Yumm! – Rockland NY Mom

Build Your Summer S’mores Kit!

Posted on July 23, 2022 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Camp Johnston, RNYM's Picks, Shopping, Specialty Items, Yumm! .

Disclosure: All opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links which means that if you click on them and purchase the items, we earn a small commission.

If you know me, or have BBQ’d with me, then you’ve probably been subject to my fireside feasts. I LOVE FIRE! When we purchased our home and our lake house one of the major items needed was a fireplace, they go all winter long. In the summer it is no different. I made sure that we have a fire pit at each, and I love to make a fire, have a drink, and make ridiculous treats by the fire. To me its the embodiment of summer. My happy place, my solitude. I am going to share some of the awesome stuff we do with you. This one is just how I built my unbelievable s’mores kit.

I know this is a trend now, but I SWEAR (anyone can attest to it, I was doing this a long time before it was chic. I have linked you up to all of the items I suggest through my buddies Amazon, but I find most of my stuff at Walmart, and the regular food store.

First and Foremost– the items you need in order to do this:

You also NEED somewhere to store everything- my family KNOWS not to touch the smores kit, its OFF LIMITS, I don’t care how much you want a sweet treat. I keep everything packed up in a plastic tub so it keeps fresh, and it helps them to know what they CANNOT eat.

When I make the kit I put them on a nice tray for presentation.

The bread– (what we affectionately call the outer portion of the s’more) Graham crackers are fine, but it gets super fun when you mix up the bread parts.

Marshmallows– THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT OPTIONS!!

(also worth noting, there was a chocolate peppermin stutffed option this winter, I purchased some and held onto them until summer and they were great so i’ll stock up again this winter)

Candy-

I just went to Hershey with the kids and found some great new flavors I HAD to buy and try (mint, strawberry and birthday cake, will let you know how that went.

Ready Set Grill!!

Posted on October 20, 2018 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Uncategorized, Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Shoprite sent us some products to try. All opinions expressed are my own.

Once the snow thaws (sometimes even before) in our house the grill starts. Its our favorite way to eat. We are always looking for healthy natural ways to mix it up instead of getting into the rut with the same old burgers, hot dogs, steak and plain grilled chicken. Wandering the isles at Shop Rite if you head over to the marinade isle you will see their new line of Wholesome Pantry all natural marinades. I couldn’t resist picking up a few- oh and some organic ketchup (do I dare veer from the usual Heinz?)

First up I decided to try the teriyaki marinade first. I had it all ready to go, in the fridge and then we got hit with rain (this summer was so much of this). What is nice is that the marinade is so versatile I was able to change it to a stove top meal, so its not just for grilling. Super easy- I cooked the marinated chicken, then once cooked thoroughly I added broccoli, and carrots. I served it over brown rice and YUM!!!

Happy to report that I switched out the ketchup, and my kids at first didn’t notice a difference, then asked me on the 3rd use- if it was a new kind- because it was BETTER than the old one- and (E) loves ketchup. Her favorite meal is chicken nuggets and french fries. I’ve since used it as a glaze on top of my meatloaf as well as a condiment for our regular hamburger and hot dog grilling.

The final one that I used I saved for last simply because my family gobbled it up so quickly I don’t know what to say. I marinated the chicken overnight for this last one, then just grilled it up, and served it with corn on the cob and some mashed potatoes.

(A) determined that it was his favorite chicken ever and its become a staple in our home. Its another marinade that despite being amazing on the grill, can be brought inside if the weather goes south (which is pretty much all the time these days).

I am absolutely loving this new Wholesome Pantry line from Shoprite. I feel good about the delicious food I am feeding my family. Everything I have tried we are hooked on! I can’t wait to try some more of their great products!

Pretzel Bunnies

Posted on April 1, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Crafts, We're Having a Party, Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post. All opinions expressed are my own.

I am lucky enough to be on Spring Break this week. (A) is not. In fact, I was lucky because our snack day at school was this week. I like that because during our normal routine I don’t have enough time to make something special (which I enjoy). So we wanted to make something nice and also a little healthy.

I decided on home made soft pretzels, which at first glance seems super labor intensive and difficult. They weren’t. Its a little time consuming, but not difficult.

I used this recipe http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/24272/buttery-soft-pretzels/?page=0

This was great because (A) could help. Having used lots of dough, he knew how to roll them into “snakes” and then twist them into Bunnies.

We cooked them and then as soon as they came out of the oven, we put melted butter on them and stuck in a chocolate covered egg (as a tail). Then sprinkled coarse sea salt on the top.

That’s it super easy, cute and the kids (and adults) loved them!!

Yummy Cookies, and Chocolate Oh My!

