family-meals-for-you-blog

Benefits of Menu/Meal Planning

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:20:23 +0100

So, you’re wondering what exactly is menu or meal planning, right? Well, menu planning is writing down what your family is going to eat for the week, developing a grocery shopping list with the necessary items for the menu, grocery shopping once per week, and preparing the meals you have chosen. Sounds simple enough right? Well, if you think this sounds complicated, it isn’t and I’m going to help you make it easy.

There are so many benefits of menu planning. Let’s list some of them:

1) Menu planning helps you save time.

If you already know what you are going to fix for dinner, and you have everything you need for that meal, getting the food on the table becomes so easy. You won’t waste time wondering what you’ll have for dinner. You don’t have to stop at the store on your way home to pick up something to cook. You don’t have to go through the drive-thru or stop for take out on the way home from work. And if you are stuck at the office, and your family knows what’s on the menu for the night – they can start preparing dinner without you. Better yet, if you are using a slow-cooker, you will come home to your main entrée already prepared and waiting for you!

Most all of us are on tight schedules. Even it you’re not, I’m sure there are other things you’d rather be doing with your time than agonizing over what you’re going to feed your family for dinner. Menu planning has the potential to save you quite a bit or time each week. Just think about how much time it takes you to run to the grocery store each time. Probably 10 minutes to drive there and back and at least 30 minutes in the store. That is close to an hour and you still haven’t cooked anything yet. And if you are doing this two, three, or even four times a week, that adds up to a lot of time that you could be doing something else.

Another time waster is searching through your cabinets, the freezer, the refrigerator, cookbooks and magazines to try to figure out what you can make with what you have on hand. That takes some time! Probably at least 15 minutes by the time you have found the necessary ingredients and have started preparing your meal.

Then there’s dining out. If you have young children, first you have to get them ready to go. That can sometimes take a while. And if you have a teenaged girl, you could wait a really long time while she gets ready. Believe me, I’m speaking from experience! Okay, once you’re out the door, finally, you have to drive to the restaurant. Then you sit and look at the menu and wait to order. You wait for the food to be prepared and delivered to you table. Then you wait for your bill. Then you have to drive back home. On average, an dinner out takes about 80 minutes. That takes a lot of time out of your evening schedule. If you feel like you are always short on time, menu planning can potentially give you several extra hours each week just by incorporating the simple methods into your lifestyle.

2) Menu planning helps you save money and make less trips to the grocery store.

I don’t know about you, but the grocery store is not exactly my favorite place to “shop”! I try to go to the grocery store as little as possible. It just seems that those trips always add up to more money spent than I planned on when there are “last minute” trips. How many times do you run to the grocery store to buy something to cook for dinner? Well, I do know that when I have to make those trips, it takes me at least 45 minutes every time I do that and end up costing me more than I intended on spending. Menu planning allows you to get all your shopping done once a week, and make sure you have what you need to prepare every single meal for the week.

Have you ever looked back at the end of the month and added up your grocery bill s and dining out receipts for the month? You should try it…it can be a very “eye-opening” experience. Here’s what you do, take a plain envelope and save all your receipts when you make trips to the grocery store and eat out at restaurants. At the end of the month, total all those saved receipts up and you will be totally amazed at how much money you are actually wasting and could be saving! The average American family of four spends $1000 per month on groceries. However, menu planning most certainly can help you spend less than that. I think you might also be surprised how much those quick “run in and run out” trips to the grocery store add up as extra items seem to “jump” into your shopping cart. Unless you are incredibly disciplined, I am willing to bet that most of us come out with at least a few more items than we go in for each time. By shopping once a week, you most certainly are going to save money.

3) Menu Planning helps you to serve more nutritious meals to your family.

We all have the best intentions to prepare a wholesome, healthy meal for our families. However, then some little glitch happens…we get home late, (or some other unforeseen circumstance presents itself) everyone is hungry and there is nothing in the fridge. Before you know it we are heading out the door for takeout, heading through the drive-thru or call for pizza delivery. If you plan your meals and have what you need at home you are much more likely to actually cook all those healthy dishes for your family. You will know what is going into your entrees and be able to prepare them accordingly.

4) Menu planning allows you to spend more time as a family.

When you were growing up, did your family have dinner around the dinner table each evening? If not, you at least probably knew a family who did. It used to be the norm for families to gather together each evening to share a meal and talk with each other.

