FunnySpoon: Sassy Cooking Shortcuts

Supporting Fellow Moms and Busy Women!

2011-10-10T08:51:00.000-04:00

As you know, we love supporting moms in the blogosphere, like our friend Nucking Futs Mama! So we're excited to share with you an interview with Anna Deskins, author of the children's book The Adventures of Smitty.

Your children's book, The Adventures of Smitty looks magical. Tell us about it.

It's the story of a magical island of little creatures called Smilies and the mischievous little main character, Smitty. He's such a naughty boy. Haha! All the moms and kids I've shared it with have been giving me such a wonderful reaction. I cannot believe it. I have to tell you how excited I am to finally have a life-long dream come true. Writing The Adventures of Smitty was really about finding a story that I would want to read to my children at night. It has to be exciting but not scary so that my two daughters can go to sleep. Basically, I was looking for that perfect blend to read to my kids at night and decided, "Why not try writing my own?"

We've had a lot of changes in our life recently, so I want to make sure that when I put my daughters to sleep that they feel safe. I have short chapters because I know how busy we moms are but if you can just sacrifice 5 minutes at night reading to your kids, it makes a world of difference. Your kids will never forget it. And although we're running around the whirlwind of life, our kids grow up so fast, and that time that we'd rather finish watching what happened in our favorite soap opera instead of reading to our kids will never come again. I hope that The Adventures of Smitty and books like it help moms do exactly that.

And it's only 99 cents this week. That's what I love about it. Now, You are recently divorced. How have you been able to continue writing when going through such a change?

Yes, it is by far one of the most challenging points in my life. To see a marriage you thought would last forever to not last forever was difficult for the two of us. I really learned a lot about myself and most importantly, it's brought me closer to my daughters. I think that's what really motivated me to finish this children's book no matter what. When you're going through changes in your life like this, you need something to hold on to. There's a part of you that wants to prove that you can make it, that you will be a success even if it's not with the partner you originally imagined building a life with. I had to keep writing, for my kids. I want to show them that they have to keep strong, no matter what.

We as women, as moms really need to stick together to support each other and our dreams. We're living in an age when I think we're finally realizing, although we want love, the men in our life aren't the answer to everything. We have to stand up on our own two feet and keep going. True love will happen, but until then, we have to keep moving forward. Our children depend on us and we depend on us.

In addition to being a children's book author, you're also a small business owner. How do you juggle taking care of two daughters and at the same time running a business?

Yes, I am a fashion designer and have a retail store. Any type of creativity is what I'm passionate about. That's why writing The Adventures of Smitty was so important to me. Let me tell you, running a small business in today's economy isn't easy especially when raising two girls at the same time. But somehow, it seems someone's watching over me because my dreams are coming true no matter what. To have that many moms glowing about my children's book, means so much to me. And I know my girls are proud.

When do you ever have time to write?
You mean, in between laundry, running a business, chasing my girls around the house, cleaning the house, and flying back and forth from Miami to New York? Haha? That's one thing I've learned, when you really want to do something, you find a way. Things fall into place if you just go for it and that's what I want to encourage all the moms who are reading this right now. Whatever your goal is, you can do it. Don't let the challenges in your personal life stop you from going for your dreams. Just go for it and it's almost magical how things fall into place.

Where can we get a copy of "The Adventures of Smitty"?
Right now, it's available online, and you can also visit my website where you can read more about my writing process, my recommendations for other books and my own adventures in Mommyhood.

I'm so grateful for your support and the support I'm getting from so many wonderful moms who dream of writing children's books one day too. Writing The Adventures of Smitty has been such an emotional experience for me, a true journey as I was going through so many changes while writing it. It's truly been a blessing in my life. It, along with my daughters, and that guy upstairs have really pulled me through a challenging time.

Thanks for the interview, Anna. And let's go out and support a fellow mom by getting a copy of The Adventures of Smitty today. I know I will!

The Secret Has Been Revealed: Quinoa

2011-09-06T06:34:00.000-04:00

This little superfood has been popping up everywhere and with good cause. Quinoa is the only meat-free complete protein and that means that it contains all 9 amino acids! It is high in fiber, magnesium, iron, and calcium, can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, protect against osteoporosis, and even help control cholesterol. Also, it's gluten-free for those of you with allergies, it's extremely easy to digest, and it's low in fat for those of you looking for healthier grains.

Can you believe it?!

It has actually become a huge phenomenon and if you look closely you can find that it is incorporated in pastas, cookies, chocolate, pie crusts, and even vodka! Quinoa, or "keen-wah" (if you were having trouble like me), is actually a seed and not a grain like most people assume. However, it is known as a grain because the cooking process is pretty much the same.

Quinoa is a small, brilliant looking bead, with a mild, earthy flavor. This "pseudo-cereal" has a fluffy texture similar to couscous. There are over 1,800 varieties but only 3 are found in stores: white, red, and black. Quinoa is extremely versatile and can be made into anything from side dishes to main courses to desserts.

So how do you make quinoa?

Measure and place in a fine mesh strainer. Note: 1 cup of dried quinoa makes about 3 cups cooked.
Rinse well in cool water to remove the natural coating, which has a tendency to make the tiny seeds taste bitter or soapy, then drain. Note: most store-bought boxes are pre-washed, but if you have the time it doesn't hurt to give the little guys and second rinse.
Place in a small saucepan with liquid. "Liquid" can mean water or some kind of stock (chicken, veggie, fish, etc). I tend to go for stock just because it adds extra flavor. The ratio here is 2:1, or 2 cups liquid and 1 cup quinoa. Bring liquid to a boil and cover, turning the heat down to low. Simmer until all liquid has been absorbed, or about 15 minutes. For a visual reference: you should be able to see a tiny tail (the "germ") separating around the seed. Remove from heat and let stand for about 5 minutes and then fluff with a fork as you would couscous.

How do I store quinoa?

Quinoa stores best in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This amazing superfood will stay fresh uncooked for 6 months, cooked in the fridge for up to 5 days, and frozen for up to 3 months.

How do I use quinoa?

Try plain for a healthy and pure protein boost.
Use as an alternative to other regularly used grains, such as pasta or rice.
Stuff into or mix with veggies--pretty much any and all veggies will pair well.
Toss into a salad to make your meal more filling and get some extra protein without adding meat, which can add extra fat or cholesterol.
Have it for breakfast. Its high protein content and quick cook time make it great for starting off your day. Try it with maple syrup and vanilla soy milk or with a fried egg on top.

The combinations are endless as you can see, so experiment with flavors and ingredients! Quinoa should now easily become your new favorite, made-in-a-jiffy, whole grain, which might bode well now that school is back in session!

FYI: 1 cup of quinoa is 155 calories, 30g of carbohydrates, 3g of fat and fiber, and 5.5 grams of protein.

Quinoa Salad	Quinoa Mushroom Risotto	Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta
Basil and Parsley Quinoa	Cheesy Mexican-Style Stuffed Bell Peppers	Sweet Cinnamon Quinoa

Leaving the Labor out of Labor Day

2011-09-02T09:58:00.002-04:00

Labor day unofficially marks the end of summer, so profit from these last few days of sun, free time, and savory BBQ moments. Here are a few things that will keep the labor out of your holiday and allow you the enjoyment you deserve!

School is just around the corner, so keep your money in your pockets and don't buy a bunch of decorations. It's just not necessary! Show some pizazz with colorful desserts, such as stuffed strawberries or liven up ice cubes by dropping in some brightly colored fruit.
If you can prepare it in advance, why not? Potato salad is a must at all backyard dinning events and it actually tastes better if you let it sit (in the fridge) for at least 30 minutes before serving. So, the night before your party boil your potatoes, chop your veggies, toss together, and let chill overnight in the fridge.
It's hot, so it's a good thing you can whip up ice cream sodas and floats in a jiffy. Just remember to not fill your glass too high with soda or you'll have quite a mess on your hands!
And what is the most important part of any backyard cookout? Why the grill of course! On the morning of your lovely holiday sling your chosen pieces of meat, seafood, or veggies (with your favorite marinade or rub, of course) into a large ziplock bag and let marinate for 6 hours. This way you won't lose any precious time when your guests arrive.
Lastly, don't forget to relax, laugh, and enjoy some delicious bits and time with friends and family!

Stuffed Strawberries	Patriotic Fruit Spritzer	Patriotic Flag Cake
Baked Potato Salad	Yellow and Green Potato Salad	Dijon Potato Salad
Lemonade Float	Classic Root Beer Float	Blackberry Ice Cream Soda
Teriyaki Salmon	Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs	Java Marinade
Kansas City Rib Rub	Memphis Rib Rub	Carolina Pulled Pork Rub

RUB-a-Dub-Dub

2011-08-30T06:25:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not talking about bath time.

I'm talking about rubs, another flavorful part of grilling. A rub, like a marinade, adds flavor and texture to your meats, seafoods, fruits, and/or veggies. There are two kinds of rubs:

Dry Rub: made up of herbs and spices and is either sprinkled over or literally rubbed into your grilling items.
Wet Rub: should have a paste-like consistency and include a liquid ingredient. In most cases it is some kind of oil and gently coats the grilling items.

Pretty much anything goes, just like when making a marinade. The spices and seasonings are totally up to you and your personal taste. Just remember that you want to enhance the flavor of whatever your are grilling. Your goal is not to overpower and pop your taste buds.

So keep in mind ...

Balance your flavors by mixing strong flavors with mild complimentary ones.
Rubs should be worked/rubbed evenly and completely into the grilling item as much as possible.
Skin is a flavor blocker so if your meat has skin, try and get underneath it as much as possible.
Apply the rub in advance to give your meat and/or other grilling foods the most flavor possible. If you add your rub just before you start to grill, you're just adding flavor to your grill rack and not your meat.
- Small items: 1 hour
- Large items: 4 hours to overnight

Ready to rub? Try one of these easy recipes:

Kansas City
Rib Rub

Memphis
Rib Rub

Carolina Pulled
Pork Rub

Frosty Summer Drinks

2011-08-23T06:52:00.002-04:00

Temperatures may be in the 90's but we're going to take you back to the 50's with our sweet soda float recipes! Discover the difference between an ice cream float and an ice cream soda. Then dive into a frosty glass of bliss with one of our easy recipes:

Clementine Julius
Classic Chocolate Ice Cream Soda	Lemonade Float
Classic Root Beer Float	Blackberry Ice Cream Soda

For more ideas, check out all our frosty drink recipes!

Makin’ Marinades

2011-08-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Summer is grillin' season and why not? It's nice to relax outside with friends and family. (Plus, it's healthy and inexpensive, but "shhh..."). People talk about "perfect" grilling techniques, but did you know that one of the most important parts of grilling is marinating?

Yes folks, marinating is key because the juices moisten and enhance the flavors of your meats, seafoods, fruits, and veggies. The marinade, whatever it may be, transfers its flavors directly to the outside part of your food. Then, during the grilling process, the food blends with the marinade again adding the second round of flavor. Mmmm ...

But don't get too caught up in all that flavor. There are some important things to keep in mind:

Marinades range in consistency, so don't be worried if you think it is too thick or thin.
The easiest way to marinate is to toss your food and delightful mixture in a large ziplock bag. This way you can shake (to completely coat your food) without worry or disaster.
Preparing in advance is great and I recommend it. However, after 6 hours it doesn't really make a difference and the juices actually start to breakdown your meat, cook your seafood, or overpower your fruits and veggies.
It is very important to note that any additional marinade you have left must be boiled if you want to use it as a side sauce. Remember, you had raw foods soaking inside and you don't want to make your guests sick!

Choosing a marinade is completely up to you and your taste prefence - just make sure your flavors balance. The balance of a marinade is made up of three things:

Acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar, adds tang and allows the marinade to penetrate the food
Aromatics, such as herbs or chiles, add flavor and punch
Fats, such as olive oil or yogurt, keep your food from burning off the marinade before being fully cooked

Try of one our delicious marinades and get grilling!

Sweet Chicken Marinade	Zesty Fish Marinade	Teriyaki Chicken Kebabs
Java Marinade	Teriyaki Salmon	Chili Tabasco Tilapia

For more ideas, check out all our easy marinade recipes!

The FunnySpoon Guide to Grilling

2011-08-09T07:05:00.002-04:00

Now, I am not afraid of fire or touching raw meat, but let's just say I am no professional when it comes to grilling. But this outside food experience is tons of fun and I want that to change. So, if you are like me, then these tips will get you out of the rookie corner!

Heat and Oil

There are two key points in grilling: heat and oil

Make sure you preheat your grill. Think of it like baking - your cake will bake, but it's just not the same if you don't preheat your oven. The preheating process (don't be scared by the word process!) takes about 15-20 minutes for gas grills and 25-40 if you are using charcoal. Use this time to clean your grill rack and scrape off any leftovers from your last cookout. Just scrub the rack with a long-handed stiff wire brush.
Once your rack is spic-and-span, lightly coat your grill with a nonstick spray or rub on some olive oil with a rolled up towel.

Temperature

Depending on what you're cooking, the temperature is important. An easy way to figure out how hot your grill is, is to carefully (I can't stress this enough) put your hand just above the rack (did I say carefully?) and count seconds ...

5 seconds = LOW
4 seconds = MEDIUM (this is a small fire on a charcoal grill)
3 seconds = MEDIUM-HIGH
2 seconds = HIGH
1 second = CRAZY HOT

For thin or small cuts of meat, like hot dogs, kebabs, steaks, chops, and burgers, you'll want things to be hot and fast. So that's the 2-second level, or HIGH. For fish, chicken with bones, veggies, and fruit, you'll want things on the 4-second level, or MEDIUM.

Flipping

To flip or not to flip? Flip when it feels right and the food starts to release its yummy juices. It's also good to move your food around the grill for different heat levels.

