Gut Health in the Summer with Bio-Kult #momsmeet #bio-kult

 *Disclosure: I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com) to use and post my honest opinions. Compensation for this post was provided and this page may contain affiliate links.

The summer is full of fun and sun! Along with that comes BBQ, Fair Food, Amusement Park food and more. This can take a toll on your gut health. I am a person who daily eats a Greek yogurt for all the probiotics in it, but when I am busy on an outing, I don't have it with me. When Moms Meet sent me Bio-Kult I was excited to try it. Finally, I could have my probiotics on the go.

Among my friends and colleagues, I am known as a person who is always heath aware. Reading labels and ingredients is a must for me. I often share my info even when not asked, HAHA! I shared with my coworkers about how excited I was to try Bio-Kult because of the multi strain formula that can work synergistically together to balance your gut, a few of them wanted to try it with me. Bio-Kult has NO artificial colors or flavors, gluten free and NON-GMO. It does contain milk and soy.

I shared some samples with several of my coworkers and asked them to report back to me what they thought of it. We have cute little paper boxes in our stockroom to leave each other positive messages or little items to encourage a cohesive team. I left some Bio-Kult in a few of them.

For myself I noticed a big change of how balanced my gut felt. I felt less bloated, more regular and even a flatter tummy. It definitely can feel like a good cleaning from the inside out! For the first week I took 1 capsule daily. I was amazed at how it was cleaning out my bowels. Not a bathroom emergency style but a more regular bathroom routine. It feels like as your gut is balanced it helps everything feel better including your mind. After 1 week I took 2 a day, one with breakfast and 1 with dinner. I will absolutely be buying more of these and adding them to my daily self-care regime. 

Most of my coworkers reported back feeling less bloated and more regular in their bathroom routine. One person said no more brain fog and felt overall healthier. With sometimes unhealthy food and stress in our daily work lives having an easy-to-use probiotic is important to the overall health of my whole team. One of my coworkers did not like the capsule form so she opened it and added the powder inside to her morning smoothie. Another coworker was headed down to Mexico on vacation, so I told her about the instructions for Bio-Kult while traveling. They recommend taking 1-2 a day the week before vacation and during travel 4 times daily to maintain gut health. 

About Bio-Kult:

"Bio-Kult believes that a healthier, happier quality of life starts with your unique microbiome. Their award-winning range of clinically proven, probiotic strains are specially designed to support your mood, energy, and general health every day. For the last 25 years, Bio-Kult has been at the forefront of developing conversation around the gut and the microbiome. Bio-Kult, is a scientifically developed, advanced multi-strain formulation containing 14 probiotic strains which are proven to survive the high acidity of the stomach. The bacteria in Bio-Kult helps to reestablish and rebalance the gut microflora. Bio-Kult believes that having the confidence to take your everyday health into your own hands is something to be celebrated."

Bio-Kult Original Multi-Strain Formulation is the UK’s number one probiotic supplement, containing 14 unique probiotic strains for digestive and immune support.* 

This product targets the digestive and immune system and has been proven to survive the high acidity of the stomach.*

The capsules can be swallowed whole or broken apart and the contents added to food or drink.

Bio-Kult Original Multi-Strain Formulation has been approved by the Vegetarian Society as a vegetarian product.

It is also non-GMO and gluten free.

This product has been backed by over 30 clinical trials.

A 30-capsule box of Bio-Kult Original Multi-Strain Formulation typically retails for $14.85; a 60-capsule box for $25.50; and a 120-capsule box for $39.95. 

Save 20% on your entire order at bio-kult.com with promo code MOMSMEET20 

Offer expires 12/31/22

Purchase Bio-Kult Original Multi-Strain Formulation online at bio-kult.com, amazon.com, and walmart.com.

Hatfield Ham for the Holidays #HolidaysWithHatfield #simplyHatfield #ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidaysWithHatfield #simplyHatfield  #CollectiveBias #ad

When you think Holiday, think Hatfield®! Hatfield® Ham has been an essential part in gathering families around the Holiday dinner table for generations, and Hatfield® Ham continues to deliver quality and convenience in offering various ham options & sizes. For a limited time only, receive a $2 Rebate with purchase of any Hatfield® Uncured Ham.

Be sure to also check out Hatfield’s NEW ¼ pre-sliced and ½ PIT Ham options to better serve your family, big or small.