Today it is more probable to find dad coming home from work late, kids shuffling from one activity to the next, moms often working outside of the home etc. We’re busy these days. However, that doesn’t mean we should push aside the idea of a family meal. It is so important, now more than ever; and if you make it a priority and put your new menu planning skills into action, it can be done. You can recreate the experience for your family and spend the quality time around the dinner table that your family deserves.

As you can see, there are many benefits to menu planning. Who wouldn’t want to save time and money all while preparing more nutritious meals and spending more time with our families? Next time, I’ll show you how to start the menu planning process. Get ready!

Easy Crockpot Cooking

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 18:21:25 +0100

This is the time of year when everyone is busy in the evenings. We are all trying to squeeze in all those outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful weather. This can also add extra stress in deciding what to prepare for dinner. We want something fast and easy, but also nutritious. Maybe it’s time to pull your crockpot out from your cabinets!

With just a few quick steps in the morning, you can have a delicious, healthy and ready-to-eat meal waiting for you when you get home. A crockpot is one of those appliances that we sometimes forget about or think they are only for soups and stews. That is not true! There are so many easy quick recipes you can prepare in your crockpot.

Here are some tips when cooking with your crockpot:

· Brown and drain the fat from high-fat meats before adding it to the crockpot. Leaner meats like chicken, pork or roast do not have to be cooked prior to putting it in the crockpot.

· Veggies take longer to cook than most meats, so place them on the bottom.

· Use broth, canned tomatoes, canned soups, wine, vegetable juice or water for an added liquid and flavoring. But limit this liquid to one can or cup because the food’s natural juices will not cook off and provides plenty of liquid to keep your meal tasty.

· Add delicious herbs and spices to season your meal.

· Always fill he crockpot at least half full.

· Uncooked meat and vegetable dishes require 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.

· Do not remove the lid of the crockpot unless you have to stir your dish. You can actually lose 30 minutes of cooking time each time the lid is removed.

So, go ahead and dig that crockpot out of your cabinets and start using it. I think you’ll be amazed at how much easier it makes dinner time for you and your family.

The Amazing Cucumber

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 13:59:04 +0100

It’s cucumber season. But do you know how amazing the cucumber is? Yes, it’s a delicious little gem we grow in our gardens and find at our local farmer’s market, but there are so many more uses for the cucumber! Here are some tips and ideas you may not have known about:

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5 Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6.. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!

The cucumber is an amazing vegetable that has many uses. So go ahead, grab some for delicious snacking but don’t forget some of its many other safe, healthy uses.

The Size of Your Dinner Plate Matters!

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:21:30 +0100

The size of your dinner plate really does matter. According to the book, “The 9-inch Diet: Exposing the Big Conspiracy in America” by Alex Bogusky, family dinner plates are growing in size. In the 1960’s, the dinner plate measured and average of 8.5 inches. But, today’s dinner plate measures an average of 12 inches! That’s nearly a 30% increase in size. In fact, according to the American Institute for Cancer Research, the standard restaurant dinner plate has increased from 10 inches to 12 inches since 1970. Our dinner plates have increased in size by 20% just since 1970.

Okay, so you’re wondering what the significance of this is, right? Well, as the plates get bigger, the appropriate portion size that would fit on the smaller plate looks unappealing and unfulfilling on the larger plate. Thus, we increase the portion size to “fill” the empty space on the bigger plate. The bigger the plate the bigger your portion sizes. The bigger your portion sizes, the bigger your calorie intake. Before you know it, you’ve taken in 20-30% more calories than you actually should at a meal. This really adds up over time and starts to show up on our waistlines.

Not only are our dinner plates getting bigger, they are getting heavier. It takes more food to make these bigger plates look full and that adds more weight. In 1970, the average American ate 1,497 pounds of food. In 2000, the average American ate 1,775 pounds of food. That’s an additional 300 pounds of food a year! So, since 1970 our dinner plates have grown by 20% and so has our caloric intake. I don’t think this is a coincidence….I think we could all learn something from these statistics.

So what can you do to control this? First, measure your dinner plates. It will help for you to be aware that, indeed, your dinner plate is large and that is does not have to be completely filled for you to be satisfied. Measure your portions before you place them on the plate. This way you will know what is going on your plate and that it is the appropriate serving size. If you are still unable to control your portion sizes on the larger plates, start using smaller plates. When you place the appropriate portions onto the smaller plate, your plate will look fuller than the larger plate and it will look more appealing and fulfilling to you.

