Peanut Blossom

H * E * L * P!

It sure has been quiet around here lately, hasn't it? I'm so sorry, I promise it has been very unintentional. Handyman Tim is knee deep in an awful project that is keeping him away from home for 4 months. He left at the beginning of December and other than a short break at Christmas, he's been busy working 12 hour shifts, 7 days a week out of town with no end in sight until sometime in March at the earliest.

I'm no stranger to being home alone with the kids but this is something completely different than even I am used to. The girls and I have buckled down into hardcore survival mode which basically means: No fancy meals or baking, very few crafting opportunities, and an all around lack of things to write about like I normally share here! Not to mention how crazy things got over on Develop with the start of our 2012 photography projects.

I'm happy to let you know though, I have a series of posts I'm busy trying to pull together for you. I was finally inspired over the weekend. I want to get things rolling more predictably around here. Thank you for being patient with me as I sort out life in general.

That being said, I am definitely looking for some guest writers who would like to contribute some tried and true recipes. I will make and photograph your dish, you simply need to share a short intro and the recipe. Bloggers and non-bloggers are welcome! If you were in my shoes and feeding two small children, what would be on your menu? I'd love to share your ideas!

If you're interested, just send me a message at: peanutblossomcreations (AT) gmail (DOT) com and we'll chat! 

Must-have Educational Apps from Let's Lasso the Moon

Today I'm happy to introduce my friend Zina from Let's Lasso the Moon as we continue our celebration of "I {Heart} iPhones Week." Zina may blame credit me for her love of all things Apple, but she is responsible for a good portion of the apps on my phone. I guess we're square then, huh Zina?

And one last reminder, if you haven't entered for your chance to win the super cute iPhones case that looks like a camera, today is the last day to enter! I'll be drawing the winner's name tomorrow morning. So don't miss the chance, go leave a comment on this post here.

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I am an Apple fanatic. I have to admit that every Apple product I own has been purchased because of a recommendation by one Mrs. Tiffany Dahle.

My iMac, yep Dahle recommended. My iPhone, yep that dang Dahle again. I *really* didn't think I "needed" an iPhone. However, once I had it in hand I realized quickly that my life had changed f-o-r-e-v-e-r. Sitting in a doctor's waiting room for twenty minutes? Suddenly, no problem. Child demanding everything-single-flippin item in the grocery store? Hand them an iPhone.

Over at Let's Lasso the Moon our goal is to keep the light of curiosity alive despite current educational system dilemmas. With that being said, I would argue your iPhone is much like your TV set, you can use it for good or evil. Sure, Angry Birds will keep your child entertained. One could even stretch it and say "they are learning about geometry." Still, there are much better educational apps out there for your iPhone or iPad that will actually make learning FUN. Oh how I'd love an iPad in the house.

Below are 9 wonderful educational apps that come kid-recommended. Our collection is ever changing, so please take a moment to share your child's favorite app in the comments below. I'd love to check out some new additions.

Happy Downloading,

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 Word BINGO By ABCya.com
Recommended for children ages 5 and older
Cost $0.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: Our girls (5 & 6) love this game. The silly monsters that land on a square when you select the correct word make them laugh. I like it because it helps the girls practice their Dolch Sight Words. The game is nice because it also has room for your child to "grow into it." There is a fun version of word Tetris as well as a spelling game. All and all a wonderful find. A good friend of mine who was a kindergarten teacher and now is a math specialist actually recommended the ABCya.com site to us. There are great games there for free, too. We found the apps originally on the site. ...........................................................................................................

Math BINGO By ABCya.com
Cost $0.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: Another great app by ABCya.com, same concept. Again, it is a wonderful game your child can grow into. Currently our girls just play the addition and subtraction bingo, but it also includes multiplication and division. ...........................................................................................................

Teach Me Kindergarten
Cost $0.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5

Also available: Teach Me Toddler &
Teach Me First Grade

Product Description: TeachMe: Kindergarten is an educational iPhone app which teaches four different age appropriate subjects to Kindergarten aged children: sight words, addition, subtraction and spelling. Parents can select which subjects they want, set different difficulty levels, and even choose specific questions. Parents can review performance history for each subject to check how their child is doing.

The app keeps children engaged with a rather unique reward system where children earn a coin for every three correct answers. Coins can then be used to purchase stickers to place in fun sticker scenes or to purchase items for the new virtual aquarium. Sticker scenes can be exported as wallpaper or emailed to family and friends. The simple and intuitive user interface is designed to be child friendly, which allows children to play without help from an adult. An animated teacher (Mimi Mouse) gives verbal instructions and feedback to the child which makes learning fun.

