Product Review: “Sweet Heat” Cookbook

Hey guys- coming to you today with a little review! A little over 2 months ago I received a copy of Sweet Heat: Cooking with Jenkins Jellies Hell Fire Pepper Jelly

By Hillary Danner and Maria Newman  

You may remember the first Review I did for them way back in August. (Go check it out for all the highlights! or visit http://jenkinsjellies.com for more info about the jellies themselves) I was a jelly hater turned lover  after trying their products- I had no idea that jelly could be a Spicy delicious condiment perfect for toping everything from tofu, eggs, veggies and grilled cheese!

So when I was asked if I wanted to try out and review the new cookbook- I was more than happy to oblige. 

I LOVE getting packages in the mail.. Its one of those small things in life that I will never tire of (You can keep the bills though) Upon cracking the binding of the book I came across a cute little message from the authors

(Well thanks ladies.. I think I will have Happy Hell Fire!) 

Turn a few more pages and you get a background of just who these wonderful ladies are and how the company got started- with a couple of super cute pictures to go along with the story. 

Then it’s time for the good stuff- the food! Appetizers, Sauces & Dips, Sides & Salads, Main Dishes, Desserts & Treats, Drinks, and More Sweet Heat Jellies (which features the other flavors of jellies in a handful or recipes) There is a little something for everyone- and in case you didn’t think some of the recipe titles intrigued you- there are amazing full color pictures with EACH recipe! I may have drooled on my book a bit.. Sorry girls :)

I marked all of the recipes that I wanted to try right away- Yes I want to try all of them.. but just like any other cookbook I’ve ever owned (Which believe me has been a lot!) I like to find the ones that not only stand out- but have the potential to “Spice” up ingredients that I use and eat all the time. 

But I had a little problem..

I had forgotten to purchase the jelly ahead of time- which meant I had to wait (almost two weeks mind you, the torture!) for a jar to come in since it is not yet sold in my state. (More on this later)

Finally, the jelly arrived and I decided on Roasted Brussels Sprouts straight away

Oh my! James and eat out fair share of brussels sprouts but this is by far one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. The combo of sweet and a little sticky with the spicy kick, over the slightly browned edges with make your mouth sing. (lucky for you this isn’t a Vlog)

Next up: Baked Sweet (Heat) Potatoes

For this recipe, the pepper jelly is mixed right in with the sour cream as the topping for your sweet potato with a few chopped nuts for some crunch. I thought this was a nice twist on an old favorite. You know.. Kind of like those sweet potato casseroles that you have during the holidays with the nuts and caramelized sweetness.. but with some sassafras! 

Some of my other favorites

-Creamy Dreamy Dip

The most addicting dip for veggies, crackers, or fingers you’ll ever taste.. Seriously- you can’t stop until it’s gone.. 

- Coleslaw for the Soul 

-Twice Baked Stuffed Potatoes

-White Hot Bianca Pizza 

-Pepper Jelly S'mores

There is a good amount of variety in the book. It’s contents highlight the quality and absolute versatility of the product- without over complicated or time consuming application. Most of the recipes are simple, quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients- which to me means your more likely to come back to use these recipes again and again. 

Also, throughout the book there are these fun little nuggets of info in “Did you know” boxes like this one “Chili peppers are addicting! Endorphins, our body’s natural painkillers, are released to combat the capsaicin-induced heat factor. This creates a feeling of well-being… and then we want more!”

And

“Peppers are part of the fruit family and not vegetable. They’re low in calories and packed with vitamin A to keep your eyes nice and healthy!” 

So, if your looking to add a little spice to your life.. Go Purchase your copy of Sweet Heat today! 

AND

Visit http://jenkinsjellies.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

There is just one thing that I didn’t love- Shipping cost of the Jellies themselves. The price of the Jellies are reasonable for the quality and contents, (All natural, mostly organic, completely delicious) however the shipping costs were astronomical.. I’m talking $12 for one jar to be shipped to my home- making the cost of the jellies $24 a jar. I’m not sure if this is the universal shipping cost or just because I live on the other side of the country? But it is a bummer! So here’s to crossed fingers and toes that this stuff becomes available in stores here in RI- Are you reading this WHOLEFOODS?! 

