Libby's Fruits & Vegetables Recipe Review & Giveaway

Fall has arrived and the temperatures are cooler. (Thank God, after the hot North Carolina summer we've had.)  What better way to warm up that chill in your house by turning on the oven and doing some baking?  Fall is a great season for baking just about anything, and recently I was asked to try out some new recipes featuring Libby's Fruits and Vegetables.  These Carrot Cake Bites are the perfect tiny treat for your family this fall:

These tasty little muffins are made with whole wheat flour, as well as being lower in sugar and fat than many other recipes out there.  My kids love them, which speaks volumes since they ususally just throw whatever I make for them on the floor.  And the recipe is fun and simple enough that my 4-year old was thrilled to be able to help!

Recipe here:

Carrot Cake Bites

• 1 c all-purpose flour
• ¾ c whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 t baking soda
• ¼ t salt
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1/3 c vegetable oil
• ½ c sugar
• ½ c fat-free milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 14.5 oz. can Libby’s Sliced Carrots, drained, rinsed and masked with a fork

1. Coat two mini-muffin pans with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder, soda, salt and cinnamon.

3. In a medium bowl, mix together oil, sugar, milk and eggs.

4. Pour egg mixture into flour mixture and stir just until combined.

5. Gently stir in carrots.
6. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each cup of mini muffin pans. Bake for 10-12 minutes until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Repeat with remainder of batter.

If desired, stir together a simple icing of 1 tablespoon orange juice, ½ teaspoon vanilla and 1 cup powdered sugar.

Libby's has a great recipe database that can be found here: http://www.getbacktothetable.com/.  They also have all kinds of great tips for keeping your family close during this season, shopping on a budget, and nutritious information.

Now for the exciting part... Libby's has put together a great prize pack to ship out to one of my faithful readers.  The lucky winner will receive a whole bunch of Libby's products, a set of Kitchenaid Mixing Bowls, a Mini Muffin Pan, and a set of trendy Rachel Ray Spoonulas.

To be entered for this giveaway just leave me a comment on this post telling me your favorite Fall recipe to bake with your kids.  My usual giveaway rules apply... as in the more you read and become involved in my blog the more entries you can earn...

• Become a follower of Thou Shall Not Whine (3 extra entries!) *Just click the little "follow" button on the right-hand sidebar, then leave me 3 additional comments stating, "follower #1, follower #2, etc."
• Follow my blog on Facebook (2 extra entries) *click on the networked blog button on the right-hand sidebar, then leave 2 additional comments stating that you did!*
• Grab my button and display it on your blog (2 extra entries!)
• Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back to it. (2 extra entries!)
• Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post. (leave an additional comment here to count as your entry!)

This giveaway starts now and will conclude on Friday, November 5th, at 11:59pm EST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and contacted via email. Winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be chosen.

*Disclosure:* I was provided a promotional package featuring Libby's products free of charge for the purpose of writing this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Frito-Lay Giveaway

It is hard to believe that May has started already.  This year is just flying by!  Cinco de Mayo is in a couple of days and to get the party started I'd like to share a couple of great recipes from Frito-Lay's Executive Chef Stephen Kalil.  These dips are made from natural, wholesome ingredients, and are meant to be enjoyed with delicious Frito-Lay snacks such as:

Tostitos Artisan Roasted Garlic and Black Bean Tortilla Chips

or Tostitos Hint of Pepper Jack Tortilla Chips.

Now, for the recipes.  Make sure you get your party off right with this yummy Avocado Hummus Dip which can go with pretty much anything:

Avocado HummusIngredients:
Avocado Hummus:
2 large avocados (or 3 small)
3 tbs real lemon juice or other lemon juice from concentrate
1 clove garlic crushed
1 ½ tsp kosher salt
4 tsp tahini
4 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp ground cumin
Pinch of ground coriander (optional)
Pinch of cardamom (optional)

Pumpkin Seeds:1 cup pumpkin seeds
½ tbs canola oil
½ tsp New Mexican chili powder
¼ tsp kosher salt
Pinch ground black pepper
Instructions:
Avocado Hummus:Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Spread the Avocado Hummus into a serving dish. Sprinkle evenly with pumpkin seeds and chopped cilantro. Squeeze one or two lime wedges over the top and garnish with additional lime wedges. Serve with Tostitos Artisan Recipes Roasted Garlic and Black Bean tortilla chips.

Pumpkin Seeds:In a large sauté pan, heat the canola oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, add the seeds and spices, toast for 4-5 minutes allowing the chili and spices to adhere to the seeds. Cool the seeds on a sheet tray. Coarsely chop and sprinkle over Hummus.

Voila!

Perhaps you are in the mood for Guacomole to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?  You must try this super easy recipe, paired with Tostitos Hint of Pepper Jack Tortilla Chips:

New Age Guacamole
Ingredients:1 prepared recipe TOSTITOS® DIP CREATIONS™ Freshly Made Guacamole Dry Dip Mix
2 tb oven roasted tomato, 1/4 diced
2 tb minced shallots
1 tb minced serranos
2 tb chopped cilantro
2 tb lime juice
1/4 cup mango, 1/4” diced

Instructions:Fold all the ingredients into the prepared guacamole. Serve chilled & Enjoy!

Ta Da!

***Now that I've got you all thinking about chowing down, here comes the good part: A GIVEAWAY!  Frito-Lay has been kind enough to send me some of the chips featured on this post, and they'd like to send a supply to one of my lovely readers.  Just leave a comment on this post if you want to win.  That's it.  All you have to do is leave one teesy-weensy comment.  So do it.  Right now.  What are you waiting for?

This giveaway starts now, and will conclude on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) at 11:59pm.  Winner will be selected via random.org and announced shortly thereafter.

Now be a good duck and leave me a comment so I know you were here.  Muchas Gracias.

***Sorry if you came here yesterday to enter the giveaway.  Blogger is giving me issues, and only published the first part of my post. Grrr***

*Disclosure:* I was provided the products mentioned above free of charge from Frito-Lay for the purpose of writing this post.  All opinions expressed are my own