Showing posts with label Sylvestermouse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sylvestermouse. Show all posts

Friday, March 22, 2024

Vegan Chocolate Bunny

vegan chocolate bunny
Vegan chocolate bunny success!  

I wanted to review the "No Whey! Foods" chocolate bunny for vegans while there is still time for you to place an order and receive it by Easter.

Both my daughter and her husband are vegans.  Finding good chocolate items for them is quite difficult since they don't use any milk or dairy products. 

I wanted to send them a special Easter treat this year, so I went in search of a vegan chocolate bunny, which was my daughter's favorite Easter basket item when she was a child.  After checking several stores, I finally found one that had a lot of positive feedback.  I sent two chocolate bunnies to them.  

My daughter said these chocolate bunnies were fantastic, better than any she had ever had.  She promptly sent her dad a picture of the ears bitten off the bunny.  Biting the ears off their chocolate bunnies together was a father-daughter Easter tradition when she was a child.

I was so glad to find an Easter chocolate bunny made especially for vegans.  The chocolate bunny maker, No Whey Foods, has other vegan products too.  Now that we have discovered them, perhaps we will find more treats in their product line.


No Whey Foods Chocolate Bunny

I was searching for a chocolate bunny for vegans, but this product would appeal to others as well.

  • Vegan Friendly
  • Kosher Friendly
  • Dairy Free
  • Tree Nut Free
  • Peanut Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Soy Free

 

Ingredients 

  • Vegan Cane Sugar
  • Cocoa Butter 
  • Cocoa Mass  (the whole cocoa bean ground into a liquid)
  • Rice Syrup Powder  (sweetener that improves chewiness)
  • Sunflower Lecithin (an emulsifier - prevents ingredient separation)
  • Salt
  • Vanilla
  • Natural Flavor

Based on my daughter's opinion, I would highly recommend the No Whey! Foods chocolate bunny.




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Friday, March 15, 2024

Peonies are Lovely Spring & Summer Flowers that are Easy to Grow

peony flower
I planted my peony 25 years ago.  It continues to give me the gift of gorgeous blooms year after year.

Peonies are perennials, which is why they continue to produce lovely flowers each year.  They do well in a variety of soils.  I happen to have a clay soil and as you can see, my peony is perfectly content with her environment.  

It may surprise you to know that the large peony bush is actually a tuber that is planted in the fall.  I've never had to move my peony for extreme cold or ice.  She retreats underground before winter, but pops right back up in spring.  It is mid-march here now and I am already seeing her shoots as she prepares to fully awaken.  I don't expect to see actual blooms until late April, but my peony takes center stage when she is ready.

If you are interested in planting a peony like mine (shown on the right), she is a Sarah Barnhardt peony.  I ordered her from Breck's Nursery, which is still in business.  I prefer them because they ship at the right time for planting in your zone.  That is something I always appreciate about that nursery!  I can make an order in spring or summer (when I see a flower blooming) and then the nursery sends me the bulb or tuber at the correct planting time.  That makes gardening so much easier!  They keep up with the calendar for me.  Because bulbs & tubers require very little time to plant, it has never been inconvenient for me to plant them within a day or two of arrival.

peony shoots
First Peony Shoots in Spring


Planting Peonies

Because the peony is a tuber, it is extremely easy to plant.  The hardest part for me is determining which side is up.  Don't laugh!  I have actually spent more time inspecting a tuber, looking for the eyes, then it takes to actually plant it.


We get a moderate to high amount of wind in our area, so I elected to plant our peony in front of our south-facing fence and on the east side of the house.  The fence and house provide protection from winds which blow from west to east during a storm.

  • peony
    Late spring, early summer blooming 
  • Fall planting 
  • Plant in an area that stays well drained 
  • Full sun to partial shade
  • Dig a wider hole than necessary to loosen the dirt around it to allow the roots to grow 
  • Mix *bulb food into the soil (purchased along with the peony)
  • 1 1/2 - 2 inches deep (the pink bud eyes should be at that depth)
  • When winter arrives and the plant dies back, cut to just above ground level
  • It usually takes 2 or 3 years before a peony blooms, but they are worth the wait
*Bulb food:  I use Breck's Food for Bulbs & Perennials OR Osmocote when planting


Peony Blooms
peony bloom

The peony blooms are impressively large.  That is my husbands hand holding the flower up for me to photograph.  You can see how big the flower is compared to a mans hand.
 
