Have you ever been attacked by an angry mob?

Me neither. I’d like to keep it that way.

That’s why I’m writing this. I’ve gotten a few panicky, anxious, and outright terrified emails from readers. It seems they heard that I’ve stopped eating sugar.

I’ll open my mouth, you shovel it in.

Um, yeah. I must confirm their suspicions. After all, it’s sorta true and they got the info directly from me on Facebook.

The thing is, this little blog isn’t going to change. Not even a little. At least, not in the foreseeable future. So, please, put down the pitchforks and step away from the straightjackets. I don’t need one. At least, I don’t think I need one?

I’ve been without sugar for 9 days now, so my judgement might be off. Just promise, if I do end up in a straightjacket, someone will be there to feed me the clearanced Reese’s Eggs.

So, here’s the deal.

I would like there to be less of me. Less of the fat parts, obviously. I’ll hang on to the good parts.

Hello, lover.

The way I’m trying to achieve that is by cutting carbs, which sadly means that I must cut sugar.

I’m eating around 15ish carbs a day. Do you know how many carbs are in a tablespoon of Nutella? 12. Which means that I’m surviving on just 1 tablespoon of Nutella per day!

Okay, no. I’m not. I’m just eating more meat than I’ve ever seen (like, 150 grams of protein a day, y’all. Its ridiculous.) and plenty of those stupid green things that we call vegetables.

Vegetables can go jump off a cliff. And they can take eggs with them. Just leave me my bacon.

I have a few more dessert-y treats to share with you that I made back when I was a normal, sugar-eating human being and a couple of low carb dishes that I ate even before I lost my mind and limited my carbs.

By the time those recipes are shared with you, I’ll most likely be back to eating sugar. In moderation, of course. Or, you know, not in moderation. Who can say, really?

So, like I said. No need for angry emails/pitchforks/straightjackets. We’re all good.

Our mornings usually start out pretty lazily. Well, lazy for the kids and me. The husband wakes up bright and early at 5am and is out the door by 5:30. Poor guy. The kids and I tend to sleep in (one of the perks of homeschooling, you know) and just grab breakfast (usually cereal or oatmeal) before we start our school day.

The weekends, however, are a whole different matter.

We still keep things lazy, and we certainly don’t set any alarms for Saturday morning. Most Saturdays involve the kids torturing their daddy awake with wet-willies and violent piggy back rides. You’d think he’d just learn to get out of bed before they can attack, but those few minutes of being pummeled and jumped on always seem to prepare him for the 48 hours of horseplay ahead of him.

I, of course, stay far away from the flailing elbows and pointy knees. The kitchen is much safer for me.

The kids always ask for pancakes for breakfast on Saturday mornings, and most weekends I’m happy to oblige them. Keep an eye out for the recipe for our favorite chocolate pancakes!

When IHOP© recently asked me to share my breakfast routine with you, I knew that I had to talk about our Saturday morning pancakes.

Unfortunately, our town doesn’t have very many restaurants, and the nearest IHOP is about 30 minutes away. This means that Saturday morning pancakes are almost always made by the mama.

I was excited to hear about IHOP at Home® Syrup! If I’m too lazy to shower and drive to IHOP, I can still enjoy their syrup.

We’ve been loving their Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity® Strawberry syrup. It’s outrageously good, especially on chocolate pancakes. Who wouldn’t love the taste of chocolate covered strawberries for breakfast? And, no, I can’t say the name of that syrup without using a high pitched sing-song voice. It gets plenty of eye-rolls from the family.

Their Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity® Blueberry syrup is a fun way to jazz your pancakes up, too. My husband would probably have a stroke if I put actual fruit in his pancakes, but fruit in his syrup seems to be okay. He’s kind of weird.

Of course, their Original syrup will always be the winner, in my opinion. It’s sweet and sticky and pretty much makes my mornings complete. I like to dip my bacon or sausage in it, too. That’s not weird, right?

Click here to find out where you can purchase your own IHOP at Home® Syrup or connect with them on Facebook! For a chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card and an IHOP at Home® Syrup gift pack, leave a comment answering the following question:

What does your family think of IHOP at Home® Syrup?

SWEEPSTAKES/GIVEAWAY RULES No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here.  This sweepstakes runs from March 1, 2012 – March 31, 2012.

Be sure to visit the IHOP at Home® Syrup round-up page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Would you like to know what can shoot me straight back to 6^thgrade in a hurry? Hostess^® HoHos®. Those were my lunch of choice back then. I mean, sure, my mom packed sandwiches and bags of chips, but we all know my main focus was on the cake. I haven’t changed much, have I?

