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It's the most wonderful time of the year!
With that comes the tastiest time with the most delicious food choices imaginable and being a Brit living in the US our Christmas always tends to be a mixture of flavors and fun. So here's our families top ten yummy must haves for the holiday season.
1. Yorkshire puddings!
These are a total must have with Christmas dinner, made from a batter similar to pancake batter, they are cooked at high heat in the oven and rise into delectable puffy goodness which not only taste fabulous with dinner, but are to die for warmed up with some lemon and sugar for desert!
2. Roast potatoes
Cooked in the meat juices, continuously basted and fabulously crispy, my mum showed me how to make the perfect roastie and they're a huge favorite in our house.
3. Paxo Sage & Onion stuffing
This is one of our British must haves. In fact if I didn't buy this my oldest daughter Lauren would be very upset. It's very different to American stuffing and it's totally yummy.
4. Chocolate Tree Decorations
A family tradition, has to be by the British Cadburys company and the kids try every year to hide them within the branches of the tree to fool me!
5. Bisto Gravy
Yes it's granules out of a container but it's our favorite gravy and it's darn easy to make which makes it a perfect choice from back home in the UK.
6. Selection boxes
Another British tradition, something my children have grown up with every year and I still buy at least 2 each for them every year.
7. Mashed potatoes
An odd choice you may think, but I barely eat potatoes the rest of the year and I love to indulge at Christmas on copious amounts of the fluffy stuff made with obscene quantities of butter before being joined by at least 3 veggies and a sea of gravy. It is mandatory to make at least enough to last 3 days!
8. Baby Brussel sprouts
Only my older daughter and I love these, so it's about the only time of the year that we add them to the menu - great to go with the leftovers!
9. Mince Pies
A huge favorite of my oldest daughter Lauren, made with a sweet mixture of mincemeat and another British tradition
10. Birds custard
Personally I'm not a fan but all of my kids love this hot creamy desert topping, Lauren loves it over her mince pies whereas her baby sister loves to eat it alone straight from the jug!
Do you have any Christmas favorite foods or must have items you enjoy every year? Share them with me, I'd love to hear about your traditions!
It's our final day of the 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway and our best prize yet!! Todays prize is not only festive, bright, cute and colorful but sweet and delicious too! It's 4 prizes all for one person from both our Sweet Lollipop Shop store and from our Ducky Soaps store!
So Lets Get Going!
DAY 12 - PRIZE
RAINBOW JEWELS CANDY
AND
THREE HOLIDAY DUCKY SOAPS
Here's how you can win:
Entry is easy, just visit my Sweet Lollipop Shop or my Ducky Soaps Shop then come back here and post telling me what item would make you smile the most if you found it in your Christmas stocking
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Shop Facebook Page
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 24 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to USA & Canada.
The winner will receive a bag of rainbow crystal jewels candy plus a snowman, Rudolph and elf ducky soap valued at $20.
Day 12 Giveaway Ends: Tuesday 15th December 2009 @ 10am EST
What a wonderful Thanksgiving and crazy busy week! Today we're combining days 6, 7 and 8 to give away 3 prizes all at once!! Now you have even more chances to win!! Todays prize is not only festive but was a special request as a prize from one wonderful facebook follower! It's 3 great days of giveaways and today our prizes come from our Ducky Soaps store!
So Lets Get Going!
DAY 6,7 & 8 - PRIZE
SNOWMAN IN A SNOWFLAKE DUCKY SOAP
Here's how you can win:
Entry is easy, just visit my Ducky Soaps store then come back here and post telling me what ducky soap reminds you most of Christmas.
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Shop Facebook Page
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 24 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to everyone worldwide.
Each winner will receive a snowman in a snowflake ducky soap valued at $6.
Day 6,7 & 8 Giveaway Ends: Friday 11th December 2009 @ 10am EST
Todays prize looks deliciously sweet! It's day 3 of our 12 days of Christmas giveaway and today our prize is from Sweet Lollipop Shop's Body Beautiful store! It's a handmade resin pendant made with real candy sprinkles and comes complete with a chain for you to wear and show off your sweet side!