But seriously.. go grab some anyway- and a copy of the book...they really are worth it- I promise 

Thank You to Jenkins Jellies and the folks over at Crier Communications! 

*Disclaimer: Jenkins Jellies Provided me a copy of Sweet Heat, Cooking with Jenkins Jellies Hell Fire Pepper Jelly for free to sample and review. I was under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own*

Storm+ Recipe teasers+ a Whole lot of food+ a WO

Hey there- coming to you early-ish this morning before Mother Nature dumps a crap load of snow on us here in the North East. It is expected to be 2 1/2 FEET of snow.. Seriously?! I need to move.. 

Oh well.. Guess it’s time to sharpen my snowball and snowman making skills! And maybe snuggle with these mutts.. (although I’m a little angry with Hydro- I know he’s brain dead and everything.. but taking a crap on my floor when he just went outside 3 minute before.. not cool man) 

(He is currently in bathtub timeout) 

Remember my attempt at Marshmallows- without a mixer? Well they are nothing like marshmallows.. at all.. but still pretty good- They have a texture like jello with a fluffy topper

 James didn't really dig the different textures- but the chocolate coffee flavor was awesome

  And it kind of looks like a Reeses cup, hah.. 

So I had this spectacular idea for another way to enjoy my gelatin supplement- I’ll give you a hint  

It came out better than I could have ever anticipated.. mmm..

Recipe coming next post… be sure to check back ;)

Thursdays tend to be some of the most active days around here and this week was no different. I started the day off with a short training run- 2 miles running followed by 2 miles of walking on the little old treadmill.. I took the time to catch up with Paula. I came home and did the Quickie WO, showered, and got my clients WO all squared away.

 Lunch time rolled around

I still can’t believe I eat Sardines.. they are pretty good though! 

A bit later I grabbed a little snack as I was heading out the door to hang out with Paula for a bit

That is Trader Joe’s 85% dark chocolate (times two) and a dried fig.. Just the right amount of sweetness to pick up the afternoon.

I got home and took the mutt for a VERY cold walk.. I don’t think I have walked our route so fast in my life.. it was flipping freezing- it was about 35 minutes.. (Kind of regretting it now that he thanked me with that little surprise today lol) 

I warmed up, changed back into workout clothes and headed back out the door to meet with my client..  Then is was back home for 20 minutes to inhale dinner (My salad with Sardines and some left over coconut soup) Back out the door to teach yoga..  Needless to say I was VERY excited to come home to a glass of wine and an episode of Law and Order on Netflix. But then it STRUCK.. I was starved and I needed a snack.. STAT! 

So I threw some stuff together in an almost empty honey jar.. 

It’s not perfect but it hit the spot- and reminded me a bit of a brownie

1/2- 1 tsp honey

1 tsp Coconut oil

1 Tbsp Coconut flour

1/2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

dash of salt

1 whole egg

1/4 scant tsp baking powder

1-2 Tbsp water 

Mixed up- popped into the microwave for 1-2 minutes..  top with coconut butter. 

I’m coconut obsessed.

I was supposed to work this morning- but got a call to stay in- and I’m pretty sure work is canceled for tomorrow too.. unless I somehow can strap a sled onto the mutts and mush my way in.. To say I’m happy about that is an understatement :) 

Breakfast was awesome.. I looked down into the bowl and found a friend!

It’s a shark! Or a fish?! Either way.. I couldn’t have done it on purpose if I tried.. 

I followed breakfast up with a quickie workout 

Tina’s beginner WO  

This was a FUN workout- and very effective in 18 minutes.

Each round I tried to beat my score.. it was TOUGH.. and though I wasn’t able to actually beat my score it was a good incentive to push myself as hard as I could. 

