Bacon Bruschetta Pasta

Hey hey!!!! I had a fun time buying up a few yummy ingredients at Meijers! So I decided to make some pasta with a tomato and smokey kick. This pasta is a quick make and is oh so delicious..But wait....it gets better. This sesame crusted bread my mother picked up was fantastic. It was a Sesame Semolina loaf. I made a mild spread to put on the bread because it honestly didn't need anything! Such a great meal this was. So go ahead and see for yourself. You'll thank me later =]

Bacon Bruschetta Pasta

1 lb. Whole Grain Linguine( Ronzoni Style)
1 1b. Bacon, chopped
1/2 Purple Onion, chopped
4 Garlic Cloves, chopped
1/4 cup White wine
1 can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes( 1lb, 12 oz.)
6-8 basil leaves, chopped
1 tsp. Smoked Paprika
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1.In a pot over high heat, bring water to a boil, add in salt and olive oil. Cook pasta until Al Dente

2. While pasta is cooking, in a skillet over medium to high heat, cook bacon until fat is completely rendered and bacon is crisp. Remove bacon from pan. Remove fat leaving about 3-4 tbl. in the skillet.

3.Add in onions and garlic and cook until tender

4. Stir in wine, tomatoes, basil, paprika. Cook for about 3 minutes. season with salt and pepper

5. Add pasta, bacon, and cheese. Toss well.

Quick Bread Spread

4tbl butter, softened
3tbl olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Mix well. Spread on bread and place in oven, and bake at 425 degrees for 8-10 minutes, open faced.

Enjoy Everyone!!!!!

Giveaway Winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated! I counted every person that commented as one entry, I did no double entries and used Random.org. So There were 13 entries. Random.org. generated the number 11.(Because I still dont know how to do the widget, this is how I have to show it.lol)

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 11 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

SO who wins the natural hair and body pack?????

The winner is.....................Amber

...with ♥, Amber said...

I follow your lovely blog. {Happy Belated birthday!}

April 7, 2011 12:50 PM

I'll be contacting you asking what shampoos, soap, and lip balm you want! If I have any trouble, contact me at kiwi_1698@yahoo.com

Thanks everyone!! Be on the look out for the next one.

Its a Birthday Giveaway!!

So yesterday was my Birthday!! I know it may seem interesting Im giving away stuff on behalf of my bday but I love my new and old followers and wanted to do a special giveaway. If you havent noticed, I wear my hair natural now and I loooove natural hair and body products! When another natural introduced me to Chagrin Valley I flipped!! I also have this in the refresh section, so check em out! I had never used a shampoo bar and had no clue what it was. Let me tell you they're amazing!!! SULFATE FREE, NO PARABENS, NO AFTIFICIAL FRAGRANCE/COLORS, NO PETROLEUM, the whole deal. These bars are super sudsy!!! Their products make your hair and body feel great! Soooooo here comes the giveaway.

*Note: Chagrin Valley has not payed me or sponsored this giveaway, this is my personal gift to you! For my male followers they have all kinds of products for you too, so you can participate!!!

You will win...

• 1  4oz. Buttercream Face Wash(This stuff just came out!!) 

• 3 Sample Shampoo Bars of your choice(These have lasted me for 6 months and counting)

• 1 lip butter balm of your choice                      

• 1 sample Natural Soap of your choice

How to Win...

• Be a follower of Hipstir Fresh Cooking 

• Subscribe to our feed, which is to the right!

• Leave a comment below!

CONTEST WILL RUN FOR 2 WEEKS. 3/29/11- 4/12/11

I will be using Random.org to pick a winner!!!!

Chocolate Chai Tea Cupcakes with Pumpkin Frosting

Woah! That was a mouthful wasnt it! Now, I know these cupcakes sound different, and maybe even crazy to you, but food should be interesting and daring. Once I made these, everyone agreed that they hit the spot. The Chocolate cupcakes are so moist and the pumpkin buttercream is creamy and adds such a nice contrast to the spices in the cupcakes. When I thought of these, I saw that I had every ingredient except for the chai tea and cupcake liners. These are thrifty cupcakes!! So be bold and daring and try em out. They'll leave you wanting more!

