Recipes

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder?

I hope so!!

I am such a guilty blogger...I feel so bad about my very sporadic and lack-there-of posts lately. I hate to say it but it's going to be that way for a couple more weeks :( I don't know if you remember but that exam I had to take for work back in October...well I have to take it again :( NOT FUN! So its on the 24th and until then my life is a crazy stress ball between studying, continuing to house hunt...etc, etc.

To try to make it up to you I have some things to Giveaway!!!

First some foooooooooooood

I like my Yogurt from a Cow
I tried Soy yogurt once...hated it...like it made me gag. So I left well enough alone and stuck to my beloved Greek and maybe even a little regular once in a while.

So now I see this Coconut Milk Yogurt all over the place...hmmm, sounds delicious. Coconut? Love it. Yogurt? Love it. So why not?!Well I think I figured it out...the consistency!!!This was WAY too similar to the soy yogurt...too thin and runny. I just can NOT get past the lack of creaminess! Plus the "vanilla" flavor was way too fake to me. I'm bummed because I have another container of the chocolate flavor at home. I think these may find themselves into a baked good REAL soon. Oh well...can't say I never tried!

Back to my originally scheduled breakfast:
  • TJ's Cinnamon Raisin Whole Wheat British Muffin
  • 1/2 with light butter
  • 1/2 with PB
  • 1 sliced banana
  • little Raspberry fruit spread on the side to dip the muffin in!
There's been a whole lot of Whole Foods action lately with these studying/class nights...I made this lovely beast of a mixture Tuesday night and saved half for lunch todayI just love how I can take bites of things I normally wouldn't eat...like pasta salad...or other "heavier" items. I just take 1 or 2 bites worth and that's all I need.

Giveaway(s)

Well 1 new Giveaway and 2 sort of giveaway "leftovers".

First the new Giveaway...So a little while back the wonderful people at Zoe's sent me a box of their bars to try!! I had never seen their bars at the stores so I was psyched!

Welllll...at first I wasn't crazy about them, which is why it's taken me a while to post about it. I didn't know what to say!

There were 3 flavors I received:
  • Peanut Butter Paradise
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss
  • Chocolate Delight
I usually LOVE anything with PB...but those two flavors were not my fav. I don't know what it is either!? I love the texture...dense with a little crisp mixed in. But the PB flavor was almost too savory? or roasted/smoky?

LOVE the Chocolate Delight flavor though...mmm! Chocolaty, not too sweet...perfect!

I've tried the Choc. PB one again recently and it's growing on me :) I want to love these! So I will keep trying!

But I though I'd share 1 of each flavor with a lucky reader :)I'll send 1 reader 3 bars: "Peanut Butter Paradise", "Chocolate Peanut Butter Bliss" and my fav "Chocolate Delight"

Giveaway Leftovers:

Remember when I gave away the Yo-Plait prize pack and the Fiber One Chocolate prize pack!?

Well 1 of the 3 winners in each case never got back to me...SO that means I'll do another contest for new winners!!

Contest Rules:

1.) Leave a comment about...hmmm...maybe, any of the following:
  • suggestion on how to use my coconut milk yogurt (aside from eating it of course)
  • studying help!
  • your thoughts on the Zoe's bars if you've ever had them
2.) Link back if you have a blog

3.) Maybe add me to your blog roll because that would be totally awesome ;)

I'll pick 3 random winners, and in whichever order they come out will be the order that the person can choose which prize they want!

edit:
woops totally forgot to set an end date to this...I'll end this contest Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00pm E.S.T.


Happy Thursday People...weekend is so close!!

54 comments:

  1. WELCOME BACK, DEAR BRIDGET!!

    All of my blondie recipes use the coconut milk yogurt!!! Bake with it!! :-)

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  2. I agree with Veggie Girl, use the yogurt to bake! I never eat that brand because every time I've had it, it just slides out of the container but still keeps its shape, ick! It's like a jello mold :(

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  3. Hey girl! Good luck with all the studying! Bleck! I do miss your posts :) I would use the soy yogurt in this recipe replacing the pudding: http://itzyskitchen.blogspot.com/2008/08/banana-bread-black-bean-dip.html

    I love all these giveaways!

