Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats

I am in love with ChocZero's amazing new keto-friendly marshmallows. As soon as I received my first order, I knew I wanted to pair them with Magic Spoon cereal to make a healthier version of my husband's favorite marshmallow cereal treats. However, I didn't want to make just a plain, garden-variety, healthified version of the traditional treats. Instead, I came up with this fabulous, extra-delicious recipe where the vanilla flavored marshmallow and frosted cereal is studded with bursts of extra flavor from chopped salted pistachios, unsweetened dried cherries and sugar-free dark chocolate chips.

In today's review, I'm delighted to share my brand new, original recipe that is gluten-free, grain-free and has no added sugars. Enjoy!

My photos don't do justice to these firm yet ooey-gooey, healthy marshmallow cereal treats studded with chopped pistachios, dried cherries and dark chocolate chips. They're insanely good!

Healthy Marshmallow Cereal Treats That Taste Even Better Than the Original!

One of my favorite things about these treats is that they are firm and non-sticky when cooled while also having a fun, ooey-gooey, chewy consistency when you bite into them. This recipe truly exceeded even my high expectations for developing it. More importantly, it also earned the ultimate compliment from my husband, a dyed-in-the-wool Rice Krispie treats lover who said these are even better than the ones made from the sugar-laden original recipe!

I do want to give credit to two recipes that influenced the development of mine. The first is Scott Loitsch's Rice Krispie Treats recipe (account required) from The New York Times' "NYT Cooking" section, which gave me the idea to brown the butter before stirring in the marshmallows. The second is Maya Krampf's Healthy Rice Krispie Treats recipe from the Wholesome Yum website, which recommended coarsely chopping the cereal (I decided to coarsely crush mine instead).

The idea of adding chopped pistachios, cherries and sugar-free dark chocolate chips was entirely my own.

Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free and Grain-Free Ingredients Are Just Healthy Options. Make These Treats Your Way!

If you aren't concerned about healthy eating, feel free to substitute conventional marshmallows, chocolate chips and your favorite plain or frosted cereal (including Rice Krispies, if you like) to make these scrumptious sweet treats. 

You definitely don't want to miss out on this fabulous, extra-special version of the beloved, traditional Rice Krispie treats recipe. Your family is sure to love my new variation!

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

I wish you could taste these incredibly yummy treats that no one would believe are actually healthy!

Author: Margaret Schindel

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5-10 minutes

Cooling Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 16

Ingredients

• 7-ounce (198 g) box grain-free cereal, Frosted flavor (I used Magic Spoon), coarsely crushed with a rolling pin
• 1/2 cup roasted and salted pistachios (I used Wonderful), coarsely chopped 
• 1/3 cup unsweetened dried cherries (I used Sunrise), chopped
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsweetened butter (I used Vital Farms), plus extra for greasing baking pan and parchment paper
• 10-ounce (283 g) bag keto-friendly marshmallows, no sugar added (I used ChocZero)
• 1 tsp. kosher flake salt (I used Penzeys)
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (I used Penzeys double-strength)
• 1.75 ounces (50 g) sugar-free dark chocolate baking chips (I used ChocZero)

Directions

1. Lightly butter a 9-inch square baking pan. Line it with baking parchment, leaving enough overhang to serve as handles. Generously butter both the parchment-lined pan and an additional small sheet of parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Use your hands to mix the coarsely crushed cereal with the chopped pistachios and dried cherries. Gently rub the cherry pieces between your fingers to coat with cereal crumb "dust" so they don't stick together. Set the mixture aside.
3. In a 5-quart, nonstick stock pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it starts to foam. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking for another two to three minutes, stirring constantly with a silicone spoon or spoonula (spoon spatula), until the milk solids turn a deep golden brown. (Note: It took about five minutes on my glass top electric stove.) 
4.  Use the back of the silicone spoon to smear some of the melted, browned butter halfway up the sides of the pot and add the marshmallows, salt and vanilla. Take the pot off the heat and immediately start stirring the marshmallows into the hot butter until they are mostly melted.
5. Quickly stir in the cereal, pistachio and dried cherries mixture.
6. Pour/scrape half of the mixture into the prepared baking pan, then sprinkle with half of the dark chocolate baking chips. Use the extra sheet of buttered parchment to press down gently to level the surface. Quickly repeat with the other half of the marshmallow mixture and the remaining chocolate chips.
7. Allow to cool at room temperature for 60 minutes.
8. Use the overhanging parchment paper "handles" to life the cooled slab out of the pan and invert it onto a cutting board. Peel off the parchment and use a long, sharp chef's knife to cut the slab into 16 squares.
9. Turn the squares right side up, then serve. Wrap any leftover pieces individually in either wax paper or parchment paper and place inside an airtight storage container. Store at room temperature (do not refrigerate, which will cause them to harden too much) or freeze.