Trident Vibes Gum Free $5 iTunes Gift Card Rebate from Walmart #TridentVibes #ad

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TridentVibes #CollectiveBias #ad

What’s better than getting something free after purchasing your favorite gum? You simply upload your Walmart receipt, including the purchase of Trident VIBES® gum, and wait for it to be validated and you'll receive a $5 iTunes gift card. Trident VIBES® has this rebate offer running until 11/1! 

California H20 Water Challenge for Classrooms #ad #SaveH20 #MomsMeet

*I am writing this sponsored post for Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to share this information and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

As a Californian I know how important our water is to the state. We need it for farms, for homes and for business to function. We take pride in our ability to conserve and protect our watershed. Even in our school system we teach how Californians use water and how important it is to us all. I just completed teaching my own son the ways we use water in our state and how to use less of it.

In our home we make sure we turn off water while brushing our teeth, we don't over water our garden, we only wash dishes and laundry if its a full load and we limit our use of water wasting activities like washing the car.

Jenkinson Lake Drinking Water Reservior 

Many of our beautiful lakes and rivers are an important part of our drinking water that are also our outdoor activities areas. We are extra careful when we are out enjoying our local waterways as to not pollute it or cause waste.

The California Water Service hosts an annual contest to challenge teachers and students to learn more about water conservation through project based learning that aligns California Common Core Standards curriculum.

Information About Cal Water H2O Challenge’s Classroom Challenge:

• The students of participating classrooms initiate, develop, and

implement a 4-8 week-long project (or longer at teacher discretion),

focusing on caring for water. This class-based project explores water as

a global resource and as a local resource, while tackling a local water

problem in an individual and community-based endeavor.

• A handbook can be found at challenge.calwater.com/resources,

including a guide for the flow of the project, and sample lesson plans.

• Upon completion of the project, students create a final portfolio

documenting their work. This portfolio, along with accompanying

cover sheets, student reflections, and a teacher reflection, constitute

the final submission. Sample Portfolios can be found in the resource

section.

• Early Registration closes Dec. 31, 2017. Final Registration closes Jan 31,

2018. Submissions are due February 28, 2018.

• Curriculum Alignment: Common Core State Standards and is

complementary to the Next Generation Science Standards. In aligning

the curriculum, sample lesson plans were developed incorporating

these guidelines.

• Project-Based Learning: Developed with the help of the WestEd /

K-12 Alliance and the North American Association for Environmental

Education, their project-based learning model offers an effective

and engaging manner to inspire students to community action while

achieving curriculum standards.

• Objective Rubric: Judging of the competition will be conducted by a

panel of experts working in education and/or an environmental field.

It will use an objective rubric, developed with the help of the West Ed

/ K-12 Alliance. This rubric evaluates the water topic choice, project

goals, action plan, and outcomes, long term benefits, integration with

student learning and curriculum, student participation, impact on

student learning, presentation, and impact on teacher practice.

You can learn more about the Cal H20 Water Challenge here.

Here is a video of last years winners of the Cal Water H20 Challenge:

Winners of the Cal Water H2O Classroom Challenge will receive:

Grand Prize
Class Celebration: Classroom tent-camping trip to the Santa Monica Mountains with NatureBridge
Class Funding: $3,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

2nd Place
Class Celebration: A Pizza Party
Class Funding: $2,500 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

3rd Place
Class Funding: $2,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

4th Place
Class Funding: $1,000 grant
Extras: Cal Water prize packs for every student

All Participant Prizes
Student Recognition: An official certificate of participation for every student
Teacher Recognition: A teacher certificate
Teacher Gift: An AMEX gift card

Waterfall at Lake Jenkinson

Foster Farms 49ers Feed Your Fandom Game Day Recipe & Giveaway #FeedYourFandom #ad

*This is a sponsored post. All opinions expressed in this post are my own. #FeedYourFandom #ad

Football and food are forever linked through the parties families host to celebrate their favorite teams. In my home we love to support what we consider our local team, The San Francisco 49ers. I think our whole family would agree we are Red & Gold! My brother in law has moved a few times over the years to different states but he still is a 49er fan! I want my son to grow up to be a 49ers fan as well. I have been watching football games with my son since he was a baby and throwing a football around with him since he could walk. Football is also a part of our family Thanksgiving tradition starting back to when I was a kid.

