Johnsonville Cajun Celebration

About two months ago my sister let me know about a great FREE GIVEAWAY from Johnsonville sausage. The giveaway was for a Cajun Celebration Kit. I had entered, as so many others did, and won one of the kits. Their was a glitch on Johnsonvilles side and too many applied, more than the allowed number of kits. At first Johnsonville said sorry we cannot send out all the kits. I was very disappointed because I was really excited about this giveaway, as 1,000s of other people were. A few weeks later Johnsonville came back and apologzied and honored the giveaway to everyone who had entered. I actually forgot about the kit until a UPS driver came to my door the other day.

The box was a bit heavy, about 4lbs! I cut it open to find a box filled with goodies! GREAT coupons inside, full sized products, some Mardi Gras beads and masks as well as recipes, an apron and cutting board.

Kit includes: 3 Mardi Gras masks, beads, apron, recipes, magnet, measuring spoons, cutting board, reusable bag, 1 can of Red Gold Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, 1 bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce and a magnetic shopping list. Coupons that were included in kit: $1 off Pompeian Olive Oil, FREE Red Gold Product ANY VARIETY, $1 off Klondike brand potatoes, BOGO FREE Gourmet Garden Herbs & Spices, FREE ANY Uncle Bens Ready Rice and a FREE 1 Package, Any Flavor Johnsonville Premium Cooking Sausage.



I was going to wait til the weekend to make something from the recipe booklet I received but couldn't wait! I looked through the recipes and found one I liked, Red Beans & Rice. I love to cook! I also love to come up with my own thing, or take two recipes and combine them. I did follow the recipe somewhat, I didn't add some ingredients and cut some in half. We aren't 'full' onion type of people. I know you cook until soften but we can still taste them. I don't want the dish to be overpowered by onions.




Red Beans & Rice

3 tbls. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 14.5oz cans of Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed (I used 2 but I think 1 1/2 is enough)
2 c. Rachel Ray chicken stock (I have noticed that the Rachel Ray brand is a bit healthier than Swansons)
1 tbls. McCormick Gourmet Cajun Seasoning (less if you don't like it spicey)
1 tbls. garlic, minced
1/4 yellow onion, minced (This is 1/4 of a large onion, not 1/4 cup. Again we aren't big onion people, but recipe calls for 1 large onion)
1 8oz. Uncle Bens Original Ready Rice, cooked following package directions
1 13.5 oz Johnsonville Premium Anouille Sausage, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 10oz can Red Gold Tomatoes w/Green Chile, not drained (Rotel will work, I had received this can free in my kit)
Salt & Pepper to taste

In a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat and saute onions until soften. Add celery and garlic cook until garlic is lightly browned. Add sausage and stir ingredients until everything is combined. Cook for about 4 minutes. Meanwhile, cook the rice according to package directions. Add the tomatoes, rice, Cajun seasoning, beans and about 1/4tsp. of salt. Stir in chicken broth and cover, cook for about 15 minutes. Add salt and pepper to your liking.

Serves 3-4, hubby and I both had 2 bowls and still had a large bowl full left.

*What I like to do is add salt and pepper after each step. I just add a pinch here and there to give the food some flavor. Something I have learned from Food Network TV.

LOVE LOVE LOVE GARNIER BB CREAM!

Ok first off, let me just tell ya I LOVE THIS STUFF! Garnier BB Cream totally rocks! I recieved a FREE full sized bottle of Garnier BB Cream about a month ago from BzzAgent and was super excited to give it a try! I was using L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream but wasn't too happy about it. Left my skin oily, didn't cover well, a bit dark for me and not a high SPF coverage. Here in AZ you have to make sure you are wearing sunscreen on your face and body!

What exactly is BB Cream?

BB Cream stands for blemish Balm, blemish base or beauty balm.

What exactly is Garnier BB Cream and what does it do?

Miracle Skin Perfector + Advanced Skincare + Coverage
Garnier BB Cream is great for dull, discoloration, blotchy and dry skin.
Oil Free & SPF 20 (Garnier website says SPF 15, but it is actually SPF 20)
6 Benifits: Controls Shine / Minimises Pores / Evens Complexion / Corrects Blemishes / Hydrates / UV Protection
24 hour coverage with enough coverage as a makeup

The first time I tried the BB Cream was for Easter, a pool party at my sisters. I knew I needed some coverage, but didn't want to wear a lot of makeup because it was hot out. I applied the BB Cream and added a light dusting of my Revlon Mineral Powder. It looked as though I took a long time to do my makeup. Looked like I was wearing a liquid and a powder. No one could tell it took me under 20 minutes to do my makeup! The BB Cream gave me great coverage, didn't leave my face oily and lasted all day! Now that summer is coming, it's great to know my makeup routine has been cut down in time and will stay on all day.



