Review: Oster Pro 1200 Plus Blender and Food Processor #momsmeet #blogger

Hello Dear Readers:

I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

It is no secret that in this house, healthy food is fun to make and eat together. We love salads, smoothies and soup. I was thrilled to try out and review the Oster Pro 1200. Yes!! Smoothies and Soup will be so easy now. I opened up the box, cleaned and assembled this bright shiny new Blender and Food Processor, and got ready for our first recipe. An easy but fun one for me and the kids to make.Strawberry/Blackberry smoothies.  One of the features I really like and what makes this blender user friendly and fun are the large, easy to read buttons on the front. Green/Frozen Smoothie is the first, so it seemed like a pretty logical place to start. 

I read the manual that was included in the box for safety instructions and cleaning directions. The blender was easy to disassemble, wash and then put back together. I collected the ingredients and got to smoothie making. 

Local Milk. Fresh Berries and instead of ice cubes, frozen organic mixed berries and strawberries. No sugar needed.  Just plug in. Turn the power to On. And press the first button. So easy.  And fun.    Ana loves smoothies and I love that she loves her fruit and veggies.  Next up. A green super power smoothie, butternut squash soup and lots of fun recipes for Fall and Winter. 

If you would like to know more about this model, check out Oster's Website Here:  Oster Website.  The features include: A filler cap so you can add ingredients while in use, A lid to seal the blender closed, An 8 cup plastic Jar. Its really nice and big. And a super easy to read control panel with Green/Frozen Smoothie Button. Food Chop/Salsa Button. And Milkshake Option.   Also, Low, Med and High.  

The manual that came with this great Oster Pro 1200 included recipes like: A Honey Vanilla Blast, Very Berry Smoothie, and Fiery Red Salsa. Those sounds fabulous too. Also, the food processor included a simple guide to which blade to use for different foods and that will come in handy for my fall and winter soup making and experimenting with new recipes. I can even shred cheese! Yes!! Homemade sauce and pizza , here we come! Ana loves her smoothie, and she cannot wait for more deliciousness. Thanks Moms Meet and Oster. I found this so easy to clean, use and set up for our next recipe.  Check back on the blog for my soup making skills using this super machine.  Here are the deets:  And right now you can receive $10 off at Target using Cartwheel. I love this app, and save all of the time when I am shopping there. click these links:

• Oster's Current Offer of $10 off at Target
• 
  
• Target's Cartwheel App to save money at Target 

 Let me know what recipes you try out with your Oster Pro 1200 blender or food processor. We love it for sure!

Poland Spring Sparkling Water : Refreshing and delicious for #7daysofsparkling

 

 Dear Readers:  

   Thanks to Smiley360 and their amazing blogger program, I was sent coupons to try out the product mentioned below. All opinions within are my own. I was not paid for this review.

  For the past few summers, we have kept our pool closed and joined a local lake to cool off. Ana takes  her swimming lessons there, and we have a summer pass to while away the day outside in a beautiful place.  Unless it is heavily raining or very cold, we are there! This past summer was no exception, even though it was a hot, hot summer.  We pack up the car with all of the essentials including snacks and a lot of water to stay hydrated.  I was super excited to be offered the opportunity to review Poland Spring's new sparkling natural spring water to help us stay hydrated and quench our thirst. I am a big fan of sparkling water and seltzer, with no sugar added and this did not disappoint. Our local grocery store had two flavors to try: Lemon and Raspberry Lime.  

 It was a hot and humid day and packing these cool shaped and sized bottles into my cooler was super easy. They fit perfectly and stayed cold next to my ice packs.  Mid day I decided to try the Raspberry Lime and it was delightful. Icy cold, bubbly and delicious. The perfect size to hold in my hand while chasing after a toddler and a six year old at the beach. The flavor was not overwhelming and the bubbles were just right. So refreshing and perfect for that hot, hot day.  In case you did not know, Poland Springs Natural waters do not have calories, sugar or sweetner!! They source their water from Maine, to have the best tasting product. You can find out all about their sourcing here: 

Poland Spring Sourcing  I really like that they let you know where the sparkling water comes from. That makes me feel good about sharing with my children.   Ana liked the lemon best. But we are both waiting for our local shops to carry some of the other yummy tasting flavors including: Mandarin Orange, Lime and Black Cherry.  Yum! Check out the site at the link below to find out where they are located near you.  