Nutrition Facts

Here are the nutrition facts for one serving of this recipe as calculated by the Carb Manager premium app, using the My Recipes feature to create a custom recipe and entering the ingredients and quantities listed in this recipe post. My photo of all the ingredients to shows the exact brands and products I used for each ingredient (the butter is Vital Farms unsalted grass-fed butter).

I used the Carb Manager premium app's custom recipe feature to calculate the nutrition facts for this recipe, using the exact brands shown in my ingredients photo.

Tips for Making My Extra-Special Healthy Marshmallow Cereal Treats

Here are my tips for getting great results.

Choose the Ingredients That Fit Your Dietary Requirements and Taste Preferences

These are the exact ingredients and brands I used, and the ones on which the nutrition facts are based.

I chose ChocZero marshmallows with no added sugar and ChocZero dark chocolate sugar-free baking chips, which are sweetened with low-glycemic sweeteners that don't upset my tummy, unlike some other brands that give my husband and me gastric distress. (Note: I bought my baking chips last year, before the packaging was updated.)

Similarly, I chose Magic Spoon grain-free, gluten-free frosted cereal with no added sugars, one of the few such cereals that doesn't cause us digestive issues. (I initially bought a variety pack to try several flavors after reading my fellow Review This Reviews contributor Barbara's Magic Spoon keto cereal product review and both my husband and I really like all the flavors we have tried so far.) 

If you want to make these treats low carb and keto-friendly, be sure to choose unsweetened dried cherries with no added sugars and minimal other ingredients. I chose unsweetened Sunrise Dried Cherries that contain only one ingredient: sweet cherries. They are surprisingly sweet, moist and delicious, and since the 1/3 cup used in this recipe is divided among 16 servings, the net carbs can fit within all but the most strict keto diet regimens. They also add a nice bit of dietary fiber and healthy polyphenols.

Crush the Cereal While It's Still Inside the Bag

I used a rolling pin to coarsely crush the cereal inside the bag before opening it.

The first time I made these I tried coarsely chopping the cereal, but found it made a mess that was hard to corral. Pressing on the cereal with a rolling pin while it's still inside the sealed bag is a much neater and, for me, easier way to accomplish the same end.

Line Your Baking Pan With Parchment and Butter Generously

After crushing my cereal and chopping my pistachios and dried cherries, I measure and set out all my ingredients ("mise en place") so I can move quickly during this recipe, when time is of the essence.

Keto marshmallows with no added sugar do not behave exactly the same way as conventional marshmallows made with sugar, especially when they are melted.

Trust me when I tell you that butter alone, no matter how generously applied, is not enough to prevent this marshmallow mixture from gluing itself to your baking pan!

Make sure to butter your 9x9-inch square baking pan (to help prevent the parchment paper from sliding around), paying special attention to the corners, line the buttered pan with two sheets of parchment paper and then generously butter the parchment. Make sure to cut the parchment paper long enough so that the overhang can serve as handles to let you lift the cooled marshmallow cereal treats out easily. 

Mix the Crushed Cereal, Chopped Pistachios and Dried Cherries

Mixing the cereal, chopped pistachios and dried cherries ahea of time helps to ensure that they are evely distributed into the browned butter-marshmallow mixture quickly.

As soon as the marshmallows are added to the browned butter, the mixture will be very thick and can harden if stirred too long or reheated. Combining the pistachios and dried cherries into the cereal ahead of time lets you incorporate these dry ingredients into the thick, melted marshmallow and butter mixture quickly and still get a fairly even distribution.

