A Creamy Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Spread

My 3-year old knows where I place the food she is allowed to eat - in a cabinet that she can open and reach. One morning, she decided to prepare her own breakfast. I was still in another room when she decided to go down to get something to eat. She was able to reach for the bread and her favorite spread, peanut butter. She must have not noticed at first that she took a new kind of peanut butter. She must have just decided to pick it up because that's the peanut butter's spot in the cabinet. It wasn't opened yet so she yelled, "Mommy, help!". I went down to remove the seal and get her a spreader. 

I saw the look in her eye how surprised she was when she saw it's not the usual brown peanut butter. So she asked me what it is. I said it's Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate flavor. Her eyes went BIG! She immediately put some on her bread and even prepared one for me! She's really that sweet!

She of course loved it because her favorite spread is peanut butter, and more importantly, it's chocolate!!! Who doesn't love chocolate? ;) I tasted the one she made for me and I kind of liked it. The texture has the right kind of smoothness and it's not super sweet [it was noted in the packaging that it has 60% less sugar compared with Nutella]. As for the taste, you'd know it's peanut butter, but imagine it with add-on chocolate. The taste though can't be compared with Nutella because Nutella uses a different kind of nut which is hazelnut. Skippy Natural Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate has it's own unique taste. I think it was our first time to try a chocolate flavored peanut butter.

For your information.

This Skippy peanut butter won't last long, it's addicting! We'll probably have it everyday for breakfast, and probably use it as a strawberry dip! Mmmmm.. I can already imagine the taste. But I have to wait until tomorrow to buy some fruits. :D

If you want to know more about Skippy, visit their website, Facebook page, Twitter account or Pinterest board.

DISCLOSURE

I was not paid to do a review of the product mentioned above. As a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger, Mom's Tried and Tested was given a sample to try but was not required to do a review of the product/s or service/s they provide. This post was based on my 100% honest opinion.

Delicious Non-GMO and USDA Organic Cereals

Since my daughter was born, I became extra careful when feeding her. It scares me now-a-days because almost everything is manufactured with chemicals. I am so glad that natural and organic foods are making it's way back to the grocery aisles!

Speaking of grocery aisles, I was able to find a cereal at Food Lion - Barbara's Organic Snackimals cereals! I was with my 3-year old and she got really excited upon seeing the animals. She pointed at the Panda and said, "I want that Teddy Bear!". LOL! Then she saw the other box and said, "Oh no, I want the Fox!", "Oh no, no, no, I want that one, what's that one?". It was a tiger, she might have thought it was a cat. Ha!

Barbara's Snackimal Cereals come in three different flavors - Cinnamon Crunch, Vanilla Blast and Chocolate Crisp. Before sharing them with my daughter's friends, we had to taste them first. So one breakfast, we decided to try each flavor. I tried to take a picture before pouring the milk so you'd see the difference in color and possibly the shape of the cereals (though it's kind of hard to focus on the shape using my camera).

 

I was surprised a 17-year old girl founded this delicious lineup of organic cereals! I am not a fan of cereals, I buy them only for my daughter. I guess this is the first time I actually liked a "puffed" one. Well it's like semi-puffed because when you bite it, it's crunchy but it's not as soft like the cheesy junk foods. Vanilla Blast is my favorite, I can even eat it on it's own. My daughter likes Chocolate Crisp which is not a surprise. My husband, doesn't really have to choose because he likes all the flavor! LOL! Maybe I should serve him Barbara's Organic Snackimals cereals again tomorrow. Haha!

By the way, I read the labels before opening the boxes and I was surprised to know that besides the healthy stuff they offer:

• Only 7g sugar and 8g whole grains
• Good source of Calcium and fiber
• Non-GMO
• USDA Organic
• The carton is made from 100% recycled materials
• Rainforest Alliance certified

Barbara's also give back to the society by helping non-profit organizations like National Audubon Society's Project Puffin.

Those are not the only products they offer. You can learn more about Barbara's via their website, Facebook page, Twitter profile, Instagram account or Pinterest boards.

DISCLAIMER

I was not required nor compensated in any way to do a review of the product/s mentioned above. I applied via Mom's Meet for a chance to share the product with my friends. Everything was based on my 100% honest opinion.

My Family's New Natural (Non-GMO) Spread!

With all the issues arising from spreads (butter/margarine) containing GMO's, I have been really careful in choosing what I feed my family. I thought it'll be hard to find a brand I'll trust, but not really. Just a few weeks ago, I was introduced to Earth Balance, which is a totally new brand for me. From the first time my husband tasted their Buttery Spread - Original flavor, he liked it already. He said it is indeed surprising to know that a plant-based product could not taste like a plant. LOL!

My husband's new favorite spread.

But seriously, this rich creamy buttery plant-based spread has a lot more advantage compared to others because of the following facts:

• 78% Natural Oils - Free of hydrogenated oils, zero grams of trans fat
• Vegan
• Non-GMO
• Gluten-Free
• Expeller-Pressed Oil
• Lactose-Free
• Excellent source of ALA Omega-3

Just last week, I spotted the same product, only a different flavor at a friend's place! I'd say most of the products they buy are natural, GMO-free and/or organic. And I really am starting to do the same, because I noticed they don't really taste as bad as it sound. Healthy doesn't really mean tasteless (as I thought it was) and Earth Balance has proven it.

Spotted at a friend's fridge!

Anyway, there are also other ways to enjoy Earth Balance Buttery Spreads, like in frying, sauteeing and baking. Here's a complete list of the flavors they offer and if you click the photo, you'll find the other Earth Balance products you can enjoy!