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: This is by far our girls FAVORITE iPhone app. I love it because with the directions from Mimi Mouse the girls can play the game without any assistance from me. They start out at a basic level for all four sections and slowly work up to more challenging questions. The most entertaining part of the game is the fish tank. It is simply adorable. Your child can save up gold coins (earned by answering questions correctly) and purchase items for their tank including: different fish, statues, and gravel. You can also buy fish food. When you drop in a pellet the fish all race to eat it.

If you tap on the iPhone it sounds like you are tapping a tank and the fish all hide from the noise. Our girls play the game mostly for this unique reward system. I also like that it teaches them about spending. For example, you can buy sand colored gravel for $2, but if you want the kick-butt rainbow gravel you need to save up $10. We just started Teach Me First Grade and are growing to love it, too. ...........................................................................................................

Super Why by PBSKids.org
Recommended for children ages 3 to 6
Cost $2.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: If your child enjoys Super Why! They will love this app. It is very graphic and has all the same fun word games that they play on the TV show. The app is a bit pricier than most, but I consider the extra $2.00 a donation to PBS. If you don't already have it bookmarked, check out the Super Why! website. It has great games for free too. The only thing I dislike about this game is it has background music, to my knowledge you cannot turn it off on the app. However, if you are playing games on the website you are able to mute the background music. The app is really cool, but our girls don't play it often. We do spend a lot of time at PBSKids.org though. ...........................................................................................................

FirstWords: Animals
Cost $1.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Recommended age: If your child is old enough to ask for your iPhone, they're old enough for First Words Animals!

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: I laughed when I saw the recommended age; I completely agree. This is a great game for little ones, despite the low customer rating. It is a fun way to teach your child the basics of using a touch screen computer. An image pops up and the child spells out the word by dragging and matching the appropriate letters into the shaded letter boxes. Our girls started playing this when they were three or so and still enjoy it to this day. Our ladies are way beyond letter recognition, but I figure it still helps them with their spelling. Definitely a great "starter" app for your little one. ...........................................................................................................

ABC Pocket Phonics
Recommended for children ages 3 to 6
Cost $2.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: If your child has gone to a Montessori pre-school they will be familiar with the letter writing section of this game. It is an electronic version of the sandpaper letters they've been practicing with at school. This is a great app for basic and more advance phonics, as well as simple fill in the blank spelling. At first glance it looks kind of boring, but our girls really enjoy it. We quickly bumped up from the free light version to the full version! ...........................................................................................................

Toddler Teasers
Recommended for children ages 2 and up
Cost $1.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: This was one of the first apps we bought for the girls. It is pretty basic and a good way to get your toddler started on learning their letters and numbers. The apps looks like they've been updated since we used them last, but the basic concept appears to be the same. Basically, the phone tells the child a number or letter and they select it from a group of three. It is a good starting point if you are looking for something simple. We used both the numbers and letters apps. ...........................................................................................................

iBird Backyard Plus
Recommended for children of all ages
Cost $2.99 | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: I am absolutely smitten with this app. If you are a nature lover it is a great way to learn about the different birds in your backyard. The best part is they offer wonderful illustrations and real photos of the birds for identification. You can search by location, size, or color combination. The part my girls love? They have audio for all of the birds. Despite this being an adult app sometimes my girls will just look through the different birds and play songs. It has been a great tool for hiking trips.

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Tic Tac Toe
Recommended for children of all ages
Cost FREE | Check out screen shots
iTunes Rating: 4 stars out of 5

Let's Lasso the Moon Review: One day we were at a restaurant and I suggested we play Tic Tac Toe on the back of a menu. Both of my girls stared at me with confusion. They honestly didn't know it was a game you would ever consider playing off-line. Cracks me up. We love this version of the classic. It lets you start with X or O and allows you to label the players. We have had a lot of rotation on our iPhone, but this has always been a standard. Go get it now. It's free.

"Never leave home without your apps!" from Colleen at Flee Fly Flown

Day 3 of our "We {heart} iPhones Week!" welcomes my friend Colleen from Flee Fly Flown who is popping by to share her favorite travel apps. Colleen is a vetran globe trotter and I love her point about which apps are useful even without a cell phone signal. Great suggestions, Colleen! 

