Dinty Moore Hearty Meals

It was my first time to try the Dinty Moore brand and honestly, I was a bit hesitant at first because I didn't know the brand. Until, I saw the Hormel Foods logo on the lower right portion and said, then this must be good. I was not mistaken.

The chunks of chicken tastes and looks like real chicken. All meat, no hint of skin nor bones, unlike some others I've tasted. The dumplings are more like thick square or rectangular pasta. Soft and there's no flour taste, if you know what I mean. In general, I thought it tasted like a thicker version of chicken noodle soup and I actually loved it.

One can can be good for two, or one if you're really hungry. I tasted the other half and I thought I liked the fact that it wasn't as salty as I expected. My mom, who ate the other half, thought it lacks saltiness though. So she added a little bit of soy sauce. Well, I guess we all have different taste buds. 

I guess one can tell if it's a good food when your plate is empty. My bowl is almost empty, and I for sure savored this last scoop. :D

DISCLAIMER

I was not paid to do a review of the product mentioned above. I was given a sample to facilitate my review but everything was based on my honest opinion.

#HFBigGameBites Pinterest Sweepstakes

The Big Game season is here! You probably are as excited as I am rooting for your team, screaming while watching and getting nervous every game! But hey, while the game is off, why not spend some time to enter Hormel Foods #HFBigGameBites Pinterest Sweepstakes. This is your chance chance to win everything you need to throw the perfect Big Game Bash! There's nothing better than watching it with some delicious game bites, right? As far as I remember these snacks always cool me down. Haha!

One Winner: $500 Grand Prize Pack 

• 1 Slow Cooker
• Lawn Chairs
• Assortment of Serving Platters and Utensils
• $250 VISA Gift Card

Two Winners: $150 First Place Prize Pack

• 1 Slow Cooker
• $100 VISA Gift Card

TO ENTER:
1. Login to your Pinterest account, if you don't have one, create an account here.
2. Create a board called #HFBigGameBites.
3. Repin a pin from this board or upload your own Big Game Bite to your #HFBigGameBites board.
4. Pin at least four (4) other pins to your #HFBigGameBites board for a total of five (5) pins to complete your perfect 'Big Game Bash.'

To know more details about this promotion, check the Official Rules.

DISCLAIMER

I was not paid in any way to do a review of the product/s and/or service/s mentioned above. I get to share this promotion as a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Blogger Program. Everything was based on my own opinion.

How Much Protein Does Your Body Need?

If you're into sports or are at least trying to be healthy by going to the gym, and need an extra boost of protein, then you've probably heard of protein shake. I used to not care and know about my protein intake but I guess the Protein Calculator helps.You can find out how much protein your body needs based on your weight and activity level.

If you need more than what you're getting then you probably need more protein intake and that's where the protein nutrition shake comes in. In my opinion, Muscle Milk, can give you just that. And take note, it doesn't just come in one flavor, but five! That at least is for their ready-to-drink products. It comes in Cake Batter, Chocolate, Cookies 'N Crème, Strawberries 'N Crème and Vanilla Crème. It says follow the direction on proper protein intake and also take note of allergic reactions. Here are the FAQ's about Muscle Milk as shown in their website. If your question is not listed here, I believe you can always send them an email.

"Q:  WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO DRINK MUSCLE MILK?
A:  Muscle Milk should be consumed as directed on the label.  Muscle Milk can be consumed before workouts, after workouts, first thing in the morning or prior to bedtime.  In addition, Muscle Milk can be used as a meal replacement when you are on the go or as a high protein snack during the day.  But, keep in mind that individual nutritional requirements vary depending on gender, body weight, level of activity and exercise/training intensity and duration.  So, it is best to use Muscle Milk as part of a well-balanced diet that includes whole foods and other protein sources.  We do not recommend Muscle Milk be used as your sole source of nutrition. 

Q:  WHO CAN DRINK MUSCLE MILK?
A:  The short answer is Muscle Milk can be used by almost anyone that is not allergic to dairy proteins.  Plenty of athletes drink Muscle Milk because they may have increased protein requirements, but it is fine for anyone that wants to supplement their protein intake.  The proteins in Muscle Milk may be especially helpful when you are:
starting a new exercise program and trying to build muscle increasing the intensity of your work-outs a vegetarian (that consumes dairy) and does not get enough protein from dietary sources. 

Q:  ARE YOUR PROUCTS CERTIFIED KOSHER?
A:  All flavors of Muscle Milk, Muscle Milk Light and Muscle Milk Collegiate ready-to-drink products are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union and this is indicated by the  symbol on the label.  Currently, CytoSport powder drink mixes and bars are not Kosher certified. 

Q:  WHICH CYTOSPORT PRODUCTS ARE LACTOSE FREE?
A:  All flavors of Muscle Milk, Muscle Milk Light and Muscle Milk Collegiate ready-to-drink products are lactose free.  Muscle Milk, Muscle Milk Gainer, Muscle Milk Light and Muscle Milk Naturals powders are also lactose free."

My husband was the one who drank it because he regularly goes to the gym, he's more active than I do so I let him finish the whole thing. He used the protein calculator and even read the Nutrition Facts. He said he'll probably need more supply of it. LOL! He liked the taste and the texture of the Strawberries 'N Creme but he said he'd like to taste the other flavors too. What he liked about it the most is that he can bring it anywhere and drink it anytime. No mixing needed. :)

Besides this ready-to-drink product, Muscle Milk also comes in powders, bars, pro series and they even have limited editions inspired by athletes like Shaq, Clay Matthews and more! You also better check their products out because your school might be featured there! Unfortunately, mine's not. But it doesn't matter as long as I get the protein I need, right? ;)

DISCLAIMER

I was not paid in any way to do a review of the product mentioned above. I was given a sample to facilitate my review but everything was based on me and my husband's honest opinion of the product.

Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie

My daughter requested for some cookies the other day and I have nothing in the pantry. Thank goodness I saw Skippy peanut butter, and thought of making a homemade version. I am a casual baker, I bake like 6-8 times a month, and this is the first time I am trying a peanut butter cookie recipe. I always end up googling AllRecipes.com and always choose the ones with high rating. And look what I found, a Flourless Peanut Butter Cookie recipe!

I just made some slight changes, instead of using 1 cup of white sugar, I used 1/4 cup white sugar and 1/2 cup brown sugar. I also added a teaspoon of vanilla. I would have added some peanuts on top just for presentation but I guess I'd need to make a quick trip to the grocery store to do so, so never mind. There's actually no need to put more peanut butter in a peanut butter batter (say that three times). I guess using Skippy is the main reason, it already tastes great!  

Since my daughter was so eager to eat some cookies, I didn't have time to cool my batter, I immediately scooped it in the baking sheet. I didn't even read the instructions, I guess I should have put them three inches apart instead of two. Anyway, they turned out great and here's the outso.

There you go, don't they look tempting? If you don't have one at home, I linked the recipe, it so easy! And remember, the taste will be dependent on the peanut butter you have, so use a well-known brand, I trust Skippy!

DISCLOSURE

I was not paid in any way to do a review of the product/s mentioned above. I was provided a sample to facilitate my review but everything was based on my 100% honest opinion of the product.