Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp
With bok choy stir-fry and jasmine rice Who said healthy food doesn’t taste great? Feather weight in the calorie arena but a heavy weight in taste, this meal had my taste buds and my waistline in check! I love vegetables, so let’s start with the baby bok choy and carrots. The slightly wilted bok choy leaves mixed with the stems complimented the carrot sticks, which were tender, but not mushy, which made an excellent base for the shrimp. The jasmine rice with its fragrant and vibrant flavor kicked the trio up a notch. No doubt, the shrimp was the star of the show! The shrimp was sweet with a light peppery heat, slightly salty and a little citrusy; a flavor combination that wakes up the taste buds but goes oh so well together. If I had to describe this dish in a few words, it’s simply just yum! Oh by the way, did I mention it’s healthy too? J The one thing that I feel that could have been better was the amount of that delicious sweet chili sauce on the shrimp. The portion measurements were so in perfect (which is a good thing because I hate wasting food!) that I didn’t have any extra sauce to scrape from the pan and spread on my shrimp! It’s just a suggestion because I don’t know; it’s not like I tried or anything. J When you go grocery shopping and walk past the raw shrimp, pick up a pack and make this meal! Here’s the recipe: Sweet Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe Summary
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Fruit Infused Water Review
I DO NOT like drinking water. I know I know; the human body needs water to survive and all that jazz. It’s just so bland in taste. I like to drink and eat things that have a robust flavor. As I’m writing this I can hear my daddy’s voice in my head; saying the same thing he always does, “Zee, drink your water. I don’t want to have to give you one of my kidneys.” Water is one of those things that is necessary no matter what. I make my kids drink water every day (what a bad influence right?), and they like it too. When I saw this fruit infused water craze taking over, I knew I had to try it. I figured it was the magic potion that would turn me into a water-drinking Voss bottle-toting machine. Needless to say, I was sadly mistaken. The water flavors I tried were watermelon blackberry, pineapple watermelon, and plain watermelon; I had extra fruit already, so I used what I had on hand. I chopped my fruit up, except for the blackberries, put them in twelve ounce wide-mouth mason jars and filled them with bottled water. They resided in my fridge overnight marinating for me the next day. The water was visually pleasing, with brightly colored fruits floating around in the jar plus it was effortless to make; unfortunately, I was disappointed. The waters didn’t get the blackberry flavor infused at all, and the watermelon and pineapple in the water made it taste slightly sweet and reminiscent of fruit; not like I thought it would be. I didn’t like the fruit infused water, and I don’t plan on making it anymore. I’ll just stick with plain ole’ clean-tasting bottled water. Summary
Kentucky Fried Chicken Review
Nashville Chicken Strips Dinner I’m just going to get right into it; I wanted to like these chicken strips more than I did. First I’ll say, the meal was a great deal. My husband paid ten dollars and some change for six Nashville boneless chicken strips, two biscuits, and two individual-sized sides; it was enough food to share or to save for later. Next, I’ll talk about how perfectly crispy the strips are. They are spicy with a pinch of sweet and a deep smoky flavor adorned with tart dill pickles which taste great together. One of the things I didn’t like is the saltiness. The chicken strips had great flavor, but the amount of salt was so overwhelming that I couldn’t get over it. The last thing I didn’t like was the grease. I had grease on my placemat after opening my food; I thought it was due to poor packing, but I was wrong. My daughter wanted to taste the chicken, so I gave her a piece; there was so much grease that ran off the chicken that it had pooled up in a thin orange-ish puddle on my plate. My daughter went to dip the chicken because she thought it was a sauce; that’s when I shook my head and realized that my two-year-old shouldn’t even be tasting something like this. I wanted to finish my food but I couldn’t. I hate to waste food, so I snuck this one to the garbage while the kids weren’t looking; I can’t go around setting bad examples and all. Summary