If you haven't already, don't forget to stop by this post here to enter to win your very own iPhone case. The giveaway runs until Friday, it isn't too late.

A good chunk of the population can’t get through a single “normal” day without the apps on their smart phone, I’m no exception. What about on the special days? When you’re traveling somewhere new, exploring another corner of the world? Even if your phone plan doesn’t work in your destination, chances are, there’s a few apps that can help you on your journey using your wireless connection or no connection at all.

Besides the entertainment factor (I can’t tell you how many hours in the airport I’ve spent playing Angry Birds), here’s a few of my go to “on the road” apps.

- Taking a plane, train then automobile? Consolidate all of your travel details within the TripIt app which allows you to sync all of your vacation elements into one organized list.

- Don’t speak the language? Try using Google Translate to help you communicate. Better yet, try Jibbigo which works entirely on your phone, so you don’t need to worry about a wireless connection wherever you are. Both apps work on iPhone and Android.



In the same vein, if you need help reading or interpreting a menu, use Google Goggles to snap a photo of a menu, and it will translate either the words or characters and help explain what it is you might be ordering. It’s great for signs, landmarks, and more while you’re at it.



- For the Foodies, be sure to download the Zagat On the Go app to find the best restaurants while traveling. Yelp also has a great app for your local and on the go food discoveries, however, for now, you’ll find the most restaurants and recommendations domestically, vs. internationally. I have a feeling that will change eventually!



- Math not your forte? Make sure to bring along your handy dandy XE Currency Converter app. This one requires wireless connectivity, but these days, it’s relatively easy to find a signal.

- History Buff? Explore the streets you walk along with History Pin. You’ll see photos of the same place from times gone by.



- Speaking of exploring, many tour companies now offer apps that help enhance your in person tours or supplement them. CitySightseeing is one such example. Their app helps you find the nearest pick-ups among other great features. If you already know what you want to do, but don’t quite know how to get there, have Google Maps tell you how to get there. They’re usually pretty efficient.

And of course, there are many more helpful apps for travel, this is the tip of the iceburg! Feel free to share your favorites in the comment section below!

Bon voyage!
 

P.S. Don’t forget to bring along your power adapter / converter for your phone charger!

 

Fitness apps wishlist from Carrie at Diet & Ridicule

Day 2 of the iPhone party brings my friend Carrie from Diet & Ridicule to share her wishlist of fitness apps. Carrie, is a wannabe Apple lover. Sheesh, friends--you think you know them. Shaking my head, Carrie. Shaking my head. What on earth are you doing with a {gasp} Motorola?!

Anyway, I knew Carrie would have some great fitness ideas to share and I'm so glad she agreed to stop by for the day. If you missed yesterday's announcement, be sure to stop over to this post here and get the details on winning your very own iPhone case:

Many thanks to my pal Tiffany for inviting me to be a guest host on her super fantastic blog. I was a little leery about the idea when she first asked me to cover my favorite fitness apps. I get the fitness part of it, since that’s the focus of my Diet and Ridicule blog. The problem is I’m kind of…er, kicking it old school when it comes to technology—that’s the cool way of saying I have an old Motorola Razr (not the current Android kind) that a friend swapped me for a knitted hat and scarf after I accidentally washed my US Cellular “free phone” (as in comes with the plan) in the laundry.

Nice.

So with all of that embarrassingness out there I can’t in good faith cast the following list as my “favorite apps” given that I haven’t actually used any of these apps. Even just saying apps makes me feel a little bit like a poser, but I’m going to forge ahead like a good trooper should.

In lieu of my “favorite fitness apps,” I give you my “these-apps-look-like-they’d-make fitness-bearable-and-possibly-even-fun” wish list. Enough with the build-up, let’s get this party started:

Om at the Office

If cube life has the choke hold on you as it does me, a little yoga can go a long way. But what if you can’t escape the daily grind to get in a downward dog? Well, there’s an app for that (that catchy phrase demonstrates just I how old school I am). Office Yoga promises 75 stress-relieving yoga poses that require no mat or spandex, and are appropriate enough for the office (i.e., won’t creep out your office mate or get you in hot water with the boss).

 

Shake It Like a Polaroid Picture

For many of us, getting in shape sucks. So if you can find an exercise that puts a smile on your face, then my advice is you stick with it. And if you can’t find that, then settle for finding an exercise that makes everyone else look like a complete jackass. The end result will be the same—a smile on your face, that is. Enter Shake Weight. If you’re not familiar with the oddly erotic dumbbell (no, not Matthew McConaughey), I encourage you to Google it. (Then immediately Google the SNL parody. All kinds of awesome!)

