The 413 Mom

Simple Pumpkin Caramel Muffins (3 Ingredients!) #allergylife #cookingwithkids

 

 

 

There's nothing I love more than a quick, easy, and delicious recipe so I was psyched when Goetze's Candy invited me to participate in their 100th anniversary recipe contest featuring their renowned caramel cream candies. I wanted to create something that required minimal ingredients, was sweet but not too bad on the tooth decay scale, and of course it had to be allergy safe. Ta-da! Introducing my quick and easy Pumpkin Caramel Muffins.

 

You only need three simple ingredients: 

 

• One box of cake mix (I used white cake, yellow or spice cake mix also works well)

 

• One 15 ounce can of pumpkin

 

• 12 Goetze caramels

 

 

Instructions: 

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

 

• Fill a 12 count muffin tray with paper muffin liners. 

 

• In a large bowl combine cake mix and pumpkin. Mix well. 

 

 

• Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter. 

 

• Add a Goetze caramel to each muffin cup. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Cover each caramel with additional batter. 

 

 

 

• Bake muffins for 25 minutes. 

 

 

• Enjoy!

These make a great weekend treat, are easy to transport to parties, and pack well in lunch boxes. They're not only perfect for Halloween, but are a simple treat throughout pumpkin season. If you pick up canned pumpkin and boxed cake mix when they're on sale (you can easily get each for around $1 or less) it's a bargain recipe as well. 

 

Goetze's Caramel Creams were first introduced in 1918 and they are just as delicious and relevant today as they were then. Still made in American and still nut free (shout out to #allergymoms everywhere). You can find a list of local stores that carry the candies here. Happy Pumpkin Season! 

DEAL ALERT: Dinnerly -- the deliciously affordable meal kit delivery service *FREE shipping on first order*

I’ve often wondered about the boxed meal delivery kits available – there are great incentives out there to give them a try…but then I think, who needs help cooking dinner? I cook dinner for my family just about every single night the old-fashioned way: buying ingredients at the grocery store, pulling a recipe out of my head and making a meal. How can a meal kit make it any different?

But then Dinnerly asked me to try out their service. And curiosity got the best of me. Because maybe there is a better way to do things.

I picked out three recipes to try from their collection:

• Grass fed beef burgers with fried pickles and tangy slaw
• Crispy chicken fingers with honey mustard and green beans
• Pork Souvalki meatballs with romaine and toasted pita salad

Maybe, like me, you're wondering how this works? Please allow me to enlighten you. Once you're registered with the subscription delivery service, you can place your order online and pick your delivery window. My Dinnerly box arrived right as expected around 5:00 p.m. on the day promised. I had already planned a meal for that night so I unpacked all of the food items and put the perishables away. One of the gel ice blocks in the box had burst and melted making a bit of a mess but all of the ingredients arrived in excellent condition. I was excited to try out the recipes the next day!

Neat things about Dinnerly:

• Recipes include six ingredients and only five steps or less for simplicity's sake
• All recipes require minimal chopping as the goal is "package to table in 30 minutes or less"
• Their recipe cards are only found online
• The cost is only $5/serving and is designed with quick weeknight cooking in mind
• With the subscription service, customers will receive a chilled box with fresh, seasonal ingredients to make three simple meals. You can skip a weekly shipment at any time -- there is no quantity requirement.

 

I eagerly tried out all of the the recipes which were delicious (we ate every bite). I found the Dinnerly recipes truly easy to follow and I appreciated that they encouraged me to use new ingredients -- I had never made lamb meatballs before. Also new to me: fried pickles. The recipes are broken down into logical steps so you feel confident that everything will indeed be ready in 30 minutes or less. While I enjoyed all of the meals, the chicken fingers were my favorite because I have the palate of a first grader and could eat chicken fingers daily. The honey mustard sauce was delish and the chicken came out perfectly crispy. 

I also appreciated the simplicity of the ingredients and recipe steps as it made it easy for the kids to help me prep dinner. Dinnerly kits would be a great introduction to cooking for kids who want to be more independent in the kitchen. I can also see Dinnerly being a great gift for the elderly who still love to cook but may have mobility issues which make it difficult to get to the store for groceries. These meal kits really are a great intergenerational fit for the whole family. 

