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Real Solutions for Real Parents by Autumn Rose Reo

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Raisin Treats for All of Us to Eat {Giveaway}

August 23, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

#LoveYourRaisins5#ad

With summer almost behind us, it was time to get back into “school” mode. Thankfully a visit from the was the perfect opportunity to talk back-to-school lunch ideas and innovative snacks using nature’s own sweet snack, raisins!

LoveYourRaisins


California Raisins are a natural, healthy and convenient food that is perfect for back-to-school/after-school snacking. With sweetness kissed-by-the-sun that is pure with zero fat, no cholesterol and packed with fiber, potassium and iron, raisins are some of the most economical and wholesome ways to enjoy fruit!

#LoveYourRaisins#ad

With a natural sweetness with no added sugar, their delicious taste is ideal for tons of recipes like this Honey Nut Raisin Snack Mix! And you’ll find tons more of great ideas on the

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California Raisins’ Honey Nut Raisin Snack Mix


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Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 1/2 cups brown crispy rice cereal
  • 1 cup sliced almonds
  • 1 cup rolled gluten-free oats
  • 2 cups California raisins
  • 1/2 cup California golden raisins

Instructions

  1. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add honey, almond butter and cinnamon and bring to a full boil. Let boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in cereal, almonds and oats. Spread 1-inch thick on a baking sheet then separate into 1-inch clusters. Let cool completely then stir in raisins. Store in an airtight container.
  2. For crunchy clusters, spread cooked mixture 1-inch thick on prepared baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until lightly browned. Stir to form clusters and let cool completely. Stir in raisins.
  3. * Recipe courtesy of California Raisins on CaRaisins.org.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

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Just in time for back-to-school, you can win a prize pack from California Raisins with a plushie, lunch container, and other fun ways to enjoy raisins by answering this very easy question:

Tracking PixelWhat’s your favorite way to eat raisins? 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf California Raisins.

Watermelon Goat Cheese Bites

July 24, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Watermelongoatcheese

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Watermelon Goat Cheese Bites


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Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 small watermelon
  • 1 (4-oz.) goat cheese log, softened
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Garnishes: fresh basil and freshly ground pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut half of watermelon into 1-inch-thick slices. Cut slices into 25 rounds, using a 2-inch round cutter. Scoop just enough melon from tops to form indentations, using a melon baller. Stir together goat cheese, 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, salt, and 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper. Spoon into indentations. Chill 1 to 2 hours. Garnish, if desired.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @mamachallenge on Instagram and hashtag it #mamachallenge

For other watermelon recipes, see MamaChallenge on Good Morning Texas! 

Grilled Watermelon with Blue Cheese and Proscuitto

Watermelon Agua Fresca

 

Give Me Some S’more, Please {S’mores Recipes}

July 14, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I was provided a Camper’s S’mores Grill from Coghlans for purposes of this review. However, all the comments and photos are my own. 

Yesterday I was reminded of the fun my son and I had on our recent vacation at the JW Marriott San Antonio making smores together. There’s just something so wholesome and sweet about it. And of course, there’s the whole chocolate and marshmallow thing that just makes it good. So we we decided it was time to make them at home (and by that I mean not in the microwave like normal.) 


However, I’m lazy and hoped we could just make these babies in one step. And that’s exactly what the Camper’s S’mores Grill does. Able to make three smores at a time, this paddle-shaped, chrome-plated steel grill let’s your put together your component pieces, take it straight to campfire or fireplace and then in no time, have a perfecly cooked s’more – in one step!

While a little Hershey’s, Honeymaid and Jetpuff s’more cannot be replaced, every once in a while you want to change it up a little. So here are a couple of ideas to changes up your recipe for s’mores. 

PB& J S’mores
Graham Crackers
Berry Jam (your favorite) 
Chocolate squares or Nutella spread
Peanut Butter

Elvis S’mores
Graham Crackers
Sliced Bananas
Chocolate squares 
Peanut Butter

Rocky Road S’mores
Graham Crackers
Thinly sliced almonds
Chocolate squares 
Peanut Butter


Do you have a favorite way you make your s’mores? 










Taste the Difference, Make a Difference with Barilla {Italian Sausage Sandwich Recipe}

May 12, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Barilla®.

Everyone has a favorite meal and for my hubs, hands down, it’s Italian Sausage and Peppers! Since he’s been hard at work to complete his law degree (Go Aggies!), I wanted to give him a special meal that the whole family would still enjoy!  In efforts to make everyone happy, I took our family recipe for Italian Sausage Sandwiches and using  sauce, added a serving of veggies without them knowing it!  

