Melt-In-Your-Mouth [fruit] Muffins

I know, I usually stick to a theme for all of my recipes [it gives food purpose with a place amongst other food yummies] but today I decided to be random & share one recipe while you all wait for the unveiling of our next theme: Cinco De Mayo Fiesta!

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 t. salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup melted butter
1 t. vanilla
1 cup chopped [insert fruit of choice] fresh or frozen
optional: add chopped nuts for additional protein & cinnamon for a metabolism boost! Or try adding 1 T fresh lemon or orange zest to give a punch!

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375. In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, & baking soda. In another bowl, mix eggs, yogurt, butter, & vanilla. Toss fruit into the flour mixture. Then pour yogurt mixture into the flour mixture and stir. Spoon batter into greased muffin tins or muffin liners. Bake for 20-25 min, or until golden brown. Makes 12 muffins.

Health Fact:
By using plain yogurt instead of oil you will save 150 calories and 18g of fat per muffin! Holy-moly yoggie is awesome! Plus, you'll get 4g of protein and 2g of fiber per muffin. Oh, and as a lil' tip...yogurt is also great substitute for sour cream!

Did you make these muffins? What fruit did you use? Was it a flop or an absolute fav? Share with us!

more FREE ice-cream from Carvel

Are you getting the gag reflex from all of this ice-cream yet? I'm married to an ice-cream junkie so he's lovin' every lick of this! Well, tonight you have another chance to score FREE Ice Berg from Carvel from 3-7 on April 30th. What's an Ice Berg? Your choice of soda blended with ice and ice-cream! Oooh, sounds refreshing! They're giving them away in celebration of their 75th anniversary! Click HERE for more info and to find a store near you! Enjoy! Shout out to Miss Amy for saying she's actually using all these! Thanks girl! :)


[pic from carvel.com]

Domino's: Free Pasta 4 Lunch!

Holy cow, I'm flippin' out right now! I can hardly keep up with all of these freebies! So, for lunch tomorrow, Wednesday, April 29th from 11-2 you can score a free pasta bowl [kind of a weird combo but hey it's free...lets not be picky] and make it a lunch date. Some stores aren't honoring this promo so be sure to call before going. But, I would hate for you to get all pumped up just to be let down. Click HERE to get store locations and more info.



On a side note..I sure hope at least some of you are taking advantage of all of this - otherwise what's the point. Should I stick to just recipes and hog all of this free food to myself? Your thoughts? Helpful? Hate it? Love it?

31 Flavas @ .31 Cents!

So, if you're like me - you missed out on the last ice-cream bargain! Here's your chance to redeem yourself just shy of a freebie - only .31 cents per scoop. The deal is offered only on Wednesday, April 29th from 5-10pm [nation-wide at participating stores]. That's a deal the whole family can scream for! You scream. I scream. We all scream for ice-cream at Baskin Robbins! Plus, it's for a good cause to help America's Firefighters. Want to find a store that's near you? Click HERE for details.


[pic. from baskinrobbins.com]

KFC: Free Grilled Chicken

Head over to your local KFC today, Monday April 27th [today only] to grab some chicken [one piece per person] Hey, make it a Family Night activity! It's about time they offered something other than the fried stuff. But don't get me wrong; it's absolutely delicious. I guess now they've decided to also go nutritious. So here's your chance to see if you like the new take on chicken - grilled! Want some printable coupons to take with you, so you can score more deals and make it a real meal? Click HERE!

[pic. from kfc.com]

Earth Day Freebies

I heart Whole Foods! It is the best grocery store ever! Unfortunately, in my neck of the woods they don't have 'em. What's wrong with NC? So for all of my West Coast hommies, here's a cute and killer freebie! Would one of you be so kind as to snag one for me? puh-lease? you know you love me? sorry for begging but seriously friends. Click HERE to print the coupon for a Free Lunch Tote! Thanks Oprah! Offer ends 4/26/09

If one tote wasn't enough and your little kiddies are jealous, snag one for them too at The Disney Store! All you have to do is bring in 3 plastic bottles to receive your cute little tote! Plus they also have some extra Earth Day gear including cute T's, water bottles, and more. Want more info? Click HERE.


[pics. from wholefoodsmarket.com & disneyshopping.go.com]

Celebrate Earth Day!

In honor of her majesty, Mother Earth, we're celebrating by going GREEN with envy! It's time to learn the basics of organics:

Why Go Organic?
As we know, eating lots of produce has many perks! However, not all produce is created "equal". Conventional produce is exposed to pesticides that damage not only the little critters that are trying to eat them but also us big critters too, humans who consume them. According to a public health advocacy organization, you can lower your family’s pesticide exposure by almost 90 percent by avoiding the twelve conventionally-produced fruits and vegetables (known as the Dirty Dozen: Peach, Apple, Nectarine, Strawberry, Grape, Pear, Cherry, Bell Pepper, Celery, Kale, Lettuce, and Carrots). Want a quick rule of thumb? If it has THIN SKIN - it's better to GO ORGANIC!

