Fourth of July Firecracker Popcorn

Fourth of July is such a fun holiday, full of so much happiness and all kinds of colorful fireworks in celebration of our country... 'Merica! I'm so excited to watch all of the fireworks shows around town and make some memories this year!

I'm also really excited because I've been getting creative in the kitchen in celebration of the holiday and I have some awesome recipes to share. Today I'm sharing the most simple recipe and it's so incredibly delicious, you should make a batch right this second.

This salty and sugar coated treat is the perfect way to treat yourself while watching the fireworks and you can throw it together right before they start.

All you'll need to make this simple recipe:
popcorn
1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
red and blue sugar
(or just normal cane sugar lightly coated in food coloring)

Start by making the popcorn in the microwave, remove and place in a bowl. You'll want to add the unsalted butter and sprinkle a decent amount of both red and blue sugar all over the popcorn and toss!

I added in some "firecrackers" to add some extra pizazz to my Firecracker Popcorn! I think this simple dish will make the perfect appetizer and addition to my 4th of July table spread. I hope you all have a very happy and safe Independence Day and that you enjoy your Firecracker Popcorn!

Simple Spicy Shrimp Cabbage Salad: Healthy, Low Calorie, and Delicious!

I've been watching what I'm eating lately and trying to include a LOT more veggies, I'll explain that more in detail later this month... but for now I'm going to share one of my favorite recipes! It's easy to whip up in minutes and the flavors combine together perfectly to make your mouth (and eyes) water with a kick of spice and the tartness of lemon!

I only had my cell phone handy when I made this recipe so my pictures aren't perfect, being in between homes can be hard a girl (we're moving, in case you don't follow me instagram)... but I still had to share this delicious and easy recipe!

Ingredients:
1 lemon wedge
3.5 oz shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1/4 cup onion
1/4 cup tomato
1/2 cup cabbage
a pinch of cilantro
Pinch of Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy Seasoning (or the combination of spicy flavors in your cabinet)
Pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt

Simply saute the shrimp with some lemon juice and cilantro for about 9 minutes, or until fully cooked. Add in a pinch of Mrs. Dash Extra Spicy and sautee for a few seconds longer. Remove from heat.

Place a layer of cabbage into a bowl, followed by a layer of onions, and add a layer of tomatoes. Now add your spicy shrimp on top of the salad you've created... and top with more onions and tomatoes as well as some Himalayan salt and a dash more lemon juice.

Bon Appétit!

Get #CookingwithGuyFieri: Tex-Mex Scramble AND Quesadilla Pizza Recipe

I participated in a Influencer Activation for Guy Fieri Sausage. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

I'm pretty much the definition of a foodie, I love good food (like most people) and I'm always willing to try something new. I love watching food related shows and I often crave what I watch afterward, one show that always gets me is Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. He's always discussing some off-the-wall food combination or trying something so drool-worthy I almost decide to road trip across country to eat, daily. I’m a bit of a fan, I suppose you could say.

So when I heard Guy Fieri, one of my foodie idols, came out with a new line of sausages I knew that I needed to try them ASAP. I'm all about a good meat and knowing that he loves all food just as much I do, I knew he wouldn't disappoint me.

I decided to include the Guy Fieri Seasoned Fajita Chicken Sausages and the Mozzarella and Parmesan Pork Sausages in two of my favorite dishes to throw together in a hurry and these meals definitely are a ticket straight to "flavortown"! I love that they're made with fresh ingredients, natural hickory smoked, and available at Walmart!

I made the Guy Fieri Fajita Chicken Sausages in a rice, pepper, and sausage scramble and the dish is the bomb. I like to refer to it as a Tex-Mex Scramble but I'm not really sure what to call it other than delicious! With roasted red and green bell peppers, garlic, sauteed onions, and natural pork casing making the sausage have just the right flavors to season my sauteed onions and peppers, I literally am craving this again and I just made it.