Made with all-natural, quality ingredients like vine-ripened tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil and herbs, opening up a jar tastes like you’ve been working for hours for that homemade taste without the mess! So in less than 30 minutes, I had made a delicious dinner that was good to eat while it was doing good for others. See, when you buy a jar of sauce from Barilla® from now until May 31, Barilla will donate $.05 cents to Feeding America’s National Produce Program, with a minimum donation of $150,000! 

How easy is that to make a good meal that does good using !?! 

And to sweeten the “spaghetti bowl” even more, one lucky reader will win  a prize pack from Barilla® to help you plan your own family dinner! This amazing prize pack includes a jar (1) of Barilla® sauce and one (1) Barilla® branded wooden spoon, one (1) Barilla® Spaghettata Bowl, and five (5) coupons, each redeemable for one (1) jar of Barilla® pasta sauce – valued at $60! 


Just see below how you can get your hands on this prize pack! 

I know I can’t wait to make a big bowl of pasta for dinner with this perfectly sized bowl! 

Italian Sausage Sandwiches

1 lb. Italian sausages

1 package of submarine sandwich bread or small Italian bread loaves 
(do not cut in half, but instead of cut into a V to insert the fixings
1 jar Barilla 
1 onion, sliced thin
1-2 peppers (green, red and yellow), sliced thin
Six slices of provolone cheese, cut in slices
Olive oil 

Preboil the Italian sausages by boiling them whole in water for 5-7 minutes to keep sausages juicy and cuts down the grease. Then grill/pan fry the sausages until cooked through. Allow them to cool slightly and then cut them either horizontally or vertically depending on your preference (I like them like coins so it’s easier for the kids to bite into.) 


In the saucepan on medium heat, add olive oil and vegetables. Sauteed vegetables until brown. 

Grill bread by broiling in the oven on high for a few minutes with a little olive oil or begin building your sandwich. 

Dress the sausages with the sauce, vegetables, sausages and cheese across the top. Keeping the oven on broil, place sandwich on pan and allow the cheese to melt over bread. 

Serve sandwich with salad or potato chips! 




The Barilla Taste the Difference, Make a Difference Giveaway is open to US residents and ends on May 31, 2014 at 11:59 EST. To enter, please comment on this post below sharing how you give back to your local community.

ALSO, 10 randomly selected readers who comment will also be chosen to receive a coupon! Full giveaway rules can be found at http://barilla.com/RealTasteRules.

How do you give back to your community? 
 Comment here with your email for your chance to win with Barilla!


This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Barilla®. For every jar of Barilla® sauce purchased, $0.05 will be donated to Feeding America’s National Produce Program which secures one pound of fresh produce on behalf of local food banks. Barilla® will make a minimum donation of 4.2 million pounds of fresh produce ($150,000) from 4/1/14 through 5/31/14.




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Spring Perfect Slow Cooker Dessert Recipes {As seen on TV}

April 28, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Ahhh, spring. 

That magical two weeks in Texas where it’s nice enough to go outdoors where you are either going to get eaten up by a tornado or melt from heat exhaustion. So with such little time to enjoy the season, you have to spend as much enjoying it and not in the kitchen.


So bust out the slowcooker to take away some of the work and the heat – even when it comes to desert! Take a look at the recipes for three recipes you’ve probably never thought out making in your slowcooker – Strawberry Cheesecakes in a Jar, Oatmeal Cookie Apples, and Banana Rum Cake. These recipes are part of the WFAA Good Morning Texas segment on April 28 – hope you’ve watched! 

SLOWCOOKER STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKES IN A JAR
Inspired by KingAuthur.com Flourish blog
Ingredients
Crust
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon melted butter (optional)
Filling
2 pounds cream cheese, at room temperature
1 2/3 cups sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 large eggs, at room temperature
½ teaspoon orange zest

3/4 cup cream, half & half, or whole milk

Instructions
For the crust: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup graham cracker crumbs with 1 tablespoon sugar. (If you like you can add a tablespoon melted butter to the mix for a more moist the crust.) Place 2 tablespoons sweetened crumbs in each of seven 1/2-pint Mason jars. Press down lightly.
For the mixture: Cream together the cream cheese, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, eggs, orange zest and cream until smooth, but be careful not to overmix. Put batter into a pitcher for easier pouring and fill each jar 3/4 full with batter.
Place jars in a 8 qt slowcooker. Fill the crockpot with water until it reached about ½ way to the jars (also called a warm bath or bain marie. (To make sure you don’t get water in the cheesecakes, place tops back on batter and then remove after pouring.) Cover slow cooker with lid and allow for cooking for 1-2 hours. (It’s all about how your crockpot cooks.)
To check for doneness, use a knife and insert from outer edge and check that the knife comes out moist, but clean.
Turn off the slowcook cooker and allow the jars to cook for 20 minutes before removing. After placing on rack, allow the jars to rest at room temperatures for an hour before sealing. Then chill in the fridge for several hours before serving.
Add your favorite topping like macerated strawberries sprinkled with sugar.


