In these trying economic times, we are all looking to save money whatever ways we can.  One way to save money is what we are using in our kitchen.  Did you know that potatoes are one of the least expensive items in the produce department, andbone of the most nutritious? In most places, you can still get potatoes for less than 25 cents a spud. With only 110 calories in a medium potato and being naturally fat-free, sodium-free and cholesterol-free, the tater can’t be beat.

The US Potato Board has come up with a website to help us all out called Mom’s Dinner Helper.  You can find great recipes, dinnertime tip, and Nutrition information. There are even places for you to share your own recipes, comment, and rate recipes to win prizes.  They even have a blog called Tater Talk where everything from parenting to potatoes is discussed.

If you are looking for a way to save some money in the kitchen, incorporating more potatoes in your diet is a good way.

You know you are about to eat some good chocolate when you see the following warnings:

• This chocolate has plenty of texture. It is not slippery smooth like processed chocolate.
• This chocolate is full of complex flavors that explode in your mouth. The flavor profile has not been muted by a commercial process.
• This chocolate has a natural look, of course. It is not shiny.
• Sorry, but our experience is that after indulging in some of our chocolates, you might never be able to fully enjoy a traditional candy bar again.

What chocolate am I talking about? IgnaFire Chocolates are some of the best chocolate you will ever eat.  If you are craving chocolate, one piece of this will solve your craving, because it is that good.  IgnaFire chocolates are made straight from the cacao bean.  There is no commercial processing and no added cacao butter.  They don’t use the extensive heating and industrial processing that a lot of other chocolate placs do.  This keeps all the healthful flavanols and antioxidants that occur naturally in the bean along with all its natural flavor.  I am not kidding when I say one on these pieces of chocolate will curve any sugar you have.  Since I am lactose intolerant, my favorite part of this chocolate is that no dairy products are added!  This also works well for vegans too!  When you first bite into a piece of this chocolate, it does have a different texture.  However, the chocolate really does seem to melt in your mouth.

Besides having awesome chocolates, the company that makes IgnaFire Chocolates is concerned about the environment.  What better gift than one that is environmentally friendly to the planet?  The packaging is completely compostable.  The boxes the chocolate comes in are handmade paper with no glue.  This allows the boxes to be used over and over again.  The boxes also are compostable.  The printed information that is included with your chocolate is printed on dissolvable potato paper.  That literally just washes down your kitchen sink.  Lastly, the cellulose bag that the chocolate is in will compost in 45-60 days.  I have never seen a company so carrying about the environment.

Ignafire Chocolates will be some of the best chocolates you will ever eat.  I highly recommend picking up box for yourself (if not others) and enjoy!  Great chocolate, saving the environment, how can you go wrong?

To mash potatoes, use a hand masher, a potato ricer, or for a smoother result, an electric mixer.  Be sure not to overbeat your potatoes.  Otherwise, they will become thick and pasty.

Okay, I have forgotten to do this for several weeks now, but I am going to try to get back into the groove of doing these again.  If you want to join, check out Fun, Crafts, and Recipes.

#1. Cake. Buttercream, whipped cream or ice cream? I like all cake.  Since I am lactose intolerant, I prefer not to eat ice cream cake even though I do like it.
#2. When entertaining do you use real, paper, plastic or styrofoam dishes? If we are having a big party, plastic and styrofoam.  If its just immediate family, real because I have a dish washer.
#3. When hosting a party do you cook, have it catered or go to a restaurant? Cook.
#4. Share a recipe that you frequently serve when having a party.
Potato Salad – 10 lbs
10 lbs. potatoes
3 – 4 hard-boiled eggs
1 bottle of mayo
Mustard
½ lid white vinegar
½ cup milk
Sugar
Onion

Boil water with potatoes for approx. 30 minutes – 1 hr. Drain and put in fridge overnight.
Boil cold water and 3 – 4 eggs for 7 – 10 minutes. Drain and put in fridge overnight.

The next day, peel and slice potatoes. Mix mayo and mustard till yellow and add vinegar. Add in milk, salt, and pepper. taste, if bitter add sugar.

In separate bowl, put a layer of potatoes, seasoning, hard-boiled eggs, diced onions, and mayo mixture and stir. Repeat until you have all the ingredients in there and mixed. Put in refrigerator and let sit overnight before serving.