Sweet Potato tastiness

Only have a few minutes but want create a sure-to-impress homemade Passover dish? Here you go (feel free to thank me later).

1 large can of sweet potatoes/yams, drained
1 small can of sweet potatoes/yams, drained
1 small can of crushed pineapple, drained (you'll use 3/4 of this)
3 Tbsp. brown sugar
Cinnamon to taste
Dash of salt
Optional: walnuts
Bag of K for P marshmallows (topping)

Combine all ingredients (except the mallows) in a bowl. Use a potato masher to make this process a cinch. Place all ingredients in a cook-safe bowl (pyrex, corningwear, etc) and place in the oven for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. It's very low maintenance: no harm if it stays in a few extra minutes. Just before you're ready to serve, take out the dish, place the marshmallows on top and put back in the oven on broil. WATCH THEM! This takes just two minutes and there's about 20 seconds between perfectly browned sweet potato pie heaven and mallows on fire!

Chag Sameach Pesach!

Be the best version of you

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Passover tastiness made easy

With few exceptions, when it comes to Passover dishes can be a bit dry. Think matzoh in everything. But then last year I had a realization: I don't need to buy egg noodles, unleavened crackers and all sorts of gimmicky items when heck, I don't typically eat this stuff anyway!

Don't want to stop anyone from eating matzoh brei (sprinkle a dash of cinnamon sugar on it for a hint of heavenly sweetness!) or good ol' matzoh pizza, but this year think about your typically eat every night of the week. Head to your BBQ and get grilling: cook some chicken and vegetables (I love eggplant, zucchini, squash, etc). All they need is some olive oil, salt and pepper. Make a big salad with chicken or tuna salad on top. Do breakfast for dinner and make an omelet with fresh veggies and your fav cheese (my vote goes to feta!). Make chicken, eggplant or a veggie-stack parm. Enjoy steak and potatoes -- they're K for P, too! There's really no limits.

Jewish or not, think of this as an opportunity to eat fresh, healthy food. Eliminate the packaged foods and carb loading. And, if you're still struggling.... head to TooJays or your favorite local deli!

Coming tomorrow: my simple recipe for a no-fail, tasty sweet potato pie. Mmmm.

The perfect chocolate fix

What fabulous average girl doesn't crave a little chocolate now and then? While I can't end dinner at home each night without a few dark chocolate m&m's, I typically want something more satisfying during the day that gives me a sweet chocolate taste yet fills me up. Snickers? Not quite. York's? Good, but not filling (though I do love the bite-size York mints; three mini chocolate-covered mints are just 15 calories). This Average Girl can eat every hour! My solution: Fiber One chocolate granola bars. I swear they're heaven sent! The closest "granola bar" I've ever come to eating something waaaaaaaaayy more indulgent, I love these puppies. Plus, they have 35% of your daily value of fiber and maybe 140 calories.

TAG tip: While your grocery store might sell a box of 5 for around $3.25, I typically find that Target (and Wal-mart, I'm sure) has a box of 10 for around $3.79. Stock up! And, save even more when you print this coupon.

Close #2: Clif Z-bars. Made for kids, I'm not too old for this soft chocolate chip bar that tastes just like a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Not as filling as a Fiber One -- it has 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein - but it's organic and delish. Great to have in your purse, at your desk or at the movies.

Eat up and enjoy!

If you love Project Runway

FIERCE! Think that will be the name of Christian Soriano's new make-up line for Victoria's Secret?? It should be! While I rather he launch an affordable line of uber fierce clothing and accessories, just read this scoop about our fav PR designer's new make-up line (and shoe collection) on Bella Sugar:

WWD reports that Project Runway champ Christian Siriano has created a line of cosmetics for Victoria's Secret Beauty. Due in August - around the same time that his Payless shoe collection debuts - Christian Siriano for VS Makeup will feature shades inspired by his Fall clothing collection. The ferosh lineup will include five shades of eye shadow ($14 each); three lip gloss shades ($14 each); black eyeliner ($12); a bronzer-highlighter trio ($24); a face brush ($32); and a ruffled cosmetics bag ($16).


Also, expect to see the Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Makeup line revamped as VS Makeup, which will feature makeup items all under $20, and include more shades (180, to be precise), finishes, and updated packaging.

Deals of the Day

Check out some great deals now available:

Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy are now offering 30% off all new arrivals, in store and on the web (use coupon code New30). Offer expires 4.9.09. Stock up on spring and summer favorites, like crisp white pants and shorts, bright-colored tanks and tees, and more. Also love this white tunic, which can go from work, to happy hour, to dinner with just the right accessories.

Love Vera Bradley? Get the adorable curvy tote for just $25 (reg. $62). Choose from 15 colors and prints. Sale ends April 15.

http://www.verabradley.com/Site/Store/ProductDetail.aspx?dept=400&sku=10328%3a3

And, lastly, 6pm.com is offering more than 150 pairs of Nine West shoes for just $14.95! That's a savings up to 80 percent. http://www.6pm.com/n/search.cgi?q=NW0309TGR. Offer expires 4.10.09.

Happy shopping!

CVS is one good deal

Ok, not everything is a good deal at CVS but utilize the store's ExtraCare Rewards Program just right, and you'll start saving. Ask for a card next time you're at the register... every purchase you make is tracked (which I don't love, but hey... can't win 'em all!). Once you start spending, you'll start receiving Extra Bucks you can use throughout the store and bundle with other coupons and BOGO (Buy-One-Get-One) deals. Tip: I like to get my coupons before I start shopping. Most stores have a kiosk when you walk in; look for it.



The good part of them tracking your purchases is that it seems that the coupons are tailored to me. Love Garnier Nuctrisse products? I once used a $2 off coupon the same week as a BOGO so got two products for $2! Special K with red berries? Each box was just $1.88 and I had two coupons for $1 off/box. Fab deal; I stocked up with six boxes. Buy two boxes of Fiber One chocolate granola bars (mmm, delish) on sale and get $5 in extra rewards. Tip: When this happens, buy this item first so you'll get the $5 coupon right then to use on whatever else you're purchasing. If you're like me, it's easier to use it right then and there.



And, just learned: Every so often you get $10 off a $50 purchase. I never spend much at CVS at one time, but I do at Publix... and Publix takes competitors coupons!! Cha-ching. If you don't live in Florida, check with your local grocer. Many national chains have the same promotion.



Happy shopping (and saving!)