CLOSED Michael Chiarello's Bottega & Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko #myblogspark

A mouthful for a title, right?

There's good reason...wow, do I love to cook.  And I was SUPER excited when I received Michael Chiarello's newest cookbook Michael Chiarello's Bottega along with a box of Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko Breadcrumbs!!  Oh, and the cookbook is autographed!!

I cannot wait to dig into the pages of this book, it is AMAZING (and I do consider myself quite educated on amazing cookbooks...!!)!  According to Chef Chiarello, panko is his "go-to" bread crumb and Progresso claims that their Lemon Pepper Panko "combines the perfect crunch with effortless flavor to give any dish that extra punch.  The large, flaky crumb has a coarser texture than traditional bread crumbs, delivering a lighter, crunchier coating or topping."  Honestly, I cannot wait until we try this out on chicken!!

Chef Chiarello has even helped us "amateurs" by using Progresso's Panko in recipes such as Crispy Seafood Salad, Mama Chiarello's Stuffed Eggplant and Turkey Scallopini and Squash Ravioli with Cranberry Brown Butter.  The Progresso website also has additional tips for cooking with panko and a $1 coupon!

So...how about a giveaway???

Thanks to General Mills through MyBlogSpark, you have a chance to win an identical prize pack!!  Oh, imagine the aromas coming from YOUR kitchen!!

To enter this giveaway, please leave a comment on this post with the following (all required for a valid entry):

When you receive your Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko, what will you make?  Please include your email address for notification!

That's right, there's only 1 way to enter this giveaway!!

Additionally, be sure to check out the Progresso's Wine & Dine with Chef Michael Chiarello Sweepstakes. Now through December 31st, participants can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Napa Valley to attend the Spring Bud Break Party, an annual dinner and wine tasting event taking place on May 7, 2011. In addition to two tickets to the party, the grand prize also includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations. Visit www.progressobroth.com for the sweepstakes rules and entry form. 

This contest will begin today, November 10, 2010 and run until 11:59 pm Central time, November 21, 2010. The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified on November 22, 2010 by me via email and posted as a winner on this blog. After confirmation of the offer and a valid mailing address and phone number is received, I will send your information to MyBlogSpark to be shipped directly.  Thanks again to General Mills through MyBlogSpark for this great giveaway! Good Luck!!! 

Please review our full disclosure policy on the left sidebar of this blog.  General Mills through MyBlogSpark gave us (1) box of Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko Breadcrumbs and (1) Autographed copy of Michael Chiarello's Bottega.  (1) Additional prize pack has been designated to be given away to (1) reader of this blog.

What's in Your Mailbox?

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons...

Yes, that's right!!  This week, I've received A TON of coupons due to a post that I'll be writing next week!!

Some of my favorites?

Rhodes Bake N Serv Rolls
Duncan Hines
Motrin Pain Reliever

What's in your mailbox?

Menu Plan Monday - Week of November 8

Thanks for visiting for our weekly Menu!!  This post is part of Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie.com.

We are feeding our family on $1 per person per day - with as very little eating out as possible.  We will have slip ups, but as a family of 4 working to pay off our consumer debt, we are dedicated to as many home-cooked meals as possible.

Monday: Pork Cutlets, Gravy, Mashed Potatoes, Corn

Tuesday: TGI Friday's Steak Fajitas

Wednesday:  Hot Dogs, Sweet Potato Fries

Thursday:  Dinner With The Finley's (Financial Peace University night)

Friday:  Breakfast Friday!! Scrambled Eggs & Sausage, Toast

Saturday Lunch: Salisbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Corn

Saturday Dinner: Cajun Pork Chops, Fried Potatoes, Green Beans

Sunday Lunch:  Frozen Pizza

Sunday Dinner:  Leftover Buffet

We always plan our weekly menu on our current stock of food.  This is how we can most reliably feed our family on a minimal amount of money!

A New Series Beginning and a Tribute to My Faithful Companion

I'd planned on beginning a new "What's in Your Mailbox" series yesterday.

But unfortunately, I had to do something very very hard.  And if you have ever had to do it, you'll understand.

I had to let my beloved Manx, Renegade, drift into an eternal sleep. 

He hadn't been doing well for almost 2 weeks, and I just really couldn't take it anymore.  I'd thought yesterday that he'd gotten a little better, and I decided that I would take him to the vet.

But it was heartbreaking news that I received.  Dr. Brian Heuring is our vet, and he is wonderful - he is always honest and I trust his opinion.  Renegade had been diagnosed with diabetes over 5 years ago, and we have been through episodes where treatment was necessary and life saving.  I knew that if this was the end, that Dr. Brian would assure me and he did. 

I'd never had an animal as long as I'd had Renegade.  He was more than a pet to me - he had been with me through 16 years of my life.  Through his nose nuzzles and purrs, my heart was healed time and time again.  A faithful companion that never judged me and who never cared if I didn't live up to expectations.  I don't feel like I betrayed him, but I feel somewhat guilty that I didn't stay while he was put to sleep.  My selfishness didn't want to remember him dying.

I was apprehensive to do this post, but I'm a day off on my blog schedule and I felt like I needed to explain why. 

So, I'm gearing up for a series that will start next Monday.  It will be titled "What's in Your Mailbox?"  I will be sharing some highlights of the freebies and coupons that we receive in the mail.  If you do not follow a "coupon blog," I suggest the following:

Deal Seeking Mom
Money Saving Mom
Blessings N Couponing (for the Southeast Missouri area)

And the following Forum:
A Full Cup

Coupons can be printed from these sites:
Coupons.com
Redplum.com
CoolSavings.com
Smartsource.com


These are all wonderful outlets to sign-up for free offers and coupons.  Of course, I do not plan to make this a coupon blog...I just wanted to share some of the links and ways that we get offers in the mail.  Our mailbox is literally filled to the brim everyday.  I hope that you'll join me in posting a comment during the new series with your favorites that you receive!

So for now, I'll say good bye to my friend.  He'll be buried tonight. 

Cookie Fun with Meem's

From my last couple of posts, I'm sure you know by now...we've had company!  Justin's mom & dad came to visit this weekend and got to spend some much needed time with the kids (and Justin & I got to go out on a much needed date!!).

On Saturday, I wanted MeeMee to have a special time with Paige & Marshall - and one thing that she talks often of is making cookies with Justin & Aaron when they were young.  Last week, I made 1/2 a batch of sugar cookie dough and stuck it in the fridge.  I hope you enjoy seeing the fun that was had making the cookies.

This week's budget review

Hello my loyal readers - I wanted to let you know that there will be no budget review this week.  We aren't doing any real shopping - and since we had company this weekend, my spending is off...alot...I hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend.  I have an exciting giveaway coming soon!