U-Bake Bits and Pieces from The Queen with The Crooked Crown

Weird Dinners...

U-Bake La Crosse — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 17:02:00 GMT

So, what is the weirdest thing you've ever eaten for dinner in the name of saving time?

Most of my time saving "meals" come in the form of breakfast. I've eaten cold noodles for breakfast lots of times. I have eaten a bag of beef jerky...(venison actually) for dinner once. Had the oddest breath the whole night. The worst quick dinner I made myself is a Mayo Sandwich.

It's a good thing I don't have kids...

Kris, The Dough Queen

Your turn...

I'm A Mom....again!

U-Bake La Crosse — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 18:06:00 GMT

Our 2 yellow labs are going to be getting some siblings! I've always loved Hamsters - grew up with a few Teddy Bear Hammies before Mom approved a dog. I still remember their names - Odie, Mama Bear and La Verne. I also had a couple Pirahna until they jumped to their death. Oh, and there were ferrets too - Squeaky and Squirt. Anyway - Hamsters. Easy to take care of and adorable! I adopted 2 Male Dwarf Hamsters from the Coulee Region Humane Society this weekend! I pick them up Monday after work and I've already got their names picked out. (I'm kinda geeky, huh?) We shall call them: Ham & Cheese! I bought a fantastic house for them at PetSmart. Talk about the good life - it has a deck, a climbing tube, a wheel, a hiding room and of course a water bottle. Their house has been dubbed: Le Cordon Bleu Taj Ma Small. I loaded up on food, treats, knawing sticks, bedding, a ball for rolling on the floor and a food dish. Such fun to shop for those tiny critters! I'll post pics tomorrow when they come home. Yeah!

Got any hamster stories?

Kris

Pasta Sheets Review

U-Bake La Crosse — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:11:00 GMT

Pasta Sheets

One of our awesome new gals, Lisa has a product review for you!

Pasta Sheets? What can that possibly be? A pre cooked sheet of pasta (3 to a pack) that fits perfectly in a 9x13 pan and ready to use. No more trying to separate hot noodles only to have them rip. These sheets are great - easily able to spread the cottage cheese mixture on top without noodles sliding all over and the cottage cheese not staying where you put it. These pasta miracles get a top notch rating in my kitchen!

Get 'em at U-Bake !!

Jalapeno & Cheddar Brat review

U-Bake La Crosse — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:10:00 GMT

Jalapeno & Cheddar Brat Review

From Katelyn, one of our awesome, new gals:

"My parents tried the Jalapeno & Cheddar Brats and they loved them! My mom really liked the texture - usually brats have fat running through them and these didn't! She loved how crazy spicy there were. Overall rating: Extremely Delicioso!"

Gluten Free Summer Tips for BBQ's

U-Bake La Crosse — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:35:00 GMT

Top Ten Gluten Free Tips for Safe Outdoor Parties and BBQs

1. Never show-up without something safe to eat
Always make sure there is something safe for you to eat at any event. Offer to bring a salad or side dish with plenty of protein in it. If you bring a dish that is just carbohydrates, you'll be hungry before the party is over.

2. Call ahead and ask what they are serving

Most hosts and hostesses are more than happy to tell you a few things they are serving. Explain you are on a restricted diet. Ask if there will be any plain fruit salad or green salads. They will most likely be more than happy to leave the salad dressing and croutons on the side. This is a great time to ask if they are marinating the chicken or what brand of hot dogs they are serving. You can then go do your research and see if you will be safe eating the prepared foods.

3. Have them grill the meat first and then the buns
Nothing is more nerve wracking then watching your beautiful burger be ruined by bread crumbs. Speak up! Ask to have the meat grilled first and then have them heat up the buns. You can safely whisk away your burger or chicken before the "regular" bread is even outdoors.

4. Offer to bring a fruit salad
Fruit salad is a welcome addition to any party. If you bring the fruit, you are assured to have a healthy, safe and delicious dessert.

5. Aluminum Foil is your Friend!
Cooking on a contaminated grill? Cook on a piece of double thick aluminum foil. This will allow you to prepare your foods on the same grill without the risk of cross-contamination.

6. Bring your own buns

You can easily bring buns to a friend's house for a barbeque. Just toast the buns at home in a gluten-free toaster and spread a little butter or olive oil on the bun and wrap it in aluminum foil. At your destination, ask them to throw the foil pouch on the grill (preferably a spot where there were no other buns) and heat it for a minute. Or wrap it in plastic wrap and microwave it for a few seconds. It will soften the bun and be nice and warm.

7. Know your alcohol
Many of you will want to have a drink or two at your summer barbeques. If a gluten-free beer or glass of wine isn't available, make sure you know which alcohol is safe on a gluten-free diet. Many are considered to be safe, but some are not.

8. Marinades, BBQ Sauces and Salad Dressings can be sneaky

This is one of those areas that you really need to read labels. There are many mainstream brands of sauces, marinades and salad dressings that are gluten-free. Ask to read the labels of what you are eating. If they already threw the bottle out, then go without! Better safe than sorry when it comes to prepared foods.

9. Eat ahead of time if you are worried about getting sick or embarrassed to bring food

No one will know if you eat a big meal before you get to your barbeque gathering. If you are terrified of getting sick, have already gotten sick at that person's home, or just plain embarrassed to bring along food, eat before you go. No one will even notice that you are only eating fruit and some veggies. Half the people will probably be on a diet doing the same thing as you for different reasons.

10. Relax and enjoy yourself

Do your homework, enlist the help of those that love you in keeping your food safe, and then relax. You can make yourself sick worrying about the cross-contamination issues. Make the effort to educate your host/hostess, bring something to eat in case there is nothing available, and enjoy the company of those around you!

