Yep, that’s right…another chance to win one of these uber-cool clay pots for cooking dried beans from Hurst Beans!

The past few weeks, Ohio has been experiencing some very hormonal weather, complete with hot flashes, cold flashes and a some cranky rain too. Very unusual for January…and it has been a bit confusing for us. When we were out at the park in short sleeved shirts last week (high hit 63!), the kids were insisting that summer had begin. Persistent and insistent.

I had to give them the unfortunate news that summer was not here, that snow was coming, and that likely the snow would be hitting hard! Kinda like a late winter slap in the face. Time shall tell…

I’ve been confused also in the kitchen on what to prepare for our meals…when it’s 63 and sunny…and we’re wearing short sleeves, all I want to do is whip up a quick pasta salad with all my favorite spring and summer veggies. Then the next day it’s high of 27 and all I want is a bowl of warm, comfort food.

Which brings us too…

these Boston Baked Beans. I could so go for a big bowl of these right about now. Warm. Cozy. Comfort food.

I so wish I had a spoon with magical powers that would let me just take a few bites right through the computer screen.

A few helpful bean resources -

• How to Cook Dried Beans
• Rice and Beans Budget Recipes

Here are the details on this giveaway…

Contest Details

1. Contest ends on Wednesday, February 29th (leap year!) at 5 pm EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment below and tell me which one of the Hurst Beans recipes you’ll be adding to a future meal plan!
• Entry #2: Like Hurst Beans on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
• Entry #3: Sign up for free email updates, or RSS posts from $5 Dinners.

5. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure: This giveaway is part of the Hurst beans campaign. I am receiving compensation as part of the campaign. More yummy recipes and 1 more giveaway coming later in the month

This giveaway is now closed. Winner is Staci!

I’ve got some more bean-y goodness for you all this week!

Starting tomorrow, we’ll be having a Chili themed “half-week,” where we’ll be featuring some of the best and most creative chili recipes for here, there and everywhere.

And wouldn’t have a fabulous bean pot be perfect for cooking your beans, and even your chili!

Enter to win a handmade clay soup pot from Hurst, made for specifically for cooking beans and making bean soup. Along with a sampling of 15 Bean Soup packs from Hurst Beans.

Lentil and Wild Rice Pilaf

(If I had cranberries, I’d make this for lunch!)

Helpful beans resources

Before we get to the clay pot, here are a few helpful bean resources:

• How to Cook Dried Beans
• Rice and Beans Budget Recipes

And if you haven’t entered the first contest, you can still do so…double your chances!

Here are the details on the giveaway…

Giveaway Details

1. Contest ends on Tuesday, January 31st at 5 pm EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment below and tell me which one of the HamBeens soups your family would most enjoy.
• Entry #2: Like Hurst Beans on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
• Entry #3: Sign up for free email updates, or RSS posts from $5 Dinners.

5. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure: This giveaway is part of the Hurst beans campaign. I am receiving compensation as part of the campaign. Yummy recipes and more giveaways coming soon!

As I’ve pressed on in the blogging world, I’ve heard story after story. I get emails about this food allergy or that. Pleads for best deals or coupons for food allergen-free products. We’ve been sharing recipes, coupons and deals here on $5 Dinners for months. But there are so many more deals out there…and there isn’t really a place where all the different food allergy deals are being shared. Until now…

Food Allergies on a Budget will share all the best coupons and deals for food allergen-free products and ingredients, as well as other helpful money saving offers. We’ll also be sharing our stories and experiences with food allergies and intolerances…as well as recipes, tips, tricks and secrets for not spending gobs of money on food allergen-free products.

And to celebrate, we’re kicking off with some great giveaways!

Win $100 Amazon Gift Card!

• Share the site with 5 friends via Facebook, Twitter or by Email
• Share your Food Allergy Story.
• Share a Food Allergy Friendly Recipe.

Click the link about to enter.

Win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

• Like Food Allergies on a Budget on Facebook
• Follow @budgetfoodaller on Twitter

Click the link about to enter.

Note: I have turned off the comments on this post…to be sure that you leave your entries in the right place. Click on the above links to be taken to the contest pages!

Congrats to our winnners…Kelly S, Malika, Sarah S, Karen K, Trudi S! Emails have been sent!

