What’s for Dinner? Crazy Cuizine

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Jamie

Disclosure: I received samples on behalf of this review.  All opinions are my own. 

Growing up in the Grocery Retail Industry I am always on the lookout for new products to try out.  One of my habits and it’s often curiosity.

I am always on the lookout for food items that are also fast and easy to cook.  As much as I’d love to have a home cooked meal every night with healthy vegetables and grains on the table, with two people working it just doesn’t happen.  The Frozen Food Aisle often becomes my best friend.

I was recently introduced to “Crazy Cuizine.”  They offer easy to make meals in the frozen food section at your local Safeway, Lucky’s, Costco, Bj’s, Albertson’s, Ralph’s, Food 4 Less and Raley’s Markets.

Crazy Cuisine

The Frozen Dinners come in both Orange Chicken and Teriyaki Chicken flavors.  Very easy to make by putting on a cookie sheet, cooking for 15 to 20 minutes then heating the sauce in the microwave or stove top.

I made sure to try out the Orange Chicken first, being a huge fan of Orange Chicken.  I shared with my significant other, and needless to say, he finished the box in minutes.

Orange ChickenThe nice thing about these frozen meals is that the sauce does come separate so even if you’re craving just a bit of chicken you can keep the sauce off some of them to fit your craving.

We were very happy with the results and can’t wait to try the Teriyaki Chicken next.

 


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Plan a Weekend Getaway to Palm Springs with the “Forever Marilyn” Package.

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Jamie

Anyone else out there tend to get the winter blues after the holidays?  Back in Minnesota, this was very common.  By the end of January, we were sick of winter and yearning for those warmer temperatures.

Now in California, I’m also starting to feel the need for a weekend getaway.  Palm Springs, is a beautiful destination and a place to visit during the winter before the temps begin to take off and get too warm.

Our friends over at the Hyatt Palm Springs has launched a “Forever Marilyn” package:

Hyatt Palm Springs

The package includes:

This package includes a complimentary bottle of Marilyn Merlot, a collectible 8×10 photo of her in her famous pose from the movie “The 7-Year Itch,” plus a Marilyn inspired drink at HooDoo Lounge, Hyatt’s outdoor patio restaurant.  The package also includes one night in a luxurious, all-suite room at the Hyatt Palm Springs.  With room rates starting as low as $199, the total package, valued at over $250, represents a nearly 30% savings.

Be sure to book a trip to Palm Springs before March of this year.  The Marilyn statue will be departing it’s Palm Springs location in June and the package is good through March 2014.

Marilyn Statue

You know a family trip or an individual photo with this statue would make for a memorable keepstake.

For more information about Hyatt Palm Springs and to book your weekend getaway visit them here. 

 

 

 


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Wine and Cheese Pairing at Kenwood Inn and Spa

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Jamie

Disclosure: I was invited out for a fun wine and cheese pairing at the beautiful Kenwood Inn and Spa in Kenwood, Ca. All opinions are my own. 

Residing in Wine Country there are some truly beautiful venues.  One is none other than the beautiful Kenwood Inn and Spa.  This resort is the ultimate wine country getaway.  Hidden along the wineries, orchards and beautiful fields of Sonoma Valley.  This hidden resort is a gem and geared towards adults (18+) only.

Kenwood Inn and Spa

Along with the newly renovated rooms, the Kenwood Inn and Spa has an attached spa that gives services such as facials and massages and oxygen treatments.  With any service you are welcome to enjoy the pool and hot tubs resided within the Inn throughout your spa day.

The spa is opened to the public and even offers a 20% off discount to those located within the San Francisco Bay Area.  Proof of residences and California state ID is needed for verification.

Hot Tub

The Kenwood Inn and Spa also plays hosts to a variety of events throughout the year that they offer to guests visiting their inn and also to the public.  One such event took place this past December.  A wine and cheese pairing organized by Kenwood Inn’s Sommelier.  Choosing to work together with a local cheese farmer in the Sonoma County area, they offered an evening of wine and cheese tasting.

Wine and Cheese Pairing

Cheeses came from Valley Ford Cheese Company.  Cheesemaker Karen was also present that evening sharing with us her story of finding her passion to create the perfect cheese just like her grandparents had.

cheesemaker karen

She shared with us her trial and errors of coming  up with the perfect cheese, the actual cheesemaking process, and what they’re working on next.  After hearing her speak I have an entirely new appreciation for cheese.  Her story started out with a passion of wanting to know how, and soon she mastered the perfect recipe, no easy feat, by the way.  Along with her son Joe, they are continuing the process of making cheese on their farm along the Sonoma Coast.

Cheese

That evening we got to try out three different cheeses.  One being the Estero Gold in two different stages and the other we tried that evening was the Highway One.  We learned how the taste of cheese changes in flavor the longer it ages.

Afterwards each guest left with a little gift on behalf of the Inn which included a package of Valley Ford Cheese and a beautiful Cutting Board.  The perfect companion.  The wine and cheese pairing cost 45 dollars per attendee.  It was a fun evening learning about wine and cheese.

The wines chosen for that evening were all Ports due to the upcoming holiday season.  Ports are a popular choice throughout the holidays.


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