Quick and Easy Tex Mex Scramble Recipe

Ingredients:

White and Jasmine Rice Blend

Guy Fieri Fajita Chicken Sausage

Diced Onions

Diced Peppers

To prepare this recipe, simply make rice as instructed and slice the chicken sausage, place in a large sauce pan, and saute with diced peppers and onions.Once the peppers and onions start to absorb some of the heat, they'll soften making the perfect compliment to this scramble.

Remove from heat once the mixture is prepped to your liking, I tend to like my peppers super soft so I leave my pan on for a bit while I prepare a salad to eat on the side!

Serving this dish up is simple! Place the rice on plate and add the delicious sausage, onion, and pepper scramble over the top of a bed of rice. I also like to add a little bit of spicy mayo to mine, just because I'm a saucy foodie and the kick to the mayo adds a nice twist to the recipe!

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The other dish I made is one of the easiest dishes you can make, ever! Using the Guy Fieri Mozzarella and Parmesan Pork Sausage as a star ingredient I made little stuffed pizza quesadillas - the perfect treat for a busy, chaotic night when you still want something tasty! I love making these little pizzas whenever I get the chance, but with this double cheese and italian sausage added in as the main ingredient, it really takes these quesadilla pizzas to another level!

Quick and Easy Quesadilla Pizzas

Ingredients:

2 Tortillas

Pizza Sauce

Guy Fieri Mozzarella and Parmesan Pork Sausage

Pizza Toppings of all kinds

Cheese

To make this dish, just grab all of your favorite pizza ingredients and a counter top grill or even just a pan!

I like to break up my sausage and saute it in a pan so that it has a tastier texture inside the pizza, but this is totally optional since the Guy Fieri sausages are pre-cooked and delicious as they are!

You'll want to place one tortilla on the grill (making your bottom crust), coat the tortilla with a thin layer of pizza sauce, and add toppings until your heart is content, I loaded the works with peppers, spinach, and this delicious pork sausage on mine! Next you'll add your other tortilla over the top and close your counter top grill and allow it to brown on both sides.

That's it, your pizza is ready to serve! Just slice into fours with a pizza cutter and get ready to see smiles all around the dinner table!

Now that I've shared two of my favorite ways to get #CookingwithGuyFieri, I'd love to know how you plan to use this new, delicious sausage as an ingredient in your recipes?

Connect with Guy Fieri: Twitter | Facebook

The Perfect Better-For-You Snack: Mini Marbled Tapioca Pudding with A Homemade Raspberry Sauce

I'm a pretty big fan of snacking, I mean it's a little ridiculous how much I like chowing down on a tasty snack. You can find me snacking on pretty much anything sweet, spicy, or just simply delicious!

While I love snacking and my list of favorite foods could go on for miles and miles, I'm also trying to lose weight so I have recently started following a meal plan. I'll be sharing more details about the plan once I have worked out what actually works for me, trying different calorie amounts and macros for a few weeks to make sure I'm eating healthy and I'm happy with what I'm eating.

I can't wait to share all the details, but for now I'm sharing my favorite part of my meal plan, I get to eat less, but I'll be eating more. What I mean by that is I'll be eating less during each meal, but I'll also be eating more meals through out the day. This also means that I get to snack. Luckily, I get to snack on delicious, healthy foods!

My favorite snack is a Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding made into a delicious little dessert though. Simply Well is only 90-calories, has no sugar added, it's gluten-free, and it's my snack of choice - made into dessert or on it's own, it's simply delicious!

This better-for-you dessert is prepared in a mini mason jar portion size so it's just the right size to satiate your sweets craving without feeling guilty and here's a bonus, it's super easy to make! The only thing that I actually made for this recipe is a super simple raspberry sauce.

While it's a simple addition, it just makes this pudding dessert taste beyond incredible and since it's homemade you get to choose how much added sugar you add to the sauce (if any at all)!

I fixed up a whole batch of these beauties to share with some friends recently and they were all pleasantly surprised to find out this Marbled Tapioca recipe was fairly healthy!

