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Engaging stories of love, joy, comfort and friendship with proven scrumptious, healthy recipes, we celebrate LOVE as the secret ingredient for wonderful food!

Tangy Sorrel & Potato Soup with Bacon, topped with MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds

October 16, 2016 by Mary 16 Comments

MOM's Popped Lotus Seeds, Sea Salt flavor.When I first heard about MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds, somehow I didn’t think they could possibly be popped seeds from the lotus flower, but that’s exactly what they are!

The seeds are underneath the lotus flower and one has to remove a brown casing, then pop them like popcorn while seasoning them at the same time. These MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds are flavored with butter and sea salt and they are DELICIOUS!!! Better yet, they’re low in calories and high in protein. It’s a snack that’s actually ok for you! I’m taking these to the movies – way better than that chemical laden popcorn they sell.

Lotus seeds are commonly used in Chinese medications for their healing benefits. They also contain an enzyme with powerful anti-aging properties so I’m going to eat them by the handful!

The company making MOM’S Popped Lotus Seeds is a small family owned business based in Boulder, Colorado. Their founder was first introduced to the deliciousness of popped lotus seeds as a child when his mother gave them to him as an afternoon snack. In his late 20’s, he found himself fed up with foods that were either chock full of calories or healthy but barely edible. He was determined to find a balance between good-for-you snacks and addicting junk food. That journey led him right back to his childhood.

Lotus seeds are known to be effective in alleviating restlessness, due to the natural sedative and calming effects of the seeds. Having raised two boys myself, I think the founder’s mother was one smart cookie, serving these as snack to a young energetic boy, right?

Besides being a delicious snack, I found them great to replace croutons – and better for you with all of these benefits!! My garden was loaded with sorrel last weekend so I made this quick and easy Tangy Sorrel & Potato Soup with Bacon, topped with MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds and it was soooo good!! And, the popped lotus seeds are gluten free as an added bonus.

Try this, if you haven’t already eaten them all.Mom's Popped Lotus Seeds garnishing a tangy sorrel & potato with bacon soup in a white flat soup bowl.
TANGY SORREL & POTATO SOUP WITH BACON, TOPPED WITH MOM’s POPPED LOTUS SEEDS – serves 4 – 5

1Tbs. unsalted butter
2 oz. nitrate-free smoky bacon, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 quarts chicken stock or canned low-sodium broth
1/2 lb. Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
3 Tbs. heavy cream
1/2 lb. sorrel, stems discarded, leaves coarsely chopped.
1 cup of MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds, Sea Salt flavor

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Add the bacon and cook over moderately low heat until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add the wine and simmer until almost evaporated, about 4 minutes. Add the stock and bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the sorrel. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve topped with Mom’s Popped Lotus Seeds Sea Salt flavor.
Mom's Popped Lotus Seeds sea salt flavor in a blue bowl.Pass a bowl of more MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds at the table.

The soup can be made without the sorrel and refrigerated overnight. Bring to a simmer and add the coarsely chopped sorrel just before serving.
Mom's Popped Lotus seeds finely ground with grated Parmigiano cheese for a great gluten free breading mix in a beige bowl.Zucchini slices breaded with finely ground Mom's Popped Lotus Seeds and Parmigiano cheese with a wedge of Roquefort cheese and a glass of red wine.MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds can also be ground in a mini grinder, combined with a little freshly grated Parmigiano cheese and used to coat zucchini slices for a great gluten free “breading”. Saute in olive oil, drain on paper toweling. Serve with LOVE and some Roquefort cheese during your next cocktail hour.Our 2016 Fall culinary MARY's secret ingredients subscription box open with all products visible.

There are just a few fall boxes left where you can
get your own bag of gluten free MOM’s Popped Lotus Seeds!

And your purchase helps us support Feed The Children.

Filed Under: Appetizers, First Course, Products for sale, Soups Tagged With: appetizer, bacon, croutons, first course, popped lotus seeds, sorrel & potato soup with bacon, soup

Asparagus with Maple Sugar & Sea Salt SUPERSEEDZ & Fresh Basil

October 13, 2016 by Mary 7 Comments

Superseedz Maple Sugar & Sea Salt flavor.Let it be known, if you don’t already know, I ADORE pumpkin seeds. First of all, pumpkins mean a lot to me, to us. My husband and I were married on Halloween!! It’s engraved in our wedding rings. And just to note, Tiffany’s spelled it wrong the first time. Holloween. Can you believe it?