First time I applied the cream



Second time applying the cream



**Although I said first time applying the cream and second time applying the cream. I used the cream in between their as well. I am wearing this cream everyday! It truly covers and is perfecting my skin!

Both pictures I used my BzzAgent Neutrogena Colorstick that I received free as well. Love that colorstick! I also am using my FREE BzzAgent Got2Be Powderful! I am officially a BZZAGENT WALKING BILLBOARD! LOL

@GarnierUSA Oil-Free B.B. Cream


**Gotta give some love to my Big Brother Mijo! If you look at my shirt you will see it says DON'T DRINK & DRIVE. I made it in memory of my big brother Gilbert Quintana-Sena who was killed by a drunk driver 10/5/2011. PLEASE DON'T DRINK & DRIVE! I love you big brother!!

Got2Be Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder

Hi everyone I've received another FREE product from BzzAgent and here to let y'all know what I liked and didn't like about the product. The product I received was Got2Be Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder; one for me and 2 extra for friends! I was very surprised to find 3 full sized products! BzzAgent is very generous in their campaigns!

What is Got2Be Powderful Volumizing Styling Powder?

*Exactly that; a volumizing powder that can be sprinkled into the roots of your hair or sprinkled into your hand. If you sprinkle it into your hand, rub your hands together and then work the powder into your hair. No tools are needed to get volume with this product! The weightless powder texturizes and gives you a boost of volume.

Ok so now for the pro's & the con's:

Pro:

Works a bit better if you put it into your hand
Smells good
Easy to use
*I used it the following day before mousse* Gave me some volume

Con:

*When poured onto scalp* Left my hair super tacky and sticky
*When poured into my hand and then distributed into my hair* Hair was tacky and a bit sticky

#got2bfamous #GotItFree #BzzAgent



AFTER PHOTOS:



I reapplied the following day without mousse in my hair to see if it does actually give you volume. It did, not as much as I would like but it does give you volume.

Windex Touch Up Review

I keep seeing commercials for the new Windex Touch Up and have looked into the reviews. I found nothing but positive reviews and thought this would be a product to try out. It sells for $4-5 at local grocery and mass retail stores. Last week Fry's Food had it on sale for $2.49 and I was able to print a coupon for $1.50 off one Windex Touch Up. Great deal huh!? And also their was a Catalina for SC Johnson products. I believe it was BUY 4 SC JOHNSON PRODUCTS AND GET A $3 OFF YOUR NEXT ORDER CATALINA. Made the deal even better!

Now if you know me you know I love to cook! I make a big mess when I cook.....I don't mean too, just happens! Lol! I normally use Clorox wipes or 409 spray. Both work great and have a 'clean' smell. Scents are big for me, especially if it's a cleaning product. Laundry soap and household cleaners have to leave my house and clothes smelling clean and fresh. Unless of course I am using an unscented product.

Review:

1. Easy to use
2. One dab isn't enough to clean the whole counter. I like the whole area to get a bit saturated with the cleaning product.
3. Dab - clean an area - dab - clean an area & repeat
4. The smell was HORRIBLE! If something is a 'citrus' scent I think an orange tree or fresh squeezed orange juice.
Smells clean and ahhh....NOT THIS CITRUS SCENT! Have you or your hubby used Fast Orange, cleaner for the mechanics hands?
You buy it at the local auto parts store. Smells just like this grease cleaner. It also smells like the product Goo Gone.
5. When I pressed down onto the top, the cleaner spritzed through the paper towel, onto the back of my hand. NOT COOL!
6. It's a bit oily like the Goo Gone.
7. Would I recommed it?? No. Crappy thing is I bought one for the bathroom too. They seem like a waste of money to me.

Garlic & Herb Chicken with Brown Butter Green Beans

I came across some new seasonings last night while shopping at Safeway. Weber Just Add Juice Garlic and Herb marinade. They were Buy One Get One Free and I had $1/2, so I bought 3 packets. I like that fact that you add the juice of a lemon or lime instead of mixing the packet with oil. For one packet it takes 1/2 cup of juice. I used 3 large sized lemons to get 1/2 cup. To get more juice out of your lemon or limes, roll and gently press the lemon. Cut it in half and juice. I marinated the chicken over night and then after the chicken was cooked and plated, I drizzled lemon vinaigrette on top. So much flavor and o'so good!