Important Links:

• Quench your thirst for knowledge on the Poland Spring website: http://bit.ly/29jZmtg
• 
  
• Like Poland Spring on Facebook: http://bit.ly/288OzJx
• 
  
• Follow Poland Spring on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1Prl8w0

Review: Lightlife Smart Dogs #momsmeet #lightlife

I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program (greenmomsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product. 

Hello Dear Readers:

  In the early 70s after college, my parents became vegetarians. They were worried about how the animals were treated in slaughterhouses  and worried about humane treatment of animals. And, they also wanted to have a healthier diet. My parents practiced yoga and t.m., made macrame plant holders and belonged to an organic food coop way before it was hip and trendy. I grew up eating sprouts, veggie burgers made out of tofu, and tofu parmagiana. I liked being a vegetarian and now that I am older and there are so many more choices, I love it. I experiment with plant only recipes and have lots of dinners that are plant based. We love vegetarian recipes in this house and have a CSA at a local farm for delicious fresh fruits and veggies. 

  I was exited to blog about Lightlife products, as they have a wonderful beginning vegetarian story too. They began in western Massachusettes in the late 70s and started with a passion for great  tasting vegetarian food. And yes, vegetarian food can be uber delicious. All of their foods are made with quality and care and they feel, taste and look like meat even though they are not. They are completely plant based, with animal free ingredients.  They are also Non-GMO Project Verified and they give back to their community. Since their beginning, they have contributed 5% of their annual profits to organizations that support a healthier planet.

Well, we bought a variety to try them out. But, Ana was  most excited to try the Smart Dogs, since she loooooves hot dogs!!! Here is what is inside: Smart Dogs have 7 grams of protein and only 50 calories per link, while Jumbo Smart Dogs have 13 grams of protein and only 100 calories per link. They are made of : water, soy protein isolate, soybean oil,cane syrup ,pea protein, etc.

 All Lightlife products are refrigerated fresh, and can be found in the produce, dairy, or natural section of your grocery store.  One package of Lightlife Smart Dogs retails for $2.99 - $3.99.

About Lightlife Products: 

• Lightlife’s Smart Dogs, America’s #1 meatless hot dog, are plant-based and grill-ready.
 • Lightlife Smart Dogs are certified vegan and Non-GMO Project Verified.
 • Smart Dogs have 7 grams of protein and only 50 calories per link, while Jumbo Smart Dogs have 13 grams of protein and only 100 calories per link.
 • All Lightlife products are refrigerated fresh, and can be found in the produce, dairy, or natural section of your grocery store. 

Learn More  and Connect with Lightlife online to see their latest products and get exclusive access to discounts and special offers!

Important Links:

•  lightlife.com
•  facebook.com/lightlife
•  twitter.com/lightlife 
•  pinterest.com/lightlifefoods

Santa Cruz Organic Agua Fresca #momsmeet #KeepOnCruzin

Hello Dear Readers:

  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program (greenmomsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I
agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

 I try to maintain my household as organic and green as I possibly can. That includes my very picky former kindergartener choosing and eating organic snacks for her daily school snack. One of her favorite snacks is delicious , easy and a great healthy choice: Santa Cruz Organic apple sauce. She loves the cinnamon version and my one year old loves the apricot. They both love plain.  Recently, we received a box of goodies from Moms Meet and Santa Cruz Organic that included delicious juices and lemonade. Perfect for summer thirst, on a hot day.

   Santa Cruz Organic is a pioneer organic brand, meaning that it is one of the first to make a range of organic, and 100 percent juices. They were the first juice processor to use all organic fruit that was sourced from certified growers. These growers are certified by an independent, third party certification organization. Santa Cruz Organic offers more than 50 items (all Organic) that include chocolate syrup, peanut butter, fruit spreads, fruit juice and sparkling beverages.

I let Ana decide which drink to open first and she chose the lemonade. She loved it and asked for more. Not too sweet, not too sour, Refreshing after a long day of kindergarten and activities and full of yummy deliciousness that soothes the palate of a fiver year old. We are adding Santa Cruz Organic to our summer repertoire of drinks. Perfect for playdates, pool dates or eating and coloring at the table.