What about those Hostess^® CupCakes^® with the squiggle frosting on top? I can’t look at those without instantly transforming into a freckle-faced, skinny, little girl child.

Twinkies^®? Well, I’m going to be honest here and admit I was 29 years old the first time I ever ate a Twinkie^®. And, um, SURPRISE! I’m 29 years old right now. 29 has been a very exciting year. I’m not sure why I never ate a Twinkie^® as a child. It probably had something to do with the fact that I was always reaching for the chocolatey treats instead of the vanilla flavored ones. The, one day, someone handed me a deep fried Twinkie^®, and I scarfed that bad boy down. It was divine.

I’ve since eaten a few Twinkies^® straight from the package, no frying involved. I’m a Twinkie^® convert.

Did y’all know that Hostess^® has a couple of new products out?

Chocolate Crème Twinkies^® just happen to be one of them. Um, let me go ahead and repeat that for you. Chocolate Crème Twinkies^®. Are you at a loss for words? I kind of am. I mean, you have that delicious vanilla Twinkie^® cake, and then you have this creamy, chocolatey concoction oozing out of the center? Heaven, y’all. Pure heaven.

Oh and did I fail to talk about Donettes^®? I didn’t mention those taking me right back to childhood, because I still eat them quite often. They are so convenient and make a great quick breakfast for mornings we’re required to be up and out of the house all too early.

These new Frosted Devil’s Food Donettes^® have a delicious chocolatey coating on the outside, just like the other version, but the inside is full of chocolatey goodness. My kids dunked them in milk for breakfast and declared me the best mother ever.

The thing is, I bake a lot. I don’t buy a ton of prepackaged treats for my kids. Every now and then, though, I grab them a little something from the store that reminds me of my own childhood, and I surprise the kids (and husband!) with them. Sure, they like my homemade brownies and warm from the oven cookies, but they go a little crazy over the Hostess^® treats.

Donettes^® are one of the most popular Hostess^® products, and they are also my favorite!

To be entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card, courtesy of BlogHer and Hostess^®, leave a comment sharing your favorite Hostess^® snack cake memories!

SWEEPSTAKES/GIVEAWAY RULES

No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post

b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 2/29/12 – 3/31/12.

Be sure to visit the Promotions & Prizes page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

]]> http://bunsinmyoven.com/2012/03/01/hostess-and-a-giveaway/feed/ 236 http://bunsinmyoven.com/2012/02/16/random-thing-thursday/ http://bunsinmyoven.com/2012/02/16/random-thing-thursday/#comments Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:16:45 +0000 Karly http://bunsinmyoven.com/?p=4173 Tweet

That title makes it sound like Random Thing Thursday is going to happen every Thursday, doesn’t it? And the way I capitalized the title in that last sentence? Also makes you think this is some big, exciting, new recurring event.

It’s not. I’m really not good at sticking to things, like weekly blog posts about random things. I’d fail almost immediately.

But, today I’m feeling random and it’s Thursday, so there you go.

1. My first random thing is Pinterest. I’m addicted, you’re addicted, everyone is addicted. Follow me on Pinterest, leave me a link to your account in the comments (hint: www.pinterest.com/your_user_name will take me where I can follow you) and I’ll click over and follow you back. Deal?

2. My second random thing is vacation. I’m going on one in ten days. A cruise…to the Bahamas…with no children…or husband. Just girls. It’s going to be one big slumber party/booze fest/sun burny good time. I can not wait. Would y’all rather I repost some old favorite recipes of mine from the archives or just go silent for the week? Do you really care? Does anyone even read the words I blather to the Internets anyway?

3. The third random thing is facebook. And how you would know how heartbreakingly adorable my daughter is if you followed me on facebook.

This morning, as she was eating her second breakfast of the day, she got all wistful looking and gave a big, dramatic sigh.

“I wish bacon grew on trees,” she said.

It’s like she’s my own little mini-me.

4. Is it too early for Spring cleaning? On the one hand, my house could really use a good, deep cleaning. On the other hand, does anyone want to come over and take care of that for me? I’m really not into manual labor.

5. This is what a school day around my house looks like:

Homeschooling is fun! But only because I get to be the teacher. And wear pajamas.

6. Have you tried that new cheesy bread from Domino’s Pizza? It’s outrageous. I ordered two of them last time so that one could be just for me. I made the husband and kids split the second one. Don’t judge me. Related: We’re having Domino’s for dinner tonight. (Not sponsored content, obviously. Just sharing my deep and undying love for all things cheese.)