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  4. I would bake a sour cream coffee cake with it, replacing sour cream with the yogurt.

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  5. Coconut milk yogurt is kind of making me feel sick - so I am not going to comment on that :)

    Keep up the hard studying work!

    I have been dying to try a Zoe bar!! They dont have them in stores around me :)

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  6. Yah for giveaway..I would like to try the Chocolate Delight bar. Never tried these products. To study, I like to go to Barnes and Noble or Borders and sit in their cafe. I get distracted once in awhile by people watching though :)

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  7. Use it in a curry flavored dip.

    Or maybe you could use it as lotion.

    I already follow you through RSS. I'll link back and add you to my blogroll.

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  8. I've never tried that kind of yogurt, so I don't know what I'd do with it. Baking seems like your best option though!

    For studying I like to go to a coffee shop or cafe and spread out. I try not to bring anything distracting, and just put my head down and work ... with regular caffeine breaks of course!

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  9. Make VeggieGirl's blondies. I don't think you can go wrong there! Or maybe a loaf of banana bread would be good. I haven't tried any of Zoe's bars, but love their granola--especially the honey almond. Yum!

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  10. You could use the yogurt in a smoothie or some sort of dip for chips.

    You're already on my blogroll, and I'm linking back in my afternoon post!

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  11. I would suggest baking with the yogurt!

    And I'm not a very good studier...but it helps me if I get out of my house/dorm/room and go to a Panera or a library.

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  12. I agree with the others-- try baking with the yogurt! What helps me to learn when I'm studying is to write information down on a piece of paper-- over and over again, if necessary. It helps me retain the information more than just reading it, or typing it. Also, try teaching the information to someone else-- a friend, your pet, or even an inanimate object! It sounds crazy, but it definitely gives you a deeper level of understanding for the material!

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  13. You could use it instead of milk for baking? I'm disappointed it was really runny - I haven't been able to find good plain, no sugar added non dairy yogurt...sighs. As for studying - I find making a plan and sticking to it helps, dividing what you need to study over the days before the exam. Taking lots of breaks helps too!

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  14. Welcome Back Girl!
    The yogurt I would totally bake with it also, perhaps muffins :)
    It sounds like you like coconut as much as I do... give this a try one day, its awesome!

    "Pumpkin Coconut Curry"
    Step 1

    oil - to sauté
    onion
    garlic-minced
    ginger-minced
    dry red chilis-2 whole
    nigella-a pinch
    coriander seeds-a pinch
    cinnamon-1 inch
    bay leaf-1 large leaf
    cardamom-3-4 crushed pods
    mustard seeds-1 tsp.

    Step 2

    coconut milk-1/2 a can (depends on how much pumpkin and how much curry u want)
    cumin powder-1/2 tsp
    coriander powder-1/2 tsp
    chili powder-depends on how hot u like it
    turmeric powder-1/2 tsp.
    pumpkin-2 cups peeled & diced bite size
    salt-to taste

    Step 3

    short grain rice-1 tbsp.
    fresh grated coconut-2 tbsp.
    whole cumin-1 tsp.


    1. Heat oil in a wok or pot and start with red chili, bay leaf, cinnamon and slowly add the onions and the rest from Step 1. Sautee till onions a transparent. The mustard seeds will splutter so be careful and also careful not to burn them, add as one of the last ingredients.

    2. Mix all from Step 2 together in a bowl and add into the pan with the onions-with the pumpkin. Add water to boil the pumpkin. I added about 1 can full but depends how much curry you want. Add salt to taste.

    3. While pumpkin is boiling, in a dry pan roast the rice & coconut till a nutty brown color, add in cumin seeds and roast for 1 min till fragrant. Grind to a powder, its a delicious nutty fragrance!

    4. Add the rice powder mix to the curry to thicken it up. Check the salt and you could add sprinkle of sugar to sweeten a little bit. It really brightens the flavor. Taste test. You can squeeze a little bit of lime when serving for an extra bit of tang.

