I Tried That Recipe: Butter Chicken

I Tried That Recipe: Butter Chicken: photo from Epicure Selections I love butter chicken - I have tried many different recipes, as well as easier to make bottled varieties fr...

I Tried That Recipe: Red Lentil and Collard Greens Soup

I Tried That Recipe: Red Lentil and Collard Greens Soup: If you aren't familiar with collard greens you should really give them a try. I had been reading recently about the health benefits of this ...

Epicure's New Hostess Benefits 2012

Here is a look at the new and improved Hostess Benefit Plan for hosting an Epicure Get-together:

                                        (from Epicure Selections Jan-Apr 2012 Catalogue)

As you can see - earning free product and 50% discounts is even easier now!  The Party sales have been lowered from the $250 minimum to $200.  When you have sales of $500 or more your free product increases from 10% to 15%.  When you reach $1000 or more your free product increases to 20% now!

Be sure to read my past entry in the blog archive about how simple and fun hosting an Epicure party is and please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

Epicure Get-togethers are a great way to catch up with friends and family while trying out good food and learning how to make healthier, homemade meals in your home.

I Tried That Recipe: Mushroom Dip

I Tried That Recipe: Mushroom Dip: As many of you know I am an Independent Epicure Selections Consultant and thus I often make dips to take along to my Tasting parties. This...

January 2012

Happy New Year to all my Epicure customers!  I hope 2012 brings good health, happiness and fortune to you and your families.

I have a group order going in Friday, January 20th if you have any Epicure products that need replenishing or wish to try something new.  Please email me with your list.

The new Epicure Selections catalogue is out!  http://publish.paperlesspublications.com/?userpath=00000195/00017475/00072741 It is valid from January to April 2012 - it looks like we will see three catalogues this year rather than one valid all year.  The theme for this season is "Home Comforts" and Epicure has introduced some great new products for it.  Here are some of what I have tried so far:

1.  Butter Chicken (from the "What's for Dinner" collection) only $3.99 a package or 3 pack for $9.99

I wished for this family favorite to become "epicurized"and here it is brand new for 2012!  You can make this delicious Indian dish homemade in 30 minutes.  Add greek yogurt instead of cream to this skinnier version and your waistline and taste buds will be happy! This makes a very easy meal!

My tip:  When I make this in my kitchen I substitute half the yogurt with almond milk - it makes the dish nice and rich as if you used cream but still healthy and low fat.

2.  Slow Cooker Stampede BBQ Ribs (from the "What's for Dinner" collection) only $3.99 a package or 3 pack for $9.99

I was a little nervous when I tested this...the name had a lot to live up to...my mouth was watering when I read it on the package!  I followed the instructions exactly and I have to say it was very easy and probably the least messy rib prep I have ever had.  I wasn't sure if "BBQ" could come out of my slow cooker but when I put the platter of ribs on the dinner table my family actually squealed in delight when they saw them.  The taste was great - they turned out very tender from the hours of being slow cooked.  These ribs were definitely a hit at our house.

My tip:  Get the pork back ribs - these are more trimmed of fat and have more actual meat on them.  (vs. fat) Often the packages of ribs in the grocery aisle are side ribs which aren't as tender and have more fat on them.  Back ribs cost a little more but are worth it.

3.  Buffalo Wings (from the "What's for Dinner" collection) only $3.99 a package or 3 pack for $9.99  

My husband loves buffalo chicken wings and it pains me to buy the frozen varieties in the store to feed his craving as a treat now and then.  I have tried to make them homemade with bottled sauce but they never turn out just right like the ones you get at Earl's, Cactus Club or a good pub.  When I saw brand new Epicure package I knew they'd have to go against not only my making them testing but my husband's taste bud testing too.  Just like the other What's For Dinner collection items, these buffalo wings were very easy to make!  They passed my cooking test, and unlike their store bought varieties these are simply baked and there is no deep frying involved.  Big points for healthier eating from me.  They also passed the husband taste test!   More big points for happy husband from me too :)  A word of caution: these chicken wings are too spicy for most kids.  I recommend serving Epicure's new Blue Cheese Dip Mix ($7.99) with these.

Next week I will test the brand new "Slow Cooker Country Chicken" and "Slow Cooker Savoury Beef" What's for Dinner packages (each $3.99/ 3 for $9.99) in my kitchen and let you know how they go.

I hope you will take a few minutes to visit the new Epicure Catalogue and see what other new products there are!  You will also notice that the hosting benefits have changed this year, making it even easier to get free products when you host an Epicure Get-Together with friends and family.  Ask me for more information if you are interested in learning more about this.