The iShakeitFit app seems to have gotten its inspiration from the Shake Weight. The point is to see how many times you can shake your phone in a minute so that you can get top score. It’s like Shake Weight meets my brother playing the Pole Position arcade game at the roller rink in the 80s. My only concern with this app is shaking the phone seems as though it could be recipe for dropping and breaking. Like with all exercise, be careful and consult your doctor (well, the first part anyway for this app).

Shuffle Up and Sweat

I recently started doing CrossFit, and it’s kicking my butt! But for the first time ever, I find the “did-I-just-get-hit-by-a-bus” workouts oddly motivating. Since I’m still new, I’ve yet to try all the exercises, but I’ve been warned about the “Deck of Death.” Exercises are assigned by suit, and reps are assigned by the number on the card. It’s as “simple” as pulling out a deck of cards and working through all 52. But who wants to carry around a deck of cards when working out? That’s where Deck of Cards Workout app comes in. This app is supposed to make it simple, help you keep track of your workouts, and keep you from playing 52 pick-up when you should be doing push-ups and squats.

Long Live Recess!

Nike has turned the childhood game of Tag technical. Without ever touching another person (after all, you don’t want cooties!), you can play tag via your iPhone. With the Nike + GPS app, runners can virtually compete in a game of Tag. The goal is to not be “It,” which you achieve by not running the slowest, not running the shortest distance, and not running the latest in the day. So with the exception of running late in the day, I for sure would be the perpetual “It.” (Wasn’t that a creepy Stephen King movie? If so, I’m Carrie and It. Great.)

Brains! Brains!!!!

Zombies are after you…run for your life! Stop by my blog to see what I mean.

There you have it kids, my wish list. I’m going to get a pen and paper, write this up in a nice letter, and send it off to Santa asap—but with one addition. An iPhone! Let’s hope I’m not on the naughty list.

Good luck with the giveaway! Don’t be a stranger!

We {heart} iPhones Week!

I hit a really big milestone at the end of last week: I have 15,000+ followers over on Pinterest! What? Yep. 15,000! I'm so excited about the community over there and I wanted to do something really fun to celebrate and thank all these new pinners for joining my boards. So what's a girl to do? Throw a party! And what's a party without some friends and a prize? 

So this week I'm hosting "We {heart} iPhones Week" and I've invited three blogging buddies to share their favorite phone apps with us. And the best part? ClickinMoms has generously donated one of their super cute Leica-inspired iPhone cases for me to review and one for me to give away to you! Yay for goodies!

So let's get this party started with a look at that fancy case:

I choose my purses based on the pockets where I'll stash my phone so it only figures that I'd be equally as picky about the case that goes on it. The design on this hard case makes me grin from ear to ear. You all know my obsession with all things photography: my phone is filled with photography apps and serves as my portable point & shoot/video camera. It's only fitting to outfit it as such!

The case itself is sturdy and very smooth. It glides in and out of my purse pockets with an ease my last case did not. It molds around the buttons giving clear access to all the switches.

When looking at the front of the phone, it almost appears as if there is no case on it at all which is a definite change from my last case:

I had a silicone case by Switcheasy up until now. You can see how it covers the front button as well as the side and top buttons. It is smooth but grippy and sticks when I try to put it in a pocket. The plus side of that is that it doesn't slide around in my car or slip out of my hands as easily. I do love the silicone case (as does Little Pea who absolutely cannot resist pushing that front bubble button.)

I'm a total clutz. I've dropped my phone in both cases many more times than I'd care to admit. Both did a fantastic job protecting my phone and I haven't had any troubles so far. (Knock on wood!)

If you have a dock you put your phone in, the ClickinMom's case is far superior. The bottom piece slides off for docking where you'd have to remove the entire Switcheasy case to do the same. Both cases are extremely easy to put on and take off the phone.

My biggest concern with the CM case was that the cute design might rub off or get scratched up. My life is crazy and the case has really gotten a workout. No scratches or fading whatsoever of the cute design. 

In the end? I have really come to love this new case. The slippery factor took a little getting used to but it is definitely a pro for me now. I love being able to slip it into smaller pockets knowing I can get it back out without struggle! Both my girls think the design is eye catching.

So what do you need to do to win your very own case? 

