I know that MommyknOws doesn’t start with O, but I also knOw that I’m super excited to be today’s stop on the Secret Agent Josephine Book Tour.

I’ve been a HUGE fan of Secret Agent Josephine‘s blog for many years, because she’s enormously talented, kind (yep, that’s obvious from her posts) and so, so creative. I love creative and she’s has inspired me more than once. Just this summer I was lucky enough to get to know Brenda IRL, and to share a meal and laughs. She even used her creative genius to fashion a hat just for me out of a paper bag. I’d show you the photos, but then I’d have to go into permanent hiding (YEP, that BAD!).

Brenda has illustrated and written three fantastic children’s books.

Secret Agent Josephine’s ABC’s:

The ABCs burst brilliantly on to the page in this alphabet flash card book by blogger Secret Agent Josephine, a.k.a. Brenda Ponnay. Children will delight in the colorful illustrations and simple text.

Secret Agent Josephine’s ABC’s are an ideal introduction to the alphabet — kids will love the pictures and parents will appreciate the thoughtful details and eye-catching illustrations.

Secret Agent Josephine’s Colors:

What’s the best way for kids to learn their colors? With a yellow yak, a brown brachiosaurus, and plenty of other wacky animal friends!
Secret Agent Josephine a.k.a. Brenda Ponnay presents her quirky illustrations paired with hilarious captions, sure to engage older children who may already know the difference between red and blue, but can’t wait to see what the next color will bring.

Secret Agent Josephine’s Numbers:

Secret Agent Josephine is willing to reveal the contents of her stealthy, super expanding spy bag–but are you ready?

In this fresh and funny book, Brenda Ponnay, aka Secret Agent Josephine, gets kids counting spy glasses, micro-cameras and more super-secret spy gear. Little ones will love the bright colors and big numbers, older children (and their parents) will delight in the detailed descriptions of the spy paraphernalia

Georgia absolutely adores the ‘Numbers’ book! Her favourite page –> The number 9! We read it (almost) nightly and always find something new and nifty on each page.

***

Today’s Crafty Mission: Spy Eye Cookies

Georgia and I had a ton of fun baking up today’s mission –> Top Secret Spy Eye Cookies! Secret clue may or may not be in the photo above.

Get the top secret instructions here: SPY-COOKIES-INSTRUCTIONS – Destroy after reading (or share with a friend)!

Giveaway!

In honor of her book release, Brenda has generously offered us a letter O print (from her book) to give to you! Please leave a comment below to be entered to win a print. I’ll pick a winner on December 10th and then notify the winner via email.

Thank you Brenda for including MommyKnOws in the book tour; I’m honored!

Now, go buy your copies of these affordable and fun books!

Click here to access Brenda’s Amazon author page with links to all her books in both paper and Kindle versions!

Download from iTunes:

ABCs on iTunes
Colors on iTunes
Numbers on iTunes

Paperback and nook editions of the books at Barnes & Noble

For the next stop on the tour, visit Brenda’s website.

** The Winner is #1 – Casey DesChamps **

I was lucky enough to get a copy of Betty Crocker’s THE BIG RED COOKBOOK last week. With more than 1500 hundred recipes, it’s jam-packed full of recipe goodness. Even better I have a copy to giveaway to one of you! Yay :)

Here is our best edition ever! Fully revised with all-new photography, hundreds of new recipes and more cooking guidance than ever before, the 11th edition of the Betty Crocker Cookbook gives you the best of what you need to cook today. It’s filled to the brim with classic and fresh ideas, helpful techniques and great features. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just finding your way around the kitchen, THE BIG RED COOKBOOK® is the only book you need for a lifetime of rewarding cooking.

I’ve already made a couple of recipes. The kids loved the Asian Chicken Roll-ups and I loved that they were fast and easy.

Contest Need to Know:

* The Big Red Cookbook is valued at approx. $35.99 CAD and is available at Indigo and Chapters, Amazon, Wiley Publishing and BettyCrocker.com
* I am giving away one copy
* Contest open to Canadian residents only. Please note that readers can enter across multiple blogs hosting the giveaway, but can only win once.
* Contest ends October 27th @ 11:59 pm

To win you need only to leave a comment below mentioning your favourite Betty Crocker / Lifemade delicious recipe.

Good luck!

MK xo

The kids and I raided my aunt’s apple tree last weekend and I’ve been creating apple goodness ever since. Apple desserts are my favourite … I like fall.

Earlier in the year I made these rainbow cupcakes in a jar. The kids loved them. When I saw these cute little apple pies also in a jar, I knew I’d be making them.

What you’ll need:

6 small jars (1/2 cup or 125 ml size)
1 package of Pillsbury pie crust

3 cups of chopped apples
3 Tbsp of flour
Cinnamon to taste
Nutmeg to taste
3 tbsp of sugar (my apples were very tart. You may want to use less if you use sweet apples)

3 tsp butter (1/2 tsp for the top of each pie)
2 tbsp of milk

Preheat the oven to 350f

The Crust:

I bought these little jars to make cupcakes earlier in the year. They are perfect for these single serving pies.

