Freezer Bag Storage Hack!

I don't know about you but freezer bags can get expensive (even with good coupons)! So I came up with this little money saving hack myself. It kinda happened by mistake but those are the best kinds, right?

Want to save Money? Here's my story about freezer bags...

One day, while shopping in the produce aisle, I picked up several Roma tomatoes. As always, I grabbed some of those little produce bags to throw my tomatoes in (you know, those nifty little thin, see-through ones that often come on a roll). Well I wound up with too many and being the frugal, waste-nothing person I am, I took them home. They stayed in my foil and plastic wrap drawer until one day, when I ran out of freezer bags and... voila! I discovered something awesome!

Read on to see how it works :).

The next time you go produce shopping, just grab a couple extra produce bags and try this at home! If you are storing meats, consider double bagging.

And you're done! Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

The best part about this is these little bags keep food just as fresh as zip lock bags, I've never seen freezer burn and there's no risk of leakage or bags coming open because I twist and tie them shut! See for yourself and comment on your experience below!

Grilled BBQ Meatloaf & Dijon Potatoes

Photo courtesy: Publix Aprons

Fall is here and for some reason, I always turn to home-style, comfort foods during this time of year! One of my favorites is the classic: meatloaf! I got this recipe from the Publix Aprons collection and is requires you have a tabletop (indoor) grill. It makes the juiciest, soak up the flavor meatloaf ever! This main dish goes wonderfully with creamy Dijon potatoes (recipe also below).

Grilled Barbecue Meatloaf

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs 
• 1/4 cup minced onions
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons diced pimientos (undrained)
• 3/4 cup barbecue concentrate
• 1 1/2 pounds 93% lean ground beef
• 1 (12x20-inch) sheet heavy duty aluminum foil
• Cooking spray

Steps:

1. Preheat 2-sided tabletop grill. 
2. Combine in medium mixing bowl: bread crumbs, onions, pepper, seasoned salt, egg, pimentos and barbecue concentrate. Gently mix in beef. (Do not over-mix)
3. Spray foil with cooking spray. Place meat mixture on center of foil and shape into a 6 x 10-inch rectangle about one inch thick.
4. Bring up foil sides. Double-fold top and ends to seal the package.
5. Place on grill with seam side up. Close lid and grill 12-15 minutes, or until internal temperature is 165°F.
6. Remove from grill and let stand 5 minutes.

Creamy Dijon Potatoes 

Ingredients:

• 1 (3-ounce) package cream cheese 
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon garlic butter
• 1/2 cup reduced fat milk
• 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated sliced home fries
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. Place in microwave-safe bowl: cream cheese, mustard, butter and milk. Cover and microwave on high 30-40 seconds to soften cheese.
2. Whisk until smooth. Stir in potatoes, salt and pepper.
3. Cover and microwave on high 8-10 minutes, or until hot. Stir.

Serve & Enjoy!

This meal goes great with steamed veggies or a salad. It works great for a weeknight meal and is a must have for fall (or any time of year for that matter)!

The Halloween Whopper

What's new? The Halloween Whopper at Burger King!

So I heard about the launch of the new Halloween Whopper on a commercial this past Friday. Burger King's "scary" burger sports a jet black sesame seed bun, infused with the rich pepper flavor of A1 Sauce. It's being sold at participating locations throughout the month of October. My husband and I just had to try it out so on Saturday, we both got a Halloween Whopper meal. So what did I think? Well read on and see...

Taste

My husband said it tasted exactly the same as the regular whopper and he failed to see what the hype was about. I on the other hand was fairly impressed with the flavored bun! I did notice the tangy undertone and each bite had a subtle but new layer of flavor. Was it drop your drawers amazing? Eh It was a whopper with a twist in my opinion, but no different from other past varieties they have tried such as the western whopper.

Aftermath

Normally I wouldn't go here but some rather strange side effects have been linked to the Halloween Whopper. Google it for more details (trust me). All I can say is the allegations are true and well, if you want to try something new despite the repercussions, go for it. It won't kill you!

My final rating Burger King's Halloween Whopper?

I give it a 6 for being kinda original and having strange after effects.

Hello Everyone!!!

Hi All!

Thanks for visiting. This is my first post on Food Kicks, the place to get your daily dose of foodie-ness. I'm excited to start this blog because I have been wanting to do this topic for a long time. My daughter Amber and I (pictured right) are Foodie Queens. I'm so proud to have her following in my footsteps! This is a picture of us on our way to Aunt Catfish's on the River, a wonderful southern food restaurant in Port Orange, FL. You don't have a three hour wait if it isn't good eating!

On Food Kicks I'll be sharing:

Recipes

I'll be sharing awesome recipes I've gathered from everywhere, old and new. I love to recipe scrapbook and I swipe recipes from all over the place, including: newspapers, magazines, articles, cookbooks, hand-me-downs, online, word of mouth, and created from scratch. Love, love, love my recipes, especially holiday ones!

Food Reviews

I love eating out and trying new foods. I am not opposed to any type of cuisine. Around the world and around my table is one in the same. I will share my insights into what I think about different foods, including what makes them tick and what makes me sick.... candid tasters? Look no further!

Hacks

Who doesn't like...no LOVE a good foodie hack? Some of the best tips, tricks, and tried tactics came from kitchens all over the world. Well I'm here to find them, try them and share them! All of the above when it comes to food hacks!

Food Trends

What's new? What's the latest? What's hot? What's not? Find out here when I cover food trends. I love to keep up on what's happening and what awesome changes are taking place in the food world. If it's up and coming, I'm gonna find it and share it with y'all.

There may be more but for now that's the start. See you all soon and happy fooding!