PLEASE TAKE NOTE!

Hello!

Thank you for stopping by.

I have made a few changes. Since Watkins has so much to offer, I have decided to have two blogs now instead of having everything crammed in one blog. I think this will be easier for everyone to find and discover new things. I really hope you enjoy the new layouts.

My first blog is called SPICED TO THRILL ~ this blog is all about cooking, recipes, tips, spices, extracts and all the other wonderful gourmet food products that Watkins has to offer.

The second blog is called BEYOND THE PANTRY ~ this blog is about the fantastic products Watkins has to offer that are beyond the pantry (hence the name). You will find lots of great information on health, home care, beauty, caring for our earth, tips and so much more.

I do hope you have a chance to come on over, visit and leave a comment or two.

Thanks

Fruit-Flavored Soda

• 1 tbsp Watkins Raspberry Extract*

• 4 c low-fat vanilla ice cream

• 3/4 c sugar, or to taste

• 1-1/3 c club soda

• 2 c cold skim milk

• Food coloring, if desired

Combine extract, sugar and milk; mix until sugar is dissolved.

Divide into 4 tall glasses, add 1 c of ice cream to each glass and top with 1/3 c club soda.

Add food coloring if desired.

Makes 4 servings.

***~Try out other Watkins fruit flavored extracts~**

Omelet & Soufflé Seasoning

This classic French-style blend is perfect for all egg
and cheese dishes, as well as in potatoes, rice and
legumes.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1 cup of skim milk
1/2 cup non fat plain yogurt
1 tsp. Watkins Vanilla
1-1 1/2 tsp of Watkins Banana dessert mix
2-3 tbsp. of honey(to taste)
2 cups of frozen strawberries ( no sugar added)

Combine first 5 ingredients in blender,
gradually add strawberries and process
until thick and smooth.

Wedding Day Mints

2 oz. cream cheese softened
1 tsp. Watkins extract flavoring
1 2/3 to 2 cups powdered sugar

Blend cream cheese with flavoring
Gradually mix in powdered sugar,stirring first,
then kneading. Break off in to pieces and
form in to balls. Roll in granulated sugar and
then press into molds!

Watkins Ham & Cheese Ball

SERVES 20

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon dry dip seasoning (Watkins Bacon Horseradish flavor)
• 1 (4 1/2 ounce) can deviled ham
• 1/2 tablespoon Watkins dried onion flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon Watkins hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon Watkins powdered mustard
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped

Directions

1. Mix everything together except the peanuts and chill.

2. Form into a ball once it has chilled enough to mold easily.

3. Roll in chopped nuts to coat and chill until ready to serve.

4. Serve with crackers.

Watkins Chex Maple Party Mix

SERVES 8

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sweet unsalted butter or margarine, melted (1 stick)
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons maple extract
• 8 cups Chex cereal (any flavor - they used a mixture of corn, rice, and wheat flavor)
• 1 cup mixed chopped nuts, to taste

Directions

1. Melt butter or margarine in a large microwavable bowl big enough to hold all of the cereal& nuts later (about 2 quarts)- don't put the cereal& nuts in yet, though.

2. If your microwave is very small, you may need to make half batches.

3. Once melted, quickly whisk in brown sugar and maple extract.

4. Stir in the cereal and the nuts until coated and return bowl to microwave and cook on HIGH heat 4-5 minutes, stirring after every minute.

5. Spread out mix onto cookie sheets lined with wax paper and let cool.

6. Break apart and store in an airtight container.

Watkins No Bake Fudge

1 lb powdered sugar
1 egg
1 cup of butter
1 pkg chocolate chips
1 tsp Watkins Almond Extract
1 tsp Watkins Coconut Extract
1 tsp Watkins Vanilla Extract
1/2 cup of nuts (optional)

Combine sugar & egg mix will until satiny.
In microwave bowl place chocolate chips and butter.
Microwave for 3 1/2 minutes or until melted, mix well.
Combine mixtures of both bowls and add extracts.
Pour into 8X8 pan and chill

Watkins Almond Bars

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with Watkins Cooking Spray

Mix:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
2 cups all-purpose flour

Press into pan and bake 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.

Mix:
8 ounces cream cheese*
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon Watkins Almond Extract
1/2 teaspoon Watkins Original Vanilla Extract

Spread on baked base and bake 15 minutes more at 350 degrees F.

Note: For extra cheesy filling, increase to 12 ounces cream cheese and add 2 tablespoons more sugar. Spread on baked base and bake 15 minutes.

Cool to room temperature and frost with mixture of:
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons milk
1 1/2 teaspoons Watkins Almond Extract

New—Daily Cleansing Cream

New—Daily Cleansing Cream Coming in October! Formulated for daily use.This gentle, yet effective, cleanser removes makeup and dirt while adding moisture every time you cleanse for soft, smooth skin. 183g/6.4 oz.)

New—Gentle Pore Scrub

New—Gentle Pore Scrub Coming in October! Finely ground apricot seeds gently exfoliate, while natural extracts work to moisturize and replenish your skin.Reveal vibrant, healthy skin, naturally! (122g/4.2 oz.)