But I digress. Truly I love pumpkin seeds. I always use fresh pumpkin for my pies for Thanksgiving and then I roast the seeds. However, they always have a little bit of stringy stuff on them – annoying. So these seeds from Superseedz are amazing! Perfectly toasted, no strings of course, and this new flavor of maple sugar and sea salt is oh so sweet and oh so savory, all at the same time!! They’re super crunchy and DELICIOUS!!!

You can use these Superseedz Maple Sugar and Sea Salt flavor on really ANYTHING!! I love them by the handful, on salads, in soup, on yogurt, you name it. But as an asparagus or fish topping – it’s a super simple way to take your dish up a notch!!Chopped Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz with fresh basil leaves on a wooden cutting board.
Chopped Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz on asparagus with chopped basil.ASPARAGUS WITH MAPLE SUGAR & SEA SALT SUPERSEEDZ & FRESH BASIL – serves 3 – 4

1 bunch of asparagus
1 Tbs. unsalted butter
2 Tbs. chopped Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz Pumpkin Seeds
1 Tbs chopped basil

Melt the butter and set aside. Chop the seeds and basil and set aside

Wash asparagus. Holding both ends, bend and break the asparagus stalk at the tender point and discard the end. Spread out stalks in a large skillet and fill skillet with ¼ inch of water. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer, cover and cook for 4 – 5 minutes until crisp tender. Remove asparagus and dry with a clean linen or cotton towel.

Lay asparagus out on a platter. Drizzle butter evenly on top. Distribute the chopped Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz Pumpkin Seeds in a line in the center of the asparagus. Garnish with the chopped basil on top of the seeds. Serve with LOVE and enjoy!!

Oven roasted tilapia topped with chopped Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz on a bed of sauteed broccoli rabe.

Take a look at my oven roasted tilapia last night, topped with Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz Pumpkin Seeds on a bed of sautéed broccoli rabe. Delish!Our 2016 Fall box is here! these are the products for Mary's Secret ingredients this season!

There are a few fall boxes left where you can
get your own bag of Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Superseedz.

And your purchase helps us support Feed The Children.

Filed Under: Dinner, Fish, Sides, Vegetables Tagged With: easy asparagus recipes, fish toppings, pumpkin seeds, Superseedz, vegetarian

POURfect Measuring Beaker with Roquefort Dressing for Baked Crispy Wings

October 11, 2016 by Mary 7 Comments

POURfect measuring beaker.POURfect products are simply perfect – in the words of my good friend, Margaret! She calls this a handy-dandy measuring cup, because it is easier to see the point on the cup where the surface of the liquid lies.

Due to the fact that this little pitcher is narrow, there is no sloping of the liquid in the center, which is caused by surface tension, so your eye can more easily see the measurement and it will be very accurate, quite unlike what happens in a typical wide mouthed Pyrex two cup measure. So you might think that this is just a measuring beaker, which it is, but it is perfectly designed for the most accurate liquid measuring!

Additionally the handle is uniquely shaped for an easy grip while the spout to pour is flawless, not leaving any drips behind. I’m thinking of using this for maple syrup the next time I make pancakes or waffles! I really dislike those sticky little drips that appear all over the table from a regular little pitcher.
POURfect measuring beaker with Roquefort cheese, a tomato and a glass of wine.
POURfect measuring beaker making Roquefort salad dressing with kale, lettuce and tomatoes.So I made this DELICIOUS Roquefort dipping sauce for wings or salad dressing, in this little pitcher. I used walnut oil instead of olive oil that added a distinctly rich, nutty flavor. Of course you can use this on a salad which I did last night, of finely sliced lacinato or Tuscan kale, farmer’s market Romaine and bacon. Total yum.

But football season is here and we all love wings! Frying is messy and not a great thing for you. I marinated these in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in panko and “oven-fried” them on a rack at 450 degrees. Much easier in making and clean up and so much better for you.