Round 1: 4 complete rounds and up to 1 sit up into round 5

Round 2: 4 complete rounds and up to 4 jump squats

Round 3: 4 complete rounds and up to 3 Jump squats 

Fellow North Easters.. Stay safe and warm! 

Happy Friday Friends!! 

Quickies

Hey- get your heads out of the gutter! I’m talking about quickie workouts.. Honestly they are my most favorite-As you probably have figured out. Effective and done with little to no equipment. One of my classes each week if focused on this exact concept- so I like to play with different combos, incorporating some stuff I see on blogs, articles, Instagram, etc.. so I can keep the class interesting.

This week I got this great article from Marksdailyapple.com in my inbox and loved it. Fitting workouts into our lives doesn’t have to be a challenge- I’ll admit, when it’s winter- cold and gross, getting outside for a walk around the neighborhood is tough.. I find I have to bribe myself to get it in- “If you take the mutt for a walk.. you can have an afternoon coffee when you get back!” 

(I may have done this today)

After morning coffee I put off breakfast to do a “Quickie” Functional WO (inspired by the article) 

I warmed up with 5 minutes of non-stop Sun Salute A’s- before moving on the the workout above. In 15 minutes- I was warmed up, worked out, and sweaty

(I’m slightly obsessed with my compression sleeves- I’m going to need another pair!)

Post WO Breakfast was a “Quickie" stack of Paleo Pancakes

(ok.. not this exact stack.. but I was famished and ate this mornings version- which had sliced bananas, coconut butter and almond butter for toppings- before I could take a photo) 

I did a bunch of cleaning (having dogs makes your house a mess no matter how much you clean) followed by yogurt making, and an attempt at Chocolate coffee marshmallows from The girls at purelytwins.com 

Unfortunately I don’t have a KitchenAid.. or a hand mixer- so I tried to use my broken bowled food processor- with the help of some wine to hold the bowl in place

I poured it in some molds and I’m hoping for the best!

And then there was a “Quickie" lunch

Romaine

Tomato

Carrots

Hard boiled egg

Mozzarella Cheese

Cucumbers

Avocado

Olive oil

What have your recent “Quickies” been???

Weekend Catch up with a couple of weenies

Good day Mates! I’m coming to you a bit late (Sorry!) How was the weekend? This was the last weekend of my mandatory vacation from work- So I tried to enjoy it to the fullest! I have so many pictures to share- so I’m going to keep words short. 

 Sweaty workout= super unflattering photo

Fuel

 Homemade mixed berry yogurt, Almond butter, coconut flakes

 Visiting with My friend Meg and Phoebe 

Finally got around to making Cauliflower Pizza Crust

 It was surprisingly delicious! 

 Of course.. much better topped with Hot Sauce- It was very interesting.. it didn’t taste exactly like pizza crust.. but it didn’t taste like cauliflower.. James already requested it for dinner this coming week- WIN!

 (Gluten Free, Paleo-ish, Completely yummy!)

Watching SNL from the 90’s

 That shirt is priceless.. "I’m a little FaClempt.. talk amongst yourselves- I’ll give you a Taupic"

Getting coffee with my Christmas Giftcard- and it getting upgraded to the larger size for free

 Guess all that flirting with the barista has paid off! (I’m totally kidding)

I perfected and shared with James the 2 ingredient pancakes 

 Actually I modified it.. so it’s 3 ingredients.. 

 2 bananas

3 whole eggs

2 TBSP coconut flour

Blend, and cook over med-low heat in coconut oil

(Topped with melted coconut butter and chocolate chips- ok so the chips could have been left out.. but oh so yummy!)

Dinner

 Lemon grilled Salmon, steamed broccoli, mashed tatters 

SQUOOSHY Faced Mutts 

 Big weenies 

 Hey.. I was talking about the car!

