Minute Ready to Serve Brown & Wild Rice

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this product an 8.

I love rice but always seem cook too much.  When I found Minute Ready to Serve Brown & Wild Rice I found a gem.  Its the perfect size for one.  Its convenient, you simply pop it into the microwave and poof, you have rice.  And the cost here in NC is usually around $1.25 for 2.

I've never been a big fan of brown rice but love wild rice, so I wasn't sure how the combination would work out for me.  Well, it worked out great!  I love this stuff.  I've eaten it straight from the container with just a bit of butter and I've eaten it served with gravy.  Its great both ways.  Another plus is that it doesn't cook up sticky. 

So, why did I give it an 8 instead of a 10?  I would love to have just a bit more wild rice in the mix but that's because I'm a wild rice fan.

I've tried the Spanish Rice flavor and like it too but I have trouble finding it in the stores in my area. 

Fiber One 80 Calories

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this cereal an 8.

I enjoy eating cereal straight from the box as a snack and Fiber One 80 Calories works perfectly for that.  It has just enough sweetness to make it satisfying.  I can taste both corn and wheat.  I tried it with milk.  It has just enough crisp to give you just a little crunch in the milk and after letting it sit for 5 minutes in the milk, it still has crisp.  So, it doesn't get soggy in milk! 

It's nutritional facts are:
Total fat 1g
Cholesterol -0-
sodium 140mg
Carbohydrate 25g
sugar 3g

So, why did I give it an 8 instead of a 10?  You can feel just a bit of the fiber texture as you eat making you aware that is is full of fiber and there is just a little aftertaste of wheat.  But, I will buy this product and plan to work on recipes for other uses.

Simply Potatoes

 

Below is a review for Simply Potatoes submitted by Author Sharon Hays.  

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give Simply Potatoes a 10!

 

Hello friends. Here is a link to products that I 'simply' love to use when making dishes with potatoes and I'm in a hurry. Also now they are including 'simply creamy macaroni and cheese' that I have got to try. The ready to cook; half-done already, make it easy to skip peeling and extra time of using the raw whole potato. But I can gaurantee you will love the convenience and taste of these great potatoes. Also the new creamy 'Simply Macaroni and Cheese' has been added to their already line of hashed browns, sliced, mashed and cheesy potatoes,Try them, you'll be a fan as I am. Below is a recipe i copied from the Simply potatoes site.

Below is the recipe for Potato Salad from the Simply Potatoes website, they have many other recipes as well.                                     

2 packages Simply Potatoes® Diced Potatoes with Onion 1/2 cup water 2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing 1/4 cup yellow mustard 2 tablespoons white vinegar 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups chopped celery 1 medium red or green bell pepper, chopped 6 hard boiled eggs, peeled, chopped

Instructions:

1. In 2 1/2 quart microwave-safe casserole dish* combine Simply Potatoes and water. Cover; microwave on HIGH 10 to 12 minutes or until Simply Potatoes are tender. Drain water.

2. Meanwhile in large bowl whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth. Add cooked potatoes, celery, red pepper and chopped eggs. Stir gently. Refrigerate 1 hour to blend flavors.

Tips: To prepare hard boiled eggs, place eggs in 3 quart saucepan. Cover eggs with cold water. Bring water to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 15 minutes; drain water. Add cold water to saucepan. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain; peel and chop eggs.

* A 9-inch square baking dish can be used for a 2 1/2 quart casserole baking dish.

Nutrition Facts:

1/20th of recipe: Calories 222; Total Fat 19g; Saturated Fat 3g; Cholesterol 72mg; Sodium 437mg; Carbohydrate 10g; Dietary Fiber 1g; Protein 3g

by Author, Sharon Hays;

 

Suggested by Sharon Hays, (author, writer and poet.) Check out her websites and info or look her up on Facebook.

www.SharonHays.com

www.MysteerieManor.com

emails for Sharon Hays sparrill4104@yahoo.com, Sparrill1@tampabay.rr.com

Facebook, under Sharon Hays

 

RECENT BOOKS AND UP AND COMING:

Mysteerie Manor, Mysteerie Manor II, The Tumbleweed Family, (a children's book) and soon to be released beautiful coffee table book, 'An Opulent Tableau of Essence', (An art and Poetry compilation including artists and poets from around the Globe; Italy, USA, Germany, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Australia. Look for up and coming book, filled with inspiring and emotional prints and poetry.

Polaner All Fruit with Fiber

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give the Black Cherry flavor a 10 and the Strawberry an 8.

I ran across a recipe for Thumbprint Cookies which are made using jam.  Since the actual cookie portion is fairly healthy I wanted a jam/preserve that would keep them healthy.  What I found was Polaner's All Fruit with Fiber Spreadable Fruit.  It's sweetened with fruit juice and no sugar added.  So I decided this would be perfect for my Thumbprint Cookies.  And I was right!  (For recipe visit my site Stir, Laugh, Repeat.)