I often cut them and bring them inside so I can enjoy seeing the lovely bloom throughout my day.  
 
When our children were in grade school, they loved taking a few peony blooms to their teachers.  A single peony flower is as lovely as a dozen roses, in my opinion, and I do love roses.
 

 



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House of Sylvestermouse






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, March 8, 2024

How to Bake a Delicious Turkey Breast Reviewed

Baked Turkey Breast
I've been baking whole turkeys for many years, but I don't remember ever baking just a turkey breast until recently. 

My husband loves turkey.  I bake them a few times each year during the holidays, but even with our large family gathered for the holidays, there is still turkey meat left over.  This thrills my husband because he makes turkey sandwiches with the leftovers for a few days after I bake a whole turkey for a family dinner. 

The problem has always been that once New Year's has passed, it would normally be 11 months before a turkey would grace our dinner table again.  When our local grocery store had frozen turkey breasts on sale, I decided to bake just the breast for my husband to make our beloved sandwiches.  

What a great decision!


How to Bake a Turkey Breast

Baking a delicious turkey breast is easy!  I decided to bake the turkey breast exactly the same way I bake a whole turkey.  My mother taught me decades ago how to bake a tender turkey in a Reynold's oven bag.  

Year after year, diners praise my turkey for being tender, moist and delicious.  I have never minded sharing my secret for baking a delicious turkey and now I will share how I used the same method to bake a fabulous turkey breast.

Be sure to thaw the turkey breast in the refrigerator for 2 or 3 days before you want to cook it. Because turkey packaging tends to leak, you will want to put a tray under it and/or put it in a disposable grocery bag to keep from making a mess in the refrigerator.


supplies to bake a turkey breast

Supplies 

  • Thawed Turkey Breast 
  • Reynolds Oven Bag (Turkey Size) 
  • 1 Tbsp Flour 
  • 1/4 Cup of Butter (softened) 
  • Pepper 
  • Deep Roasting Pan

  Instructions 

Step 1:  Preheat the Oven to 350° 

Step 2:  Toss 1 Tbsp flour inside the Reynolds Oven Bag

Step 3:  Hold the mouth of the bag closed and shake the bag to cover sides & top with flour

Step 4:  Put the floured bag in a 2″ deep, heavy duty roasting pan with it opened wide to make it easy to insert the turkey breast later

Step 5:  Wash the turkey completely, inside and out and remove any ice packets inside the turkey

Step 6:  Pat dry the outside of the turkey with paper towels 

Step 7:  Carefully place the turkey inside the floured bag, leaving the bag open wide

Step 8:  Rub the entire outside of the turkey with *softened butter

Step 9:  Cut the remaining butter into pieces and place the pats on top and inside of the turkey breast.

Step 10:  Pepper the outside of the turkey

Step 11:  Close and secure the bag with a nylon tie that is included with the Reynolds Oven Bags

Step 12:  Cut six 1/2″ slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape while cooking

Step 13:  Tuck the ends of the bag inside the roasting pan

Step 14:  Place the pan in the oven. Be sure to allow plenty of room for the bag to expand during cooking without touching the sides, racks, heating elements, etc. of the oven. 

Step 15:  Bake according to chart in the Reynolds Oven bag. An 8 lb. turkey breast will take 2 1/2 - 3 hrs 

 

*Softened butter - You can leave the butter on the counter for an hour before you need it or you can microwave it on defrost for 15 - 20 seconds to soften it  


Process in Pictures

turkey breast preparationWashed, Dried, Buttered, Peppered, Prepared & Ready to Close Bag

turkey breast in the bagIn the Bag, Bag Tie Secure,  & All Bag Sides Tucked Inside Pan

turkey breast in the ovenIn the Oven - Back, Sides & Top Clear


Baked Turkey Breast
Baked & Out of the Oven

At this point, you will need to let the turkey breast cool for 15 - 30 minutes.  Then, remove it from the bag, carve & serve.

According to my husband, there has never been a more delicious baked turkey breast!

