Friday, October 30, 2009

Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook Review and Giveaway


I am honored to announce that my very first give-away is the cookbook Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms by Jane Doiron.

Let me start by saying that Jane and I are friends. Our husbands have worked together at the same company for several years. She asked me back in April of 2009, if I would help to market her new cookbook. I am so glad that she did. I have learned so much from Jane. She is a full time elementary school teacher and the author of this amazing cookbook. She is an inspiration to me!

So, you may be thinking, well how honest will she be if she actually helped to market this cookbook? Well, let me just tell you that Jane’s cookbook has honestly changed the way that I cook!

Make-ahead meals can be frozen ahead, assembled ahead, or cooked ahead and reheated! The recipes in this book are a combination of all three. From Jane’s cookbook, I have tried many recipes, including the teriyaki chicken and the marinated steak. I opt to grille often, as it is a healthy way to cook, and these are flavorful, healthy recipes that I make again and again.

My sons are fussy eaters that usually stick to pizza, pasta and chicken nuggets. I was thrilled when they both gobbled up their tacos. The seasonings deliver an authentic Mexican flavor. I don’t buy the pre-packaged seasonings anymore- these don’t compare to the flavor of Jane’s taco recipe.

Helpful Tips

Jane suggests buying sale items in bulk in the helpful tips section of Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms. I now buy meats in bulk, when on sale and double the recipes. I freeze extra meals (like these marinated meats) so that I have them on-hand, ready for the grille when we are. I also buy the 93% lean hamburger meat in the big “log” (it really is cheaper than the pre-made patties). I make patties, placing waxed paper in between each patty and freeze them for future meals. This section of the cookbook has many more helpful tips for making meals ahead - like using the Reynold's Vacuum Sealer for sealing meals. I bought one and use it all the time now. It makes a noticable difference, keeping frozen meals looking and tasting great.

Review

I made the Italian Restaurant Chicken recipe shown on the cover of Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms. While it may look intimidating and difficult to make, I was surprised how easy it really was.

The recipe calls for a few simple ingredients. Jane recommends using Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for this recipe and conveniently provides instructions for making a portion of the recipe a day ahead.

First, I browned the seasoned chicken tenders and then transferred the chicken to a large sheet pan and cooked at 400 degrees for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, I cooked the farfalle pasta as directed.

In the same skillet, I cooked the garlic and tomatoes for about one minute. I added the flour, wine and spinach according to the directions. Once the spinach was wilted, I warmed the light cream in the microwave and added it to the skillet. Next, I added the cheese and mixed well. I took the chicken out of the oven and added it to the skillet- so easy! From start to finish, I made the recipe in under 45 minutes. Note-it would have taken even less time, if I made a portion of the recipe the day before!

I was visiting my sister and her family that evening so I packed up this meal and brought it over for dinner. I typically don’t make recipes that are this rich - and I had a hunch this was going to be quite a treat. The Italian restaurant chicken was served over the farfalle pasta. It was no surprise to me that my sister, her husband and I all thought the meal was delicious. The cream sauce was divine! I happen to love spinach and the sun-dried tomatoes really gave the meal a gourmet flavor. We really enjoyed this meal that lives up to its Italian "Restaurant" Chicken name.

These pictures show the process of making Italian Restaurant Chicken:



Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms contains recipes for every meal of the day. You will find appetizers, brunch, desserts, sides and soups, in addition to main dishes.

More than just a cookbook, Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms gives moms a new approach to cooking that will save time, money and the stress about what to have for dinner night after night. You will forget about take-out, which does not compare to Jane’s healthy, home-cooked, make-ahead meals. With the variety of 140 recipes, there is truly something for everyone’s taste in this make-ahead cookbook and I know it will change the way you cook too!

Make-Ahead Meals For Busy Moms is available on Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com.