Yes, the size of our dinner plates has definitely grown over the years along with our portion sizes and waistlines. But we can take control of the situation and become more aware. By acknowledging the appropriate portion size and realizing that it is alright to have “extra space” on that dinner plate, we can help manage our portion sizes and reduce our waistlines.

4 Tips for a Healthier You

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:38:17 +0100

Our health is so important. But with our hurried and busy lifestyles, we often put our health on the back burner. In reality, taking care of our bodies is something we all should make a priority. Here are four easy tips to help you put your health back on the top of your priority list:

Eat more veggies. Just as we tell our children “Eat your veggies!”, we also need to take control of what we are putting into our body to fuel it. Vegetables pack a healthy nutrient-rich punch. By choosing a salad packed with raw veggies and a lean protein for lunch, you will be well on your way to reaching your recommended daily intake of vegetables.
Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Breakfast really is the most crucial meal of the day. By starting with a well balanced breakfast, you charge your metabolism and get it jumped started for the day. Studies show that breakfast helps kids pay attention better in school. And breakfast eaters are less likely to be overweight compared to those who don’t eat breakfast.
Plan your meals. Meal planning is definitely a key to eating healthier. With your meals planned out, you are less likely to stray from the path of healthy meal preparation. It takes the “guess-work” out of what you will be eating and keeps you on track. By adding meal planning strategies, you can cut calories and save time. An easy solution is to stock your freezer with quick, easy to prepare lean meat and vegetables that enable you to prepare healthy meals in a matter of minutes.
Start moving. The human body was created to move. We weren’t created to sit in front of a computer or lay on a couch watching television. The more you move, the better you’ll feel. Exercise actually gives you more energy. Make exercise a part of your family time. It will get your entire family moving and also foster some family time. There are so many options. You could play ball with your children, take a walk or even a bike ride.

Isn’t it time to take control of your health? By making simple adjustments to your daily habits, you will begin to reap wonderful, healthy rewards.

"Egg-Cellent" Egg Salad

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:36:23 +0100

Okay, Easter is over and you’re wondering what to do with all those hard-boiled eggs leftover in your refrigerator. How about some Egg-cellent Egg Salad?

Here’s a quick and delicous recipe you and your family are sure to love.

Ingredients

8 eggs
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared Dijon-style mustard
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 red onion, minced
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Of course, you already have your hard-boiled eggs prepared and in the refrigerator. But, if you didn’t you will need to do the following: Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
In a large bowl, combine the egg, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, paprika, onion and salt and pepper. Mash well with a fork or wooden spoon.
Serve on bread as a sandwich or over crisp lettuce as a salad.
Enjoy!

The Benefits of Family Meals

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:34:29 +0100

When was the last time you sat down and had a meal with your family? I know it’s difficult with ball practice, karate, cheerleading, dance and demanding work schedules. But it’s really time that we bring this dying tradition of family meals back to the tables of homes across America. Research is beginning to show that eating as a family has great benefits for your children, teenagers and families. The facts speak for themselves:

Benefit #1: Communication and Sharing

How much time did you spend conversing with your children this week? According to A.C. Nielsen Co, the average parent only spends 38.5 minutes per week in meaningful conversation with their children. Sitting down around the table --whether it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner-- provides the opportunity for your family to bond, plan, connect, and learn from one another. It’s that chance to share the news of the day and let members of your family know what is going on in each others lives. Family meals foster warmth, security and love, as well as feelings of belonging. It can really be a bonding experience for the entire family.

Benefit #2: Prevent Unwanted Behaviors

Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine noted in 2004 that frequent family meals are associated with a lower risk of smoking, drinking and using drugs; with a lower incidence of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts; and with better grades in 11 to 18 year olds. A University of Minnesota study in 2004 noted that adolescent girls who have frequent family meals, and a positive atmosphere during those meals, are less likely to have eating disorders.

Benefit #3: Better Grades

Children do better in school when they eat more meals with their parents and family. Teenagers who eat dinner four or more times per week with their families have higher academic performance compared with teenagers who eat with their families two or fewer times per week. In 1996, Harvard Research did a study that found family dinners are more important than play, story time and other family events in the development of vocabulary of younger children. The statistics are clear, kids who have dinner with their families are healthier, happier and better students.