For one of my sides I had oven roasted red potatoes seasoned with dill and Mortons Roasted Garlic Sea Salt Grinder. I cut them into bite sized pieces, put them into a Ziploc freezer bag and added some Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Then I added the seasonings. I let the potatoes sit and marinate while I get out the other ingredients needed for dinner.

Another side was Green Beans with Brown Butter and Pine Nuts. Pine nuts are kind of pricey, $4-$5 for a 2.25oz bag. I only use a little bit for this recipe, I don't use the exact amount recommened. Roll the bag tightly and place in a Ziploc bag and store in the freezer til next recipe. They will stay good for a while.

Green Beans with Brown Butter and Pine Nuts (Sandra Lee, Food Network)

Total Time: 13 min.
Prep 5 min.
Cook 8 min.
Yield:8 servings.
Level:Easy

Ingredients
2 (1-pound) bags cut green beans, frozen
2 tablespoons water
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon crushed garlic
1/2 cup pine nuts
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place green beans with 2 tablespoons of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and cook for 6 to 7 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large skillet over medium low heat. As the butter bubbles it will start to turn brown and give off a nutty aroma. Once it has reached a light brown color, add garlic, cooked and drained green beans and pine nuts. Toss to combine and saute for 1 minute until heated through. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Serve immediately.

I thought I would a little salad as well to place the chicken on. I used about 2 cups of washed and cut into pieces kale. I heated some olive oil in a pan and browned 1tsp of diced garlic. I added the kale and tossed it in the oil. I then added about 1/4 cup of lemon vinaigrette.

Lemon Vinaigrette (Martha Stewart)

Yield Makes 1/2 cup


Ingredients

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil


Directions

Combine mustard, lemon zest, and juice in a jar; season with salt and pepper. Add some of the oil, then cover and shake to combine. Continue adding more oil and shaking until all the oil is incorporated and mixture is thickened and uniform in color. Serve immediately.

**I didn't have Dijon mustard so I didn't add it to my vinaigrette. I also used 5tbls of extra virgin olive oil.



**When your meat is done cooking, take it out of the pan and let rest before cutting. It will hold all of its juices. If you cut it right away, your meat might be a little dry.

**If a recipe calls for an ingredient that is pretty pricey, $5 pine nuts or $5 cheese, I will pay it. I like to add what the recipe calls for. I know I didn't add dijon mustard to the vinaigrette, but that ingredient we do not eat.

I say $5 cheese because I just bought some Manchego cheese last night for another recipe I want to try out tomorrow. Chorizo stuffed piquillo peppers. That cheese at Fresh and Easy is $13.99/lb!!! Yes you read that right! $13.99! I just grabbed what was cheapest, hope I have enough. Check out this recipe for the stuffed peppers.

Stuffed Piquillo Peppers with Chorizo and Manchego (Anne Burrell Food Network)

Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.
Prep 30 min.
Inactive 20 min.
Cook 15 min.
Yield:4 servings.
Level: Easy

Ingredients

Extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 small onion, finely diced
Kosher salt
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
1 garlic clove, smashed and finely chopped
1/4 pound chorizo, casing removed and finely chopped
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated aged Manchego
1/2 bunch Italian parsley, leaves finely chopped
1 (10-ounce) jar piquillo peppers, drained and patted dry
2 cups washed baby arugula
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 scallions, white and green, cut very thin on the bias
Sherry vinegar
Big fat finishing extra-virgin olive oil (high quality)

***Sherry vinegar was about $2 more that red wine vinegar. So I bought the red wine vinegar instead. Online it said they are comparable.***

Directions

Coat a saute pan, over medium heat, with olive oil. Add the onion, season with salt, to taste, and toss in the crushed red pepper. Saute the onions until they are soft and very aromatic, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 2 to 3 more minutes. Stir in the chorizo and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the bread crumbs. Let the mixture cool. When cool, add the Manchego and parsley. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if needed.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Stuff the peppers with the filling and arrange them on a sheet pan. If there is extra stuffing, press a little on top of each of the peppers. Put the peppers in the oven to warm through, about 8 minutes.
While the peppers are in the oven, combine the arugula, almonds and scallions in a large bowl. Dress the salad with sherry vinegar, big fat finishing oil and salt, to taste. Check for seasoning and divide the salad between 4 serving plates.

Remove the peppers from the oven and arrange 2 peppers on each salad. Serve while the peppers are warm.


**I acutally found sliced almonds at Safeway for $1.99 on sale and their was a $1 off peelie on the package. SCORE!!

Hope y'all try out these recipes!