Jicama Napa Jalapeño Slaw

Light & lively, this unique and flavorful take on traditional coleslaw will bring your late summer picnic fare up a notch! Perfect for a backyard BBQ or picnic, Jicama Napa Jalapeño Slaw is as easy to make as it is delicious!

Jicama Napa Jalapeño Slaw

Ingredients

Dressing:

1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon celery seed
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Organic Pure Almond Extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
zest and juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

In a small bowl, add vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, cumin, celery seed, garlic powder, almond extract and salt. Whisk to combine. Add lemon zest and juice, whisk to combine. Cover and set aside in refrigerator.

Slaw:

2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 small jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 large carrot, shredded
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 cups shredded jicama
3 1/2 cups chopped Napa cabbage
1/3 cup sliced almonds
1 (15 oz.) can chick peas, drained and rinsed

Preparation

In a large bowl, add onion, jalapeno, carrot and cilantro; set aside. Peel jicama, place a box grater on layered paper toweling; grate jicama. Roll grated jicama in toweling and squeeze until liquid has been removed; add jicama to bowl. Add cabbage, almonds and chick peas. Dress slaw just before serving.

Serves 6.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Nielsen-Massey.*

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The Bag That Does It All!

I admit it, I just love bags! Tote bags, beach bags, backpacks…you name it, I am a sucker when it comes to stylish ways to organize and carry my everyday items! But since I became a mom, there’s a new type of bag I get to add to my repertoire…diaper bags! Of course, not all diaper bags are created equal, and I have gone through so many in the last 8 years of having little ones who require so.much.stuff. That’s why I was absolutely thrilled to receive Skip Hop’s new Forma Diaper Backpack! It’s a backpack! It’s a diaper bag! It’s stylish…and it can also carry my laptop if necessary. Yep, I think I have found the bag that truly do it all, keep my hands free when wearing it so I can hold my childrens’ hands or push a stroller, and carry MY stuff as well as theirs!

Skip Hop Forma Backpack

Here’s why I am loving this roomy diaper backpack so much!

  • Front section allows easy access to storage cubes
  • Insulated cube is perfect for bottles
  • Multipurpose mesh cube for clothing and snacks
  • Changing pad pocket holds tablets and laptops up to 15″
  • Extra wide dual zip opening
  • Insulated side bottle pockets
  • Elasticized interior pockets and cell phone pocket
  • Cushioned shoulder straps
  • Stroller straps
  • Cushioned changing pad
  • Phthalate-free, PVC-free

Plus, it comes in 5 colors – there is something for everyone’s taste. Seriously, we are in love!

You can check out the new Forma Diaper Backpack on the Skip Hop website, as well as so many other favorites of ours from this iconic brand for parents & children.

*Company generously provided a sample and images for this article. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

 

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In Mom’s Kitchen: ARCTIC ZERO® Fit Frozen Desserts® Pints

Move over, ice cream! There’s a new treat to indulge in… guilt-free! We recently had the opportunity to dive into a variety of decadent and delicious ARCTIC ZERO® Fit Frozen Desserts® Pints, and wow, what a delight! The whole family had fun trying the different flavors, from Salted Caramel to Cake Batter to Peanut Butter Swirl. We even received a cute heart-shaped bowl and ice cream scooper to add to the fun!

Arctic Zero Pic

If you are looking for a healthy alternative to ice cream, ARCTIC ZERO® Fit Frozen Desserts® Pints are the perfect zero-guilt sweet treats for parents who care about clean ingredients. Each crave-worthy, low-calorie, lactose free pint is made with hormone-free whey protein and sweetened naturally with monk fruit, making it low in sugar. Your whole family will love these delicious frozen treats!

Arctic Zero PB Swirl

Chunky Pints are a little more indulgent with bits of yummy treats swirled in. Only 75 calories per half-cup serving and 300 calories for the entire pint, Chunky pints are low in fat (1-2.5 grams). Find the following flavors at select Target stores: Rocky Road Trip, Cherry Chocolate Chunk, Peanut Butter Swirl (absolutely divine!) and Brownie Blast.