Happy cooking and measuring!!

Panko baked crispy wings with Roquefort dressing and celery.BAKED CRISPY WINGS – serves 4 – 5 as an appetizer

7 whole wings, cut into pieces
½ cup buttermilk
2 Tbs. Sriracha Sauce
¾ cup of panko

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Wash and dry wings with paper toweling. Cut into pieces at the joint, discarding the end tip – freeze and save for making stock. Whisk together the buttermilk and sriracha sauce in a small bowl and marinate wings in it for 30 minutes at room temperature.

Drain wings and coat with panko. Place on a rack on a rimmed baking pan and roast in the oven for 12 – 15 minutes, until done and golden. Serve with LOVE, celery, Roquefort dressing and enjoy!!

ROQUEFORT DRESSING

1 Tbs. mayonnaise
11/2 Tbs. buttermilk
2 ¼ tsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard
Salt to taste
Cayenne pepper – dash
2 oz. Roquerfort cheese
¼ cup walnut oil

Whisk the mayonnaise, buttermilk, vinegar and mustard together in the POURfect measuring beaker. Gradually whisk in the 1/4 cup of walnut oil and season with salt and cayenne. Stir in the Roquefort cheese.Our 2016 Fall box is here! these are the products for Mary's Secret ingredients this season!

There are a few fall boxes left where you can
get your own POURfect beaker.

 

And your purchase helps us support Feed The Children.

Filed Under: Appetizers, Poultry, Products for sale Tagged With: crispy baked chicken wings, football snacks, POURfect measuring beaker, Roquefort dipping sauce, Roquefort salad dressing

PS Seasoning & Spices Buttermilk Blueberry Shortcake

October 9, 2016 by Mary 15 Comments

PS Seasoning & Spices Gluten Free Blueberry Pancake Mix.Dessert can be an issue if you’ve got some gluten free family members or guests. However, I have just solved that problem for you!! Make this PS Seasoning & Spices Buttermilk Blueberry Shortcake and you will be the most loved cook around! This is easy to make, quick to bake, has the brain food of blueberries and looks amazing with a beautiful presentation. And, you’ll get the double whammy of blueberries because the freeze-dried blueberries in the mix plump up so nicely in the shortcake, coupled with the fresh blueberries and the cream. It’s delish!!

PS Seasonings & Spices is new to me as a company. But they’ve been around for 4 generations!! Owned by the Hanni family, based in Wisconsin, they started with mastering the craft of smoking and seasoning sausages and in 1984, formed PS Seasoning and Spices. They have now expanded with other product mixes.

This PS Seasonings & Spices Gluten Free Blueberry Pancake Mix is new and outstanding, and the gluten free part is like icing on the cake! You really can’t tell at all that it’s gluten free. And the mix is loaded with freeze-dried blueberries that make it oh-so-good. Of course you can follow the instructions and make blueberry pancakes, but where they call for milk, I recommend you use an all-natural buttermilk (I like Kate’s Buttermilk) and you will get fluffy, light and thick pancakes. PS Seasonings Spices Pancakes on a plate.  PS-Seasonings & Spices blueberry pancakes on a griddle.
Here were mine!
PS Seasoning & Spices Buttermilk Blueberry shortcake on 6 white plates.
And here is the recipe for this wonderful fresh and delicious dessert!

PS SEASONING & SPICES BUTTERMILK BLUEBERRY SHORTCAKE – serves 6

18 oz. fresh blueberries, washed and air dried
¼ cup sugar
2 1/3 cups PS Seasoning & Spices Gluten Free Blueberry Pancake Mix
½ cup buttermilk (I like Kate’s)
3 Tbs. sugar
3 Tbs. unsalted butter, melted
½ pint heavy cream, whipped
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

In large bowl, gently fold and mix the blueberries with 1/4 cup sugar; set aside.

In a medium bowl, stir PS Seasoning & Spices Gluten Free Blueberry Pancake Mix, buttermilk, 3 tablespoons sugar and the butter until a soft dough forms. On ungreased cookie sheet, drop dough by 6 spoonfuls.