Football games are always a good reason to make recipes your family enjoys on special occasions. For the San Francisco 49ers game I had planned on making a drumstick recipe that I love but my son convinced me that we really, really needed to make wings. I was so glad we made wings, the recipe was spicy and delicious!

Recipe for Spicy Parmesan Wings
2 lbs. of fresh Foster Farms Simply Raised Party Wings
1 cup of flour
3 tbsp. your favorite taco seasoning
1 egg white
1/4 cup your favorite hot sauce
1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
1/2 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

Mix in a bowl the flour and the spices. In a separate bowl whisk egg white. Dip chicken into the egg white bowl, then into the flour bowl lightly coating the chicken in the flour and spice mixture. Place chicken on a large baking sheet or stainless steel pan. Cook chicken at 400 for 45 minutes, adjust your cooking time for your oven as need be. When chicken is done, take it out of the oven and drizzle the top of the chicken with your favorite hot sauce. Wait 5 minutes then toss the chicken wings in a bowl with chopped fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve with cold pasta salad to balance the spiciness of the chicken wings.

Foster Farms has a great line of products to create fantastic tailgates and game day spreads. Ground turkey for tacos, chili or burgers, chicken breast and legs marinated in a favorite sauce and grilled to perfection. Sliced turkey for game time hoagies and sandwiches. Plus wings, nuggets, strips, buffalo wings, corn dogs and much more! In my house we eat Foster Farms chicken simply because it is a California company. We want to support California the state we live in and love, just like our love for the 49ers.

Foster Farms has an exciting promotion running called Feed Your Fandom – because as the official chicken and turkey of the San Francisco 49ers, Foster Farms is uniquely qualified to do just that!

To get involved and enter the exciting Feed Your Fandom promotion just pick up specially-marked packages of Foster Farms at area Safeway, Savemart, Lucky, Foodmaxx, Raley’s or Nob Hill stores.

Enter by taking a photo of your receipt and upload it by text or by uploading the receipt at http://feedyourfandom.com

Look for these labels on Foster Farms products in store

There are 49 great prizes daily from 49ers tickets to upcoming home games on 11/5 versus the Arizona Cardinals, 11/12 versus the New York Giants and 11/26 versus the Seattle Seahawks, to 49ers merchandise and also Foster Farms coupons for chicken or turkey products. Plus all entries are eligible for chance to win the Grand Prize, a VIP Suite Experience for 16 friends and family to the December 17th 49ers home game. Every entry helps feed the hungry!

For official rules and free method of entry visit http://feedyourfandom.com No purchase necessary, void where prohibited. Game ends 11/30/17

What would your ultimate fan outfit look like if you went to a game?!? Here I am rocking my red pom pom style wig and red sparkle sunglasses while we watched the last game and ate our spicy wings. I plan on entering the Feed Your Fandom Sweepstakes myself since I have never attended a NFL game. My family would love to see the 49ers play in person and of course enjoy all the amazing food at the stadium.

GIVEAWAY

I am hosting a giveaway on my blog for Foster Farm coupons so you can create your own football day recipes to share with your loved ones. Plus you can enter to win the Feed Your Fandom Sweepstakes with your receipts.

One winner (US Only) will win $70 in Foster Farms Coupons (7 coupons worth $9.99 good for any one (1) Foster Farms Chicken or Turkey products, all varieties.). 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


*Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 27 2017 and ends on Nov. 10, 2017 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Giveaway: Disney on Ice Dream Big Golden 1 Center Sacramento CA #Ad #DisneyonIce

Disclosure: This is a giveaway post. I was not paid or provided tickets.

Disney Princesses Create Their Own Happily Ever After When

DISNEY ON ICE presents DREAM BIG

Skates Into Sacramento, November 2–5, 2017

Believing is just the beginning when dreamers throughout Sacramento witness the empowering tales of Disney’s most courageous leading ladies told through artistic skating and acrobatics in Disney On Ice presents Dream Big. Audiences are invited to join eight Disney Princesses – Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Tiana, Jasmine, Aurora and Snow White – as they embark on incredible adventures, determined to make their dreams come true. In addition, experience the sisterly love that has captivated millions as Disney’s Frozen is brought to life on the icy stage. Disney On Ice presents Dream Big is playing the Golden 1 Center from November 2^nd – 5^th.