The nutrition facts read for 1 Tbsp.:
Total fat -0-
Sodium-0-
Total Carb 10g
  Dietary Fiber 3g
  Sugars 7g

The price isn't bad either.  Here in NC I paid just under $2.00 for a 10 oz. jar.  Now, why did I give the strawberry a lower rating.  The flavor is wonderful but has a touch of a raspberry taste.  But still good. 

Pictsweet Chopped Onions

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give Pictsweet Chopped Onions a 9.

There are many times that I simply hate the thought of chopping onions.  The smell, the tears and the time just don't always appeal to me.  So, I found Pictsweet in the freezer department and I have to admit that I seldom chop onions anymore.  As far as that goes, bell peppers either.  Plus they have a mixture of peppers and onions.  As for price, here in NC I pay about $1.50 for a 12 oz. pkg. sometimes less. 

Now, why did I give them a 9 instead of a 10?  Now and then I'll find a small piece of the peel or maybe a tough piece of onion but not enough to make me stop buying.  They are too easy to spot and pick out.  I usually keep at least 2 packs in my freezer and panic if I do find myself out.

Almay Smart Shade Makeup

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this product a 10. 

I've finally found my perfect makeup.  Almay's Smart Shade works perfect for me.  It goes on smoothly and gives me such a gentle covering that my face looks natural.  It covers blemishes without the caked on, dry powder look.  I simply love it!

Southern Home Chicken Salad

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give this chicken salad an 8.

I love chicken salad and normally make my own but...I've found that Southern Home (a Bi-Lo brand) is a great change from mine as well as a time saver.   It's creamy texture makes it easy to spread on a slice of bread or cracker.  The price, here in NC, is usually around $2.69 for a 12 oz. container but I frequently find it on sale as a buy one get one free.  This is a sweet chicken salad with a 1/3 cup serving having:
125 calories
8g total fat (1.5g saturated fat)
35 mg cholorestral
450mg salt (this is where it gets you just a bit)
4g carbs
2g sugar

Not too bad.

Bush's Best Grillin' Beans

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give these beans a 10!

I know these have been out for some time but this is the 1st time I've posted about them.  I've tried several of the flavors - Bourbon  Brown Sugar, Smokehouse Tradition, and Southern Pit BBQ, and liked them all, but my favorite has to be the Steakhouse Recipe.  They are sweetened with brown sugar and steak sauce with actual pieces of real onion mixed in with the beans.  Price wise I have to say that they are a bit higher than most baked beans but they are worth every penny.  Here in NC they run from $1.89 to as low as $1.50 on sale and that's for a 22 oz. can.  I would like to see them come out in a little smaller can.  22 ounces is a bit much for 1 - 2 people.  But they are still just as good the next day.

I have to also admit that I haven't made homemade baked beans since trying my 1st can.

Triscuit Rye with Caraway Seeds

On a scale of 1 - 10 I give these crackers a 10!

I do have to admit that I'm partial to rye breads, especially with caraway seeds.  These little crackers are lightly salted, baked using whole grain and have just the perfect amount of seeds to make them taste like crunchy seeded rye bread.  They are perfect for spreads, a slice of cheese or just eaten by themselves.  The price varies.  I bought mine at a discount store for $2.00 a box.

A serving of 6 crackers has:
0mg cholesterol
20g Carbohydrate
3g dietary fiber
0g sugars
4g Total fat - .5g saturated, 0g trans, 2g polyunsaturated,  1g monounsaturated

So, if you like rye and caraway seed, you'll love these. 

Covergirl Simply Ageless Foundation

On a scale of 1 - 10 this product receives a 8 and a 3

I've bought this product twice in hopes that the second purchase would work out better but it didn't.  The actual foundation isn't bad.  It goes on easily and covers without caking allowing me to give it an 8.  The part of the product that gets a 3 from me is the case.  The case is a hard plastic which screws on top and bottom with the sponge applicator being stored in the bottom.  The problem with the case is that pieces start breaking off with use allowing air to get inside to the makeup causing it to dry out and become useless.  This has been the problem with both purchases.  I've tried adding a little water to the sponge so I could continue using the makeup but that gave me a caked on look.  Eventually I've had to throw both away after using less than half in each.  Cost isn't bad.  Here in NC the cost is about $12.00 with sales and coupons being frequent.  But until they come up with a better made case I won't be purchasing this product again.

Zatarain's New Orlean Style Rice Pilaf

On a scale of 1 - 10 I have to give this product an 8.  

The flavor is wonderful.  Not hot but with just the right amount of seasoning.  If you follow the package directions you will find the texture to be perfect.  Not too soft and yet not too firm.  Preparation takes about 2 minutes with cooking time being from 20-25 minutes.  This makes a great side dish with the possibility of adding ingredients such as cooked, chopped chicken to make it a main dish.  Pricing for this product in NC is under $1.50 and serves 4.

This is a product that I will be buying again.