Baton Rouge Archives - Page 14 of 17

Cranberry Goat Cheese salad recipe

February 3, 2014 by Tiany Davis

If you’re anything like me, your appetite might change during the winter months. I crave comfort foods and more carbs in the winter months when I should be eating immune building foods. According to Health.com, we should be filling our kitchen’s with more sun-drenched foods in the winter.

Today’s “Menu Monday” recipe is brought to you by Sarah Vincent and Kristen Bateman the owners of Re:. {HookedOnRe.com} Re: is a garlic-vinaigrette, an old family recipe, that is gluten, egg, and dairy free. You can find Re: in several of Baton Rouge’s local markets. See a list of them all HERE.

The ladies from Re: are sharing a delicious salad recipe made with mixed greens, red onions, goat cheese, dried cranberries, pistachios and Re: salad dressing. This vibrant salad will lend color and bright flavor to any table at any season!

THE LEGO® MOVIE “Prize Pack” Sweepstakes & Trailor

January 27, 2014 by Tiany Davis

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated Baton Rouge Moms via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

Baton Rouge Moms presents ‘THE LEGO® Movie’ Prize Pack sweepstakes from Warner Bros. Pictures.

I have four very excited boys that have been counting down the months, weeks and now days for the release of THE LEGO® Movie. They’re looking forward to seeing their favorite LEGO minifigures {Batman} together in this very funny movie. THE LEGO® Movie will not just be for the boys, LEGO has the girls covered too!

The LEGO® Movie:

The original 3D computer animated story follows Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO minifigure who is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared.

Read the full The LEGO Movie Synopsis here.

“THE LEGO® Movie,” the first-ever, full-length theatrical LEGO® adventure, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures, opens in theaters February 7. Directed by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller (“21 Jump Street,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”), it stars Chris Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman, Alison Brie and Charlie Day, with Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman.

THE LEGO® Movie’ Prize Pack includes:

·         THE LEGO MOVIE Sticker Book
·         THE LEGO MOVIE Youth T- shirt Emmet
·         THE LEGO MOVIE Youth T- shirt Wildstyle
·         THE LEGO MOVIE LEGO Emmet Cinch Bag
·         THE LEGO MOVIE LEGO Wildstyle Cinch Bag
·         THE LEGO MOVIE LEGO Minifigure
·         THE LEGO MOVIE LEGO Minifigure
·         THE LEGO MOVIE One Sheet
·         (Admit Two) – THE LEGO MOVIE Hollywood Movie Money. Hollywood Movie Money is a free admission voucher to see a predetermined film (THE LEGO® MOVIE) redeemable nation wide starting 02/06/14 through Thursday., 03/06/14 in any theater excluding AMC Theaters.

Only required entry:

Enter to win these thematic promotional items and movie passes for the family on behalf of the film by answering the following movie question: The LEGO® Movie is the first ever theatrical adventure inspired by this legendary line of construction toys that were introduced to the world in Denmark in 1949. Name this line of toys in the comments below.

Use the Rafflecopter below for additional entries into this giveaway!

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To keep up with The LEGO Movie happenings, be sure to follow The LEGO Movie on Facebook, follow The LEGO Movie on Twitter and follow @wbpictures on Twitter.

IndiePlate – A New Way to Nourish Your Family

January 23, 2014 by Tiany Davis

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated Baton Rouge Moms via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor.

One of the goals of Baton Rouge Mom’s is to connect local moms with local businesses. Anytime we find a business, product or service we think can benefit you, our readers, we will share it with you.

I was recently introduced to a new service being offered in the Baton Rouge area that will definitely fill a need. We all want to serve our families healthy meals, we also strive to support our community and buy local. Shopping for groceries is one thing, actually putting them on the table when we have no time to cook or shop is another. That’s where IndiePlate comes to the rescue!

What is IndiePlate?

IndiePlate partners with local farmers and artisans to bring the freshest seasonal, local produce, meats, dairy, baked goods and other natural groceries, right to your doorstep. With an easy online shopping experience, you can be sure to get local food on to the table, nourishing your health and your family, while supporting our local economy.

Fresh. Convenient. Local.

All you need to do is pre-order from their fresh market – they confirm your order with local producers who hand-pick and personally prepare each item, and IndiePlate delivers the food to you, straight to your doorstep. It’s that simple!