Posted on February 6, 2015 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Direct Sales, Reviews, Specialty Items, Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as I was given some specialty items to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I like chocolate A LOT! We could probably make that sweets in general. I would say I like them more than the average person. I can polish off a large bag of M&M’s or a bag of cookies in 5 minutes flat (not that I am particularly proud of that). I usually don’t keep sweets in the house, once I start I just can’t stop. I feel badly about it later because I know it is not good for me. Imagine my excitement (and fear) when I was asked to review some specialty chocolates and cookies from German Grocery!

I do not consider myself a connoisseur of any kind, but I have eaten quite a bit of chocolate and cookies in my time. I was determined to approach these with a critical eye and be able to give the most detail possible. Let me start by saying, these are not just any cookies, or any chocolates. Even with my track record I was not able to sit and gobble them down. Their richness and the interest in the flavoring forced me to slow down, take my time and enjoy each taste.

Let’s start with the cookies. The first were chocolate covered and super rich. I was able to eat one at a time only because of the richness, and believe me I am not complaining. The mix of flavors had my mouth on overload, and instead of mindlessly chomping through the entire package, they lasted, and I was able to reward myself with a treat every now and again.

The second bag of cookies were a shortbread sort of cookie. Very sweet, but so delicious. These were the family favorite. Especially for (A) who took a bite and then finished the cookie with an enthusiastic “yummmm!” After the first he said “Mom may I please have another one?” Endorsements don’t really come better than that. They are a great little treat with a cup of coffee or tea, really nice and again, I don’t want to gobble the whole bag. I want to enjoy them slowly.

(A) enjoys a cookie!

(A)’s favorite cookie!

Now the chocolates. The kids didn’t get to try these as they contained liquor. These were left up to the adults. The chocolate on the outside is delicious. I really enjoyed it. Although I usually don’t like too much added to my chocolate (I am a purist) the first chocolates “Laroshell” were more mild and a little more my style. You could barely taste the alcohol. The second chocolate “Brandy Beans” had more of a kick. Still super delish chocolate on the outside I was able to taste the alcohol a bit more. They were yummy and I was able to have a few before my Father in Law confiscated them (they were his clear favorites).

I would without a doubt recommend these treats and the other like it on the German Grocery site. They are not your “everyday” treats. They are a little different and different is nice. I really enjoyed having one or two a day and not gobbling them down mindlessly. My family too. It’s a real treat to have a cookie after dinner with a nice hot drink.

To order German Chocolates and cookies like the ones reviewed in this article contact German Grocery at: http://www.germangrocery.com/. Proudly and privately owned and operated by a Rockland Family, they meet all of your specialty needs.

Italian Feast- Weekend Joy

Posted on September 13, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Reviews, Uncategorized, Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post as Jamie was invited to the Italian Feast. All opinions are her own.

One of the best things about living in Rockland is the abundance of awesome things to do on the weekends. The Italian Feast is one not to miss, and it is gone fast open this weekend only. Weekend hours: 11am to Midnight Saturday, and noon to 9pm Sunday.

Great food, great atmosphere, great music, great time! That basically sums up my family’s experience at the Blauvelt Sons of Italy 5^th annual ITALIAN FEAST. If you have any free time this weekend, this is absolutely the event to check out. They literally had something that would appeal to everyone and just the friendliest staff one could imagine

We arrived to a very organized parking situation and were pleased to see that anyone who needs to bring a stroller would be able to maneuver their stroller through parking and the event with no issues at all. (R) and (S) were bouncing up and down as we walked towards the entrance. The delicious smells of all the food surrounded us while we put on our wrist bands for unlimited rides, bounce houses, and slides. (R) couldn’t wait to get to the rides so after some amazing fried ravioli, off the 4 of us went to experience the rest of the event.

Jamie and the kids on the Carousel.

There was plenty of room to push the stroller through the walkways, plenty of seating all throughout the grounds for those who wanted to sit and eat or relax, and plenty of staff walking around making sure that the lines were moving quickly and that everyone was finding what they need. There were also several indoor bathrooms, which I prefer to a port-a-potty (especially for those with children in diapers). The staff was incredible. They helped us get both kids on the rides, buckled them in, let us know which rides we would need to accompany (S) on (R is big enough to ride most alone) and even made an emergency stop on one of the rides when (S) was terrified and crying. The rides are compartmentalized, with the kiddie rides in one spot and the big kid rides across the way which makes it easy to keep an eye on your child.

The family on the Tea Cups.