The Contest Rules

Just one E-A-S-Y requirement for 3 entries!!
1. Go to the table of contents page at Jane's website and find one meal that your family would love. Write the recipe name in your comment. Please comment 3 times. (3 entries)

Bonus entries!!
2. Sign up for Jane's newsletter (1 entry)
3. Follow Jane's blog (1 entry)
4. Grab Jane's button and add it to your blog (give me a link in your comment telling me where it is). (3 entries)
5. Follow my blog (1 entry)
6. Grab my button and add it to your blog (give me a link in your comment telling
me where it is). (3 entries)
7. Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)
8. Follow me on Facebook Networked Blogs (on the lower sidebar) (1 entry)
9. Post on your blog about the giveaway and comment with the link to your blog (3 entries)
10. Tweet the following: -"Enter to win the Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook" http://kristimaloneyblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/blog-post.html- may be done once daily - 1 entry (leave direct url to tweet)

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL IN YOUR COMMENT SO I CAN REACH YOU IF YOU WIN!

Giveaway will end on Tuesday, December 1. I will be using random.org to pick the winner and will post the name by noon on Dec. 1. The winner will have 48 hours to get back to me otherwise a new winner will be chosen. U.S. & Canadian entrants only. Many thanks to Jane Doiron for this review and giveaway opportunity and Good luck!!!


375 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   1 – 200 of 375   Newer›   Newest»
Unknown said...

I want the crabmelts. I think my family would enjoy that too. sounds great!
shopgurl101@gmail.com
#1

Unknown said...

I want the crabmelts. I think my family would enjoy that too. sounds great!
shopgurl101@gmail.com
#2

Unknown said...

I want the crabmelts. I think my family would enjoy that too. sounds great!
shopgurl101@gmail.com
#3

Kristie said...

I would love to try the Chicken Enchiladas!

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

#1

Kristie said...

I would love to try the Chicken Enchiladas!

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

#2

Kristie said...

I would love to try the Chicken Enchiladas!

khmorgan_00 [at] yahoo [dot] com

#3

Joleen Ruffin (Sayazu) said...

The broiled honey mustard salmon sounds like something my family would love - jojoruffin@yahoo.com (Sayazu)

Joleen Ruffin (Sayazu) said...

The freezable Lemon Bars sound good too.

Joleen Ruffin (Sayazu) said...

And I always like to try new macaroni and cheese recipes!

Malinda said...

Chicken Cordon Bleu... yum.
bird.malinda at gmail dot com

Malinda said...

Chicken Cordon Bleu... yum.
bird.malinda at gmail dot com

Malinda said...

Chicken Cordon Bleu... yum.
bird.malinda at gmail dot com

Malinda said...

Signed up for Jane's newsletter

Malinda said...

Follow Jane's blog

Malinda said...

Grabbed Jane's button and added it to my blog: http://mbirdgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Malinda said...

Grabbed Jane's button and added it to my blog: http://mbirdgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Malinda said...

Grabbed Jane's button and added it to my blog: http://mbirdgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Malinda said...

Follow your blog via Bloglines

Malinda said...

Grabbed your button and added it to my blog: http://mbirdgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Malinda said...

Grabbed your button and added it to my blog: http://mbirdgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Malinda said...

Grabbed your button and added it to my blog: http://mbirdgiveaways.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Sign up for Jane's newsletter

shopgurl101@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Follow Jane's blog

shopgurl101@gmail.com

Unknown said...

Grab Jane's button http://sweetqt.wordpress.com

shopgurl101@gmail.com

#1

Unknown said...

Grab Jane's button http://sweetqt.wordpress.com

shopgurl101@gmail.com

#2

Unknown said...

Grab Jane's button http://sweetqt.wordpress.com

shopgurl101@gmail.com

#3

Unknown said...

Follow this blog
shopgurl101@gmail.com

Unknown said...

I have your button http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/
shopgurl101@gmail.com
#1

Unknown said...

I have your button http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/
shopgurl101@gmail.com
#2

Anne-Marie T said...

As I just recently bought a slow cooker/crockpot , I would like to try the recipe for Meatballs and Gravy in the Crock Pot

Unknown said...

I have your button http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/
shopgurl101@gmail.com
#3

Anne-Marie T said...

As I just recently bought a slow cooker/crockpot , I would like to try the recipe for Meatballs and Gravy in the Crock Pot

Anne-Marie T said...

As I just recently bought a slow cooker/crockpot , I would like to try the recipe for Meatballs and Gravy in the Crock Pot

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5413211621

Unknown said...

follow you on twitter @shopgurl

Unknown said...

tweeted: http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/5413446417

Unknown said...

