Dei Fratelli Tomato Product Assortment Review and My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner + GIVEAWAY!--Ends December 2, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Dei Fratelli Tomato Products

There are dozens of ways to use tomato products in your recipes.  When Dei Fratelli sent me another assortment of their quality tomato products for this review and giveaway, I was delighted because I cook with them more days than not!  

I was sent a 28 oz. can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, All Purpose Italian Sauce and Whole Tomatoes, 26 oz. jar of Homestyle Pasta Sauce, 16 oz. jar of Casera Salsa, and 15 oz. can of Sloppy Joe Sauce and Pizza Sauce.

If you want to save money and time, drop some pounds before the holidays, eat something healthy and satisfying, then I really wish you would try this recipe.   This vegetarian dish has rice, pinto beans, onion, peppers, and cabbage to lend sweetness to the spices, salsa, and pasta sauce that once combined turn this into something incredibly delicious.


I honestly love it and make this dinner quite often.  Trust me, dear readers, the pounds will melt off without trying if only you eat this as a main dish a few times a week.  

 My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner

My Vegetarian Spicy Rice-Bean Dinner

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1-1/2 cups  finely  sliced  cabbage
1 hot Hungarian Hot Wax Pepper
1/4 cup California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Bold & Peppery Olive Oil
3/4 cup cooked dry pinto beans
2 cups uncooked rice
2 tablespoons of Dei Fratelli Homestyle Pasta Sauce
2 tablespoons of Dei Fratelli Casera Salsa
2 teaspoons of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin powder
1 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of dried basil leaves
1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
4 cups of water
1/2 cup of uncooked macaroni


Add your finely chopped onion, chopped pepper, and fresh cabbage that you slice into thin diagonal strips into the pot with your olive oil and cook until onions become golden and the cabbage cooks some and softens a bit.

Next add your raw rice and macaroni, stir in sugar, salt, and spices and cook for a few minutes until thoroughly combined. 

Now add your water, cooked pinto beans, the sauces, and cook this on high until it comes to a boil.  Then cover with a lid and lower the heat to low and cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is fluffy.

*This is own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  I did receive free products to facilitate this review.*

Thanks to Dei Fratelli and the Hirzel Canning Company, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States wins the same assortment of tomato products that I received:  a 28 oz. can of Petite Diced Tomatoes, Seasoned Diced Tomatoes, All Purpose Italian Sauce and Whole Tomatoes, 26 oz. jar of Homestyle Pasta Sauce, 16 oz. jar of Casera Salsa, and 15 oz. can of Sloppy Joe Sauce and Pizza Sauce.

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you go by in a comment.

2. Go to Dei Fratelli's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.

Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--for 2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Tweet #Win  Dei Fratelli Tomato Products #Giveaway @deifratelli via @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/tRF850 Ends 12/02 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

"Like" Dei Fratelli on Facebook--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Share Dei Fratelli on your Facebook Wall--5 extra entries to leave in five separate comments (show me the proof) 

Follow Dei Fratelli on Twitter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Sign up for Dei Fratelli's newsletter--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

Check out Dei Fratelli on YouTube and tell me something you learned by watching--2 extra entries to leave in two separate comments

"Like" Nuts 4 Stuff on Facebook--2 extra entries (leave two separate comments)

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--2 extra entries (must confirm) to leave in two separate comments

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--2 extra entries (Orange button in my sidebar) to leave in two separate comments

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and comment with a link to the post--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--5 extra entries (leave five separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 2 more extra entries to leave in two separate comments)

Enter another Nuts 4 Stuff giveaway (enter as many as you want, however, only 1 extra entry will count) and tell me which one in a comment--1 extra entry

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends December 2, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  



Dei Fratelli Pasta Sauce Review & My Pizza Mini-Loaves + GIVEAWAY!--Ends April 17, 2011

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Here is one Pizze Mini Loaf.

Anyone that loves pizza will enjoy this flavorful recipe that conjures up thoughts of  very economical crustless pizza! 

Tomato & Basil pasta sauce

You'll make three mini-loaves from ground turkey (or if you prefer ground beef) and stuff them with any leftover mashed potatoes you may have in the refrigerator.  Making this recipe is an excellent way to get rid of those leftovers and the family won't even know they're inside the yummy sauced loaves topped with shredded Mozarella cheese!

Out of one pound of ground turkey or beef, I like to form three mini-loaves.  This amount and the size I use makes it easier to stuff.  If these are too big for your little ones, I suggest just cut slices!

You'll like the Dei Fratelli pasta sauce because it's thicker than others and has about four times more fiber!  The only fault I find with the sauce is I like it to be slightly sweeter. 

Pizza Mini-Loaves

1 pound of ground turkey (ground beef, if you prefer)

1/2 cup chopped onion, divided in half

3 cloves of chopped garlic

1 teaspoon dried sage

1-1/4  teaspoons salt

2/3 cup oatmeal

1 teaspoon sugar

3/4 cup mashed potatoes (divided by fourths)

3/4 cup shredded Mozarella cheese (divided by fourths)

1 jar of Dei Fratelli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce

2 tablespoons of olive oil or canola oil

Brown 1/4 cup of chopped onion and garlic in the oil until golden brown.