So Lets Get Going!
DAY 3 - PRIZE
SWEET TREAT CANDY PENDANT
Here's how you can win:
Entry is easy, just visit my Body Beautiful Etsy shop then come back here and post telling me what item you like the best from my store
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Shop Facebook Page
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 24 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to everyone, worldwide.
The winner will receive the fabulously cute pendant above complete with chain and ready to wear!
Day 3 Giveaway Ends: Thursday 3rd December 2009 @ 10am EST
Wow the last 24 hours went so fast and so here we are and it's day 2 of our 12 days of Christmas giveaway and today our prize is from Sweet Lollipop Shop's ducky soap store!
So Lets Get Going!
DAY 2 - PRIZE
CHRISTMAS ELF DUCKY SOAP SET
Here's how you can win:
Entry is easy, just visit my Ducky Soaps Etsy shop then come back here and post telling me which ducky soap you like the best
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Shop Facebook Page
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 24 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to US & Canada only.
The winner will receive a fabulously cute Christmas elf ducky glycerin soap set with 3 adorable mini ducky soaps in a delicious holiday berry scent.
Day 2 Giveaway Ends: Wednesday 2nd December 2009 @ 10am EST
As we all begin preparations for the upcoming holiday season it's hard to believe how quickly it crept upon us. This year I have decided to hold a very special 12 days of Christmas giveaway, what this means is there will be 12 consecutive days of goodies giving you even more chance to win a little something.
Now traditionally the twelve days of Christmas begins on December 25th through until January 5th until the beginning of Epiphany on January 6th. However Sweet Lollipop Shop doesn't want you to wait that long so our giveaway begins on the first day of advent, December 1st until December 12th so that you get your goodies just in time for the real first day of Christmas!
So Lets Get Started!
DAY 1 - PRIZE
CRYSTAL BARLEY HARD CANDY JEWELS
EGG NOG & CRANBERRY FLAVORS
Here's how you can win:
Entry is easy, just visit my Sweet Lollipop Shop Etsy shop then come back here and post telling me which flavor crystal jewels candy you like the best
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Shop Facebook Page
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 24 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to US & Canada only.
The winner will receive 2 bags of crystal barley hard candy jewels in egg nog and cranberry.
Day 1 Giveaway Ends: Tuesday 1st December 2009 @ 10am EST
For those that know me, my dislike of taking medications is quite well known. I'm always looking for ways to improve medical conditions in the most natural way possible and after another day of intense shoulder and arm pain due to inflammation I decided to create a meal packed with natural anti inflammatory foods.
After stocking up on the basics and things I really enjoy like strawberries, fresh spinach and fresh bell peppers, I wanted to create a recipe for myself and lil bear to enjoy for supper. During my research I found turmeric is supposed to be one of the most effective natural anti-inflammatory foods, so below is tonight's recipe for Spicy Shrimp & rice with garlic infused vegetables.
Spicy Shrimp & Rice with Garlic Infused Vegetables
Ingredients:
1/2lb raw shrimp (shells/veins removed)
1 tablespoon butter
Cajun Spices
Basil
Turmeric
1 clove fresh garlic
2 cups cooked rice (whichever you prefer)
1 small head broccoli
4 oz whole button mushrooms
Steam fresh bags (great for steaming veggies)
How to make it
Set oven to 375 degrees. Lay a large sheet of foil on a baking sheet(double the size of baking pan)and give a light spray of Pam or similar. Sprinkle a little of your Cajun spices, basil and turmeric onto oiled foil, then lay shrimp in a single layer on top. Take the butter and place a very small amount on each shrimp, then finish with another sprinkling of Cajun spices, basil and turmeric. (the more you use the spicier they will be so use to your particular taste preferences) Fold over foil to cover shrimp so that they will steam, gathering up sides to form a pouch and place in oven for 18-25 minutes.