 For A Printable Recipe Click Here

Chocolate Chai Tea Cupcakes(makes 12 cupcakes)

1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk(if you have none, 1/2 cup milk,1tbl. vinegar or lemon juice)
1/2 cup vegetable oil( I used grapeseed oil)
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup water
2 chai tea bags
2oz.(2squares) bittersweet chocolate
1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
1/4 tsp. ground ginger

Preheat oven to 300 degrees

In a saucepan over high heat, add water and tea bags.

Once tea begins to boil, reduce heat to a simmer and add in the bittersweet chocolate.














Be sure to stir often until chocolate is completely melted. Remove tea bags and turn off heat.

After it should look something like this

In a bowl add in the rest of the ingredients. Add in the chocolate chai tea mixture and Stir well.

Line cupcake tin with liners and spray with non stick cooking spray. Fill each liner with 1/4-1/3 cup of batter depending how big you want your cupcakes.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, then allow to cool.

Pumpkin Buttercream

1 stick butter, softened
1/3 cup canned pumpkin
3 cups confectioners sugar(SIFTED)
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla

Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat butter and pumpkin on medium high..

                                                                  

Sift in confectioners sugar and salt and blend until smooth.

Stir In Vanilla

Using a piping bag or ziploc, use a large round piping tip or simply cut an edge off of the ziploc and pipe with frosting.

ENJOY!!!!!!

Big Black Bean Burgers

 
Hello all! Its Tasty Tuesday!! Here's a quick and easy recipe that makes a nice and moist burger. The black beans added a special something and we really enjoyed it. A sure way to sneak in some fiber for your lil ones. So go ahead and check it out =]

 Big Black Bean Burgers

2 lbs. Ground beef (I used 80/20)
15 oz. can black beans, rinsed
1 small onion, chopped
1 small poblano, chopped
1 tbl. garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/8 cup bbq sauce
1 egg,optional.



1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees.(grill if you'd like too!)

2.In a bowl, mash black beans.

3.Add remaining ingredients, mix well!

4.Form 6-7 patties and place them in a shallow baking dish(I had mine on a cookie sheet and it was a bad idea.lol)

5. Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes.

Serve with warm toasted hamburger buns.

Quick Queso
1/2 cup Salsa
8oz. Shredded Mild Cheddar cheese.

 1.Combine both ingredients together.In a microwavable dish, heat your cheese and salsa in a microwave until cheese is melted. about 2-3 minutes. Or if you're against the microwave. Use a saucepan and cook until melty delicious =]

Top your burgers with the Queso and enjoy!

Sweet-N-Healthy : Sugar Free

So who out there adores sweet potatoes??? I know I do. Sweet potatoes are packed with flavor and they definitely don't skimp on healthy qualities either. I enjoy knowing that I get a great source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin A and C while enjoying the perfect amount of sweetness. So for the Sweet-N-Healthy Blogger Recipe Contest, I decided to make a Sweet Potato and Brussel Salad. This salad has no added sugars! Most of the salads we eat are packed with sugar so be ready to enjoy this nutritious creation! The ingredients in this salad are super healthy so you get to enjoy that sweet and savory without risking calories. The sweet potatoes and cinnamon add sweetness while playing off of the tart cherries and crunchy brussels and pecans. Whether served warm or chilled, this salad is a hit! Enjoy!!

Prep time: 20-25 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

Sweet Potato and Brussel Salad(4-6 servings)

2 sweet potatoes

1 1/2 lbs. Brussel sprouts

1/3 cup olive oil

1 shallot, finely chopped

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 cup pecans, chopped

1/2 cup dried cherries

2 tbl. red wine vinegar

salt and pepper to season

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Rinse sweet potatoes, prick all over with a fork and place on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until slighty tender. Peel away skin and chop. You should be able to easily chop the potatoes without them being mushy.

Slice the brussel sprouts, but be sure to leave off the bottoms and some of the core.

 In a skillet over medium-high heat, add in olive oil. Once oil is warmed, add in shallots and cinnamon. Cook for about 30 seconds.