I got into the habit of washing my fruits and vegetables when I lived in the Dominican Republic…but I’ve fallen off the bandwagon since. Oops!

I’m really looking forward to using these products. I think the simplest way would be to clean the fruits and veggies as soon as I bring them in from the grocery store. Anyone have any other ideas or best ways to keep your fruit/veggies clean?

And here’s something novel (for me anyways!)…washing your meats. I’d never thought to do that until now. Seems like a smart thing to do?!?

MyClyns Food Wash is 100% Natural and rinses away clean, leaving no aftertaste or smell… just the taste and nutrition that nature intended. It is certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Also, the use of MyClyns Food Wash maintains organic and vegan distinction of your food. Learn more about the Food Wash Pack, and watch the video to see how easy it is to get your food clean.

This week, I’ve got an all natural Food Wash Pack (12 oz. spray & 32 oz jug) to give away to 5 different winners!

Contest Details

1. Contest ends Thursday at 9 am EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying you want to win this great gift pack!
• Entry #2: Like $5 Dinners on Facebook and/or Union Springs Wellness on Facebook.
• Entry #3: Join our free email newsletter or sign up for free RSS updates.

2. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure: I did receive a food wash pack in conjunction with this giveaway. Opinions are my own. And I’m glad to be eating cleaner food again!

This giveaway is now closed. Winner is Michelle!

OK friends, it’s really difficult for me to break out into the “beans, beans” song…seeing as how I have 3 little boys who think it’s the funniest song in the entire world. Ever. To be written. Ever.

I love dried beans.

I love cooking with them, and batch cooking with them.

I cook dried beans at least once a month. And I’ll make extra, cool off the ones I don’t use for that meal and put them into baggies for the freezer.

(They are not scary to cook, I promise. Here, I’ll show you how easy it is to make them.)

Why?

Because it’s easy to incorporate into my work in the kitchen. They are very hands off, and easy to have going on the stove or in the slow cooker while you are working on other things in the kitchen or around the house. And they are definitely cheaper. Plus, I like to hear my boys’ giggles as they sing “the song.”

(Yes, so someone had to teach them this song…both variations, I should add…it will remain to be said if I had any hand in the matter.)

Any. Who.

I’ve partnered up with Hurst Beans (who are probably terrified about the fact that I’m talking about “the song,” but it made you giggle, didn’t it! And if it’s not stuck in your head, I apologize again. But know you’re not alone, it’s been playing on repeat in my own head for 30 minutes!) to bring you guys some awesome recipes and giveaways over the next few weeks.

(I just made the “Cajun” 15 Bean Soup mix beans for the first time last week…can’t wait to show you what I did with them! While the beans are packaged as soups, they can certainly be used in other recipes!)

N.K. Hurst Co. is a 4th generation family business, that started in 1938. Every package comes from our downtown Indianapolis location where we have been since 1947 (this I find to be simply remarkable!). They source their beans from all over the US.  Dried beans are not only super economical (easily feed a family for under $5, even $3, with leftovers to spare!), we also know that they are packed with fiber, and are super low in fat. This is definitely a win-win-win.

Hurst Beans products and 15 Bean Soup mixes are available at groceries nationwide including: Walmart, Kroger, Publix, Food Lion, Giant Eagle, Stop & Shop, Giant, as well as other regional grocery chains and “Mom & Pop” stores.

So today…you’ve got the chance to win a handmade clay soup pot from Hurst, made for specifically for cooking beans and making bean soup. Along with a sampling of 15 Bean Soup packs from Hurst Beans.

Honey Ham and Beans Soup

(Look at that delicious-ness! Even though I just had lunch, I could totally go for a bowl of this soup right now…with some cornbread. Perfect winter’s day combo!)

Helpful beans resources

Before we get to the clay pot, here are a few helpful bean resources:

• How to Cook Dried Beans
• Rice and Beans Budget Recipes

So without further delay…and song…here are the details on the giveaway!

Giveaway Details

1. Contest ends on Tuesday, January 31st at 5 pm EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment below and tell me which one of the HamBeens soups your family would most enjoy.
• Entry #2: Like Hurst Beans on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.
• Entry #3: Sign up for free email updates, or RSS posts from $5 Dinners.

5. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure: This giveaway is part of the Hurst beans campaign. I am receiving compensation as part of the campaign. Yummy recipes and more giveaways coming soon!