SLOWCOOKER OATMEAL COOKIE APPLES
Ingredients
4 apples
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup margarine
3/4 cup raisins
1 cup instant oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Core apples
Instructions
Wash and core apples (I’d make a larger hole than a regular core job to make room for the good stuff.)
Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
Stuff the apples with the oatmeal raisin mixture.
Spray crockpot/slow cooker with a non-stick spray, then place apples inside.
Sprinkle the rest of the apple crisp topping over the apples.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. When ready, the apples should be very soft to the touch/poke.
Serve with ice cream or a little cream like an oatmeal cookie.

BANANA RUM CAKE
Inspired by Better Crocker

Ingredients

Bread

2 2/3 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1 ½ cups mashed very ripe bananas
¾ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
4 tablespoons Spiced Rum
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ cup chopped walnuts

Glaze

2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoon spiced rum, warmed in the microwave
Instructions
Grease bottom only of 3 1/2- to 4-quart round slow cooker with shortening or cooking spray. Sprinkle lightly with 2 teaspoons of the Bisquick mix.
In large bowl, stir bananas, granulated sugar, 1/3 cup melted butter, 4 tablespoons spiced rum, vanilla and eggs until well blended. Stir in remaining Bisquick mix, cinnamon, and 1/2 cup of the walnuts until well blended. Pour into slow cooker.
Cover; cook on high for 1 ½ hours to 2 hours or until toothpick inserted in center of loaf comes out clean. Turn off slow cooker; uncover, and remove base from cooker to cooling rack. Let cool 15 minutes.
Loosen edge of bread with knife. Remove bread from slow cooker to cooling rack. Cool 1 hour.

For glaze, in small bowl, mix glaze ingredients until smooth and consistency of thick syrup. Drizzle over top of bread. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup walnuts.

Here’s to enjoying the weather!

Fish Friday: Celebrating Lent with Baked Tilapia with Shrimp from Olive Garden {Recipe}

April 18, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

Those who are observing Lent and abstaining from meat may be struggling to come up with dinner options for their families. This Baked Tilapia with Shrimp recipe from one of our family’s favorite restaurants, Olive Garden, is perfect to conclude Lent or for any night your family is craving seafood. Serve it with your favorite vegetables. 

For a lighter version of this recipe, try Olive Garden’s new Baked Tilapia with Shrimp at only 340 calories!

Baked Tilapia with Shrimp Recipe
(Serves four)
Ingredients
4                     Tilapia filets
1.5 – 2 lbs.        Medium, unpeeled, deveined shrimp
1 tbsp              Butter   
1 tsp                Garlic, chopped
1 tbsp              Onion, finely chopped
1 cup               White Wine               
1 cup               Heavy Cream             
1 stick (4oz)      Butter, cubed        
1 tbsp.             Parsley, chopped
Pinch               Salt      
Pinch               Pepper                       
Instructions
Make the butter wine sauce. (Yields 2 cups/4 portions of 4 fl. oz.) 
Melt 1 tbsp. of butter, chopped garlic and finely chopped onion in pot for 3 minutes.  Stir with rubber spatula.  No browning.
Add white wine and heavy cream. Simmer gently until volume reduces by half.  About 1 cup.

Turn off fire.

Add cubed pieces of butter.  Stir until butter, wine and cream are combined.  Sauce should have a slightly thick consistency.

Finish with salt, pepper and chopped parsley.

* Important: A fresh butter sauce must be served after being made. This sauce will not chill and reheat. When adding the butter to the reduction, the temperature of the sauce cannot exceed 150 degrees.
Rinse the tilapia filets and shrimp under cold water and place in a baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15 – 20 minutes. (Filets’ internal temp should be 145 degrees.)


For plating, place the shrimp on top of the filet and top with the hot butter wine sauce. Serve with your favorite vegetable on the side.








Easter Eats: Cheesy Corn Bake from 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House {Recipe}

April 17, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo 2 Comments

For our family, Easter lunch/dinner looks a lot like a lighter version of Thanksgiving: a big piece of meat with all the same kind of fixings like mashed potatoes, green beans, rolls, we’ll you get the picture.


So to change it up for this year, we opted for BBQ. Good ole barbecue. While Dallas-Fort Worth has tons of amazing places to enjoy BBQ cooking at its best, the hubs wants to make it himself. However, I’m in charge of the fixings. And it’s just not BBQ if I can’t get at least a few bites of this Cheesy Corn Bake from 3 Stacks Smoke House in Frisco. There’s just something about this golden goodness that screams “I need to eat this NOW.” 