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat whipping cream and vanilla with a whisk or electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Our 2016 Fall box is here! these are the products for Mary's Secret ingredients this season!Cut and split shortcakes, spread a large spoonful of heavy cream on the bottom, place a large spoonful of blueberries on top of the cream and top with a little more whipped cream and the other half of the shortcake. The cream acts as the “glue” here to hold it all together.

Serve with LOVE and enjoy!!

There are a few fall boxes left to purchase.

And your purchase helps us support Feed The Children.

Filed Under: Breakfast, Desserts, Products for sale Tagged With: blueberry shortcake, gluten free blueberry pancakes, gluten free shortcake, gluten-free desserts, PS Seasoning & Spices, shortcake

Quick Nuts Over Fish Mustard Roasted Chicken

October 7, 2016 by Mary 3 Comments

Nuts Over Fish Cashew Nut Topping.
I have liked the products from Nuts Over Fish for quite some time. Cinde Vandette, the owner of this company whom I met about 18 months ago at a Fancy Foods Show, is a delight. She wanted me to try all of her products, which I joyfully did, and particularly loved the pistachio one, using it on fish, chicken, vegetables, anything! But, she didn’t want to go into the box just yet, for whatever reason. She did, however, become a buyer of the box and bought several subscriptions as gifts. So she liked it! (Mikie likes it!)

And then she came back and wanted her product to be in the box.

This Cashew Nut Topping flavor is her newest creation. It’s DELICIOUS!! With cumin, coriander, curry, orange peel and cashews, how can you go wrong?!?

Of course this is delicious on salmon or any other fish, but I made up this roasted chicken recipe that was “to die for”! Savory with a touch of sweet, you will want to make this again and again and you will – because it’s quick and easy! Perfect for a weeknight dinner but also fancy enough for company. Make this recipe this weekend and sit back and enjoy the compliments! But don’t forget to add your LOVE and it will taste even better!

Quick nuts over fish mustard roasted chicken finished chicken on a white platter garnished with basil.

QUICK NUTS OVER FISH MUSTARD ROASTED CHICKEN – serves 4 – 5  (I know – the title sounds weird…)

One 4 lb. chicken
5 large garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbs. Dijon mustard
2 Tbs. dry white wine or dry vermouth
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 Tbs. soy sauce
1 tsp. Tabasco or Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
4 Tbs. Nuts Over Fish Cashew Topping

Quick nuts over fish mustard roasted chicken raw backside in a skillet.Quick Nuts Over Fish mustard roasted chicken raw, breast side up.Preheat the oven to 450°. Using poultry shears, cut along each side of the chicken backbone and remove it. Turn the chicken breast side up and press on the breastbone to flatten the chicken. Using a sharp knife, cut partway through both sides of the joint between the thighs and the drumsticks. Cut partway through the joint between the wings and the breast. These cuts help the chicken to cook faster and more evenly between the white and dark meat.

In a bowl, mix all of the remaining ingredients, except for the Nuts Over Fish Cashew Topping. Turn the chicken skin side down in a non-stick oven proof skillet and spread it with half of the mustard mixture. Sprinkle on 2 Tbs. of the Nuts Over Fish Cashew Topping all over evenly on the back side of the chicken. Turn the chicken skin side up; spread with the remaining mustard mixture and sprinkle on the remaining cashew topping, evenly, all over.

Set the skillet over high heat and cook the chicken until it starts to brown, 5 minutes. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the chicken for 30 minutes, until the skin is browned and the chicken is cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or platter, cut it into 8 pieces and serve with LOVE. Enjoy!!

For a short time, you can still buy a fall box with this product in it to make this recipe – but we only have a few left. Go to buy here.

Quick Nuts Over Fish mustard roasted chicken finished chicken in a skillet.

Filed Under: Dinner, Poultry, Products for sale Tagged With: Nuts Over Fish Cashew Topping, Quick roasted chicken recipe

Revealing our Gluten Free Fall Box!!!

October 6, 2016 by Mary 2 Comments

Our 2016 Fall box is here! these are the products for Mary's Secret ingredients this season!