Audiences will be transported to a world where imaginations soar and anything can happen. Through enchanted pixie-dust, Tinker Bell takes audiences on a journey of beloved Disney tales. Make a splash with the fearless dreamer Ariel as she yearns to explore life above the waves. Watch Rapunzel, Cinderella and Belle as they learn about the power to make their own magic. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle with sisters Anna and Elsa and the hilarious snowman Olaf from Disney’s Frozen as they learn that true love is the greatest magic of all. Be there to discover a whole new world with the daring Jasmine, and join Snow White, Aurora and Tiana as they remind you that strength and kindness go hand-in-hand. High-flying jumps, daring acrobatics, breathtaking skating and lovable Disney friends make Disney On Ice presents Dream Big an experience your family will never forget!

WHEN: Thursday, November 2 – Sunday, November 5

• Thursday, Nov. 2 7:00 PM
• Friday, Nov. 3 7:00 PM
• Saturday, Nov. 4 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM
• Sunday, Nov. 5 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM

WHERE:          Golden 1 Center – 500 David J Stern Walk, Sacramento, CA 95814

My family recently visited the Golden 1 Center for the first time last month for a different event. It was easy to find and park. We used a parking app recommended by Golden 1 to pre-purchase a parking spot. The arena is huge and the food was great!

We are hosting a GIVEAWAY for 4-pack of tickets to opening night on Thurs, Nov. 2nd at 7pm, Golden 1 Center. Giveaway ends Thursday Oct. 26th 2017 and winner has 48 hours to confirm winning. Tickets will be held at Will Call at Golden 1 Center.

Enter in the Rafflecopter Form Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 *Limited to US residents 18 years old and above. Giveaway starts Oct. 20,2017 and ends on Oct. 26, 2017 at 12:01 am PST. Winner will be emailed and has 48 hours to respond before another winner is selected. The opinions on this item are 100% mine and may vary from others. The sponsor is responsible for providing the prize.

Sea-Band for Mamas and More Review #MomsMeet #ad

 *I received this product for free from Moms Meet (momsmeet.com), May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet blogger, I agree to use this product and post my honest opinion on my blog. The opinions posted are my own.

When I was pregnant with my son I suffered with severe morning sickness, well all day sickness until I discovered Sea-Band. I did not want to take any medications for the nausea and vomiting but could not figure out a natural way to help me. After some online research my husband went to the store and came back with Sea-Band. I try to look for natural remedies for health ailments and I thought its only a blue bracelet won't cause any harm to try them. Sea-Bands are acupressure bands that fit around your wrist just like a sweat band-with a pressure stud sewn inside. 

At first it felt a little tight like I needed to pull it a bit to make it fit with pressure but not much. After wearing it for a day I did not see too much relief but I think I was so focused on if it felt like they were working that stressing about it was not helping with nausea. The next day I wore them all day and did feel a lot less nauseated. I would put them on as soon as I woke up because I wanted to avoid any feeling of being sick to my stomach. For the remainder of my pregnancy they were my accessory to motherhood, my baby blue bracelets. 

I had significantly fewer headaches while I was using them too. I think it was due to the acupressure benefits of the bracelets. My son is 7 now but I still have those little blue bracelets for road trips and headaches.

Recently I saw a co-worker wearing them and asked her if they were Sea-Bands. She started to rave about how amazing they are for nauseousness just like I do anytime I see another fellow Sea-Band believer!

• Sea-Band is a knitted elasticated wrist band, which operates by applying pressure on the Nei Kuan acupressure point on each wrist by means of a plastic stud. The bands can be worn on each wrist whenever you feel nauseous.
• Recommended by midwives and pregnant women around the world, the Sea-Band Mama! acupressure wrist band provides a natural choice for effective morning sickness relief.
• Scienti c studies have proved that one of the most effective drug-free treatments is Acupressure on the P6 (Nei- Kuan) point between the two central tendons near the wrist.
• For Instructions on positioning the Sea-Band Mama! bands, please see this page: sea-band.com/mama/sea-band.
• Recently, JAMA (Journal of American Medical Association) recommended acupressure and Ginger as solutions to relieve morning sickness. An Italian study has also found that morning sickness was reduced in 70% of women who used Sea-Band acupressure bands.