Want more details about Santa Cruz Organic and their refreshing Agua Fresca line of drinks?? Check out the important information and links below:


• Inspired by traditional agua fresca, Santa Cruz Organic Agua Fresca is
made with core ingredients such as organic fruit juice, sugar, and a hint of
lemon juice.

• Santa Cruz Organic Agua Fresca contains only a handful of USDA
Certified Organic ingredients, including organic juice/fruit puree as the first
ingredient after water.

• These refreshing and lightly sweetened beverages are Non-GMO Project
Verified, Gluten-Free, and available in three varieties: Pomegranate, Mango
Passionfruit, and Grapefruit.

• A 32 oz. bottle of Santa Cruz Organic Agua Fresca retails for
$3.20 - $3.49, depending on the location.


Important Links:

• santacruzorganic.com
• facebook.com/santacruzorganic
• twitter.com/santacruzjuice
• pinterest.com/santacruzjuice

Ana loves the ASPCA Rescue Readers book series #momsmeet #studiofun #reading

I received these books for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product.

Hello Dear Readers:

   I love this time of the year.  School activities are winding down, dance class is ready for recital and Ana and I love to get crafty and explore our creative side. Kindergarten  has been amazing and thanks to great teachers( and a pretty smart kiddo) Ana is reading and writing with aplomb.  She is currently reading level 2 books and seems to be somewhere between first and second grade boooks. Sooooooo......We were so excited to receive a big box of books from Studio Fun to read and craft with.  The titles we received include:

• Star Wars Mania
• ASPCA kids :
• Pet Rescue Club: No Time for Hallie
• Rescue Readers:  I am Nibbles, I am McKinley, I am Daisy, I am Picasso 
• Batman Justice for All
• and a Great Board Book for Max: Mix and Match Pets A colors and counting book.

Ana dug into the pile and the first book she really got excited about was perfect for the rainy days we have been having: Star Wars Mania.  Inside there are hours of crafting, facts from the movies and fun things to explore. She really dug it.  She also was really attracted to the bright and cheery covers of the Rescue readers, she loves animals and the covers have the cutest photos. The illustrations inside are adorable, bright and cute and the writing is easy to read, and just the right level for my great reader. 

I love books. All books. And, I love to instill in my children the magic and wonder of reading. So I am super stoked that she gets so excited for new and fun books.   Want to learn more for your little reader? Here is the 411:

• Studio Fun International, in partnership with the ASPCA, has published a children’s book series, ASPCA kids: Rescue Readers.
• 
  
• Each story is inspired by a real-life animal rescue story from the pet’s point of view and includes facts and photographs of the actual pet that inspired the story.
• 
  
• Each book creates a fun and educational hands-on experience written at a Level 2 reading level for early readers.
• 
  
• The importance of care, protection, and love of animals is incorporated into each tale with a focus on the joyous outcome.
• 
  
• Four to five percent of the purchase price of every book goes directly to the ASPCA to help continue its mission.
• 
  
• Stories are available in paperback, library binding hardcovers, and e-books. The paperback books are priced at $3.99 (each) or $15.96 (for all four) everywhere books are sold.

This makes them affordable and fun. And you are giving back as well as teaching your chil(ren) to care about animals. 

Learn More Online:

Connect with Studio Fun online to see the newest releases and get exclusive access to discounts and special offers!

• studiofun.com
• aspca.org
• Studio Fun International

Studio Fun International, a Reader’s Digest company, has teamed up with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the first animal welfare organization in North America and the nation’s leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA’s mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services.

Great Green Home Products from Grab Green via #MomsMeet and #GrabGreen

  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of this product 

Dear Readers :
 Finally,it is spring! And with spring's arrival, I am ready to open the windows, grab my cleaners and new mops and brooms and clean every surface of this house. This includes my clothing, dishes, and every nook and cranny in between. I received a lovely assortment of Grab Green products just in time for the start of my spring cleaning efforts and I loved trying everything out. Are you familiar with Grab Green products? You can find them in your local Target or buy them online HERE. When you check out the page, there is a a place to sign up for emails and receive $5 off your first order. And, shop at Target to save 10% on Grab Green, but hurry , this offer expires 4/23 (no coupon code required). Want to save another 50%? If you email a copy of your Target receipt to support@GrabGreenHome.com they will send you a 50% coupon to be used on www.GrabGreenHome.com  The first product that my family tried out were the dishwasher pods, which worked really well and smelled like spring. Light scent, clean dishes and a safe product for my baby and kindergartener, what is not to love?  From Grab Green:
Automatic Dishwashing Detergent is the natural and hypoallergenic way to get your dishes clean and sparkling. Don’t bother with soaking, boosters, and dozens of different products stuffed under your cabinet. Just one pod will have your dishes coming out brand new!

