Spinach Lasagna

Lasagna is a totally customizable. Combining Greek yogurt or a crumbly type of cheese with a hearty sauce mimics ground beef's texture. And, as long as you build layers of flavor, you won't miss the meat. I stumbled upon marked down packages of Kroger's Private Selection sliced marbled blue white cheddar cheese, a combination I'd never noticed in any deli section. After using it on grilled cheese sandwiches, I decided to try it in another recipe.

For this version you'll need:

• 4 - 6 qt slow cooker
• 1 can chopped spinach, drained extremely well
• .5 cup Mild Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Chiles, drained extremely well
• 1.5 cup Alessi Princess Sauce with Heavy Cream
• 6 Hodgson Mills Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles
• .25 tsp black pepper
• 6 slices marbled blue white cheddar cheese
• .25 cup ketchup
• .50 cup Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Chipotle barbeque sauce
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

Spray the slow cooker's interior. In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes and all sauces. Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with a thin layer of sauce. Break up enough of two noodles to almost cover the sauce. Then place another thin layer of sauce on top of the noodles. Cover with three cheese slices, keeping cheese from touching the slow cooker's sides. Season the spinach with the pepper then stir it into the remaining sauce. Almost cover the cheese layer with half of the mixture. Place more broken noodles on top. Cover with remaining cheese slices, followed by the remaining noodles. Top those with the remaining sauce mixture. Cover with shredded cheese. Cook on high for about 1.5 hours. The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender.

Comfort Suites, Jacksonville

I stayed here during a family reunion because the organizer got a good rate. Nothing about the visit ranks above average, however; the hotel may appeal to anyone wanting just a spot to sleep in. The area around the location looks up and coming with nicer hotels and a new shopping center nearby. We were able to drive to the beach in less than 30 minutes.

This Comfort Suites could benefit from refreshing the interior. The paint was flesh colored with coats upon coats. Caulking in the bathroom needed to be cleaned/replaced. Fixtures had rust spots. The shower controls were not user friendly, and the room's carpet pattern made it difficult to tell if it was dingy or just old-fashioned. Besides areas that needed dusting, hairs (at least five) left in the tub ranked as a top cleanliness issue.

On the plus side, I did appreciate the fresh fruit served at breakfast. They also had coffee, juice, yogurt, cereal, oatmeal, and waffles. Each room contained a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, and a microwave. 

High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet, Atlanta

As someone who's seriously contemplated making gourmet ice cream for personal consumption, I'll stick with High Road. This frugal foodie deems it a deal due to the effort put into crafting their treats. High Road surpasses the mundane. Sure, it's on the pricey side, but not much more than "premium" grocery store offerings. I purchased mine on site and later discovered Whole Foods sells pints for a dollar less. On the downside, the grocer offers fewer flavors. On the upside, those pints list ingredients while the ones at the factory don’t.

If purchasing directly from the source, bring small bills or a credit card since this is not a traditional storefront. The staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They offered dry ice so my pints would stay cold in my cooler during transit. High Road is a small-scale operation, which lends to the attention to detail. Read the extensive product list on its web site. The descriptions explain the thought put into the company's ice cream and sorbet flavors.

I sampled Gin and Tonic, and Chocolate Crisp. Both were scrumptious. Spotted Trotter (bacon and pastrami) was an impulse buy. Meat in ice cream? I had to experience that! Since I'd skipped breakfast and lunch, I figured the savory treat might satisfy me until I ate an actual meal. It did. Spotted Trotter is sweet and salty. Continuing my pledge to try new things, I also purchased the Carrot and Mascarpone flavor.  A vegetable in ice cream? Definitely worth the try.

Sweet Potato Coconut Muffins

These breakfast muffins will keep you full much longer than boxed cereal:

You'll need approximately:

• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 cup King Arthur White Whole Wheat Flour
• .50 cup Arrowhead Mills Organic Rye Flour
• 1 cup brown sugar
• .25 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• .5 cup milk
• .5 cup Trader Joe's Shredded Sweetened Coconut
• .5 cup Bruce's All-natural Sweet Potato Pie filling
• .5 cup sour cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl, including the coconut. Break apart larger clumps of sugar. In another bowl, beat the egg. Sir in the milk and oil. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until halfway combined. Gently stir in sweet potatoes. Then do the same with the sour cream, using less than portioned if mix is too wet. Spoon mixture into greased muffin tins. Place tins in the oven and bake for 14 to 20 minutes. Will make at least six muffins depending on the amount portioned in each tin cup.

"Chasing Destiny" Book Review

Gritty and gripping, Eric Jerome Dickey's Chasing Destiny takes readers on a fast-paced ride. Two central characters, Billie and Destiny, drive most of the action. Chapters mainly revolve around their viewpoints. Additionally, the Los Angeles biker culture provides a backdrop. Dickey immerses readers in it as well as the ever-unfolding drama. Full of twist and turns, Chasing Destiny delves into romantic and familial relationships. Dickey unearths raw and unexpected realities while exploring both.

El Titan de Bronze Cigar MFG., Miami

I sought a birthday gift for my dad that he’d enjoy but wouldn’t necessarily buy for himself. Since he had an affinity for cigars and I planned on checking out Little Havana anyway, El Titan de Bronze Cigar Mfg. caught my eye. The shop produces cigars, instead of merely selling them. I knew he’d appreciate the Cuban-style manufacturing, and I wanted to see the factory. One room housed the production area and retail shop. The operation was much smaller than expected.