Firework Oreo Cookies
With Popping Candy in the Cream Summer is finally here! Even though summer took longer than usual, I’m happy to see the sun out warming things up. That means more swings are swinging, more trampoline jumping, more golden brown toasted marshmallow eating, and that means more red, white, and blue everything. From drinks to desserts, to clothes and even nail color; late May to early June is when everything starts to bleed the colors of the ole’ U.S. of A. While the kids, and I were shopping for dinner, I spotted the Limited Edition Firework Oreos on a patriotically decorated end cap. When I saw the 10-ounce pack priced for a little over two dollars it was a no brainer; I knew I had to get them. We love Oreos; plus I figured they couldn’t be nearly as bad as the Peep Oreos I reviewed. I was surprised! They taste just like classic Oreos, but after about ten seconds of chewing, my mouth started to experience a frenzy of little small pops all over my tongue and the roof of my mouth. The cream is smooth, and the candy specks in the cream are tiny so that you won’t feel them. Just because the candy is small and barely noticeable doesn’t mean the popping effect is light. The popping candy showed up and showed out. I like these Oreo cookies. They taste like the regulars but have this fun surprising popping effect that is almost a conversational piece. I had fun giving them to the kids and watching their expressions change as their little mouths filled with pops. I wouldn’t eat them as often as the classics, but Firework Oreos will be at my next backyard party. Summary
Mitchell’s Fish Market Review Appetizer: Crab Spinach + Artichoke Dip Entrée: Lobster + Shrimp Stuffed Cod, Loaded Smashed Potatoes, Asparagus Sides: Caesar Salad, French Bread and Fresh Butter Dessert: Mini Shark Fin Pie Ever had a dream so lovely that you wish you could go back to sleep and start right where you left off? That’s how I felt. The hubby and I went on a date that was so perfect I wish I could replay it. He had me laughing so much my cheeks hurt, and he knows I love to laugh. There is only one thing that I would change about that night; the chocolate brown peep toe five-inch high wedge sandals I chose to wear that night. Oh, they were plenty cute, they just severely lacked comfort. God my feet hurt so badly; I tried to stay sexy and walk through the pain, but I think that made the pain ten times worse. The hubby and I had a more than great dinner and saw a heartfelt film; even though we originally wanted to see the movie Get Out, it wasn’t showing that night. Oddly enough on a weekend night, we had the restaurant and movie theater to ourselves. I’m not complaining in the least; the fact that we were alone made things even better. Now I want to talk about the lovely food we had. I always have great food when I go to Mitchell’s. The thing is I always get the same thing every time: blackened tilapia. With the pressure of my husband, I tried something new; and I am so happy that I did. We got crab and shrimp artichoke dip for an appetizer that was delicious! Melted white cheese entangled with wilted spinach, generous chunks of crab and artichoke topped with Pico de gallo had me in love from the first bite. They served the artichoke dip with these deliciously crunchy house made corn chips that I dunked deep into the side of warm oval appetizer bowl. When I witnessed the cheese stretch, I almost fell out…well maybe not, but you get the point. For my entrée I ordered lobster and shrimp stuffed cod with white wine garlic sauce, loaded redskin smashed potatoes, and asparagus. OH, MY GOODNESS. The lobster and shrimp stuffing was too tasty for me to handle. The cod was cooked and seasoned lightly yet perfectly, but that sauce was the star of the show. That buttery garlic yet slightly acidic sauce was everything. I wished I could get a bottle to go. Well, maybe not; I might try to put it on too many things. The potatoes were cooked perfectly topped with cheddar cheese; applewood smoked bacon, a sprinkle of fresh green onion and the perfect amount of sour cream. Yum is not close to a word suitable for what my taste buds were experiencing. Then I had this delicious tenderly cooked asparagus that I kept dipping in the extra white wine garlic sauce with every bite; I told you the sauce was delish. The only complaint I have, which isn't even considered a real complaint, is that I wish I had