Follow you on Facebook Networked Blogs (luvmakeup)

Unknown said...

blogged: http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/giveaway-kristimaloneyblog/

1

Unknown said...

blogged: http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/giveaway-kristimaloneyblog/

2

Unknown said...

blogged: http://sweetqt.wordpress.com/2009/11/04/giveaway-kristimaloneyblog/

3

Donna L said...

Banana Bread, I love trying different recipes for banana bread

Anonymous said...

#1 - I would love to try Marinated Steak!

Anonymous said...

#2 - I would love to try Marinated Steak!

Anonymous said...

#3 - I would love to try Marinated Steak!

Anonymous said...

Following you on Twitter!

Anonymous said...

Tweeted! http://twitter.com/BusyJulie/status/5416817725

Angie Bailey said...

1. I'd love to make the Chicken Enchiladas! abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Angie Bailey said...

2. I'd love to make the Chicken Enchiladas! abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Angie Bailey said...

3. I'd love to make the Chicken Enchiladas! abailey_crace@yahoo.com

Amanda said...

I'd love to try the BBQ pepper jack chicken. #1

corley@wildblue.net

Amanda said...

I'd love to try the BBQ pepper jack chicken. #2

corley@wildblue.net

Amanda said...

I'd love to try the BBQ pepper jack chicken. #3

corley@wildblue.net

Amanda said...

I signed up for Jane's newsletter.

corley@wildblue.net

Unknown said...

Make ahead coffee cake would be perfect for Sunday mornings to take to church! barkermama@gmail.com #1

Unknown said...

Make ahead coffee cake would be perfect for Sunday mornings to take to church! barkermama@gmail.com #2

Amanda said...

I follow Jane's blog.

corley@wildblue.net

Unknown said...

Make ahead coffee cake would be perfect for Sunday mornings to take to church! barkermama@gmail.com #3

Amanda said...

I follow Moms Own Words.

corley@wildblue.net

Unknown said...

Signed up for Jane's newsletter!barkermama@gmail.com

Amanda said...

I follow on twitter as frugalmomto4.

corley@wildblue.net

Amanda said...

I tweeted. http://twitter.com/frugalmomto4/status/5422044578

corley@wildblue.net

Amanda said...

I follow on Networked Blogs. (Amanda Corley)

corley@wildblue.net

intensev5 said...

I would really love to try the Chicken and Spinach Stuffed Shells for my family -- thanks for the great giveaway:)

intensev5 said...

comment #3

wwrk said...

We love the Chicken Cannelloni.

wwrkster@gmail.com

Paulina said...

Zucchini Squares

Paulina said...

Pound Cakes

Paulina said...

Blueberry Squares

Unknown said...

Daily tweet: http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/5431206548

mrsshukra said...

I would like to try the chicken stroganoff!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Google friend connect follower!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I follow Jane's blog!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I subscribe to Jane's newsletter!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Charlene Vidal said...

I would like to try Meatballs and Gravy in the Crock Pot

charlenevidal@live.ca

Charlene Vidal said...

I subscribed to Jane's Newletter

charlenevidal@live.ca

Charlene Vidal said...

I am following you on Twitter

charlenevidal@live.ca

Wendi P said...

I think that we would like to try the Chicken Marsala with a Twist.

BusyMom said...

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

#1

BusyMom said...

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

#2

BusyMom said...

Baked Chicken Chimichangas

#3

BusyMom said...

Follow you on Twitter.

@ABusyMomofTwo

BusyMom said...

Tweeted.

http://twitter.com/ABusyMomofTwo/status/5466500363

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5469490350

Punked Mom said...

I have always wanted to make Italian Wedding Soup.

Punked Mom said...

I have always wanted to make Italian Wedding Soup.

Punked Mom said...

I have always wanted to make Italian Wedding Soup.

Unknown said...

daily tweet: http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/5554123488

Wendi P said...

I follow on Twitter (WendiP)

Wendi P said...

Tweet:

http://twitter.com/WendiP/statuses/5579628736

Food According To Karen said...

We love soup in our household. I'd love to try the Chicken and Spinach Tortellini Soup.