It should look a lil something like this

Add in brussel sprouts and cook for 3-4 minutes.(The sprouts should still be a bright green)

Remove from heat, add in sweet potatoes, pecans,cherries, red wine vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Toss and serve warm or chilled

Fat Tuesday: Shrimp & Grits

Fat Tuesday is tomorrow!! So here's a recipe that is sure to give you crazy amounts of flavor and definitely a full stomach!! Hope you all enjoy Tomorrow!! Be sure to look out for our Ultimate Oatmeal Cookie recipe & video this week. Enjoy Loves =]

Click here to vote for my Ritz Shrimp N Gritz =]

Printable Recipe Here

Shrimp & Grits Recipe( serves 6-8)




Shrimp.......

1/2 lb. bacon, chopped
1 1/2- 2 lbs shrimp
4tbl. butter
1 small sweet onion, chopped
1bunch green onions
1/4 cup white wine
1 tsp. garlic, minced

Grits......
1 cup Quick Grits
1 cup Heavy Cream
3 1/2 cups Chicken broth
1/2 tsp. Smoked Paprika(of course regular works too)
8 oz. Kraft Triple Cheddar Shredded Cheese


In a skillet over medium to high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove from skillet to paper towels.
Remove bacon fat leaving about 2-3 tbl. in the skillet.Add in butter.

Saute both onions, garlic, and shrimp. Add in wine. Season with salt and pepper and cook until pink!
In a sauce pan over high heat, combine heavy cream and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Slowly add in grits. Lower heat, cover and cook for 12-14 minutes, occasionally stirring.

Add cheese, cook for 2-3 more minutes. Add in paprika, bacon, and season with salt to taste.
Serve your shrimp mixture over your grits and enjoy!!

Killer Buttermilk Shrimp

Hey Hey Hey!! Heres a simple recipe for making that fried shrimp everyone will be coming back to your house for. Its something about using whole wheat flour for dredging that makes it come out crispier and actually even more tasty! We also use a lil powdered sugar. WHAT??? Yes, it also adds more flavor and crisp so dont freak out. You'll thank us later. Oh and definitely try out the Colorful Asian Slaw too. Its so yum. Dress it with Newmans Sesame and Ginger and you're good to go. Enjoy!

Printable Recipe Here

Killer Buttermilk Shrimp

2lbs.Shrimp,peeled and deveined(mine came with the tails off too. Yes!)
1 1/2 cup buttermilk
A few splashes of hot sauce
1/2 tsp. ground thyme
1 tsp. salt

In a bowl combine all ingredients. Let shrimp sit in buttermilk for about 15- 30 minutes in refrigerator.

Dredging Flour

2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1 tsp. baking powder
2 tbl. powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp.pepper
1tsp.garlic powder

Combine all ingredients. Heat oil in a pot. After the shrimp have been in the buttermilk. Fully dredge in flour, shake off excess flour, and fry in oil until golden.

Printable Recipe Here

Colorful Asian Slaw
*Choose Your Fave Vegetables for your slaw. Here are ones I used

- Purple Cabbage,thinly sliced
- Napa Cabbage, thinly sliced
- Vidalia Onion, thinly sliced
- Sweet Potato, Thinly shaved
- Red & Yellow peppers, thinly sliced
- Carrots, Shaved                                                                  
- Cilantro, chopped
- Basil, chopped
- Almonds(optional)

Dress your salad with Newmans Sesame & Ginger Salad Dressing. Enjoy!!!

Country Cherry Melts

Hi everyone! Here's a new comforting sandwich My Mom(Davette) and I came up with that you can enjoy. We're still looking around at tons of snow and sometimes you want to have something with a homey taste. Hope you all enjoy these melts! I know these are not ranking 10 on the healthy scale but when you have a splurge day, these definitely wont hurt! Oh yea, they have dried cherries in them too. If you're one that doesn't like fruit in your meals, just omit them. I wont feel bad! lol.

To Print This Recipe, Click Here!