It’s the specialty mix of naturally derived ingredients that make it both effective and gentle on the environment. The absence of dyes, chlorine, and phosphates ensures that you and your family are eating off the cleanest  dishes possible. Formulated for both standard and European machines.

• Made With Naturally Derived Ingredients
• Animal Friendly: Not Tested On Animals
• Formulated For Standard and European Dishwasher
• Convenient: Comes In Premeasured Pods
• Available in 24, 60, or 132 Loads

My dishes and kitchen smelled great, and there was no residue on my dishes. The pods worked well and I cannot wait to try out the other scents: Red Pear with Magnolia, Thyme with Fig Leaf and Grapefruit with Cranberry in my dishwasher. 

SO here are all the important deets: 
 "Grab Green creates effective, non-toxic laundry and home care solutions that are gentle on you and the planet. Their mission is to innovate the best eco-responsible products on the market that perform even better than the leading brands. Grab Green was the first to launch a pod-based laundry detergent, solvent-free power degreaser, non-toxic garbage disposal freshener, and a naturally derived cookware/bakeware cleaner. Their promise to you is that their products will always be effective, eco-responsible, healthier, and innovative. Grab Green products also smell amazing, thanks to their unique and handcrafted aromatherapeutic blends of essential oils. "
Oh boy do they smell great. My favorite scent was the tangerine with lemongrass  in  the 3 in 1 dishwasher pods and garbage disposal cleaner.  I also loved the lavender with vanilla laundry detergent pods.

• Grab Green’s innovative, delightfully simple products are healthier, non-toxic, and safer than leading brands, while being effective and scientifically proven to perform.
•  Their eco-responsible formulas are sold in reduced recyclable packaging and convenient, pre-measured packs. They are also suitable for all water temperatures and cycles. 
•  Grab Green does not use animal testing, whatsoever, and all of their products are made without dyes, glycols, phosphates, 1,4-dioxane, chlorine, DEA, formaldehyde, caustics, or optical brighteners.
•   Grab Green products are available in fragrance free (perfect for those with allergies) and beautifully balanced fragrances that are handcrafted from essential oils.
•   Grab Green 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods are pre-measured concentrated powder pods that cut through dirt, leaving your laundry clean and fresh. This naturally derived detergent is gentler on your skin and the environment while providing multiple benefits to your laundry, including deep cleaning, stain removal, and brighter whites and colors.
•   Free from harsh chemicals, Grab Green Bleach Alternative Pods are laundry boosters and pre-treaters that help make colors brighter and whites whiter while removing stains and neutralizing odors. (Pro Tip: They may also be used to clean grout and remove carpet stains!) 
•  Grab Green Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods cut through grime, remove grease, and leave dishes sparkling clean all while being free of dyes, chlorine, and phosphates. 
•  Grab Green Garbage Disposal Freshener & Cleaner works triple duty to remove odors, prevent clogging, and loosen grime. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and dyes, these power-packed freshening pods are the healthier, safer way to keep your disposal clean and fresh. 
•  A 24-pack of the 3 in 1 Laundry Detergent Pods retails for $8, a 24-pack of the Bleach Alternative Pods retails for $7, a 24-pack of the Automatic Dishwashing Detergent Pods retails for $8, and a 12-pack of the Garbage Disposal Freshener &; Cleaner retails for $4.50.

Important Links:

• GrabGreenHome.com 
• Grab Green Facebook page
• Grab Green on Twitter
• Grab Green on Instagram

Review and Giveaway: #Emergen-C Chewables Immune Plus #Orange Blast #Smiley360 #Igotitfree

Hello Dear Readers:

  I am a part of smiley360.com and I received this product for free from Smiley360 in exchange for my honest review. You can join Smiley360 here!   

