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It’s A Super Bowl “FOOD” Fest!!

Published on January 30, 2020August 8, 2020 by Roshonda BLeave a comment

Featured Photo: Cocina Delirante

Are you ready for the Superbowl?

Super Bowl LIV will be this upcoming Sunday, February 2^nd, 2020 at 6:30pm ET/3:30 PT it’s the San Francisco 49ers vs. the Kansas City Chiefs! Now I know I’m talking right now as if I’m a HUGE Football fan but in reality, I’M REALLY NOT! – HAHAHAHA!! I mean…

YASSSS, I mean. I just learned what a 1st down was like two years ago…. I know, I know. So, I’m really not the fanatic fan, however, I have watched the game and have learned to cheer along when I saw everyone else cheering, you know I just didn’t want to feel out of place. I will watch it, just know that I will be asking quite a few questions if we watch it together – I warned ya!

So, what could be better than the Superbowl? THE FOOD!!!

I usually go to football gatherings/parties for this reason and this reason alone. The food is amazing and guess what, it’s lots of it. So, while everyone is cheering for the touchdown. I’m touching down in the kitchen to get another plate of wings!

Do you have Superbowl parties at your house or do you like going to them?

If Superbowl LIV is going to be at your house this year and you’re still trying to figure out what to cook up, I have a couple of old and new football party favorites recipes that will get your crowd cheering for the team as well as for the FOOD!

Recipe #1 – Barbequed Lil Smokies

These are very easy to make and one of my favorites, they’re good, small and don’t take up a lot of room in my plate while I’m feeling it up with other goodies!

Recipe #2 – Slider Burgers

Who doesn’t love a GOOD burger? I know I do and when they’re small enough to fit in your mouth, that’s even better for a Superbowl party. I mean you want finger foods and these little minis are not only the perfect addition but the perfect size. I substitute for turkey, but you can fix them however you like.

Recipe #3 – Wings and More Wings Please!

I’m a HUGE wing lover. I absolutely love chicken wings, wingettes, turkey wings – okay, just about anything with a wing, lol! You CAN’T have a Superbowl party with out wings, like it’s just not common and I’m going to have to take your chicken wing card if you do, lol. Wings are the staple for any party, I especially LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the flats. Do you love chicken wings?

Recipe #4 – Loaded Baked Potato Dip…Yum!\

This is a new recipe that I haven’t tried but I’m sure will win your crowd over. I love a good loaded baked potato myself (I mean, I’m just a foodie anyway…sigh) any who, this will be a great addition to any party.

Recipe #5 – Where’s the Chocolate Footballs!

No party is good with a little something to satisfy the sweet tooth and these chocolate football cookie balls looked so delicious. If you wanted to get super creative, you could decorate the outside to display both teams that are playing. Your crowd will be amazed at your talent but most of all happy that you’re not making them choose a side, in which you can just make them generic, that’s your choice as well.

No matter how you choose to celebrate the Superbowl, whether it’s by way of a party or a party of one OR two, it’s all about enjoying the moment and seizing the present with special friends and family. And on that note…

I want to give my heartfelt, sincerest condolences to the family of Kobe & Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Ara Zobayan & Sarah Chester. I know a lot of the news has been mainly on 5-time NBA Championship/MVP Kobe Bryant, 41 and I get it, he was the best (outside of Michael Jordan) basketball player of all time. His work ethic, mamba mentality and love of basketball garnered him much success and it looks as if his 13-yr. old daughter, Gianna Bryant was going to carry on that MAMBA legacy in the future for the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) before their sudden and unfortunate demise this past Sunday, January 26^th.

However, there are 7 other families that are hurting as well and from what I’ve been reading, they received the news like everyone else of their family’s demise by the news outlet and not a police official. To hear about your love, one dying through a news outlet, is beyond devastating. I can’t imagine what any of these families must be going through at this time, although I’ve lost a mother, so I know about loss and the dredging feeling of hopelessness it brings. Husbands lost wives, Wives lost husbands, Children lost siblings and friends lost best friends. It’s a tragedy that no one saw coming or even imagined in their wildest dreams.

Tonight, say their and their family’s names in your prayers – it’s going to be a LONG road ahead and they’re going to need every well wish possible to keep forging forward as they all take one step at a time towards healing. Allow this unfortunate tragedy of theirs help you make peace and get closer to the special ones in your life. No more grudges, No more hard feelings. Show peace and love, even if it’s not shown back to you. We only get one life and what we do with it is our responsibility.

May those 9 hearts, Rest in Heaven & In Peace.

It’s Time for a RESET!!!