While I’m not a person who needs inspiration to cook dinner – I do it every day – I do appreciate that the Dinnerly recipes encouraged me to try slightly different ingredients than I would chose myself. And the meals were delicious. I will try the service again when I one of those pesky cooking ruts hits and I need inspiration for something new. 

I’m grateful to have given Dinnerly a try. The only drawback for me is the waste associated with a meal delivery service. I was able to recycle about 60% of the packaging that arrived with the kit. I would estimate that I’m able to recycle about 90% of food packaging for meal items I purchase at the grocery store as I shop with minimal waste as a goal. 

Dinnerly pricing plan is as follows:

A couple box containing 3 meals that will feed two adults for $30.00, plus $8.99 shipping.
A family box containing 3 meals that will feed four adults for $60.00, plus $8.99 shipping.

Right now you can get FREE delivery on your first Dinnerly order by following the links on their Facebook or Instagram. 

Especially with the free shipping deal, the Dinnerly kits really are an affordable dinner option. I hope you enjoy the meals as much as we did. 

 

Breakfast for Dinner (Shrove Tuesday) #krusteaz #shrovetuesday #allergylife

Who's eating pancakes for dinner tomorrow? Shrove Tuesday dinner is one of my favorite meals of the year. (Actually, we do breakfast for dinner like once a week all year long because my love for pancakes knows no bounds -- but Shrove Tuesday makes me feel like we're actually part of something special). 

Shrove Tuesday (in case you were wondering) is also known as Pancake Tuesday and is another way to celebrate Fat Tuesday -- in the traditional sense of using up the butter, fat and eggs in the kitchen before the fasting of Lent begins on the following day -- Ash Wednesday. 

As you know, egg allergy abounds in this household and although I do have a from scratch egg-free pancake recipe perfected -- I've lusted after the simplicity of a delicious, egg-free box mix for a long time now. And I've finally found it!  Kruteaz Complete Buttermilk Pancake Mix is a-ma-zing! Just add water and mix. Delicious pancakes in seconds. A dream come true for this pancake-loving, allergy mama. (Full disclaimer: while there are no eggs listed as ingredients in the mix, the box does come with the disclaimer that it 'may contain' eggs, soy and tree nuts. If your child is affected by these disclaimers do not use). 

While my egg-free recipe is OK and I love that my girls can eat the pancakes, the Krusteaz mix actually tastes like the pancakes I want to eat. Rich, sweet and buttery. And so much quicker than scratch!

Krusteaz also makes a Protein Buttermilk Pancake Mix (egg free) and a Belgian Waffle Mix (requires water, oil and egg). So worth checking out for Shrove Tuesday or any day you want pancakes for breakfast...or breakfast for dinner! 

Happy Pancake Tuesday!

Gotta Visit: The Bread Basket Bakery & Shoppe (Russell)

Next time you're headed out to Route 23, you've got to stop in at The Bread Basket Bakery & Shoppe -- a general store in Russell offering so much more than the usual convenience store experience. From fresh baked bread, overflowing deli sandwiches, and unique assortment of locally grown and produced items this shop is worth the drive from just about anywhere. 

The bakery is a-ma-zing: donuts, cookies, bread, pastries, pie. All homemade! The deli menu is equally impressive with huge sandwiches and salads, breakfast sandwiches, soups, milkshakes, and more. Whether you want to grab a quick bite to eat or enjoy some of the homemade bread, bulk baking supplies (sprinkles in every color!), locally produced honey, home canned and jarred specialties, penny candy or grocery items -- you can find it here. 

The best part -- there is a small playscape on the back of the property along with some picnic tables so the kids can play while you enjoy your breakfast or lunch. The Bread Basket is the perfect destination for a lazy weekend: great food, great folks, fun for the kids. 

The shoppe also stocks a fun mix of gift items: inspirational signs, greeting cards, small toys, organic beauty items and homeopathic treatments. Shopping here gives you the nostalgic feeling of an old country store. You can find really meaningful gifts, many which are locally produced. The prices are very reasonable. 

 

The Bread Basket is located just up the road from another of my favorite local businesses: Cream of The Crop Farm. You can make a nice afternoon of it to visit both locations at once. 

Plan to visit The Bread Basket Wednesday through Saturday as the shop is closed Sunday through Tuesday. The store is located at 815 Blandford Road in Russell and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can't miss it -- just look for the rainbow display of Adirondack chairs lining the property. No kidding -- you can get heirloom-quality outdoor furniture here in any hue you can think of. So many fun things to see here. You've got to check it out yourself. 