A challenge for you:  Find the name of the new healthy potato chip maker in the catalogue and email it to me to be entered into my draw this week for a What's for Dinner meal package of your choice!  Contest closes January 24, 2012.


Thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Kris

I Tried That Recipe: January Cranberry Orange Bread

I Tried That Recipe: January Cranberry Orange Bread: This is a perfect recipe for the month of January when really nice, juicy, fresh navel oranges are bountiful in the stores. I freeze cranbe...

I Tried That Recipe: Friendship Soup

I Tried That Recipe: Friendship Soup: I love this recipe - it is one of the best comfort food recipes and I have been making it for years. It is very easy to make! This is a "s...

My Mexican Lasagna Recipe

My children love this recipe...I came up with it when I was playing around with an existing recipe and trying to use what I had on hand in my kitchen that day.  Epicure's Pueblo Bean Dip Mix has become our taco seasoning of choice...it is mild, yet adds a more sophisticated flavor to the taste of our Mexican meals.

Ingredients: 

1 14 oz. can of black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 14 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1 cup frozen corn
2 - 3 cups shredded cheddar or marble cheese (depending how cheesy you like it on top)
1 package lean ground beef (1.5 lbs?)
2 tbsp. 3 Onion Dip Mix
1 package plain flour tortillas
3 tablespoons Epicure's Pueblo Bean Dip Mix 

 Instructions:

1. Start with the onions in a large skillet with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil - cook until soft.
2.  Add the ground beef and brown it.
3.  Add the tomatoes, Pueblo Bean Dip Mix, black beans and corn - stir and let cook 5 minutes.  If it is looking dry add 1/2 cup water, otherwise continue cooking for another 5 minutes on medium.
4.  Take your casserole dish(es) and spray with oil to prevent tortillas sticking.   Line the bottom of the dish with tortillas, it is okay to overlap them so it is well covered.  You want them to cover the sides too.
5.  With a SLOTTED spoon (so it drains some of the excess liquid that will have formed now with cooking - it is okay to have some of the liquid but you don't want too much) scoop half the meat mixture over the tortilla layer.  Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese.
6.  Add another layer of tortillas.  Spoon the remaining meat over top.  Cover with tortillas - tucking this layer into the sides of the dish.  Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.  I use just enough to lightly cover the top and not more than that.
7.  Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
8.  Serve with sour cream, Epicure's Poco Picante Salsa and Epicure's Guacamole.  Enjoy :) 

This dish is just as tasty on day two as a leftover dinner and it freezes well.  

My Holiday Survival Recipe - Sugar Cookies

Here is my sugar cookie recipe...a basic for any holiday through out the year and most perfect for using your favorite cookie cutters!  This is a must have recipe for every mother. 

Use royal icing and your favorite sugars and sprinkles to decorate.  My favorite for Christmas is snowflake or mitten shaped cut-outs, piped with white icing which gets dipped into non-colored sugar crystals.  (Tip:  My go to is Epicure's Decorating Sugar.  It makes your cookies gorgeous and there are no artificial colors!) 

Ingredients: 

3 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. Epicure Baking Powder (bonus:  it's aluminum free!)
1/2 tsp. salt
20 tablespoons butter (2 1/2 sticks)
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tbsp. milk
2 1/2 tsp. Epicure Vanilla (yes - the real stuff makes a difference in this recipe!)

To make:  Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.  In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until very fluffy. Add and beat egg, milk and vanilla.  Gradually stir the flour into the butter mixture until well blended and smooth.  Chill if necessary before rolling.  Roll out 1/4 inch thick, cut out shapes and bake for 6-9 minutes.  Cool on rack after one minute. 

Makes 2 dozen good sized cookies.

Epicure Tasting Get-Togethers 101

Things to know about hosting an "Epicure Tasting Get-Together" with me:

1.  The BEST part of hosting is that you get to have some time to get together with friends and family - have a girl's night in, catch up with each other, relax and have fun.  We all know how precious time is these days - this is a simple way to get everyone together.  Epicure parties can also be a great way to easily host a bridal shower or housewarming party! 

2.  The second best part of hosting are all the benefits you receive for having the party and inviting your friends and family to try Epicure's wonderful products.  I had a hostess already in 2011 earn $900 in FREE Epicure products from a Tasting Party with sales of $2000.  WOW!!  (there were 15 guests at this party) 

Basicly, with party sales of $250 or more you will receive 10% of the total sales (before tax and shipping) in FREE product that YOU choose PLUS more!  Also, every month Epicure offers Hostess-only specials at a great deal.  Visit Epicure Hostess Benefits to see all the details!!   