 

 

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How to Bake a Delicious Turkey Breast Reviewed Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse





© 2024 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, March 1, 2024

Harlan Coben's Fool Me Once - Netflix Series Reviewed

Fool Me Once
My husband and I recently watched the Netflix series, "Fool Me Once".  We both would recommend it, even though there were times when I thought the title should have been "fools rush in".  

The main character, Maya Stern, seems to have the attitude that she is invincible, superior and the authority in any room or situation.  Frankly, she was not always very admirable.  Her rash decisions to constantly confront everyone made her seem more out of control than considered or intelligent, especially when her actions could influence her teenage niece and her teammates.  

At one point, we almost turned it off, but there was just enough suspense and mystery to the plot to keep us watching.  

I wasn't sure what I thought of the investigator, Sami Kierce, at first, but in the end he turned out to be one of my favorite actors in the series, simply because of his acting skill.  We also really liked 'Corey the Whistle' who was truly committed to revealing the truth and he seemed to genuinely care.

 

Fool Me Once Synopsis

Fool Me Once


Video Currently on Netflix

There is a lot happening in Maya Stern's life all at the same time.

She is a helicopter pilot that has recently been expelled from the military because she fired on an unverified civilian truck while trying to protect troops on the ground. 

Her beloved sister has been murdered and Maya feels there is more behind her death than just a home invasion.  Of course, Maya must investigate her sister's death. 

Then, her husband is shot in front of her while they are walking in the park and she has to endure police questioning.  Plus, her sanity is in question when she sees her husband visit their daughter on a recently acquired nanny cam.  Instead of calling the police, Maya confronts the nanny who responds by pepper-spraying her in the face and stealing the video card.  Now, the evidence that her husband may still be alive is gone.

Maya is not liked by her husband's wealthy family and her mother-in-law is equally confrontational and derogatory.  Sparks fly every time the two of them are together, or even talk on the phone.  



I'll close by telling you the same thing I told my parents, watch it to the end! The end makes all the rest worth it.


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Harlan Coben's Fool Me Once (2024) - Netflix Series Reviewed by:
House of Sylvestermouse




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, February 23, 2024

Chicken Broccoli Casserole aka Chicken Divan Recipe Review

chicken divan recipe
My aunt shared her Chicken Divan recipe with our family over 40 years ago and I have been making it ever since. Every member of our family will eat it (except the vegans), which is pretty miraculous. It is very rare to find a recipe that everyone likes. 

The original recipe called for frozen broccoli, however a few years back, I started making it with fresh broccoli, which the members of my household prefer. However, that does take a little more preparation time. Both frozen or fresh broccoli need to be cooked before the casserole is assembled, but fresh broccoli has to be washed and cut up into bite-size pieces. I usually just break the florets off the stems while rinsing the broccoli instead of cutting it up. 

After I wash it and separate the florets from the stems, I pour melted butter on the broccoli, add a little salt and pepper, then steam it for 8 minutes.  If I use less than 4 bunches of broccoli, I would adjust the steam time to 5 or 6 minutes, then taste test the broccoli before adding it to the casserole dish. 

I boil the chicken breasts in a large pot (5qt dutch oven) of water for 1 hr.  After it cools, I remove/discard the bones and skin.  Then I shred the chicken into bite-size pieces. 

*If you use fresh broccoli, you need 1 stick of butter to melt & pour over the broccoli before steaming

 

Broccoli
I used 4 bunches of Broccoli Crowns in the casserole shown

Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
aka Chicken Divan Recipe 


Prep Time Cook Time Ready In Yields
1 hr 30 min. 35 min. 2 hrs 6 - 8 servings

Ingredients

    chicken divan ingredients
  • 3 – 4 Chicken Breasts  (cooked – deboned -- shredded)
  • 3 or 4 Bunches of Fresh Broccoli OR 20 oz. Frozen Chopped Broccoli (2 Boxes)
  • 2 Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (we prefer the Sargento brand)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise

  • Directions 

    • Cook Chicken Breasts  (see boiling chicken directions above)
    • Steam Broccoli  (see steaming directions and time above)
    • Line the bottom of the casserole dish with steamed broccoli 
    • Cover the broccoli with cooked & shredded chicken 
    • In a separate bowl, Mix chicken soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice & 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese together 
    • Spread the soup/mayonnaise/cheese mixture over the chicken 
    • Cover with remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese 

     

    chicken divan in layers
    You won't be able to see the chicken and broccoli once the soup mixture is spread across the entire top of casserole,
    but I wanted you to see how densely packed each layer should be.