Tip: Use your hands to mix the nuts and fruit into the coarsely crushed cereal and rub the sticky chopped cherry bits between your fingers to coat them with cereal crumb "dust" and separate them.

Brown the Melted Butter for a Rich, Slightly Caramelized Flavor

When the melted butter starts to foam, turn the heat down to low and stir constantly...

...until the milk solids turn a deep golden brown.

This is a trick I picked up from Scott Loitsch's Rice Krispie Treats recipe in NYT Cooking, and it's a dandy one. 

The added richness and depth of flavor is subtle but significant!

Add the Chocolate Chips in Layers (vs. Mixing Them In)

To avoid partially melting the chocolate chips, sprinkle them in the middle and on top of the marshmallow-cereal mixture.

I wanted the chips to stay intact and produce distinct "pops" of dark chocolate flavor rather than having it marbled throughout the vanilla marshmallow cereal base. So, I decided not to mix the chocolate chips into the coarsely crushed cereal with the chopped pistachios and dried cherries to avoid the risk of them partially melting when they were mixed into the warm marshmallow and butter mixture. 

Instead, I pressed half of the marshmallow-cereal mixture into the prepared pan, sprinkled on half the chocolate chips, then repeated before pressing gently with a piece of buttered parchment paper to level the surface and press in the baking chips.

Note: I love the paring of the dark chocolate with the pistachios and dried cherries, but you could substitute ChocZero milk chocolate chips if you prefer.

Cut With a Long, Sharp Chef's Knife

Using the long parchment paper overhang as handles makes it easy to lift the cooled, uncut slab of marshmallow cereal treats out of the pan in one piece.

Invert the cooled slab onto a cutting board, peel off the buttered parchment and cut into 16 squares.

Using a long, sharp knife to cut these treats is extremely helpful. I use the chef's knife from our excellent, inexpensive Astercook 15-piece high-carbon steel knife set with steak knives and storage block (read my review). I had no trouble cutting the slab into squares with this knife, but if yours starts to stick, run it under hot water in between cuts.

As you can see, the slab was inverted after I peeled off the parchment paper. I cut them that way and then turned them right side up before serving.

Enjoy!

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe by Margaret Schindel

Posts About My Keto Diet Journey

My First Year on The Keto Diet

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part One

Preparing to Succeed on the Keto Diet, Part Two

Low Carb Muffins & Cupcakes: Treats to Enjoy on a Keto Diet

Low Carb Keto Chocolate Yogurt Granola Chip Pudding Recipe

Good Dee’s Keto Cookie Low Carb Baking Mix Review

Hamama Microgreens Growing Kit Review & Success Tips

My Favorite Hamama Microgreens Seed Quilt Accessories

Keto Cheddar Cheese Biscuits With Chives Recipe

The Ultimate Keto Hot Chocolate Recipe

The Best Low Carb Keto Gift Ideas: Keto Gift Guide

The Best Low Carb Keto Cinnamon Muffins

Wholesome Yum Keto Bread Mix and Yeast Bread Recipe

The Good Chocolate 100% Organic No Sugar Dark Chocolate Review

The Best Advice to Maintain Your Keto Diet Weight Loss

My New Irresistibly Delicious Keto Cheese Crackers Recipe

Luscious Low Carb Keto Triple Peppermint Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Quick & Easy Livlo Blueberry Scones Keto Baking Mix Review

Snack Better With The Best Healthy Keto Cookie Dough Bites

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Pizza Recipe

The Best Quick and Easy Low Carb Keto Shortcake Cupcakes Recipe

Comparing the Best Keto-Friendly Chocolate Hazelnut Spreads - No Added Sugars

The Best Low Carb Keto Sandwich and Burger Buns Mix

Blueberry Biscuit Scones — New, Easy, Low Carb Keto Recipe

The Best Keto Pizza Crust Mix With 0 Net Carbs

An Unusual, Delicious Strawberry Chocolate Tea With 0 Calories

Delicious Sugar-Free Keto Cookies That OREO Fans Will Love

Healthy Pistachio Cherry Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cereal Treats Recipe