*My average party sales are $750 - at this level you would receive at least $75 in free product of your choice, PLUS 3 items of your choice at 50% off, an exclusive tote bag, 2 free seasonings of your choice ($5.95 value each), 2 free dip mixes of your choice ($7.95 each) and 1 or BOTH of the monthly hostess specials. 

Hosting a Tasting Party is a great way to get the products you want for HUGE savings! 

3.  I make having a party REALLY EASY - I promise!  For a get-together all you need to do is invite your people, put out a few cut up veggies (seriously, even a bag of baby carrots, and a sliced up cucumber would work!), a couple of fruits cut up (apples work well), a bag of tortilla chips (Que Pasa are the best), small plates and napkins, and something to drink for your guests. (tea, coffee or a glass of wine - you decide)  I will do the rest! 

I can also work with you to create a "bigger" party if you have a lot of guests coming or would like to do a themed event.  I am very open and flexible, my goal is to make sure you have a fun and successful party. 

4.  What if you don't have very much space?  Not to worry - again I am flexible!  If you have a dining table that is perfect, kitchen islands work too.  If you don't have either don't worry, talk to me - we can make it work! 

5.  Who to invite?  Friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, school friends - really anyone who cooks would love Epicure products as they offer healthier alternatives to the things many of us are buying at the grocery store already.  I love that Epicure products are easy for non-cooks too...forget the pre-made stuff full of preservatives - anyone can make a great homemade meal if they have the ingredients to help make it fast and easy!  I will provide you with the invitations.

6.  How much time will it take?  An Epicure Party is usually 2-3 hours.  My portion of presenting to the group is about 30 minutes.  I like to leave lots of time for you and your friends/family to enjoy your time together.  If your guests choose to order any products they can come see me off to the side.  Once I'm done, I quietly go about packing up my display, while you sit and enjoy your party.  We will talk the following day about your benefits so that you don't feel rushed in any way. 

7.  Outside orders:  Before your party I will give you a few catalogues to share with anyone that can't make it to the party but is interested in seeing Epicure's products.  I will also give you some order forms so that you can collect orders.  These will count towards your party sales! 

8.  Ordering is easy:  The comfort of shopping at the party - no stores to visit!  I collect orders right there and there is a choice of cash, cheque, visa or mastercard as payment.  Orders typically take up to 14 days for delivery.  Once the product is shipped, it will come to you for distribution or pick-up by your friends and family that have ordered.  If there is someone living out of the area we can arrange for direct shipping for an additional charge. 

It was a party that initially led me to discovering Epicure - I really believe it is a great line of products and that proof is in their use in my own kitchen.  I love that they are a Canadian company too!  Doing these Epicure parties as a job now is fun for me because I honestly believe my customers are getting great value and quality, not to mention products that will make their meals healthier. 

If you would like more information on hosting an Epicure Tasting Get-Together please contact me:

Kris McLean-Rohani
kmr.epicure@gmail.com  

Giving back to the community...

Christmas is just around the corner and everyone is gearing getting their holiday shopping done, going to parties and spending time with their family and friends.

For some though, the holidays are a particularly difficult time of the year - many families depend on the help of charity organizations in their area to get food on their table and a few gifts for their children.  I like to do what I can to share some holiday love with others less fortunate than myself.

I held a Customer Appreciation Open House for my Epicure business on November 28, 2011 and pledged to donate 5% of the sales to our local Food Bank...I am so pleased that I raised $115!  (thanks again to my amazing customers who participated in this event!)

Here are some ideas of things you can do to share the love this holiday season!

1.  Donate money to a charity that helps people in need at Christmas.
2.  Make a donation of your time to a local soup kitchen - consider helping with their turkey dinner.
3.  Look in your closets for gently worn coats, boots, gloves and scarves that you don't use and take them to a homeless shelter.
4.  Go to a senior's home and sit and talk to residents who don't have visitors coming to see them.  Stay and play a game of chess or cards.
5.  Donate some non-perishable food items to your local Food Bank.

Do you have any ideas to add?  Please share...

Happy Halloween!

BOO to all my Epicure customers!

It's almost Halloween and if you are like me and have young ones in the house, then you are probably getting ready with costumes, and all the tricks and the treats!  I thought I'd share a fun idea I do every year...

A tradition in our home is my "Spooky Spaghetti Dinner" that precedes the night of trick or treating. I make a batch of turkey meatballs and serve them over black spaghetti noodles (available at Bosa Foods) with our favorite Tomato Sauce (Epicure's Margherita Seasoning)...I always garnish with a plastic eyeball right on the top, nestled amongst the meatballs! The kids love it.