Direct Heat: put foods directly over flames if you're searing or want it to cook fast
Indirect Heat: put foods away from the flames and close the lid if you want to cook more slowly

Doneness

Ah, the secret of the master grillers. Even though there are general times for grilling certain things, it is still difficult to tell when something is actually ready. Honestly, it is just best to invest in a good old fashion thermometer. Better to be safe than sorry, my friends.

Remember, you can always cook more, but you can't go back in time and uncook your items. Obviously, undercooked meats are deadly but don't let that frighten you away - it's just a reality. So keep your eye on your grill and know that experience is the best tool (plus, like I said, a thermometer).

There you go - a non-headache guide to grilling like a champ! Now, go out there a grill your hearts out!

Chicken Teriyaki Kebabs	Grilled BBQ Chicken Pizza	Grilled Steak with Goat Cheese Sauce
Beer Can Chicken	Grilled Corn Salad	Grilled Peaches
Smoky Maple Chicken	Sweet Chicken Marinade	Memphis Rib Rub

Want more? Check out all our easy grilling recipes!

Surprise!

2011-08-02T07:59:00.000-04:00

I was browsing through some recipes and found the most amazing and incredible discovery...

One-ingredient ice cream that is fat- and dairy-free! Yes, I'm talking about ice cream that's healthy for you. I know it sounds crazy, and to be honest, I didn't believe it either, but it is true. Plus, you're going to be even more pumped when I tell you what the one ingredient actually is...

BANANAS!

Turns out, pulverizing frozen bananas with your food processor creates an ice cream-like creation that's pretty darn heavenly. And not only is this lusciously delicious dessert healthy, it's super simple to whip up.

Banana Ice Cream

Here are the key points:

Bananas are obviously important, so opt for very ripe bananas. What's very ripe mean? Well, your bananas shouldn't be brown and mushy-soft. They should be nicely yellow and spotted and dotted brown.
Peel your long yellow friends and cut them into 1-inch chunks. Size is important because either your food processor won't process or your consistency will be off if the banana bits are too big.
Freeze for 2-3 hours. If you lose track of time and freeze longer it will still work, it'll just be more difficult. We are trying to avoid smoke and funny smells here!
Toss your bits into the machine. If it's not pulverizing easily, add a tablespoon or two of liquid (e.g. water, milk, chocolate soy milk, etc.).
You might have to blend for about 5 minutes. It's okay; it's normal. Just stop every so often to scrape the sides of the pitcher with a spatula.
Your mixture might not completely look like ice cream. It should look like couscous when you have the right consistency. The magic moment comes when you grab your spatula and stir everything together. Then, presto-chango! Smooth, creamy banana ice cream ready to eat!

If you are making this for kids, or are just a sweet-tooth like me, you are welcome to drop in some delicious extras during the blending process, such as:

Cinnamon-Sugar
Cinnamon-Nutmeg
Vanilla Extract or Beans
Cocoa Mix
Granola
Frozen Fruit
Raw Almonds
Jelly
Peanut Butter
Maple Syrup Glazed Walnuts
Sweetened Marscapone
Chocolate Chips
Chocolate Syrup
Wildflower Honey
Caramel

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for ICE CREAM SODAS!

2011-07-26T07:11:00.004-04:00

Summer is here and boy-oh-boy it's getting hot! And golly it feels good to cool off with a nice ice cold soda or fudge Popsicle. But why not do something a little more old-fashioned and make an ice cream float or soda? I know they sound like something you order in a diner with waitresses on roller skates, but they are so simple to make at home - in your own "parlor" - that you'll want them for all your heat waves.

Quick Tips:

Pretty much any ice cream flavor, syrup, or soda will do; however, vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup are fan favorites.
It's important not to overfill your glass with soda. Always fill about 2 inches below the rim to keep from overflowing.
Soda or seltzer water must be cold.
Long spoons and straws are helpful to get every last drop!

Fun Fact: Ice cream floats are just ice cream and a soft drink, whereas ice cream sodas are made up of ice cream, a flavored syrup and soda water or seltzer water.

Classic Chocolate Ice Cream Soda
Lemonade Float	Classic Root Beer Float	Blackberry Ice Cream Soda

Stay cool, and bon appetit!

Backyard BBQ Staple: Potato Salad

2011-07-19T08:33:00.000-04:00

The ultimate backyard barbecue staple is potato salad. You can make it in advance, chill it, and set it out at the last minute for a huge hit that will fill your crowd's bellies without costing a fortune.

Looking for some inspiration? Try one of our favorite potato salad recipes:

Bacon Potato Salad
Dijon Potato Salad	Yellow and Green Potato Salad	Italian Potato Salad

There's also a growing trend for warm potato salad, so if you want to give that a whirl try one of these:

Hot German Potato Salad

Warm Spring Potato Salad

For more ideas, check out all our easy potato salad recipes!

Meals for the Week

2011-07-12T07:41:00.000-04:00

Our main concept at FunnySpoon is that if you go with easy recipes that take advantage of shortcut products you can buy at the grocery store, you can get a healthy, tasty dinner on the table on a busy weeknight. We're big fans of variety and like the fact that we can come home from work and have dinner ready in about 30 minutes, sometimes even less.

However, there's a way to shave even more time off if you're willing to sacrifice a little variety. Say you've got a busy week where you've got something going on every night and you can't bear the thought of drive-thru every night but you don't know how else you'll get a meal on the table. Then try one of these easy dishes! Make it on Sunday (but don't eat it!) and save it for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday night dinner. Not only do these recipes keep well for a few days, they actually taste better as all the flavors have had a chance to combine.

So try one of the recipes below (double or even triple it depending on the size of your family) and see how much time it saves! You can throw in a quick side salad (bagged lettuce + favorite dressing = super easy side!) and call it a night!

FunnySpoon's Turkey Chili
Johnny (aka Poor Man's Lasagna)	Chicken Picante	Eggplant Parmesan
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad	Brunswick Stew	Chicken Tetrazzini

International Spotlight: Greece

2011-07-05T06:30:00.001-04:00

Greek cuisine may have many similarities to that of the Italian and Turkish cuisine, but it also has a style all of its own. It is full of fresh, powerful flavors and is extremely healthy, and not to mention super easy to prepare! Most Greek flavors are also found in other Mediterranean foods and include oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill, bay leaves, and thyme. Sweet spices are also common and include cinnamon and cloves for meats and stews. Olive oil is also very, very important to the Greeks and is used in practically every dish.

Greek cuisine is very diverse and consists are many dishes and variations. Because of that reason it is hard to pinpoint specific dishes to the culture; however, there are some favorites...

Greek Summer Salad

Also known as Village or Country Salad, or in Greek Horiatiki Salata, this lovely salad is a favorite among most people and is served in every Greek restaurant and tons of non-Greek ones as well. It traditionally consists of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and olive oil. Many cooks prefer to peel the skins of the tomatoes, but it is not necessary and is up to you.

Greek Eggplant Salad

In Greek, this dish is called Melitzanosalata and is all about flavor and simplicity. If you would like to make it a heartier meal, just crumble some feta cheese and you won't need anything afterwards. Greeks love this dish and have it with all their meals because the flavors go so well with much of the other Greek foods. This salad can even be made into a dip if you substitute the vinegar for garlic and puree everything.

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a scrumptious creamy cucumber and yogurt dip flavored with garlic. It is mind-blowingly delicious and if you haven't tasted it yet, you should and you will be hooked! This dip goes great with grilled meats, as a dip with veggies or pita chips, and even does nicely as a spread on a sandwich.

Want more? Check out all our easy Greek recipes!

Patriotic Party!

2011-07-03T09:46:00.000-04:00

It's a chore going out and buying decorations for just one day of fun, or maybe even just a few hours. Plus, most of the decorations only get used one time before you have to throw them away. So, this year, keep your money in your wallet and let your food do all the decorating!

Celebrate the 4th of July with this festive, All-American menu featuring all things RED, WHITE, and BLUE!

Patriotic Summer Salad
Red, White & Blue Cookies	Stuffed Strawberries	Patriotic Cheesecake
Patriotic Spritzer	Patriotic Sangria	Patriotic Shooter

Want more? Check out all our easy recipes! Happy 4th of July!

The Cobbler

2011-06-28T07:34:00.006-04:00

Summer is just around the corner and that means lots of BBQs and picnics with friends and family. While burgers and hot dogs are great there is the issue of what to make for dessert. Baking is difficult in the heat, so cobbler is the perfect compromise! Unlike pie, which can be tedious and tasking, cobblers are incredibly simple and quick to prepare. Plus they are loaded with flavor no one will be able to resist!

Cobblers are a wonderfully savory and delectable dessert with a thick biscuit-like crust and fruit filling. This super satisfying sweet originated in the British American colonies and was brought about because of the lack of equipment and different ingredients in the area. So, in perseverance, the settlers stewed fruit to make a filling, covered the fruit with a layer of uncooked scone or biscuit batter and baked over a fire. When finished the crust was bumpy and irregular, just like that of a cobbled street.

You can use just about any fruit or fruit filling that you like, but the most common fruits used are apples, blueberries, and of course, peaches. Keep in mind that if you are using apples, a fruit with low sugar content, to toss in a little bit of sugar (about 3 tablespoons) and a touch of cinnamon (1 teaspoon) for some punch.

If you use fresh fruit instead of canned just be sure to peel the skin because it will slide off during the baking process. No one wants random pieces of skin floating around in their ooey gooey cobbler!
If you use canned fruit be sure to drain the liquid completely and rinse well before using. Otherwise, you lovely cobbler will be a puddle of liquid.

After cooking, let your cobbler rest for about 15 minutes before serving. Do not fret; it will still be hot enough to serve with some cold vanilla ice cream and still get that fabulous melted effect!

Also, don't hesitate to combine fruit. It brings out the colors of summer and tons of flavors. Plus it's healthy - it is fruit after all, right?

Apple Walnut Cobbler

Cherry Cobbler

Simple Peach Cobbler

For more ideas, check out all our easy dessert recipes!

Quick Summer Cocktails

2011-06-21T07:37:00.002-04:00

Summer is here and that means it's time to whip out the ice bucket and blender for some sensational libations. Try our Southern Gentleman, Barbie Slippers, or Raspberry Jammer for a cool evening during the summer heat. And for something booze-free, check out our Blackberry Ice Cream Soda or Watermelon Smoothie.

Southern Gentleman
Barbie Slippers	Raspberry Jammer
Blackberry Ice Cream Soda	Watermelon Smoothie

For more ideas, check out all our easy drink recipes!

A Day for Dads

2011-06-18T14:16:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, the time to celebrate your dear ol' Dad has come! He has helped you with your projects, given you extra hugs when you were sick, taught you how to do things, and certainly tons more. So what better way to show him your appreciation than to give him some love-filled home cooking? However, since you would rather be spending time with him than slaving away in the kitchen, we have provided you a quick and simple, (but, oh-so-love-filled) list of menu options.

Breakfast:

Breakfast is a big deal for dads, or at least for my dad, so don't let mom hog all the attention with breakfast in bed! Serve on a tray with some orange juice and/or coffee and all your Father's Day cards.

French Toast Casserole

French Toast and Egg Strata

Spinach
Quiche

Lunch:

Dads love hearty foods and these mouthwatering sandwiches and sides are guaranteed to please!

BBQ Pork and Slaw Sandwiches	Southwestern Steak Sandwiches	Meatball Subs
Cole Slaw	Chef Pasta Salad	Grilled Corn Salad

Dinner:

Make dad feel like a king on his special day by preparing a savory and delicious dinner with all the people he loves. Here are some fast and easy dinner ideas that will make any dad think "Wow, I feel special!"

Grilled Steak with Goat Cheese Sauce	Beer-Roasted Asparagus
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits	Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes

Looking for something else? Check out all our easy recipes!

FunnySpoon hopes you have a lovely, fun-filled, and of course delicious Father's Day! Happy Father's Day, Dad!

International Spotlight: Thailand

2011-06-14T06:32:00.001-04:00

I am a HUGE fan of Thai food and literally, as I am writing this sentence, my mouth is starting to water just thinking about all the wonderful tastes Thai food offers! From its strong aromatic senses to its full-bodied flavor, it covers all the fundamental tastes: hot, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter (optional), which happens to be essential to Thai cuisine. Thai food also tends to be very healthy since much of the ingredients consist of veggies, noodles, rice, and light meats, like chicken or fish. Another incentive, if you are not already convinced, is that it is totally simple to make!

Coconut Rice

Coconut rice, although made in other countries around the world and originated in Indonesia, is also prepared and eaten in Thailand. The sticky rice is commonly known as Khai Niao and is made with jasmine rice, coconut milk, sugar, salt, and water. Traditionally, it is served with oranges to balance the sweetness of the milk and sugar, but mangoes are popular as well. For most of the country khai niao is a staple and pairs well with all Thai dishes, such as curries, stir-fried veggies, light meats and seafood dishes.

One tip though, just be sure to gently fluff and mix the rice so that you catch all the coconut milk solids that might have separated during the cooking process.

Spicy Thai Peanut Dip

Peanut Sauce, or Nam Jim, is traditionally prepared with coconut milk, soy sauce, galangal (part of the ginger family), garlic, spices, and obviously, peanuts. Again, this sauce is made in other countries, but is considered not as sweet. Peanuts sit proud and center for this recipe, although peanut butter is a great substitute, and can be used as a condiment, marinade, or satay sauce. If you want to be authentic, prepare your peanut sauce with a chicken sauté. However, if you are using it as a dressing or with noodles, you may want to thin the sauce out a bit and would then use more coconut milk.

Coconut Soup

Tom Kha Gai literally means chicken galangal soup in Thai, and has a mild, creamy, rich flavor that pairs nicely with chicken or shrimp. However, for you veggie eaters out there, you can toss the meat out all together and add oyster mushrooms if that is what you prefer. It is perfectly simple and filling and if you like a little kick, don't be afraid to add some chili flakes!

Hope I haven't made you salivate too much! See you next time ...

Want more? Try all our easy Thai recipes!

You Call That A Salad?