In your mixing bowl, add the meat, the other 1/4 cup of chopped onion, oatmeal, sage and salt. 

Form into three big balls that you pat down enough to put 1/4 cup of the mashed potatoes inside. Roll up and repeat the same way for the other two balls.

Take your finished meat rolls and add to your browned onions and garlic.  Brown them on both sides before adding the Dei Fratelli Tomato and Basil Pasta Sauce plus a teaspoon of sugar. 

Cook on the stovetop for about an hour.  Near the end of the hour, add 1/4 of shredded Mozarella cheese to each mini-loaf.  Let melt on top and then serve.

My Pizza Mini-Loaves

Thanks to Dei Fratelli and the Hirzel Canning Company,  one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the United States, will win an assortment of their pasta and pizza sauces!

Pizza sauce 

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me the name you go by in a comment.

2. Go to Dei Fratelli's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.


Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet Dei Fratelli Pasta and Pizza Sauce Assortment #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.

This giveaway ends April 17, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Dei Fratelli Salsa REVIEW + My Black Bean Cakes Recipe + GIVEAWAY!--Ends March 23, 2011

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Dei Fratelli Salsas

I recently received some Dei Fratelli products for this review and giveaway.  Four generations are behind this family-owned company, producers of canned tomatoes, sauces, purees, juices, salsa, and sauerkraut with an exceptional garden fresh flavor from what I experienced.

Everyone usually thinks of salsa and chips or tortillas come to mind.  Although, I honestly thought the Dei Fratelli brand was the best commercial salsa after my first taste on some tortilla chips, I wanted to show you a healthier way you can also cook with their delicious salsa with my Black Bean Cakes.

The dry variety of beans is the most economical with a better consistency to work.  If you think you don't have enough time to cook up dried beans, then put on a pot to cook while you watch television.  Trust me, but you'll save more time in the long run cooking up a whole bag of beans and storing them in the refrigerator for other uses.  Don't worry.  I will share my best recipes using them to whip your dinner up in record time.

Look carefully for any tiny pebbles among dry beans or popcorn first.  After sorting, rinse the beans and soak overnight.  Then drain, rinse again and proceed to cook up a bag until they're tender, but not mushy.  This should take a few hours.  (Like I said, you're doing the work now to save more time later on.)  Drain off the excess liquid.

My Black Bean Cakes with Salsa

2-1/4 cups cooked black beans, drained of excess liquid
1/4 cup celery (I like to use the celery leafy tops)
1/4 cup peeled onion (about 1 small)
3 cloves peeled garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 cup bread crumbs (save stale bread and process for later)
1/4 teaspoon whole leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons flour
1/4 cup of Dei Fratelli salsa (I used the original medium)
8 teaspoons of sour cream

Place your onion, garlic, and celery in your food processor and process until chopped nicely before adding the rest of the ingredients except the olive oil, flour, salsa, and sour cream.  You want a meaty texture.

No eggs are necessary for these cakes to stick.  You will  make four big patties.  Shape up each patty  between your lightly floured hands to coat them.  Don't over flour or you'll need more oil to fry them in. 

Fry them in the olive oil and serve with a side dish of rice, which makes your bean cake a complete protein, and a vegetable.  Top the patty with a tablespoon or more (I like more salsa) and two teaspoons of sour cream for a delicious healthy dinner.

Your kids may like to try these bean cakes on a bun with some lettuce and salsa for a healthier replacement for hamburger.

*This is own, honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  I did receive product so I could do this review and express an opinion.*

Thanks to Dei Fratelli and the Hirzel Canning Company,  one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader, will win all four of the same incredibles salsas I received: a (medium) Chipotle, (medium) Black Bean 'n Corn, (mild) Casera, and (medium) Original Salsa.

My Black Bean Cakes with Salsa

Both Are Mandatory To Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then tell me so in a comment.

2. Go to Dei Fratelli's website and tell me which product you would love to try first or something you learned from their site in another comment.


Extra Entries:

Add @Nuts4Stuff to Your Twitter and tell me so in your comment with your Twitter id--1 extra entry

Tweet Dei Fratelli Salsa #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://tiny.cc/i36bm (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

Subscribe to the Nuts 4 Stuff blog by email--1 extra entry (must confirm)

Subscribe to Nuts 4 Stuff in a reader--1 extra entry (Orange button in my sidebar)

List this giveaway on any giveaway site just leave a link to this post wherever you share it--2 extra entries (leave 2 separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Blog about this giveaway and and comment with a link to the post--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where in each comment)

Grab my Nuts 4 Stuff button and paste it in your sidebar--3 extra entries (leave three separate comments and tell me where you left it in each comment)

Add Nuts 4 Stuff to your blogroll  (using my URL) with a link back to me (comment where you left it for 1 more extra entry)

Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.  This giveaway is open to residents of the United States only.  Do follow the rules because I check entries.

This giveaway ends March 23, 2011 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.