Easy, Decadent, High Protein, Sugar-Free Rocky Road Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

The Best Quick & Easy Low Carb Sausage and Ricotta Calzones

How to Make Refreshing Vanilla Italian Soda (With or Without Cream)

Reviews of the Keto Diet by Barbara C. (aka Brite-Ideas)

My Personal Keto Testimonial

How I Stayed Committed to the Ketogenic Way of Eating

Read More Food Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Product Reviews by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

Read More Reviews About Health and Wellness by Our Review This Reviews Contributors

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A Valentine's Day Music Collection

If you are looking for romantic Valentine's Day music, look no further. Take inspiration from this review of a few Valentine's Day music ideas. It includes a couple of my favorite soundtracks that are available on compact disc and a a couple of others that sound fantastic. I have arranged my picks by release date. Enjoy.

FRENCH KISS SOUNDTRACK (1995)

French Kiss is a great movie that also has a beautiful soundtrack with light pop music. The movie a very popular romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. It features a variety of artists that you will recognize, including Van Morrison, Ella Fitzgerald and Zucchero. Find your copy of the French Kiss soundtrack here on Amazon.

CHOCOLATE SOUNDTRACK (2000)    

I will admit, I am biased because I thoroughly enjoyed the movie Chocolat but, regardless of whether or not you have seen the movie, if you appreciate instrumental music, you will find this soundtrack beautiful. The movie starred Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp and the CD transports you to the setting of the movie, small town France. It is a perfect backdrop for your Valentine's Day dinner.  Released in 2001, it contains about 40 minutes of perfectly romantic music. Find your copy of the Chocolat soundtrack here on Amazon.

DISNEY'S FAIRY TALE WEDDINGS (2005)

Another instrumental collection, people who love Disney's love stories will enjoy this compilation. It includes songs from Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Lady and the Tramp and numerous other Disney shows. Whether you listen to this on a CD or through Amazon's streaming service, would be great background music for Valentine's Day. Find Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings here on Amazon.

MARTINA MCBRIDE'S MY HEART (2005)

Martina McBride’s CD My Heart was released by Hallmark for Valentine’s Day in 2005. It features eight romantic songs that were picked by McBride herself. Some are her own songs; others, covers. This CD is shorter than some but it was quite successful upon its release. McBride sounds lovely in this compilation, which is good for Valentine’s Day and any other romantic occasion even a wedding. If you want to add it to your collection note that I found a better selection of this CD from sellers on eBay. Look for Martina McBride's My Heart here on eBay.

VALENTINE'S DAY SOUNDTRACK (2010)

Released slightly more recently in 2010, the soundtrack to the Valentine's Day movie is another great choice. The movie included a wide variety of popular actors including Julia Roberts, Jamie Foxx and Anne Hathaway. The CD includes recordings from a wide variety of artists who you will recognize including the likes of Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Jewel, Amy Winehouse, Nat King Cole and Maroon 5. Find your copy of the Valentine's Day soundtrack here on Amazon.

NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL A LOVE SONG (2023)

Definitely the newest in this series, this set was released in February of 2023 from the people who have presented more than 110 CDs in the NOW Music series. This compilation is packed with new and old love songs by artists you know including but not limited to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Fugees, Sam Smith, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Sting, Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Seal, Lana Del Ray, Kacey Musgraves, Nelly Furtado, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Kylie Minogue, Little Mix, Justin Bieber, John Mayer, Cold Play, Pretenders, Robbie Williams and Christina Aguilera. I think this one would make great listening for anyone but would be especially fun for a mixed generation gathering since it presents something for everyone. Find your copy of Now That's What I Call A Love Song here on Amazon. If you want a mix of music that includes today's artists, this is the compilation for you.

Do you have any favorite Valentine's Day music?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Brenda

Treasures By Brenda

QUICK LINKS:

Discover the movie CHOCOLAT.

Love chocolate and France? You will enjoy the movie Chocolat!

Discover the French Kiss movie and soundtrack.

Yes, I love French Kiss. Learn more here.