2011-06-07T06:46:00.000-04:00

Seems like these days people play fast and loose with the term "salad". Traditionally we tend to think of a salad as a green, leafy dish topped with different things and served before the main dish in a meal. But technically a salad can have a wide variety of base ingredients (vegetable, legume, pasta, eggs, grains, meat/seafood, fruit), can be hot or cold, and can be served at any point in the meal. So basically, as long as it's a mix of ingredients, you can probably get away with calling it a salad.

So in the spirit of all-inclusion and variety, here are some of our more unique salads:

Feta and Cucumber Saute
Pea and Cheese Salad	Russian Beet Salad	Tomato Salad
Warm Spring Potato Salad	Watermelon Feta Salad	Lime Jello Salad

Would you argue that these are even salads? What are you favorite off-the-wall salads? Share in the comments!

International Spotlight: Italy

2011-05-31T07:46:00.001-04:00

As promised, this week's international spotlight is the food-famous Italy. Known for their use of fresh produce and utter simplicity, the Italians have been satisfying our bellies for over 2,000 years. With that said, let's toss in some garlic and get started!

Tomato-Artichoke Bruschetta

Ah, bruschetta, the preferred appetizer known for its flavor and simplicity is actually pronounced with a "k" sound, and in Italian means "to roast over coals." The lil' toasted morsel originated in central Italy and dates all the way back to the 15th century. Contrary to how we know it today, it consisted only of toasted bread, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper and was a way to salvage bread that was going stale, and for oil producers to taste their delectable products.

Since then, there have been many variations, including marinated red peppers, vegetables, beans, assorted meats, and/or cheeses. However, when we think of bruschetta, we think of marinated basil, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Really, it's wonderful no matter how you serve it up!

"Homemade" Pizza

The classic of all classics - pizza - has been tossing its way into our homes for centuries. Though we credit the Italians for their wonderful creation the dish actually started in Greece, where people used to bake large, round, flat breads dabbed with oil, herbs, spices, and dates. It wasn't until the 18th century that the flatbread made its way to Italy but was still served similar to that of the Greeks. We have the Neapolitans and Queen Margherita to thank for adding tomatoes and for making pizza as we know it today.

Buying pre-made dough is great and a huge time-saver. However, if you feel the urge to make it yourself, know that it doesn't have to take all day. Mix and knead all your ingredients in the morning, put the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with oiled plastic, and toss into the fridge until you come home from work and are ready to bake.

Also, if you have leftovers (yeah right!), you can reheat your pizza in the oven at 400 F for 5 minutes, or use a skillet or toaster oven. Microwaving can make your pizza and all your hard work soft and soggy so don't cave in!

Eggplant Parmesan

A southern Italian dish consisting of layering thinly sliced eggplant fried in olive oil with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, parmigiana cheese, and basil. There are many theories on how this dish came to be, but whatever the case may be, we are thankful--even meat lovers can be satisfied by this heavenly vegetarian dish.

If are you going to make eggplant parmesan, be sure that you use eggplants within a day or two after purchasing to avoid browning and bitterness. Other than that, you can bake, grill, or broil - the choice is yours.

This is a great dish to prepare in advance. Let your eggplant parmesan cool (about two hours), package in an airtight container, and freeze for up to four months. When you are ready for it, let it thaw completely and pop it into the oven.

Grazie, or thank you, and see you next time when we spotlight the fabulous flavors of Thailand!

Lovely Little Lentils

2011-05-24T07:46:00.000-04:00

Lentils are probably one of the most forgotten veggies. The funny thing is that they are one of the healthiest things you can eat. Seriously, lentils have tons of protein, amino acids, fiber, and vitamin B with almost no fat! This is especially great for vegetarians or for people, like me, who want some extra protein and don't always feel like eating something heavy (like meat can sometimes feel).

There are three varieties of lentils: brown, red, and green. They require no pre-soaking, like some other legumes. This means that they are quick to cook and are paired nicely with rice or in soups or even salads. The only thing to remember is to season them well--bland is never good. It's as simple as that!

So check out our three favorite (and super easy) lentil recipes and start enjoying this easy legume today!

Lentil Soup
Marc's Cheater Lentil Soup	Spiced Lentils and Scallops

Graduation Party Grub

2011-05-17T06:26:00.000-04:00

Throwing a party for a recent grad? Whether it's for a growing teenager or a starving college student, one thing's for sure - these kids want some real food! Serve up platters of Burger Bites with easy sides like Taco Dip (7 layers to fill them up!) and Baked Potato Salad (all the ingredients of a baked potato in potato salad form). Hats off to your simple yet hearty celebration!

Burger Bites
Taco Dip	Baked Potato Salad

For more ideas, check out all our easy party recipes!

Let There Be Color!

2011-05-10T06:36:00.000-04:00

Spring has finally made its way here and with all this sun and warmth comes colorfully delicious spring vegetables! So, be gone winter veggies! We have endured you long enough ... In with the parade of bright and beautiful artichokes, asparagus, avacados, radishes, arugula, beets, carrots, scallions, peas, spinach, purple-sprouting broccoli, leeks, spring onions ... come and freshen up our tired dishes.

Here are some tips to liven up some your meals:

Simple is our specialty and that is exacly what asparagus calls for... just sauteé with some garlic and drizzle with some luscious balsamic vinegar.
Have half an avacado by itself or toss it into a salad or a sandwich - just remember to squirt a little lemon juice after slicing to prevent browning.
Sneak some chopped spinach leaves into any dish for a nutritional boost and antioxidants.
Dress beets with a flavorful vinaigrette and serve warm or at room temperature, however add them last because their full-bodied color tends to seep into everything else.

Asian Asparagus
Italian Artichoke Salad	Chunky Avocado Salad	Broccoli Bean Salad
Baby Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad	Colorful Chicken Salad	Shrimp Scampi Pasta and Peas

International Spotlight: Mexico

2011-05-03T13:37:00.001-04:00

In honor of Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May) we have decided to spotlight Mexico. For those of you who do not know or have forgotten, Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day. Actually, it is the celebration of the Mexican army's victory against the fierce French army at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Although it is celebrated in Mexico it is not a Mexican holiday, but actually an American Civil War holiday and therefore we Americans join in on the festivities. So in honor of our Mexican pride, let's raise our Margarita glasses and get started!

Mexican cuisine is known for its bold, mouth watering flavors, colorful decorations and plentiful assortment of spices. It's great family and party food, so why not combine the two and go loco?!?

Guilt-Free Guacamole

Guacamole dates all the way back to the time of the Aztecs and was originally called ahuca-milli, which translates to avocado sauce or mixture. There are many variations to creating your own guacamole, but traditionally it only includes avocados, onions, chilies, tomatoes, and salt.
The avocado sits center stage in this recipe and is therefore essential and that is why choosing your avocados are very important. Hass avocados have the best taste and are actually the easiest to find, as they are produced year round. The darker colored fruit are usually the ripest, but it is not the best indicator. Get up close and personal with your bumpy, green friends. If your avocado is tender, but not squishy than that is your winner.
Serrano and jalapeno chilies are the Mexicans' preferred chilies and are most commonly used. Small chilies tend to be super hot, so be sure to chop them well and wash your hands after handling, as to avoid any accidents. Another than that, the choices are yours, amigo.
Serve immediately or chill for up to 3 hours.

Tangy Orange Margaritas

Margaritas are a Mexican cocktail consisting of tequila, triple sec, and lime, and often served with salt around the rim of the glass, but there are hundreds of variations to the drink.
It was be served as is, with ice, or blended.
Although thought of as a popular Mexican drink, its founder was an American from Texas named Margarita Sames, who created it in 1948 at her vacation home in Acapulco.
Margaritas are super easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and tons of fun to drink!

Tempeh Tacos

Tacos are the Mexican equivalent to our sandwich. Traditionally, the contents can vary depending on the region, but usually include some marinated meat served on two overlapped small tortillas and sometimes garnished with guacamole, salsa, onions, and cilantro.
Contrary to popular belief, tacos are actually eaten as an entree or a morning or midnight snack. However, tacos are perfect for parties because they can be served without utensils and can be prepared on the spot. Just serve up some salsa guacamole, cilantro, onions, and lettuce and you have yourself a festive taco bar!
If you want to keep tradition in mind, most taco stands accompany their tacos with whole or sliced red radishes, lime slices, salt, pickled or grilled chilies, and even grilled cambray onions.

Salud ("cheers" in Spanish) and Happy Cinco de Mayo! We'll see you next time when we spotlight another cultural favorite, Italy.

International Spotlight: France

2011-04-27T06:46:00.001-04:00

America is a melting pot and as such, we tend to borrow a bit of everything from everyone. This little tradition has inspired us to highlight a new country each week to show you that tradition doesn't have to to be tedious or time-consuming. Hopefully, each week you will be so "awed" by the amazing and diverse array of culture that you will try some of these delectable dishes!

This week's feature is one of the culinary capitals of the world: France. I wish I possessed just an ounce of talent of a French chef! However, much of French cooking isn't as labor-intensive as you thought ...

[pause]

(We thought we'd give you a moment because we intend to blow your mind with simple recipes to cheat your way to successful classic French cuisine).

Spinach Quiche

Although this dish is considered a French classic, the actual word is German, originating from the word "kuchen" which means "cake." Aside from that, the French adore quiche. It is simple, can be served at every meal, uses ingredients that are almost always on hand, and is very inexpensive. Plus, once you master the recipe you can choose practically anything to throw inside to accomodate your tastes or what you have in your pantry. The most important thing about quiche is time. You don't want to over or undercook the eggs. Just cook about 45 minutes or until the center is firm and the eggs are set (when poked with a knife it should come out clean). Also, resting is super important; you should hold off cutting into your quiche for about 15 minutes before serving.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu, meaning "blue ribbon" in French, is traditionally a hassle to prepare. However, not with our recipe! We have taken this complicated classic and chopped it down in size for a refreshing take on chicken. The only thing to remember is to make sure the chicken is cooked, so searing your chicken before popping it into the oven is essential. You might want to pair it with just a small salad or the traditional green beans because it is a very hearty main course.

Melted Brie and Pesto Appetizer

Brie is a cow's cheese that borrows its name from the French region from which it orginated. It is a soft and savory cheese and if you can stand the smell, is quite heavenly. Traditionally, brie comes in a circle shape and is cut from the middle, as you would a cake. However, it is considered a faux pas if you take the best piece from the wedge - known as "pointing the Brie." That aside, it should be consumed shortly after it has been cut because it will absorb all the lovely smells in your refrigerator. Brie can be served as a spread on a sandwich, melted into a sauce for a soup, used as a topping on pizza, or even just as is.

See you next week when we spotlight Mexico in honor of Cinco de Mayo. Until then, Bon Appétit!

When The Hunting Has Ceased

2011-04-22T10:43:00.000-04:00

One of the oldest traditions of Easter is painting eggs. They are super fun to do with children and look amazing as place settings for Easter dinner. However, the problem is what to do afterwards ...

If you plan on eating your splendid little Easter eggs, then boiling them perfectly is key. Nobody likes rubbery eggs or grey insides.

Fill your pot with cold water about an inch or two above the tops of your eggs.
As soon as your water comes to a boil, remove from heat and let stand for about 15 minutes.
Drain and run through cold water to stop the cooking process.
Stencil, pattern with paper, draw, dye, or paint!

It is also best to use older eggs, as opposed to fresh ones, because they tend not peel as well.

After the hunting has ceased, you can put those boiled eggs to good use and reuse them in tons of our recipes!

Cobb Salad
Smoked Salmon Nicoise Salad	Veggie Sandwich	Breakfast-for-Lunch Salad
Phyllis' Famous Chicken Salad	Six Ingredient Tuna Salad	Egg Salad Sandwich
Salad Nicoise	Country Egg Salad	Chef Pasta Salad

Eggs, as we know, are very delicate and when stored can take on all the lovely smells in your refrigerator. In other words, remember to store you precious eggs in an air tight container.

Happy Easter everyone!

Brunch Fit For a Royal

2011-04-19T12:42:00.000-04:00

Here's a grand idea: If you have the luxury of a free morning on Friday, April 29, why not gather the girls for brunch and watch the Royal Wedding from this side of the pond? It starts at 5 am ET (yikes!) but televised highlights of the event will run all day. Serve up our classy Artichoke Quiche, Scrumptious Strawberry Salad, and swanky Brunch Mimosas to enjoy a royally decadent brunch!

Artichoke Quiche
Scrumptious Strawberry Salad	Brunch Mimosas

For more ideas, check out all our easy brunch recipes!

Fancy Comfort Food: Lasagna

2011-04-12T07:46:00.000-04:00

I think we can all pull out a few fond memories of family meals with lasagna serving as the center piece. Its caramelized edges, its bubbling cheesy top, its mouth-watering goodness ... it's for all those reasons I consider lasagna to be fancy comfort food.

But aside from the obvious fact that it's incredibly yummy, I think one of the biggest appeals of the dish is that its super simple to make and the ingredients are totally basic.

Naturally, the majority of people choose to prepare lasagna the traditional way: flat pasta, cheese, meat, and tomato sauce, but you can be as creative and innovative as you want to be, like with our Mexican Lasagna or Spinach Chavrie Lasagna. Also, for you veggie lovers out there, you can always turn this into a vegetarian dish. It doesn't take anything away from all the tasty goodness of traditional lasagna!

Portabella Lasagna
Cheesy Vegetable Lasagna	Spinach Chavrie Lasagna	Zucchini Bake
Mexican Lasagna	Lasagna Carbonara	Almost Lasagna

Quick Tips:

If you are totally pressed for time, adding water to your sauce helps cook the pasta during baking and cuts about 15 minutes off your prep time.
Lasagna can be refrigerated (unbaked) for up to two days before baking and frozen for up to one month. Just remember to seal everything properly, so it's air-tight and it will taste just as good as if you just whipped it up!

What? National Fondue Day? Yes!