#shoplocal #eatlocal #livelocal

Cheap & Easy Container Gardening with the Kids (If they grow it...they WILL eat it!)

Overwhelmed by this prospect? Gardening doesn't have to be intimidating if you take it one container at a time. On this week's Better Western Mass show on Western Mass News I shared my best ideas for cheap and easy container gardening with the kids. Because research shows that if they grow it...they will eat it. Letting the littles grow their own tiny crop is a great way to encourage veggie consumption. You can check out the link here. 

Road Trip Worthy: McDonald's (Everett, MA) #ImLovinItNE #SignatureCrafted

I know what you're thinking. How can a McDonald's possibly be Road Trip Worthy? Here's how. Last week I was invited to attend the unveiling of the brand-new, first-of-its kind renovated MCD in the state. This is the future of McDonald's with self-ordering kiosks, table service, new menu items and free wi-fi.

You might also be wondering, Everett? Where is Everett, MA? I didn't know either. It's right outside Boston. Like....right outside Boston. It's basically Boston, except it's Everett. Next time you head to our state's beloved capitol city, divert two miles out of city bounds and check out this restaurant. You won't be disappointed. Neither will the kids. Cause, Happy Meals. 

As a special guest, I got a behind the scenes look at the new kitchen technology and a chance to meet Chef Mike Lingo, who helped develop the new Signature Crafted Recipes that debuted recently. Wowzers. We're talking high tech food science here. It was very cool to see how the company has perfected it's meal prep techniques to ensure accuracy with custom orders. There's actually a particular way they squirt the condiments on the bun to ensure even distribution for maximum flavor. Who knew?

It was pretty much my best McDonald's experience ever, except for my fifth birthday party which took place across the state here at the McDonald's in Easthampton. I can still remember my paper boat McDonald's party hat. I think there may even have been an appearance by Grimace. And I definitely remember the tiny package of sugar cookies that used to come in all the Happy Meals back then. The lemony-vanilla ones. Pure bliss. I tell my girls about these all the time. Cookies in a Happy Meal are myth to them. 

Maybe we don't have cookies in Happy Meals today, but we can look forward to a brand new McDonald's experience that starts when you walk in the door and face a self-ordering kiosk. Because although this technology may only be at select sites right now, it will be coming to a restaurant near you very soon. You can completely customize your order here - down to the amount of toppings on your sandwich. You can pay with your credit/debit card or mobile pay options.  And no worries if you're old school, you'll still have the option place your order with a human and pay with cash at the counter too. 

Speaking of mobile options -- if you download the McDonald's app you will get access to exclusive weekly deals; for example, for a limited time you can score FREE medium fries and a soft drink with any Signature Crafted sandwich. 

With the kiosk, once you place your order you are assigned an order number. The next step is to take the corresponding table number placard from the adjoining stand, find a comfy place to sit, place the placard on your table, then sit back, relax and wait for your order to be delivered. It's definitely a more relaxing experience than repeating the specifics of your order to the cashier over a din of customers and then being jostled in line while you wait for your order to be ready. 

McDonald's is also stepping up their menu game. As part of the event, we were able to sample the brand new Signature Crafted sandwiches which are available at all locations: the Pico Guacamole, the Sweet BBQ Bacon and the Maple Bacon Dijon. 

It happened to be Cinco de Mayo when I was hanging out with all these cool folks from MCD so I had to go with the Pico Guacamole with a grilled chicken breast (they're not joking about the customization -- some of the other guests decided on the pico with a beef patty or a breaded chicken breast, some added bacon, some no tomatoes...you get the idea). It was delicious. I really didn't feel like I was eating at McDonald's (except, of course, the fries). The Signature Crafted sandwiches have a more refined taste -- it could have been a pub sandwich from a local, 'fresh is best' food truck for all I knew. There is no fast food taste with these new creations. Note to self: never order this sandwich if you're planning to eat on the run. This is not a drive thru experience. You really need to sit and enjoy all the saucy goodness of this masterpiece. 

Not only was it super cool to be invited behind the scenes of a new concept store; the event was inspiring as we got the chance to meet store owner Jeffrey Brewster. Brewster is passionate about his business, his community, and especially his employees.  He's a MCD lifer -- he started working there as a teenager and now owns 15 franchise locations around Eastern New England. I think as consumers we tend to take iconic brands for granted without really thinking about the local communities they support, the jobs they provide (over 115 employees at the Everett location alone), and the human beings who are passionate about their purpose within these giant corporations. 

