Gifts for the Kitchen They will Love

The Ninja® Intelli-Sense™ Kitchen System with Auto-Spiralizer™ features a smart and powerful base that transforms into four high-performance appliances. Intelli-Sense Technology delivers optimal results every time—all at the tap of a touchscreen. Features include:

• 12 Smart Programs: Chef-designed automatic recipe creations deliver optimal results every time. Precisely calibrated patterns of pulsing, pausing, and speed create everything from fresh salsa and pizza dough to margaritas and decadent ice creams—all it takes is a simple touch.
• Smart Vessel Recognition: Automatically adjusts speed, power, and torque for each attachment, and the touchscreen changes to display a unique menu of Smart Programs, enabling one Smart Base to become four high-performance appliances.
• Intuitive touchscreen: A sleek, flat screen responds to your touch and lets you select between vessel-specific Smart Programs and manual options.
• 1200-watt base with four interchangeable vessels, including a 72 oz. Total Crushing® Pitcher; a 24 oz. Single-Serve Blender Cup; a 64 oz. Precision Processor™ Bowl; and an Auto-Spiralizer

All attachments are BPA free and dishwasher safe

Ninja® Coffee Brewer with Auto-iQ® One-Touch Intelligence and Thermal Flavor Extraction® Technology unlocks your coffee’s full flavor potential. Features include:

• Choose a Size: Cup, Travel Mug, Half Carafe, or Full Carafe
• Choose a Brew: Classic, Rich, Over Ice, or Specialty
• Pod-Free Single Serve
• Auto-iQ One-Touch Intelligence adjusts the brew cycle based on the brew size and brew type you select
• 43 oz. Glass Carafe and Intelligent Warming Plate
• Removable water reservoir

Both products are available at major retailers everywhere. Get that Ninja gift for your loved one.

Crown Royal Gift Set

One WINNER will win a The Crown Collection – Crown Royal Gift Set Read review here

Sponsor by: The BroBasket

Hosted by: Night Helper

Open to: USA only 18yrs. +

Start date: 12/04~12/11 12am

The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply

Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Night Helper Blog (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

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Pearson Farm Taste of Pecans Gift Box Giveaway

If you live in the South, you know pecans are a staple in the kitchen during the holidays.  For those of you that want to give the gift of pecans, I bring you Pearson Farm  Check them out for ALL of your holiday gifting needs.  I received this delectable  Taste of Pecan gift box with four bags of pecans. 
Flavors include: Toasted & Salted, Cinnamon Roasted, Southern Praline, and Seasoned. Packaged in a  resealable poly gift bags, boxed and tied with a bow!

My fave was the toasted and salted.  If you have a pecan lover on your gift list, hurry and order now!

 One of my readers will win this Taste of Pecans Gift Box gift box from Pearson Farm!
Enter the Rafflecopter below. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or forfeit prize.
 Pearson Farm will ship the gift box to the winner.

Dixie Vodka for the Holidays

Dixie is crafted from vodka 6x distilled from non-GMO corn. Dixie  then utilizes an innovative process called TerrePURE to strip out additional impurities post-distillation. Dixie comes in our base vodka, plus three all-natural flavors: Citrus, Black Pepper and Mint. As a corn-based product, Dixie is gluten-free.  Dixie Vodka is proudly blended and  bottled in N. Charleston, South Carolina. Contact your local package store to get The South's Best Tasting Vodka!

Here is my fave recipe from Dixie Vodka:

Just a Pinch Punch

1 bottle Dixie Mint Vodka
3 large tea bags (or 12 individual bags) for iced tea, or purchase your choice of pre-made sweet tea
4 cups water
1 cup sugar
fresh mint sprigs
4 cups of lemonade
8 lemon slices

Bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from the heat and add in tea bags. Let tea bags steep for 5 minutes then remove. Stir in one cup of sugar until dissolved. Pour tea, lemonade, and vodka into preferred punch serving bowl. Add additional 3 quarts of water and stir together. Muddle handful of mint leaves in a separate bowl and add to punch ingredients. Cover and chill until cool. Fill mason jars with ice and pour in tea. Garnish with mint sprig and lemon slice.

Please drink responsibly.  

