Country Bob's Sauce Review and Giveaway

Have y'all heard of this sauce?

If you've known my husband and myself for any length of time, you know that we like good BBQ.  Whenever my husband travels out of town on business, the first question he asks the "locals" is "Where can I get good barbeque?"  So, when I received an email from Al Malekovic from Country Bob's asking if I'd like to try their All Purpose sauce, I quickly shot back an answer -  YES!  I have read about Country Bob's all over the internet and wondered if this was worth trying. 

I received two bottles to try and give feedback. Immediately I thought "Oh no. What have I done?  What if I don't like it?"  Because you know I'd never lie to you and I'd only recommend something that I really believed in. 

I had a pork roast in the freezer, so I already had something to "try" it out on.   I just put the roast in the crockpot the next day.  I didn't put the Country Bob's sauce in with the pork roast, because I didn't want to "ruin" a perfectly good roast if we didn't like it.  Tonight I put half of the roast into a frying pan to shred the pork and heat up with the Country Bob's sauce and served BBQ sandwiches for dinner, telling my husband,  "if you don't like it, we can have the rest of the pork roast after church tomorrow with some good sauce". 

I have to say...we loved it, and ate every last bit of the first half of the roast!  I asked hubby to rate it on a scale of 1-10.  He gave it an 8.  That's saying a lot y'all!  Honestly, I gave it a 9.5!  If you've ever had eastern North Carolina clear mopping sauce, you'd understand! LOL (His family is from eastern North Carolina and their BBQ is different from any I've had elsewhere.) 

He commented on the taste, and I echo his comments:  there's a subtle hint of something sort of "citrus-y", and that's what we think sets it apart from the "off-the-shelf" sauces from the grocery store...and believe me, we've tried 'em all!   There's a "kick" to it, but it's not an over-powering heat. 

So my next question to him was "Should I put this in the second half of the roast for tomorrow?"   His answer:  "Definitely!"  I was given two bottles, and I'm thinking about doing baked beans with ground sirloin, onions, green pepper, brown sugar, Country Bob's Sauce....wouldn't that be yummy?  They also have a cookbook, but you can get some recipes right off their website too.

The most important thing to me was the comment (taken straight from their site)  It would be nice if we could claim responsibility for the success of the company, however, credit must be given where credit is due. Proverbs 16:3 says, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." We have placed true ownership of Country Bob, Inc. in the hands of God. "Christ is our CEO" and He is an Awesome Boss!

Ok, now that you've suffered through my long review (sorry) I have an announcement!  Country Bob's has offered to give two bottles to not one, but TWO people!  Yes,  two people with get two bottles of their sauce.  All you have to do is leave a comment, and if you give an idea of how you'd use it that would be great, but not necessary...but it would be great!  LOL

And, if you're not one of the two, I noticed tonight on their website, that you can click a button (I believe it's in the top right hand corner of their site) to get a free sample - so it's a win-win situation really!  Check out their recipes too!  

* The winners will be announced Friday, August 6th  *

FREEZER FOODS FRIDAY

 Florida is just plain H-O-T in the summer and I'm all about cool treats right now.  

Freezer meals are perfect for summers because for the most part, you're just re-heating, right?  But right now I'm still stuck in the "cool" treats/summer mode! So indulge me.

Frozen Mocha Loaf

2 cups finely crushed oreo cookies (about 22)

3 TBSP butter, melted

1 pkg (8 oz) softened cream cheese

1 can ( 14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped

2 TBSP instant coffee granules

1 TBSP hot water

1/2 cup chocolate syrup

Line a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with foil.

In a bowl, combine the cookie crumbs and butter.Press firmly onto the bottom and 1 1/2 inches up the sides of the pan.

Breat cream cheese until light and fluffy.  Add milk and vanilla and mix well.   Fold in the whipped cream.  Spoon half of the mixture into another bowl and set aside.  Dissolve coffee in hot water; fold into remaining cream cheese mixture.   Fold in chocolate syrup.

Spoon half of the chocolate mixture over crust.  Top with half of the reserved cream cheese mixture.  Repeat layers.

Cut through the layers with a knife to swirl the chocolate (the pan will be full!)

Cover and freeze.

To Serve: Lift the loaf out of pan; remove foil, cut into slices.

and, because I love strawberries and lemonade.....

Strawberry Lemonade Slush

3/4 cup water

3/4 cup frozen pink lemonade concentrate, thawed

10 oz pkg frozen, sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed

3/4 cup ice

1 cup lemon-lime soda

In a blender, combine the water, lemonade, strawberries and ice cubes.

Pour in a ziploc type freezer bag, ice cube trays, or pan and freeze.

When ready to serve, let stand for approximately 1hour, scoop into glasses and pour lemon-lime soda over.

ok, now it's your turn.  Do you have a make ahead recipe, tip or idea?  It doesn't have to necessarily be a freezer recipe, but definitely something that can be made ahead, or in bulk.  Then join in the fun!  I've installed McLinky below for you to link to your post.  The one thing I ask, though, is that you link back here to the Freezer Foods Friday so everybody can get in on the sharing.

