Oreo Layer Cake

I have had "get haircut" and "GO TO DENTIST" on my to-do list for months, and yes, the latter has been in all caps.  Finally, due to an issue with a tooth that I don't want to talk about (because Google has led me to believe it's DEAD), I decided that making a dentist appointment was more crucial than getting that long bob, or lob.  So today, I am going to see my new NY dentist and I'm terrified. Maybe that is because late last night, I sat and ate a giant piece of this RIDICULOUS cake and drank a glass of red wine.  BUT THEN I FLOSSED (for the first time in forever) SO EVERYTHING IS OKAY.

Our beloved nanny turned 27 this week, and since she is an Oreo-lover I wanted to find a cake that truly highlighted the famous cookie.  I came across this recipe and after realizing actual Oreos are layered below the cake batter, I knew it was the one.  Because I ran out of cookies (and because I was trying to make the cake SLIGHTLY less rich) I only layered them in one of the cakes.  This, cake, is, SO INTENSE... and so Oreoy, which should be a legit word in the Scrabble dictionary I think.  The Oreo creme filling and the chocolate buttercream are unreal.  I think my dentist will approve.     

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Outdoor Oasis from Kohl's

Happy 4th of July!  What are your plans today?  It's raining here, but that won't stop us from getting outside and grilling some food!  (I mean, we moved to NY from CA in the middle of winter and grilled outside in March, so there you go.)  And look!  My outdoor table is already set!  Thanks to Kohl's, who is sponsoring this post, I am all ready for summer entertaining on the patio.  Plastic dishes and glassware have gotten so chic over the years, and at Kohl's that is no exception.  Check out their Sonoma Outdoors line, where I found these plastic, dishwasher safe and BPA-free plates, bowls and cups, for instance.  I'm also obsessed with the above "bread basket," which I use mostly for fruit.

Thank you Kohl's for having such cute, affordable stuff!  

Have a happy and safe 4th, my friends.    

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Madhava Baking Mixes + Syrups Giveaway!

I'm sorry I haven't been around this week... both kids have been sick, we took a surprise day trip to Disneyland and mostly... getting ready for a MASSIVE cross-country move!  I will be back next week, with cookies and patty melts and more.  Maybe something healthy.

But let's talk about this giveaway!  One of my favorite brands, Madhava, recently came out with new products: organic baking mixes, organic coffee syrups and organic pancake syrups!  They are offering a lucky reader one of EACH of the above (with the exception of the brownie mix which isn't out yet).  I recently tried two of the mixes and fell in love.  If you're like me, and sometimes feel guilty using boxed baking mixes because of the overly-sweet, processed nature of the food, you don't have to feel that way with Madhava's products!  They are organic, made with ancient grains and natural sweeteners and low-glycemic.  Most importantly, they taste AMAZING...      

Please comment below to win, and let me know which product you're most excited to try.  

*You must be an official follower of this blog to qualify, and a winner will be chosen on Wednesday, 2/26, at 8am PST.  Good luck!

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Review: Dr. Praeger's

I was recently sent some products from Dr. Praeger's, a line of nutritious, all-natural frozen foods that the whole family will enjoy!  It sounds like they told me to write that but they didn't, honestly.  My whole family has become addicted to their broccoli, sweet potato and spinach nuggets.  Which is not an easy feat, by the way, considering my son won't touch a green vegetable (other than frozen peas).  The other night he asked for 15 broccoli nuggets.  And, like I said, you will enjoy them too.  You can tell that they're fresh, almost like you made them yourself.  Look for them the next time you're out!

And stay tuned for a homemade meal later on today...    

**Quick note: earth to Julie who won the Cake Stand Giveaway, if I don't hear from you over the weekend I am going to pick another winner so please email me soon : )

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Lee Kum Kee Orange Chicken

Last week, we had a 'Welcome Home' dinner for Carson and the theme was orange (because of this).  Jack and I had fun decorating the table with orange balloons, pumpkins, festive flowers and screwdrivers.  Not the tool, the drink, and Jack didn't help with that part I swear.  Coincidentally, I had just been sent some products from Lee Kum Kee and included was a packet of sauce for Orange Chicken.  Orange!  No preservatives or artificial flavoring, no MSG and no HFCS.  Prepared with fresh ingredients, ready in minutes... highly recommended for a weeknight dinner.  Do I sound like a commercial yet?  Should I take over Flo's job?  But seriously, I like making my own sauce like the next Julia Child wannabe, but I'm a mom of two and I want to keep what little sanity I have left.  Therefore, sauces in bags are the answer.  Serve this Orange Chicken with brown rice, carrots, and a salad with orange tomatoes and orange bell peppers and you're ready for your orange party.  Don't forget to invite some Oompa Loompas.  And check out Lee Kum Kee's website for other yummy products!              

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Piedra Azul Tequila + Blood Orange Margarita

One major perk of writing a food blog is being contacted by lovely people who represent lovely products, like tequila.  Piedra Azul Blanco Tequila, to be specific.  It's named after turquoise (la Piedra Azul), which I love, and made from 100% Blue Agave Weber...        

I had planned to cook up a few things with this tequila, but time got away from me (my baby has officially, stopped, sleeping) so instead I started drinking straight from the bottle.  In the name of research!!  I love tequila and typically drink it  straight up and ice cold (with some fresh limes).  What's important to me is a smooth finish - which this had for a reasonably priced alcohol.  But, I figured not everyone enjoys tequila straight, so I also made a delicious Blood Orange Margarita using Madhava Agave Nectar for sweetness, another product I love.  

Hey everyone, I love products hint hint!!

I hope you enjoy your weekends and if you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, pick up a bottle of Piedra Azul and don't forget to party responsibly.  I am a commercial. 

Blood Orange Margarita
(Serves 2)
Printable Recipe

1/2 cup blood orange soda or freshly squeezed blood orange juice
1/2 cup Piedra Azul Blanco tequila
2 T freshly squeezed lime juice
2 T Madhava agave nectar
Limes or blood oranges for garnish

In a pitcher, stir together blood orange soda or juice, tequila, lime juice and agave nectar.  Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses (optional).  Garnish with lime or orange.

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