2011-04-11T12:30:00.004-04:00

Send your friends a text and let them know you're having fondue night in celebration of National Fondue Day. They bring the drinks and you throw one (or all) of these together and you've got a fondue party. Enjoy!

Beer Cheese Fondue

Chocolate Dipped Bananas

Fondue for Two

Happy National Caramel Popcorn Day!

2011-04-06T09:45:00.005-04:00

Today's National Caramel Popcorn Day, so why not indulge in some of this delicious Caramel Puff Corn? Enjoy!

Oh, The Sauces You Can Make ...

2011-04-05T07:27:00.004-04:00

We all remember grandma simmering her famous homemade pasta sauce for an entire day, making our mouths water every time we passed the kitchen. But a good sauce doesn't have to simmer all day to taste as good as your grandmother's. There are so many varieties and they can be as basic or as complicated as you allow them.

Pasta sauces require simple and common ingredients that you can whip up at any time, which makes them great for busy week nights. They can also be a great way of cleaning out the fridge or pantry. Don't be afraid of using a store bought sauce as a starter for your own. I always keep a basic red sauce in the pantry at all times to start my sauces, but you could also go with a can of chunky tomatoes. Their consistency is great for pasta sauce while pureed tomatoes, which are on the thicker side, are best for pizza sauces.

Another great thing about pasta sauces are that they don't have to just be for pasta. You can serve them as bruschetta for a Friday night, over chicken for a Sunday dinner, or even as a tasty dip at a party! And if you decide to make a big batch or have leftovers, sauces can be refrigerated up to three or four days and frozen for up to three months. Bon appétit!

Tomato-Artichoke Bruschetta
Homemade Spaghetti Sauce	My Favorite Summer Salad	Summer Quick and Easy Tomato Sauce
Mozzarella Bites with Cheesy Tomato Dip	Italian Bolognese Dip	Do-It-Yourself Pasta

National Food on a Stick Day

2011-03-28T07:03:00.008-04:00

Not that I need an excuse to eat food on a stick, but it's National Food on a Stick Day so I'm definitely celebrating. On top of it being an easy way to eat foods, it can be a great way to introduce little ones to a new flavor. Win-win!

If you'd like to partake in some silly holiday fun, try one of our easy on-a-stick recipes today!

Cheeseburger on a Stick
Chicken Teriyaki Kebabs	BBQ'd Bacon Water Chestnuts	Quick Miso Chicken
Fruit and Cheese Bites	Fondue for Two	Caramel Apples

For more fun, check out all our easy recipes!

Score Big With Seafood

2011-03-23T07:24:00.004-04:00

Whether you're observing Lent or hoping your team makes it to the next bracket in March Madness, our easy Crab Rangoon Dip is a surefire hit for your next soiree. Blended together, these simple grocery store ingredients turn your favorite restaurant appetizer into an easy-to-eat (and super easy to make) dip!

And if you're looking for more seafood dishes - for Lent or incredible NCAA madness - check out some of our other faves, like Smoked Salmon Penne, White Bean Tuna Salad, and Rotel Tilapia.

Crab Rangoon Dip
Smoked Salmon Penne	White Bean Tuna Salad	Rotel Tilapia

Can't get enough? Check out all our easy seafood recipes!

So Long, Winter!

2011-03-22T04:42:00.006-04:00

While it may still be cold in quite a few states, we can at least officially say goodbye to winter. Before jumping into all our favorite spring foods (fresh salads, get ready!) we wanted to highlight the recipes our fans were most interested in this winter. Go ahead and enjoy one yourself this week - don't worry, we won't tell Spring you're cheating!

Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Santa Fe Chicken Tortilla Soup	Baked Potato and Broccoli Soup
Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup	Almost Lasagna

We might cozy up to some of these recipes this week, but then it's so long winter, hello spring!

Get Your Green On!

2011-03-15T04:23:00.000-04:00

I love St. Patrick's Day because it's a great excuse to dye everything green and boast about my Irish heritage (nevermind that I'm likely less than 1/32 Irish). But who cares? The holiday had me at green beer.

If you prefer to indulge in a pint (or three) of Guinness and enjoy the festivities instead of hanging out in the kitchen all day, try our festively simple recipes for St. Patrick's Day:

Guinness Braised Chicken
Cheesy Potato (& Beer!) Soup	Potato Casserole	Beer Bread
Pot O' Gold Cupcakes	Black Velvet	Irish Sunrise

Let the celebration begin! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A Cup Full of Goodness - Cupcakes!

2011-03-01T06:08:00.000-05:00

Whenever it is cold and gray I go into a huge baking frenzy. And what is more fun to make than cupcakes? Cupcakes are the perfect little dessert for a party or just to bake for fun. Not too big, not too small - they're just right!

The great thing about these little cups of airy, tasty goodness is that you can basically do anything when it comes to flavor and decoration. Cupcakes are blank canvases and the sky is the limit. You don't even have to stick to just cupcake recipes. You can use your favorite cake recipe - just remember that a 9x13 sheet cake makes ~20-24 cupcakes. No matter which recipe you use, below are some tips for making the absolute BEST cupcakes possible.

'Cinn'ful Cupcakes
Cherry Chip Cupcakes	Sweetheart Cupcakes	Birthday Cupcakes
Chocolate Bacon Cupcakes	S'mores Cupcakes	Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes

Pre-Heating: Don't skip this step! It makes the baking process more even and accurate.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Trust me - I've tried it and it actually makes a significant difference when your ingredients are at room temperature. Mixing is easier and the batter is more smooth. In addition, it prevents you from overmixing. However, milk should be cold.
Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix your batter. If you do, it can cause your cupcakes to be chewy instead of moist and fluffy. Stay true to what the directions tell you. If the recipe calls for a hand mixer, remember to cut down on your mixing time if you go with an electric mixer.
Easy Clean Up: Use paper or foil wrappers. They come in a variety of colors and styles to suit your fancy. Or, if you prefer the old-fashioned way, generously spray or grease each cupcake pan with butter or oil. Not only will it make cleanup easier, it'll help keep the cupcakes from drying out.
The Perfect Proportion: Only fill your cupcakes 1/2 to 2/3 full, otherwise you'll end up with ugly, burned edges and/or a gooey blob. Using an ice cream scooper makes for the perfect proportion.
Baking Time: This is an oldie but goodie - test for doneness after the minimum baking time by sticking a toothpick in the center of a cupcake in the middle of the pan. If it comes out clean then they are finished, if not then bake for the remaining time.
Rotating: It's best if you rotate your tray halfway through baking time. This makes the baking more even because not all ovens are perfect.
Cooling: Don't be too overly eager to pop those babies out of their tray just after you take them out of the oven. Cooling time is extremely crucial if you want your cupcakes to come out clean and pretty. So slow down turbo ... wait about 10 to 15 minutes for them to cool down before doing anything.
Decorating: Decorating is huge part of making cupcakes. You can be as simple or as sassy as you want to be. Don't be afraid to use store-bought frosting - I actually prefer it because it's easier and way less work!
Fillings: Yes, you can even add fillings (they're not just for donuts and Twinkies!). Jams, icings, creams, and custards add something special to the center of any cupcake. It's like a little surprise, just in case you didn't think the cupcake was enough. All you have to do is hollow out a small part of the cupcake, fill it with whatever you like, and then plug it back up with a piece of cake. I prefer to cut from the top because it is not as messy and you can cover up your tracks with decoration.
Mix-ins: Another way to add flavor is stirring in mix-in's. It is especially fun when you are baking with or for children. Sprinkles in the batter are also exciting because the colors bleed when baking and the cupcakes become little rainbow explosions.
Storing: Cupcakes are best fresh, but can also be put away for later deliciousness. Unfrosted cupcakes can last about 3 months in the freezer (perfect for last-minute bake sales or parties!). Just make sure they are kept in an air tight container. If you want to save frosted cupcakes, make sure they are also in an air tight container and kept at room temperature if there is no cream or custard involved. They usually last for about a week and will keep their fluffiness and moistness if they just sit on the counter.

I hope I have inspired you to do some TLC baking and have some fun in the kitchen!

Glass of Sass: What's to "like" about FunnySpoon on Facebook?

2011-02-25T06:14:00.002-05:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

I see that you're on Facebook. That's cool, I'm on there like a million hours a day. So, what do I get if I decide to "like" you on Facebook?

We never get tired of hearing we're cool, so thanks! As Facebook-lovers ourselves, there are a few different things we do on Facebook. First, we've got The Daily Spoonful, which is just a daily posting of a drool-worthy (and totally easy!) recipe. Easy dinner inspiration shows up right in your news feed!

We also post enticing snippets of all our blog posts on Facebook, so that just in case you forget to read our blog that day (gasp!) you can get a friendly reminder.

And because we like to have fun just as much as the next girl, we occasionally post fun questions, trivia, or polls for you - our greatest fans!

Convinced yet? Cruise on over to our Facebook page and "like" us!

Brownies: The Bee's Knees!

2011-02-23T06:36:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I am a huge fan of the brownie and have been ever since I was a child. It's funny how something so simple can be so satisfying. Whether you are using a box recipe or startin' from scratch they are pretty easy to whip up.

Now, the ultimate dilemma ... fudgy, cakey, or chewy?

Fudgy brownies are very rich, incredibly chocolatey, moist, and uber dense.
Cakey brownies are slightly moist and airy and fluffy on the inside.
Chewy brownies are basically a mix of the two. They're moist like the fudgy brownies, but not as gooey and still manage to be slightly fluffy.

The difference in all of these types are just in how you prepare your recipe. In order to get fudgy brownies, try melting the butter and chocolate first and then add the other ingredients. For cakey brownies, it is important to cream the butter and sugar until smooth before adding the other ingredients. And last, but not least, for chewy brownies, add an extra egg and use different types of chocolate.

For me this is not hard. Naturally, because I am a choc-o-holic, I prefer the chocolatey goodness of the fudgy variety. And there is definitely no shame in using the boxed stuff because honestly, they make some darn good mixes these days! In fact, I keep a box of Ghiradelli Brownie mix in the pantry just in case I get any sudden urges. It's super moist with the perfect texture. Plus, you feel ultra satisfied just by eating one because they are so rich and filled with chocolatey goodness. But, to each their own! Be simple and satisfying or take it up a notch and stir in some sweet deliciousness of your own choosing. Go wild ...

Alcohol: Kahlua, Grand Marnier, Bailey's, amaretto, rum, or brandy
Chips: dark, milk, or white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter
Dried Fruits: dried cherries, apricots, or cranberries
Extracts: peppermint (try our Mint Chocolate Brownies), vanilla, almond, or orange
Nuts: pecans, peanuts (try our Peanutty Brownies), hazelnuts, almonds, walnuts or Macadamian nuts
Powders: instant express or coffee
Spices: cinnamon, cayenne, or nutmeg
Spreads: peanut butter (try our Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Brownies), cream cheese (try our Cranberry Cream Cheese Brownies), jams, jellies, Nutella, or caramel
Sweets: toffee bars, peppermint patties, peanut butter cups, M&M's, candied fruit or marshmallows
Zests: orange or lemon

Mint Chocolate Brownies
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Brownies	Peanutty Brownies	Cranberry Cream Cheese Brownies

We want you to enjoy your brownies to their highest potential. So in order to make your brownies taste extra special we have a few tips:

Make sure not to overmix the batter. Stir until all the ingredients are dissolved and mixed thoroughly and the batter is mostly smooth.
It is best to use a glass pan because they conduct more heat. Also, make sure to line your pan with some aluminum foil to save on manicures and extra elbow grease.
Rotate the pan halfway through the alotted cooking time to make sure the brownies are cooked evenly.
Always cool before cutting. We know that you start salivating as soon as you pop them out of the oven, but trust us, patience is a virtue.
Don't refrigerate your brownies. Instead, put them in an air-tight container so that they stay moist and fresh.
You can freeze brownies for 4 to 6 months to be prepared to any last minute parties or bake sales.

So, there you have it! Tons of new chocolatey ideas to share with the people you love or maybe just yourself!

More Cake, Less Guilt

2011-02-21T06:47:00.001-05:00

Our friends at Hungry-Girl.com discovered a fabulous secret for low-cal, full-flavor cakes and we just can't get enough of it! Start with a cake mix, add a can of diet soda, and bake according to package directions. Voila - less calories (no eggs or oil racking up the tally) and totally great taste!

Check out two of our fabulous recipes that use this trick:

Red Velvet Cake

Carrot Cake

But it doesn't stop there! Last weekend I used Diet Cherry 7-Up in these Cherry Chip Cupcakes and they were fabulous. I could imagine a ton of other good flavor combos, like:

Yellow Cake - Diet A&W Cream Soda
White Cake - Diet Fresca
Dark Chocolate Cake - Diet A&W Root Beer
Rainbow Chip - Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper
Strawberry - Diet Pepsi Jazz Strawberries and Cream
Lemon - Diet 7-Up
Spice - Diet Ginger Ale

What sounds good to you?

Glass of Sass: Meal Plans

2011-02-18T06:04:00.001-05:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

HELP!! I always start out the week with the best intentions, but then by about Wednesday I'm picking up fast food on the way home or frozen dinners. How can I stay on track throughout the week? It needs to be SIMPLE or I just know I can't stick with it.

[Cue superhero music] FunnySpoon to the rescue! We've got a few things that might help. First, you need to get some recipe inspiration. Some people are capable of following strict meal plans, but we feel that even the most customized meal plan (e.g. no seafood, semi-healthy, tons of mushrooms) is still going to offer up a suggestion that just doesn't appeal to you. So we have two different options:

The Daily Spoonful. "Like" us on Facebook and you'll get one recipe suggestion per day. You can make the meal that night or save it to your shopping list (just requires signing in on our site) to make later.
Weekly Meal Plans.Browse our meal plans and save the recipes you like to your shopping list. Once you hit the number of recipes you need for the week (which will vary by week depending on what else you have going on) then print off the shopping list and you're all set!

We think the flexibility of these options make it much easier to stick to. Try it out and let us know how it goes!

