Kale Chips - Yay Chipster!

Lately I've heard a lot of "ohh kale chips and sooooo good!" and "oh yeah! Kale chips are my totally guilt-free guilty pleasure" and "omnomnomnom". To be honest, I wasn't sure I could get on board with kale chips. It's crunchy leaves, how exactly can that be a satisfying snack food?!

So when Donna loaned me her Chipster and asked me to review it, I thought this might be a good chance to give them a try. I bought a small batch of kale and chucked it into my crisper. A week went by and I looked at the bunch of slowly wilting leaves and again thought "how can this leafy crap make a decent snack?!" Finally, the kale was on it's last legs. It was getting droopy and sad looking and needed be used or tossed. So what the hey, I ripped off some leaves, put them on the Epicure Selections Chipster, and popped them in the microwave for 3 minutes. When it beeped, the leaves didn't outright look very different, but when I picked one up I was surprised at just how crisp it had become. Down the hatch! I popped it in my mouth and... it wasn't bad. It wasn't a potato chip good, but it was a light, crunchy, not too bad, sort of good. I ate another and then all of them, and thought to myself, maybe I could get on board with kale chips. And really, if you don't add a crazy amount of salt or extras, they really are a guilt-free snack. I just ordered my very own Chipster and I can't wait to make kale chips again... the next test will be if either of the JiggleyBoys will eat them.
Oh and just a heads up - they can be a bit crumbly, and they aren't really the greatest for dunking in thick or heavy dips.

Do you want your own Chipster to experiment with? Remember that November's #JiggleyMommysFavThings is EPICURE! You can place your order HERE with Donna, and remember to add your order to the Jiggley party so that you can be entered into some great draws at the end of the month

Epicure Selections Review - The Chipster

November has become the month of Epicure for #JiggleyMommysFavThings. During this month, Donna has kindly offered to do some draws and giveaways, on top of the fabulous specials, for every person who orders. (You can place an order here, under JIGGLEY MOMMY) One thing she asked me, was if she lent me some of her things, would I do a mini review. Sure! So my first review is on the Chipster and ceramic slicer.

Homemade potato chips?! In 3 minutes?! Yes please! Ok first things, first, how they work. You use the ceramic slicer to slice up your potato (or apple or zucchini or beet or whatever you're making into a chip). It slices everything thinly and evenly, both of which are super important when making your chips. Next, you lay your slices on the Chipster, without overlapping. Sprinkle a little salt or seasoning on - or leave 'em plain, and microwave on high for 3-4 minutes. Then eat your chips! YUM!
I am not sure why I don't already own this! So tasty, with a fraction of the guilt potato chips usually involve. There is no oil or fats or any sort of garbage. Just potato. I would feel good about giving these chips to both my kids. Donna did warn me, that it can be trail and error getting perfect chips, but only because every one's microwave is different. My first batch was definitely overcooked, my second was a little on the undercooked side, but after that! BAM! Crunchie, dippable, delicious! The only thing I am not a fan of, is that you can only cook up so many at a time - which is probably more of a blessing in disguise. It took me about 20 minutes to make hubby and I our snack tonight, which wasn't too bad. JiggleyBoy has requested we try making apple chips tomorrow and I'm going to hit up the grocery store and grab us some kale, zucchini and beets to give those a try as well. I can't wait! I am definitely ordering this pair!

My Favorite Things: Epicure

On this installment of #JiggleyMommysFavThings is EPICURE!
I don't think I need to get into too much detail about why Epicure products are wonderful - they really speak for themselves. I started using Epicure because I wanted to find a lower sodium, healthier alternative to spices and dips. And Epicure gives just that. They use high quality ingredients in all of their products which really shows.
For the month of November I'm teaming up with Donna McAuley-Forsyth, an independent Epicure Consultant, to bring you some awesome deals and giveaways.
The Deets:

• Each week, everyone who placed an order, will get their name put into a draw for an awesome weekly giveaway (draws will be held on Sunday evenings)
• At the end of the month, everyone who placed an order throughout the month will get their name put into a draw for a GRAND PRIZE. (final draw will be held on Nov 30)
• For any order over $65, you'll get your choice of Creamy Ranch or Chipotle Bacon Cheddar dip FREE!
• Plus you can take advantage of some great specials this month. 

Donna has set up an online order HERE - so you can start your shopping ASAP (just make sure you attach your order to the Jiggley Mommy 'party', so your name can go in for the draws!) , but you can also contact her directly for product questions and to order or to set up a party, if you'd like (which is another way to get lots of free or discounted products).
Throughout the month I'll try to review different products or share with you one of my favorite recipes using Epicure.
I'll kick things off with Taco Seasoning. I seriously had a mini anxiety attack when I ran out and couldn't find the full bottle I knew I had bought. I add this spice blend to many of my different recipes including, home made tacos, taco salad, fajitas, stuffed peppers, chili, tortilla soup and even meatballs. I feel good about using this seasoning since it's fairly low in sodium compared to other taco seasonings out there.
Need a quick and easy supper? Why not try Epicure tacos? Just as easy as picking up a taco kit.
All you need is: lean ground beef, taco seasoning, taco shells, diced onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, shredded cheese, salsa and sour cream.
What to do: Brown your ground beef with your onions, mix in 2 tbsp taco seasoning and a 3/4c of water, and reduce over med heat. Serve in taco shells (I prefer soft tortillas, myself) with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and salsa - or any other taco topping you'd like. JiggleyBoy LOVES taco night when he makes his own taco. They are so customizable... use ground chicken, whole wheat tortilla shells, shredded spinach, add some diced avocado... the possibilities are endless. :)

**As with ALL other #JiggleyMommysFavThings, I am not paid or asked to promote any service or product. If I'm writing about it, it means that I genuinely like and/or use a product or service, and want to share it with you. I do not do it to benefit myself in any way. **