We’re so excited!! Some of you have asked for this and now we have it! A box full of completely gluten free products! In this box we have delicious items you can eat right away as well as clever recipes coming your way to use the product differently, capitalizing on their gluten free attribute. All of the products are tested by me and my team before they can even make it into the box, so we make sure they’re super delicious and good for you.

Take a look at this awesome video put together by our very talented team.

And if you didn’t buy a box, we still have a few left that you can purchase here. Remember the holidays are coming and this makes a great gift!! And of course, for every box purchased, you’ll be helping us in our fight against worldwide hunger through our partnership with Feed The Children. We believe that no one should go hungry. Don’t you?

MOM's Popped Lotus Seeds, Sea Salt flavor.MOM’s POPPED LOTUS SEEDS – poppedlotus.com

Their founder was first introduced to the deliciousness of popped lotus seeds as a child when his mother gave them to him as an afternoon snack. After rediscovering his childhood treat, he decided not to keep this amazing snack food to himself. By improving upon what his mother gave him as a child, he now offers popped lotus seeds in a variety of flavors that can help you feel healthier while exploring a non-traditional snack.

Sea Salt Simple and salty, this tasty snack delivers a crunch that is sure to satisfy. Made with few ingredients – just sea salt and purified butter. MOM’s Lotus Seeds are a healthy and delicious snack the whole family can enjoy.

 

NUTS OVER FISH – nutsoverfish.comNuts Over Fish Cashew Nut Topping.

Nuts Over Fish encourages all people to improve their overall well-being by creating products which support a healthy lifestyle. They promise their products will always be all natural, gluten free, cholesterol free, trans fat free, with no preservatives or additives because they believe in a healthy diet. They are proud to be a New Hampshire small business, manufacturing and producing their products locally.

Cashew Nut Topping They use an unbleached, natural bag as an ultimate barrier protection against light, moisture and oxygen. When you open the package you will immediately smell the distinctive nutty aroma of cashews. The nuts are ground with orange peel, cumin, coriander and curry.

 

POURfect measuring cup.POURfect – pourfectbowl.com

POURfect products were invented and designed when owner Randy Kaas lost his sight in 2001. He has been in the kitchen utensil business since 1978, and was inspired by the TV show, The French Chef starring Julia Child. The need for a mixing bowl that wouldn’t spill when you couldn’t see what you were doing was recognized. POURfect Products solve common cooking problems, making your life easier, less messy, and more enjoyable.

Pourfect Beaker Dishwasher and microwave-safe, their beaker has a flat edge spout that assures no drips. Features gull wings that eliminates spilling of ingredients and has a comfort grip that fits naturally in hand.

 

PS SEASONING & SPICES – psseasoning.comPS Seasoning & Spices Gluten Free Blueberry Pancake Mix.

For almost 60 years, four generations of the Hanni family have been dedicated to mastering the craft of seasoning. Today PS Seasoning & Spices carries on old-world flavors and celebrates traditions of the past while also creating new products and blends to meet modern day demands.

Blueberry Mix Get the flavor of bright, plump blueberries in a gluten free mix. Packed with deliciously tart blueberries, make stacks of fluffy pancakes for the perfect breakfast or brunch. Whether you’re living gluten free or just looking for a great mix, these pancakes are for you. Want something a little different? Also try this mix in a waffle! Serve with fresh blueberries and sprinkle with powder sugar for a breakfast that’s simply delightful.

 

Superseedz Maple Sugar & Sea Salt flavor.SUPERSEEDZ – superseedz.com

SuperSeedz are no-shell, and dry-roasted in small batches. Never oil-roasted and never “spray flavored.” Instead, every super seed is seasoned to perfection and dry roasted to lock in the unmistakable flavors and addictive light crunch. Just like Kathie, ‘the seed queen’ made them in her skillet for her kids to eat a healthy snack. They have 8 flavors.

Maple Sugar & Sea Salt Each seed is seasoned with 100% pure maple sugar and unrefined sea salt. An oh-so-indulgent sweet and savory snack, yet packed with protein and other nutrients.

Filed Under: Dinner, Products for sale Tagged With: Gluten free products, gluten-free, Mary's Secret Ingredients, subscription box, subscription boxes

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