The Baby Bump Part 2: What to Bump from Your Diet

2011-02-16T07:06:00.002-05:00

While there are things to focus on adding to your diet when you're pregnant, there are also foods and beverages that should be bumped. And it is super important, obviously, to be on top of the things that should be avoided because the list seems to change ever-so-often. Every mommy wants to make the healthiest choices for their baby and having a solid understanding of their pregnancy diet's do's and don't's are a necessity.

So, let take a look at what's on the naughty list ...

Caffeine: This, I am sure, is going to be a tough one for a lot of new mommies out there. I know that I need a good strong cup of coffee in the morning just to get me going. However, whether it's soda, coffee, tea, or energy drinks, caffeine should be avoided in large doses. This is because it causes a higher risk of miscarriage and can also affect your baby's heart rate. So start reading labels, cut your morning caffeine binges to just one cup of coffee, and stay away from energy drinks. And when you're feeling a caffeine craving coming on, opt for decaffeinated drinks instead.

Seafood High in Mercury: Although seafood is an awesome source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, it also can be dangerous. This definitely doesn't mean that you should cut out our fishy friends altogether. Fish is great for a baby's brain development, skin, and hair. But, seafood that has too much mercury is harmful for a baby's nervous system. So remember this: check the age and size of the fish. The older and bigger the size, the more mercury it likely contains. "No-no" fish include swordfish, albacore tuna, mackerel, and shark. But it's healthy to have 12 ounces per week of good fish, such as salmon, shrimp, or catfish. Check out our delicious Balsamic Salmon recipe for an easy, baby-friendly weeknight dinner.

Raw Meats and Seafood: Sorry sushi and deli lovers - this one's gonna hurt. Eating raw or undercooked foods can be seriously harmful. This is because raw and undercooked foods contain viruses and bacteria and because of changes in your body it increases the risk of food poisoning. It is crucial to make sure all your food is fully cooked. Fish should separate and be even in color throughout. Meats and poultry should have clear juices, but to be sure, use a thermometer for precise internal temperatures. Cold cuts can also be risky because they may have been contaminated during handling. In other words, stay away from deli meats and hot dogs unless you want to cook or steam them. For a healthy dinner option, check out our Garlic Rosemary Chicken.

Unpasteurized Foods: You can forget that yummy cheese platter at your next ladies night. Yup, you heard me, unpasteurized food, like soft cheese can be harmful for you and your baby. This is because they are not aged and therefore carry a greater risk for miscarriages, pre-term birth, and food-borne diseases. So, again, it is strongly encourged to read all labels when grocery shopping. If you find cheeses that are pasteurized then you're safe - so go for it!

Unwashed Fruits and Veggies: This is a no-brainer and I am sure most of your already do this, but it's always better to make sure. Wash all your fruits and veggies, especially the root ones, before cooking or eating. This is to eliminate any harmful bacteria that still may be lurking about!

Alcohol: I'm sure you already know not to drink while pregnant. However, it has been said that a drink once in a while may be okay. Just know that there are no studies to actually prove that the occasional drink is alright. It may just be best to think about it like this: if you drink, then your baby is most likely going to absorb some of the alcohol and therefore it is safest to not drink at all. Drinking while pregnant can lead to huge disabilities, pre-term birth, and other terrible disorders. Better safe than sorry! If you are really craving a drink, try our Margarita Spritzers but substitute the type of margarita mix that doesn't have alcohol. We promise it still tastes great and will hit the spot!

So to all you expecting mommies out there: good luck and good eats!

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T06:04:00.000-05:00

Whether you look forward to Valentine's Day or dread it with a passion, you have to admit our intern's article from last year is cute. So cute that we decided to slack off and repost it so we'd have more time to each chocolates. Good decision, right? Enjoy!

Is Valentine’s Day already here? Yes! V-day is indeed just around the corner. So for all you single ladies who potentially end up in the kitchen cooking for/with a cute guy, here are some tips: (this could also be useful when ordering at a restaurant come V-day date night and even for you ladies in relationships, you might want to take this advice to ensure your man stays around until next Valentine’s Day!)

Avoid:

Ingredients and/or foods that give you bad breath leaving you unkissable at the end of the night. Excessive amounts of onion and garlic are not necessary.
Anything that could potentially get stuck in your teeth. Steer clear of pesto and oregano.
Any foods or food combos that leave your stomach feeling unsettled so you have to cut the date short or make an embarrassing dash for the bathroom.
Ingredients that you are (or even could be) allergic to. Don’t let his cuteness blank your mind of foods that cause you to swell up like a chipmunk, break out in a rash or start coughing hysterically. Especially those allergic to strawberries: watch out! Strawberries are a classic V-day dessert ingredient.
Any type of food that is genuinely hard to eat. Anything ranging from hard to cut and could end up flying across the room to anything hard to keep on the fork causing you to put an empty fork in your mouth each bite and leaving you starving by the end of the meal.
No chopsticks unless you have some experience! Otherwise your concentration will shift from your date’s conversation to a mental war keeping your food between chopsticks and you’ll end up having to tell people about your date with a plate of rice and spring rolls.
Anything messy. It is not lady-like to spill your food or get covered in it.
Anything that requires you to eat with your hands or could potentially cause you to assist with your hands.
Any dish too spicy at risk of potentially passing out when trying to breathe normally attempting to appear cool and collected.
Any foods that are too chewy leading you to swallow whole pieces and at risk of choking.

Let us know if you think of any other V-day dishes that could be disastrous! And for a safe bet, check out our disaster-free Valentine's Day recipes, like our Sweetheart Cupcakes.

Glass of Sass: Cozy Valentine's Day

2011-02-11T06:14:00.001-05:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

I don't mean to be a grouch but Valentine's Day drives me crazy! There's all this pressure to buy overly expensive gifts and then go out to a nice dinner, which inevitably won't even be that nice because the restaurant will be jam-packed and the menu will be pre-set with stuff they probably prepared way in advance. Yuck. But if I offer to cook my husband a meal at home is that going to look cheap? Or will it look like I don't care enough? Help!

I'm pretty sure any man (or person, for that matter) would LOVE to have a meal cooked for them. So no need to stress! You can always just slip on a cute, casual dress, light a few candles and the night will feel special without you even having to leave the house (or fork out a ton of dough).

Try these easy recipes for a foolproof, cozy, and romantic evening:

Shrimp Diavolo

Chocolate Truffles

Master of the Microwave

2011-02-09T06:32:00.004-05:00

There are two kinds of people in the world: people that couldn't live without their microwave and people who think microwaves are horrible robots from the future that are going to kill us. You think I'm being dramatic but have you ever talked to someone who "doesn't use those things"? It's hard to hear them from so high up on their pedestals, but if you can make out what they're saying, they think the way they cook (i.e. microwave-free) is better than yours.

Guess what? Microwaves are fine. They're safe. And while I love a good pot of chili cooked with love and care on the stove, I also love a nice reheated bowl of it (via microwave) the next day. I follow the mantra of "everything in moderation" - use the microwave for some things, use more "traditional" methods for others.

Wondering how that breaks down? Here's my list of things that are much better done in the microwave:

Reheating leftovers. The best part of leftovers is that the cooking is done and you don't have to slave over the stove for yet another meal. Nuke your chili, lasagna (perhaps with some extra sauce thrown in to soften it up), mac n cheese, etc. and call it a night.
Toast nuts. Toasted almond slices or pine nuts can add great taste to salads and pasta. But who wants to heat up the oven and wait forever while they toast when the rest of your meal is going to be done so much sooner? Simply spread the nuts out on a plate and microwave on high 1 minute at a time 3 or 4 times. Lightly toss the nuts each time.
Bake potatoes. Wash your potatoes and don't dry. Poke a few holes in each pototo with a fork, place on a microwave-safe plate, and microwave about 10-12 minutes until soft.
Soften butter or cream cheese. I'm envious of people that know 3 hours in advance they'll be making a recipe that calls for softened butter or cream cheese. I usually realize it mid-way through my recipe. Easy solution: microwave desired amount 20 seconds at a time until it's soft. For cream cheese, cut it into chunks first.
Disinfect sponges. Rinse sponge and heat in microwave (still wet) for 1-2 minutes. Voila! Germs are gone and you've extended the life of your sponge, which isn't just being thrifty, it's great for the planet!

Ready to get microwaving? Try our Risotto Microwavo and see for yourself the great recipes that can come from the microwave!

Have an opinion? Enter the great microwave debate and share in the comments why you love or hate the microwave!

Super Bowl Recovery

2011-02-07T00:01:00.009-05:00

So, you overindulged at the Super Bowl party last night. Who didn't? I know I did ... my team, the Indianpolis Colts, didn't make it this year. And I've been a bit salty about it for the last few weeks. So I decided the only way I'd have a shot at enjoying the Super Bowl is if I had a couple of cocktails AND indulged in some gluttonous food! And I have to admit my plan worked - the party we went to was fun and I really enjoyed the commercials, I mean game!

I knew I'd be paying for it today so I planned ahead. The best way to recover from an indulgent night - and stick to our resolution of eating more meals at home - is to eat eat well-balanced meals and plan ahead. I've included my menu for Monday as well as a few ideas for the week. Smart choices throughout the week will help you recover from the damage done last night!

Breakfast: Berry Parfait and I'm going to substitute the Dannon Yogurt with Greek Vanilla Yogurt for a little extra protein.

Lunch: Cobb Salad. Simple and easy to prepare (even with a food & booze hangover)!

Dinner: "Homemade" Spaghetti Sauce. This meal has it all - protein, veggies, carbs, comfort!!!

And here are a couple of suggestions for the week to keep you on track with eating healthy, eating at home and not giving in to more Super Bowl debauchery!

Park as far away as possible at work and grocery store. I know it's cold, but those few extra steps will give you more energy and help you work out all of the "toxins" from Sunday.
Do NOT give in and stop by the drive-thru on the way to work or the way home. Pack an extra snack of nuts & raisins for your commute time to take the edge off until you can make a sensible choice.
Eat fish and lean proteins this week - skip the burgers and steaks. Try this ridiculously simple Tilapia recipe.
Eat your veggies. I know I sound like a mom - because I AM! - but really, eat your veggies. They're filling, full of fiber and just plain good for you. And these simple salads will complement any meal.

So, there you go - a simple strategy to give yourself a "free pass" to have an over indulgent night but not slip too far off your overall eating, health and money saving goals! And maybe next year my boys will make it to the big game. Although I'm sure I will eat and drink the same way I did this year!!

Have a great week!

Looking for more simple recipes or healthy-inspired dishes? Check out The Daily Spoonful on our Facebook page - simple recipe posted each day!

Glass of Sass: Nutrition Info

2011-02-04T06:12:00.003-05:00

Screw the Super Bowl

2011-02-02T09:05:00.000-05:00

We're bummed our favorite teams didn't make it this year so we're indulging in some totally-bad-for-us, but oh-so-delicious foods to compensate. On the menu: Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket, Chili con Queso, and Hot Pizza Dip. We'll still watch the game, but these dishes will make it much more enjoyable!

Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket

Chili con Queso

Hot Pizza Dip

Since we're trying to stick to our resolutions, we promise to get back on track during the week. Check out the blog on Monday for tips on recovering from party food overload, nursing your hangover & starting the week off right!

What are you waiting for? Check out all our awesome appetizer recipes and start planning your menu now! By the way, who are you rooting for? Share on our Facebook wall and we'll tell you our favorite teams ... and who we're rooting for on Sunday.

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now!

The Baby Bump

2011-01-31T06:10:00.005-05:00

Having a child changes a lot of things, including your (and your baby's) diet. If you are expecting an addition to the family, then it may put a tiny bump in your everyday eating habits. No matter how healthy you think you are, there are probably things you will have to change. It might be beneficial to make a list of all the things you can and cannot eat and put it somewhere, like your refrigerator or iPhone, so you can remember until it becomes routine.

There are no magic recipes or foods for your pregnancy diet. But what you can do is focus on the things that are essential for the baby's overall health and growth. The key elements in your diet should be folate and folic acid, calcium, protein, and iron.

Folate and Folic Acid:
Basically, folate is a vitamin B that helps prevent birth defects. If you are not getting enough, then it makes you more susceptible to pre-term delivery. An expecting mommy should have about 1,000 micrograms a day. So try our Toasted Chevre Salad for the spinach, Four Bean Salad for the beans, Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Sauce for the asparagus, or our Asian Citrus Salad for the oranges.

Toasted Chevre Salad	Four Bean Salad
Roasted Asparagus with Garlic Lemon Sauce	Asian Citrus Salad

Calcium:
It's super critical for you and your baby to have strong bones and teeth. So try having 1,000 milligrams of calcium a day. If there is not enough calcium in your diet, then the baby will take what it needs from your body, which is obviously not good for you in the long run. Foods that contain a good amount of calcium are yogurt, milk, cheese, juice, and spinach. Take a look at our delicious Berry Parfait, Kiwi Honeydew Smoothie, or our Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes.

Berry Parfait	Kiwi Honeydew Smoothie
Cheese-Stuffed Tomatoes

Protein:
Protein is also key for babies' growth. You should have at least 71 grams a day. Lean meats, poultry, certain types of fish, and eggs are all great sources of protein. And for those of you who prefer veggies, you can try dried beans, peas, tofu, dairy products, and even peanut butter. Check out our Citrus Ginger Chicken, FunnySpoon's Turkey Chili, or our Sesame Teriyaki Noodles.

Citrus Ginger Chicken	FunnySpoon's Turkey Chili
Sesame Teriyaki Noodles

Iron:
Iron is awesome for preventing anemia and making sure more oxygen is carried to all your tissues. Also, your blood volume actually doubles during pregnancy to make up for all the changes going on. If you do not get enough then it can leave you feeling tired and open you up to more infections. It also increases the risk of pre-term delivery and low birth weight. Try getting at least 27 milligrams a day. Iron is found in lean red meats, poultry, and fish. But for you veggie-eaters out there, try iron-enriched cereals, nuts, and dried fruits. Look at recipes like our Clean-Out-the-Fridge Veggie Soup, Oriental Coleslaw, Mediterranean Pita, or Marc's Cheater Lentil Soup.