Perhaps it’s the cream corn. 
Perhaps it’s the cornbread mix. 
Perhaps it’s that one stick of butter and cheese. 
Whatever it is, it’s good. 


And while Trace “The Rib Whisperer” Arnold of 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House isn’t giving out all his secrets for tasty BBQ, he did share this recipe and his tips to make it perfect. And now I’m sharing it with you! 

CHEESY CORN BAKE
Trace “The Rib Whisperer” Arnold of 3 Stacks Smoke & Tap House

Ingredients
1 can of undrained whole kernel corn
1 can of cream corn
8 oz. of sour cream
2 well beaten eggs
1 box of Jiffy cornbread mix
1 stick of melted butter (not too hot, avoid clarifying the butter)
1/2 cup finely diced fresh jalapeño peppers
Instructions
Place mixture in a well-oiled 9×13 pan and bake for 55-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

Variations
  • Top with fresh grated cheddar or blended cheese.
  • Substitute jalapeños for green chilies. Cayenne pepper is also a great substitution for heat.
  • Add red bell pepper for a holiday flair.
  • Add brown Panco bread crumbs and top for a crunchy texture.
  • Light sour cream will reduce calories.
  • Cream cheese can be substituted for sour for a richer blend.
  • Fresh corn can be used in place of canned.
  • Plain yellow cornbread mix can replace Jiffy if you want to eliminate the sweet flavor of the Jiffy.
After this, you might be making this Easter side at Memorial Day, July 4th and Thanksgiving, too! Plus if you get a chance to visit 3 Stacks, I highly suggest you also try the fried dill pickle cheese fries – they’ll make every day better! 

Hoppy Easter! 









Lo-Cal Summer Sippin’ Recipes #TENways

April 8, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group™ and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #TENways #ad  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.
With summer time just around the corner, it means we only have 60 days left to attempt to zip up that cute summer mini dress or squeeze into the always-dreaded swimsuit! But eating healthy doesn’t necessarily mean we have to give our my favorite things to eat AND drink. 

What a lot of people don’t think about is the amount of calories consumed with just one cocktail! However, with the Ten beverage line from Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, you can enjoy all the fun and flavor of Sunkist, A&W Rootbeer, Canada Dry Ginger Ale and 7-up for only TEN calories! 
So I’ve concocted four fantastic recipes that taste even better than your old standby summer cocktails, but without the empty calories! I love being able to enjoy anytime of the week, at get-togethers and even playdates with other moms and they think I’ve added something to our drinks, but in fact, I’ve taken out most calories by using the TEN beverages I found at Walmart. And they taste delicious enough you may choose these as your go-to summer sippers! I mean nothing says summer like a rootbeer float…and with this recipe I’ve cut half the calories, 25 percent of the fat and none of the flavor!

7UP TEN PUNCH
1 ounce orange juice
1 ounce pineapple juice
2 ounces Ten 7-up
½ teaspoon grenadine
Orange wedge
Full a shaker with ice. Add all ingredients except the soda, shake well. Strain into a wine glass and top with 7UP. Garnish with orange slice.

SUNKIST TEN COSMEAUX
4 ounces Ten Sunkist
2 ounce cranberry juice (or cranberry juice cocktail)
Garnish with a twist of orange peel
Mix together all ingredients in a cocktail shaker lightly. Serve in a martini glass.


CANADA DRY FAUXJITO
6-7 Mint leaves
1 tablespoon lime juice
6 ounces of Ten Canada Dry
Garnish with a slice of lime
Muddle mint leaves and lime juice. Fill glass with ice and Ten Canada Dry, stir, and serve.



A&W ROOTBEER LO-CAL FLOATER
½ cup Greek Frozen Yogurt Vanilla
8 ounces Ten A&W Rootbeer 

Scoop frozen yogurt into cold mug glass. Carefully add A&W Rootbeer  to the glass until foam rises to the top. 




SAVE MONEY AND CALORIES WITH THE

$0.50 off of the purchase of TWO 2 Liter bottles or TWO 4-pack cans of Ten 7UP, Ten A&W, Ten Canada Dry, TEN RC or TEN Sunkist soda. However, if you share the digital coupon via email, Facebook or Twitter, you will get brought to a coupon that will get $1.50 off that purchase rather than just .$50! Get this coupon while supplies last!

Enjoy celebrating summer by toasting with these non-alcoholic, lo-cal summer sippers featuring the Ten Calorie sodas!












Get Rolling Now for National Meatball Day, March 9 with the Best. Meatballs. Ever. {Recipe + Giveaway}

March 4, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

I was invited to a special event to learn first-hand how to make Chef Kenny Bowers’ legendary Midnight Meatballs. I was also provided a gift card for the purposes of this giveaway. But my sincere love for Kenny and his meatballs is the real deal. I’ve spent much of my own money to get my fix along with the most amazing polenta croutons. So needless to say, this is some truthful content and you should try this recipe. It’s that good. #meatballmadness

“On top of spaghetti…all covered with cheese…”


Meatballs are such an important part of the spaghetti experience, they earned their own song. 