Wash broccoli and mushrooms, cut broccoli into smaller florets but leave mushrooms whole and place inside steam fresh bag. Dice garlic clove and add to vegetables. About 5 minutes before shrimp are cooked, put steam fresh bag in the microwave (follow manufacturers instructions for timing) on high for approximately 4-5 minutes.
When ready serve over a bed of your favorite rice, we like to cheat so use the little minute rice tubs but you can use any style you prefer.
Team Eeat Silent Auction!!
The Team Eeat Silent Auction has began!! There have been so many awesome donations! We would like to thank each and everyone of you that have donated! You have made this auction possible! All of us espiring culinary artist are very grateful for your support in our on going quest to acheive our individual goals in the culianry field.
The Auction Info:
Starts: Midnight EST, Sunday Nov. 8th
Ends: Midnight EST, Saturday Nov. 14th
Auction Link: http://www.32auctions.com/view_auction?id=TeamEeat&pwd=teameeat
Auction ID: TeamEeat
Auction Password: teameeat
Go check it out and support the small foodie business owner!
When you're a mom and you're little one is sick you feel helpless, your heart aches in a way that you really can't describe and you'd gladly be sick for them if it makes them feel better again.
After 2 days of a high fever whilst suffering with the flu, Caitys appetite had all but disappeared. She'd lost 4lbs in a few days and she's already a petite 62lbs for her 10 years, I was desperate to find some way, any way, to find something she could enjoy and keep down. First with the aid of some tylenol I was able to get her fever down but she was still barely managing the odd spoonful of ice cream.
Her dad and I had assumed jello, ice cream and ginger ale would be her hearts greatest desires whilst she felt icky but apparently we were wrong, so I offered her anything she wanted, didn't matter how crazy, how complicated, I would get it for her if it would help her feel better.
I was thinking chicken noodle soup or another comfort type food ...
Oh No!
She chose homemade curry with mushrooms and white rice!
Yes you heard right, a 10 yr old wanting mushrooms - the same 10 year old that HATES them normally wanted me to cook a curry with them for her!
What's even more amazing is that not only did she eat a full dish of it, she kept it down, had one more bedtime dose of tylenol and woke up this morning with NO fever!
Did my curry cure the flu? I doubt it - but this mom will happily take some credit for helping her lil bear feel better.
Do you have any foods that make you or a loved one feel better when they're sick? Maybe you have a funny food story? I'd love to hear about it!
It's been a crazy week here in the Sweet Lollipop Shop and the feeling of going stir crazy is overwhelming. My youngest munchkin came home sick from school on Monday, complaining of a sore throat and cough, with all the insanity with this new flu I decided to keep her off school and as it turns out that was the right thing to do as she got steadily sicker, finally yesterday getting diagnosed with flu (suspected H1N1).
The pedeatrician seem almost irritated by the question of H1N1, it seems that they feel that it's been totally blown out of proportion. She said they don't even test for it unless you're so sick you need to be hospitalized, it's assumed instead that because it's too early for the seasonal flu, that it must be H1N1 and asked me to simply let my daughters school know that she is having flu like symptoms.
The confusing messages that are being sent out I believe simply adds to peoples panic, I have to say at one point yesterday morning I was really at the point where it flashed in my mind "what if she doesn't get better". Her temp was 103, she couldn't eat/drink or keep medicine down and she was so sick I was feeling guilty that I'd thought this whole swine flu craziness was a media hyped nonsense. I honestly had never seen her so sick before and it scared the heck out of me and so I can see clearly where any parent would go to panic mode.
Thankfully today she's done a total turnaround, temperature is back to normal, she's back to talking a mile a minute and bouncing around the house sounding like a croaky frog, the sore throat being the only real noticible symptom remaining and I'm back to realising as the doctor said, H1N1 is just another strain of flu, no better, no worse, just slightly different. Most people will exhibit symptoms for 5 days or so with no long lasting ill effects, just maybe some fatigue for a few weeks afterwards. And yes for some just as with the seasonal flu, it can develop into something much worse and you should be particularly careful if you are in one of those high risk groups.