Earthy scents wafted past me. A group of cheerful cigar rollers sat at tables situated steps away from showcases. They effortlessly created one gem after another. The co-owner, Sandy Cobas, greeted me.  I told her that I caught a bus close to there but still had some walking to do. She allowed me use of the restroom upon request and told me to help myself to cold water in the kitchen. Her warmth extended throughout the ordering process. We chatted a bit about the shop and how I discovered it.

Sandy read the list of my dad’s preferences. She retrieved the Titan Grand Reserve Cameron for me and offered a substitute for the discontinued Belicosco. I told her I wanted to buy him a third type. She then mentioned another cigar they were phasing out and offering at a discount. Sandy thought it would fit my dad’s wish for something small, short and mild. After she packaged my selections, I asked if she was familiar with a restaurant close by. She offered her opinion and suggested I travel by cab then called one for me. My dad enjoyed his cigars; I enjoyed the experience of purchasing them. I still don’t know much about cigars, but I know I’d recommend El Titan de Bronze to any serious aficionado.

Free Bowling

AMF is letting kids bowl free until September 2. Sign up for the eclub to get alerts on this and other specials:

www.amf.com/eclub

Sally's Gluten-Free Bakery, Alpharetta

Lately my sister, Nicole, has delved into trying gluten-free foods. Finding flavorful bread and baked goods has proved challenging. We each tried Sally's Gluten-Free Bakery and found that their products are viable options.

Sally's is, essentially, a small storefront. Refrigerated cases contain take-and-bake pizzas. Samples of bread and sweets line the checkout counter. The guy who helped me gave a bit of info on the cookies, breads and cupcakes without overselling them. He also refrained from pressuring me to add another product to my tab after I told him I wanted to redeem a deal for a free mini loaf. He advised that the pumpkin loaf I picked would last 2-3 days (the package stated less time) and that I could freeze it immediately and enjoy it later. I also purchased a pack of chocolate chip cookies.

I ate half of the loaf two days later. Even when I finished it off, the loaf remained moist. Initially, I noted the lack of butter in and thicker consistency of this soy, gluten, egg and dairy-free product. Warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger) permeated the bread. The more I tasted, the more I liked it.

Thin and crunchy, the cookies contained butter and diary. No one would have guessed they lacked gluten. A few days after purchase, they too remained fresh. Six come in a small pack. They are so rich that two were enough to satisfy me, but they were so scrumptious that I ate three.

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Free Shopping Bag

Purchase a Dasani multipack at Publix or three resuable shopping bags and get one free. See coupon in store.

Starbucks Espresso Coupon

Check your inbox if you're a My Starbucks Rewards member. They just issued a $1 off coupon for any espresso beverage. It seems they're sending coupons every month now.

Apple Maple Chicken Sausage with Coconut Curry

My nephews devoured this sausage one morning after I assured them they could stomach the apples in it. I soon discovered that it goes well with dinner dishes too!

You'll need approximately:

• 1 cup Trader Joe's Light Coconut Milk
• .5 cup water
• .75 cup Mahatma Jasmine Rice
• 1 small chopped yellow onion
• 1 tsp grape seed oil
• 1 package Al-Fresco Apple Maple Chicken Sausage
• 1 jar Seeds of Change Organic Mild Coconut Simmer Sauce

Place rice in steamer. Pour milk and water over it. Steam for about 20 minutes or until liquid absorbed. Meanwhile, chop onion into small chunks and the meat into bite-size pieces. Heat oil in saucepan on medium. Add onion and sausage. It is already fully cooked, so time will be based on the desired level of sear. Cover with simmer sauce. Simmer on lowest setting, stirring until warmed through. Makes about 4 servings.

Free Pinkberry Yogurt

The company's press release says "Pinkberrygreek is fresh, not frozen, all-natural Greek yogurt with no added sugar, thickeners or preservatives." Grab a full-size sample only on Wednesdays in April from 11a.m. – 2 p.m.

Free Scott Toilet Tissue

Register to receive a free roll: 

https://www.scottbrand.com/offer/sesfreeroll

Taste Bakery Cafe, Miami Beach

Yelp reviews led me to Taste as an option for breakfast on the go. I arrived via the local bus, which stops right across the street. My tight schedule prevented me from dining in although the atmosphere looked inviting. Inside was clean (including the restroom) and cozy with a variety of seating options. Patio dining was also available. The lemon ginger muffin I wanted was no longer on the menu, but I didn’t leave unsatisfied. While I studied the display case, the staff was helpful and patient. To my surprise, they had a pistachio muffin. This underrated nut is one of my favorites, so I pounce on the opportunity to try dishes featuring it.

If only I'd discovered this delight before I'd plopped down nearly $7 on a mediocre slice of pistachio cake from a publicized SOBE eatery. Taste’s muffin was moist, full of nuts, and a substantial serving size.

Believe me, I contemplated stopping by again on my way to the airport. Fear of missing my flight kept me from doing so. I regret not ordering two muffins and will definitely return should I visit Miami again. Their menu also features salads, wraps, sandwiches and coffee. Taste is an appropriate name for this eatery. The pistachio muffin was the tastiest bite I had in Miami.

Visit http://taste-bakery.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=3
to view the bakery's photo gallery.