    Chicken Divan Ready to Bake
    Ready to Bake


    Bake on 350° (325 convection oven) for 35 minutes

     

    Chicken Divan Baked & Ready to Serve
    Baked and Ready to Serve

     

     

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    Chicken Broccoli Casserole aka Chicken Divan Recipe Review Written by:
    House of Sylvestermouse





    © 2024 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
     



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, February 16, 2024

A Perilous Circumstance by Laura Beers - Book Review

A Perilous Circumstance Book Review
A Perilous Circumstance is the 3rd book in the "Gentlemen of London" Regency Romance series by Laura Beers.  Thus far, it is my favorite in the series because of the unique plot, but all of the books have been enjoyable and review worthy.

Regency Romance novels are set during the time period of the British Regency (1811-1820).  They could be categorized as clean and wholesome since they do not contain explicit sex, gory content, or foul language.   

This is the first book series that I have read by Laura Beers, but it won't be the last.  I really enjoy her writing style and the characters she creates.

It would not be absolutely necessary to read this series in order, but the books share a lot of the same characters.  Each character is more thoroughly developed in the specific book written about them, their families and their lives.  Plus, their "occupations" will make more sense.  For instance, do you know the difference in a Bow Street Runner and an agent of the Crown?  That is explained in the first book in the series, "A Treacherous Engagement".  Without that explanation you might be wondering why some of the characters in "A Perilous Circumstance" have more authority, secrets, and connections.  Therefore, I would recommend reading them in order.


A Perilous Circumstance Synopsis

Miss Georgie Holbrooke is an heiress who has not yet reached her majority (the age where she is considered an adult).  She is still under the authority of her older brother, since her parents are deceased.  

 A Perilous Circumstance: A Regency Romance (Gentlemen of London)Check PriceUnlike her father, her brother is a brute who expects her to "perform" exactly as he demands and doesn't hesitate to hit her in order to force her compliance.  He has agreed to an arranged marriage for Georgie with a detestable man.  Georgie knows she must save herself, but she doesn't know how.  It is her loyal family servants who come up with a plan and a way to escape.  Because the cooks brother is a solicitor, he knows of an opening for a headmistress at an orphanage in the rookeries (the slums).  An orphanage would be the perfect hiding place since no one would think an heiress would be working there.

The Earl of Grenton is all alone in the world except for his old friends from his college days at Eton. William is often overwhelmed by his grief, but is determined to continue working and provide for those who depend on him.  He is also determined to see that his deceased mother's dream of providing a safe orphanage is fulfilled.  However, one of her expectations was to have a lady, a woman of means, serve as the headmistress.  Finding a lady who will work in the rookeries has not been an easy task.  Unfortunately, the lady that his solicitor has found seems to be secretive and rather demanding in his opinion.  Not only did she bring her lady's maid, but she also arrived with several other servants.  An orphanage simply does not have "servants" and he refuses to pay them in addition to supporting the entire orphanage.

Thus, there is a standoff between William Cobbett, the Earl of Grenton who needs a headmistress that is a lady of quality and the new headmistress, Miss Georgie Holbrooke known only to him as Miss Lloyd.  Georgie is also in a difficult place since she has no where else to go.

For those who love a romance novel with a touch of suspense, I highly recommend this book.  I must admit, I was truly surprised by who betrayed Georgie.

 


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Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, February 9, 2024

Love's Sweet Recipe (2021) Movie Review

Loves Sweet Recipe
I can certainly understand how anyone who enjoys cooking would think of everything in terms of being a "recipe".

We hear phrases like "recipe for happiness" or "recipe for life", therefore it makes sense for a happily married chef to write a book on his "recipe for love".  

The husband/father in this movie is deceased, but he has left behind his book, "The Rule Book of Love" filled with idioms, quotes and memories.  His wife and daughter cherish this book and the love expressed within it's pages.  It becomes the inspiration for the changes in the restaurant, as well as Courtney's life.

I was not familiar with the actors in "Love's Sweet Recipe", so when I spotted this movie in the lineup on the Great American Pure Flix channel, I was pretty excited to "meet" two new people.  Turns out, I liked both Megan Hutchings and Damon Runyan.