Want to know the symptoms of the flu? The main ones are sore throat, cough, fever, sore/achy body, nausea, diarreaha, runny nose. Because it's a virus, there isn't a magic medication and tamiflu the doctor explained only shortens the length of time you may experience symptoms and carries it's own risks of side effects and currently is impossible to find anyway.
I hope everyone can stay healthy this coming holiday season.
Have you been affected by the flu/H1N1 virus? Do you have an opinion on the subject? Let me know what you think!
Can you believe it's only a matter of weeks until Christmas? It seems like this year has flown by faster than ever before and that summer sprang into winter without giving fall a second thought!
It's also been a busy year and with that in mind what's a crazy Brit to do when it comes to cooking something delicious, nutritious, yet quick and easy? The following is a simple recipe requiring very few ingredients and minimal preparation, yet it tastes fantastic and combined with a favorite vegetable even my fussy husband love its!
Creamy Chicken Bake
Ingredients:
3 boneless/skinless chicken breasts
1 1/4 cups of regular long grain white rice (I like to use Uncle Ben's)
1 can Campbell's condensed 98% fat free cream of chicken soup
Fresh oregano (dried if no fresh available)
1 tsp Paprika
1/2 tsp Basil
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
2 cups of water
How To Make It
Place your rice, soup, water and half of your paprika, basil, oregano and black pepper into a good sized Pyrex lidded baking dish and mix together. Once mixed together, lay the chicken breasts on top of the mixture and sprinkle the remaining paprika, basil, oregano and black pepper over the top. Cover and place in a hot oven at 375F degrees and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes.
Serve with your favorite vegetable, personally I love fresh steamed broccoli made in those fabulous steam bags you can now buy at the grocery stores!
Enjoy!!
Well you didn't think I'd only have one giveaway for Halloween did you???!!
This giveaway is from our DuckySoaps store and it's for a set of mini Halloween glow in the dark duckys soaps valued at $21!!
Entry is easy, just visit my Ducky Soaps Etsy shop then come back here and post telling me which ducky soap you like the best.
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Facebook Page(you could win a second mystery box of lollipops, see facebook page for details)
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 24 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is opened to everyone, everywhere.
The winner will recieve a package containing a set of mini halloween glow in the dark ducky soaps valued at $21.
Giveaway Ends: Sunday 25th October 2009 @ 10am EST
It's that time again! Time for Team EEAT to get together and have a Virtual Bake Sale!
October 14th, 7pm EST
Etsy Virtual Labs
Come join us! Get to know the members of Etsy's Edible Arts Team, Play Games, and Win Prizes! As always, we have a fun night planned!
Thank you to everyone that entered the Back To School Super Giveaway!
The winner is:
Post #27 which is LoveCharlesVintage!!!
Congratulations
New Halloween Giveaway coming soon, so keep checking back for more chances to win
It's that time of year when we're getting the kids back to school and back into our regular routines and what better way to celebrate than a brand new giveaway!!
This time around it's for a mystery box of lollipops and candy jewels valued at over $20!!
Entry is easy, just visit my Sweet Lollipop Shop Etsy shop then come back here and post telling me which flavor or sweet treat you like the best.
*Want more entries?*
-Post this giveaway on Twitter/Facebook.
-Follow me on TWITTER
-Become a fan on facebook Sweet Lollipop Facebook Page(you could win a second mystery box, see facebook page for details)
-Blog about this giveaway and leave a post that you did and where.(2 EXTRA ENTRIES!!)
-Add my button to your blog
-Subscribe to and/or follow my blog (Make sure you activate your subscription!)
Each of these can give you another entry! Please leave a separate comment for each one and what it is for!
Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 48 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is opened to everyone, everywhere.
The winner will recieve a package containing over $20 worth of delicious handmade crystal barley hard candy lollipops and jewels.
Giveaway Ends: Wednesday 30th September 2009 @ 12pm EST
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