Actually, meatballs aren’t just an Italian thing, but actually play a part of several cultures although it looks like the Romans do claim fame to them first (according to the Colorful History of the Meatball.)  

Whoever wants to claim them is fine by me, but for my family, they are the purpose for the pasta. And we’ve spent many hours attempting to perfect the right meat mixture, texture and cooking method to create the ideal meatball. While I can remember some really good meatballs, I can’t say I have found THE recipe that I’m willing to cut throats for. However, I have found one that stands pretty close. 


Unfortunately, the recipe is not mine. But Dallas Chef Kenny Bowers (Kenny’s Wood Fired Grill, Kenny’s Burger Joint, Kenny’s Smoke House and Kenny’s Italian Kitchen) was willing to share it with me and a few of my friends over cocktails one afternoon and a big raw mess of pork and hamburger meat. 



Yes, this is how we roll. 

The cocktail is actually part of the recipe too – as Kenny shared his own story of how the meatball recipe came to fruition. Basically, only after several evenings until past midnight with a few drinks down (read: several) did the recipe finally come together just the right way. Hence, the name “Midnight Meatballs.” 

My cocktail choice for this meatball-making Monday: The Frenchie made with prosecco. And best of all it looks like it’s only $5 on Mondays…(but be careful, it can sneak up on you!)

Completely different than any recipe I’ve ever made, Kenny showed us how to create a panade (a paste made with white bread and milk) to bind together the meat for just the right texture. And then with a few other ingredients we had Kenny’s legendary meatballs ready for the oven and then “atop of spaghetti.”  But they were so good, they really didn’t need a starch, just some red sauce and a glass of red wine!  



KENNY’S MIDNIGHT MEATBALLS

Ingredients:

12 oz (3/4 of a loaf) white bread
3 cups milk (whole)
To taste salt (iodized)
To taste black pepper (table grind)
1 cups parmesan cheese
1 oz wt. basil (fresh, chopped 3/8” no stem)
4 lbs ground beef or pork or sausage

Instructions:

Tear bread in to small pieces approx 1”. In a large bowl combine milk and bread. Mix together by hand making sure bread is completely dissolved in milk to form a soupy paste-like consistency. Add salt, pepper, cheese, basil and mix. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before next step.
Gently mix in meat making sure everything is evenly mixed with slightly wet hands form 4 oz wt. balls.
Place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees for approx 20 minutes until medium brown and an internal temp of 160.
Note: meatballs freeze very well if you don’t use them all this time.

I suggest you make the whole recipe and then freeze a portion of them so you have them ready to go whenever you need an appetizer or a quick meatball sub or spaghetti and meatballs! 

OR you can always head over to Kenny’s on any Sunday, and National Meatball Day, for Meatball Madness! For only $1 you’ll get one of Kenny’s 1/4 pound meatballs. Or you can always beat the meatball eating record (currently it’s 18) and you can get your meatballs free. 

Or win this gift card and consider you’ve got $15 worth of meatballs on MamaChallenge! 
Just enter this contest now and you could win! 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kenny’s Italian Kitchen
5100 Belt Line, Suite 764
Dallas, Texas 75254 (technically it’s in Addison) 
972.661.9380
www.kennysitalian.com













Celebrate World Nutella Day with Easy Nutella Banana Nut Bread {Recipe}

February 5, 2014 By Autumn Rose Reo Leave a Comment

 
Several years ago I received my first container of Nutella. 
 
For a while, I was able to resist the thought of a container of the hazelnut gooiness in the pantry. But then I finally dipped in my index finger and went in for a small taste. And then another. And another. 
 
I found both a friend and a foe that day. I just can’t quit you, Nutella. 
 
And apparently I’m not the only one, especially since now we have a National “holiday” committed to our love of the product. 
 
Happy World Nutella Day, folks. 
 
And while you can put Nutella in everything (just take a look at Pinterest), I’m sharing a quick recipe you can make even late at night when you hear Nutella calling your name and you just want a little fix. 
 
And of course, banana and Nutella taste really, really good together. 
 