Food According To Karen said...

We love soup in our household. I'd love to try the Chicken and Spinach Tortellini Soup.

Food According To Karen said...

We love soup in our household. I'd love to try the Chicken and Spinach Tortellini Soup.

Food According To Karen said...

I receive Jane's newsletter.

karenb1961@gmail.com

Food According To Karen said...

I follow Jane's blog.

karenb1961@gmail.com

Food According To Karen said...

I follow the Mom's Own Words blog.

karenb1961@gmail.com

Food According To Karen said...

I follow on Twitter.

@KarenB1961

Food According To Karen said...

I'm a facebook fan.

Karen Benevento
karenb1961@gmail.com

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5654631785

Anne-Marie T said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5703486713

Anne-Marie T said...

tweeted http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5715726436

pippirose said...

The Chicken Cannelloni looks scrumptious!

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

#2 The Chicken Cannelloni looks scrumptious!

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

#3 The Chicken Cannelloni looks scrumptious!

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I'm already signed up for Jane's newsletter.

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I follow Jane's blog.

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I follow your blog.

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I follow you on Twitter.
@pippirose77

pippirose59 at gmail dot com

pippirose said...

I follow you on Facebook Networked blogs (under my name, Piroska).
:o)
pippirose59 at gmail dot com

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. (amt946)
http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5751566120

Oh My Baby said...

Meatballs and Gravy in the crockpot #1

Oh My Baby said...

Meatballs and Gravy in the crockpot #2

Oh My Baby said...

Meatballs and Gravy in the crockpot #3

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. (amt946)
http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5785357926

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. (amt946)
http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5798891709

Angela said...

The chicken cannelloni! :) Although the banana bread would be a very close second.

Angela said...

The chicken cannelloni! :) Although the banana bread would be a very close second. (entry 2)

Angela said...

The chicken cannelloni! :) Although the banana bread would be a very close second. (entry 3)

plb8156 said...

I would love to try the chicken marsala with a twist #1
plb8156@aol.com

plb8156 said...

I would love to try the chicken marsala with a twist #2
plb8156@aol.com

plb8156 said...

I would love to try the chicken marsala with a twist
#3
plb8156@aol.com

plb8156 said...

I subscribed to Jane's newsletter
plb8156@aol.com

plb8156 said...

I follow Janes blog
plb8156@aol.com

plb8156 said...

I follow on networked blogs
plb8156@aol.com

plb8156 said...

I tweeted
http://twitter.com/plb8156/status/5824837758
plb8156@aol.com

Kelly said...

Buffalo chicken dip!

kellyapetersen@gmail.com

Kelly said...

BBq pepperjack chicken

kellyapetersen@gmail.com

Kelly said...

Taco Salad
kellyapetersen@gmail.com

Kelly said...

i signed up for jane's newsletter

kellyapetersen@gmail.com

krkupr01 said...

I would love to make the chicken cannelloni!
krkupr01@yahoo.com

krkupr01 said...

I would love to make the chicken cannelloni!
krkupr01@yahoo.com

krkupr01 said...

I would love to make the chicken cannelloni!
krkupr01@yahoo.com

carol said...

I'd love to try the mini cheesecakes! #1

carol said...

I'd love to try the mini cheesecakes! #2

carol said...

I'd love to try the mini cheesecakes! #3

carol said...

I signed up for Jane's newsletter.

carol said...

I follow jane's blog.

carol said...

I follow you on twitter,

carol said...

I follow you on facebook networked blogs.

carol said...

Tweeted giveaway.

Jen V said...

I would like to try the baked chicken chimichangas. Sounds yummy!
Entry #1
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

Jen V said...

baked chicken chimichangas.
Entry #2
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

Jen V said...

baked chicken chimichangas.
Entry #3
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

Jen V said...

I follow you on twitter as greatgiveaways.
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

Jen V said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/5854704381
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

sweepmom said...

I would like to try the Chicken Cannelloni.

plb8156 said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/plb8156/status/5857534532
plb8156@aol.com

Food According To Karen said...

Tweeted.

http://twitter.com/KarenB1961/status/5864291555

karenb1961@gmail.com

Kristen said...