Benefit #4: Better Nutrition

Eating meals at home gives your control over what is prepared and served at mealtime. Home cooked meals are generally more nutritious and healthy. Eating at homes allows you to offer meals containing more fruits, vegetables, and dairy products along with additional nutrients that are essential for healthy bodies and minds.

Reason # 5: Save Money

Eating out can be expensive. Did you know that a family of 4 dining at Olive Garden 8 times spends around $480? Eight pizza deliveries cost about $200! Eight trips to McDonalds run about $180! Eating at home is a great chance to save time, eat healthier meals at home and stretch your grocery budget. Meals purchased away from home cost two to four times more than meals prepared at home. Currently, the restaurant industry’s share of the total food dollars is more than 46%.

It is time to bring your family back to the dinner table. With a little planning and scheduling, you can reap the benefits of family mealtime. Soon you will be reconnecting and communicating more effectively with your family, helping your children do better in school, preventing unwanted behavior in your children, providing better nutrition for you family and saving money.

Awesome Success at the NYC Half Marathon for The Fresh Air Fund!

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:07:17 +0100

I wanted to follow up to let my readers know that the 2010 Fresh Air Fund-Racers completed the NYC half marathon and raised an amazing $100,000 for The Fresh Air Fund!

The Fund is so thrilled and wanted to thank everyone who supported and cheered them on through this wonderful event. There are some photos posted on The Fresh Air Fund's Facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/freshairfund

Enjoy!

Enjoy "Red Carpet Ravioli" at your Academy Awards Party Sunday, March 7!

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:42:35 +0100

Red Carpet Ravioli

Enjoy at your Academy Awards party Sunday, March 7!

1 ½ pounds cooked ground beef seasoned with 2 tablespoons Homemade Gourmet^® Garlic Basil Seasoning

4-1/2 cups Homemade Gourmet^® Homestyle Spaghetti Sauce, prepared

2 10-ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained

2 9-ounce packages cheese-filled ravioli, prepared according to package directions

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13x9x2 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set aside.
In large bowl, combine cooked beef, sauce and spinach; stir until well blended.
Spread half of meat sauce in prepared baking dish; arrange ravioli over sauce and top with remaining sauce.
Cover and bake 30 to 40 minutes until heated through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cheese. Return to oven and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Assemble this elegant casserole and bake while celebrities "say cheese" on the red carpet; relax with a nice glass of Homemade Gourmet^® Zentastic Blackberry Jasmine Green Tea and any Homemade Gourmet^® cheesecake during the Oscars.

Find MORE great recipes for entertaining @ www.key2thekitchen.com

New Products Pre-Sale!

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:38:09 +0100

Order with me during the month of February, and enjoy a 20% savings on all products!

This sale includes the new Spring products, which won't be available to customers online until March 1st! To take advantage of this offer, email or phone me with your order.

Try the new entrees!

You'll love the new shakers!

And don't miss the desserts - one even has "amazing" in the name!

The Homemade Gourmet spring/summer product line is full of fresh, flavorful and fantastic seasonings, meals and recipes.

There are 13 brand-new mixes and 10 returning seasonal mixes in the line. Plus, we're really shaking things up by updating and improving the packaging on the categories of seasonings, dips and trios!

Updated, pantry-friendly packaging!

Forget that mess of floppy seasoning and dip mixes hidden in the back of your customers' pantries! We've implemented improved packaging in the seasoning, dips and trios categories and in an entirely new category - shakers! © The new seasoning and dip packaging features two individual plastic bags of product inside a box that stands up by itself. The box is in full, mouth-watering color and includes three recipes - the basic recipe, a 4 meals in 4 minutes™ "smoosh" meal and a third recipe. They're a better value! Now, two single-recipe sizes of Garlic Basil Seasoning, for example, cost $8.50 instead of $9. By the way, the product is sealed in a dated plastic bag so the box itself is not sealed, making it easy to check product "best by" dates.