 Every winter I prepare my family and myself with a barrage of products to stay healthy and to support our immune systems so we can try and avoid getting sick.  Fresh fruit, Healthy recipes,  vitamins and supplements help as much as they can and I am so excited that Emergen-C has a new dietary supplement that is yummy tasting and chewable.  New Emergen-C Immune Plus with Vitamin D is a chewable dietary supplement with Anti-Oxidants and 600 IU Vitamin D. I was sent a bottle of the Orange Blast to try out during cold season. Every morning I chewed my little blasts of orange goodness with my yogurt or egg whites.  It was easy to chew, and I felt like I was taking a positive step to supporting my immune system. Do you want to support your? I have a box of the Emergen-C Immune Plus to give away (see easy form below).  Need more details? There are lots of social media links below to find out where to buy Emergen-C (and a coupon too!) . Also, I have listed the ingredients below as well. 

Important Links:    

• Learn more about Emergen-C: http://bit.ly/1VoTduF
• Get $1 off Emergen-C Chewables: http://bit.ly/1ONf4di
• Like Emergen-C on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/1Shxy84
• Follow Emergen-C on Twitter: http://bit.ly/1KCQLuI
• Follow Emergen-C on Instagram: http://bit.ly/1VoDATO

Supplement Facts Serving Size 2 Chewable Tablets
Amount Per Serving		% Daily Value
Calories	25
Total Carbohydrate	5 g	2%†
Sugars	4 g	*
Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate)	1,000 mg	1667%
Vitamin D (as acholecalciferol)	600 IU	150%
Vitamin E (as dl-alpha tocopheryl acetate)	30 IU	100%
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride)	2 mg	100%
Biotin	150 mcg	50%
Zinc (as zinc oxide)	5 mg	33%
Sodium	70 mg	3%†
†Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. *Daily Value not established.

Other Ingredients: Sugar, Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Stearic Acid. Contains <2 of:="" span=""> Ascorbyl Palmitate (to preserve freshness), Beta-Carotene (color), Dibasic Calcium Phosphate, Gelatin (fish, bovine), Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Flavors, Purple Sweet Potato Juice Concentrate (color), Silicon Dioxide, Tocopherols (to preserve freshness), Turmeric Oleoresin (color).

Contains: Fish (cod, pollack, haddock, hake, cusk, redfish, sole, flounder)

Keep out of reach of children.

As with any supplement, if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication, consult your doctor before use.

Store at room temperature. Keep bottle tightly closed. Protect from moisture.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Santa-Fe-Style Vegetable Soup #recipe #paleo

Santa Fe Style Vegetable Soup 

Paleo

Serves 3-4

Either cook for three hours on the slow cooker's high setting or six hours on low setting.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 3 cups  vegetable stock
• 2 cups peeled butternut squash
• 1 dried New Mexico, ancho, or guajillo chile pepper
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels, thawed if frozen
• 1/2 teaspoon lime zest, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 cup chicken, precooked and shredded, optional
• 1 roasted red pepper, cut into thin strips
• Cilantro leaves, finely chopped, for garnish

Directions:
 Add onion, garlic,  oregano and salt to slow cooker. Add veggie stock, stir and then add butternut squash. Cover and cook on low for six hours or on high for three hours, until squash is tender. Add pepper/s.
Purée using an immersion blender. (If you don't have an immersion blender, you can blend in a food processor in batches and return to cooker)  I skipped pureeing and just chopped the veggies, but feel free if you like that kind of texture to your soup!
 Add corn, lime zest, and juice. Cover, and cook on high for 30 minutes, until corn is tender. When ready to serve, ladle into bowls, and garnish with red pepper and cilantro.   Enjoy. So delicious with a fresh green salad or some baked fish.

enjoy- Zoe

Sponsored: #Dove Dry Spray #Influenster Voxbox #trydry

Dear Readers:

I received a bottle of Dove Dry Spray for free from Influenster, but the opinions within are my own.

Those who are following my fitness journey (and to be fair, I mostly post about it on Facebook) know that I work out 5-6 days a week.  Right now I am focusing on a blend of cardio and weight bearing exercises in a small group class scenario.  Duncan and I take Bootcamp, Excel, Boxing, Pilates, and Run.   When I am working out, I give it 100% and I sweat. I sweat a lot. So when Influenster emailed me that I would be receiving one of a few different brands of dry spray I was excited to see that I received a bottle of the Dove Dry spray in Cool Expressions scent.  And this week, I started testing it out.  So far, so good. It keeps me dry, it has a light cool scent and I do not smell like sweat. And, I really put it to the test this week.  I boxed, I ran, I did lots of burpees and squats.  I recommend this Dove Spray fully. And, I am a convert from clear roll on to a spray that takes two seconds to spray on and does not like white marks on my black cotton tanks.