7. Don’t freak out. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. Want a hint of what tomorrow’s recipe might be? It’s a homemade version of my favorite store bought cookie. You should stop back by and check it out. You can find it right here.

The fabulous Deborah, from Taste and Tell, is featuring me on her weekly blogger spotlight today. I’d love it if you all hopped over and read the interview! There is even a link to my favorite recipe on this blog. Hint – The recipe looks like this:

Want to check it out? Click here!

I love digging up old recipes that I’ve made and sharing them with you again. So many of the good ones just seem to get buried and that makes me cry. Dainty, girly tears with no snot or anything, of course. And none of that red splotchiness that happens to some girls. No, I have a very pretty lady-like cry.

Okay, no I don’t.

But, maybe that’s what Santa will bring me this year? The ability to cry without scaring small children with the aftermath of my face?

It’s a nice thought.

In the meantime, I have recipes that you should look at, drool over, and then make to share with your friends and family this year.

Let’s start with breakfast, shall we?

From top to bottom, and left to right, we have Biscuit Donuts, Apple Cider Donuts, Chocolate Chip Surprise Muffins, Biscuits with Chocolate Gravy, Crescents stuffed with chocolate, Cinnamon Biscuit Balls, and Cinnamon Sugar Brioche Buns. Easiest recipe has to be the chocolate stuffed crescents, and my favorite of those recipes is probably the canned biscuit donuts. The best presentation and ahhhh factor would be the Brioche buns. You’re pretty much guaranteed a win with all of them, though.

Moving on to appetizers, breads, and side dishes, we have my favorite baked mac and cheese, Bloomin’ Onion Bread, Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole, Hot Bacon Cheese Dip, Pretzel Rolls, BLT Macaroni Salad, Jalapeno Popper Dip, Three Cheese Spread, Scalloped Corn, and candied nuts. These are all pretty simple recipes, but the easiest is probably the Scalloped Corn, which is also my most favorite recipe. It’s amazingly delish. The recipe sure to get the most ooh’s and ahhh’s is the candied nuts. People go crazy over the nuts.

And, of course, I have a bazillion favorite dessert recipes. I have a hard time narrowing these guys down.

We’ve got Butter Pecan Squares, Caramel Pecan Brownie Cake, Chocolate Espresso Snowcaps, Holiday Bark, Eclair Cake, Maple Cinnamon Quick Bread, Peanut Butter Brownies, Peanut Butter & Banana Pound Cake, Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites, Pumpkin Crunch Cake, Sweet & Salty Brownies, Chocolate Whoopie Pies, and Butter Cookies.  The easiest recipes out of these are probably the éclair cake and the holiday bark. Both are amazing. I seriously can not choose favorites from this list, though. I will say that every single year I absolutely MUST make Butter Cookies. They are like sugar cookies, but one million times better. They’re my all-time favorite cookie. The Sweet & Salty Brownies are my all-time favorite brownie. Everything else is just plain delicious and must be made, whether it’s for the holidays or just because.

I hope you all have a super fabulous time this holiday season. Love you, miss you, talk to you soon-ish.

Some of you have probably noticed my shiny new digs, but I wanted to take you on the official Buns In My Oven tour.

Grab some wine and prepare to be amazed.

Okay, so that may be a bit of an over-sell.

Grab your wine and prepare to see pretty stuff.

There. That’s better.

Let’s start at the top, shall we?

You’ll notice the new header, of course, but off to the right is a featured recipe. That will get changed weekly. Or, you know, how ever often I feel like. Don’t boss me around.

I hope the featured recipe will make you squeal just as much as it makes me squeal. Now the old recipes will have a chance to shine again! Yay!

Moving down, there is a gray menu bar. Off the right is a search function. Use it. It’s your friend.

Below that, on the right, is a blurb about me. You can click it to read more. You know, in case you find me interesting and just can’t get enough.

Keep scrolling down past the ads and you come to THE BOX. THE BOX is all capitalized because it’s just that fabulous.

In THE BOX, you will find all of the different ways to stalk me. Click them all! It’s okay. You don’t scare me. You can also explore the other two tabs in THE BOX to view my archives or different categories.

Below THE BOX, on the left, is a button. Feel free to grab it and share it on your blog. I’m not sure if people actually do that or not, but I thought I’d put it there just in case.

Under the button is a section titled “other yum-yums.” This is one of my favorite features. You’ll find links to some of my favorite food bloggers here, but the fun part is that these links will change just about everytime you check my site. It’s a surprise every time you visit! I love surprises.

Over in the far right sidebar, you’ll see more ads. Feel free to click on those and help a girl out. Or don’t. Whatev.