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Suzanne for being our winner!

I’ve got a special Christmas edition giveaway for you! Open just this Christmas weekend!

Take a well deserved break and “Spend a Minute with Millstone” by enjoying a perfectly brewed cup of Millstone coffee! And in the process, why not enter to win $10,000!

Millstone’s “Spend a Minute with Millstone” sweepstakes is coming to an end soon, but it’s not to late to enter. It’s super simple…just visit Millstone.com and complete an online entry form to be automatically entered for a chance to win $10,000, plus other great weekly prizes. It takes less than a minute, so don’t delay!

Also, Millstone is offering a special gift basket to one of you that includes…

• Keurig Elite Brewing System
• Variety of Millstone K-Cup Portion Packs in Breakfast Blend, Foglifter© and Hazelnut Cream
• Crate and Barrel coffee cup
• $25 grocery shopping card/gift card

Check out the entry details…

Contest Details

1. Contest ends Tuesday, December 27th at 9 am EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment just sharing a moment from the holiday season when you enjoyed a cup of coffee!
• Entry #2: Follow me on Twitter and leave a separate comment
• Entry #3: Become a Facebook Fan, or subscribe by email or in an RSS reader!

2. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure:We did receive a similar gift basket.

*drumroll…………………………

And the winner is….

Jeannette (7stermers@)

Congrats to you and we hope this iPad2 blesses you greatly this Christmas!

(Winner has been emailed with further instructions!)

Yes. You read that right.

We’ve had some great giveaways these last few weeks…but I’ve saved the granddaddy of them all for last…

This sleek little old tablet could be yours this Christmas!

(And by little old tablet, I mean…brand spanking new machine that is going to wow your socks off.)

This week, it’s a 16 GB WiFi iPad2, your choice of black or white, your choice of polyurethane cover.

And.

And.

And.

We’ll also get you hooked up with the digital (or print) versions of each of my cookbooks, The $5 Dinner Mom Cookbook (print version, digital not yet available) along with The $5 Dinner Mom Does Breakfast and Lunch and my latest e-book, Holiday Entertaining Guide!

(My cookbooks are like the gift that keeps on giving! You’ll get to hear your friends and loved ones share how much less $$$ they are spending at the grocery store after they read and learn the method to the $5 Dinners madness!)

Contest Details

1. Contest ends Friday, December 23rd at noon EST.

• You may enter up to 6 times daily!!!!
• Entry #1: Leave a comment just sharing your plans for this holiday weekend. Are you hanging out with your favorite Aunt Betty, but everyone doesn’t know she’s your favorite? Are you hosting family and friends and cooking up a storm? Are you in charge of the cookies? Or the pies? Are you staying home and watching rerun marathons of your favorite shows? Are you wishing for a white Christmas? Are you headed somewhere warm?
• Entry #2: Tweet about this here lovely giveaway by clicking the tweet button up yonder.
• Entry #3: Join the $5 Dinners family on Facebook, then share this giveaway with your friends by clicking the button above.
• Entry #4: Subscribe to one of the $5 Dinners Email Newsletter. It’s free!
• Entry #5: Share what $5 Dinners recipe(s) you’ve enjoyed the most!
• Entry #6: What kitchen or cooking shortcut/tip/trick have you learned from $5 Dinners?
• Please leave separate entries for each option.
• Please include the day along with your entry method you are entering, if you plan to enter daily. i.e. Wednesday – I tweeted.

2. Winner will be selected by Random.org. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

3. Official Rules

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure:This is sponsored by me and only me. Because I love ya. And I wanna spoil ya this Christmas!

This giveaway is now closed! Winners are Marishannon, Sheryl, Maria! Congrats!

Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest: The Best Fruit from the Best Places…”When you want high quailty preserves with a unique variety of fruit, choose Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Preserves and enjoy the taste of premium fruit preserves.” Smucker’s expanded there preserves products a few years ago to include the Orchard’s Finest preserves variety. Orchard’s Finest products use only the fruit picked from the height of the season in the regions where the fruit grows best…so the cherries from from Michigan, the strawberries from the Pacific Mountain region. And the flavor certainly shows…it’s so rich and delicious!

Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Flavors: Coastal Valley Peach Apricot, Fall Harvest Cinnamon Apple, Michigan Red Tart Cherry, Northwest Triple Berry, Northwoods Blueberry, Pacific Mountain Strawberry

(Please pardon the grainy iPhone photo.)

And then there’s the 2 year old…who can’t get enough of the Orchard’s Finest. He’s been known to stick his tiny little fist right into the jar and enjoy a jelly snack. And now that he can open the fridge himself, he just tries to drink from the jar. I’m worried I might be raising a jelly and jam snob here!

A couple of different ways to use your Orchard’s Finest jams -

• Pancakes, served with the Orchard’s Finest Cinnamon Apple as topping/syrup
• Serve over shortbread or angel food cake – instead of whipped topping (my kids are dairy free, so this would be a nice sweet topping!)
• Thin out the Orchard’s Finest Orange Marmalade with some milk and use as dipping sauce for “Orange Chicken Fingers”
• Serve on a “sausage breakfast sandwich” – I love eating jam with sausage…and put it on a biscuit or English muffin bun…yum!
• Crackers, cheese and jelly “bar”…with a variety of crackers, soft cheese and the orange, blueberry, raspberry and apricot Orchard’s Finest flavors to assemble your own appetizer.
• Use the empty jars to gift homemade cocoa, chai tea or other food mixes.

Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Gift Basket featuring the following ($150 retail value):

• Orchard’s Finest product sampling in branded crate
• $100 gift certificate to Cooking.com
• Crate & Barrel Cheese Board

We are giving away three Orchard’s Finest gift baskets to celebrate the holiday season.

Contest Details

1. Contest ends Friday, December 16th at 5 pm EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment just sharing a fun and creative way to use your favorite jelly flavor.
• Entry #2: Click the “Share” button above, or tweet the following: Win a Smucker’s Orchard’s Finest Gift Pack & $100 Cooking.com gift certificate from @5dollardinners  http://bit.ly/orchardsfinest
• Entry #3: Become a Facebook Fan, or subscribe by email or in an RSS reader!
• Be sure to leave separate comments for each entry.

2. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure: I did receive a similar gift basket and products for sampling and photographing.

This giveaway is now closed! Congrats to Christina and Melissa!

So I am not the only one professing my love for Sister Schubert’s rolls this week. On Tuesday night, we hosted an impromptu potluck dinner with 3 other families. It was so fun to cram into our little living room and enjoy a cozy meal together. Just before everyone arrived, I popped some of the soft pretzel rolls and mini baguettes into the oven, so they’d be fragrant and warm when everyone arrived.

As we were eating and laughing, my friend Stephany proclaimed, “This has got to be the most delicious dinner roll I’ve ever eaten.” To which I replied, “I know, right…” and then went on to gush about my 5 year long love affair with Sister Schubert’s breads.

If you’ve not tried Sister Schubert’s rolls before, I highly recommend them that you drop a bag in your cart. (There are still a few coupons out in circulation from All You and a newspaper insert, if you clipped them or have a copy of the magazine.)

Also, you can download a free e-book with creative recipes and ways to enjoy their rolls.

The giveaway basket from Sister Schubert’s consists of the following:

• 5 Free product coupons
• Sister Schubert’s linen to line bread basket
• Sister Schubert’s branded apron
• Sister Schubert’s branded wooden cutting board
• Bread basket
• Butter knife
• Sister Schubert’s autographed cookbook

And I’ve got 2 baskets to give away this week! Entry details…

Contest Details

1. Contest ends Wednesday, December 7th at 5 pm EST. Winners will be announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

• Entry #1: Leave a comment sharing your favorite Sister Schubert’s products, or if you’ve not tried them, share which  one you want to try first (Products page.)
• Entry #2: Click the Tweet or Share button above and share about the contest with your friends.
• Entry #3: Become a Facebook Fan, or subscribe by email or in an RSS reader!
• Be sure to leave separate comments for each entry.

2. Winner will be selected by Random.org.

**NOTE: If you receive the email newsletter and wish to enter this giveaway, click on the title of this giveaway to get to the site and leave a comment on the site with your name and email address to be entered!

*Disclosure: I am working with Sister Schubert’s as their holiday spokesblogger and did receive a similar giveaway basket and compensation. Opinions are my own. Quotes are real. My love for Sister Schubert’s is from the heart!