If you’re scared-silly about the chemicals & pesticides you and your child are consuming, but having a fridge filled with all-organic food is outside of your budget, I'll give you a few simple recipes using Organic "Dirty Dozen" produce. Happy Earth Day & Happy Healthy Bodies!


[pic from ownercommunity.homeaway.com]

Sunshine Strawberry Smoothie

We made this refreshing, tart, sweet, and satisfying smoothie this morning! It was the perfect start to a beautiful day!

Ingredients:[makes ~ 4 cups or 28oz.]
12-15 organic strawberries to taste & desired consistency
1 1/4 cup fresh squeezed oj (~2 oranges)
1 frozen banana (peel & freeze in a ziplock)
1 cup ice
1/2 cup organic plain yogurt (stoneyfield)

Local Specials [Harris Teeter]:
10/$6 stoneyfield yogurts

Directions:
blend all ingredients in a blender until incorporated. serve in glasses with straws. garnish with a whole sliced strawberry.

Health Benefits:
exceptional source of the antioxidant vitamin C, strawberries may help protect against developing a whole host of diseases, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. organic plain yogurt contains live active cultures which serve as a natural antibiotic (try it the next time you feel sickness coming on). bananas have lots of potassium essential for regulating blood pressure and muscle strength. oranges have many antioxidants, vitamin C, calcium, folic acid (brain function), vitamin B6 (supports hemoglobin which carries oxygen throughout the body).

Organic Dairy Philosophy [provided by stoneyfield.com]:

“I understand the idea of organic fruit and vegetables, but organic milk and yogurt? Isn’t milk already pure and natural?”
Yes. Milk is an all natural product. Organic milk means that the cows’ feed, such as corn, soy, and hay, were grown organically. In addition, organic regulations prohibit the use of antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones. Organic regulations also mandate specific humane animal standards including access to fresh air and pasture. All of the milk used to make Stonyfield Farm products is from cows that have not been treated with rBST (artificial bovine growth hormone).


Did your family like this healthy and nutritious smoothie starter to their Earth Day? Let me know by commenting below! :)

Wild Caught Salmon Salad

Ingredients: [serves 4]
2 pounds cooked wild caught salmon, chilled
1 cup small-diced organic celery (3 stalks)
1/2 cup small-diced red onion (1 small onion)
2 tablespoons minced fresh dill
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar
2 tablespoons light extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
handful of mixed organic greens (for plating)

Directions:
Break the salmon into very large flakes, removing any skin and bones, and place the salmon in a bowl. Add the celery, red onion, dill, capers, raspberry vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Season, to taste. Mix well and serve cold or at room temperature. optional: serve the salad topped on a mix of organic greens

Local Specials [Harris Teeter]:
-wild caught salamon $7.99 lb.
-earthbound farms organic salad mix 2/$6
-yellow onions $1.97 lb.

Organic Grilled Mustard Dill Chicken

Yummy, yummy - an easy way to add umph to ordinary chicken breasts! Seriously, this is better than any grilled chicken I've ever tasted at home or at any restaurant! It's a winner winner chicken dinner! This recipe is super, super easy & fast! The leftover sauce can be used as a salad dressing on spinach salad or for dipping your roasted potatoes! Guaranteed to be a big hit! Mmmmm!

Ingredients:

Sauce:
1/2 cup coarse-grained mustard
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup organic heavy cream or 1/2 and 1/2
1/4 cup light extra virgin olive oil
4 teaspoons sugar
1/2 cup minced fresh dill
salt & pepper to taste [lightly because chicken is also seasoned]

Chicken:
1/4 cup white wine or red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons good Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2/3 to 3/4 cups extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
2 minced shallots
4 organic free range chicken breasts
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (if pan grilling)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions:
In a bowl, add all sauce ingredients and combine using a whisk. The sauce can be made in advance [1 day prior] and kept in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the sauce come to room temperature before serving.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in enough oil to make a smooth dressing with a balanced taste. Stir in garlic and shallots. Place the breasts in a ziplock bag, pour in marinade to cover, toss the marinade and chicken by lightly shaking the bag, and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

Remove the chicken from the marinade (throw away the marinade). Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill chicken on a gas, coal, or stove featured grill for 2 minutes on each side [or until cooked through...don't over cook as the chicken will dry out]. Remove from heat and place chicken on plate and cover with foil. Let rest 3 minutes [juices will redisperse inside]. Plate and top with mustard dill sauce.