IndiePlate currently delivers on Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. All food is collected after you order and handled with care, at the recommended temperature and humidity, in thermal totes.

How would you like to try IndiePlate’s service and have a bountiful, nourishing selection of locally grown groceries delivered to your door? IndiePlate is giving away a $100, $50 and $25 credit to three of our readers!

You know the drill, follow the directions on our Rafflecopter Giveaway Widget {below} to enter this giveaway. We have two required entries:

Register on IndiePlates site to learn more and see all that they have to offer.
Like IndiePlate on Facebook to receive recipes and information on local farms, produce and products.

There are more optional entries for extra entries into the giveaway via the Rafflecopter Widget below.

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Be sure to “Subscribe” to Baton Rouge Moms to get our latest posts and information on future giveaways.

IndiePlate Recipe

Winter Pork and Kale Soup

2014-01-23 00:52:11

A 1-pot warm wintery soup made with fresh ingredients from our marketplace....Perfect for a cold winter night, when you can bundle in on your couch and enjoy dinner and a movie with the entire family!!

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Ingredients

1 Pound Pastured Ground Pork
2 Tomatoes, chopped
2 Purple Turnips, sliced
2 Red Salad Turnips, sliced
1 Cup Half and Half
2-3 Cups Chicken Stock depending on how thick you like your soups
1 Container Green Lentil Salad
1 Bunch Kale of your choice, chopped (we used Dino Kale)
1 Bunch Green Onions, chopped
8 Cloves Herb Marinated Garlic, minced
4 Tablespoons Fresh Butter

Instructions

1) In a skillet, brown ground pork seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika. Set aside.
2) In a large pot, add tomatoes, onions, garlic and butter and saute for 2 minutes.
3) Add half n half and cook stirring occasionally for 2 minutes.
4) Add browned pork, turnips and lentils.
5) Add chicken stock. Bring to boil and reduce heat. Let simmer for 10-12 minutes.
6) Add kale. Let cook for 7-9 minutes.
7) Add salt, pepper and any other spices to taste.
8) Enjoy with our dinner rolls or fresh french bread.

Adapted from http://indieplate.com/winter-pork-and-kale-soup

Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

The Woodhouse Day Spa – Baton Rouge

January 15, 2014 by Tiany Davis

{This is a sponsored post, however, all opinions and text are my own.}

The Woodhouse Day Spa – Baton Rouge is now open and accepting appointments! This upscale day spa offers more than 70 treatments that encompass skin and body care, hand and foot care, massage therapy, specialty treatments and more in a luxurious spa setting. The Woodhouse Day Spa has been touted as the #1 Day Spa in Louisiana by the Travel Channel, and that same excellence in spa service has finally come to Baton Rouge! Baton Rouges’ ultimate full service, luxury day spa is conveniently located at 10222 The Grove Blvd., in the new High Grove Center off of Bluebonnet and I-10, behind Sephora.

When you enter the Woodhouse spa you are welcomed by a friendly receptionist, a complimentary glass of champagne, wine, coffee or hot tea and a soft, plush robe. This is the stuff moms dreams are made of! Soft, relaxing music and dimmed lights are the perfect recipe for a nap, you will surely miss half of your treatment because you will surely dose off at least once! Whether you get a mani, pedi, facial or a massage, you are able to relax, unwind and revitalize while stimulating your senses. The spa upgraded their water systems, their system has been rated by best water softener reviews of 2017 on WSG.

They have a quiet room to wait in or to go back to for a little more relaxation after your treatment. You can also order in food for a full day at the spa or for a girls gathering. Or, like me, you will want to move into the quiet room!

If you received a Woodhouse Day Spa gift card at our Baton Rouge Moms Night Out event, be sure to schedule your appointment before your gift card expires! You won’t want to let this gift {valued at $120} go to waste!

GIVEAWAY

The Woodhouse Day Spa is giving two more moms a fabulous 50 minute treatment {of your choice}. Follow the instructions via the Rafflecopter below to enter to win! The only mandatory entry is leaving a comment sharing which treatment you would most like to try, all other entries are extra entries into the giveaway, bettering your chances!!

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10 ways to keep your New Year’s goals and stay motivated!

January 8, 2014 by Nicole Decker

So you set some goals for the New Year. Now what? Here are a few tips to help you to stay motivated.