How To Cook The Best Thanksgiving Turkey

Everyone wants to know how to cook the best Thanksgiving turkey. First, you have to buy a Butterball turkey!  This is one time of year I am brand loyal.  Consider this Sweet Spiced Tarragon Roast Turkey.  This succulent roasted turkey is sure to please your palate and your guests.  Make sure you have your roasting pan, your spices,  basting brush, aluminum foil, just to name a few.  If you have questions, Butterball will is here to help!

·         Text Help (844-877-3456): Send the Turkey Talk-Line a text! Holiday cooking text help will be available starting Nov. 1, with extended hours starting the week of Thanksgiving.

·         1-800-BUTTERBALL (1-800-288-8372): Turkey Talk-Line experts will be available this season starting November 1, 2017, through December 24, 2017, to answer questions and assist all Thanksgiving cooks.

 Make sure you are prepared with the rest of your meal!  Here are a few interesting facts from Butterball:

Butterball conducted its first-ever consumer survey this year for a pulse on Thanksgiving preppers’ expectations and realities when it comes to one of the most important meals of the year. I wanted to share some interesting findings for you to include. The survey found:

·         Two-thirds of Americans rank Thanksgiving as one of their favorite holidays.

·         Two-thirds of Americans like to incorporate new traditions into their celebrations…many of which include cooking up new and different recipes for loved ones to enjoy.

·         Out of all things Thanksgiving preparers cook up, they’re most proud of the turkey. And 88 percent prep it the old-school way: in an oven.

·         84 percent feel excited about preparing the meal, and 74 percent of Americans don’t expect Thanksgiving to be perfect.

·         It’s the turkey!  Despite the overall positivity around the holiday, first-time millennial preparers are still feeling the pressure. Eight in 10 first-time cooks worry about cooking the turkey correctly.  This number drops among experienced preparers, but still 43% worry about getting it right.

Butterball.com, YouTube, Butterball Cookbook Plus App, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Facebook. 

Please reach out to Butterball with any questions!  Butterball has offered 2 gift checks to buy your Thanksgiving turkey! Winner will have 24 hours to respond to email.  

I was provided promotional items in exchange for this post.

Enter below.

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How to make the best Pumpkin Cheesecake

If you're a fan of all things pumpkin, this recipe is for you.  And it's cheesecake  Yes, yummy, yummy cheesecake.  If you have fresh pumpkin, use it.  I use canned for this recipe and everybody loves it.  Make two.  Make three,  Just make it.  You and your family will be delighted. 

Items needed:

Crust:

1 ½ cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
3 Tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
4 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and light brown sugar. Stir together, then blend in melted butter with fingers. Press into the bottom and 1 inch up the sides of a 9 inch spring form pan.

Filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages Cream Cheese (softened)
1 cup Sugar
1 (15-ounce) can Pumpkin
3 large Eggs
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 ½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
1/2 cup Sour Cream

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese while slowly adding sugar. Beat in pumpkin. Beat in eggs. Beat in cinnamon, cloves and vanilla extract. Beat in flour and then sour cream. Pour into crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the 3rd rack for 1 hour. Center should be set. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Place in the fridge for several hours to set.

Topping:

1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
2 Tablespoons Sugar
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract on medium-low speed for around 5 minutes until soft peaks form. Serve with pumpkin cheesecake.

Winc

Winc is not your traditional wine club: we are a direct-distribution global wine company that personalizes the entire wine experience - We are perfecting how wine is made, distributed, perceived and purchased via our Palate Profile quiz that recommends wine based on your unique tastes and I'll add enjoyed on behalf of a new generation of wine drinkers. It takes the hassle and guesswork out of picking a bottle from your local liquor store and delivers the perfect bottle directly to your doorstep. We do all this as part of our quest to improve the experience for consumers, create a platform for artisanal winemaking, and build a grape-to-glass supply chain that's sustainable for the planet. No more intimidating language and steep price points, and more joy in the act of sharing a bottle.

$22 Off Your First Month of Winc Wine - Winc offers 4 personalized wines each month. Bottles start at $13 each. www.trywinc.com/usfamilyguide

Savory Shrimp Sliders

If you love shrimp, this recipe is for you!  Combine with herbs and spices to make a savory meal. Definitely not an average slider.  If fresh shrimp is available to you,it's even better!

