Immaculate Baking Double chocolate brownies with flaxseed & almonds

4 sample boxes were provided to me for evaluation by Immaculate Baking through Platefull Co-Op.

Ok, so I try not to rely on boxed baking or any processed storage foods for that matter, but sometimes you are in a hurry or the last thing you want to do is bake from scratch. Meanwhile, you have a family begging for desert and you're missing key ingredients. That is when you spring for something as close as you can get to baking from scratch. Immaculate dry Baking mixes are the perfect go to. 

Why get excited? 

• They contain no artificial flavor or preservatives
• They are GMO Free 
• You have Gluten free & Organic choices 
• There is no bleached flour 
• There are 8 different delectable confections to choose from 
• No High fructose corn syrup
• 0 grams trans fat 

I made Immaculate baking Brownies scratch mix and added a few of my own ingredients, just to spice it up and give it a fiber kick. 

• Two tablespoons of flax seed were added. 
• As well as a handful of sliced almonds. I was out of walnuts, but the almonds were not a bad sub! 

I am not going to sugar coat this, well ok I am this time, Zing!  These brownies were insanely like the real thing. They tasted freshly baked and absotively nothing like your average boxed mix. These were amazing just out of the oven with some almond milk. So moist and chewy inside contrasted with a nice crunch on top. So fresh tasting and the chocolate didn't taste at all artificial.  I can tell why these are a bit more expensive and I personally think it's worth the extra mula when you have it. 

I bet if you served these, anyone would assume they were homemade. Well, technically they are, you just didn't go out and buy all the needed ingredients. The ingredients in the box are so minimal and there is nothing in the list you can't pronounce. 

Take a look at the ingredients list. 

• Sugar
•  Wheat Flour
• Semisweet Chocolate Chips (un-sweetened chocolate, sugar, cocoa butter, vanilla extract)
• Cocoa powder 
• Corn Starch
• Salt
• Natural Vanilla Flavor

Impressive eh? I'm excite! 

Immaculate baking provided me with 4 baking from scratch boxes I am hard pressed not try out every single one very soon. I plan to make banana muffins next with their yellow cake mix.

As an aside, I am happy to point out that Immaculate baking gives a personal touch to their products by featuring their children's art on the boxes. Evidenced by the little elephant drawing on the brownie box. How cute is that? Also, They use 100% recycled cardboard to make their boxes and you have to give them props for that as well! Highly recommend you check these guys out.

You can also catch some coupons!  Immaculate is a bit pricey so grab them while you can! Look for new Immaculate Baking Dry Baking Mixes in the baking aisle! Now available at Target!

Find Immaculate Baking during a series of savings events:

Save 75 cents on Immaculate Baking !

• Immaculate Baking is in the Gluten Free coupon book event handed out 7/27 and 8/17. Coupon is for $.75 off one Immaculate Baking Item.

• Immaculate Baking is in the Back to School coupon book event handed out on 8/17, 8/24 and 8/25. Coupon is for $.75 off one Immaculate Baking Item.

The Un-taco Salad & Savings! #OldElPasoMealDeal #PlatefullCoOp #spon

This post is inspired and sponsored by General Mills, through Platefull Co-Op. All opinions are my own. 

Last night, I took advantage of the General Mills Meal Deal week at Publix. I purchased the fixings for what I like to call the Un-Taco Salad. This is exactly what It sounds like. Basically undoing a taco and putting it on a plate. I am trying to stay away from white breads, corn breads and taco shells right now, as part of my health makeover. I found that I really have to get creative with my meals. 

For this meal I simply cooked up a frozen package of fajita mix from Old El Paso  and mixed it in with a bag of Fresh Express lettuce. Then topped everything with some Light Peppercorn Ranch dressing. For dessert I indulged in a little bit of the new Tiramisu Gelato from Breyers. OMG was it good. It really does taste like the Gelato I had years ago. 

The whole meal came out perfect.  It's simple to whip up a fast and satisfying meal with these products. If you want to save at least 30 min on your next meal, definitely go for this recipe. It takes just about 12 min to make. It's great for a family movie night. Spend less time cooking and more time having fun. 

The Old El Paso Fajita mix has so much spice and flavor, nothing needs to be added. 

You have to try the Gelato. It is pretty impressive for anything store bought. 

    

 There are a few coupons out now that will make this meal super cheap. 

Look for these great savings on Old El Paso Frozen and other assorted Meal Deal items at Publix starting today:

*Total savings vary by market area, savings taken at register. Offer available 6/26 – 7/2, find details in the Publix weekly ad flyer.

Digital Coupon Savings

Print-at-home coupons available at The Publix Every Day Saver

• Save $1 when you buy any flavor or variety of Old El Paso™ Frozen Entrees (includes frozen bagged and frozen boxed entrees)
• Limited coupon quantities. Available While Supplies last.