Artctic Zero Salted Caramel

Creamy Pints are deliciously smooth and creamy. Only 35 calories per half-cup serving and 150 calories for the entire pint, and Creamy pints are fat free. Find the following flavors at select Target stores: Cookie Shake, Cake Batter and Salted Caramel (“Mom’s” favorite!).

Why We Love ARCTIC ZERO!

ARCTIC ZERO is low in sugar (low glycemic) and makes a great sweet treat for diabetics since it’s sweetened naturally with monk fruit (no sugar alcohols).

ARCTIC ZERO is lactose free and perfect for those who are lactose intolerant.

ARCTIC ZERO only uses rBST-free whey protein.

There are many gluten-free ARCTIC ZERO options available that are every bit as delicious as non-gluten free frozen desserts.

ARCTIC ZERO Creamy pints are fat free and only 35 calories per half- cup serving and 150 calories for the entire pint, making it a zero-guilt dessert.

ARCTIC ZERO Chunky pints are low in fat (1-2.5 grams) and only 75 calories per half-cup serving and 300 calories for the entire pint, allowing you to indulge without guilt.

ARCTIC ZERO pints contain 3-4 grams of protein per serving and are perfect in protein smoothies or shakes.
All ARCTIC ZERO pints contain 2-3 grams of fiber per serving.

ARCTIC ZERO is certified kosher, GMO free, and contains no artificial ingredients.

Price: $4.49-$4.99 a pint.

*We received ARCTIC ZERO through the Moms Meet Ambassador program for review. All thoughts expressed herein are my own.*

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Lamb Kebab Tacos with Tahini Sauce

Middle Eastern flavors are a hot trend on the California food truck circuit, and La Tortilla Factory’s thick, non-GMO Hand Made Style Flour Tortillas make a great stand-in for traditional pita bread.

If you don’t see ground lamb at the supermarket, purchase lamb shoulder and ask the butcher to grind it for you. Not a fan of lamb? Substitute ground beef chuck. As common in the Middle East as peanut butter is here, tahini is made from ground sesame seeds (it’s a key component in hummus). You can find it in the supermarket near peanut and other nut butters. Leftover tahini sauce, thinned with a little more lemon juice, makes a tasty salad dressing. You can assemble the “tacos,” or serve the components family style and let everyone assemble their own. Remember to use organic or locally grown ingredients whenever possible.

Make-ahead tip: Prep the tahini sauce and assemble the kebabs up to one day ahead and refrigerate.

Lamb Kebab Tacos with Tahini Sauce

Ingredients

Tahini sauce:

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 cup water

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Remaining ingredients:

1 pound ground lamb

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh mint, plus additional for garnish

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 garlic cloves, minced

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

8 cherry tomatoes

1/4 cup (1-inch) cubed red onion

Olive oil

1 package La Tortilla Factory Handmade Style Flour Tortillas

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 small Persian cucumber, thinly sliced

Lemon wedges

Preparation

Soak 8 (8-inch) bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Preheat grill.

Whisk together tahini sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mixture will appear to seize up at first — that’s OK, keep whisking until it’s smooth. Chill.

Combine lamb, mint, cumin, coriander, salt, garlic and pepper. Form into 16 oval-shaped meatballs. Thread 2 meatballs onto each skewer, alternating with tomatoes and onion. Brush with olive oil. Grill 8-10 minutes or until done, turning to cook evenly.

Warm tortillas on grill or hot griddle. Top each tortilla with one skewer. Holding the bottom meatball, gently remove skewer. Top with tahini sauce, feta, cucumber and additional chopped mint. Serve with lemon wedges.

Number of Servings: 4-8

Prep time: 20 min | Cook time: 10 min

Calories: 380 | Total fat: 22 grams | Total carbohydrates: 26 grams | Dietary fiber: 2 grams | Protein: 20 grams

*Recipe and image courtesy of La Tortilla Factory.*

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Moore’s Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Invite friends and family to celebrate Independence Day in your backyard with refreshing drinks, tasty sides, and entrees hot off the grill. Bring ‘Moore Flavor’ to your Star-Spangled celebration with Moore’s Marinades & Sauces! Deviled Eggs are always a crowd-pleaser at any picnic, potluck or backyard BBQ, and super simple for a busy family to make! This recipe is given a little extra kick using Moore’s Buffalo Sauce.