Published on August 23, 2018April 18, 2019 by Roshonda B27 Comments

the photo above courtesy of bitmoji

You might be wondering, okay so what’s going on and what is she talking about now! Before I answer that question, let me ask you a couple of my own…

Continue reading “It’s Time for a RESET!!!” →

There’s No Such Thing as a Food Addiction…. — Visions and Giggles

Published on December 1, 2017November 28, 2017 by Roshonda B2 Comments

Most of us in some way, shape or fashion are battling an addiction to something – in the post below, read fellow blogger rudymariee of Visions and Giggles journey on her traumatic battle with food addiction and her breaking point that lead her to declare “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!” Putting behind her bad food choices of cheese pizza, two liter soda’s and pasta to embrace a lifestyle of health and fitness.

Follow the highlighted link Below to read more of this Inspirational story…

There’s no such thing as food addiction…. oh right, that’s why I’m hiding upstairs trying to ignore the very tantalizing slice of leftover birthday cake in the fridge. Why are people always so quick to discount things they don’t understand? I didn’t always struggle with food; don’t get me wrong, I have always l o…

via There’s No Such Thing as a Food Addiction…. — Visions and Giggles

Yes, I’ll Have Pumpkin Mac & Cheese Please! – How About You?

Published on October 24, 2017October 24, 2017 by Roshonda B6 Comments

Photo above courtesy of Yellow Bliss Road

Macaroni and Cheese has always been one of my favorite southern comfort foods, I am a big fan of cheese and when you mix that with some pasta, let’s just say….it’s a match made in heaven. While I can’t have mac and cheese on a regular like I would like due to me having to keep a close watch on the carbs, I was very happy when I found this recipe in which incorporated pumpkin in the recipe and with all of pumpkins great benefits, this recipe was proving to not only be good for the body but decrease sugar levels as well.

So I was very excited to be able to fix this recipe but mostly I couldn’t wait to taste it – I mean, I have to be real with you – it’s not every day that you hear about people putting pumpkin in the ooey, gooey mac and cheese so I was a little skeptical at first, I’m a person that falls in love with food based on the taste, not the look – so I knew if the taste wasn’t great then this recipe was going to go down in smokes as there was no plan B!

But to my surprise, this recipe was not only easy (my favorite word) but exceeded my taste expectations as well. If you need a quick, wholesome and nutritious meal to fix or dinner tonight or any night this week, then grab your pens and paper and follow me below as I share the ingredients and cooking instructions to this cheesy surprise!

The Ingredients you’ll need are here:

Pumpkin Mac-Cheese — **8 Ingredients are all you need!!**

And the Recipe goes a little something like this:

1 package (16 oz) elbow macaroni

1/4 cup butter (unsalted)

1/4 cup Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (8 oz)

Directions are as Follows:

Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly with whisk. Remove from heat; stir in milk. Heat to simmering; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, mustard and pumpkin. Add 1 3/4 cups of the cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
Add macaroni to cheese sauce and stir until coated. Pour into greased 3-quart casserole. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.
Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Optional: If you choose to use bread crumbs, as I did. You’ll melt a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a small pan until all melted then you’ll add in a 1/2 cup of bread crumbs and stir them around in the butter until they are coated, like below..

Now, for my Before and After Pics ~

Pumpkin Mac-Cheese1 — **Step #2 – All ingredients mixed in**

Pumpkin Mac-Cheese2 — **Everything is mixed & Looking Good!**

Pumpkin Mac-Cheese4 — **Step #3 Macaroni added, making this look even more delicious!**

Pumpkin Mac-Cheese5 — **Before: Moved to Oiled pan with Breadcrumbs**

Pumpkin Mac-Cheese6 — **After: Baked for 20min, Umm, So Good!**

Now, Let’s Dress this Yummy Goodness Up!!

I completed this Cheesy dish with a side of Spinach salad and a piece of boneless, skinless baked chicken thigh and topped it off with a glass of Key Lime Sparkling water and VIOLA! dinner is served!!! This dish was so good, you could taste the pumpkin a little, it was cheesy and surely a better alternative than using powdered cheese, I really loved how healthy this dish was, It was truly a very good “guilty” pleasure.

As you can see, a little pumpkin can go a long way…I would suggest adding it in a couple of your meals for an extra added boost of nutrition. This recipe was provided by Betty Croker and if you want to make it for yourself or your family, just go here

Now I have to say, my son and daughter didn’t care for this so well, so if you have children, it may be a less non-desired taste for them but there are many ways you can boost this recipe up, by simply adding more cheese and maybe some bacon as your topping. You also don’t have to use a whole can or cup of pumpkin – you can reduce that to a smaller portion of a 1/2 cup or less. I hope you enjoy this nice twist to a very common southern classic. You might even want to plate up some tonight!

Thursday is the last recipe for the month – I’ll be ending the great pumpkin series with a little dessert, so stay tuned!

Did you hear about the giveaway??

To kick off the pumpkin festivities I thought I would do a giveaway – I love to receive things and I know you might too. I’m giving away a $25.00 gift card, here’s what you have to do and how to enter:

Follow @justsuminspiration2u on Instagram

Post a picture of you with one of the 5 recipes featured this month with the caption: “Pumpkins Up! @justsuminspiration2u is doing a giveaway! Enter for a chance to win at justsuminspiration.com.”