© Five different trios are part of the new spring/summer line. These trios feature single-size bags of popular items from each category in a sampler-type box with a gabled top. Just like the double-pack boxes, these trio boxes are in full-color with recipes. They are perfect for customers who just can't choose between one mix or another, those who want to taste some of our most popular options and for gifts:

© Herb and Spice Trio ($12.75): Includes one single recipe size packet of each: Garlic Basil Seasoning, Kansas City Rub and Garlic Lemon Seasoning. #40.1035

© Fiesta Soup Trio ($16.50): Includes one single recipe size packet of each: Chicken Enchilada Soup Mix, Taco Soup Mix and Tortilla Soup Mix. #40.1036

© Dip Trio ($13.25): Includes one single recipe size packet of each: BLT Dip Mix, Jalapeño Bacon Cheddar Dip Mix and Mock Spinach Dip Mix. #40.1037

© Cheesecake Trio ($15): Includes one packet of each: Basic Cheesecake Mix, Cool Lemonade Cheesecake Mix and Amazing Amaretto Cheesecake Mix (more about this new mix below). #40.1034

© Tea Party Trio ($18): Includes Mojito Mint Tea, Strawberrilicious Vanilla Tea (more about this new tea below) and Zentastic Blackberry Jasmine Green Tea. #40.1039

© Check out our great new seasonings in an entirely new packaging - shaker containers! When you can't plan ahead and you don't have time to cook anything but pasta or eggs, these shakers come to the rescue! Have them handy at the stovetop and put them right on the table! They will be as indispensable as salt, pepper and ketchup!

© Tami's Garden Select Seasoning Shaker ($9.50): A fresh-flavored, all-purpose salt-free seasoning made from a garden blend of vegetables, herbs and spices. A perfect salt-free choice for anyone with concerns about sodium! Did we mention it is salt-free? #03.6003

© Mediterranean Medley Seasoning Shaker ($8): Shake on the finest flavors of the old country with this fresh blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices. #03.6002

© Pepper Pizzazz Seasoning Shaker ($8): The ultimate steak rub or anytime you want to add a little pepper pop to your meal. #03.6000

© Snappy Seasoned Salt Shaker ($8): This all-purpose seasoned salt is a superb flavor enhancer for all kinds of meats, vegetables, potatoes and more! #03.6001

Delicious details about the new products!

Besides those tasty shaker seasonings, the new spring/summer line offers some delicious additions to our line. Here's a little bit about each new product:

© Season 'n' Steam Orange Ginger Chicken Mix ($6.75): Includes steamer bag! Flavors from the East to your table in a flash! Add boneless skinless chicken breasts, and optional rice. Serves 6. #02.1006

© Rosemary Citrus Seasoning ($8.50): Double-pack box! Fresh and delicious on fish, chicken, steak and more! Add tilapia, olive oil, lemons. Each packet serves 6. #03.9008

© Roasted Tomato Salsa Mix ($8.50): Double-pack box! A mild, smoky flavor of grilled peppers and tomatoes. Add diced tomatoes and green chilies, and stewed tomatoes. Each packet yields: 3 cups. #05.9009

© Two new breakfast skillets ($6.75 each): Bring the family together at the beginning of the day or serve breakfast for dinner! Both the Presto Italiano Breakfast Skillet Mix and Tres Queso Breakfast Skillet Mix include potatoes. Substitute ground beef or turkey for a delightful dinner frittata. Add ground sausage, eggs and optional shredded cheese. Serves: 6. #02.8100 and #02.8101

© Strawberry Lemonade Squares Mix ($7.50): Take a "bite" out of your favorite strawberry lemonade! A real sweet and tangy treat. Add butter, eggs, and optional powdered sugar. Serves 24. #08.4000

© Two delicious new cheesecake options ($5 each): Tropicolada Cheesecake Mix is a light, tropical treat! And Amazing Amaretto Cheesecake Mix is a smooth and creamy cheesecake with just the right hint of sweet almonds. Add cream cheese, whipped topping, and graham cracker crust. Serves 8. #08.1001 and #08.1000

© Strawberrilicious Vanilla Tea ($6): A loose-leaf brewed tea with smooth vanilla and strawberry flavors. Delicious hot or can be served cold. Each bag yields 3 gallons. #07.7411

Cool meal solutions!

We have also bundled up some of our favorite summer time selections, so be sure to offer these to all of your customers who want to know where to start:

© Simple Salad Suppers ($23.25): Keep the kitchen cool with these three delicious dinner options including a delicious dessert! Includes: Tropical Chicken Salad Mix, Garlic Pesto Pasta Mix, Orange Vinaigrette Mix and Tropicolada Cheesecake Mix. #40.1033

© Taste of Tuscany Collection ($26.25): Take your taste-buds on a three-course Italian adventure from appetizer, main course & side dish through dessert! Includes: Sun-Dried Tomato Dip Mix (double pack), Garlic and Parmesan Bread Dippin' Mix, Garlic Pesto Pasta Mix, and Amazing Amaretto Cheesecake Mix. If you can't afford to fly to Italy, this might be the next best thing! #40.1043.