Moore’s Buffalo Deviled Eggs

Ingredients

6 Hard boiled eggs
2 T Mayonnaise (We prefer Vegenaise, a vegetarian option)
½ t Dijon mustard
1 T Moore’s Buffalo Sauce
¼ t Salt
Dash of pepper

Optional Toppings:
1 T blue cheese, crumbled
1 T Moore’s Buffalo Sauce

Preparation

Slice the eggs lengthwise and transfer the yolks to a small bowl.

Mash the yolks with a fork until smooth.

To the yolks, add mayonnaise, mustard, buffalo sauce, salt, and pepper. Combine well.

You can either pipe using a pastry bag or use a spoon to fill the egg white halves with an even amount of the filling.

Place the deviled eggs on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Optional: sprinkle blue cheese and extra buffalo sauce as a garnish, if desired.

*Recipe and image courtesy of Moore’s Marinades.*

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Put Me In The Story’s Summer Reading Giveaway!

Summer is finally here! It’s a season filled with fun outdoor activities, playdates, sports and more. Put Me In The Story wants to help bring even more fun (and a healthy dose of learning) to your family’s summer routine!

Put Me In The Story creates personalized books starring your child in beloved books and alongside their favorite characters to help them stay engaged in the story and foster a love of reading!

To help one family start their very own library, Put Me In The Story is hosting a HUGE Summer Reading Giveaway where one lucky winner will receive:

· 10 personalized books from Put Me In The Story
· A beach bag
· 2 children’s beach towels
· 2 inner tubes
· 2 pairs of children’s sunglasses
· 1 beach ball

Enter now through July 5th, 2017 for a chance to win!

*Open to U.S. residents only, see full Terms & Conditions here.

Check out some of our favorite Put Me In The Story’s books for summer reading below:

Isabella Girl In Charge

Isabella: Girl In Charge
$34.99 personalized book

Now your little girl can dream bigger and reach higher than ever before with her very own personalized edition of Isabella: Girl in Charge!

Your child steps into the story as a spunky, purple-haired girl on a journey to the White House. Along the way, she learns about some of the amazing women who came before her. These doers, dreamers, lawmakers, and trailblazers helped create the world we live in today—a world where your little girl can be anything that she wants!

Put your girl in charge with her very own copy of Isabella: Girl in Charge. Include her name and photo along with a special message from you. And at the end of the book, she’ll be surprised to see her face appear next to some of the nation’s greatest leaders! How’s that for big dreams?!

Fancy Nancy

Fancy Nancy Tea Parties
$34.99 personalized book

Fancy Nancy, hostess extraordinaire, can’t wait to share her party-planning expertise with your little one! From recipes and crafts to etiquette tips and French lessons, this precious personalized book contains everything your child needs to throw the perfect tea party. A personalized letter from Nancy herself to your fancy kiddo? Oui! Plus, your child’s name is worked into the text and adorable illustrations throughout the book. Wrap up with a set of recipe cards from the Kitchen of Fancy Nancy, and best of all, cut out and frame the certificate declaring your child a graduate of Fancy Nancy’s Tea Party Course! Que magnifique!

Pirate Pete

Pirate Pete
$34.99 personalized book

Arrr, matey! Pirate Pete is ready to search for buried treasure, and he wants YOU to come along! Set sail with the goofy, gold-loving captain in the personalized edition of Pirate Pete.

As the scallywag’s first mate, your child tries to keep Pete on course to Mermaid Island, but it’s not easy! The captain wants to check every island for treasure. There might be doubloons hidden among the tasty treats on Candy Island. Or perhaps you and Pirate Pete can persuade a leprechaun on Clover Island to give up a pot of gold!

Personalize this high seas adventure with your little buccaneer’s name, photo, and dedication message. On the final pages, your child will find a personalized Pirate Pledge to cut out and display so that everyone will know they’re a true swashbuckler!

*Company generously provided samples and images for this piece.*

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