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Favorite Donut Dog Bed Reviewed

Plush, comfy, cuddly and pup approved! Your dog may fall in love with this donut style pet calming bed after a few seconds! The donut bed by Active Pets is a bed I purchased after scouring the online reviews and I am very pleased with the purchase.

More importantly, the furball is very very pleased with the purchase and loves to cuddle up, burrow in and snuggle in this dog bed.

Cuddle Bed

This donut bed is definitely enjoyed by dogs that love to sleep in a ball or sleep with their head perched on a ledge! The rim of the bed allows the dog to cuddle up to the side of the bed and then use the side of the bed as a fluffy pillow. 

Lightweight And Portable

The bed is easily moved whether it be from room to room, house to car or house to vacation destination. It makes a perfect snuggle spot for your furball in the car or anywhere along the way.

Size And Color

Three sizes are offered for the round shaped donut bed: small 23 inches, medium 30 inches and large 36 inches. I believe my medium sized pet could fit in the small, but glad I went with the medium as it gives the furball room to sleep in a ball or stretch its' legs if desired also. 

Both are limited in the brand I purchased. I would have liked a wash n wear navy or black color, but this manufacturer did not offer either color.

Don't Be Deceived By The Box!

The dog bed arrives in a very small box compared to the size of the actual dog bed. The bed miraculously expands after the box is opened and unpacked. 

The bed is machine washable; however, depending upon the size of your machine it could be a tight fit. The second time I washed the bed I hopped over to the local laundry mat as it just made the washing quicker and easier.

The bed has over 8,000 ratings with an average 4.5/5 stars and I agree!

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Light Therapy Benefits for SAD

If you're looking for a way to boost your physical and mental well-being, here's a suggestion for you - a light therapy lamp.

We've recently purchased a light therapy lamp and can attest to the benefits listed below.

These lamps are designed to mimic the effects of natural sunlight and can provide a range of health benefits. In this article, I'll share with you five key benefits of using a light therapy lamp.

1. A Mood and Energy Boost: Have you ever felt sluggish and down in the dumps? Light therapy lamps can help regulate your internal clock and lift your mood, giving you a boost of energy throughout the day. Just shining a bright light on yourself in the morning can make a world of difference in terms of mood and outlook. The instructions for the one we purchased say approximately 20 minutes shining toward your face is a good place to start, in the morning.
2. Said to Help with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): During the winter months, it's common to feel down due to the lack of sunlight. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and can be tough to deal with. Light therapy lamps can help by providing a bright light that simulates sunlight and relieves the symptoms of SAD.
3. Claims to Improve Sleep: A good night's sleep is essential for overall health, and light therapy lamps can make a difference. These lamps regulate the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep, allowing you to have a more restful night. Just expose yourself to bright light in the morning, and you'll be amazed at how much better you sleep. Personally speaking, I feel it has helped our loved one in this area.
4. Says it Can Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Light therapy lamps have a calming effect and can help lower stress and anxiety levels. By regulating your internal clock and improving your mood, light therapy lamps can help you feel more relaxed and at ease.
5. They Apparently Help with Enhanced Cognitive Function: Bright light has been shown to enhance cognitive function and improve alertness, making it a great tool for anyone who needs to be sharp and focused. Whether you're a student studying for exams or a professional working long hours, a light therapy lamp can help keep you sharp and focused.

In terms of our personal experience with the light therapy lamp we purchased, it hasn't been long enough for us to assess whether the five points above helped our family member. However, I feel it has helped compared to where we were prior to having the light.

Light therapy lamps provide a natural and effective way to improve your physical and mental well-being. From boosting mood and energy levels to reducing stress and anxiety and improving sleep, there are many benefits to using a light therapy lamp. 

So, if you're looking for a way to boost your health, give it a try, I'm glad we did! You might be surprised at the positive impact it has on your life.

Here's the Light therapy light we purchased, and are happy with. 

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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Book Review of ‘In Cold Chamomile’

 A Valentine’s Day Cozy Mystery

In Cold Chamomile

Author Joy Avon brings us Book #3 in her “A Tea and a Read Mystery” series. 

