Cuban Beans & Rice

Article first published as Cuban Beans and Rice on Blogcritics.Now the weather is starting to warm up and on some days, it's been humid. It's days like these that I'm reminded of my visits in Tampa, FL. While there, I got a chance to try some authentic Cuban cuisine unlike what I've had here in Chicago. Thinking about my visits to Tampa and Cuban fare, I was inspired to try my hand at Cuban Beans & Rice. I don't think this is quite authentic but it certainly tasted very much like the versions I had while in Tampa. The seasoned rice worked so beautifully with the black beans and I loved how it was light, fluffy and so packed with flavor!This recipe

Read more »

15 Ice Cream Recipes to Cool Down With...

We're experiencing a slight heat wave here in Chicago and that means it's time to crank the ice cream machine! With so many flavors to choose from, I'm having a hard time deciding what to make this time around. If you're craving ice cream as well but don't know what flavor to churn up during these hot summer days, here are 15 Ice Cream Recipes to Cool Down With...Root Beer Float Ice CreamCake Batter & Sprinkles Ice CreamVanilla Ice CreamChunky Monkey Ice CreamStrawberry Cheesecake Ice CreamBalsamic Strawberry Ice CreamChocolate Mint Oreo Ice CreamCoffee Ice Cream'Whopper-licious' Malted Milk Ice CreamMocha Almond Caramel Crunch Ice CreamChocolate

Read more »

Adult Autism Residential Care: Close the Institutions But First Provide An Alternative

My younger son Conor  is 15.  He is not a very high functioning, celebrity "autie" or "aspie".  My son actually has an Autistic Disorder with "profound developmental delays".   He is living a great life now, at home, with a Mom and Dad, who take incredible joy in his company and at school where he has been treated very well by school and district officials. His adult care prospects in New Brunswick though are grim and they are not getting any better as successive governments, Conservative and Liberal, have failed to face the realities of adult autism care. His prospects will remain grim until government and the powerful New Br

Read more »

Jucy Lucy Burgers & World's Easiest French Fries

Article first published as Juicy Lucy Burgers and the World's Easiest French Fries on Blogcritics.I'm a burger girl. I'd pick a burger any day over any sausage, hot dog or bratwurst. However, my husband is just the opposite since he doesn't eat beef very often due to health reasons. So when I do make burgers at home, I have to make sure they meet my expectations. Nothing's worse than a bland, dry, burger with no flavor. Thankfully these Jucy Lucy Burgers met my expectation and then some. These burgers had a delicious cheesy surprise in the middle that will have any cheeseburger fan raving. Even better was pairing them with the World's Easiest French F

Read more »

Kung Fu Panda 2, Trail Walking and Conor's Autism Progress

Conor Enjoyed Watching Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D  ... and so did Mom and DadIn the early evening Conor and Dad got some fresh air and enjoyed the  view on a trail walk along the St. John RiverYesterday was a great outdoors day for Conor with long trail walks in the morning with Mom and early evening with Dad.  He was able to enjoy lots of fresh air and .... always a good thing ... was able to burn off lots of energy.  In the afternoon though Conor, Mom and Dad all headed to the movies to see Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D.  Conor watched the entire movie quietly with no sign of discomfort.  KFP2 was the latest in a series of

Read more »

S'Mores Cookie Bars

Article first published as S'Mores Cookie Bars on Blogcritics.Chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers. If you haven't already paired these ingredients together, you should! Growing up, s'mores were a favorite summertime treat we'd enjoy. It wasn't exactly the easiest or neatest thing to eat but it didn't matter. The combination of melted chocolate, warm and gooey marshmallows and a sweet crispy cracker was just so good in any which way you could eat it! Now with summer just around the corner, you can combine these three ingredients with the same great flavor and without the mess. These S'Mores Cookie Bars takes all the things you love about s'more

Read more »

Sunday Fun Day Giveaway: 125 Best Blender Recipes Bookazine!

Happy Sunday! Hope you are enjoying the Memorial Day Holiday weekend and are looking forward to a good week ahead! First off, I have to apologize for the delay in announcing winners for the recent giveaways. Apparently my posts were eaten up somehow, therefore it didn't post as scheduled. Going forward, I'll announce the winners each Sunday within the next giveaway post. Now, here's a big Congratulations! to the winners for the recent giveaways! Please shoot me an email at itsjoelen@gmail.com to claim your prize...Dealavue $25 Gift Certificate Winner: Comment #4!Saucy Mama Condiment Kit Winner: Comment #37We're on the cusp of June... which m

Read more »

Dear USA: This Canadian Father With a Severely Autistic Son Says Thank You for Combating Autism

"in order to continue meeting the needs of people with autism, the Combating Autism Actmust be fully reauthorized. We still have a long way to go. Working collaboratively withimportant partners, the Affordable Care Act and the Combating Autism Act will allow    us to research and develop and refine vital treatmentsKathleen Sebelius,  US Secretary of Health and Human Services, April 25, 2011Autism is a severe and limiting medical disorder for which treatments and cures must be found through solid, focused research.  Autism is a disorder which should be combated so that those who suffer from it can live fuller, more independent,

Read more »

Foodbuzz 24x24: Grilled Cheese, Please! Party

A grilled cheese sandwich is such a simple thing... or is it?! At first thought, it may be simple enough. With two slices of bread and some cheese, how much simpler could it get? Well, I think there's much more to a grilled cheese sandwich so I hosted a special Grilled Cheese, Please! Party with family and friends. This party was all about taking the very simple grilled cheese sandwich and elevating it to something even more special. With an assortment of both sweet and savory fillings, we all gave the traditional grilled cheese sandwich a tasty makeover.To make our event even more special, FoodBuzz is featuring our Grilled Cheese, Please! Party

Read more »