Beware though, some don't like the black noodles (colored naturally with squid ink) so use regular ones for picky or "nervous to try new things" eaters or your dinner will not get gobbled up by your goblins!  

Here is Epicure's recipe for their Spaghetti and Meatball Dinner:  http://www.epicureselections.com/en/recipe/1769/spaghetti-and-meatballs

Eyeballs are easily found at a party supply store!

Have fun spooking!  Have a safe, and happy Halloween!

Kris

P.S.  I have an order going in this week if you would like to add anything on to it!  Thanks.  

I Tried That Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs

I Tried That Recipe: Porcupine Meatballs: The other day at soccer we somehow got to talking about Porcupine Meatballs and I said how much my kids love them. I like that they are eas...

Bring the tastes of Fall to your table with Epicure products...

Here is my list of the best of the best for Fall from Epicure Selections, you will find new, returning and favorites on there...if you have any questions please feel free to contact me - I am happy to answer them as well as to help you with new recipe ideas for your meals.  Enjoy!

Kris's Top 10 List of Favorite Epicure Products for Fall 2011

1. NEW Cheeseball Seasonings - each jar makes 4 large or 8 small cheeseballs.  This is perfect for when you need to whip up a quick appetizer for home or taking to a party.  Definitely a holiday season must have!  Available in:  Tomato & Parmesan Cheese, Onion & Bacon, or Cran & Apple Cinnamon - $9.99 each.  
2. NEW Turkey Gravy - I love the regular Epicure gravy so I am so excited to add this new variation to my list of must haves!  Use it for the perfect holiday turkey gravy or for dressing up a regular weekday chicken dinner.  One jar makes approx. 8 cups of gravy.  $10.99 
3. NEW Yoga Tea - Chai lovers rejoice - this is a decaf version of your favorite comfort tea!  $14.99
4. Sugar Grinders - If you are familiar with Epicure's sea salt and pepper grinders you will like these sweet versions.  Available in Maple Canadian Sugar or Cinnamon Sugar for $14.99
5. Eclipse Coated Roasting Pan with rack - I bought one of these last year and I love it, easy to clean and the perfect size.  Last year Epicure sold out of these long before the holidays so be quick if you need one.  $89.99
6. Pinot Noir Jelly  - available only in the Fall while supplies last.  Made from the grapes grown on Epicure's Vancouver Island Land Reserve.  This jelly is fantastic with anything and a gorgeous hostess gift.  $7.99
7. WFD Tortilla Soup Mix - With the cooler weather I crave soup and this one is my favorite!  So easy to make into a meal by adding shredded chicken (you could buy a grocery store rotisserie chicken for this), shredded cheddar and some sliced avocado.  All you need to make the soup is a can of crushed tomatoes.  A bargain for $3.95
8. Extraordinary Cheese Dip Collection  - it's back!!  The most popular gift set Epicure offers is here through the holidays.  $22.99
9. Mulling Spices - this is a family favorite and one of my top selling products last fall.  Add it to apple juice and enjoy!  Only available until the end of December.  $14.99
10. Herb and Garlic Dip Mix - I have to round out my list with my go to spice for seasoning meats, poultry, fish and those heavenly, oven roasted potatoes I make.  You can't go wrong with this for $7.95

Please contact me at kmr.epicure@gmail.com for how to order or further information.

Thank you.

Summer Dipping Collection

Customer Special July 1–31, 2011   

Keep dips safe and cool – perfect for summer entertaining. Get these great summer serving dishes and Epicure’s best summer Dips while they last! 

Please use #4077 when ordering. 

• Epicure’s Dip Chiller 

• Epicure’s Serving Platter 

• Epicure’s Summer Berry Fruit Dip Mix  

• Epicure’s Seasoning for Cheese, Chives  

& Bacon Dip 

• Epicure’s What’s for Dessert? Chocolate 

Pudding In an Instant Mix 

• Epicure’s Bamboo Skewers 

ONLY $59.95 

Regular price $64.70 


Visit www.epicureselections.com for furthwer information.

Taterganza Collection

Customer Special July 1-31, 2011

This collection includes:  Epicure’s French Onion Dip Mix 

• Epicure’s Smoky Ranch Dip Mix 

• Epicure’s Bacon Potato Topper 

• Epicure’s Cheese Potato Topper 

• FREE! Epicure’s Ceramic Y-Peeler 

Special $39.95 (reg. $59.75)

Epicure's Ultimate Burger Collection

Customer Special July 1–31, 2011   

Everything you need for the star of a great backyard barbecue: the burger! 