Do you want to try making this super simple dessert at home? Here's the recipe:

Mini Marbled Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding
with Raspberry Sauce & Hot Dark Chocolate Sauce

and Cookie Crust



Ingredients:

Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding Cups
Frozen Raspberries (thawed)
Sugar (optional)
Hot Dark Chocolate Sauce
Mini Sandwich Cookies
Fat-Free Whipped Topping (optional)

This dessert almost doesn't even need a recipe listed, but I wanted to break it down just in case someone has any questions on how I made this delicious dish.

While you are gathering your ingredients, go ahead and place the frozen raspberries and sugar (in the amount you prefer - I used 1/3 cup) in a sauce pan. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally. It'll take about ten minutes to turn into a sauce so we'll come back to this (but don't forget to stir it)!

 Next you'll need to place a few sandwich cookies in your container (I used Mini Mason Jars, you can use a bowl, a ramekin, whatever your heart desires).

Now you'll add the star of the show, the Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Tapioca Pudding. I used 2 1/2 containers of Kozy Shack® to partially fill my mini mason jars, just FYI. Notice I said partially fill, leave a little space if you want to add whipped topping.

Now would be a good time to go ahead and add the Hot Dark Chocolate (after following the prep instructions on the container).

Next you'll want to remove the raspberry sauce from the stove and strain it to remove seeds. Pressing the mixture to make sure you get all the delicious sauce!

Lastly, go ahead and get crazy with the sauce! Pour it everywhere. Top with Whipped Cream and sandwich cookie crumbs and you have a dessert your friends and family will go crazy over!

I like to think of these tasty little desserts as my version of a healthier cheesecake, while the texture isn't the same the taste is even better!

Now that I've shared this delicious recipe, who wouldn’t want a chance to try Kozy Shack® Simply Well® Pudding for themselves? Maybe you don't like Tapioca? They also offer Rice Pudding and Chocolate Pudding! Can you say yummy?!

Luckily, I'm hosting a giveaway for TWO Free Product Coupons! I'd love to hear a fun fact you learned from The KozyShack website! Be sure to enter to win with the giveaway tools form below:

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Enjoy Snacking Simply with Kozy Shack® Simply Well®!

Disclaimer: Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Chocolate Chip, Banana Pancakes with Nicole's Naturals Mix

Although I received a free sample of Nicole's Naturals to sponsor today's discussion the love I now have for Pancakes is my own.

As some of my close friends may already know, I'm kind of a breakfast hater. While a sugary donut or some cereal occasionally make a great snack, you'll usually find me munching on some spicy chicken or a large serving of peas in the AM. I just don't eat breakfast foods, especially for breakfast.

It may sound silly, but some people just aren't breakfast eaters and I'm one of them... or I thought I was, until I tried Nicole's Naturals Mix. The texture of this mix is perfect and made into chocolate chip banana pancakes, I really felt like I was eating a giant cookie! I can do pancakes if they taste like this.

I'm kind of sharing the recipe today, but it's so easy I'm not even sure you could call it a "recipe". You'll use Nicole's Naturals mix as instructed but instead of using 2 eggs, you'll use 1 egg and a ripe banana. I also used Spring themed chocolate chips in yellow and pink for a fun touch! I'm imagining making these again in the future and topping them with peanut butter next time, because that just sounds absurdly delicious, doesn't it?

This awesome gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free, soy-free (but definitely not taste-free) brand just launched nationally and was  recommended as a “delicious” mix and a “waffle you want to eat” by the Los Angeles Times. How cool is it that they wanted to send me some of the delicious mix so hubby and I could try it out...? I was hesitant because I don't eat breakfast, as I just revealed, but hubby is a huge pancake fan so I went all out this weekend. I made breakfast for dinner and I'm so happy to report these pancakes are the bomb dot com.