    I served it up with a side of friend mashed prawns and fluffy coconut rice with some green chili for extra spice. The left overs were great the next day for breakfast with some fresh rotis!
    Get some studding done & good luck on the exam :)

    I know you busy but love all your blogs! BTW I tried the Kale chips and WOWAH AMAZING! my husband even LOVED them which is amazing in itself! Thanks again! xoxoxo

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  15. Definitely use the yogurt to bake - I'm a yogurt snob as well, Greek it the only kind that will be in this girl!

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  16. When I study, I make sure to do it in 30 minute incriments, that way I retain the information better and dont get too distracted or bored.

    Multiple snacks never hurt either ;)

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  17. Use to coconut yogurt to make banana bread! It would be lighter and DELICIOUS!!!!

    hope i win! and that you take my suggestion.

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  18. I only like the Vanilla flavor...the ones I've had were super creamy though!

    I suggest baking with it =)

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  19. Use the coconut milk yogurt to tone down spicy curry! Yogurt and coconut milk both work on their own really well to do that (probably yogurt more with Indian curry and coconut milk more with Thai curry) so the combined power of the two ingredients would probably make for AWESOME CURRY!

    To study, get out of your usual environment (go to a random coffee shop/building or even just a different room in your house). That helps me a lot!

    And I linked to you! I'd love you to check out my blog!

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  20. oh girl you are already in my blogroll! and i definitely would recommend using the coconut milk yogurt in oats!

    p.s. i linked the giveaway in my post here: http://peanutbutterandjennys.blogspot.com/2009/04/poppycock.html

    Have a great day, love! xoxo

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  21. I think using the yogurt to bake would be the best idea! Or try adding some SF maple to it or PB and make a cool "icing" of sorts for waffles, pancakes etc! :)

    As for studying, I usually take whatever notes/outlines/study materials I have, and make a review sheet (usually several pages, depending on the material!) on it, condensing down the lengthy info. to the most important info! :)

    Hope this helps! I hope I win! Good luck studying! And you're already on my blogroll :)

    Michelle

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  22. hmm. use it as a facemask? or maybe a cool marinade for chicken- a thai grilled satay!

    studying wise, just put on some good music, headphones in, quiet place, write out a study guide/ time agenda thingy, and follow it through. no stress and take exercise breaks!

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  23. It's helpful to study if you find a way to match words to some type of picture or event in your life..i like to pick funny things..this is a bit of a lame tip..haha but it works for quick memorization!

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  24. Hey hey. :D A study tip I have is www.quizlet.com! It makes flashcards and has pretty much saved my study life! :)

    I've never had soy yogurt before, but I'm with you on the thick and creamy factor! I actually buy Yoplait called "thick and creamy." ^^ You could pour the yogurt into a cup and drink it like a milkshake hahaha. Maybe the change of holder will fool your brain?!

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  25. Hi :)!
    Never had a Zoe's product. For studying though, I would just make sure you take breaks in between to maximize your concentration... perhaps use flashcards or other things requiring writing (I find writing something down helps me remember it!) Also, go over small parts of the notes at a time and make sure you understand it before moving on. Then check yourself later to see if you remember the first section! :)

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  26. I've never tried zoes bars, but I really would like to! I love anything peanut butter! Thanks for having a giveaway!

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  27. You can try baking with the yogurt, thats what I do with the ones I don't like :)

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  28. I would LOVE to try the Zoe bars! Can't find them anywhere!

    p.s. love your blog ;)

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  29. Everyone pretty much made the suggestion I wanted to make (i.e. VeggieGirl's blondies). Someone even recommended using quizlet to make flashcards.

    Oh wells...good luck with studying.

    I too was excited to try the So Delicious yogurts and was sadly disappointed in the taste and consistency. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't orgasmic either. ^^

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  30. thank you for the giveaway!
    I could definitely use coconut milk yogurt in my breakfast parfait! ;]

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  31. I bet coconut yogurt would be awesome in baked goods!!!