© Mexican Fiesta Feast ($27.75): This three-course Tex-Mex menu is family favorite fare that is full flavored yet mild enough for everyone! Includes: Maria's Salsa Mix (double pack), Season 'n' Steam Fajita Mix, Skillet Tex-Mex Dinner Mix, and Cinnamon Sopapilla Mix. #40.1042

© Delicious Diabetic Dinners ($55.50): Five diabetic-friendly meals in one box! Includes: Season 'n' Steam Fajita Mix, Maria's Salsa Mix (double pack), Old Fashioned Meatloaf Mix, Mom's Smashed Potatoes Mix, Louisiana Gumbo Mix, Three Cheese Garlic Biscuit Mix, Tropical Chicken Salad Mix and Black Bean Salsa Mix (double pack). #40.1040

© 4 meals in 4 minutes™ Collection and Homemade in a Hurry Collection updated, too: The contents and value of the Homemade in a Hurry Collection has been adjusted to reflect the double-pack packaging of included seasonings and dips and, in Homemade in a Hurry, some new seasonal offerings. And now both have the same retail price: $140! The new 4 meals in 4 minutes™ Collection has a $169.50 value and the new Homemade in a Hurry Collection has a $163.75 value.

© Let's Make Dinner! Collection ($69.50) now has 15 single-recipe mixes to make 19 meals (Old Fashioned Meatloaf Mix has been removed). Includes updated meal planner and "Great-Tasting Meals in Minutes" DVD.

Returning seasonal products, too!

The following favorites are returning seasonal products - so good, we had to bring them back:

© Mediterranean Pasta Salad Mix ($7): Includes pasta! Special herbs and real sun-dried tomato bits makes this pasta salad bold and flavorful. Add mayonnaise, balsamic or red wine vinegar and optional-choice of fresh add-ins. Serves 8. #02.8003

© Cilantro Lime Chicken Salad Mix ($6): Includes black beans! Specially blended spices and black beans combine with chicken and veggies for a fiesta of flavors! Add water, chicken, olive oil, lime juice, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, corn and tortilla chips. Serves 8. #02.8007

© Orange Vinaigrette Mix ($4.50): This tangy and sweet flavor of orange is the zest your salad has been missing! Add oil and white vinegar. Yields: 1 cup. #11.0500

© Raspberry Velvet Fruit Dip ($10 double-pack box): Creates a smooth, fruity dressing for your favorite fruit or green salad. #05.9008.

© Lemon Poppy Seed Seasoning ($8.50 double-pack box): Creates a smooth, fruity dressing for your favorite fruit or green salad. #05.9008.

© Cool Lemonade Cheesecake Mix ($5): As refreshing as a glass of cold lemonade on a hot day! Add cream cheese, whipped topping and graham cracker crust. Serves 8. #08.0984

© Carrot Cake with White Chocolate Frosting ($7.50): A very moist cinnamon spice cake with a dreamy, creamy white chocolate buttercream frosting. A convenient all-in one cake and frosting mix. Add oil, strained carrots, eggs, crushed pineapple, cream cheese and butter. Serves 12. #08.1685

© Peanut Butter Cookie Mix ($6): A moist and chewy favorite for peanut butter lovers of all ages! Add shortening, peanut butter, milk, and egg. Yields: 3 dozen. #08.7410

© Passion Fruit Margarita Mix ($6.50): Add tropical fruit juice, ice and optional tequila. Yields four 48-ounce pitchers. #07.0005

© Mango Tea ($15): A superb Southern-style instant sweet tea. Each mix yields 2 gallons #07.9002.

By the way, Raspberry Tea and Peach Tea will also be packaged in 2-gallon sizes for $15 each. The one-gallon packages of Raspberry and Peach Tea will be available only while supplies last in February.

By the way, we normally we scale back the soups we offer in the Spring/Summer Product Catalog, but this year, we are dropping only two soups from the spring/summer catalog (Creamy Corn Chowder and Beef & Barley). Why? Northern states have a longer winter, therefore the demand for and interest in soup has a longer season than down South.