When (R) and (S) had ridden every single ride possible, we headed over to the music stage and enjoyed a delicious dinner by Joe and Joe’s restaurant. It is also in this stage area that adults can indulge in an adult beverage…and there was an excellent selection to choose from. (R) and (S) were busy dancing to the live music while T (my husband) and I tried to decide what to eat. It was not an easy choice. It all looked and smelled incredible and the line of people waiting was a clear indication just how good this dinner would be. To our pleasure they moved all the customers through the line and got them fed. It was no more than 10 minutes.

From there it was off to play the games, shop the dozens of vendors, and let the kids choose their souvenir. We even noticed black jack tables set up for later that evening.

If I had to describe this event in one word it would be joy. This event just oozes joy. There was not one person experiencing this event that was not smiling. Little kids, big kids, teenagers, parents, adults, staff members, everyone was all smiles and having a blast. It is a fabulous event and worth taking the family to enjoy. And yes, of course we got some zeppoles on the way out.

Weekend hours: 11am to Midnight Saturday, and noon to 9pm Sunday

FARM TO TABLE SPRING FUNDRAISER AT THE GNC, Sunday, June 22nd from 4pm-7pm

Posted on June 10, 2014 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Day Trips, Out and about..., Yumm! .

Disclosure: This is an unsponsored post.

What: Farm To Table Spring Fundraiser at the GNC
Where: Greenburgh Nature Center
When: Sunday, June 22 from 4pm-7pm
How Much: Members–$100 per person; Non-members–$150 per person (Children can attend at the per person rate ages 12 and older only; Childcare available for an additional fee for ages 2-12)

For further information, call (914) 723-3470 or go to: www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

FARM TO TABLE SPRING FUNDRAISER AT THE GNC, Sunday, June 22^nd from 4pm-7pm

Come to the Greenburgh Nature Center for their 2^nd Annual Farm to Table dinner and wine tasting fundraiser on Sunday, June 22 from 4pm-7pm. Guests enjoy seasonal fare from local restaurants, bakeries and wineries. All signups are online. Go to the homepage and click on Farm to Table. Hurry—only a limited number of tickets are still available!

Guests have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious meal from an assortment of local restaurants and bakeries listed below that promote using locally grown products and provide seasonal fare. In addition, wineries from the Hudson Valley region showcase their award winning wines. GNC’s natural setting provides a lovely and elegant backdrop for this special evening.

When you arrive at the event, you’ll be greeted by the GNC team and invited to start your evening with appetizers and a glass of award winning, local wine from the Hudson Valley region. You’ll have an opportunity to stroll around the grounds and learn about our animals, exhibits and educational programs from GNC Naturalists and interns.

After appetizers, you’ll gather around long tables to enjoy a meal prepared by several local restaurants and bakeries that provide seasonal fare and promote using locally grown products. Participants walk around to the different stations, each featuring a different restaurant. Each menu item includes ingredients harvested or sourced fresh from local area farms and will be accompanied by local wines. Throughout the meal, you can speak with the different local Chefs as well as the wine makers who provided the evening’s meal.

In an effort to reinforce GNC’s mission and sustainability message, we are asking everyone to bring their own dinnerware (china, glasses, silverware). There is an opportunity to rinse them off before you pack them up to bring them home. We have been diligently working to reduce waste and you will be helping us to do this.

GNC is a nature preserve, complete with uneven dirt trails and a grass Great Lawn. You will be touring the grounds and dinner will be served outdoors (under a tent if necessary), at tables set up on the Great Lawn, so please dress comfortably and casually, and wear practical shoes. Dinner will be held rain or shine, and evenings can be chilly, so wear or bring a sweater and/or jacket and appropriate layers. The event is held outside, so if the weather is nice, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and hats.

The cost per person is $100 for members, $150 for Non-members. Children over 12 years old can attend at the per person rate; childcare is available for an additional fee for ages 2-12. Seating is very limited so sign up online today to reserve your spot. See website to register.

Guilt free, school approved snack…

Posted on October 16, 2013 by RocklandNYMom Posted in Out and about..., Yumm! .

Disclosure: I did not receive any monetary compensation in exchange for this post

(A) attends pre-school and has a snack day once a month where I am responsible for sending in a snack for the whole class. I look forward to the opportunity to send something healthy and yummy for the kids. I also hate to be typical, I don’t want to send the same pouches and whatnot that everyone else does. Granonut is perfect since we have restrictions about nuts (as most schools, daycares, etc do).

Granonut was created by a Rockland Native who has a nut allergy and still wanted to be able to enjoy healthy granola. Granonut is an all natural, nut free granola made locally in Bronx, NY! If you or a loved one have a nut allergy (or even if you don’t) check out www.granonut.com!

Check out some of the new flavors that were just added including a festive Pimpkin Spice!