I was curious as to whether these new self-ordering kiosks would replace employees; however, research done at other high tech locations has shown that this new way of doing business actually increases demand at the restaurants thereby requiring more new hires. Globally, all markets using this new technology have shown increased sales and the need for more hands on deck. 

So if you're a McDonald's fan, you've got to check out this location. It's worth the drive to 128 Broadway, Everett. It's one of only five markets in the country (and the only one in the state) to offer this new experience. This location has two stories - with dining rooms on both levels. The brand-new kitchen is on the second floor and the whole setting is open and sparkling and unlike any McDonald's you've ever been to. You can stop by any time as they're open 24 hours. 

It was so interesting to learn how McDonald's is always looking to innovate and improve the menu and dining experience. Now....if only we could get them to bring back those cookies.....#ImLovinItNE #SignatureCrafted

I received compensation from McDonald’s in exchange for writing this review. Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions my own.

The $5 Challenge #giveback #lifeskills #raisethemup

I'm always looking for ways to instill a generous heart in my girls and a new project we've recently started is the $5 Challenge. When we go grocery shopping, I hand them a $5 bill and challenge them to see how much non-perishable food they can purchase for that amount. Then we decide which local food bank will receive the goods.

These are some of our recent purchases. Not too bad for $5/photo. I love to see what their choices are. This project not only instills in them generosity, but it is also a chance to practice smart shopping, leads to discussions on wants versus needs, and of course teaches them how to interact with the cashiers and store staff.  Stretching the grocery budget by finding things on sale is an important life skill. We made these purchases without any coupons or stock up sales. I can't wait to take them to a mega stock up or a B1G2F sale so they can see some real savings in action. 

Our Big Y purchase logged in at $5.22. They were excited to find big bags of rice (one of their faves) on sale for B1G1F. And we talked about how salt is an important element to many recipes but is not something that is often donated to food banks. 

 

Our ALDI purchase, also $5.22. Admittedly, the oatmeal was my strong suggestion because I'm crazy about the stuff but the mac & cheese was all Faith. 

 

Stop & Shop totaled $5.16. Eden was excited to find a huge sale on pasta and veggies as she could eat that combo every single day. 

 

Our Geisslers purchase was made for $5.11 and was our fun money as Froot Loops and seltzer water are certainly not needs; however the girls agreed that just because you are getting your groceries at a food bank doesn't mean you wouldn't want a treat once in a while. Well said, my loves, well said. 

We had some great discussions as we bagged up all of the purchases for donation and talked about meal planning and how we could combine the different ingredients to make healthy meals. We also talked about how easily we spend $5 on a Happy Meal, which is just one lunch for one person; however $5 can make a much bigger impact to purchase ingredients for a whole meal for an entire family. 

Give it a try with your kiddos! It's fun to see what they'll choose and this little project offers practice with so many life skills. And for most of us $5 is an easy amount to donate with each shopping trip. LMK how it goes with your family!

#giveback #payitforward #raisethemup

It's Massachusetts Maple Weekend!

It's the most delicious weekend of the year in Massachusetts: Maple Weekend! There are tons of events going on all day Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the state's sweetest crop! Think sugar house tours, maple breakfasts, farm tours.  Here are a few highlights of the happenings here in Western Mass, but you can find the complete schedule here. 

The Maple Hut in Agawam will be will be boiling all weekend. Folks are welcome to stop by and check out the process on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m..  

Williams Farm in Deerfield will offer tours, breakfast, and sugar on snow both days from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Maple Corner Farm in Granville will be offering tours and maple breakfast Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 

Stone Silo Maple Sugar in South Hadley will host show off their tapped trees, equipment, treats and more, both days 9 a.m. - 5 p.m

Paul's Sugar House in Williamsburg will offer tours both days from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., maple syrup and cream tasting, free cotton candy, maple products for sale. 

We tried out the maple breakfast at the Strawbale Cafe at Hanging Mountain Farm in Westhampton last weekend. The food was worth the wait (it was an hour) and while we waited we were able to watch the boiler in action. It was freezing outside but so warm in the sugar house. So. Much. Fun.

Maple Weekend and other agricultural events are a great opportunity to show the kids where their food comes from. It's an even better opportunity to support our local farmers. 