more than three asparagus spears. It’s not that the plate was lacking at all, but that asparagus was just so good! Everything at Mitchell’s is good and fresh. If you like great food prepared fresh by a chef who cares, go to Mitchell’s Fish Market. I love Mitchell’s, and I will be back! Oh and we had a great waitress who did more than just her job; she went above and beyond. She was very hospitable; I felt like I was at my grandma’s house. Anybody that carries themselves with love and dignity like grandma already wins in my book. P.S. I almost forgot about the salad, bread and butter and dessert until I looked at the pictures! The salad was fresh and flavorful, the bread and butter were both fresh, and the dessert was a sweet semi-frozen treat layered with bold but complimenting flavors; decadent chocolate, creamy peanut butter, sweet caramel, rich whipped cream and salty peanuts. Yum yum yum! Summary
Review: Peep Oreo Cookies With Marshmallow Peeps Flavor Cream In true Easter fashion, little marshmallow peeps reside in store bought Easter baskets everywhere. They have even found their way into the center of Oreo sandwich cookies. I do not like peeps. I have never liked them as a child either. I thought since Oreo has collaborated with Peeps for a unique cookie maybe they would be good…right? Wrong! When I first bit into the Oreo, I tasted the famous cookie that America knows and loves. Then I got into the fluorescent flamingo pink filling which tastes like uncoated aspirin. The bitter taste filled my mouth so quickly that my cheeks involuntarily rose up under my eyes. I hate to admit that I couldn’t finish the cookie; I just didn’t want to punish myself any longer. Regardless of how I reacted, my kids LOVED the Peep Oreos. They want to see if they have more colors or flavors! My son gently tapped me on the shoulder and began to tell me that I shouldn’t write this post because he thinks Peep Oreos are great. I think I’ll just leave this one to the kids. Summary
Popeye’s Chicken
Review: Waffle Battered Chicken Strips Have you ever ordered something to eat and received an entirely different item then you expected? Today this is what happened to me. Cleaning my kitchen after lunch and putting the baby to sleep, I made myself a good and healthy chocolate peanut butter and banana smoothie. As I started sipping, my brother came through the door asking if I wanted anything from Popeye’s. In an almost brainless response, I threw my health-conscious choice right down the drain. “Yep.” I quickly responded also nodding my head up then down in agreeance. “Just get me any box they have with chicken strips and Cajun rice; Oh and of course a Pepsi,” I shouted out behind him as he left. Even though I had a smoothie and wasn’t super hungry, I was looking forward to eating Popeye’s for lunch. I took a few bites of my Cajun rice, the biscuit, and then the chicken strips. The rice was seasoned well and fresh as usual, the biscuit smeared with honey sauce was fluffy and warm, which I also enjoyed; but the chicken was different. The chicken strips looked to be fried perfectly. They were golden brown, fresh, and crispy. But when I bit into them, I knew these weren’t their regular Louisiana fried chicken strips. They were buttery, sweet, and savory-tasting all at the same time. Waffle battered chicken strips are like chicken and waffles that were married and became one. Savory and crispy characteristics from their classic fried chicken, yet buttery and sweet like waffles drizzled with maple syrup. Yum! Yum! And Yum! Even though waffle battered chicken strips isn’t what I expected, I was pleasantly surprised. I’m glad I had the chance to try these before they were gone. They were a treat! Summary
Taco Bell
Review: Naked Chicken Chalupa Who would have thought a Chalupa with fried chicken as the outer shell would have been so good? I normally am not the one to enjoy an excess of meat, which I thought that’s how the Naked Chicken Chalupa would be. Honestly, I didn’t want to try it. I was completely against it and had my mind made up. My husband tried it and profusely promised me that I would like it too. I have to say; I was pleasantly surprised! The shell was a piece of thinner warm white meat chicken stuffed with shredded crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a flavorful, creamy avocado ranch sauce. The chicken was crispy, seasoned well, and the sauce brought everything together as a whole. Eating the Naked Chicken Chalupa was