#JuneFreshSavings at #Publix this week! #PlatefullCoOp #spon

 How do you eat your Greek yogurt? I love to experiment and I saved a nice chunk of money using this weeks Yoplait deals, when I bought my produce. During the Publix Fresh Savings Event going on now,  I bought 5 Yoplait Greek yogurts and got $1 off . Then I saved $1 on my fresh mango and pineapple. All coupons can be found at ReadyPlanSave.com. This fresh fruit combo tastes superb with the new Yoplait Greek Coconut Yogurt. To make it even more delectable, sprinkle some Natures Valley protein granola on top and pair with some cheese bites as a side. Nom Nom. Try slicing up some fresh bananas and strawberries too. So good! There are endless ways to eat Greek yogurt and it's so satisfying straight out of the fridge on a hot day. 

Don't miss out on all the amazing savings going on at your local Publix this week! There are so many potential yummy meals and deals waiting for you!

Be on the lookout for exclusive savings at Publix on these select products starting June 5!

Discover Meal Pairings and Save over $16! Find these savings in the weekly grocery store flyer, available at Publix from 6/4/14 – 6/11/14

• 2 for $6 Propel® items (6pk 500ml)
• 2 for $3 Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ Cooking Sauce
• 10 for $10 Yoplait® Greek Yogurt (5.3oz)
• Buy 2 Get 1 FREE Pepsi® Mini Cans (8pk 7.5oz)
• Save $2 on Fresh Produce with the purchase of any two (2) Tostitos® Tortilla Chips (9oz or larger)
• Save $2 on Ground Beef with the purchase of any one (1) Hellmann’s® Mayonnaise (22oz or larger)
• Save $2 on a Publix® Bakery item with the purchase of any one (1) Breyers® Gelato Indulgences™
• Save $3 on Publix® Rotisserie Chicken with the purchase of any one (1) Lipton® K-Cup® Pack
• Save $1 on Meat with the purchase of any three (3) Old El Paso® items (excluding Dinner Kits and Frozen Entrees)

Look for coupons in the “Grilling Season/Memorial” Publix® flyer, offers available 5/24/14 - 6/13/14.

• Save $1 on Bananas with the purchase of any one (1) box of Cheerios™ (10.9oz or larger)
• Save $2 on Orange Juice with the purchase of any one (1) Nature Valley™ Breakfast Biscuits (5ct)
• Save $1 on Fresh Fruit with the purchase of any five (5) Yoplait® Greek Yogurt (5.3oz)
• Save $1on Publix® Bread with the purchase of any one (1) Country Crock® or Country Crock® Simply Delicious™ Spread

On-Shelf Coupons. Available while supplies last.

• Save $1on Meat with the purchase of any three (3) Old El Paso® items (excluding Dinner Kits and Frozen Entrees). Look for coupon near meat section.
• Save $1on Meat with the purchase of any two (2) Progresso™ Recipe Starters™ Cooking Sauce. Look for couponn near meat section.
• Save $2 on a Publix® Deli purchase with the purchase of any three (3) Pepsi® 7.5oz 8-packs. Look for coupon near the Deli.
• Save $2 on Publix® Fresh Cut Fruit (3oz or larger) with the purchase of any two (2) Propel® items (6pk 500ml). Look for coupon near the produce.

Printable Coupons

• Visit www.ReadyPlanSave.com for additional printable coupons.

*In-store dates may vary in certain markets.   You can also keep up with promotions on Facebook!

Disclosure: The information and prize pack have been provided by General Mills through Platefull Co-Op.

It's #CincoDeMayo. Another excuse to Party! #ad #PlatefullCoOp

I don't usually celebrate Cinco De Mayo, but Old El Paso gave me a great excuse to! This holiday can be popular for some. For those that do celebrate, this is one of the best finger friendly easy and very convenient ways to serve up a fun, quick themed dinner party or just a fun night in with friends or family.

I was provided with utensils and fun party accessories and it was actually enjoyable to use, as well as amusing. This pack came with little mustaches. Pair a sombrero with your mustache and you are the token Mexican ;) Not really, but it's fun to pretend!

I know you want to chow down on these easy to fill soft taco shells. This is actually actually a lot more convenient and a thousands times less messy than eating a wrapped burrito or regular taco. I think all tacos should be in that shape from now on. Listen to your consumer! 

I sauteed  some vegetarian crumbles from Morning Star, and onions. Then threw in the mexican style rice. Mixed it all together and put it on top of the shells with lettuce inside. Then topped it all off with a helping of refried beans and melted a little bit of cheese. Noms! It was really good and the whole meal took less than 10 minutes to put together. 

Hungry yet? If so, check out the savings this week, via General Mills! 

Find coupons and savings!

Liberte yogurt review #PlatefullCoOp #ad #TEAMLIBERTE

This post was inspired by Platefull Co Op and I was provided with samples to review. All opinions are always 100% my own.

Have you tried Liberte yogurt yet? I remember I would always pass it down the aisle, but I wasn't a big yogurt person, until one day I decided to try their coconut version and omg was it delectable for a yogurt. It was just as fulfilling as a desert.