DEVIL CRAB RECIPE

Last week I posted on my facebook account a request.  I was trying to find a local "day old" bread store and didn't want to travel all over the country to find one.  (Thanks to Rondi, Melanie, Debbie, and everybody else who helped me)  I had forgotten about the one within two miles of my house!  

If you're not familiar with "devil crabs", don't let those northerners fool you (giggle) what some people call devil crabs are really crab cakes.  Trust me, these are devil crabs!  One of my favorite places to get devil crabs is La Tropicana in Ybor City (Tampa, FL)  Their devil crabs are giants.  (And their cuban sandwiches are great too!)

I made these last night and hubby ate four, so I'm thinking he liked 'em.  Ok, I know he liked them because I got a standing ovation.  No, really, I did!   Granted my "shaping" of the devil crabs leaves a bit to be desired, but I guess that doesn't deter from the taste.   So if you would like to try your own I'm going to share the recipe.   Before you do though, I might warn you...this is not a quick-to-prepare dish  but it's worth it!

DEVIL CRABS

DOUGH:

3 LARGE loaves of stale bread

1 large can Italian Bread Crumbs

1 TBSP Paprika

1 tsp salt

Soak the three loaves of bread in water 15 minutes (just enough to moisten and get mush)(notice I removed the crusts)

Drain and squeeze almost dry.

Add crumbs until dough is formed.

Add Paprika and salt and form into balls.  Chill in frige for 2 hours

FILLING

5 tablespoons olive oil

2 Bay leaves

3 large onions, chopped

1/2 tsp sugar

1/2 cup red or gree pepper, chopped

1 teaspoon salt

5 cloves garlic chopped

6 oz tomato paste

1 tsp Cayenne pepper

couple splashes of hot sauce

1 lb. crab meat, picked over for shells

Fry onion, pepper, salt and garlic in oil for 15 minutes.  Add other ingredients and crab meat, and cook 10 minutes.  Chill approximately  2 hours in frige.

Flatten dough balls, Put one tablespoon filling into each roll and roll like crouquet, football shape.

Dip into egg and roll in Italian bread crumbs.

Deep fry until brown.

Keep warm to serve or freeze for later (after cooled)

Today is Prayer Request Tuesday

This is the day set aside for prayer for you.  If you have a prayer request, please list it in the comments below.  You don't have to give any information you don't feel comfortable with (a simple "unspoken" comment is sufficient).   If you would like to pray, please pray for the comment above yours.

Thank you and praying the Lord's blessings over your day.

Give Away

* The Give-Away is now closed *

In celebration of 500 followers

I'm having a giveaway!

I think 500 followers, or friends, is a significant milestone and am a bit surprised I must say!  I love my followers.  I love the fact that you felt at home on my blog and wanted to come back.  So, I'm having a giveaway to celebrate!

I've made a tote bag for the occasion.  This is made out of some beautiful silks, and trust me, you won't see anyone else on the street carrying this same bag!  Silks are a pain to work with - LOL.

Since this give-away is in honor of reaching 500 followers, I must limit this giveaway to followers only.

It doesn't matter if you've just followed my blog, or a long standing follower, you ALL may enter. Just leave me a comment below to be entered, and yes, you can still follow me!  LOL

I will announce the winner next Sunday, August 1st.  So be sure and check back that night to see if you won!

                                                                        Good luck!

FREEZER FOODS FRIDAY

Today I'm still in the summery-make-easy-and cool dishes!

Maybe it's because I'm on a self-imposed no sweets kick right now and that's why sweets/desserts are on my mind (LOL) but I'm doing another post with 'em.  Indulge me, right now it's the closest I can come to them.   

Peanut Butter Cup Pie

1 ½ cups cold milk

1 pkg. (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix

1 cup chopped peanut butter cups

1 carton (8 oz) CoolWhip, thawed

1 chocolate crumb crust (8-9 inches)

Whisk the milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand 2 minutes or until soft-set.

Fold in chopped peanut butter cups.

Fold in CoolWhip

Spoon into crust.

Cover and freeze.

When ready to serve, remove from freezer 20-30 minutes before serving. You can garnish with additional chopped peanut butter cups.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dessert

1 tube (16.5 oz) refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough

½ cup caramel ice cream topping

½ cup cold milk

1 pkg (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (8 oz) carton CoolWhip, thawed

¾ cup chopped nuts (you can use what you want, I always prefer peanuts!)

¾ cup english toffee bits or almond brickle chips

3 squares (1 oz each) semisweet chocolate, chopped

3 TBSP butter

Let the dough stand at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften. Press into an ungreased 9 x 13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely.

Spread caramel topping over crust.

Whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for another 2 minutes, or until soft-set.

Fold in the CoolWhip, nuts and toffee bits.

Spread over caramel layer.

Cover and freeze.

To serve: Melt chocolate and butter in microwave; stir until smooth. Drizzle on top. Cut into squares.