Chicken Parmesan

Kristen said...

Panko Crusted Pork Medallions

Kristen said...

Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers

Shawna said...

My family would love the chicken enchiladas, but ALL of the recipes sounded delicious!

Jen V said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/5886239724
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

plb8156 said...

tweeted
http://twitter.com/plb8156/status/5886844728
plb8156@aol.com

Anne-Marie T said...

Tweeted. (amt946)
http://twitter.com/amt946/status/5893825898

Nickolay said...

The Italian Wedding Soup sounds rockin

jason(at)allworldautomotive(dot)com

Jen V said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/5915843251
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

plb8156 said...

Good afternoon
daily tweet :)
http://twitter.com/plb8156/status/5925126608
plb8156@aol.com

mrsshukra said...

Chicken Stroganoff -- #1

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Chicken Stroanoff-- #2

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Chicken Stroganoff - #3

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I follow your blog!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I subscribe to Jane's newsletter

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

I follow Jane's blog already!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

The BBQ Country Ribs/Pulled Pork sounds delicious.

Anonymous said...

The BBQ Country Ribs/Pulled Pork sounds delicious.

Anonymous said...

The BBQ Country Ribs/Pulled Pork sounds delicious.

plb8156 said...

Good morning :)
tweeted
http://twitter.com/plb8156/status/5945119040
plb8156@aol.com

corrine said...

I would love the:Chicken Tortellini Tetrazzini!

corrine said...

My boyfriend would love the Crab Cakes.

corrine said...

We both would fight over the last Honey Mustard Chicken Finger.

Jen V said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/5946728442
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

jennielee226 said...

My family would love the steak fajitas
jennielee226(at)gmail(dot)com

jennielee226 said...

I follow Jane's blog
jennielee226(at)gmail(dot)com

CJ said...

Chicken Enchiladas for sure!

julieplourde at hotmail dot com

CJ said...

Chicken Enchiladas for sure!

julieplourde at hotmail dot com

CJ said...

Chicken Enchiladas for sure

julieplourde at hotmail dot com

Jennifer T. said...

I'd like to try the Taco Lasagna. (comment #1)

Jennifer T. said...

I'd like to try the Taco Lasagna. (comment #2)

Jennifer T. said...

I'd like to try the Taco Lasagna. (comment #3)

Jen V said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Greatgiveaways/status/5973695267
ssovrnej (at) gmail.com

plb8156 said...

Tweeted :)
http://twitter.com/plb8156/status/5983443277
plb8156@aol.com

Allison said...

My family would absolutely flip over the buffalo chicken dip!

uncommonproductions@gmail.com

Hannah said...

Strawberry Spinach Salad? That sounds crazy AND delish!

tauntsociety AT gmail DOT com

Hannah said...

Ooo-wee, mini cheesecakes!!

tauntsociety AT gmail DOT com

Hannah said...

Okay, mouth now watering ... CRAB CAKES!!

tauntsociety AT gmail DOT com

Thanks!

Hannah said...

Now a follower of the Facebook Network Blog.

tauntsociety AT gmail DOT com

Thanks!

Jackie said...

Taco Pie (Comment #1)

Jackie said...

Taco Pie (Comment #2)

Jackie said...

Taco Pie (Comment #3)

Jackie said...

Subscribed
jacqueline.ferrer@gmail.com

Jackie said...

following on twitter as jeloooo

Jackie said...

tweet!
http://twitter.com/JeLoOoo/status/5989812322

Unknown said...

We would love the Chicken Tortellini Tetrazzini! Sounds yummy!

Unknown said...

Chicken Tortellini Tetrazzini sounds great.

Unknown said...

Chicken Tortellini Tetrazzini please

Travel Writer said...

The Meatballs & Gravy in a Crock Pot would be a winner with my family - thanks!
http://conniemotz.blogspot.com/
c.motz@shaw.ca

chantilly said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dee Ann Carter said...

Chicken tortellini looks divine!

Dee Ann Carter said...

Meatballs and Gravy crockpot would be one that I could make in a heart beat!

Dee Ann Carter said...

With the Italian Restaurant Pizza the family sitting at the table for dinner would be a shew in!

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