I was offered the opportunity to try their new flavors and jumped at the chance.  Their new flavors Orange-Mango and Lime are no exception. All the flavors I have tried have been really good. The consistency is so creamy, as it's made with whole milk and as much as I don't like to drink whole glasses of milk, I will definitely indulge in deserts and dairy products once in a while that contain it. I rate Liberte's taste high on my list of yogurts and I have few favorites.

No cats were fed during the making of this review, thus no cats were happy. Boy did she sniff and eye that yogurt down though. 

This was delicious as a desert after dinner, but would work well as a quick breakfast. Just thrown on some granola or flax seeds and you've got a good portion of your vitamins,  protein and fiber taken care of.

So far I have tried the Orange Mango, Lime, Lemon and Coconut and I really enjoyed all of them. The flavoring is not too thick like some yogurts are. I don't care for those whopping servings of fruit in my yogurt. I say give it a try! I think you'll be pleasantly surprised how great of a substitute it would be to much higher calorie choices.

  Find out more about the health benefits by visiting Liberte's website and social media:

LiberteUsa Facebook

Grab some coupons!

#Easter Garden #Brownies with #Minty green frosting #HopItForward

This Easter I wanted to do some easy baking that was more about presentation than complicated ingredients. As an ambassador for World Market, I was inspired by their wide array of baking products and utensils. 

I wanted a really colorful centerpiece for a brunch that centered around Easter and spring, so I came up with the Easter Garden brownies, with mint green frosting. I chose mint, because it's my favorite ingredient to combine with chocolate! 

     Fabric Easter chick and Easter cloth napkins found at World Market and Rabbit ears found at Dollar Tree. 

Directions 

Step1- Bake the Brownies in an 8X8 or 9x9 dish, like this pretty Easter baking pan I used. Then let cool. 

Step2-   While the brownies are cooling, it's time to make the frosting for the grass. I used a container of butter cream frosting and added 3 1/4 tspns of green food coloring to get the grassy color I wanted. Mix in food coloring thoroughly.

Step3- Add 1/4 tspn mint to get just the right amount of minty freshness that is not overpowering or too little. Mix in thoroughly. 

Step4- Once the brownie "dirt" or "soil"  has been cooled enough in the fridge, carefully spread on the frosting to look like a bed of grass. 

Step5- (Optional)  Transfer half of  brownies to a mini serving dish like this adorable Easter Polka Dot dish I used. Or you can just bake  a smaller batch in this one. I had another project I was doing with the other half of the brownies. An Easter Candy Terrarium. 

Step 6- Once covered in frosting, carefully add the candy flowers to look like a bed of flowers covering the grass. 

Step7- Add a mini chocolate rabbit and 3 chocolate eggs to complete your Easter garden desert and Voila! Ready for presentation on your tablescape. 

You will love the contrast of crunchy candy flowers mixed with the soft chewy minty fresh chocolate brownies. 

These brownies taste amazing with a nice cold glass of  unsweetened or sweetened vanilla almond milk!

And now it's giveaway time! Help World Market Spread Random Acts of Hoppiness and enter for a chance to win a $2,000 World Market gift card and a Year’s supply of Divine Chocolate! 

There will also be 3 Runner Up Prizes for a $500 World Market gift card and Divine Chocolate! 

Help us reach our goal of 5,000,000 hops and we’ll Hop It Forward by donating 50,000 meals to regional food banks. Earn bonus hops by sharing with us your Random Acts of Hoppiness for more chances to win. Sweepstake runs from March 31st – April 18th .. Let’s get Hoppin’

Enter Below and GOOD LUCK! ENDS 4-18-14

http://bit.ly/ORNEZy

This post is sponsored by World Market and in accordance with FTC Guidelines. All opinions are always my own.

Old El Paso - I can't believe that's frozen.

Have you ever tried Old El Paso? I had the chance to check out more varieties and I have to say, it's not bad. I usually don't spring for the processed frozen foods, but once in a while I like to treat myself to something. Especially, when I just do not feel like cooking or I'm in a hurry.

I paired Old El Paso chicken quesadillas with a garden salad, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and topped with hemp seeds. For dips, I used sour cream and my homemade guacamole. 

Then I paired this entree with simply strawberries and a little agave nectar in water. This is such a refreshing and colorful drink I love to enjoy in spring and summer, and right now it's getting there here in Florida. The weather has been in the high 70-80's!

Aren't these dishes so cute? They were provided to me courtesy of General Mills. I love the aqua colored swirly trio side holder the most.

To make the most of your Chicken quesadillas, make sure to skip the microwave and bake them in the oven. They come out a lot more authentic and much better quality. Always pair with fresh veggies or a salad for added nutrition.

Old El Paso is really tasty and they really pack a bucn of ingredients in there. It keeps me full for a while and really satisfies that authentic mexican craving.