Ingredients:

Shrimp
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
2 cups peeled and cooked shrimp
2 tbsp parsley minced
3 cloves garlic ran through a garlic press

Seasoning:

1/2 tbsp lemon pepper
sea salt to taste
freshly cracked black peppercorns to taste

Directions:
Rinse and pat dry shrimp.
Place the shrimp into a large bowl.
Add the lemon juice, parsley, 1 tbsp of olive oil, garlic, lemon pepper, sea salt, and freshly cracked black peppercorns. Toss the shrimp to evening coat with ingredients.
Place a cast iron skillet or non-stick skillet over med-high heat. Add the remaining 2 tbsps of olive oil.When the oil is hot, place the shrimp one by one into the hot oil. Do not pour the shrimp into the skillet; you don't want the liquid, just the seasoned shrimp.
This recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp, so you are just getting the shrimp hot. Remove shrimp and place into a bowl. Set aside.
Serve.

French Buns, sliced and toasted

In a large cast iron skillet over med-high heat, add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Spread butter over each half of the bun. Place the cut side of the bun down into the hot olive oil and toast until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Toppings:
red bell pepper sliced
cucumber sliced
red onion sliced
romaine lettuce thinly sliced into ribbons
jalapenos thinly sliced
sriracha mayo
roasted red pepper bruschetta

Build Sliders:

Place both side of the toasted bun on a plate. Spoon about a tablespoon of roasted red pepper bruschetta onto one-half of a bun, add shrimp, red onion, and romaine ribbons.
On the remaining half of the sliced toasted bun add sliced red pepper, cucumbers, jalapenos, and sriracha mayo.

Bring both sides together and enjoy.

Have I successfully made your mouth water?

Financing Family Feeding: 5 Ways To Cut Costs

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Keeping the family fed can cost a lot of money with some families regularly spending over a hundred pounds on weekly shops. Being frugal with your finances can reduce this to almost a third – and you don’t have to starve yourself and your family in the process. Here are 5 ways to cut your costs whilst still eating healthy foods and wholesome portions.

Take advantage of coupons and deals

Supermarkets always have deals on - although some are set up to make you spend more money by making you buy more than you would do originally. The deals to avoid are ‘buy one get one half price offers’. Instead stick to reductions on sole items and BOGOF deals.

Many supermarkets may also accept vouchers and coupons. Newspapers may provide these. You may also be able to find a voucher online such as a Walmart coupon code.

Use leftovers

It’s okay to overportion, so long as the leftovers get eaten. Quite often they can make great lunch tomorrow (leftover meat can make a tasty sandwich or soup). Other useful meals for using up leftovers are curry, stew and lasagne. Shove in any meat or vegetables from the night before and use up half tins or semi-opened packets that are close to their sell-by date.

Lower your meat intake

Aside from alcohol, meat is the most expensive item on most people’s shopping list. That said you don’t have to go veggie just to cut costs. Instead, simply limit your meat-eating to every other day. You can also use meat more sparingly by filling out meals such as stews and curries with other foods such as beans, potatoes and carrots. Avoid tinned meat substitutes as these processed foods aren’t as healthy.

Say bye bye to big brands

Okay, so you treat yourself occasionally to well-known brands. But in most cases is the quality really that different? Most supermarkets’ own brand substitutes will do the job and save you a lot of money. This includes sauces, juices, pasta, rice and snacks like biscuits and crisps. Some supermarkets may hide these own brand foods on the upper and lower shelves so take the time to look at prices carefully and don’t just pick up the first item you see on the shelf. Markets can also offer great deals on organic fresh foods such as fruit and veg.

Shop around and don’t be loyal

Visit different supermarkets to get an idea of which ones offer the best deals on various different foods. This may make shopping trips longer by having to visiting multiple stores, but will ultimately save you money. Don’t forget to also visit independent stores such as corner shops and pound stores that may have deals on specific items. Feel free to buy into certain loyalty schemes such as loyalty cards but don’t allow these to dictate where you visit each time – unless you need to go back to that store for its specific deals you may be better off buying certain foods elsewhere.

Rubbermaid Giveaway

You can win this 3 piece Fresh Works set from Rubbermaid!  Enter below!

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20 Summer Salads To Eat When The Weather Gets Hot

Warmer weather is upon us and so is the need for refreshing salads. Check out this list of  20 Summer Salads To Eat When The Weather Gets Hot!