Clean-Out-the-Fridge Veggie Soup	Oriental Coleslaw
Mediterranean Pita	Marc's Cheater Lentil Soup

Note: Iron found in animal products are the easiest for the body to absorb, but you can also pair them with a drink or food that is high in vitamin C, like orange or tomato juice or strawberries.

As you can see, eating the right foods can make a huge difference in you and your baby's health. So add sliced fruit to your breakfast cereal, chop up some extra veggies for your favorite dish, and when you're craving something sweet, opt for some low-fat yogurt instead of ice cream ... because every mommy wants only the best when they are expecting!

Glass of Sass: After the Grocery Store

2011-01-28T06:14:00.004-05:00

Unload by category. Of course you want to put frozen stuff away first, but after that how do you divide and conquer? Personally I like to place all the pantry stuff together and all the refrigerated stuff together, then put each category away all at once. Some people like to put the items away as they go, but to me it seems like I'm opening and closing the fridge every few seconds when I do it that way. The refrigerated items can handle a few more minutes on the counter - take the time to separate stuff out then out it away all at the same time.
Wash up. Wash your fruit and veggies right away so they'll be ready to eat throughout the week. Even though you may not feel like doing it right after getting back from the store, force yourself to spend a few minutes now and it will save time in the long run. Plus you're less likely to let it go bad if it's ready and waiting for you.
Prep your meat. I like to buy ground beef in bulk and then divvy it up according to how I'll be using it during the week. For example, I might use 1 lb. of it that night for chili, so I'll portion that out and leave it in the fridge. Then I'll divvy the rest of the meat up into 1 lb. sections and put them in freezer bags. That way I can move them from the freezer to the fridge in the morning of the day I need them. Saves money by buying in bulk, saves time by organizing it up front. And if you really have it in you, prepare your chicken by cutting off the fat and nasty bits, then storing in an airtight container, either in the fridge if the meal is in the next day or two, or in the freezer if it's later in the week. Sucks now, but you'll be so glad later that it's done!
Recycle (or trash it) now. One tip for neat and organized storage is to remove all excess packaging and recycle it (or trash it if your local recycling doesn't take it) right away. Then when you're ready for, say, your pudding snack, just grab one out of the fridge instead of wrestling with the packaging. Bonus: they look so pretty lined up nicely in the fridge!

What tips do you have to get the kitchen in order after shopping? How do you save time throughout the week when making dinner? Share in the comments!

Nuts! Go Crazy for Them!

2011-01-26T06:41:00.004-05:00

It's funny how something so tiny can make such a difference in our diet. Nuts are giant powerhouses filled with essentials like protein, fiber, calcium, good fats, etc. Now, don't be scared off by their fat content. They can actually do more good for a slimming waist than harm when eaten in the right amounts and are fabulous for improving health on various levels. So let's break it down...

ALMONDS:

Almonds have the most nutrients and are great for the heart. Toasting improves their already fabulous taste and creates a slight texture. Also, throwing sliced or crushed almonds in any simple veggie dish adds a little sass to an otherwise boring side dish. Check out our Red Cabbage Salad.

Red Cabbage Salad

CASHEWS:

Cashews are pretty awesome for those of you watching your waistline and need a little burst of energy or crunch, but not the extra fat. They are also great in Asian-inspired dishes, like our Chicken Stir-Fry.

Chicken Stir-Fry

PEANUTS:

Peanuts are probably the most enjoyed of the nut family. Although contrary to popular belief, they are actually legumes! So, if you're trying to cut down on a bad snacking habit, then peanut butter should surprisingly become your best friend. A tablespoon of peanut butter can actually cut cravings and make you eat less throughout the day because your tummy will be satisfied. Or, if you're not a fan of that idea, then carrying around a bag of yummy trail mix will also do the trick.

PECANS:

Pecans have the highest fat content of all the nuts, but that is what gives them their incredibly smooth and rich taste. This is probably why they are so often used in baking. Try our playful Monkey Bread, or our more sophisticated Brie Apple Pinwheels.

Monkey Bread

Brie Apple Pinwheels

PINE NUTS:

Although pine nuts can be a little pricey, they are quite delicious and are great for making sauces. Try our Artichoke Pesto Pasta, but if you're trying to squeeze your budget like most of us, then you can definitely substitute walnuts for an equally satisfying taste.

Artichoke Pesto Pasta

WALNUTS:

Walnuts are super healthy. You can thank their high Omega-3 fatty acid content for that, but watch out because it also makes them spoil faster. Walnuts are very versatile and can pretty much be used in anything from salads to main courses, like sprinkled on top of our Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta, or even desserts. They are also great for reducing strokes and heart attacks.

Quinoa with Mushrooms and Pasta

So, go crazy; go nuts! Add them to steamed veggies, put some crunch in your yogurt, be creative and coat your meat or fish for some extra pizzaz, or simply eat them just as they are!

Still On The Wagon?

2011-01-24T12:05:00.000-05:00

How are your New Year's resolutions going so far? Did they get tossed with last week's trash or are you still on the wagon? We know it's not easy, so we created a Stick To Your Resolutions guide to help you, well, stick to your resolutions!

If you promised to ...

Save $$ and eat more meals at home:

Check out The Daily Spoonful on Facebook and get a new dinner recipe each day.
Read our tips for stocking your pantry and freezer so you can whip up a tasty meal on the fly.

Drop a few holiday pounds:

Stick with it by trying our light and healthy recipes. You won't feel like you're sacrificing but you'll slash a few calories!

Learn how to cook:

Give our easy recipes a shot. They all have 5 steps or less and no more than 8 ingredients.
Try our easy meal plans and get some new recipes the family is sure to enjoy!

Looking for an easy, tasty meal for tonight? Try our Ramen Stir-Fry - it's ready in under 15 minutes!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now!

Glass of Sass: Making Grocery Shopping Less Sucky

2011-01-21T06:19:00.011-05:00

Always use a list. Our shopping list is broken out by store layout, which prevents you having to run back and forth all over the store. If you prefer to write your own list, take the time to reorganize it according to the layout of your store before you leave home. You'll save an average of 5 minutes and it will only take you 1 minute to write the list.
Stock up. Look around your house for anything you're starting to run low on and if it's something that won't go bad quickly, grab it while you're already at the store. No need to make 5 separate trips during the week because you forgot something!
Do your shopping on the same day every week. Pick a day and time of the week that are low volume (for example, Tuesday nights) that works with your schedule. Once you're in a routine it won't seem so bad - you'll know it's on the schedule and you'll know when you'll be done with it so you don't have to worry about it the rest of the week. You may need to supplement this trip with a quick weekend stop-in for some fresh veggies or meat, but the trip will be much faster since you've gotten your bulk shopping done.
Research products in advance. If you're trying one of our easy recipes, print off the shopping list with images. If you're using a coupon for a new product you'd like to try, look at the picture and read the fine print. If you want to try some new tooth whitening gel, look up some info online first. It's much easier to get certain information in the comfort of your home, instead of getting frustrated running all over the store trying to find something specific.
Don't go to the store when you're hungry. Aside from the old diet tip that says to avoid this so you don't have too many impulse buys, it's just a good idea to not go to the store if your tummy is rumbling - you'll be focused on that instead of efficient shopping. Plus if you're anything like us, you'll be grumpy and the whole experience will be more irritating.

None of this is rocket science but it sure makes our shopping trips more pleasant. Happy shopping!

Winter Veggies

2011-01-18T10:01:00.000-05:00

We're all about convenience, so frozen veggies are a staple for our households, enabling us to whip up quick, healthy weeknight dinners. But we also like to go to our local farmer's market when we can, even in the winter. So here are some of our favorite recipes featuring vegetables that are in their prime during the winter:

Broccoli: Baked Potato and Broccoli Soup	Brussels Sprouts: Seared Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Cauliflower: Creamy Cauliflower Soup	Endives: Citrus Braised Endive and Pear
Leeks: Rustic Mac N Cheese	Radicchio: Goat Cheese Fettucine
Radishes: Roasted Winter Vegetables	Sweet Potatoes: Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Stay warm and bon appetit!

Glass of Sass: The Dreaded Shopping List

2011-01-14T05:46:00.003-05:00

Create an account with us. It's free and all the cool kids are doing it. Plus, it only takes a few seconds and even the busiest of people has that. Or you can log in now if you already have an account.
Browse your new favorite recipe site (FunnySpoon, duh) and click the "Add to Shopping List" button on each recipe that you want to add to your list.
When you're done selecting recipes, click on MyShoppingList in the upper right. Here you can review the list, then click the icon to print. And because we love you, we let you pick if you want to print with images or without. The first time you try a new recipe you might want the images to help with your shopping, but then once you're familiar with the products you can save a little printer ink and just print the products.

Bonus: We know that you eat at least a few meals each week that aren't from FunnySpoon. We're OK with that because we know you still love us. So we went ahead and put your regular weekly grocery items on the list as well so you can pick them up at the same time. Happy shopping!

Soup is the Answer

2011-01-11T06:53:00.007-05:00

If you're anything like me, your jeans are fitting a little tighter after the holidays. No worries - adding some broth-based soups to your diet can help you lose that weight without feeling like you're sacrificing anything. Check this out:

Studies have shown that eating broth-based soup before a meal can save you 100 calories throughout the meal because you feel fuller and therefore eat less after the soup. Drinking water can help, but it leaves your system much quicker than soup, so eating a bowl of soup will help you stay full much longer.

You might even be able to have JUST the soup for a few lunches per week, which would cut the calories even more. Try one of our recipes below and see for yourself - it really can be a full lunch!

It's a great way to get more water in your diet, and we all know how important that is.

It's cold out - so cozy up with some soup instead of traditional high-calorie comfort food and you'll feel just as good but with way less calories!

Sante Fe Chicken Tortilla Soup	Comfort Chicken Noodle Soup
Carrie's Vegetable Soup	Clean-out-the-fridge Veggie Soup

Want more? Check out all our easy soup recipes!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T08:28:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is starting the new year off right! We're looking forward to another year of sharing our sassy cooking shortcuts with you.

Happy New Year!

Pssst! Started the year off with a hangover? Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Check out these tips to help you get over your hangover!

5-Minute Party Appetizers

2010-12-28T07:55:00.000-05:00

Do any of these sound like you:

When your first guest arrives and rings the doorbell, you don't hear it because you're still blow-drying your hair.

You tend to burn or otherwise mess up your party appetizers - cooking just isn't your thing!

No matter how much food you set out it seems like it gets devoured in minutes, which is a good thing but it means you're always scrambling for something else to serve at the last minute.

Sounds like you could use some 5-minute party appetizers! Stock up on the ingredients for these apps and you'll be ready for your party no matter what gets thrown your way:

Best Party Dip Ever	Blue Cheese and Onion Dip
Roasted Red Pepper Wraps	Crab Rangoon Dip
Feta Cheese Spread	Fiesta Dip
Goat Cheese Quick Dip	Jalapeno Jelly Spread
Poorhouse Hors d'Oeuvres	Cheese Ball
Cheesy Salsa Dip	Creamy Boursin Dip

Want more? These appetizers are done in 5 minutes, too:

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball
Creamy Pesto Dip
Ranch Dressing Bean Salad
Salami Pickle Wraps

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T07:07:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from FunnySpoon to you and yours!

We hope everyone enjoys their time off today and gets to spend it with friends and family. However, the sad truth is that while we're drinking and being merry, 1 billion people will go to bed hungry tonight. The good news is that you can help this holiday season with just a few clicks.

Yep, that's right! Hop on over to our Facebook page and "like" us and we'll donate a meal to a hungry child or adult this holiday season. Already "like" us? Signing up for our emails scores a free meal, too. Already did BOTH? We love you! Why not share with your friends so they can help too?

Happy Holidays!

For more details, read the full rules.

The FunnySpoon Five: Faves of the Season

2010-12-21T09:15:00.002-05:00

It sure feels like winter has been here for a while already, but it's only just now officially here. Welcome to the season of over-indulgence and cozy comfort foods. Curious what our most popular fall recipes were? Check out the round-up of the top five most-viewed recipes of the season:

S'mores Cookie Bars	Spicy Buffalo Chicken Dip
S'mores Cupcakes	Sophisticated' Grilled Cheese
World's Best Grilled Cheese

Tried any of them yet? If not, what are you waiting for? If so, share what you thought about them!

And now let's gear up for winter ...

Turn Up The Heat With These Hot Cocoa Recipes!

2010-12-20T07:23:00.001-05:00

Winter and hot cocoa just go together. It helps take the chill off a blustery day like nothing else. But the same ol' treat can get old if you don't spice it up. So why not try one these snazzy specialties!

Spiked Mint Hot Cocoa	Mexican Hot Cocoa
Ultimate Hot Cocoa

Happy holidays!

Last Minute [Sassy] Gift

2010-12-19T15:57:00.004-05:00

Crap! It's the eve of your last day at work before your 2 week holiday vaca and you still haven't gotten gifts for your co-workers. No fear... FunnySpoon is here! Make these simple, simple, simple Pretzel Bombs and Turtle Pretzels, buy some containers and presto - gifts are done! These are great (and impressive) gifts to have laying around the house in case friends pop by, too!

Glass of Sass: Helping During the Holidays

2010-12-17T07:40:00.002-05:00

Simplify the Holidays with Make-Ahead Recipes

2010-12-16T08:12:00.002-05:00

The holidays don't have to be hectic. If you prep a few recipes ahead of time, you'll have more time to enjoy the egg nog!

Appetizers in Advance
Don't spend the whole party in the kitchen! Make these apps in advance, then set out or pop in the oven once guests arrive. They're also great for taking to parties:

Tomato Poppers

Cranberry Walnut Cheese Pyramid

Taco Dip

Get more Appetizers in Advance recipes.