That’s It! That’s all you have to do – Remember, you have to make one of the recipes, follow me on Instagram, post your picture of you and the recipe of choice and include the italicized statement with your post. Good Luck!!

The Winner will be announced November 3, 2017 at 1:00pm on the Justsuminspiration blog, Facebook and Instagram pages. Winners will be selected randomly from the list of entries submitted.

Roshonda N. Blackmon – Creator of JustsumInspiration, Author, Speaker & Encourager

Let’s Live Well, Laugh Loud, Love Hard & Inspire Often!

If you missed the other recipe posts, you can view them here:

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

There’s a Pumpkin in my Oatmeal!

Let’s Fall In Love, with Pumpkin Soup!!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice, It’s Time for the Great Pumpkin!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie & Giveaway News, Anyone?

Published on October 5, 2017October 5, 2017 by Roshonda B4 Comments

Before you ask, NO! that is not a picture of MY pumpkin pie smoothie in the featured picture, instead it’s one that I got off of Bing, in which I wish I could say was really my own creation, Lol.

Okay, so I’m no Rachel Ray in the kitchen – anyone close to me would tell you that. However, you might ask then why did you agree to do recipes all month long and I have an answer for that:

Because it was “supposed to be simple”
Because it was “supposed to be simple”

And simple it definitely was, although I had a couple of mishaps along the way but, before I get into those – Let me show you the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this gob of goodness.

Pumpkin1 — Yes, only 6 Ingredients – This is my type of recipe!

The Pumpkin Pie Smoothie recipe called for:

3 medium bananas

3/4 cup of pumpkin puree, pure

1 can of coconut milk

1 tbsp of Maple syrup

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp vanilla extract, pure

For this recipe, I used organic bananas and as you can see, they weren’t medium sized. I also just purchased the coconut milk (the one that’s housed on the shelf) instead of the can. I did this because the can was $1.77 and the milk was $2.08 (I got more in the carton) and because I like to get more for my money, I opted for the carton. The ingredients also called for pure maple syrup (organic), in which was a little on the pricey side to m, So I opted for the Great Value sugar free syrup instead and for a fraction of the cost – to me it all does the same thing, I guess…lol.

I put my milk in the blender in which since I didn’t have the can, I just measured out 2.5 cups and preceded with the other ingredients which looked something like this:

Pumpkin2 — *Yummy! It smelled soooo good too!*

Although the recipe didn’t call for it, but I also added a tablespoon of chia seeds, see them in the back…I don’t have a fancy shmancy blender with all the bells and whistles so for me, blending this mixture took a little more time than it probably would have had I had a better one, but hey – it did the job!

The consistency was very thick so if you have a blender like me, you might want to add a 1/2 cup of water to make sure it blends well and all the way through. Once I finished blending everything up and glassed it, this is what it looked like.

The finished result. I topped it off with some whip cream and a Pirouline Pumpkin Spiced creme filled wafer and Viola!

This tasted so good while it was warm – okay, so let me tell you about my boo boo with this recipe. Because it was hot and while it tasted good; I felt that it needed to be refrigerated, what did I do that for…

I put some in the glass (pictured) and also put some in my smoothie bottle. I was so excited to see what this would taste like the following morning…oh my, when I went to drink it, it was so thick. It literally thickened up overnight and did not taste as yummy as it did the night before. So, what did I do? I put a half cup of coconut milk in it to loosen it up and that was a Big Mistake, Huge, Grossly did I say Big? MISTAKE! it thickened up even more, so on my way to work I was like you should have put a little water in it Roshonda, duh! (sometimes I have to give my own self a slap in the face)

Once I put the water in it, it made it a little looser but not much – the smoothie kept getting thicker and looked as if it was getting bigger and bigger by every drop you gave it, I suddenly felt as if I was feeding the plant in little shop of horrors.

little shop of horrors — photo gif courtesy of **Bing**

I have to be honest, not only was it ever expanding but the taste seemed to go right out the window and I ended up throwing it out. “Shame!” because I hate wasting things..Oh well, maybe you’ll have a better go at it (Word to the wise, Drink it warm..lol). If you want a more organic, let’s say vegan approach to your smoothie, you can follow Demeter – Beaming Baker on Pinterest. The recipe above came from her site, although I it called for vegan ingredients in which I didn’t use obviously. Demeter is a great baker and has amazing recipes that are either Paleo, GF (Gluten-Free) or Vegan, check her out – your taste buds and stomach will thank you!

Follow @justsuminspiration2u on Instagram

The Winner will be announced November 3, 2017 at 1:00pm on the Justsuminspiration blog, Facebook and Instagram pages. Winners will be selected randomly from the list of entries submitted.