I used the lid of the jar to cut out both tops and bottoms of the store bought pie crust (12 – 6 for the top, 6 for the bottom). I pressed six of the circles into the bottom of the jars. They I cut the remaining pie crust into strips and pressed it around the sides of the jar. It wasn’t an exact science. The Pillsbury crust is really easy to work with, and if you mess up, it is really easy to roll out and start again.

Using a sharp paring knife, I cut little leaf shapes out of the top crust and used the ‘dull’ side of the knife blade to score the leaf veins.

The filling:

The filling is super easy. Chop up 3 to 4 cups of apple into small chunks. If you want to be able to put the jar lid on, just make 3 cups of filling. I didn’t want to put a lid on mine so I made 4 cups of filling and over filled the jars. The apples cook down substantially.

Add sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg. My apples were quite tart. I used 3 tbsp of sugar, you may want to use less if your apples are the sweet variety.

Add filling to the jars and top with 1/2 tsp of butter.

The top crust:

Top each pie with the crust and leaf shapes you made earlier. Use a fork to seal the edges. Lightly brush the tops with a coating of milk.

Cooking:

Place the jars on a cookie sheet and cook on the middle oven rack for 45 – 50 minutes.

Enjoy!

MK xo

Yay, I’m a KINDER Mom and my status amongst my children is at an all time HIGH! They’re all Kinder egg lovers.

I’ve always included Kinder Surprise eggs in our family holidays – in Christmas stockings and in Easter baskets. They’re always a staple at the movies, where they come as part of the ‘Kinder Kids Combo’.

It’s a treat I feel good saying, “yes” to. The kids get a reasonable sized serving of a high-quality cocoa treat and a fun toy. Even I join in the chorus of, “Whadjaget? Whadjaget?” as the kids open their toys.

The folks at Kinder have made the toy reveal even more fun with the official relaunch of Kinder Surprise in Canada complete with an all-new Kinder Surprise 2012 Toy Collection! From blow-up frogs, to cars that GO, and planes that fly the new eggs are full of Big fun.

MAKING TIME FOR PLAY:

Now that school is back in session, outdoor play seems like it’s even more important. Rather than picking up the kids from school and heading straight home to the joys of homework and supper prep, the kids and I have been hanging out at the playground for ‘after-school recess’. I often pack a small lunch and drinks, we all enjoy the autumn sunshine while we can. Best of all there are no screens, no homework, no dishes and no chores and that means –> harmony!

Make sure to check out The Kinder Canada Facebook Page for all the latest Kinder Canada News!

Enjoy!

MK xo

“Disclosure: I’m part of the Kinder® Mom program and I receive compensation as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

The August long weekend passed and instead of camping and BBQing like I often do, I was enjoying BlogHer 2011 in San Diego. Kid Free! So no long weekend BBQ post for me.

That hasn’t stopped the BBQ fun since I’ve been home though. We have homemade burgers at least once a week on the grill will Wonder+ Simply Free buns. SimplyFree is the first Canadian National Brand of bakery products FREE OF artificial preservatives, flavours and colours; it is also free of high fructose corn syrup and made with unbleached wheat flour.

One of my favourites sides to accompany burgers is this super easy potato, carrot and onion dish cooked on the BBQ.

Grilled Potatoes, Carrots and Onions

Slice 6 medium potatoes (any sort / peeled or unpeeled you choose), 3 large carrots and 1 large onion (any sort). Put them all in a large foil pan and mix together. Drizzle with olive oil (about 1/4 cup) and dot with dabs of butter. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover with foil and set on the top or middle shelf of your BBQ and cook for about 45 minutes.

I usually light my BBQ and put these right on. I schedule meat grilling to begin about 30 minutes later. Without fail, when the meat is done … so are the veggies. Just like magic :)

Enjoy!

MK xo

Disclosure: I am participating in the Wonder+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

Warning: Several potatoes, onions and carrots were chopped and sliced during the making of this post!

Meet Fijit Friends!

Georgia hosted a super fun Fijit Friends Dance Party, for several friends (and her brother :)). Her special guest of honour was Willa the Fijit Friend. You are probably wondering what a Fijit Friend is right? Your kids will love the Fijit Friends, the only interactive robotic BFFs who dance, recognize your voice, and tell funny jokes! Poke ‘em, squeeze ‘em, or turn ‘em into dancing machines.

There are four different Fijit Friends, Georgia received Willa. She loves her. All the kids do, even before she was turned on Georgia was in love with her soft body. I have to admit, I often reach out just to touch her because she is just so fun to feel.

Willa is a trouper and is ready to rock to your child’s favorite music, and will perform different dance moves to different types of music. She was definitely the ‘life’ of Georgia’s party.

Thanks to Willa, Georgia also has a whole new repertoire of new jokes (thank you Willa!)

I think Mattel has come up with a winner for the upcoming holiday season. This interactive robotic BFF is just too much fun to pass up.