Pin this post on Pinterest, of course! You're welcome to use the following image for your pin but be sure to come back and leave a comment telling me you did. (Not on Pinterest yet? Send me a message with your email and I'd be happy to give you an invite.)

Pin It

Bonus Entries:

1. Leave me a comment telling me what your favorite app is on your phone. 

2. Fan my Facebook page. Feel free to spread the word over there about this iPhone Party but simply "friending" me counts for your entry. Leave me a comment here on this post telling me you did. If you're already a Peanut Blossom friend, just let me know in another comment.

You have until Friday, November 11 at 10 a.m. to enter. The winner will be announced at 1 p.m. central time. But be sure to come back the rest of the days this week because we have lots of fun apps to share!

*Case donated by Clickin'Moms but all thoughts and opinions are truly my own.

"Fresh from the garden veggie salad" from Stef at Livin' the McLife

Today I want to welcome my friend Stefanie who writes over at Livin the McLife about the adventures with her two adorable little boys Max and Sam.

I'm lucky enough to know Stef from real life. Although we went to the same high school, we didn't really get to know each other until we were in the same baptism prep class with our first peanuts. Life is funny and things just worked out that we managed to be in the same baptism class for our second peanuts as well! 

Besides being an amazing mom to her boys, Stef and "Big Max" (her awesome hubby) are crazy home remodelers. They're moving on to their next "before" house in a couple weeks but you absolutely need to check out what they did with the last place here.

Stef was happy to volunteer a recipe for my new "Peanut Gallery" feature. If you'd like to be part of the Peanut Gallery, just send me a note at peanutblossom AT yahoo (dot) com and I'd love to take a pretty photo of your idea!

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My inspiration for this salad came from this month's Whole Living, a recipe for Zucchini "Pasta."  I didn't have all the ingredients on hand and since we are part of a CSA this month, I improvised with some other fresh, organic veggies from our box along with some fresh herbs from my home garden.  The results, DELICIOUS.

I am going to do my best to supply measurements for you -- it is funny because I am totally a Type A person, and I usually follow instructions/directions to a "T".  The only exception comes with recipes and cooking -- for some reason I let lose and I really like to experiment.  ESPECIALLY when it comes to my home-grown produce!

 

Basically, even though I've typed out a recipe below, don't be afraid to experiment with other fresh veggies or combinations of herbs.  This salad can truly be a mix and match of whatever you have on hand (or in ground).

 

Fresh from the Garden Veggie Salad

 

1 zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise, slices cut into 1/4-inch-long strips (Note from PB: I totally screwed up this part and just thinly sliced it into chunks instead. Stef does say to do whatever works, right??)

3 radishes (you could substitute anything here -- I was thinking next time of trying kohlrabi or beets or cucumbers) 

1 small red onion (optional) 

1 clove garlic, thinly sliced

3 TBSP torn fresh basil, plus leaves for garnish (more or less as desired)

3 TBSP fresh dill (more or less as desired) (you could use so many other herbs here too -- thyme, rosemary, mint, even lavender would be great additions, go with what is FRESH and in season!) 

2 oz extra-virgin olive oil 

2 oz lemon juice 

Sea salt

ground pepper 

Method:

 

Slice up the zucchini, radishes and onion into small strips and sprinkle with sea salt and ground pepper.

In separate container mix up olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs and garlic.  Mix together well.  Pour over veggies.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

 

Eat and enjoy!!

 

Now, the original recipe didn't call for any lemon juice.  In my opinion, THIS IS THE SECRET INGREDIENT!  Seriously.  I make so many summer salads with this dressing -- a base of which is merely lemon juice and olive oil -- the rest are delicious combinations of fresh herbs.  Try it, and you may find that you NEVER make/buy another type of dressing again.  This dressing is particulary good over a good 'ole cucumber/tomato summer salad.

 

So, there you have it - my recipe!  I hope the amounts are correct, I really do cook by feel.  And, I will tell you what was the BEST validation of this salad -- both of my kids ate it!  And both told me it was delicious!  This would also be a great recipe for those who are on raw food diets, or for when it is seriously too hot outside to cook anything.

 

A surprising snack from Zina at Gotogirl Digital

Today I'd like to welcome a guest post by my friend Zina from GotoGirl Digital.

When I asked if she had any recipes she'd like to share over here, I laughed out loud when Zina suggested this favorite snack of ours. She mentions a certain "coercing" in her tale below. I'll leave it up to you to guess who might have been behind that particular push! 