Make realistic, specific goals. Goals that are not just for the short term but will have an impact on you for life.
Did you set up a time-frame for your goal? Set up an app or a calendar reminder daily. Countdown + LITE is a free app that you can customize with your own events and pictures.
Start a daily journal to track your progress weekly.
Enlist a friend to go on this journey with you. It will help you both stay on track.
Are you on Pinterest? Set up a ‘Motivation’ board. Having something visual to go back too can be very encouraging.
Be vocal. Social media can be highly encouraging when you let your goals known and your hard work getting there.
Don’t get discouraged. Progress is progress no matter how small. Keeping your spirits up will be key. There will be obstacles along the way it is important to stay focused. Visualize the results.
Avoid burn out. Give yourself a short break. Refocus. Recharge then Dominate!
Reward yourself along the way.
BELIEVE in Yourself & Enjoy the Journey!

Once Upon a Child Now Buying Your Gently Used Clothes

January 2, 2014 by Maggie

Once Upon a Child is coming to Baton Rouge this month! They are working hard to stock up their store, located on the corner of Siegen Lane and Airline, and that’s where you come in.

They are NOW open to buy your gently used children’s clothing and you will get cash on the spot. That could help you recover some of that holiday spending cash!

About Once Upon a Child

Kids look so great in stylish outfits, but who wants to pay high-end prices when clothes are outgrown so quickly? Once Upon A Child offers the perfect solution: the latest in new and gently used brand name clothes, toys, books, equipment, and furniture…just right for fast-growing babies, toddlers and youth.

Save yourself the hassle of garage sales and online listings when you can swing into the nation’s leading buyer and seller of name brand, new and gently used kids stuff. Simply gather up your gently used kids stuff including: clothing, playards, toddler beds, changing tables, strollers highchairs, toys and bring them to Once Upon A Child for $$$ on-the-spot for all items accepted.

Because we are buying new and gently used items from our customers all day, every day! Our inventory changes, so shop often!

	Bring in your gently used children’s clothing, toys and baby equipment.
	While you check out the great kids stuff in the store, the buyer will review your items.
	The buyer will select and make an offer on the items that meet current style, safety and condition standards, as well as store’s current stock levels.
	Once you accept the offer, you’ll be on your way with some extra money, some great new stuff for your kids, or both!

At Once Upon A Child you’ll find a huge selection of gently used kids clothing, toys, furniture and equipment at up to 70% off retail! We’re not your typical secondhand store. The items that we buy and sell are next to new, good quality, clean and have been checked for safety standards.

No appointment necessary – we buy every day and will pay you on the spot! Check with your local store for additional details.

ABOUT US:

Each Once Upon A Child location is individually owned and operated by moms and dads like you, who understand money doesn’t grow on trees and that the safety of your baby is paramount. We will soon open our doors and can’t wait to welcome you all to our great concept!!

Our customers want quality children’s clothing and we’re excited that we can offer discounts up to 70% off of original retail prices. We strive to offer a fun and convenient way to sell your gently used items. Whether you’re buying or selling, we would love to help you find what you’re looking for. We offer payment on-the-spot for items we select that meet current style, safety and condition standards. We maintain high merchandise standards by thoroughly inspecting all toys and equipment for any safety recalls.

Tony and Julie Finical opened Plato’s Closet in Baton Rouge over 10 years ago. They have since opened 3 other stores in Lafayette, Metairie and Mobile. Now they are moving on to new brands – Once Upon A Child and Style Encore!

WHAT WE BUY:

clothing, footwear, toys and baby gear
newborn/infant – youth sizes

SAFETY:

Also something really great about what we do – our safety value. http://www.onceuponachildbatonrouge.com/safety

Our wish for you in 2014

December 31, 2013 by Tiany Davis

We have some exciting things taking place on the Baton Rouge Moms site and within the Baton Rouge community in 2014. We are kicking off January with a month long organization theme. We will be sharing resources, tips and products that will help make life, school, work and home realistically organized and better planned! If you don’t have a planner for 2014, you won’t want to miss tomorrow’s post. We are giving away planners, planning tools and sharing FREE printable planners!

We hope you have a great 2014 with your loved ones!