Sea-Band Mama has some products on the market that I would like to try next time I need to cure nausea for pregnancy or may even be worth a try for my headaches. The Essential Oils Rollette contains Lime, Spearmint and Ginger that can be beneficial aromatherapy for nausea. You can buy Sea-Band products at Target, Walgreens, CVS and Walmart.

Since I do suffer from migraine headaches I like to wear my Sea-Bands when I feel like I maybe getting a headache, it can help stop them from becoming too intense. Early in the week I was wearing them as I cleaned up after my son was playing super heroes and reading a book in the living room. They come in many colors but I still love my light baby blue ones.

Easy Meal Time with Chef Boyardee Rollback Prices at Walmart

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LowPriceMeals #CollectiveBias #Ad

With winter almost behind us, I am looking for easy, scrumptious meals for my family. Less time in the kitchen means more time for other fun activities. Now through March 16, 2015, each 14.5-15 oz can of Chef Boyardee is on rollback at Walmart for only $0.75. Chef Boyardee raviolis, mac & cheese, and spaghetti and meatballs are just some of the varieties you can enjoy at a low price. Be sure to head to Walmart and stock up on this great deal while supplies last!

See the entire list of great Chef Boyardee 14.5 - 15 oz cans on rollback price:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1T0KEogmmH2...

While shopping at Walmart, be sure to look for the Rollback signs for Chef Boyardee in the Canned Food aisle!

Have A Cozy Family Dinner With Marie Callender's Pot Pies

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PotPiePlease #CollectiveBias

We had snow here at home in the Seattle area this weekend, something we don't usually get a lot of. With snow comes the cold weather, and my family really loves warm, comforting meals like Marie Callender's Pot Pies. I feel good serving these pot pies because they are delicious, and Marie Callender's taste like homemade.

The holidays are such a busy time for us all, and dinner time can be especially hectic. It's nice to know that all I have to do is pop one of the new family sized chicken pot pies in the oven and we'll have a wholesome family meal.

Marie Callender's pot pies are made with a homemade gravy mixed with vegetables and all white meat chicken in a golden flakey crust that's made from scratch.

Chicken pot pie has always been my favorite comfort food. And I always buy the Marie Callender brand, not just because it's so delicious, but because my connection goes back many years.

Growing up in California, we were lucky enough to have a Marie Callender's restaurant right in our neighborhood. For many years, my family and I ate there at least once a week. Lunch or dinner, a piece of pie and coffee, and we ordered all of our Thanksgiving pies from the restaurant. So many happy memories there.

And I love that I can still have the same great tasting Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pies at home, whenever I want.

The new family size has six servings, which is perfect for us. My grandchildren are notoriously picky eaters, and end up asking for different things to eat for dinner. My daughter and I try to discourage that because we don't want to set up that pattern, and who has time for that anyway?

Fortunately, the kids love this chicken pot pie, so there was no asking for something different. And with the recent snow and cold weather, pot pies are the perfect comfort food to warm us up.

I bought my chicken pot pie at Walmart when I was doing some grocery shopping. I always find the Walmart Bakery so tempting, with all the breads, pies, and other goodies.

I picked up a bag of these Ciabatta Rolls to go with dinner, and they were so good.

My grandson Jayden recently turned eight years old, and his appetite seems to be getting bigger everyday. Just like when my kids were little, it makes me happy to see him eat up a wholesome and yummy dinner.

With all the time we save by serving Marie Callender's Chicken Pot Pie, we have more time to talk about his day at school, or do homework, or for him to play before dinnertime.

You can find Marie Callender's Family Size Chicken Pot Pie in the freezer section of your local Walmart.

I thought they would be with the regular sized pot pies, but they weren't. They were located in the family meals section, so be sure to look around if you don't easily find them.

I always keep individual pot pies in the freezer at home. Sometimes I'll have one for lunch, or the kids will want them for dinner on a night when their mom and dad have an evening out, and I'm watching them.

With the busy holiday season already here, I'll be picking up more of the family sized pot pies very soon. By having handy meals on hand like Marie Callender's Pot Pies, my family and I can have less stress about getting dinner on the table, and more fun enjoying the holidays together.