DISCLAIMER

I got a chance to share the product/s mentioned above by being a Mom's Meet mom ambassador. I was not required to post a review of it/them. This review was based on my own opinion.

Ground Turkey Recipes

I was never a fan of turkey until I bumped into Jennie-O. They have other turkey products but Lean Ground Turkey is one of my favorite. It's because I know I can do a lot with ground meats. I can saute it, fry it, partner it with my pasta and even make my own burger patties! I used to prepare meals with ground pork or ground beef, but now I put turkey into consideration.

Now-a-days, you'd never know how your food was processed. For me, it is important to look at the packaging. With this Jennie-O Ground Turkey, three things caught my attention - Lean, All Natural and 7% Fat. The reason I prefer healthy options these days is not really for me, but for my daughter and husband. The 1.25 lbs. package you see costs not more than $6 at Target. Which is probably not cheaper than the other ground meats but at least I know that it is made from all natural ingredients. With it I was able to make 3 different viands good for 3 people.

 

When cooking with ground turkey, especially this lean one (they also have extra lean), remember that they do not have much fat and you should add more spices to get the taste you want.

 

Sautee garlic and onion. Add ground turkey and cook until the meat is done. Add a little broth. Add potato cubes (you can add carrots too) and raisins. Season with salt and pepper.

Ball-ganisa (Longanisa)

Mix altogether: ground turkey, garlic, a little sugar, salt and pepper . Shape into ball then fry. Better served with sunny-side up.

 

With the remaining ground turkey, I was also able to make spring rolls. I just mixed ground turkey with minced garlic and onion, salt and pepper and added tiny cubes of carrots. I was not able to take a photo though we still have some in the freezer. I will update this post if I remember taking some photo before eating them all up.

 

I cook without measurements, I just do estimates. I do not taste what I cook but I think I do things right because my husband loves them. Or maybe he is not telling the truth! LOL. If you have other ground turkey recipe, please share so I can try them too! :)

  

 DISCLAIMER

I was given the product/s mentioned above to review and was not compensated in any other way.

 Everything was based on my 100% honest opinion.

A New and Natural Fabric Softener/Freshener

As a stay-at-home mom, I do all the household chores at home. There are days when being at home becomes stressful because I still need to take care of my little one while doing everything! Don't get me wrong, I love being with my daughter so much, it's just sometimes, I just want to escape, relax and wander in the great outdoors just like when I was young.

I know I can't bring back time so I just have to face the challenges I have as a mother and wife. I was surprised yesterday just after I did my first load of laundry. I was given a sample to try a fabric softener/freshener in one - the new Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze. It's the new scent they just released in the market and I am so glad to be among the first to try it.

Our towels feel soft and they smell great!

I shared with you the escape I've been dreaming of and I guess the scent of this so-called "Fresh Mountain Breeze" takes me back in time when life was simple, nature unharmed and everything either smells good or nothing at all. By the way, speaking of nature, this product is 90% natural! Where else would you see that now-a-days. My verdict is that it won't ruin clothes because it does not contain harmful or strong chemicals. Say 'aye' if you agree with me!

I used it with my baby's clothes too, besides whites and darks of course!

It is now one of my favorite fabric freshener/softener. I still have 3 more loads (of comforters and linens) to do today and I am going to use Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze again.

By the way, Purex is having Over the Mountains & Through the Woods sweepstakes until February 3rd where you'll get a chance to win $500 or be among the 100 winners to try the product I just reviewed. You can enter once every hour. Click here to enter.

Now, an even more exciting part, just so you know I am certain about my review, Purex and I would love to give you the opportunity to win a bottle of Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze. Two (2) winners will get a chance to win a coupon for a bottle of 28oz Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze.
 

Click here to enter the GIVEAWAY!

For now, I got to go and smell the freshness of the clothes waiting to be folded. LOL. Good luck!

  DISCLAIMER

I was given a sample to review the product and share the Purex Over the Mountains & Through the Woods sweepstakes.
Everything was based on my 100% honest opinion.

My O Organics Salad!



I have found my new favorite pre-packed greens! I wasn't really a fan of salads until my husband's doctor said needed to lose weight. This 2014, I decided to include healthy options in my diet too!

When I bought these two 16 oz. salad, I thought they looked like the regular ones available at most grocery stores. But no, when I opened the package, on the expiration date itself, I found them still fresh-looking and crisp. They were like freshly-picked and I am serious about that! I never thought Safeway offers such high quality products. I have been buying spinach from another store and they easily sag, maybe because they were not packed right? Or there was too much moist in the plastic bag? Oh, now I don't really need to worry about it because I know now what to brand to get next time.

When I went to Safeway, they were offering at least three varieties but I got only 2 which were Fresh Herb Salad and Half & Half (Spring Mix and Baby Spinach). I never thought one package could take the whole space of my biggest bowl so I was only able to use one from the ingredients I took a picture of. Anyway, it was so delicious because it was packed with lots of fruits and nuts. Plus, my husband made a special sauce using white wine with lemon and some strawberry jam.

Having tried and tested the O Organics salad, you think I would buy them again? Definitely! Since then I already bought the same brand of spinach and I really loved the quality.

DISCLAIMER

I was given the opportunity to review O Organics yogurts through Mom's Meet and since I have extra credit left on the gift card they gave, I bought some of their salad. I was not required to make a review and was not compensated for this post. Everything was based on my 100% honest opinion.