This mix is so amazing in fact, that they are giving one of my readers an awesome Nicole's Naturals prize pack. You'll get the mix, one container of delicious syrup, 4 small breakfast plates, and a NN apron that you'll just love! Enter to win with the form below:

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Want to get your hands on some Nicole's Naturals Mix now? Nicole’s Naturals Gluten-Free Waffle & Pancake Mix is currently sold for $8.99 for a 22-ounce container and can be found at www.amazon.com or at www.NicolesNaturals.com.



Disclaimer: Must be 18 or older to win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook, Twitter or any other company mentioned above. You understand that you are providing your information to Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and not to Twitter, Facebook, or any other entity, I will not use your information other than to e-mail you a winning notification if you are the chosen winner. Enter using the Giveaway Tools form above. Void Where Prohibited. Please note that Lauren Paints | a beautiful life and all other bloggers participating are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes.

Big Hero 6 + My Mini Baymax in a Jar Honey-Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. Regardless, the opinions stated and all the love for Big Hero 6, Baymax, and Honey-Lemon are all mine.
#BigHero6Release #CollectiveBias

I'm a big kid at heart, always have been; anytime a new cartoon comes out, I must see it! So when I heard Big Hero 6 was coming out on Blu-Ray, you better believe we took a little trip to Walmart and added this awesome movie to our collection! I also grabbed these adorable little stuffed Baymax and Honey-Lemon plushies off Walmart.com - there are too cute, I just couldn't pass 'em up!

After watching the movie packed full of action and scientific knowledge, it inspired me to take on a science experiment of sorts - in my kitchen! My Honey-Lemon Meringue pie is a perfect science and I just had to make a treat to match the movie and my favorite characters!

My "perfect science" actually turned out to be a science experiment when our power went out for about 1/2 an hour while I was mixing up the meringue recipe. I needed a high-tech gadget from Hiro to help me whip this up, we spent what felt like forever trying to use some real manpower taking turns mixing it since it takes a pretty lengthy amount of time to really puff this meringue with an electric mixer in the first place. Thank goodness I had hubs with me to help... Luckily, the power came back on shortly after we finished prepping this recipe, so we were able to enjoy our treats without worry, even if they required a little bit of extra work. This hopefully won't be a problem for you - it was rather unfortunate but the desserts are quiet the opposite!

This delicious meringue topping is hand mixed instead of machine whipped giving it a little bit more love and a lot more fluffy flavor, these little Baymax in a Jar Honey-Lemon Meringue Pies are the perfect way to celebrate the release of Big Hero 6! Plus, since they are gluten-free, even those with allergies can have one!

I actually made these over the course of a few days, making a batch of my GF sugar cookies a few days before the lemon meringue and whipped topping.You can find the sugar cookie recipe here (make as cupcakes as shown or roll into cookies, either way) and all you'll need to do is break up a cookie to form the crust of these delicious treats. The other two parts of the recipe can be whipped up the day you plan to serve these, just so they are nice and fresh!

Mini Baymax in a Jar

Honey-Lemon Meringue Pies

Honey-Lemon Filling Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups water

1 1/4 cups sugar

4 tablespoons corn starch

1 tablespoon (gluten-free) flour

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

4 large eggs, separated and beaten (egg yolks in the filling/ egg whites for the meringue)

2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 tablespoons honey

Meringue Ingredients:

4 egg whites (room temperature)

1/4 scant teaspoon cream of tartar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

These two recipes are easiest to make in stages. You'll begin by separating 4 eggs, place the egg whites to the side and continue on making the Honey-Lemon Filling with the egg yolks.

Honey-Lemon Filling Recipe:
Combine water, sugar, cornstarch, and flour in a sauce pan, over medium/low heat - stirring with a whisk.

Once mixed together begin to add beaten egg yolks, lemon juice and lemon zest and bring to a boil. Be sure to stir the mixture consistently and allow it to boil for 10-15 minutes.

The mixture will really begin to look like a science experiment, that's when you know it's done! Remove from heat and stir in butter and honey.

Place this mixture to the side and get started on your meringue now.