I think that just about concludes the tour. Please do not exit the ride until we have come to a complete stop.

Big thanks to Jessica of Southtown Creative for creating the new site, putting up with all of my whining, panicking, and change requests, and for just generally being a cool girl.

And things are crazytown up in here. Hope to be back to normal soon.

Please cross all of the appendages you can. I’m gonna need it.

Y’all might have noticed a few changes around here lately. Specifically, my recipes are formatted differently. I hope you like the way they look, because I LOVE it! They seem so much more clean and streamlined.

The best part isn’t how easy they are to read, though. The best part? PRINTABILITY. Yes, that’s a word. Shuddup.

The other best part? The universal recipe box! You’ll notice a blue button inside each recipe box that says “Save Recipe.” Click that and a box will pop up and ask you to log in. I know…I hate logging in to crap too, but you can log in via Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, Google, and more so you won’t need to remember another password. Click the button to add the recipe to your box and from there you can view all of the recipes you have saved or you can go to your shopping list.

That’s right. Shopping list. Right from my blog! Fun, right?

Keep in mind that your recipe box is universal. What that means is that you can add recipes from other sites using ZipList (the plugin that is allowing all of this magic to happen). Sites like Woman’s Day, Skinny Taste, A Southern Fairytale, and Recipe Girl. There are tons more sites using ZipList, so have fun adding recipes to your box from all over the web!

There are still some bugs. Every now and then you might try printing a recipe and it takes you to the printable version of the wrong recipe. I also haven’t had a chance to switch all of my old recipes over to the new format, so this is only working on the last month or two worth of recipes. I’m working on getting them all switched over, though. All of the bugs should be worked out soon as well.

If you have any questions about any of the new features, please let me know! Are there any other features you’d like to see? I’m planning a big site redesign for 2012, so I’d love to hear your thoughts if you have any requests or ideas!

I have a secret. It probably wasn’t supposed to be a secret, but life got in the way and I never had a chance to spill the beans (spill the beans…just a little food blog humor for your Monday morning). This secret is one that I’d like you to share with, well, every single person you know. Feel free to share with people that you don’t know as well! Just spread the word, y’all!

Oh, the secret? You mean you actually want to know what I’m talking about?

Whatev. I guess I’ll tell you.

I, uh, am in a book. A BOOK, y’all. One with a hard cover and everything. But the best part about this book is that all the proceeds, every last little bit, goes to the Red Cross. I mean, I don’t know if you’ve noticed or anything, but things have been cuh-razy up in here over the last year. Earthquakes and tsunamis and, well, just natural disaster after natural disaster. I’m beyond excited to be a part of something that will be helping those affected by these natural disasters!

The book I am talking about is a cookbook with favorite recipes from 50+ bloggers! You know what this means, right? It means this is going to be one ridiculously yummy cookbook.

After seeing the devastation in Japan, several amazing blogs teamed together wanting to somehow make a difference. More than 50 blogs donated one of their favorite recipes to be compiled into an incredible cookbook designed by chickabug (design talent was 100% donated as well). Basically a lot of people worked really hard to make something extraordinary. Now, it’s in your hands to make a difference.

This one-of-a-kind cookbook was originally only going to be offered as an E-book for a $10 donation. Now it’s also available as a hardback book thanks to our favorite publisher, Paper Coterie, who was willing to donate 100% of the supplies, and 100% of the cost of printing for this amazing cause.

The E-book is for sale here for a $10 donation. If you have a computer in your kitchen or an electronic reader, (ipad, kindle,etc.) this is the copy for you. You can just click on the recipe you want from the table of contents and it will take you right there. It’s sweet.

The hard cover cookbook is also available, (wait for it…) for only $10.

You will be amazed at the quality of this book. The only extra expense you will have will be for shipping ($4 or more depending on where you live and how many copies you order).

Thank you, thank you, thank you. You can smile knowing you made a difference to someone, somewhere. And you can smile because you will have a beautiful full color recipe book with gorgeous pictures and delicious recipes to try. We truly hope you love the cookbook. We think you will. You might just want to buy one for your mom, sister, and mother-in-law for Christmas.

Please share this post with your friends and family on your blog, facebook, and twitter. Let’s make this go VIRAL! How cool would that be?

Here is a button to put on your blog:

and the link:

http://recipestohelp.bigcartel.com/

Remember 100% of the proceeds will be benefiting the American Red Cross.

*The American Red Cross name is used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, individual or political position. For more information about the American Red Cross, please call 1-800-HELP NOW or email info@usa.redcross.org

While you’re clicking around, check out my review of OnStar’s new FMV mirror!