This is a really cute story with delightful characters.  I highly recommend it for those romantics at heart who believe in a recipe for love.


"Love's Sweet Recipe" Movie Synopsis

Courtney Preston (Megan Hutchings) is a chef that is temporarily helping her mother run her father's restaurant.  Her plan is to return to her own career in New York as soon as she can get the restaurant back on solid ground financially.  Of course, her mother would love for Courtney to permanently move back home and take over the restaurant.  But, that is not the life Courtney has planned for herself.

The other main character, Jake Turner (Damon Runyan), was a pro baseball player.  However, after he is injured and can no longer pitch, he decides to pursue his love for baking and go to culinary school.  When he graduates, he returns to his hometown and the girl he once admired from afar.  When he proposes a business arrangement to work in her restaurant and do the baking, Courtney only briefly hesitates to take him up on his offer.  After all, she really does need the help and Jake needs a place to bake. 

Of course with a title like "Love's Sweet Recipe", you pretty much know what to expect, but it is still a sweet recipe for an enjoyable movie.

 



More Great American Family Movie Reviews

Fall Into Winter (2023)

A Brush With Christmas (2022)

Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023)

A Dash of Christmas (2023)

From Chicago With Love (2023) 

Accidentally Engaged (2016)


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Love's Sweet Recipe (2021) Movie Review by:
House of Sylvestermouse




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Friday, February 2, 2024

Groundhogs aka Woodchucks and Groundhog Day, February 2 Reviewed

Punxsutawney Phil
Attribution: Anthony Quintano on
WikiMedia Commons CC By-SA 4.0 Deed
One of the most popular and recognized animals on earth is the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil.  He is the little creature we all turn to on Groundhog Day each year to get our weather forecast.  

No one can deny this little fellow is adorable, especially when he declares spring is coming soon!  Of course, we still love him when he sees his shadow and predicts 6 more weeks of winter, but he just seems so much sweeter when he doesn't see his shadow and promises an early spring.

In spite of the fact that groundhogs have a lifespan of 6 years, Punxsutawney Phil has been making his weather predictions since 1886.  Yes, it is true (folklore)!  As the story goes, Phil drinks "groundhog punch" aka his "elixir of life" at the picnic each year, therefore he has lived a lot longer than the average groundhog life expectancy. 

The celebrated groundhog makes his appearance on Groundhog Day, February 2 each year, to give his prediction.  He only speaks to the current president of the Groundhog Club.  Then the president translates his "groundhogese" into English for the rest of us.  Personally, I blame the club president for disturbing this old fellow and not Phil when he declares, "you will have 6 more weeks of winter!"


Early Spring Has Been Predicted by Punxsutawney Phil for 2024!
Punxsutawney Phil Groundhog Day 2022 Pennsylvania (51858204001)
Anthony Quintano from Mount Laurel, United States, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Facts About Groundhogs

baby groundhog
Baby Groundhog
Attribution: LadyCamera, CC BY-SA 4.0,
via Wikimedia Commons

Groundhogs are members of the rodent family and are considered the largest squirrels in North America.  They have short legs and long, curved claws which allow them to burrow.  They prefer woodland areas, hedges, or open areas with plenty of ground coverage.  They can be found in the eastern parts of North America and southern Canada.

Groundhogs live alone.  Even a mother groundhog will send her babies on the way after a few months and reclaim her burrow for single occupancy. 

Groundhogs, also known as Woodchucks, eat twigs, bark, plant stems and leaves (not the seeds or blooms) and can live up to 6 years.  

An adult woodchuck will grow to approximately 2 feet and will weight somewhere between 5 - 11 lbs.

Groundhogs are one of the few animals that are true hibernators. They sleep all winter long, relying completely on their reserves of fat to stay alive. Their metabolism slows down to a fraction of normal levels to ensure their survival.   Most hibernators wake up to find food or urinate, but groundhogs don't even do that.

When threatened, groundhogs will make a shrill sound which is why they also have the nickname of whistlepigs.

 







to Read about More Beautiful and Endangered Animals!


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Groundhogs aka Woodchucks and Groundhog Day, February 2 Review Written by:
House of Sylvestermouse




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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