Meringue Recipe:
Begin by prepping the kitchen for this recipe, set up a double-boiler (a metal or pyrex mixing bowl inside of a sauce pan half-full of water) and grab a pastry bag (or just a regular ol' ziploc and cut a whole in a corner).

Add Cream of Tartar to egg whites and mix well. Pour the mixture into the mixing bowl that's part of the double boiler.

Add sugar to the mixture and whisk consistently until the sugar no longer looks/feels grainy to the touch. It'll be a thin white mixture. It normally takes around 3-4 minutes, but could take longer depending on your double-boiler (the thickness of your bowl and the amount of water matter the most). Remove from heat.

Now's the part when I lost power and had to try to hand whip, but you should be totally fine - use a mixer on low for one minute, on a medium setting for another minute, and on high until the mixture is forming peaks that are high and don't fall flat.When it reaches the desired consistency, add in vanilla and whip just a little longer.

Assemble Your Baymax Army:
I found mini mason jars while shopping recently and fell in love, they come highly recommended in my book. If you don't have mini mason jars, shot glasses or little cups would work just as well!

Start out with a thick layer of sugar cookie crust, followed by a decent serving of Honey-Lemon filling and lastly fill the mason jar or cup to the brim with meringue topping. If you'd like you can bake these for approximately 15 minutes (but that's only to brown the meringue and isn't necessary, especially when you are without electricity). Draw a line and two circles on each serving and you officially have a little Baymax army!

Now you and everyone in your family can have a Baymax Honey-Lemon Meringue Pie while watching the adorable guy in Big Hero 6!   Enjoy!

{click here to print this recipe}

When your electric isn't being wonky, these are actually pretty simple to make and the flavors combine together to make a creamy honey-lemon treat you'll be craving for days to come. This is the perfect way to reward your big hero while watching the awesome new movie and be prepared to fall in love with Baymax more and more every time you watch this flick!

Some super awesome news, every purchase of the Big Hero 6 Blu-Ray/DVD Set  (which also includes a Gift With Purchase) includes a digital movie on Vudu while supplies last! All you have to do is scan your receipt using Savings Catcher on the Walmart app on your phone! Then look for a message on your phone or in your email,  Big Hero 6 is available to watch wherever you are with whatever device you fancy!

So now that I shared how we celebrated the release of Big Hero 6 on DVD/Blu-Ray, I'd love to hear what your plans are to watch the movie at your place? Will you be mixing up this recipe or another super fun Big Hero 6 inspired recipe?

Healthy Recipes with Weight Watchers {SUPER Easy Cheesecake Fruit Dip} + a Giveaway

Thanks to Weight Watchers, General Mills, and Publix I'll be able to continue on my #weightlossjourney with food that keeps me feeling healthy and fit! The discussion about these awesome brands is sponsored, although all opinions are my own.

As you all know, I've been bragging about my weight loss over the last few months... and while I managed to maintain my weight over the holidays (even with a few adult beverages and more than a handful of sweets included), I want to continue to lose now! Bikini season is coming soon, time to buckle down, ya know? I lost the first 20lbs, now I just need that last 15lbs to come off... and while I shared how I plan on staying active with Planet Fitness recently, today I'm sharing how I'm staying fit starting in the kitchen! This super easy recipe is perfect for a quick dish thrown together for a last minute Super Bowl Party or even just for a midnight snack!

Cheesecake Fruit Dip tastes super indulgent but doesn't leave you feeling guilty, the perfect treat!

Ingredients: 1 Yoplait Greek 100 Vanilla Yogurt 1 Jell-O Cheesecake Powder Packet 1/2 tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream Now, get ready for this super complicated recipe: In a mixing bowl, mix together Weight Watchers endorsed Yoplait Greek 100 Vanilla Yogurt, 1/2 of a Jell-O Cheesecake packet, and 1/2 tbsp. Heavy Whipping Cream and...that's all! Serve dip in a bowl, with various fruits on a serving platter - the most delicious fruit dip, ever and SO quick and easy to make! Enjoy!