Country Cherry Melt

1 Sourdough Round French bread, sliced (1/2in thickness)

5 oz. Bag Dried Tart Cherries

1 cup Baby Spinach

6oz. Baby Brie, sliced

10 slices Hickory Smoked Ham (Canadian Bacon works also)

2tbl. olive oil

1/2 cup Mayonnaise

1 stick softened butter, divided

In a skillet, brown ham for about 2-3 minutes. Remove to a plate.

In a bowl, combine 6tbl. butter and mayo. Take two slices of bread; spread enough mayo mixture to coat each slice. Sprinkle about 2tbl. of cherries on top of one slice. Using 2 slices of brie, break it apart to cover sandwich. Top with 2 slices of ham, layer a few leaves of spinach and top with other slice of bread. Repeat process for remaining sandwiches.

With remaining mayo mixture, spread enough on the tops of the sandwiches. You will place the bare side down into the coated pan.

In that same skillet over medium to high heat, place 1 tbl. Butter and 1 tbl. Olive oil. Lay bare side down into the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Use the other tbl. of butter and olive oil for remaining sandwiches. Remove from pan and enjoy!

Makes 5 sandwiches

Say Goodbye to The Rash & Hello to Boudreaux's Butt Paste

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

If you're tired of itchy, sore, and just plain irritated skin, you need to try Boudreaux's Butt Paste.  We all know what so many babies end up getting because of all those dry diapers constantly rubbing on their little bottoms for months. The Dreaded Diaper Rash! Kids start scratching making it worse and it makes it uncomfortable for both kids and parents. Parents don't like to see their precious children irritated because in the end their left feeling the same way. But stop right there, how would you feel if I told you there was an amazing product that will not only treat diaper rash, but keep it from coming back again. Let me introduce you to a fantastic Diaper Rash and Skin Protectant called Boudreaux's Butt Paste. This product was specially made by a pharmacist along with the expertise of a pediatrician, so they definitely know their stuff. They made this Butt paste with your children in mind to cure that obnoxious pest called diaper rash. With the blend of 16% Zinc Oxide and Peruvian Balsam, it treats diaper rash spot on and soothes irritated skin.

 I personally adore this product because I can use it sparingly and the results are fantastic. If you think the Boudreaux's Butt Paste is only for babies, think again! I use it in the winter when my skin becomes super dry. My skin is left soft, hydrated, and the chafing is no more! The Boudreaux's Butt Paste has a pleasant scent, is easy to apply and remove, and come in tubes for better application.

 With all of the convenient sizes available(1oz, 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, and 16 oz.)Boudreaux's Butt Paste will be super easy for traveling and even if you're just on the go. If you're still unsure about trying this amazing product out, you'll be excited to hear that the Boudreaux's Butt Paste has made some pretty big appearances on The Oprah show, Tonight show, Today Show, People Magazine, ESPN, and While You Were Out on TLC.

If you STILL are having second thoughts, here are a few reviews from Amazon Customers that swear Boudreaux's Butt Paste is where its at.

"We used this for our first child and it very quickly and effectively fixed any redness or diaper rash she ever had." (Amazon Review, see for yourself) 

"My fingers and feet get dry then sometimes crack and bleed in the winter.
I have tried every skin product known to man. The others worked but took a week or more. Butt Paste has taken care of the problem in two to three days. I do not have to apply it every day. Usually a couple times a winter and I am good to go. Boudreaux's Butt Paste Diaper Rash Ointment." (Another Amazon Review)

So if you're sold on this more than effective product,  be sure to visit http://www.buttpaste.com/BLButtPaste.php for a free sample. What are you waiting for? Go try Boudreaux's Butt Paste today!

 

 

Lets Make Things Hot and Spicy with Tabasco Original Red

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red.  All opinions are 100% mine.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3p7eqEFba-M

    In the late 1860's, Edmund McIlhenny created the legendary red pepper sauce that is still kickin' up not only heat but mouthwatering flavors as well. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that can say Thank you, Thank you, for those power packed little seeds he planted on Avery Island. Now lets get to the hot and spicy side of things.

    TABASCO® Original Red is not just a hot sauce. You see,  I've had many "okay" hot sauces that were just fiery hot, but that's not what this sauce brings. TABASCO® Original Red is so much more than hot. It brings heat yes, but your mouth will be filled with tingling spices and flavors leaving you wanting another few squirts on your food. TABASCO® Original Red is addicting! Once you have it on one dish, you'll find yourself laying some on your other favorite foods as well.