almost like eating a handheld chicken salad. Fresh, seasoned, and just plain good. I enjoyed the Naked Chicken Chalupa so much I decided to go back and get the five dollar box after a busy morning of running errands. The Naked Chicken Chalupa box is five dollars and includes the Chalupa, a Doritos Locos taco, a regular taco, and a medium sized soft drink which is a great value! I ran my errands early, and now I’ll have some time to sit down, relax and eat; I’m winning right? Wrong. When I got home, I put the groceries up, put the baby to the bed for a nap, and gave the older three kids lunch. I kicked back ready to relax and enjoy my meal. As I opened the box, I realized they gave me the wrong food. Trying to fight off my hunger and anger at the same time, I thought of a solution. Packing up four kids (having to wake the baby up) to return a five dollar box was just not worth the trouble and completely out of the question at the time. So I decided to call and speak with the manager and explain the mix-up. Maybe I could get a verbal promise or something that would guarantee me a food replacement at another time. Digging through my purse searching for the receipt, I called the number displayed on the top, just to connect to a fax line. I flopped down on my bed and turned the TV to Judge Lynn Toler as I sipped on my cold Pepsi which was the only thing right about my order. I guess you can’t always have your cake and eat it too. Disclaimer: I am highly against wasting food. My brother ate the lunch that I didn’t want; which wasn’t a total waste. Summary
So you mean to tell me that I can merge my favorite cake with my favorite bread, then load it with delicious velvety chocolate chips and nutty walnuts? And I can make more for gifts? Oh yes! I'll take some red velvet banana bread please! Not only is the recipe super easy and practically fool-proof, but it's also special enough to give as a gift! Wrap a loaf in plastic wrap with some pretty string and a cute tag and you're all set! The funny thing is, my family is used to me hand making gifts for their birthdays, holidays, and such. When I'm lazy or run out of gift-making-time and try to compensate by giving a store bought gift, I get weird looks. Thank you's seem to be forced; followed by falsified smiles. Maybe I just feel like they're responding like that because I know the gift could be better...I don't know. What I do know is when I give a gift that I made and wrapped with my own two hands, I get better results. :-) This recipe allowed me to give a great handmade gift in a flash that was easy and cost effective to make. It's a little out of the norm which makes it even more special, it's handmade, it's a beautiful red color, and tastes wonderful. I am absolutely in love with this bread! I'll be making more on valentine's day; If I can wait that long. :-) I found the original recipe on Pinterest by Lise of The Mom Loves Baking Blog. In my version I made a few changes to the recipe. I omitted the white chocolate drizzle and sprinkles. Don't get me wrong; the white chocolate and sprinkles made the bread so beautiful you almost don't want to eat it. I just don't really like either of them. Don't you want to sink your teeth into this red velvety chocolaty banana bread match made in heaven? Let's get started! Maybe they'll be a few loaves left to give away. :-) First mash the bananas. Then in a mixing bowl, mix cake mix, oil, eggs and bananas together. Next, stir in chocolate chips and walnuts. Lastly, pour into greased loaf pans and bake for 40 minutes. See! I told you it was easy. :-) The complete recipe is listed below. Red Velvet Banana Bread Recipe Makes 3 loaves Materials
Ingredients
Directions
Everything I used in this recipe is available below and are also linked above in the materials and ingredients sections! Click items to have them delivered right to your door. Thank you for reading Foodie Files! Let me know if you tried this recipe and what you thought of it below in the comments! Suggestions? Want me to try any other recipes? Leave those in the comments too or contact me! I would love to hear from you!
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Zelanda DowellHi! I'm Zelanda! I'm a wife, mother to 4 wonderful children, an author and personal chef. I love food! I love to cook it, write about it, read about it, talk about it, look at it, and most of all eat it :-). Join me in my foodie adventures and sign up for my newsletter at the top of this page! |