Adding Protein into my daily routine (and yummy delish #Lentil Slow cooker #Soup #Recipe)

  Hello Dear Readers:
 As winter winds down and heavy soups and stews are replaced with light salads and food to take with us to playgrounds, parks and lakes....I am experimenting with delicious ways to get more protein (less carbs) into my primal based diet.


I love lentils and pretty much all beans so it seems like an easy way to make a filling meal starter or quick lunch.  Try this recipe, it is simple and delicious.   Bon Appetit.

Lentil Soup with Avocado 

Throw everything in the slow cooker and let this healthy lentil soup simmer away all day long. 

 Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 
  
•  
• 1/2 yellow onion , chopped
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups brown lentils ( I used red this time around)
• 1½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground oregano
• 1 chipotle pepper, seeded & minced
• 7 cups vegetable broth
• 1 (14 oz.) can petite diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp adobo sauce (from chipotle can) ( I used adobo instead of the sauce)
• 1 California avocado, chopped
• 2 tsp lime juice
• Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. In a slow cooker, combine the onion, celery, carrots, garlic, lentils, cumin, oregano and chipotle peppers.
2. Stir in the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes and adobo sauce.
3. Cook on LOW until the lentils are tender, 8 to 10 hours. Stir in the lime juice and parsley.
4. Serve.

(I threw avocado and cilantro on top for some extra flavor and deliciousness.)

enjoy, 

Zoe 

Recipe reinvention: Shrimp and Citrus Ore-Ida Totchos #healthy #delicious #OreIdaTotchos #contest #influenster

Dear Readers:

  I received complimentary coupons to create and sample Ore-Ida Tater Tots from Influenster, but the opinions within this blog are my own. I was not compensated for this blog.

   We had to be creative in the formulation of this recipe, as Duncan and I do not normally eat tater tots as part of our Paleo and clean eating regime. Although, our entire family eats clean most of the time, Ana is a typical five year old and like to have treats and frozen foods once in a while. And boy does she love tater tots. So she was really excited to pick out a bag or two of Ore Ida's Taters to eat on the side of her meal.  But, we didnt want to create a side dish, we wanted to go for the gusto and make a delicious and nutritious protein packed , veggie filled potato dish. SO without further ado, we present Zoe and Duncan's Potato Citrus Stir Fry. YUM.  Here is the simple recipe.  Keep  in mind that you can add/subtract veggies based on your taste preference. I love broccoli and will be adding some in next time!!

Ingredients: 

Sauce:

• Chop 1 onion and saute it in olive oil until it is translucent.
• Then add half of a large can of diced tomatoes or fresh tomatoes ( 3-4.)
• Juice of 1 orange
• salt, pepper and 1 tsp of paprika
• Simmer, covered for 15-20 minutes or until most of the liquid has cooked off.
• Cool
• Blend the sauce together using a blender.

Stir Fry:

•  Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Tater Tots (five to seven tater tots per serving)
• 3-4 peeled & diced carrots
• 2-3 stalks of celery
• 1 red onion sliced
• 1/4 of shredded green cabbage
• 12 crimini mushrooms
• one small zuchinni sliced and diced

Directions for Recipe:

 1. Let the veggies saute in about 2 tsbp of olive oil making sure everything is coated.  Then add about a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water and cover the pan.  Cooking on low and mixing occasionally let the veggies steam until the carrots are able to be broken up.  When they are done,  add them to a bowl so you can use the same pan to cook the shrimp.

2.Add 1 pound of cleaned shrimp, tails off. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil, juice of half of lemon and some parsley to the shrimp.  Cook until they are cooked through and bright pink, usually 2-3 minutes.

3. Then add the veggies back into the pan and mix with the shrimp.  Add your blended sauce and heat everything up together for a few minutes.

For more delicious and fun recipes from Ore-Ida, check out the Kraft Recipes Totchos Hub at the link.

Stay healthy, more fun and healthy recipes coming soon,

Zoe

                   .