 
Nutella Banana Nut Bread 
 
1/2       cup white sugar
1/2       cup brown sugar
2          eggs
3          bananas, mashed ripe bananas
1/3       cup milk
1          cup Nutella
1          teaspoon vanilla
½         teaspoon salt
1/2       cup chopped nuts
 
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray 8×4-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
 
In a bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add banana, milk, and vanilla until combined. Gradually add flour mixture, beating constantly until just blended. Spoon Nutella into a bowl and soften in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Add 1 cup of the banana bread batter to the Nutella and stir until blended. Add half the banana bread batter to the prepared pan. Top with half the Nutella batter. Pour the remaining banana batter into the pan and top with the remaining Nutella. Swirl batters together with a knife. Bake for 50-55 minutes (the bread will seem undercooked). Cool for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
 

 


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I put it off all day because I didn’t want to ha I put it off all day because I didn’t want to have to start the inevitable, but here we are the first #SeniorSunday for Jackson Benham Reo. (I’m so not ready.)
Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq Doubled-down and won big! Congrats to @daynetxbbq for being named #7 in @texasmonthly 2025 Top 50 BBQ! 

We’ve done our own BBQ stop shopping this last year from our own @hurtadobbq, @smokenashbbq and @225bbq in Arlington, @goldeesbbq and @panthercitybbq in Fort Worth, @zavalasbarbecue in Grand Prairie and @franklinbbq in Austin, no one can say that BBQ is BBQ. It’s as vastly different as the landscape as Texas. Now I’m off to @burntbeanco - #sequin here we come with the rest of the state!

#bbq #texasbbq
I can’t believe these are my people…my people I can’t believe these are my people…my people are supposed to be toddlers with Thomas the Train and Disney Princess backpacks! 

Goodbye 11th and 7th grade!
🚨 ACT NOW: Keep Public $$$ in Public Schools! 🚨

Click Here (takes less than one minute): 
https://www.txpta.org/take-action

Tomorrow, March 11, the Texas House Committee on Public Education will hear HB 3. Let’s make it clear: Public money demands public accountability!

Texans have rejected vouchers since 1957—yet lawmakers are once again pushing them through with SB 2 and HB 3.

💰 Vouchers drain public school resources.
📉 They don’t improve student achievement.
❌ They aren’t about "parent choice"—private schools choose their students.
🏫 Texas parents already have school choice.

Governor Abbott is making vouchers a priority, but Texans are pushing back. Lawmakers are feeling the heat from voters who refuse to let public schools be undermined.

📲 Take 1 minute to make your voice heard NOW!

📷Jackson and Taylor are 2 of the 5.5 million reasons why Texas must keep public dollars in public schools. I was a product of public schools and had an amazing experience in a rural community with some of the best teachers. Change needs to happen, but taking away resources like these from schools is not especially when they ste already underfunded and our teachers’ morale is at an all time low. Communities work better together not when you separate them further apart. 

#studentsrworthit
#txptarally25
❣️…Pressing pause (for while)… Forgot wha ❣️…Pressing pause (for while)…

Forgot what it feels like to RELAX? The Sanford House Inn & Spa is ready to help you “Leave Your Worries Behind” with packages to treat yourself (or someone else) this Valentine’s Day! 

You “Can’t Help Falling in Love” with multiple options including a Hot-Stone Massage, Facials, Spa Manicure + Pedicure, Blowouts, Foot Reflexology and even lunch (with wine!

Just take a look at my face - I was able to “turn it off” (for a little while) and when I left my dry winter skin was just glowing - plus I learned how to make it stay that way from my very  knowledgeable esthetician! 

If you haven’t tried this gem in the middle of Arlington, you’re missing out! The Spa is just part of experience with its 12-room Inn and acclaimed 506 Restaurant (don’t sleep on the brunch), @thesanfordhouse is your little piece of heaven in the middle of downtown!

Think it’s only a little dream? It will be if you don’t make an appointment or nudge your loved one this is what you NEED for Valentine’s Day! (But don’t worry you can still get a great experience anytime!)

Link is in my stories for full list of Valentine’s Day packages! 

📍506 N. Center Street, Arlington, Texas
(Less than 1 mile from @attstadium)

#valentines #dfw #ArlingtonTx #sanfordhouse
Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights Thi Texas Bucket List ✔️= Johnson City Lights

This is the last weekend of the “Christmas lights you can see from space” from the twinkliest town in Texas, @visitjctx!

You have until Sunday…and while you’re there you should hit up @halterranchtx, my other new favorite.

#gofredtx #fredericksburgtx @visitfredtx @visitfredericksburgtx
FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the st FLASH GIVEAWAY: Just because Santa’s left the station doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate a Classic Christmas (and we have the keys!)

@ClassicChristmas has been extended until Sunday, Jan. 5, so if you haven’t been enjoy this VIP experience with ice skating and snow tubing! 

Giveaway includes 4 Tickets to Classic Christmas + 4 Premium pass upgrades plus: 
🎟️ Exclusive Express Lane entry to popular activities 
🎟️ $10 merch credit at the Classic Christmas Gift Shop  
🎟️ Coca-Cola Beverage

To enter:   
⭐️ Like this post  
⭐️ Comment what’s your favorite Christmas song 
⭐️ Tag a friend who would love the chance to come
⭐️ Share this story as an extra chance to win!