I love pink lady apples and Laughing Cow cheese for a snack, too. Thanks for the brilliant suggestion for this post, Zina! Sometimes I forget to share things as simple as this, but despite it's short ingredient list this snack really is a winner.

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“What are you eating?!?!” I asked with a look of disapproval.   

I admit I am not always the best dinner date.  I have a very particular set of quirky food rules that are dictated by texture and appearance.   Yet, I am constantly preaching to my two young daughters that they should be open-minded and try new things.  This is a piece of advice I only recently started taking to heart.  

My culinary adventures with daring new foods started with a simple, elegant combination:

A pink lady apple slathered with a creamy Swiss Laughing Cow Cheese.

Oh, how I am smitten with my lovely Swiss Pink Ladies.

After being forcibly coerced into trying one despite a strong sense of reluctance, I quickly realized that the unique pairing creates a perfect balance of taste, texture and nutrition. Adding a bit of protein to your apple slices not only gives them a flavor boost, it gives you an energy boost and helps your body stay satisfied longer.

I've also found this combo to be kid approved. Bonus! Swiss Pink Ladies made me realize it was time to open my mind and try new food combinations.  

What’s the last recipe you tried that paired unusual ingredients into something uniquely wonderful? 

Favorite summer slaw from Colleen at Flee Fly Flown

I'm  excited to introduce my first guest contributor: Colleen from Flee Fly Flown. 

Colleen agreed to be my guinea pig with this idea for guest recipes and I couldn't be more thrilled with her submission. Handyman Tim gave this recipe two thumbs up. THANKS, Colleen!!

Favorite Summer Slaw

As is typical in backyards and decks of many a Midwest house during the few summer days when the weather is nice and the grill is fired up, my family is no exception to the ritual backyard barbecue. While the meat of choice may vary, there is one staple that is a requirement to our meal, Brocco-Slaw - an Asian inspired slaw with a nice crunch. 

While any grilled meat will do, below is the standard summer menu my family insists upon when we gather at the cabin.

- BBQ Bone-In Chicken on the Grill (Sweet Baby Ray’s is our sauce of choice)
- Corn on the Cob
- Fruit Salad or Watermelon Wedges
- Asian Slaw
- Drink of choice

Other serving ideas - on top of a pulled pork sandwich, in an Asian inspired fish taco, beside the classic burger.

Here’s to a tasty summer!

Asian Brocco-Slaw

Serves :: 6-8

Slaw Ingredients:

• 1 package of Broccoli Slaw (usually found near the bagged lettuce in produce)
• 5 Scallions, sliced
• 3 Celery stalks, chopped
• ½ Cup Sunflower Nuts
• ¾ Cup slivered Almonds
• 1 small can of Chow Mein noodles (6-8 oz.)

Dressing Ingredients:

• ½ Cup Sugar
• ¼ Cup White Vinegar
• ½ Cup Salad Oil (vegetable, canola, etc.)
• 1 ½ teaspoon Soy Sauce

Directions:

Combine slaw ingredients. Combine dressing ingredients in a jar with lid and shake to mix well. Pour over slaw and mix with a spoon. Serve immediately.

NOTES:

-        If you make ahead, keep the veggies separate from the nuts and chow mein and dressing. (Combine veggies in their own bag, nuts in their own bag, dressing in its own container.)

-        Substitution / Addition ideas:

• Honey instead of Sugar
• Edamame (shelled soy beans, freezer section) added in addition to or instead of one of the veggies.
• You can go low sodium soy sauce, but the soy flavor won’t be very strong. Half low sodium, half regular is another way to go.

With a little help from some friends

I'm excited to introduce a brand new feature here on the blog. . . 

I will periodically be hosting some guest contributors here on Peanut Blossom!

One of the challenges for me as I learn more about food photography is experimenting with styling a recipe when I've never seen an image of it before. I want to work on my own "look" for a recipe and it will be easier if I just have the instructions to start. 

I am reaching out to other bloggers that I follow to see if they are interested in sharing a recipe and post with you. I'll take the photos of the recipe. I think it will be fun for all involved because it will expose us to some recipes I may not have found on my own and we'll get to know some other writers. 

Later today I'll be hosting my first guest post. I'm super excited to share this recipe with you and introduce you to the blogger behind it. 

If you are interested in participating in my guest series, I'd love to have you. Even if you don't have a blog of your own but just have a recipe you'd like to share, I'd welcome your input! 

For more information, just send me a private message at peanutblossomcreations (AT) gmail (DOT) com.