Holiday Houseguests Made Easy
Make these meals a day or two in advance, refrigerate, then heat (or reheat) for a cozy dinner with houseguests:

Mexican Lasagna

Chicken Tetrazzini

Turkey Chili

Get more Holiday Houseguests Made Easy recipes.

Deliciously Simple Drinks
No need to stock a full bar for your next party. Whip up a batch of one of these recipes and you'll be able to enjoy the party (rather than play bartender!):

Winter Sangria

Bailey's Egg Nog

King's Cider

Get more Deliciously Simple Drinks recipes.

Want more? Check out all our easy recipes. Happy Holidays!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now! Bonus: If you sign up before December 31, 2010, we'll donate a meal to a hungry child or adult. Get the details.

Holiday Houseguests Made Easy

2010-12-15T07:36:00.001-05:00

When holiday houseguests come to stay, who wants to spend the whole time cooking? It's much more fun to catch up on old times and just relax. But they gotta eat, right? Problem solved - prepare these meals in advance, freeze/refrigerate, and heat/reheat when it's dinnertime. They get tasty homemade meals and you get to spend time with them instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Win-win!

Mexican Lasagna	Chicken Tetrazzini
Turkey Tortellini Soup	Party Lasagna
Parmesan Chicken Fingers	Turkey Chili

Happy Holidays!

Appetizers in Advance

2010-12-14T07:19:00.000-05:00

Ever planned a party only to spend almost the whole time in the kitchen tending to your appetizers? Bah-humbug! That's no fun. While you may have a few special dishes you'd like to serve, round things out with a few of these easy appetizers that can be made in advance. Then simply set them out or pop them in the oven when guests arrive. Voila - more time for you and you guests to spend together!

Tomato Poppers	Cranberry Walnut Cheese Pyramid
Taco Dip	Cucumber Sandwiches
Party Wheels	Salami Pickle Wraps

Bonus: Most of these are already red and green! For the Cucumber Sandwiches, add a little holiday flair by placing a few pimientos on top of each one.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Cheers!

2010-12-13T07:28:00.001-05:00

With all that's involved in getting a holiday party together (appetizers, Christmas tunes, tacky reindeer sweaters) drinks often get overlooked. Yet they can be the difference between throwing the same old party your friends have been to before and hosting an exciting holiday-themed soiree. Here are some tips for making drinks that appeal to a large number of guests without being a ton of work:

Select drinks that can be made in large batches and prepared ahead of time. Pull the punch bowl/pitcher out of the refrigerator when the first guest arrives and you're set!

Prepare a signature cocktail that only uses a few ingredients and make that the focus. Supplement with a few bottles of wine, a few varieties of beer, and some sparkling water for people who aren't into hard liquor.

Serve warm drinks - not only can most of them be made batch-style but your guests tend to drink them slower, meaning they won't be swinging from the chandelier before midnight (no promises for what happens after midnight, though!).

Stock up on extra juice/mixers because not everyone likes to drink as much as you, party animal!

Inspired? Try one of these recipes and see how simple (and fun!) hosting a holiday party can be:

Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail	Winter Sangria
Baileys Egg Nog	Cinn-ful Apple Cider
King's Cider	Mulled Wine

Enjoy the festivities!

Glass of Sass: Holiday Spirit

2010-12-10T07:16:00.001-05:00

Fill your house with that wonderful holiday aroma with easy homemade potpourri.
Enjoy the tastes of the season by adding a splash of egg nog to your morning coffee.
Create a mini wonderland by setting out just one holiday decoration: a candy dish, a tiny tinsel tree, or a glass bowl filled holiday ornaments.

See, anyone can get in the holiday spirit! Simple, festive, and non-grinchy. (And for the rest of us, there's Festivus)

Egg Nog Three Ways

2010-12-09T06:46:00.001-05:00

Egg nog is that fabulous spreader of joy that only rears its intoxicating head around the holidays, only to leave you with a heavy hangover the next day. Or maybe that's just me. Despite that, I figured I'd try a few variations and get the party started early!

Baileys Egg Nog	Egg Nog Latte
Pumpkin Nog

And if you somehow manage to have leftover egg nog, try this Egg Nog Bundt Cake!

Cheers to a hangover-free holiday celebration! (But if you're not so lucky, here are some hangover tips.)

Round Out Your Cookie Tray

2010-12-07T07:32:00.003-05:00

For some people, Christmas is an excuse to have an all-day bake-fest, ending with batches of beautiful cookies that everyone raves about. For a lot of us, though, that sounds like a ton of work that's going to end with flour all over the kitchen and cookies not quite pretty enough to serve to guests.

So here's our secret to the perfect cookie tray: start with the pretty cookies you'll inevitably receive from friends, neighbors, and your sister that knows how to bake oh-so-much better than you. Then round it out with our equally tasty and still unique recipes below. The platter will look gorgeous and you won't spend days in the kitchen. Win-win!

Peppermint Sprinkle Cookies	Chocolate Truffles
Christmas Ornament Cookies	Ginger Chocolate Chip Bars
Pretzel Bombs	Choco Mint Cookie Bars

You'll notice that a lot of our recipes use "cheater" shortcuts, like cookie mixes or pre-made icing. So? We've taste-tested everything and guarantee your guests will love them all. Don't be scared of baking! Using our shortcuts you can be part of the "cool cookie club", which is something we know you've been dying to join. Welcome!

Want more? Check out all of our easy recipes!

Simple Gift (And Dinner) for Under $20

2010-12-02T13:19:00.017-05:00

Heading to a slew of parties this holiday season? Before you dive in to the egg nog, be sure to thank your lovely hostess - after all, she's saving you from a night of cooking and cleaning!

One way you can show your appreciation is with this easy hostess gift. Simply print off one of our easy recipes, pick up a sassy platter or serving dish at your local discount store (a la TJMaxx - seriously good deals!), arrange your ingredients and dress it up with a bow. Bam! Simple gift (and dinner!) for less than $20. The Five Minute Burrito platter below was $5, ingredients are $7, wrap it in some tulle and tie a bow. Doesn't get much sassier or simpler than that!

This gift is great for anyone on your list who could use a break during the holidays (and who couldn't?)! Perfect for hostess gifts, your girlfriend who has everything, your children's teacher, your neighbor, even your favorite gourmet (even they need the occasional break during the holidays!) - this gift is perfect for everyone! Check out a few of our easy recipes that wrap up nicely:

Five Minute Burrito

White Bean Tuna Salad

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

A few other recipes that will work perfectly for this type of gift are Chicken Tortilla Soup, Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Risotto and Cheesy Potato (& Beer) Soup (and you can take the rest of the 6 pack to the party!!)

Want more? Check out all our easy recipes. Happy Holidays!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now! Bonus: If you sign up before December 31, 2010, we'll donate a meal to a hungry child or adult. Get the details.

S'More Twists On A Fall Fave

2010-11-29T07:19:00.000-05:00

The cool fall weather always makes you wants to cozy up around a bonfire, doesn't it? And of course roast marshmallows and make s'mores. Mmmmm. However, with our busy lives it's not very often we can actually get out there and set some logs ablaze and get cookin'. So here are some tasty versions of s'mores you can make from the comfort (and warmth) of your own kitchen:

S'mores Cookie Bars	S'mores Cupcakes
Reese's S'mores	Frozen S'mores

Got s'more twists on this favorite treat? Share in the comments?

Glass of Sass: Thanksgiving Leftovers

2010-11-26T06:55:00.004-05:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

I ate WAY too much yesterday. Yet after I recovered from my food coma there was still a ton of food left. I can't bear the thought of eating the same dishes all over again. Any ideas on what to do with my leftovers?

We totally hear you. Yesterday's feast was great but we don't exactly want to eat it again. Lucky for us all, we anticipated this would happen and came up with some fun ideas:

White Turkey Chili	Turkey Tortellini Soup
Turkey Nachos	Mashed Potato Leek Soup
Stuffing Hash	Stuffing Meatloaf

Happy Day-After Feasting!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

FunnySpoon wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!

While you're gathered around the table saying what you're thankful for, remember that 1 billion people will go to bed hungry tonight. While it's not feasible to invite them to dinner or pack them up with a plate of leftovers, you CAN help with just a few clicks.

Yep, that's right! Hop on over to our Facebook page and "like" us and we'll donate a meal to a hungry child or adult this holiday season. Already "like" us? Signing up for our emails scores a free meal, too. Already did BOTH? We love you! Why not share with your friends so they can help too?

Happy Holidays!

For more details, read the full rules.

Since They Don't Do Much Sleeping at Sleepovers ...

2010-11-22T10:00:00.006-05:00

Planning a sleepover for your kids is easier than you think because let's face it - they want to eat and get back to running wild as soon as possible.

Our solution to keep 'em happy is Farm Rich Pizza Slices. Whip up our tasty Pizza Dipper Party Platter to fuel 'em up for their wild night!

While you're at it, serve up these simple recipes to make the sleepover extra special. Then set out a few flashlights for late-night ghost story telling and you're all set. Have a great party!

The kiddos will need to make a pit-stop so have some Party Mix on hand for refueling. It's an instant energy boost that's super easy to make!

No matter what you feed them the night before, they're sure to wake up hungry. So serve this filling French Toast and Egg Strata for breakfast before sending them home!

Get more Farm Rich recipes!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now!

Thanksgiving: Don't Sweat It

2010-11-21T11:53:00.002-05:00

Our friends at Real Simple have some fantastic tips for making Thanksgiving tear-free and ensuring you get to spend all the time you can with your fam. After all, it's much more fun to drink over conversation than a steamy stove.

Glass of Sass

2010-11-19T08:00:00.005-05:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

I just read an article that said people on average gain 1-2 pounds during the holidays and another scary article that quoted the number at 7 pounds. Yikes! I know you're not a diet site but do you have some tips?

While we don't focus on dieting, we're flattered you still asked for our advice. Because we love nothing more than spouting out our knowledge after a glass (or two) of wine.

We could probably offer tips until you're blue in the face, but we'll stick to just three recommendations. First, check out our blog post on snacking. You'd be surprised how a little bit of smart snacking can actually help you lose weight. And it's way better than depriving yourself all day.

We also think you should check out Living the Thin Life, a weight loss and maintenance book by FunnySpoon contributor Elle Meyer (now available as an eBook too!). No one wants to feel like they're dieting for life, but realistically even the most in-shape person is going to face challenges that might cause them to put on a few pounds. Her book gives practical tips you might not have thought of before that can help you have a holiday full of joy, not extra weight.

Lastly, we do have a few light & healthy recipes on our site, so check them out for inspiration for your next dinner or holiday appetizer!

Well, it's 5 o'clock somewhere so we're gonna crack open (another) bottle. Happy Friday!

Grilled Cheese Goodness

2010-11-16T06:36:00.002-05:00

If you're anything like us, just saying grilled cheese makes your mouth water. Buttery toasted bread and gooey cheesy goodness - what could be better? So check out our tips on the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, followed by some of our favorite grilled cheese recipes:

Use real butter. There are times to skimp on calories and times to splurge. You'll be glad you used real butter in this case!

Shredded cheese melts more quickly and evenly than sliced, so take the extra time to shred it first or just buy shredded cheese.

I always hear "experts" say to butter each side of the bread when grilling. To me this is just difficult (see #1 where I recommend using real butter, which is anything but easy to spread) so instead I melt butter in the pan and place the sandwich in there, and when it's time to flip, I lift up the sandwich and melt a little more butter, then flip back into the pan. Much easier and much more even coating.

Cook on medium heat and cover the pan. The medium heat ensures you get it toasted and covering it ensures the cheese is fully melted. Even if you're hungry and want it sooner, cooking on higher heat is just going to burn the bread without melting the cheese.

Serve right away for maximum gooey-ness (let's just pretend that's a word).

Drooling yet? Check out these easy grilled cheese recipes:

World's Best Grilled Cheese	Grown-Up Grilled Cheese
ABC Grilled Cheese Sandwich	'Sophisticated' Grilled Cheese
Turkey Pesto Grilled Cheese

Bonus: Remember having tomato soup and grilled cheese on a cold winter day? Jog those memories with these simple Kicked Up Tomato Soup!

Glass of Sass

2010-11-12T07:41:00.007-05:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

I'm in love with Bradley Cooper. I've seen The Hangover 10 times and watched every episode of Kitchen Confidential. Is he really your intern?

If it's possible, we think we love Bradley (or Coop as we call him around the office) more than you do. That's why we made him our honorary intern.

What does that mean? It means that creating simple recipes for you is way more fun with a hottie around as our sous chef/intern. And you have to admit our Facebook status updates are WAY more interesting when there's a drool-worthy photo of Bradley attached, right? Right.

And that's about as much as we're going to divulge. Bradley is a little embarrassed at how much he enjoys giving us foot massages so he asked us to keep our lips sealed about the details of what he does for us. We agreed because let's be honest - he had us at "lips".

Want more Bradley? Check out his blog posts. Happy Friday!

Simple Ways to Get More Water in Your Diet

2010-11-10T07:30:00.005-05:00

We all know we should drink more water because EVERYONE tells us all the time. Or, at least it can feel that way when you're not big on drinking water! If you're sick or have a headache, your mom says to drink more water. If you're dieting, you're supposed to drink more water to help you feel fuller. Even if you just had a relaxing massage, you're supposed to drink water to help flush out the toxins that were just rubbed loose. OK GUYS, we get it! More water!

So how do you get it down the hatch if you're just not that into it? Here are 5 quick and easy tips:

1. Just chug it. Use your college days as inspiration and finish the whole glass in one go. Nothing's that bad as long as it's over with quickly, right?

2. Enhance the flavor with a packet of Emergen-C (which is also packed with vitamins) or Crystal Light on the Go. You'll only add a few calories and it will make it taste MUCH more interesting.