    Me, I'm huge on heat and spice, so I love to use my TABASCO® Original Red in my guacamole, salsa's, and even on top of my tacos. My sweet pineapple mango salsa gets the kick it needs when I add a few hints of the Tabasco. Put aside the jalapenos and serrano peppers that leave your hands feeling so fiery you cant touch your face. The TABASCO® Original Red allows you to experience the heat without the pain. Doesn't get better than that! Looking for recipes for dips, fingers foods, chili's and more? Head on over to the Game-Day Party Menu. These fan favorites are sure to impress your guests at your next gathering.

In addition to using this flavorful Tabasco in my dips, I use the TABASCO® Original Red in buttermilk before I coat my chicken and catfish to fry. Talk about richness and spice!  This Tabasco makes endless sauces like my plum & lager buffalo wing sauce that's packs a sweet and fiery punch. When I lay this flavorful Tabasco on my pizza, it allows me to have the heat without shaking the same ole crushed red pepper flakes that always falls off onto my plate. With The TABASCO® Original Red, I know every bit is going to be eaten, I'm left spicy, hot, and satisfied. For fresh new ways to jazz up your pizza, be sure to check out TABASCO's Pizza Perfected Page. I totally have my eye on that caramelized onion one. Now that's so much more than hot!

    Be Sure to Check out a few of my favorite dishes I use the TABASCO® Original Red in. Enjoy!!

    Pineapple Mango Salsa

    1 Can Crushed pineapples, strained

    2 Mangos, chopped

    1/4 cup Purple onion, finely chopped

    3 Roma tomatoes, chopped

    1 Small jicama ,chopped    Juice of 2 limes

    Bunch of cilantro, chopped

    3-5 splashes of TABASCO® Original ® Original Red

    In a bowl combine all  ingredients and chill until ready to serve!

      Plum & Lager Buffalo Wing Sauce

      

1/4 cup Beer 

2 fl. oz. TABASCO® Original Red

1/4 cup Butter( 1/2 stick)  

1/4 cup Plum sauce(hoisin)

    In a sauce pan over low to medium heat, combine all ingredients together until smooth. Dunk or pour this sauce over your chicken wings. Garnish with green onions if you'd like. Enjoy!!

Happy V-day with Chocolate Lava Cakes

Hey everyone! With Valentines Day around the corner I thought a nice chocolate dessert would be appropriate. Its super easy and full of ooey gooey chocolate in the middle. Whether you use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, your lava cakes will be a big hit! Dont forget to pair your lava with our creamy homemade whipped cream!!

Also, my friend Emily and I will be starting to do cooking videos regularly so she has joined the team. We're goofy and crazy so look out. Hope you guys enjoy and welcome to Hipstir Fresh Cooking Emily!




To print this recipe, click here!!

Chocolate Lava Cakes( Makes about 4 lava cakes)

-6 oz. Chocolate Kisses( milk or dark chocolate)
-1 stick butter
-1/2 cup sugar
-2 eggs
-1/2 cup flour
-pinch of salt

1.Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2.In a sauce pan over low-medium heat, melt your chocolate and butter until smooth
3.In a bowl add eggs. Stir in a small amount of the chocolate into the eggs to temper( No scrambled eggs here) Add egg mixture to your chocolate in the saucepan.
4.Add in sugar, flour, pinch of salt. Spray 4 ramekins with non stick cooking spray and pour chocolate into each ramekin.
5.Bake for 8-10 minutes. Enjoy!!

Sort of Spiked Whipped Cream

-1 cup heavy cream
-1/4 cup powdered sugar
-1 tsp. vanilla
-1/2 tbl. triple sec( totally optional, use a tsp of orange zest if you'd like)

1.In a blender with a whisk attachment set on high, beat heavy cream until slightly thickened.
2.Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and flavoring of your choice blending again until the cream is able stand( turn your whisk upside down, now that's stiff peaks, alright)

Hope you all enjoy!