New Year, New MINI You!

Ok, Mini Friends. Word on the street is that most of you made a resolution to lose weight this year. Well, this must be your lucky day because boy, do I have a New Year’s gift for you! Time to get your printers ready and print out this blog, because it will literally CHANGE YOUR LIFE. I am going to give you the secrets to shedding those pounds so that you can become the best MINI you possible! Share this with your friends, tell your co-workers, call up your Mother - in-law, because this info is going to be GOLD to anyone who wants to lose weight…for good!

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Newport Food Festival (UK) - October 2012

When I was invited back to Newport’s 2nd Annual Food Festival my expectations were to expect something similar to the year before. Bad weather, average attendance and limited activities to make it a full day, but what is to be expected from year 1? I was pleasantly surprised with the growth in just one year to the next. The sun was shining, there was live music and plenty of people enjoying the all the activities through out the city.

The number of activities and masterclasses seems to have increased significantly, with a teen chef competition, make your own pizza workshop and popular chefs local and from across Britain. Last year it seemed like the stalls were filled with cheese, chutney’s and jam which usually comes to mind when you think of Wales, but this year I was pleased to see diversity including Spanish Tapas & the winner of the day for “Best Stand,’ the Backyard Company serving up Jamaican jerked chicken.

It will be very interesting to watch how the Newport Food Festival develops over the years. It has the potential of changing the outlook people have on this Victorian City and attracting many other festivals to locate themselves here.

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DIRT Recipe!!! Halloween 2012 | Mini Food Queen

Oh. My. Ghourd! Can you believe it is that time of year again? You step out your front door to see scarecrows, pumpkins, bushes covered in cotton spiderwebs ( that are impossible to get off on November 1st!) and those cute little kids running around in costumes. Whether you love Halloween or hate it, it is a once- a- year excuse to step out of your usual routine and have a little fun. So, I say go for it! Take this opportunity to embrace the holiday and get dressed up this year. Put on a witches hat and paint your face green. Throw on a monster mask and scare some “older” children that knock on your door for candy. Why not? Kids really love when adults have fun with Halloween. Your kids will get a big kick out of seeing you out of typical Mommy mode for a night. No matter how old you get, you are never too old to dress up.

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Creepy Crawly Cake Truffles

I want to acknowledge some of the most incredible Amateur Cooks and Chefs we’ve met on our journey so far. The Great American Amateur Kitchen has become the “Go to” site and the premier Internet TV Show for foodies from all across the Country. They share their tips, secrete recipes and kitchen tricks and treats. Anything that will get you and your family into the kitchen to share laughter, love and joy is what we’re all about. We can’t think of a better time than the Holiday Season to create a little kitchen magic and conjure up some of the most amazing and imaginative ideas.

Halloween’s -a-coming……

And if you’ve had the experience of having your 7 year old stand in your kitchen

with his closed shoe box in hand begging, whining, and pleading ……

“But Mom…. I promise I’ll feed him every day

just take a look will ya”….

Then you are qualified to face the Zombies at Twilight!…….On the other hand, those crafty folks over at McCormick have put together some of the creepiest, crawliest ( if that’s a real word) and the sweetest treats this side of Transylvania.

Here’s what you do! Grab your “Brood” and head to the kitchen . I can’t promise the Great Pumpkin will make an appearance but I can say with all confidence that you will be screaming and howling with delight as you create these treats.

And to see those faces light up and laugh…..

Truly priceless so don’t forget your camera because we wanna see pics posted to our blog…

Happy Haunting!

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Sweet Potato Pie

Ahhh, Don’cha just love that Fall Season?
Halloween just around the corner and then…..

Yep!

Slaving away for hours in the Kitchen to create your famous Kitchen Masterpiece for you and your family and heaven knows who else shows up to sit at the table. One thing you have to be thankful for is the love and joy it brings to see those who do show up!

Close your eyes and just imagine the way the house is going to smell once you start to rattle those pots and pans. Turkey, And Sweet Yams and fresh breads and ooooooo…. Those incredible deserts!

Here’s one of our favorites.
But it comes with a warning!!!!
Sweet Potato Pie when done Southern style will…..
” Make ya wanna slap yo Mamma”!!!!

But in this case….. Just offer her another slice and don’t skimp on the whipped topping! It’ll keep you in the family will!….

Simon says; Life’s a piece of cake, you need to grab a slice!
Hey, grab a couple to go, we’ve got plenty!”…© Continue Reading