Our wish for you in 2014…

May you be blessed with sudden insights and inspiration.
May you be graced with quiet moments of simplicity and reflection.
May you be supported by your loved ones when you need them.
May you be a source of strength to those around you.
May you receive embraces from family and friends.
May you pick up a hobby that you have always wanted to do.
May you say goodbye to habits and thoughts that have become a burden for you.
May you forgive those who have hurt you, and
May you have the courage to make amends when needed.
May you be blessed to be a blessing in our great community in 2014.
May you build the home you have always wanted for yourself and your family
May you have late mornings with a good cup of coffee, and enjoy the fresh air.
May you feel healthy- physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
May hope, love, and warmth be in your heart’s possessing,
and may the New Year bring you and yours many blessings.

Baton Rouge Moms

adapted from Frederick L Klein

Flu Prevention: 8 Tips to Avoid the Flu

December 29, 2013 by Tiany Davis

The flu season is upon us, and there is no time like the present to adopt protective measures to keep colds or the flu at bay. Unfortunately, many across the country seem to be catching the bug early on with reports of illness — particularly in the south – New York, Texas, Louisiana and Alabama have been reporting widespread influenza — chiefly caused by H1N1 (swine flu) that is more likely to sicken younger adults than the elderly. A new report from the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says Louisiana is among ten states in the US where the flu is widespread meaning more than half the state is reporting flu activity.

The CDC reports more than 1,600 new cases in Louisiana last week.

At least five people have died from flu in Texas — all from swine flu. Health authorities say this year’s flu vaccine can prevent swine flu and several other flu strains, if people get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is a whole separate {hot} topic.Last year, according to the CDC, only 45 percent of Americans got the flu shot.

Flu or Cold? Know the Differences:

{click on image to enlarge or download for a full page PDF}

Helpful tips to prevent the cold or flu…

Washing Hands – The advice we have all heard a thousand times is still our best defense to keep away sickness. The simple act of washing hands is something most of us do every day without much thought. There really is an art to keeping hands clean. Washing prevents disease and promotes wellness. Use warm, soapy water and rub hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while rubbing, to keep track of the time.
Strengthen your immune system before it comes under attack.– Keeping yourself in top health and strengthening your immune system will help keep the flu and colds at bay. Probiotics will do wonders to boost the immune system! Echinacea and zinc help protect against colds too. Vitamin C is an essential year-round immune system booster.
Eat Garlic, and lots of it! – Garlic may have some infection-fighting capability. In laboratory tests, researchers have seen garlic work against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Clean surfaces – I never walk into a grocery store without cleaning the grocery cart handle FIRST! Products such as hand sanitizer, wipes and sprays can do the trick! I never leave home without my travel sized Lysol wipes. Clean doorknobs, counter-tops, faucet handles, kitchen appliances, cell phones and the TV remote.
Have your Vitamin D levels checked – If you or your child (like mine) seem to get any passing bug, you might want to consider the possibility of Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can help those with asthma and other chronic lung conditions. A recent study showed that people with the lowest vitamin D levels report having significantly more cases of cold and flu than those with higher levels. Vitamin D is produced by the body in response to sunlight and is also found in fortified foods such as milk.
Get plenty of exercise – Exercise boosts the immune system by clearing out the lymph system. It also boosts mood which is a protective factor in the prevention of illness.
Cut down on sugar – Simple sugars, including glucose, table sugar, fructose, and honey caused a fifty- percent drop in the white blood cells ability to resist infections for several hours. Read more on the harmful effects of sugar.
Get your Z’s – According to Sleep Doctor Michael Breus, Ph.D. “There’s a significant body of research showing immune function is tied closely to the body’s 24-hour circadian clock,” says Breus. “When sleep is deprived, this cycle is weakened and disrupted, and the immune system suffers.” Research shows that even mild sleep deprivation is associated with deterioration in immune function. “The impact of even a few nights of disrupted sleep on immune function can linger even after sleep levels have improved,” he says.

Keep your immune system strong, protect yourself, wash hands, eat well and get your Z’s to prevent illness from striking! Check back for Wellness Wednesday, we are share 10 tips for treating the flu naturally!

How do you protect your family from the flu virus?

Sources: webmd.com

Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor, registered dietitian, or fitness expert. The purpose of this site is to share our experiences with food, fitness, and life. When it comes to your health, fitness, parenting, please be sure to do some research or contact your physician.

Five Favorite Holiday Breakfast Recipes – Quiche, Frittata, Casseroles and more!