I've been crafting up all kinds of delicious meals lately and can't wait to share a few more awesome recipes with you that include some of my favorite products from Publix using their coupon service! Be sure to check out more Yoplait recipes and maybe even check out some of these delicious Green Giant and Progresso Light recipes as well, so many healthy recipe options - with all of these new recipes, you are probably going to need some new kitchen gadgets and other goodies... I'm super excited to share that I've teamed up with Weight Watchers, General Mills, and Publix to offer a giveaway basket full of prizes to one lucky reader, be sure to enter to win below:

Entry-Form

If you can't wait to win, check out all of these awesome coupon deals you can score!

The Ultimate PB, Chocolate Chip, and Banana Cream French Toast - Made with Peanut Butter Alternative WOWButter

“Disclaimer: I am a member of The Social Media Panel, LLC. who was given the opportunity to review this product. However, the brand or company has not influenced me in any way to provide any type of review other than my true and honest opinions. I am disclosing all information provided in this review according to the information provided in Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Plenty of people have peanut allergies and I know first hand how serious they can be - my mother-in-law is severely allergic to peanuts so when I heard about WOWButter I was super intrigued to learn more!

I should go ahead and answer the question that probably matters the most to everyone, how does it taste? JUST like peanut butter, I mean to the extent that I couldn't tell the difference! It's creamy, smooth, and peanut buttery without containing peanuts, GMO's, gluten, added colors, flavors or preservatives... basically a heaven sent replacement to peanut butter.

As a future teacher, I plan on using only WOWButter when making myself anything that calls for peanut butter simply because even the oils from peanut butter can make someone with a peanut allergy react. It's really just a safety thing in my book and since this #SchoolSafeSpread tastes the same AND is healthier for me because it includes Omega 3's and the right kind of protein - it's just really the better option all the way around! You may not know this but peanuts are NOT considered a complete protein food because they only have 6 of 9 essential amino acid, WOWButter contains all 9 amino's making the perfect source of protein, especially for vegans and vegetarians!

Now that you know more about my favorite peanut butter replacement, I want to share my new favorite recipe to make with the tasty spread! This Loaded French Toast recipe is the perfect treat for your sweetie that can't eat peanuts! With just a sprinkling of chocolate chips and a light drizzle of Banana Cream Pie sauce the WOWButter still holds the spotlight and is complimented perfectly!

PB, Chocolate Chip, and Banana Cream Loaded French Toast - Made with Peanut Butter Alternative WOWButter       Ingredients:   1/4 cup milk  4 tbsp sugar (more to sweeten)   2 tbsp flour dash of salt salt   1 egg yolk, lightly whisked with just a dash of vanilla extract 1/2 banana 2-4 slices bread handful of chocolate chips 2-3 tbsp WowButter I actually made a banana cream pie and had left over filling and used it as a sauce, but this recipe will make an amazing sauce without giving you enough to make a pie! You'll want to begin by combining the milk, sugar, flour, and salt in a sauce pan and allowing it to slowly heat. Once it starts to thicken, spoon some of the mixture into the whisked egg and vanilla (from the stove into the mixing bowl) so that you can slowly raise the temperature of the egg without frying it. Once the egg seems to be warm enough, pour the entire mixture back into the sauce pan and allow to simmer until it thickens to your preferred consistency. You'll want to use 3/4 of your 1/2 of banana in a food processor and place the pureed banana in the mixture just before removing from heat. While you are waiting for your sauce to heat though, you can lightly toast your bread (I used gluten-free bread but you can use white, whole wheat, whatever). I simply just place mine in the toaster. I then top my bread with WowButter immediately after removing from the toaster so the WowButter slightly melts. Next you'll add a sprinkle of chocolate chips. Once your sauce is complete, top your toast with the delicious mixture (you can now fry your french toast in a pan if you would like but it taste delicious without)! I added a piece of sliced banana to the top of my Loaded French Toast and chowed down!

Enjoy!

I would like to extend my gratitude to Wowbutter again, for sponsoring this post and for making this awesome peanut butter alternative!