You can visit Marie Callender's Meals to learn more about their product, and visit Pot Pies Please for more great recipes. You can also find Marie Callender's on Facebook.

With all the cold weather we are having, do you have a favorite comfort food dinner? Leave me a comment, I would love to know.

Cooking One Of My Favorite Holiday Party Recipes, Mexican Meatball Soup

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SeasonedGreetings #CollectiveBias

I don't know about you, but I feel like this fall season is going by so quickly. I'm already pulling out some of my favorite holiday party recipes and getting ready to make lots of delicious party food for my friends and family.

One of my all-time favorite recipes is this Mexican Meatball Soup. This soup, along with cheese enchiladas, has become the traditional menu that we make every year for my son-in-law's birthday, which is on Christmas Eve.

My son-in-law, Jacob, has two brothers with birthdays also near Christmas, and so as a child, he never had a birthday party. In our family, my own children always had parties, so when he married my daughter, we started having a birthday party for him every year.

This weekend I decided to make some Mexican Meatball Soup for dinner. It's been so cold, and the thought of this yummy soup simmering on the stove sounded good.

One of the key ingredients to making the soup, especially the meatballs, is Tabasco. It enhances the flavor of all the ingredients, and gives it the perfect kick of spice that makes this soup tastes so delicious.

While I was shopping at Safeway, I picked up three kinds of our favorite Tabasco flavors, Original Red, Chipotle, and Jalapeño. It isn't just a condiment, but adds great flavor to stews, burgers, chili, meatloaf, and more.

The first step in making this soup, is to make the meatballs. I used to fry them, but now I just pop them in the oven for about 12 minutes, and it's so much easier.

To a pound of lean ground beef, add an egg, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, catsup, oregano, and salt and pepper. And for that extra special flavor, add Tabasco. I usually add 3 tablespoons and it's just the right amount. But you can add more or less, to suit your taste buds.

Mix up the meat into 1-inch round balls and pop in the oven. I have a hard time resisting eating a few when they are done, and have to remind myself they are for the soup. They are good!

Chop zucchini, carrots, and onions and put into a Dutch oven or large soup pot. Add garlic. Cook for about 8 minutes , then add salt, pepper and taco seasoning.

The Tabasco and taco seasoning add great flavor to this soup, without making it too spicy. I always use the Original Red flavor when I make this recipe, but I think the Chipotle or Jalapeño flavor would work well, too. I'm a big fan of all the flavors, and so is my family.

After the vegetables have cooked and slightly softened, add the beef broth, a can of corn, a can of diced tomatoes, 1 cup of cooked rice, and the meatballs. Then add 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, 2 tablespoons Tabasco, and then let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.

I have made this soup with and without the rice, and it's great either way. But the rice does make the soup stretch even further, something I learned one year when we had more birthday party guests than we expected.

And I always have the Tabasco on hand when serving the soup, for those who might want to add more.

I found Tabasco in the condiments and sauces aisle at my local Safeway. They were even on sale, which made me pretty happy because I love saving money when I can.

I really love cooking, especially during the holidays. And I'm always looking for ways to make my recipes taste extra special, and using Tabasco does that.

I'm looking forward to making my Mexican Meatball Soup and enchiladas again this year for my son-in-law's birthday, and having the whole family gathered to celebrate.

What dishes do you serve every year during the holidays and have become a tradition in your house?
Leave me a comment, I would love to know!

Recipe for Mexican Meatball Soup

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 cup onions, chopped small
1/3 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup catsup
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons Tabasco Original Red flavor


2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 small zucchini, peeled and chopped into small cubes
2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
6 cups beef broth
1 15-ounce can tomatoes
1 15-ounce can corn
1 cup cooked rice
2 tablespoons Tabasco
shredded cheddar cheese for top if desired

Directions:

Mix together meatball ingredients in a bowl. Shape meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on an oiled cookie sheet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes, turning them once after 6 minutes. Set aside.

In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, heat oil. Add the onion, zucchini, carrots, and garlic. Stir and cook for about 8 minutes, or until vegetables have slightly softened. Add taco seasoning and salt and pepper, stir.
Add beef broth, meatballs, tomatoes, corn, rice, and Tabasco. Stir together, let simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
Taste, and add more salt, pepper, or Tabasco if desired.

Top with cheese, if desired.

Makes 6-8 servings.