December 23, 2013 by Tiany Davis

You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to judge how appetizing and flavorful these 5 breakfast meals are. The Quiche Lorraine with Spinach is one dish which will never fail to impress your guests. We eat this every holiday morning and it heats well a day, or two or even three days after making. My boys will devour two whole pies of this family favorite in minutes! I usually double or triple this recipe and make four quiche at a time. This is also the perfect quick breakfast to make ahead for busy mornings when the family is rushing to get out the door.

Ready to go into the oven… not the prettiest crust but it will do.

Quiche Lorraine with Spinach or Quiche Florentine with Bacon

2013-12-22 23:30:44

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Ingredients

1 cup roughly chopped fresh or drained frozen spinach
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled or real bacon bits (1/2 cup)
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped green onion
3 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

Instructions

-Preheat oven to 425. -In pie shell, combine bacon, spinach, cheese and onion.
-Separately, mix together eggs and milk, add salt and pepper. Pour into pie shell.
-Place quiche on baking sheet and put in the oven. Bake 15 minutes at 425, then reduce heat to 350 and bake 30 minutes more. It’s done when a knife inserted comes out clean.

Notes

This recipe can be made with a number of different ingredients, including leeks, shallots, capicolla ham, sausage, mushrooms, asparagus, red peppers, tomatoes and mushrooms.

Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

Ham, Zucchini, and Gruyere Frittata

2013-12-22 23:38:23

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Ingredients

1 cup chopped deli ham
2 small zucchini, sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper
8 eggs, beaten
½ cup grated Gruyere

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425. Heat oil in 10 inch ovenproof nonstick skillet. Add ham and zucchini, season with salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes. Add eggs and gruyere, season with salt and pepper. Cook until edges are set, 2 minutes. Transfer to oven, cook 10-13 minutes. Cut into 6 wedges.

Notes

Also try: Potato-Leek Frittata, Spinach, Onion, and Bacon Frittata, and Tomato, Scallion, and Cheddar Frittata.

Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

Christmas Breakfast Casserole

2013-12-23 00:23:53

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Ingredients

7 slices white bread, crusts removed and cubed or cubed fresh rolls
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese
6 eggs, lightly beaten
3 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled or real bacon bits

Instructions

In a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish, combine the bread cubes and cheese.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper; pour over bread and cheese. Sprinkle with bacon.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.
Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 50-55 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

Raspberry-Swirl Sweet Rolls

2013-12-23 00:32:27

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Ingredients

Dough
1 cup(s) milk
2/3 cup(s) sugar
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) active dry yeast
1 stick(s) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon(s) lemon zest, finely grated
1/2 teaspoon(s) fine sea salt
4 1/2 cup(s) all-purpose flour
All-purpose flour, for dusting
Filling
1 package(s) (10-ounce) IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) raspberries, not thawed
1/4 cup(s) sugar
2 tablespoon(s) sugar
1 teaspoon(s) cornstarch
Glaze
3/4 cup(s) confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoon(s) unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 tablespoon(s) heavy cream

Instructions

Make the Dough: In a small saucepan, warm the milk over moderately low heat until it's 95 degrees F. Pour the warm milk into the bowl of a standing electric mixer fitted with the dough hook and stir in the sugar and yeast. Let stand until the yeast is foamy, about 5 minutes. Add the softened butter, eggs, grated lemon zest, and sea salt. Add the flour and beat at medium speed until a soft dough forms, about 3 minutes. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the dough is soft and supple, about 10 minutes longer.
Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it with your hands 2 or 3 times. Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly buttered bowl. Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours.
Line the bottom of a 9- by 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to extend up the short sides. Butter the paper and sides of the pan. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and, using a rolling pin, roll it into a 10- by 24-inch rectangle.
Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the frozen raspberries with the sugar and cornstarch. Spread the raspberry filling evenly over the dough. Tightly roll up the dough to form a 24-inch-long log. Working quickly, cut the log into quarters. Cut each quarter into 4 slices and arrange them in the baking pan, cut sides up. Scrape any berries and juice from the work surface into the baking pan between the rolls. Cover the rolls and let them rise in a warm place until they are puffy and have filled the baking pan, about 2 hours.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bake the rolls for about 25 minutes, until they are golden and the berries are bubbling. Transfer the pan to a rack to cool for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners' sugar with the butter and heavy cream until the glaze is thick and spreadable.
Invert the rolls onto the rack and peel off the parchment paper. Invert the rolls onto a platter. Dollop glaze over each roll and spread with an offset spatula. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

The sweet rolls can be filled with a variety of frozen fruit. Try blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, or chopped sweet cherries.

Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

Photo Credit – Pillsbury.com

Chocolate Chip-Cinnamon Breakfast Ring

2013-12-23 00:43:52

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Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
2 (12.4-oz.) cans Pillsbury® Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls with Icing
1 (3.4-oz.) pkg. vanilla pudding and pie filling mix (not instant)
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Heat oven to 375°F. Using 1 tablespoon of the butter, generously butter 12-cup fluted tube cake pan. In small microwavable bowl, microwave remaining butter on High 1 min or until melted when stirred.
Separate both cans of dough into 16 rolls. Cut each roll in half crosswise; place half of roll pieces in pan. Sprinkle with half of the dry pudding mix and half of the brown sugar. Drizzle with half of the melted butter. Repeat with remaining roll pieces, pudding mix, brown sugar and melted butter. Sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Bake 24 to 28 minutes or until rolls are deep golden brown and dough appears done when slightly pulled apart. Cool in pan 2 minutes. Place heatproof serving platter upside down over pan; turn platter and pan over. Remove pan. Cool 15 minutes.
Remove lid from icing. Microwave icing on High 10 to 15 seconds or until of drizzling consistency. Drizzle icing over ring. Cut into wedges to serve.

Notes

Prep the night before - put everything except butter in pan the night before, refrigerate. In the morning, drizzle the melted butter over the top and bake.

Baton Rouge Moms http://batonrougemoms.com/

(I’d Like To) Stop Trying To Do “All The Things!”

December 14, 2013 by Harmony

The holidays turn me into a lunatic. And I don’t mean the fun kind.

I’ve never been one of those over-the-top, crafty moms who bake bread and braid it into shapes and sew tiny outfits and such. I’m not over-the-top (in that way) at ALL. I can’t even handle Elf On The Shelf, which makes me wonder how on Earth everyone else is able to function at such a high level during this time of year. If you look at Facebook, it seems like every child in America has an Elf On The Shelf. How do those moms do it? I seriously struggle with just trying to figure out what I’m going to get my people for Christmas … anything extra throws me right over the edge.

I find myself thinking that I could get sucked into the black hole of Pinterest and MAKE EVERYONE A GIFT and at least solve the problem of the gift list. But would it really solve anything for me to be up half the night frantically crafting – which sounds like an oxymoron – while my husband snores? I’ll tell you what it would solve. Nothing. Here’s what would happen: I would allow anger to fester over the fact that he was sleeping while I hand-made gifts for our entire family, and finally, fueled by rage and over-caffeination, I would hot glue his face to a throw pillow. When he woke up from the pain, I would scream that it was all his fault.

Merry Christmas, Crazy.

I read something recently about how women get caught up in doing all the things during the holidays and they don’t give themselves permission to slow down. I probably speak for a lot of you when I say that I’m not quite sure HOW to slow down, but if anything will force you to, it’s multiple children. Juggling little people tends to make every single process take an eternity, which is why our tree doesn’t have anything but lights on it this year and the boxes full of Christmas décor sat in my laundry room untouched for a full week before I finally asked my husband to get them out of my sight because just looking at them made me feel like a failure.

But.

Maybe it’s a blessing that children force us to slow down. That’s part of what is magical about a baby; I run around like a mad woman, but she has to eat every 3 hours whether I like it or not. And so, like clockwork, I sit down with her and smell her sweet head for a few minutes while she eats. For those moments, I’m still, before the madness resumes again. When I read that inspiring piece about how moms just need to stop trying to do all the things so that they can enjoy their families and their blessings in a chilled-out, relaxed manner, I thought YES. Yes, I WILL DO THAT. I’m giving myself permission to stop trying to do all the things this year, not that I am capable of doing them anyway … but I’ll stop feeling guilty for not at least giving it a try.

We are blessed with what we need and we have each other, and that is enough. At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself over and over and over again, until it sinks in and I magically become relaxed … ? Somewhere right now, my husband is cracking up.

I’ll let you know how it goes.