"Spice Up You Life" cookbook review and giveaway! CLOSED

I tend to become a very boring cook at my house. I get very nervous trying new things and adding any ingredients I can't pronounce. My husband on the other hand would love for me to take more risk in my cooking. Spaghetti and teriyaki chicken just aren't doing it for him anymore. He was very excited to hear that I was contacted by Bindu Grandhi the author and creator of "Spice Up your Life" to do a review on her cookbook. I was a little nervous knowing how picky I am with the reviews I choose and the food I like. But my love for my husband won and I agreed to do the review. I literally was crossing my fingers that these recipes would really be worth my while.

I decided to try the the "Chicken Cutlet with Tamarind Honey Dipping Sauce" pg. 98. The recipe was pretty simple, which was great news for me. It was really fun being introduced to so many new spices and ingredients. There was one ingredient for used in the dipping sauce that I couldn't find. However, I found a great way to substitute it on the Internet. This was the tamarind juice. Instead, I just combined 1/4 Cup orange juice and 2 TBSP of lime Juice. When everything was finally prepared, the food looked delicious and smelled great. As for the actual taste, my whole family loved it. My husband was very impressed and added this meal to his lift of favorites. I also loved the dish. The dipping sauce had great flavor mixed with a sweet and spicy taste. I also think the mix of all the spices really helped create the excellent taste.



What is great about these recipes is they all seem to include a great selection of spice to add to the taste. Before getting this book I thought it was an indian cookbook. Although there is some influence these recipes are actually geared towards healthy food with great flavor. Bindu Grandhi also got an early endorsement from Chef Emeril Lagasse!

Buy:
You can purchase "Spice Up Your Life" online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Now you can even find this fantastic cookbook in select Barnes and Noble and Borders bookstores. To learn more about "Spice Up You LIfe" and some of it' great recipes, you can go to theflexcook.com.

The Giveaway:
One winner will receive their own copy of "Spice Up Your Life".

To Enter:
You must visit theflexcook.com and look through the sample recipes. Come back to this link to leave a comment on a recipe you would like to try.

*For Bonus Entries*
- Grab my button
- Subscribe to "Catch the Drift..."
- Follow me on Twitter (Mama_Snow)
- Become a fan on Facebook
- Blog about this post or Tweet it! Do both for 2 entries! (Be sure to leave the link)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and what it is for.

Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 48 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is opened US residents only.

Giveaway Ends: Oct. 12, 2009

27 Copycat Restaurant Recipes ecookbook download! (FREE)

This is a download you won't want to pass up. In this recipe ebook, you will find 27 reasutaunt copycat recipes. Mmmmmm!

Go HERE to download!

Secret Family Recipes Revealed!

So it is time to pull out an old family recipe. This has always been one of my favorites. Of course it's not the healthiest, but it is really easy to make. I also realize this recipe is probably in other homes as well, but I like to think it all started in my childhood home ;)
You will want to let these set over night so they rise. Let me know what you think!

Sticky Buns

*20 Rhodes Frozen dinner Rolls
*1/2 Cup brown sugar
*1/4 Cup of chopped pecans (if desired)
*1 small pkg. non-instant vanilla pudding (I like to use butterscotch pudding)
*1 cube butter, melted

Grease angel food cake pan (Don't use the one with removable bottom). Layers in order as follows: 10 rolls, brown sugar, pecans, 10 more rolls, vanilla pudding, melted butter. Cover with plastic wrap, then place towel on top. Leave on Counter overnight. In the morning, they will have risen and are ready to bake. Remove towel and plastic and bake in 350 oven for 30 min(I would actually start checking them at 12 -15 min. Mine always cook much faster then 30 min. Just poke a toothpick in it or look for edges to turn golden brown).

Don't eat them all by yourself or you may get a tummy ache! ;)

More great recipes...

So I had a fellow member from Mom Fuse send me her link to more recipes. You may want to check them out at "5 Things Cooking".

Thanks again for the great recipes and feel free to keep them coming.

Calling all Slow Cooker Recipes!

So the Christmas season gets a little crazy and afterwards it takes some time for catching up. This is why I am calling for all easy Slow Cooker/Crock Pot recipes. And don't forget they have to be yummy!. I think Crock Pots/Slow Cookers are the best. It is so convenient to get your meal prepared and ready in the morning before the hectic day begins. The best is coming home to a nice fresh warm meal. So I will share with you my favorite recipe for the Slow Cooker if you share yours. I figured this could be very beneficial for us all during the season. If you prefer to email it to me please do and I will post it up for you. I would also appreciate any good appetizers, desserts, or other great recipes. As long as it's edible! Thanks!

MaMa Snow

Garlic and Brown Sugar Chicken

4-6 boneless chicken breast cut in half
1 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup Sprite or 7-Up soda or Orange Juice
2-3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon pepper (regular black or cayenne)

Directions
Place chicken in crock pot.
Mix all remaining ingredients and pour over chicken.
Cook on low for 5-7 hours. (depending on how hot your pot gets)
Serve over rice or noodles.
You can thicken the juices after cooking with a little cornstarch.
The chicken just falls apart and it is so good!