Wonderful Halos Easter Basket Giveaway

Welcome to the Wonderful Halos Easter Basket Giveaway! If you haven’t checked out my review about the Wonderful Halos Mandarins you should check it out now. 

ONE WINNER will win a Wonderful Halos Easter Basket 

Sponsored by: Wonderful Halos

Hosted by: Mom Blog Society

Open to: USA only 18yrs. +

Start date: 03/29-04/13

The winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to reply.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: We reserve the right to make revisions, to cancel, or suspend this contest for any reason. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received Open to the US 18+ only. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The sponsor(s) will be responsible for product shipment to winner(s) of this giveaway. Mom Blog Society (and any other blog participating) is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

Breakfast with belVita Biscuits

Let's face it, mornings can be hectic.  In my household, getting two kids up and off to school leaves me with very little time to eat before I begin my work day.  I am so glad I found out more about belVita biscuits!  They come in so many flavors and sizes and are so delicious!


Did you now when you combine a single package of your favorite flavor and variety of belVita biscuits with a serving of fruit and dairy it provides you with 4 hours of steady nutritious energy?  Pair belVita biscuits with dairy and fruit for 4 hours of nutritious energy.  My mornings just got a whole lot more productive!  I can grab my belVita biscuits, a banana, and a glass of milk  and I am ready to conquer the world.

I was delighted to try out the belVita biscuits strawberry yogurt flavor.  It smelled so good when I opened the package,  I added a glass of fresh milk and a banana to complete my breakfast.  

Now that you know about this delicious option for breakfast,  what are your favorite combinations of belVita biscuits, fruit and dairy?

You can find  belVita biscuits at your nearest  Walmart .  You can save even more with this Ibotta  offer  HERE !!💲

Check out your particpating  Walmart on 1/7 and 1/8 for the belVita biscuits in-store event!  Stack your savings with the Ibotta offer to save even more.

My local Walmart

So many choices of belVita biscuits!!

I grabbed the chocolate bites and strawberry yogurt flavors.

Peppermint Oreo Pie

Items needed:

1 (8-ounce) package Cream Cheese (softened)
½ cup Powdered Sugar
1 (8-ounce) container frozen Whipped Topping (thawed)
½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
15 Peppermint Oreo Cookies (chopped)
1 (6-ounce) Oreo Pie Crust
8 Peppermints (crushed)

In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese while adding the powdered sugar. Beat in 1 cup whipped topping and vanilla extract. Fold in chopped Oreos, then fill the pie crust with the mixture. Top with the additional whipped topping. Place in the fridge to chill for 1 hour or more. When ready to serve, remove from fridge and top with crushed peppermints or you can garnish with more chopped peppermint Oreo’s.

*If you cannot find the Peppermint Oreo Cookies, substitute with regular Oreo Cookies, a small amount of Peppermint Extract and red food coloring.

Rebel Yell Old Fashioned Cocktail

'Tis the season to be jolly!  Nothing like having an Old Fashioned to celebrate the holidays this year.  Enjoy the season and try out this cocktail.

Old Fashioned:

1.5 ounces Rebel Yell

2 dashes bitters

1 lump sugar

Splash of soda

Muddle sugar, soda & bitters in glass. Add bourbon and ice, stir. Garnish with cherry and orange slice.

You can check out more recipes using Rebel Yell  by going here.

Please drink responsibly and do not drink and drive!

Christmas Candy Dipped Pretzels

Candy Dipped Pretzels

Items needed:

1 bag Pretzel Rods
1 (12-ounce) bag Green Candy Melts or Wafers
Vegetable Oil
Christmas Sprinkles
Wax Paper
Wire Rack
Large Pan

Place a large pan under a wire rack.(this will catch the leftover sprinkles to reuse.) Lay out a couple of sheets of wax paper. Pour sprinkles in a small bowl, set aside. In a small and narrow bowl, heat wafers along with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted. Tilt bowl and dip half of the pretzel rod down in the melted candy, turning to coat. Using your finger, run along the back of the pretzel to remove excess melted candy, then place on the wire rack. Coat with sprinkles and let sit for a couple of seconds on the rack so that more candy drips off, then remove and run finger along back of pretzel again to smooth out candy coating. Add a few more sprinkles to the back and sides of the pretzel, then place on a clean sheet of wax paper to harden.