As you can see the girls loved performing and dancing with Willa.

If you’d like to purchase your own Fijit Friend use coupon code: FIJITBL to get FREE SHIPPING until August 31, 2011.

Enjoy,

MK xo

Disclosure –> “I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Mattel Fijit Friends and received product samples, a party kit, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.” NO Fijits were harmed during the making of this post.

I love a challenge, so when offered the opportunity to participate in the Black & Decker Ultimate Sandwich Contest using the Black & Decker Convection Countertop Oven I said, “yes, please!” and put together my favourite sandwich.

Curried Chicken Salad Sandwich with Green Apple & Pine Nuts

(Serves 4)

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (I used 3 halves)
2 TBSP Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the Black & Decker Countertop oven to 350 degrees. Cut chicken into long one inch strips, place on a baking pan, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste and bake for 35 minutes or until fully cooked.

Once cooked let the chicken cool and dice into bite-size pieces.

While the chicken is cooking and cooling, work on the dressing. Combine the following ingredients in medium sized bowl (except the pine nuts, add them just before serving), then add the previously made cooled and diced chicken.

3/4 cups olive oil mayonnaise
1 tsp Patak’s Hot Curry Paste (this is a must)
3/4 cup medium-diced celery (2 medium stalks)
2 chopped green onions, white and green parts (2 scallions)
1/4 cup chopped granny smith apple
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup of pine nuts (add to mixture just before serving)

It is a good idea to let your chicken salad mixture rest in the refrigerator for an hour or more to allow the flavours to blend.

French baguette
2 TBSP Olive oil
1/4 – 1/2 cup Major Grey’s chutney
4 leaves of green leaf lettuce.

Cut a french baguette into four 5″ pieces and slice open length wise. Brush with olive oil and toast in Black & Decker Countertop Oven.

Spread each piece with a thin layer of mango chutney and add one leaf of lettuce to each sandwich.

Add chicken salad mixture (add pine nuts now) to toasted loaves.

Enjoy!

MK xo

Disclosure: I created this post as part of the Black & Decker Ultimate Sandwich contest as part of a Mom Central Canada program. I received a Convection Countertop Oven Courtesy of Applica Canada Corporation, exclusive licensee of Black & Decker Home. The opinions on this blog are my own.

For so many Canadians who suffer from gluten intolerance and more serious conditions like Celiac Disease, there is good news: the number of gluten free products is starting to expand.

General Mills is excited to announce the arrival of the latest two gluten free products –> Honey Nut and Rice Chex Gluten Free Cereals. They are now available in your local grocers cereal aisle!

Here in MommyKnowsVille, we’re lucky to be a wheat tolerant family, but with nut allergies, I know how difficult having food sensitivities can make meal planning. All four of my kids gobbled down both flavours of the new gluten free Chex and my son in particular was partial to the Honey-Nut variety.

There is so much more you can do with Chex Gluten Free besides eat them for breakfast, for great recipes and more information check out LifeMadeDelicious.ca.

Enjoy!

MK xo

“Disclosure: I am part of the Life Made Delicious Blogger program and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog are my own.”

You can’t enjoy the Canada Day long weekend without a BBQ! We celebrated by having good friends over for burgers before heading out to take in the Canada Day festivities in our home town.

My husbands favourite meal on the BBQ is without a doubt a burger with all the fixings. We had a huge evening of fun planned so we kept the menu simple and served the burgers with corn on the cob, another family favourite.

We had a huge evening of fun planned so we kept the menu simple and served the burgers with corn on the cob, another family favourite.

I like to make my burgers using extra-lean ground beef and jazz them up with some herb and spices. My recipe is VERY much like the Canadian Living Test Kitchen recipe for Juicy Extra-Lean Burgers. I like to add a little cayenne to spice things up a little bit. Then I served them up with a buffet of fresh vegetable toppings and condiments on a Wonder+ Simply Free bun.

Weston Bakeries has come out with a new product called Wonder+ Simply Free. Wonder+ SimplyFree is Canada’s first and only Nationally branded line of bakery product that is free of artificial colours, artificial flavours and artificial preservatives. It is also free of high fructose corn syrup.

Wonder+ SimplyFree has teamed up with Canadian Living to bring you great BBQ recipes –> click here!

You can’t have a Canada Day party without a red and white dessert. I served up an old favourite, angel food cake with strawberries and whipped cream. Oh Canada …

Win a BBQ Party Contest –> Enter to win a BBQ party worth $5,000 through a unique PIN found on specially marked packages of WONDER+ SimplyFree hotdog and hamburger buns

Enjoy!

MK xo

Disclosure – I am participating in the WONDER+ SimplyFree program by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Weston Bakeries. I received a gift card, BBQ kit and free product coupons as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.

I’ve got a new blogging gig at LifeMadeDelicious

One of my first post is on the Royal Wedding Cupcakes I whipped up for Georgia. Read the full post here …

Let me know what you think :)

MK xo