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  32. Try mixing the yogurt in with oatmeal?!!

    I would love to try the zoe's granola bars!

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  33. I met it would be good in a pina colada.

    Here is my blog link: http://balanceformere.blogspot.com/

    I just started in a week ago so it is still an infant.

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  34. if you get some agar-agar (seaweed gelatine sheets) and dissolve in hot water, add some dessicated coconut and the yogurt and leave to set- cut into cubes and serve with mango/strawberries :)

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  35. Crumble up the Zoe's and layer it with the coconut milk yogurt and drizzle some warm preserves or syrup on it--yummy breakfast dessert!!!

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  36. Good luck studying!!!!

    I agree with VG - definitely bake with it. I say muffins.

    I actually really like Zoe's Bars and haven't been able to find them in stores in awhile.

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  37. no worries about being away - things get busy. good luck with your test!

    I know nothing about coconut milk yogurt, but see veggie girl says to bake with it...so I say listen to the pro. :)

    never had Zoes, but would like to try them!

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  38. Just started reading your blog... and love it!
    And I'll be honest VeggieGirl stole my idea, which is totally legit because she created the blondies. But I made some last night and they were so good I wanted to crumble one on my oatmeal this morning...but refrained! A great use for your yogurt though.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

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  39. You could use the coconut milk yogurt as a butter /oil substitute in baking.

    As for studying, making flashcards always helped me with memorization. And although it's time-consuming, rewriting my notes always helped too. For studying motivation, I'd use treats: 1 jelly bean for every 2 pages read...or 1 TV show for every chapter completed...etc. Good luck!

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  40. I would use the coconut milk yogurt to bake a batch of No Pudge Brownies. I've done it with soy yogurt in the past, and they came out richer and more dense than normal!
    Good luck!

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  41. You could use the cocunut milk yogurt in a smoothie or in No Pudge brownies! And I just added you to my blogroll and reader anddd linked back to this post in my blog! I've never tried Zoe's before but would LOVE to!! =) I hope you're having a good weekend!!

    Oh and with the studying.. I need to turn my IPod on and zone out while studying!

    -Megan

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  42. ooh, yeah, i'm with you on soy yogurt, but i picked one up for the sole intention of making some veggie girl blondies :)

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  43. studying help? make a playlist, like u do for a workout, and sit at a cafe, with no iternet (unless need it) I swear that eliminating the web gets u to study better!

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  44. Oh, the yogurt could be used for pancakes or something, hahaa, I think I want pancakes. :D

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  45. I'd add the yogurt to oatmeal or something... or make a great fruit salad with the yogurt as a binder! As for studying, give yourself a deadline, nothing like a little pressure to get the mind working!

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  46. Use the coconut milk to bake vegan items - it will be soooo good!

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  47. I used that yogurt in one of Veggie Girl's blondie recipes!!!

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  48. Hmm..study help. Pair up with a buddy for mental support. When you see others studying around you, you're more than likely to concentrate better as well. Or just go to the library. :)

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  49. Go with VeggieGirl's blondies!!
    Oh and the Zoe's bars look great!

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  50. mmm i totally want to try the Zoe bars! I've never really heard of them before!
    I'm linking back and adding you to my blogroll. Check out my Owalla giveaway! ::)

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  51. You could use the yogurt in a smoothie. You said it is chocolate flavored, right? How about adding a banana, some ice, maybe protein powder or milk...?

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  52. Use the coconut milk yogurt for a cake! I just did this morning for a lemon flavored cake... phenomenal! It was easy too, flour, baking powder, yogurt, applesauce, vanilla, and some lemon juice.
    For studying... get away from the computer. Right now I'm failing at my own advice and I have an exam tomorrow...ack!
    Never tried Zoe's bars, but they are on my list of "to trys!"

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  53. use of coconut yogurt: icing for oatmeal... blended with silken tofu to make coconut mousse
    studying tips: focus and plan.
    I want to try Zoe's bars badly, since they seem so cute and yummy~~~

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