*Have damp towels handy while dipping pretzels. You will need to wipe the excess melted candy off of your fingers before applying sprinkles.
*You will need 1 teaspoon Vegetable Oil for each ½ bag of wafers.

How to make the perfect cookies for Santa Claus

Are you leaving cookies out for Santa this year?  He will love these Ginger Cookies!  Get the kids in the kitchen to help make these delicious cookies.



Items needed:

2 cups All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons Baking Soda
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1 ½ teaspoons Ground Ginger
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
3/4 cup Vegetable Shortening
1/2 cup Sugar, plus additional for rolling
1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar
1/3 cup Molasses
1 large Egg
Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Spray an 11x17 inch pan with cooking spray, set aside. Place a small amount of sugar in a bowl, set aside. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger and cinnamon. Sift into a medium size mixing bowl, set aside. In a large mixing bowl and with an electric mixer, beat vegetable shortening while adding ½ cup sugar. Add dark brown sugar and beat. Add molasses and beat. Beat in egg. Beat in flour mixture. Roll dough into 1 ½ inch balls. Roll dough around in small bowl of sugar. Place on greased pan. Gently press on dough and flatten slightly with fingers. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees on the top (1st) rack for 7 to 9 minutes.

Butterball Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway

Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like a delicious Butterball Turkey! Two readers will win!


Want even more chances to win?  Another BUTTERBALL TURKEY GIVEAWAY is here! 


I have teamed up with Momma Lew to ensure you make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey this year! You can find her recipe for the perfect turkey using a Butterball turkey right HERE. An addition, find out the more than 9 ways that Butterball can help you this Thanksgiving if you find yourself in a turkey conundrum! Butterball is giving away 2 coupons for free turkeys to my readers. Giveaway is open to US Residents, 18+, one entry per household. Giveaway ends 11/15 at 11:59p ET. Good luck!

Want even more chances to win?  Another BUTTERBALL TURKEY GIVEAWAY is here!

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How to celebrate National Pumpkin Day

If you love pumpkin spice, NOW is the time to get your Captain Morgan Jack O' Blast and make these delicious drinks!  

Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast is the first pumpkin spiced rum to ever hit shelves, as a blend of Caribbean rum and everyone’s favorite fall flavors - including fresh pumpkin, cinnamon and other autumnal spices. Whether you’re preparing for your Halloween party or carving Jack-O-Lantern’s with friends, Jack-O’Blast is the perfect way to toast to the pumpkin holiday. Happy National Pumpkin Day!  Enjoy!

Orange Pumpkin Smash 

·         1.5 oz. Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast

·         2 oz. orange juice

·         2 oz. club soda

DIRECTIONS: Combine Jack-O’Blast and orange juice in a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with club soda and enjoy.

Jack-O’Lager

·         1 oz. Jack-O’Blast shot

·         4 oz. Lager 

DIRECTIONS: Drop shot of Captain Morgan Jack-O’Blast in a glass of lager beer and enjoy.

Blasted Brew

·         .5 oz. Jack-O’Blast

·         .5 oz. Cannon Blast

DIRECTIONS: Shake ingredients over ice and strain into a shot glass.

Please drink responsibly and NEVER drink and drive.

Jack O' Blast Hot Chocolate with Toasted Marshmallows

Fall is in the air! ahhh  We know what that means.  All things pumpkin.   This spiked hot chocolate is sure to satisfy your pumpkin craving.    Make a large batch so all your friends can enjoy.  

This recipe makes two (2) servings

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast Spiced Rum (each mug)
• 1 oz. Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Irish Cream (each mug)
• 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 4 1/2 tbsps Dark Chocolate syrup
• Marshmallows

Directions:

1. In a medium sauce pot over low heat, add two (2) cups of heavy cream and four (4) tablespoons of dark chocolate syrup, stir ingredients until the heavy cream is a rich chocolate brown.
2. Remove the pot from the heat source and divide the hot chocolate into two mugs.
3. Add one (1) ounce Bailey's Pumpkin Spice Irish cream, and one (1) ounce of Captain Morgan's Jack-O-Blast Spiced Rum into each mug of hot chocolate.
4. Top each mug with three (3) medium size marshmallows, then torch marshmallows using a baker's Crème brûlée torch, or place the mugs onto a cookie sheet and brown the marshmallows in the oven using the broil setting. 
5. Serve.

Drink responsibly, and never drink and drive