family.

Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

November 20, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 1 Comment

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Butternut Squash Soup is the perfect starter for a Holiday Meal.

It seems that every family does Thanksgiving or a holiday meal a little differently. Part of my family serves everything at once buffet style, while another part makes sure everyone’s seated around the table. And yet another part of the family serves a first course of soup, usually Butternut Squash Soup, and salad.

In many areas of the country, Thanksgiving falls on a day that is cold. It may be snowing, or you may be suffering from freezing rain. Or maybe it’s just those awful cold blustery winds that cut right through you. No matter what kind of weather you’re having, you’ll need something to warm you up. This Butternut Squash Soup is just what the doctor ordered.

Liven Up the Holidays with Mojo Turkey Recipe

November 19, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 11 Comments

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Marinate your turkey in a collection of fresh juices, spices, and olive oil for a real treat with this mojo turkey recipe.

Are you always trying to figure out some new and exciting way to serve turkey? I know we are. We have one person that loves loves loves traditional Turkey and Dressing and all the fixins, and everyone else is kind of like “yeah, we eat it once a year.”

You see, it’s not that we don’t like the traditional Turkey and Dressing and all that good stuff. It’s just that…we want something more. Something different and exciting. Something that makes us enthusiastic about the big meal. Enter this Mojo Turkey recipe with mojo sauce. Mojo is a Latin American sauce that contains loads of spices, olive oil, and something acidic, like citrus juices. It’s not usually spicy, just full of flavor. When you serve this Mojo Turkey Recipe, your guests will be begging for more.

Over the next week, we’ll be sharing many unique twists on the normal Thanksgiving dishes. Be sure to join us for the whole series.

Three Fabulous Autumn Comfort Food Recipes

November 16, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 4 Comments

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Autumn is famous for being quite chilly, and it’s around this time we all start craving comfort food. It’s in our nature to want to hibernate and stuff our faces with glutinous creations. However, that doesn’t mean that the Autumn comfort foods we eat need to be unhealthy! The following recipes are perfect Autumn comfort food, and very nutritious.

Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

November 13, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 3 Comments

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There are two things I love – pecan pie and bar cookies. Why not combine the two with these pecan pie bars?

I am a sucker for pecan pie. I have to say that it’s probably my favorite kind of pie. Serve it with a big dollop of whipped cream, and I am so there.

Of course, it takes a while to make pecan pie. Especially if you’re going through all the effort of making a pretty design on the top with the pecan halves. Why not just cut to the chase, and make a great pecan pie bar? These pecan pie bars are relatively quick and easy, and you don’t have to feel the need to justify making a whole pie.

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Kale and Mushrooms

October 31, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 5 Comments

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With the cooler weather of fall upon us, it’s time for us to change what we eat. I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for something that’s hearty, warm, and tastes good. If I can sneak some good for you foods into my diet, well, that’s even better.

Squash has always been one of my favorite foods, in all of its many forms. My mom always made stuffed squash when I was growing up, but she usually used zucchini. This acorn squash stuffed with rice, kale, and mushrooms is a fall and winter version that is sure to please.

Spicy Red Velvet Cupcake Cones Recipe

October 12, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 7 Comments

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This post brought to you by Texas Pete. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you been bored with your ho-hum meals lately? Sometimes your food needs a little kick. Texas Pete is here to help you spice up your life. You just can’t beat freshly made sauces with premium ingredients, like Texas Pete Hot Sauce. Instead of dousing your meal in a spicy condiment, how about adding it to a recipe for the unexpected kick. Red Velvet cupcakes are a traditional favorite, but sometimes, they need a little sumtin-sumtin. These spicy Red Velvet Cupcake Cones are a perfect example of an unexpected spicy kick.

Hearty Italian Food Favorites Everyone Can Enjoy

October 4, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 6 Comments

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Everyone loves hearty Italian food. With the diversity in flavours and the rich ingredients, you could be forgiven for wanting to eat everything! One of the best things about hearty Italian food is that it is diverse. There are many different kinds of Italian cuisine that can be enjoyed that far surpass the common pasta and pizza. Due the diversity of Italy as a whole, the food that originates from there is different.

Typically, pizza and spaghetti come from Neapolitan forms of cooking. But, there are a total of twenty regions within Italy. These all have their own distinct flavours and a rich diversity of cooking methods.

Italian cuisine has become more prevalent in the last century. Due to the Italian immigration to the US, hearty Italian food came as a by-product. This is great news for Americans, as they can enjoy Italian cuisine as it was meant to be.

Say HELLO to Chocolate with HELLO by Lindt

October 2, 2014 By Greta Brinkley 1 Comment

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Special thanks to Hello by Lindt for supporting my candy habit. Om nom nom.

I love candy. There, I said it. Whenever I see a new candy at the store, I am tempted to try it. I mean, some sound icky, but most of the time…Most of the time, I’m seriously considering it.

Sometime during the summer, I happened upon these new Hello by Lindt candies. They’re little two-bite filled chocolates. Rich, creamy chocolates that are filled with your favorite flavors. Things like Strawberry Cheesecake, Caramel Brownie, Cookies and Crème, and Crunchy Nougat. Tasty, right?

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