New—Nourishing Night Cream

New—Nourishing Night Cream Coming in September! Replenish and nourish your delicate skin while you sleep! (63g/2.2 oz.)

New—Divine Day Cream

New—Divine Day Cream Coming in September! Start your day with a divine glow!This lightweight formula quickly absorbs, keeping skin hydrated all day. (64g/2.24 oz.)

Southwestern Dressing

Use as a dressing for taco salads or tossed salads. Also
can be used as a marinade for grilled chicken or ribs.

1 cup/250 mL tomato juice or vegetable juice cocktail
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Citrus & Cilantro Grapeseed Oil
1 tbsp/15 mL fresh lime juice
1 tbsp/15 mL Watkins Chili Seasoning
1/8 tsp/0.6 mL Watkins Red Pepper Flakes

Combine all ingredients in shaker container or
glass jar with tight-fitting lid. Shake until are
ingredients are well-combined.

Makes about 1 cup/250 mL.

Raspberry-Vanilla Vinaigrette

1/3 cup/80 mL Watkins Original Grapeseed Oil
1/4 cup/60 mL white wine vinegar
2-1/2 tbsp/37.5 mL sugar
2 tsp/10 mL Watkins Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp/2.5 mL Watkins Raspberry Extract

Combine all ingredients; mix well and chill until
serving time.

Watkins Grapeseed Oils

All-Natural Original Grapeseed Oil for Dipping and Cooking

Grapeseed oil is enjoying a rapid rise in popularity
today. Although this oil is relatively new to
our market, it has been produced and enjoyed in
Europe for many years—sold not only as a cooking
oil, but also in French pharmacies as a remedy
for high cholesterol. In fact, grapeseed oil is
one of the only foods shown to not only lower
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, but also increase HDL
(“good”) cholesterol—a distinct advantage over
other oils. This wonderful oil is now available
from Watkins for the home cook concerned with
good health and great taste.
Our grapeseed oil is available unflavored or
with natural flavoring oils, and enhances your
favorite cooking:

• Original as a wonderfully light, neutral flavor
that complements any cuisine.

• Citrus & Cilantro is just right for Southwestern,
Caribbean, and contemporary Asian cooking.

•Garlic & Parsley is perfect for Mediterranean and
other European-style cooking.


•Delicious: Unlike canola oil, grapeseed oil has a
wonderful, light flavor; unlike olive oil, its light,
neutral flavor won’t clash with certain foods.
• Versatile: •Excellent as a dipping oil, on pastas,
for sautéing and stir-frying; as the primary oil in
salad dressings and marinades; anywhere you
would use cooking oil.
• Low in saturated fat: At 8%, it has only half the
saturated fat of olive oil; the lowest of all oils
except canola.
• Highest in polyunsaturated fat: (72%), all as
linoleic acid (Omega-6), which has the greatest
effect in raising HDL (good) cholesterol and lowering
LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides
(fat carried in the blood).
• Environmentally friendly: Pressed from grape
seeds in Italy after wine production, it requires
no new farmland or water to produce.
• Contains antioxidants: Contains vitamin E,
and a group of bioflavonoids known as proanthocyanadins,
some of the most powerful known
natural antioxidants.
• High flashpoint: Highest flashpoint of all cooking
oils; less smoke, less danger of burning.

Easy Entertaining Tips

B.L.T. BURGERS:
Mix hamburger with Ground Beef Seasoning &
grill. Top with Bacon & Cheddar Snack & Dip Mix (prepared according
to package directions; garnish with lettuce & tomato).

CREAMY SALAD DRESSING:
Combine 1/2 c mayonnaise, 1/3 c
lowfat milk, 2 tsp vinegar and 2-3 tsp (to taste) of any of the following
Snack & Dip Mixes: Cucumber Dill, Pepper Ranch, Garden
Vegetable or Garlic & Dill.

SAVORY MEAT MARINADE:
Combine 1-2 TBSP Soy
Sauce , 2 TBSP Watkins Meat Magic, 1/4 c Watkins
Garlic & Parsley Grapeseed Oil, 1 tsp each of Watkins Lemon Pepper
and Garlic Granules. Marinate 2-3 hours, turning occasionally.
Broil or grill.

LEMON-PEPPER BUTTER PATS:
Soften butter, then add
Lemon Pepper. Spread on a sheet of waxed paper; cover with another
sheet and refrigerate until firm. Place on hard surface & cut
into desired shapes (small cookie cutters work great). Excellent on
fish or grilled steaks.

Microwave Teriyaki Sauce

1/2 C Watkins Meat Magic
1/8 C packed brown sugar
1TBSP lemon juice
1/2 tsp Watkins Ginger
1/8 tsp Watkins Garlic Powder Granules

Mix together above ingredients and microwave on
high for 2 minutes. Remove and add: 2 rounded tsp
cornstarch dissolved in 1/8 cup water, stir well. Microwave
on high, stirring at 20 second intervals until
thickened and clear. Baste over chicken before and
during cooking. Use as dipping sauce for steak.