Story Locale: Heart Harbor, Maine

Time: February 

Event: Valentine’s Day

Main Characters: Callie Aspen, Great-Aunt Iphy Aspen, Deputy Ace Falk

Story Plot

Callie Aspen and her Boston Terrier Daisy have moved to Heart Harbor, Maine where she helps out her great-aunt Iphy in her aunt’s vintage tearoom - Book Tea. The tearoom’s sweet treats all have a bookish clue. 

As the story of In Cold Chamomile begins, Callie is getting ready for the town’s big Valentine’s Day event to be held at Haywood Hall, a famous old mansion recently renovated. 

The event has six main themes all based around love, including a musical performance, the tearoom’s sweet treats brought by Callie and Aunt Iphy from their tea shop, and a second hand book market where you can ‘bring a book, take a book’. Additionally, a book expert is on hand to appraise (and buy) vintage books brought in. 

But, trouble is brewing in the form of an argument the librarian has with the book expert. Plus, the baritone who arrives for the music program turns out to be someone Aunt Iphy recognizes as an old acquaintance she had hoped never to meet again. 

The event appears to be going well until a dead body is discovered. Suspicion points to quite a few people who had reasons to want the victim dead. 

Enter Deputy Ace Falk to investigate. Falk not only is currently acting Sheriff due to the Sheriff being ill, he is also the boyfriend of Callie Aspen. In the first two books in this Tea and Read mystery series, Callie had ‘helped’ solve previous murders (of course getting herself in trouble and danger as the heroine in cozy mysteries tend to do). This time, Ace wants Callie to stay away from any ‘amateur sleuthing’ because he worries that her impulsiveness will endanger her. But when Aunt Iphy’s friend-from-the-past (the baritone) is suspected of the murder, both Iphy and Callie set out to clear his name. 

Summary

A delightful cozy mystery that is light-hearted and easy to read involving books and tea and a murder to solve. A fun Valentine’s Day read.

Note: All three of the books in the ‘Tea and Read Mystery Series have ‘tea’ names (In Peppermint Peril, Sweet Tea and Secrets and In Cold Chamomile). Described as “The Perfect Brew” by a fellow cozy mystery writer, this is a delightful new series. 

*In Cold Chamomile book review written by Wednesday Elf

*Images source: Pixabay

 In Cold Chamomile: A Tea and a Read MysteryCheck Price In Peppermint Peril: A Tea and a Read MysteryCheck Price Sweet Tea and Secrets: A Tea and a Read MysteryCheck Price In Cold Chamomile: Book Tea Shop Mystery AudiobookCheck Price

 

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Automobile Windshield Snow Cover for Ice and Snow Reviewed

A few years ago, we were picking up a family member at the airport when I saw an SUV decked out with this windshield cover.  I thought it was genius!  Ice and snow were imminent in our area that day.  I am certain the driver of that vehicle didn't wish to return to a windshield that needed to have ice and/or snow scraped off before they would leave.

I went home that very night and did a search for a windshield cover that would fit our SUV.  Since we park it on our driveway, it is constantly exposed to whatever weather hits.  Unfortunately, in our area, we are more likely to get ice or at best, a wintry mix.  It is a very cold job to scrap a windshield.  

We have plastic scrapers in all of our vehicles in case we are caught out when the weather moves in.  However, this windshield snow cover is easy to carry in the car and cover the windshield on a work day if ice or snow are predicted. 

Driving on ice is dangerous enough.  We don't need to exhaust ourselves scrapping the windshield before we get behind the wheel to drive home. 

I do recommend keeping a large plastic trash bag in the car for temporary containment of the wet windshield cover for the drive home, after it has been used.  That will protect the vehicle carpeting.  The cover does come with a storage bag, but I would only put a dry cover in the storage bag.

 

Windshield Snow Cover

 Windshield Snow Cover, FOVAL Car Windshield Cover for Ice and Snow Frost with Side Mirror Protector, Safe Luminous Strip, 4-LayerCheck PriceI found there are many choices for windshield covers.  I opted for an inexpensive one with great reviews.  With our icy winters, I expected to need to replace it after a few years of use.  Thus far, replacing it has not been necessary.