The giveaway is open now through December 30 at 11:59 pm and you’ll have December 31 - January 5, 2025 to enjoy the fun! Winner will be contacted by DM so profile must be public.  (Giveaway is not associate with Instagram/META.) 

#classicchristmas #cocacola #Arlingtontx #ArlingtonTexas #cocacola @enchantdallas #dfw #dfwevents #mamachallenge #dfwinfluencer #dallasinfluencer
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW // Trinity Falls Tour of Trees

 🎄 Tour of Trees at Trinity Falls in McKinney
 🗓️ Now through Dec. 15 (so hurry up!) 

Know what’s better than touring homes? Touring homes with beautifully decorated Christmas trees! 

@trinityfallstx has brought both worlds together by inviting the public to explore their model homes with professionally- styled trees by @absholidaydecor at the 5th Annual Tour of Trees. While you marvel at the homes and the trees, take your photos in front of the trees for a chance to win $500 Amazon gift card.  

TIP: Don’t miss the tree collaboration with #RHOD @dandrasimmons - it’s “beeutiful!” 🐝 

This event is FREE, but registration is required. (Link is in stories or DM “Tree” for the link.)

 #touroftrees #trinityfalls #trinityfallstx #mckinney #mckinneytx #mckinneytexas
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS - Dallas Zoo Lights

🌲 Dallas Zoo
🗓️ Now - January 4 

Wonder what the @dallaszoo is like after dark? Once Upon a Wild Light comes alive with more than two million lights, 5:30 pm - 9 pm each night through January (so you can do this one with your family during the holiday break!) 

While many of the animals sleep, DinoLumia and DinoVision: a Jurassic adventure comes out to play, along with tons of holiday light photo opps and winter fun experiences. Enjoy catching up through self-guided, self-paced walk-through and spend time together while taking photos, which is ideal if you don’t like the holiday overload! And don’t sleep on Santa here, as he has a certain twinkle in his eye the kids always seem to like to catch up with (mom was even able to get a shot.) 

And for the even bigger kids over 21, Dallas Zoo: After Dark, goes wild on Thursday, Dec. 12, 6-9 PM with eats, treats and holiday drinks,live music, and games and other ways to get you in the holiday spirit! 

 @DallasZoo @ReliantEnergy #dallas #dallasholiday #dfwevents #dallaszoolights #holidays #zoo #dallastexas #mamachallenge
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Ch WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Classic Christmas 

🌲 Coca Cola Classic Christmas - Choctaw Stadium in Arlington  
🗓️ Now through Dec. 29

Growing up @cocacola made the holidays magic, so when Coca Cola Classic rolled down the road, we had to go peek! Partnering with @enchantchristmas, the experience is part lights, part photo opps and for my kids mostly FOOD and overall a lot of fun - all washed down with (of course, a Coca Cola!) 

What was also great was a little walk through memory lane with Coke Christmas moments throughout the years - cue the polar bears and 18 wheeler!

Experience: 
🎅Market Square (definitely hit up the t-shirts - reading each one is half the fun)
🎅 Snow Tubing (always our favorite)Ice Skating (truth: we don’t skate, but it’s perfect people watching) 
🎅 Interactive Light up Dance Floor
🎅 @cinemark Theatre with holiday movies 
🎅 Coca-Cola Lounge - 21+ Cocktail experience (looked great to go with the girls)
🎅 Santa Landing

And of course, the Eatery! Eyes (and mouths) got big here with featured food from State Fair of Tex winners like The Drowning Tacos (SO GOOD we then ordered the Birria Tacos, too all cooked onsite and with all the sauce!) 

It’s the real thing!

#ClassicChristmas #ChoctawStadium #ArlingtonTx #CocaCola #Dallas #DFWEvents #DFWHoliday #DFWInfluencers
WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Li WHERE TO CHRISTMAS IN DFW WITH TEENS // Prairie Lights

🎄 Prairie Lights, Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie 
🗓️ Now through Dec. 31 (NYE) at 6 pm 

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without @prairielights- with a packed car with blankets, Santa hats, hot cocoa and coffee, and blasting holiday music while we sing them even louder.  

A stunning two-mile drive through light park complete with a midway stop - The Holiday Village with carnival rides, amazing bites (corndogs, funnel cakes and more, oh my!) And this year we were surprised with a new light tunnel, reimagined walk-through forest and new displays, great photo opps, gifts, visit with Santa, a lighted strollable forest.  It’s perfectly timed for food, fun and a little time on foot! 