It's going to be a chilly weekend -- perfect for some maple goodness and hanging out in a sugar house with the boiler going. #nofarmsnofood #supportyourown #knowwhereyourfoodcomesfrom

How are your meatless Fridays going? Find Lenten dinner inspiration here....

Need some Lenten dinner inspiration? Especially after a long week when you'd still like to honor meatless Friday but haven't got the energy to cook. Here are some easy take out options that will wash away any thoughts of tuna noodle casserole. (Does anyone even suffer through that meal anymore??):

Did you know Big Y has fish & chips every day? Actually, they have a huge variety of fried seafood options that they will cook-to-order in canola order, with zero trans fats. You can choose an individual plate of haddock, or a family size Fisherman's Platter, and many options in between. You can even substitute sweet potato fries for a small fee. The Fish and Chips and Other Fare menu is available for pick up at all Big Y locations except Longmeadow and Adams. 

If fried seafood is not your thing, Big Y also offers prepared steamed seafood meals ready for pick up in including salmon, crab cakes, and stuffed haddock. Not to mention their ginormous seafood department where you could pretty much pick out any any type of fish filet, steamers, mussels, lobster, or even sushi to prepare at home. Actually -- if you don't want to, let's say add any aroma to your kitchen -- Big Y will even steam your choice on site for FREE! 

Maybe the kids are not thrilled about seafood Friday? Order them a cheese pizza or vegetarian pizza from Big Y as well and make only one stop to pick up dinner. No cooking after a long week. All you have to do is serve and clean up afterward. Let the weekend begin!

Doesn't get any easier than that. Sorry, Grandma, no more tuna noodle casserole here. 

Photos courtesy Big Y

Keeping the kids entertained so you can enjoy the Big Game #supersunday #supereasy

While Super Sunday parties may be super fun for us adults, it can be a total bummer when the kids are not so into the game and are constantly interrupting the show. I've hunted down a few tips to help keep them occupied and well fed so that they'll be on their best behavior.

Visit yescoloring  for a FREE printable Patriot's coloring page:

Or PlayPartyPlan for a FREE printable Super Bowl Commercial BINGO card:

 

I love this game idea from Play PartyPlan -- all you need is some tape, a piece of black poster board, a foam football, and some chalk: 

Don't underestimate the entertainment value of Patriots-themed partyware to make the kids feel included. Big Y has a great selection:

   

Let them use the cups to hold their snacks (less spills than balancing a paper plate) and set up a juice box and water bottle drink station where they can help themselves. 

Depending on how many kids will be hanging at your house, consider getting them their very own big game sandwich -- without the peppers, onions, tomatoes, or whatever else they'll fuss about and want to pick off. Big Y's giant 30" In-Vince-Ible Sandwich, which you can custom order with meats and cheeses is only $10.99. If you would like one for a Sunday party, you can call ASAP to custom order. Order your favorite adult version in addition to a kid-pallet-friendly simple sandwich. 

Same goes for the pizza. Big Y's party-size, baked fresh in-store pizza starts at $19.99 for plain cheese. Less than $20 for 40 slices. Cannot beat that price. (Each additional topping is $2.50). Order up a plain cheese for the kiddos and go wild with the toppings for yourself (pepperoni, mushrooms, red and green peppers, black olives, ground beef, and sweet sausage are all options). If you are ordering for Sunday, plan at least an hour's notice. 

The bummer about a Sunday night football party is that it's a school night/work night and you've got to do the cleanup in advance of an early wake-up. Prepared foods go a long way in reducing the kitchen mess. In addition to the pizza and grinders, Big Y is also offering prepared platters for wings, nuggets or tenders, ciabatta sandwiches, wraps, cheese and deli platters, and pasta and meatball combos. This looks like an amazing deal:

Not to mention all of their amazing desserts. Did you even see the Tom Brady jersey pull-apart cupcake creation they will have in store this weekend?

Unfortunately, with the food allergies in this house, the cupcake platter is out. However, I will be trying my hand at these super simple touches for dessert:

   
And of course, don't forget to dress the kiddos in their pajamas whether you are headed to or hosting a party -- if they fall asleep you have a better chance of plopping them in bed without waking. Better yet, make it a pajama party all around and then everyone's already got their elastic waistbands on to make room for all of the noshing.

Wishing you a super Super Simple Super Sunday!