Serve chicken alongside roasted potatoes and steamed veggie of choice [recommend: asparagus, broccoli, or artichokes]

Rosemary Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients:
5 cleaned medium red potatoes cut in wedges
2 cloves minced garlic
1/3 cup fresh chopped rosemary or ~2 T. dried
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil [or enough to coat all potatoes]
salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450. Place cut potato wedges on a cookie sheet and spread out evenly. Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped rosemary over the potatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over all ingredients. Use your hands to toss the potatoes in the olive oil and once again spread out evenly on the cookie sheet. Cook potatoes, flipping occasionally for 30-40 minutes or until brown and crispy on both sides. Children love them served with ketchup!

Organic Strawberry Shortcut Cake

This cake isn't like angelfood so don't expect that because it's a shortcake. It's resembles more of a basic vanilla cake-mix cake but obviously better because it contains all "known" ingredients. Very simple but very delicious! A nice light and refreshing way to top off a wonderful meal!

Ingredients

Cake:
1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 cup organic whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Strawberries and Cream:
2 pints organic strawberries
1 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 cups organic heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

For the cake: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter an 8-inch round cake pan, line it with parchment paper, butter the paper, and dust the pan lightly with flour.

Whisk the flour with the granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Lightly whisk in the butter, egg, milk, and vanilla, just until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then turn it out of the pan, flip upright, and cool completely on the rack.

For the strawberries and cream: Set aside 1 pint of the best-looking whole berries for topping the cake. Cut off stems & thinly slice the rest of the berries. Place in a bowl and toss with sugar. Set aside. Whip the cream with the confectioners' sugar and vanilla to soft peaks [using an electric mixer]. Want a simple trick? Use a metal bowl that has been in the freezer - it makes better whipping cream. Refrigerate until ready to use.

To assemble the cake: Cut the cake in half horizontally with a serrated knife. Place the bottom layer cut side up on a cake stand or serving plate. Drizzle the juices from the sliced berries over the cut sides of both halves. Fold a couple tablespoons of the whipped cream into the sliced berries and spread over the bottom layer. Top with the other piece of cake, cut side down. Spread the remaining whipped cream on the top of the cake and top the cake with the whole berries.

Dunkin' Donuts: Iced-Coffee .50 cents!

Who would have thunk that you'd score a slam dunk at Dunkin' Donuts? That's two for two on the same day - iced coffee & ice-cream! I'm not a coffee drinker but if I was this would be a must stop during my day tomorrow. Enjoy!

Stop by any Dunkin' Donuts stores (nation-wide) on Tuesday, April 21st, 2009 to get a 16oz. iced-coffee for .50 cents. Turn that .50 cents into refreshment you can feel good about. You 'Kin Do It! 10% of all sales will go to help injured troops have homes. For more info. or to find a store near you click HERE.


[pictures from Dunkin Donuts.com]

I'm Thinking [ free ] Arby's

So as C{Executive}O I'm officially making an executive decision in behalf of pink pistachio. In addition to fabulous recipes/entertaining ideas, I'll also be hosting the occasional freebie! Go ahead scream like you've won the lotto! I'm helping you out...so don't miss out!

Here's the latest one. If you have UNLIMITED TEXTING, text the word ROASTED to 74700 and you'll receive a text for a FREE Arby's Roastburger with purchase of any size drink. Make sure to bring your cell with you because you have to show them the text. Watch out it expires 4/30/09

Click HERE for a few printable Arby coupons for when you go
{including Swirl Shakes}!!

Ice-Cream Catch 22

You're going to either love me, or hate me after hearing this lastest food news! Yes, I'm a sucker for not only good food but even better FREE FOOD! So here it is...

TUESDAY, APRIL 21st is BEN & JERRY'S FREE SCOOP DAY!
(nation-wide noon-8pm)

Drum-roll please? Introducing 7 new flavas!!!

Vanilla Fudge Brownie
Triple Caramel Chunk
Orange & Cream
Peanut Butter Cookie Dough
Peanut Butter Chocolate
Mission to Marzipan
Chocolate Macadamia

So mark your calendars and make it a date! Post your comments of your experience or send me pics. I'll post the best-of-the best ice-cream fanatics! Your heaven is only a lick away! Moo like you mean it!


[pictures from benandjerrys.com]

i pinky swear

Kay, I promise I haven't forgotten about Pink Pistachio. I've gone on a crazy blog frenzie and am working on my latest work - Dress My Life {a fashionista blog}. So, don't hate the cook in me but the stylist. So here it is - the better than an oath promise - a pinky swear. I, Missy pInK PiStAcHiO, pinky promise to hereby update more often.



There, I've said it - so it's coming. You'll love me more later when you're addicted to not only 1 but 2 fabulously original blogs. Hi-ho, it's back to work I go! I'll be back in a few...