3. Allow yourself a soda or alcoholic drink only if you drink water first. Getting through the glass of water will be much easier if you know you have a reward waiting for you on the other side.

4. If you're eating broth-based soup, add in a little extra water. It will only dilute the taste a tiny bit but you'll squeeze in extra water. Tip: start with small doses and build up - you don't want to ruin your soup by adding too much water.

5. Eat fruit. If you simply can't down a glass of H20 then eat an orange or an apple. They're full of water and at least you'll get a little more of the good stuff in your system.

Try one of these tips and let us know how it goes! Or, if you think we're all being a bunch of babies then share your tip on how you get more water in your diet.

Pumpkin with a Twist

2010-11-08T09:01:00.003-05:00

Don't let your pumpkins get the post-Halloween blues. Try one of these unique recipes for a fun take on pumpkin:

White Chocolate Pumpkin Cake

Lasagna with Pumpkin

Pumpkin Pancakes

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Pumpkin & Squash Risotto

Tempt your tastebuds with all our pumpkin recipes!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now!

Glass of Sass

2010-11-05T09:23:00.016-04:00

Check out the latest Q&A in our new Glass of Sass column. We know our sassy fans have questions, and we've already poured a glass of wine so we're ready to fire off some answers!

Got a question of your own? Send it in and we will answer it in a future column!

I like your site - it's so clean and pretty - and the recipes are easy, but, um, why should I remember to go to your site instead of one of the other million recipe websites out there?

Aw, thanks, you're making us blush! We're glad you like the site and even happier that you find our recipes easy - that's totally what we're going for.

As for your question, here's the main difference between FunnySpoon and other sites: We're not your EVERY night solution – we're your BUSY night solution. Our sassy recipes and grocery store shortcuts simplify your dinnertime dash and add sanity back to your day. And let's be real, everyone has at least one or two busy nights per week, right? And you don't want to go through the drive-thru again (well, you do but your waist and arteries are starting to get worried) so we'll help you get a simple meal on the table so you can relax the rest of the evening.

Sold? Good. As for having trouble remembering to visit our site, don't worry, we're not offended. We know there are tons of other ways to ~~get distracted~~ spend your time online. How about signing up for our twice-monthly emails? That way WE can come to YOU with fab recipe ideas and tips. You're welcome.

No One Should Go To Bed Hungry

2010-11-04T05:00:00.006-04:00

No one should go to bed hungry. Yet tonight, 1 billion people will. Shocking, right? So we want to help. For each new person who "likes" us on Facebook or signs up for our emails, we'll provide one meal to a hungry child or adult. Support the cause!

Details:

Starts November 4, 2010 ends December 31, 2010. Each new fan on Facebook and each new email subscriber counts as one (1) new entry. For each entry we will donate one meal to Feeding America.

If you are already a fan and on our email list, you can still help by spreading the word or donating directly to Feeding America.

We will announce the final amounts donated during the first week of January 2011.

Tips for Tuna Salad

2010-11-02T07:21:00.000-04:00

Someone once told me that tuna sandwiches were her comfort food. While I thought it was a bit weird (I mean, hello, mac and cheese anyone?) I can't deny that a good tuna sandwich is, well, good! So here are some quick tips to make any tuna sandwich tasty, no matter what recipe you use:

Canned or those snazzy bagged packages are both good, just be sure you go for "chunk light". You're already eating packaged fish - let's not go cheap.

Get the kind packaged in water instead of oil - you'll add flavor with the ingredients in your recipe (mayo, relish, etc.) and will save a ton of calories. Remember, fish is supposed to be good for you!

Don't worry about draining every last drop of water out - leaving a little bit (but just a little) will keep your tuna salad more moist, which means having to add less mayo.

Separate the tuna well before adding the other ingredients. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty (but wash them first!) then fingers really are the best way. However, using a fork to pull apart the chunks works, too.

Hungry yet? Then check out some of our favorite tuna salad recipes:

Veggie-Packed Tuna Salad

Tuna Melt

White Bean Tuna Salad

Worcestershire Tuna Wrap

Six Ingredient Tuna Salad

If you try one of the recipes above, be sure to let us know how it was! Just be sure you don't bring them for lunch!

Sick of Halloween Already? Try These Recipes

2010-10-29T06:41:00.003-04:00

Trick or ... yawn. I love Halloween, I really do. It's just that Halloween candy and decorations have been lining the aisles of grocery stores since Labor Day and I'm a bit burned out before the day has even arrived. And the web is flooded with creepy, crawly Halloween recipes that just look gross, not to mention overly complicated. While dirt pudding and spider cupcakes can be fun, I figured I'd share a few recipes that help you celebrate Halloween without sending you over the edge:

Pumpkin Spice Cookies	Candied Popcorn Balls
Cinnamon Crunch Pumpkin Seeds	Monster Mix

Dare I say it ... Happy Halloween!

Last Hurrah for Chili Month

2010-10-28T07:03:00.004-04:00

We know you all read our blog faithfully. But this is for your, uh, friends, who might have missed it. October is National Chili Month so be sure to get your chili on before Monday with one of the tasty recipes we featured earlier in the month.

Or try something a little different: Beef, Sausage, and Black Bean Chili

Happy National Chili Month!

Rock Out on Family Game Night

2010-10-27T04:29:00.006-04:00

It's starting to cool off, so bring the kids indoors for game night! Fire up the Wii for a Rock Band concert and see if Dad really is as good at guitar as he claims.

And when the rockstars need a break, keep 'em happy with Farm Rich! Our Cheeseburgers on a Stick use Farm Rich Meatballs, which are made with premium ingredients and are super easy to prepare.

Get more Farm Rich recipes!

Pssst! This recipe idea was sent straight to the inboxes of our email subscribers, who get tips like this about twice a month from us. Want in? Sign up now!

Semi-Meal Plan

2010-10-23T07:58:00.000-04:00

We know that everyone has different schedules and maybe a full meal plan doesn't totally work for you. We're cool with that. So we're keeping it simple: we're giving you two new recipes to try each week. Because no matter what's going on in your busy life, you probably have at least two days where a sassy, easy FunnySpoon dinner would fit in perfectly. This week try:

Artichoke Pesto Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Soup

Each meal is on the table in 20 minutes or less - promise! So go ahead and give these tasty recipes a try and let us know what you think!

Caramel Apple Day

2010-10-21T10:36:00.008-04:00

Today is Caramel Apple Day, so celebrate with these sassy Caramel Apples. It's fun and delicious for all ages to celebrate!

Eat, Drink, and Blog!

2010-10-19T06:47:00.003-04:00

Our friends at Eat, Drink and Be featured a guest post of ours: 5 Best Recipes When You're Sick. Yay us! If you haven't seen it yet, take a look and bookmark it so you're prepared the next time someone in your house gets sick.

And be sure to check out their other food safety and health articles while you're there!

Happy National Liqueur Day

2010-10-16T11:00:00.001-04:00

How appropriate that National Liqueur Day fall on the weekend? Celebrate in style with a Chambord Cosmo (or two)!

Semi-Meal Plan

2010-10-16T07:55:00.000-04:00

Spicy Mex Burger

Feta Encrusted Salmon

Each meal is on the table in 20 minutes or less - promise! So go ahead and give these tasty recipes a try and let us know what you think!

Blog Action Day 2010: Water

2010-10-15T06:39:00.001-04:00

Today is Blog Action Day and this year's topic is water. We're participating in this event by sharing just a few shocking facts about the world's water usage and supply:

Unsafe drinking water and lack of sanitation kills more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Unclean drinking water can incubate some pretty scary diseases, like E. coli, salmonella, cholera and hepatitis A. Given that bouquet of bacteria, it's no surprise that water, or rather lack thereof, causes 42,000 deaths each week.

Every day, women and children in Africa walk a combined total of 109 million hours to get water. They do this while carrying cisterns weighing around 40 pounds when filled in order to gather water that, in many cases, is still polluted. Aside from putting a great deal of strain on their bodies, walking such long distances keeps children out of school and women away from other endeavors that can help improve the quality of life in their communities.

The average American uses 159 gallons of water every day – more than 15 times the average person in the developing world. From showering and washing our hands to watering our lawns and washing our cars, Americans use a lot of water. To put things into perspective, the average five-minute shower will use about 10 gallons of water. Now imagine using that same amount to bathe, wash your clothes, cook your meals and quench your thirst.

Want to help? Get on board with one or more of these easy solutions:

Be more aware of how much water you use. Turn it off when you can, use less where you can. You don't need to put a bucket in your shower to capture reusable water or stop shaving - we're not trying to turn the world into hippies. But maybe take a shorter shower or water your lawn a little less often.

Donate to water.org. Hey, if Matt Damon's involved, we're interested! And for just $25, you can give one person clean water FOR LIFE.

Spread the word on your blog or Facebook page, or slap it on a post-it note on your friend's back. Beats "Kick Me" for originality!

Happy Birthday FunnySpoon!

2010-10-14T09:25:00.007-04:00

Wow, it's already been two years of sassy cooking shortcuts. We hope we've helped make dinnertime and parties easier for you!

So why not share the love with your sassy friends?

Already signed up for our emails? We'll send a FunnySpoon grocery tote to the fan that forwards today's email to the most people. Yep - YOU get a present on OUR birthday!

Not signed up yet? Sign up today so you don't miss out on future rewards like this (plus that little side benefit of getting our awesome emails packed with sassy recipes to help make your weeknight dinners just a little bit easier).

All done? Time to get festive and celebrate with our fun and easy Birthday Cupcakes:

Thanks for celebrating with us - we've enjoyed having you around for the past two years!

It's Spa Week!!

2010-10-13T13:23:00.001-04:00

Other than the Chilean miners being rescued this week (thank goodness they're all safe!) the most amazing news is that it's SPA WEEK, October 11-17. This is not just permission - it's your duty - to have a spa treatment at someplace fabulous - mani, pedi, massage, facial, body wrap, whatever little pick-me-up moves you!

In honor of this week, Vicki and I have decided to give our famously hot sous chef & intern, Bradley Cooper, the week off from foot massage duty. Instead we're going to treat him to a little spa treatment. Jealous girls? You should be!

And when you make a sassified, simple FunnySpoon meal for dinner no one will ever know you spent the better part of the afternoon relaxing!

Enjoy ... and happy hump day!

(Gratuitous eye candy. You're welcome!)

Mac and Cheese Mania

2010-10-12T06:30:00.000-04:00

Seems like Mac 'N Cheese is all the rage these days. Personally, I love a box of Kraft mac and cheese, prepared the exact same way my mom prepared it all those years ago. But I do enjoy sprucing up mac and cheese as well, so if you're interested in trying something a little different, check out these different versions of the classic:

1. Gourmet Mac and Cheese

2. Mom-Approved Mac and Cheese

3. Rustic Mac N Cheese

4. Quick Mac

5. Macocheese

So c'mon, get your cheese on! And if you try one of these recipes, be sure to let us know how it goes!

Semi-Meal Plan

2010-10-09T07:50:00.000-04:00

Greek Burger

Brie Tomato Bacon Pizza

Each meal is on the table in 20 minutes or less - promise! So go ahead and give these tasty recipes a try and let us know what you think!

Brrr ... it's chili out!

2010-10-07T07:01:00.000-04:00

One of the best things about this time of year is that you can cozy up to a nice bowl of chili - something you just don't want to do in the sweltering summer heat! Whatever your preference, we've got a type of chili that matches your style:

Family-style: When it comes to chili, everyone has different tastes. But FunnySpoon's Turkey Chili is guaranteed to please the whole family!

Manly: Show just how rough and tough you are with this mean bowl of Dick's Famous Tex-Mex Chili. Chest hair not required.

Vegetarian: Just because you don't eat meat doesn't mean you can't get in on the chili goodness. Check out Lindsay's Spicy Vegetarian Chili and prove that vegetarians can hang with the rest of 'em.

Easy: Like chili but are afraid to make it? Stir up some Lazy Man's Chili, crack open a cold one, and they'll never know the difference!

Unique: Sometimes you just want something a little different - and White Turkey Chili is perfect for that. Have a lighter and whiter version of your fall fave!

So go on, get your chili cook-off started!

Happy National Noodle Day

2010-10-06T11:39:00.039-04:00

Today is National Noodle Day and what better way to celebrate than with a meal full of noodles?

You've got your Ramen noodle:

Ramen Stir-Fry

You've got your egg noodle:

Tortilla Soup

And you've got your good 'ol fashioned spaghetti noodle:

Baked Spaghetti

Spaghetti and Meatball Cupcakes

Happy Noodle-ing!

Be Green ... Not Gross!

2010-10-05T09:43:00.000-04:00

We're all trying to be nice to our planet: reduce our waste, recycle whenever possible, reuse products, etc. Right? Right!

And as a part of this, I'm sure you're using canvas, reusable grocery totes, right? Did you know that these bags, while great for the environment, need a little TLC from your washing machine every once in a while? It's true - they grab little pieces of bacteria and contaminants from the groceries & produce you put in them, hold onto them and attach them to the next round of groceries. So while they probably don't need to be laundered as often as your kids' smelly soccer clothes, you should wash them about once per month. Toss them in with the sheets and towels and keep your family healthy & safe from icky, weird food bacteria!

Want a sassy FunnySpoon grocery tote? Just share one of your fave recipes, with a photo, and we'll send you a tote like one of these!

Happy National Taco Day!

2010-10-04T15:18:00.011-04:00

Celebrate National Taco Day and Meatless Monday with these Tempeh Tacos.

Semi-Meal Plan

2010-10-02T07:33:00.000-04:00

We know that everyone has different schedules and maybe a full meal plan doesn't totally work for you. We're cool with that. So we're trying something new: we're giving you two new recipes to try each week. Because no matter what's going on in your busy life, you probably have at least two days where a sassy, easy FunnySpoon dinner would fit in perfectly. This week try:

Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas

Shrimp 3 Ways

Each meal is on the table in 20 minutes - promise! So go ahead and give these tasty recipes a try and let us know what you think!