PRO TIP: Go early, get tickets in advance and spring for the fast pass on the weekends and prime holiday times. And enjoy it and don’t try to rush it - enjoy it! That includes entry and the experience (so bathroom before you go, but thankfully there’s one at The Holiday Village and you get the corn dog.) 

#GoGrandGP @grandfungp #GrandFunGP #dfwinfluencer #Dallas #grandprairie #prairielights #dfw
Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there Mariah may be singing “it’s time,” but there are still some ways to give a little love to Thanksgiving with a little DIY (hello old pumpkins!) from Mama Challenge! 

So excited to see my friends over at Good Day Fox 4 today for this fun segment!
Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 # Peardon My Reach - this one’s on repeat. 🍐 
#nationalcoffeeday 

#cinncinati #kentucky #newport #coffee #fall
Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebr Arlington makes Taco Tuesday even better by celebrating all month long with its #SaveTheTacos campaign, now - September 30.

Try and vote for “Best Taco in Arlington” from 12 participants:

🌮 Fiesta Fusion Shrimp Taco at Boiling Tails Co.

🌮 The Hunter Taco at Cut & Bourbon

🌮 El Jefe at Grounds and Gold
 
🌮 Jamaican Me Crazy at M’Jays House of Smoke

🌮 Champiqueso at Papaya Mexican Grill

🌮 What the Falafel at Prince Lebanese Grill

🌮 He’s Just a Po Boy at R Bar and Grill 

🌮 Celestial Pork Belly Taco at Rocketbelly
 
🌮 House Special Barbacoa at Tic-Taco
 
🌮 The Chicken of Wall “Street” at TJ’s Catfish & Wings & BBQ

🌮 Baja Shrimp Taco with Mango Salsa at Tom’s Burgers & Grill
 
🌮 Wanna Taco ‘Bout It at Zack’s Bistro

We can tell you which one is our favorite, but take away all the fun to find your favorite! 

(Link to Vote in Stories!)

#ArlingtonTX #TacoTuesday #SavetheTacos
Always great to see a few guys who work together l Always great to see a few guys who work together like each other, too.

It’s even better when they’re Texas Rangers and  we’re celebrating Hall of Famer Adrían Beltré!
And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and And just like that…11th grade and 7th grade (and then they drove off!)
Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind e Follow the “red light” to this one-of-a-kind experience in DFW. 🚨 

Named after Bangkok’s legendary road of entertainment of all kinds (Sukhumvit Soi 11), it seems fitting this newly imagined destination would find its home in Arlington’s Entertainment District. Anchoring the NEW @loewsarlington, @soycowboytx (also from @bbbutchers / @berghospitality) recently swung open the curtain this summer with an opening that made heads turn at every corner of this 12,000 sq. ft. of sexy space - with 3 unique bars, patio, viewable kitchen and dining room. 

To call it a “Pan Asian restaurant” doesn’t do it justice with its rich menu of fresh sushi, dim sum, caviar, truffle, lobster, waygu (all things you don’t find in the home of the margarita machine and ballpark nachos.) And if you’re looking for entertainment, just take a peek into the expansive kitchen and watch your rolls or omakase be made. The cocktail menu is just as extravagant with everything from mezcal to Japanese whisky, you’re eyes will be just as happy as your lips upon your first sip. 

While we experienced live music, fashion show and more as part of the opening, the cool smoke installation and the people-watching is definitely just part of the menu at Soy Cowboy you’ll have to explore. 

Food Nerd Note: SoyCowboy is on the upcoming @dfwrestaurantweek menu for just $39, so it’s a steal to take your own trip on a budget. (Make your reservation.)

Chon mean (or what we hope is Cheers in in Thai!)
NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 ( NEWS ALERT: Dallas Food Nerd is now on TV! 📺 
(Well today at least.)

Normally we’re always behind the smartphone camera, today we stepped out in front of the TV screen! The lovely folks at the new morning show Morning on Merit Street @morningonmeritstreet invited DFN for a little “roundtable” discussion about dining trends with our own Food Nerd @autumnreo / @mamachallenge and Bill Trevino of @craftandvinerestaurant CraftandVine along with hosts @dominiquesachse and @fanchonstinger for a little dishin’ on dining!

(If you’re able to take a look online, keep watching to see our new friend Pearl 🐶 and friends from @sweetpearlsicecream share their incredibly sweet story with @hungreehannah!) 

✔️ And just like we shared on the show, we want to know what you think! What do you think about Table Limits on reservations? Yes restaurants should have them or no way?
Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grad Round #2: Now he’s off for CIT at YMCA Camp Grady Spruce! It’s hard to separate them, but we’re excited he’s so happy to be ready for this adventure!
July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the n July 4th kicked a week early! 🎆 Love when the neighborhood shines!
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