 Sunday Brunch- complete with bloody mary for him and mimosa for her

 “balance" the salad with some greek fries :) 

Getting my hands on a pair of compression sleeves FINALLY

 I stuck with a very subtle color

Super cheap organic wine from Trader Joes

 The husband taking my class!

 Today: 3 mile training run on the TM (the first with my sleeves) with snow greeting me as I left the gym- I also did a training run on Saturday too :)

 First day back to work at the restaurant.. trying to be better about packing lunches

Back to the real world! 

Training runs +quickie WOs+ foods of course :)

 Let’s get up to speed, shall we?
    TUESDAY- I headed to check off a training run.

  I find it really interesting that the training runs aren’t very long- or fast for that matter. I’m sure it is mostly due to the fact that I have months before the actual race day. It has been really nice to actually take it out slow- I think I might even be starting to like running :)
   Before my run (with Paula) we did some supersets- We had super limited time since she had to get to school..
-Military Press/ Bench press
-Tri extension/ Biceps curls
-Shoulder Raise (lateral)/Shoulder Raise (Front)
-Bent over rows

    Straight from the gym I dropped by Denny’s to see my old co-workers and have a couple cups of coffee

    I love the new place mats! It was nice to catch up with the girls- I need to stop by more often <3 p="">   Sometime later I reheated some Spicy Coconut soup for lunch, while I caught up on the Biggest Loser

    I just can’t help myself- I love this show! If only I could train with them.. I think it would be good fun.  Unfortunately, the fun couldn’t last all day.. I had some cleaning and other chores to get done. Around 4:30, my friend picked me up to go to Launch.. Launch is a trampoline park- which sounds super cool right?! To be honest.. I didn’t think it was all that great for adults- don’t get me wrong.. it was definitely fun and a workout- but I think I was expecting something a whole lot more epic. It was $14 for an hour to jump- so I would say it was a bit more money than I would be willing to spend. However I think it is a good option for parents to bring their kids there to get them up off the couch and moving.

WEDNESDAY- I woke up with a real kink in the neck- I’m not sure if it was from the workout or the jumping.. But I decided to skip out on going to the actual gym. Instead I ended up doing Zwow53 (I skipped the stretching in the video and just did all 4 rounds back to back) I finished in just over 8 minutes- and was sweaty! I love how these types of workouts.. I took some “progress” pics afterwards

 

 The weather was mild- so mild I walked the dog in my shorts!

 It made me feel like spring isn’t THAT far away.. (Don’t even look at the rest of the weeks temps.. we are just overlooking those)
    Paula and I met up for some afternoon coffee at Felicia's

   This was Reeses flavored coffee- the nice thing is that it was a brewed flavor.. not the super sugary flavor shots- It was pretty good.. but not my favorite.
    Later I decided to make some baby fritattas..

FYI- the muffin pan is STILL soaking.. these made a mess of the pan- but at least they taste great.. I probably should have lined the pan- oops. (Broccoli for me- Ham for the man)
   My favorite part of dinner? (super bright picture ahead)

Steamed kale with a good drizzle of Olive oil, salt, and raw pumpkin seeds- I’m not sure why I haven’t put pumpkin seeds on kale before.. Healthy fats and crunch for the win!
TODAY- I embarked on the Paleo, 2 ingredient pancakes

  (one banana and two whole eggs blended) They stuck to the pan- but it’s kind of my own fault for using the cast iron pan.. They don’t taste like regular pancakes (which I wasn’t expecting anyway) But they were pretty tasty

Especially with some butter, walnuts and coconut butter..
   I headed to the gym for a training run and then moved right on to this workout (My sister in law sent it my way. It is from beyonfitphysiques.com)

Warm up:
10 Walking Lunges
10 burpees
   

3 Rounds (1 minute per exercise)

-1 minute of mountain climbers
-1 minute deadlift with a row(weights)
-1 minute pliyo lunges
-1 minute squat with a press(weights)
-1 minute plank or bicycle crunches
-1 minute squat jumps

  I was red faced and super sweaty afterwards- but I felt really good :)