The Foval cover is waterproof, snow-proof, frost-proof and won't scratch your windshield or paint.  The cover does extend over the windshield wipers and covers the exterior door mirrors.  Having the protective bottom layer is just as important as being waterproof.

It only takes few minutes to put the cover over the windshield and "tie" it down.  We attach the bottom straps to the wheels (as shown in the manufacturer image on the right), but we literally tie the back straps to our luggage carrier on top of the SUV instead of attaching them to the back wheels.  That is what works best for our SUV which sits up higher than the vehicle in the photo on the right.

As you can see in the images below, our SUV has folding side mirrors.  Instead of inserting the mirrors into the mirror pockets, we fold our mirrors in and simply cover them with the cover.  If we used the windshield cover on one of our cars, it would be necessary to cover the mirrors with the cover mirror pockets so it is wonderful to have them as part of the cover. 

This definitely beats trying to tape cardboard over the windshield!

 

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Above the Bay of Angels - Book Review

 

Above the Bay of Angels

Above the Bay of Angels is a stand-alone book by Rhys Bowen, an author that has best-selling books in her mystery series.  I had never read this author before but after reading this delightful historical mystery, I will be sure to look for more books by this author.  I found this book very intriguing.

The Book on Amazon

Below is a link to the book on Amazon if you should wish to purchase it.  If you are a member of Amazon Prime you will find it in the Kindle books you can read for no charge.

Book Summary

At the beginning of the book, you meet Bella a young girl who is sent into servitude when her mother dies, and her father can no longer support her and her sister.  In the years she is a servant she works her way up to working in the kitchen and becoming a cook.

In a bizarre twist of fate, Bella runs into a young woman in the streets of London who has been hit by a carriage.  As Bella comforts her the young woman thrust a letter into Bella's hand and then dies.  The letter contains an invitation to interview for Queen Victoria's cooking staff that very afternoon.  Bella is torn with what to do, but soon decides that the letter will do the young woman no good.  Bella poses as the young woman, Helen Barton and is able to obtain a position at Buckingham Palace.

Helen (Bella) carries on with her pretense and is able to find herself in favor with Queen Victoria in her cooking skills.  When one of the cooks cannot make a trip to Nice with the Queen's staff Helen (Bella) is able to make the trip.  Helen has some delightful adventures both with cooking and the people she meets in Nice.  A mystery ensues when one of the Queen's relatives is poisoned by some food.  When a detective from London is called in Bella fears her cover will be blown.  

The book is a wonderful, lighthearted mystery.  There are many cooking references, so if you are interested in food and cooking you will also enjoy this mystery.  I'll leave you now to read the book and find out if Bella finally finds peace and happiness.

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Funny Grill Master Aprons

 It's still winter here in Western New York, but grilling season will be here soon. There is nothing I like better than being outside cooking or smoking meats on my grill and smoker. 

There are many essential tools needed for the grill master, meat thermometers, gloves, towels, cooking utensils, cleaning equipment, and most important of all a funny apron.

Grill Masters funny aprons - Reviewed

In the photo above I'm preparing to wrap my Babyback Ribs to go back on the smoker for another two hours. Whenever I'm grilling or smoking meats you will find me wearing my funny apron. 

My son got this funny apron for me a couple of years ago for Father's Day. In case you can't the whole thing, the apron reads:  "I LIKE MY BUTT RUBBED AND MY PORK PULLED" Whenever we have friends over and I'm grilling they all just get the biggest kick out of it.

Not only is my apron funny, but it does protect my clothes from any splashing of sauces that I'm using, and any sparks from the wood when I'm tending the firebox on the smoker. It also has two handy pockets up front to hold my phone, meat thermometer, or towel while I'm cooking.

Back to the photo, yes, that is a bottle of Bourbon in my hand because I'm smoking my Honey Bourbon Babyback Ribs  Click the link to get the full recipe and method of these delicious ribs. If you don't have a smoker that's okay you still make these on your grill, or even in the oven, either way, don't forget your apron.

By the way, it's easy to clean your apron, just wash it on the cold cycle and air dry cycle in your dryer.

You will find a full range of funny aprons on Amazon. Any one of them is a perfect birthday or Father's Day gift for the grill master in your life or for yourself.

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