Delicious Portobello Mushrooms

This quick and easy recipe taste so good.
You will want it all the time!
Wash and remove stems.
Brush mushrooms with Watkins Meat Magic
and then Watkins Garlic & Parsley Grapeseed oil.
Leave on the grill until browned and heated through.
Makes a great addition to your favorite
meat dish or alone as an tasty appetizer!

Root Beer Never Tasted So Good!

ROOT BEER EXTRACT ~ LIMITED TIME

The time-honored concoction of sarsaparilla, ginger and other roots is captured in this intense concentrate that’s back for a limited time. Make your own glass of root beer and try some of the following unusually delicious treats…they will surely become family favorites!

Homemade Root Beer/Root Beer Float

Start by making a Concentrated Root Beer Syrup:

• 1-3/4 cups/425 ml sugar
• 2-1/4 cups/560 ml water
• 2 tbsp/30 ml Watkins Root Beer Extract

Combine sugar and water in small saucepan; heat and stir until mixture starts to boil. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature; add Root Beer Flavor and mix thoroughly. Place in well-sealed container and keep in refrigerator.

Root Beer Beverage: Place 1/3 cup/80 ml of the syrup into a glass. Add 5 fl. oz./150 ml of club soda or sparkling water. Fill glass with ice. Enjoy!

Root Beer Float: Float a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a mug of root beer.

Note: This makes a light colored root beer. If desired, you can add liquid caramel color if available in your area.

Root Beer Cookies

• 1 cup/250 ml brown sugar
• 1/2/125 ml cup butter or margarine
• 1 egg
• 1/4/60 ml cup buttermilk
• 2 tsp/10 ml Watkins Root Beer Extract
• 1 tsp/5 ml Watkins Double-Strength Vanilla
• 1-3/4/430 ml cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2/2.5 ml tsp baking soda
• 1/2/2.5 ml tsp salt, if desired
• Root Beer Frosting (recipe follows)

Combine brown sugar, butter, and egg in a bowl; beat until fluffy. Stir in buttermilk, Root Beer Flavor, Vanilla, flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until smooth. Cover and refrigerate at least one hour. Drop dough by rounded teaspoonfuls onto greased baking sheets about 2-inches apart. Bake at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes. Remove cookies to wire rack to cool. Frost with Root Beer Frosting. Makes 42 cookies.

Root Beer Frosting

• 2 cups/500 ml powdered icing sugar
• 1/3/80 ml cup butter or margarine
• 1 tsp/5 ml Watkins Root Beer Extract
• 1 to 2 tbsp/15 - 30 ml hot water

Mix together sugar and butter until smooth. Stir in Root Beer Flavor and enough water to make a smooth frosting.

Barbecued Ribs with Root Beer Barbecue Sauce

• 2 racks (6.5 pounds/3 kg) pork spareribs, cut into 2-rib portions
• 1/2 cup/125 ml cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp/30 ml (any flavor) Watkins Original Barbecue Sauce Concentrate, Honey Barbecue Sauce Concentrate, or Mesquite Barbecue Sauce Concentrate
• 2 tbsp/30 ml Watkins Onion Granules
• 2 tsp/10 ml Watkins Garlic Granules
• 2 tsp/10 ml Watkins Cracked Black Pepper
• 1 tsp/5 ml salt, or as desired
• Water

Root Beer Barbecue Sauce

• 2/3 cup/160 ml Watkins Original Barbecue Sauce Concentrate, Honey Barbecue Sauce Concentrate, or Mesquite Barbecue Sauce Concentrate
• 1-1/3 cups/320 ml ketchup
• 2 tsp/10 ml Watkins Root Beer Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 ml Watkins Ginger
• 1/4 tsp/1.2 ml Watkins Allspice

Combine first seven ingredients in large kettle or Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover and simmer for 1-1/2 hours; drain. (Can be made ahead to this point. Cool, cover and refrigerate until 1 hour before broiling or grilling.) Combine sauce ingredients in bowl and have ready to baste meat. Arrange ribs on grill or broiler rack.

To grill: Grill ribs 10 minutes, turning once. Baste with barbecue sauce; grill 5 minutes. Turn and baste again with sauce; grill 5 minutes more.

To broil: Broil ribs about 7 to 9 inches from heat for 20 minutes or until heated through, brushing with barbecue sauce occasionally and turning once.

Serve any remaining barbecue sauce with ribs. Makes 8 servings.

Root Beer Baked Beans

• 1/2 lb/225 g bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp/30 ml Watkins Original Barbecue Sauce Concentrate
• 1/4 cup/60 ml ketchup
• 2 (28 oz/798 g) cans baked beans
• 1/4 tsp/1.2 ml Watkins Root Beer Extract
• 1/2 tsp/2.5 ml prepared mustard
• 2 tbsp/30 ml brown sugar
• Dash Watkins Calypso Hot Pepper Sauce
• Watkins Black Pepper to taste

Cook bacon and onion in skillet until bacon is brown and crisp. Pour off drippings. Combine barbecue sauce concentrate and ketchup; add to skillet. Mix in remaining ingredients. Bake at 300°F/150°C for 1 hour. Makes 12 servings.

ENJOY!!!