Ok, it's your turn... have a tip, idea, recipe or advice on making ahead?  Doesn't necessarily have to be a "Freezer" idea either.  Join in the fun!  I'd love to hear it.  You can link up with McLinky below and share. Just please link back to here so everybody can enjoy all the participation!

How may I pray for you today?

Tuesdays have been set aside for prayer and receiving prayer requests. I would be honored to lift you up in prayer. I don't lay claim to any special "powers", but I do have a heart for my Lord, and for you. If there is something you would like to be remembered in prayer for, or if you want to pray for others, I would love it if you would leave a comment below. You don't have to give information you don't feel comfortable with. A simple "unspoken" is enough. Our precious Father knows our needs before we even voice them. If you would like also to pray, please take the request (comment) above yours and pray for that person today.


Thank you - may today be a blessed day for you.

Saturday Outing and Mystery Tea

Saturday my cousins, aunt and I had the pleasure of going to Camillia Rose Tea Room in Plant City.

(I really should have thought to put the placecards in order of how we were sitting, sorry!)

I've become quite a "regular" there and though they may not know my name, they know my face. (I hope they never take those wonderful curried chicken salad sandwiches off the menu!!!).

I visit several tea rooms around the area, and a few I return to quite often, but The Camillia Rose Tea Room is one I think of whenever someone says, "Let's do tea". 

These pics are from the... bathroom!   Why the bathroom you say?  Well look!  Isn't it gorgeous?

It has been my tradition to take my neice, Mackenzie with me for her birthday ever since she turned five.  Just "us girls" on her special day. 

All in all there are five neices.  When they turn 5, then their birthday tea traditions will begin with Aunt 'Nette.

I love the attention to detail.   This napkin rose, I think, is their "signature"

 

Sorry, I didn't take a picture of the food,  BUT I did snap this of the desserts on my plate before devouring them.   Such detail - just look at that swan!

The occasion this time for tea was a Mystery Tea hosted by Camillia Rose.  I've wanted to attend a mystery..whatever, i.e., dinner, etc. for a while but never had the occasion. April, Cayla, Cindy, Darlene, Sarah and I  love an excuse for tea and this was the perfect mix!

The crime is committed during the night at a sleep-over where the hostess is the murder victim. 

As the guests, one by one gather for breakfast, they learn the shocking news.

After hearing the suspects memories of the hostess, Stella, I knew I wouldn't like her very much either.

But I'm not going to ruin the story for you. 

These ladies were perfect for the parts!  I laughed out loud so many times that I was glad the story began after I had eaten. (I'm afraid the laughter was not the refined, lady-like, tea-sipping-sanctioned laughter either.)  They were gracious enough to let me get all their pictures afterwards, so I'd like to send a shout out to the great ladies who performed for us Saturday!  You were awesome!

Front Row, left to right:

"Linda" played by Gabby

"Karinda" played by Amanda

"Lisa"  played by Emily

Back Row, left to right:

"Mary Beth" played by Alyssa

"Allison" played by Jane

"Lara" played by Shaun

"Everlyn" played by Kari

And thank you also to the Camillia Rose Tea Room for hosting this!  I understand they have done this before, so I'm guessing another is in our future?   Hope so!

If you're going to be in the area, do put this stop on your list... better yet, call me and let's do tea!

FREEZER FOODS FRIDAY Hot weather, Cool treats!

It's hot and I'm not much in the mood for heavy foods, so I'm still thinking hot-weather, cool summer treats! 
How about these two?  (totally freezables!)

Rocky Road Fudge Pops

1 pkg (3.4 oz) cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix

2 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup chopped peanuts

1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

12 plastic or paper cups (3 oz size - you know, those Dixie cups)

1/2 cup marshmallow creme

12 popsicle sticks

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk. Nuke, uncovered on high for 4-6 minutes or until bubbly and slightly thickened, stirring every 2 minutes.   Cool for 20 minutes, stirring several times.

Meanwhile, combine peanuts and chocolate chips; place about 2 Tablespoons in each cup.   Stir marshmallow cream into pudding; spoon into cups.  Insert popsicle sticks; cover and freeze.

(these keep about 3 months in freezer)

Orange Popsicles

1 pkg (3 oz) orange gelatin

1 envelope (.15 oz) unsweetened orange Kool-Aid type drink mix

1 cup sugar

2 cups boiling water

2 cups cold water

16-18 Popsicle molds or paper cups (3 oz each)

16-18 Popsicle sticks

Dissolve the gelatin, Kool Aid and sugar in boiling water.  Stir in the cold water.

Pour into molds or cups.  Top mold with holders or insert sticks into cups, then cover.

Freeze.

Ok, now...your turn!  Join in the McLinky party!  Care to share a freezer friendly recipe, tip, idea or even your oamc, freezer menu?    Just link up below your post and be sure to link back to this post so everybody can see all the ideas!   Enjoy!

So this is how I spent my morning....

(Strawberry and lemon turnovers)

What did you do?

I meant to put some aside to try and freeze them to see if they're "Freezer Worthy", but forgot and iced all of them. uh-oh!