Please use #4087 when ordering. 

Epicure’s 3 Onion Dip Mix 

Epicure’s Italian Dressing Seasoning 

Epicure’s Seasoning for Burgers 

PLUS a full-colour Recipe Booklet FREE! RECIPES INCLUDED: 

 Big Burger Sauce 

 Kiddie Burgers 

 Stampede Burgers 

 Plus 5 more delicious burger ideas!

OVER  20% OFF 

ONLY $20.95 

Regular price $26.85 

DOUBLE DOLLARS IN JUNE !!

Don't miss Epicure's Amazing June Hosting Special!

Hold a $500 party in June and DOUBLE your hostess free product credit!  This means instead of $50 you get at least $100 in free products of your choice!  A $750 party gets you at least $150 in free products...a $1000 party gets you at least $200 in free product credit.  On top of this you still get all the other great hosting benefits!  

Wow...if you have been thinking of hosting an Epicure party...this is the month to do it!  Please contact me about booking yours.  

Links to Epicure's June Contest Giveaways...

WIN Epicure’s Ultimate Canadian Collection

Make great sides for all your great Canadian barbecues this summer!

Your summer barbecues will go down in Canadian history with Epicure's Ultimate Canadian Collection! Make delicious sauces, savoury sides and cool twists on classic Canadian cocktails, including the Classic Canadian Caesar Pop.

Includes: Seasoning for Epicure's Steak Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, Maple Spice Fruit Dip Mix, Caesar Rim Trimmer™, and a full-colour Recipe Booklet!

Closes: June 30, 2011

Draw: July 4, 2011

Enter at:  http://www.epicureselections.com/en/giveaways/5

WIN - Epicure's Ultimate Drink Collection...

Cool off this summer with Epicure!

Jazz up your backyard refreshments with this complete kit for delicious summer drinks!

Includes: Mojito Rim Trimmer™, Agua Fresca Drink Mix, Lemon Grass Herbal Tea, Lemon Mango Herbal Tea, Epicure Wine Bag, "The Brentwood" Insulated Tea Pot, Sachets, and a full-colour Recipe Booklet!

Closes: June 30, 2011

Draw: July 4, 2011

Enter at:  http://www.epicureselections.com/en/giveaways/3

Epicure's June Specials...

Here are the great deals available from June 1 - 30, 2011:


Epicure's Ultimate Canadian Collection $28.95 (reg. $37.35)
 - Balsamic Vinegar
 - Steak Seasoning
 - Maple Spice Fruit Dip Mix
 - Caesar Rim Trimmer
plus a full-colour recipe book included for free!

Father's Day Grill and Glaze!  $39.95 (reg. $53.75)
 - Locking Silicone Tongs
 - Silicone Basting Brush
 - Barbecue Rub
 - Montreal Steak Rub
 - Salmon and Fish Rub
This is a GREAT gift at great value for all the Dads in your life!!  Order early to receive in time for Father's Day on June 19th.

On Special:
 - Locking Silicone Tongs $10.95 (reg. $13.95)  Perfect for BBQ's and all your non-stick cookware as it won't scratch your pans.

 - Silicone Basting Brush $7.95 (reg. $9.95)

 - Barbecue Rub $7.95 (reg. $9.95)  Epicure's secret blend of herbs and spices.  This is a limited edition product available while supplies last!  All the rubs come in a good sized bottle so they will last a few meals.  

 - Montreal Steak Rub $7.95 (reg. $9.95)  Epicure's take on a classic but with much less sodium than what you would buy at the grocery store.

 - Salmon and Fish Rub $7.95 (reg. $9.95)  A lively citrus and herb blend.  Liberally shake or rub on fish and seafood - also good on egg dishes.  This is a limited edition product available while supplies last!  

Don't miss Epicure's Amazing June Hosting Specials!

 - DOUBLE DOLLARS!! Hold a $500 party in June and DOUBLE your hostess free product credit!  That means instead of $50 you get at least $100 in free products of your choice!  A $750 party gets you at least $150 in free products...a $1000 party gets you at least $200 in free product credit.  On top of this you still get all the other great hosting benefits!  Wow...if you have been thinking of hosting an Epicure party...this is the month to do it!  Please contact me about booking yours.  

- Hostess-only June specials:  

1.  The Rectangular Mesh Grilling Pan $29.95 (reg. $49.95)

2.  The Drink Collection $14.95 (reg value $25.40) plus an exclusive Epicure wine bag

Please contact me if you would like any more information about any of the items listed here.

Have a great June!

Cheers - 

Kris