As my mother says, "life is not a dress rehearsal!". Go enjoy it - just be safe...

Shared from Rachel - my Celiac friend.
Kris

Are you a fan?

U-Bake La Crosse — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 14:25:00 GMT

We'd love to have you follow us on Facebook ! And for those of you who are fans already - thanks SO very much for the awesome reviews you've been posting! Wow - Love it!!

Every TUESDAY - SAVE BIG at U-Bake

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:02:00 GMT

1/2 Price Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Every Tuesday!

Tuesday used to be just another day of the week...until U-Bake came along and made it the BEST day of the week! Every Tuesday this summer is HALF PRICE CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DAY! 1 bag per person, with additional purchase We're open 9-7 every Tuesday.

People - that's 24 cookies for $3.24! Good Gravy!

Say Cheesecake!

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 25 May 2010 14:40:00 GMT

Need a dessert for Bunco? Book Club? to sit in a dark closet with? You won't need an oven with our delish, rich & creamy New York Cheesecake! $4.99 - just thaw & serve.

Bring on Memorial Day, Baby!

U-Bake La Crosse — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:38:00 GMT

It's almost here! Memorial Day that is - the unofficial start of summer! With temps in the 90's this weekend, it'll really feel like summer! Time to take the cover off the pool, (man, I wish I had a pool), put your shades on and fire up the grill! Whether you’re grilling Vidalia Onion Burgers from U-Bake for the family picnic or a thick ole T-Bone it’s important to know how to season your choice of fresh-cut meat so that each bite is tender, juicy and full of flavor. There are a number of delicious and affordable seasonings and sauces available at U-Bake. Stop by and check 'em out! We'll be sampling quite a few of them May 28th and 29th in store during our Memorial Day Kick Off SALE! Details to come.

So, I'm curious... what's your favorite summer BBQ meal?

Kris

Chicago, baby!

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:42:00 GMT

So, hubby and I are planning our summer vacation. Sadly, its not a tropical location, but I'm still really excited about it! Chicago, baby! Towards the end of July, we're doing a quick 4 day getaway in the Land of Lincoln. The topper is a Cubs game on Saturday against Pittsburgh... I think...

If you've been to Chi-town recently, do you have any recommendations for things to do? It's been about 6 or 7 years since we've been there. That was when we spent $55 on a cab ride from our hotel to the United Center so I could see the House that MJ built. (Big Bulls of old fan, here!) We got out of the cab, had the driver wait, took about 20 pictures in 5 minutes and back we went.

Also, being huge fans of Guy Fieri , we want to find some of his Triple D spots ! If you've been to any, let me know!

Thanks!
Kris

The Ipod Game

U-Bake La Crosse — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:26:00 GMT

Have you ever played the "game" while you are at an airport, when you guess where people are going? Like the business man in the fancy suit with the briefcase - he's flying to DC to meet with someone in the white house. Or, the frazzled Mom with 2 kids in tow - she's flying to Orlando to spend the week with her sister.

So, here's another "game" I play at the Y every morning when I'm on the treadmill. I try to figure out what each person is listening to on their mp3 player. Like the little guy who wears entirely too much clothing to run at the pace he does. Knit hat, sweat pants and shirt. I imagine he's listening to "Some Like it Hot", by Robert Palmer. Or, the petite gal who is so beautiful even without make-up - she should be in a fitness magazine. I imagine she's listening to Lady Gaga. Or...and I had to laugh this morning - the 50 something guy who couldn't be bothered to comb his hair - he's listening to Just As I Am by Air Supply. Kidding! He was tough to figure out.

I think everybody knows what I listen to cuz I actually sing along! Yes, I know people can hear me - I don't care. I figured I got outa bed - I'm singing.

Kris, The Dough Queen

Burn, Baby Burn!

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:32:00 GMT

Late yesterday, I decided that I'd take today off. It's a rare opportunity that presented itself - and I couldn't resist.

I got up at 5am, worked out, got tons of chores done around the house. Lunch time rolled around and I put a mini flatbread pizza in the oven to warm. As my cheesy za is in the oven, I phone the store. Suddenly, I see out the corner of my eye that flames are coming from the oven! I scream "I'll call ya back" into the phone and threw it on the counter. Poor Droid. I open the oven door and the aluminum foil covered in cheese drippings from many previous meals was on fire! Lots of fire! Lots of flames! Oddly enough I had the common sense to grab the baking soda and throw it onto the flames! As I watched the flames die, and my dream of a hot lunch fade, I laughed as I realized the irony of the event. I was on the phone with the Fire Chief's wife!!

Awesome Juicy Brat Recipe

U-Bake La Crosse — Mon, 03 May 2010 11:55:00 GMT

I remembered how to blog again? Aren't you impressed. Today, in anticipation of Wienerfest, I shall share the most awesome, most perfect recipe for juicy Brats that I have EVER had! I know, your probably thinking...I've been grilling brats for YEARS and never had a problem. I believe you - but try this method. Seriously. Juicy!

Blogging Issues...

U-Bake La Crosse — Sat, 01 May 2010 20:27:00 GMT

Yeah...I know. I haven't blogged much. Like almost 2 months. Sorry 'bout dat. I promise to get better!

And you can quote me on that!!

Kris The Dough Queen

Daylight Mess Me Up Savings

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 16:16:00 GMT

Daylight Savings - it has its good and bad. Right? The good? Its light out! Of course, that is a huge plus.
The bad - how much time do you have? I will only focus on ONE today. Car radio clocks. There are smart clocks that adjust time automatically so how come there isn't a smart CAR clock that will adjust to the new time. Here's the real problem: Me. I cannot remember HOW to change the time. I fiddle with buttons hoping the hour will move but no. You'd think twice a year I could remember how - but I have to pull over, pull out the car manual as thick as the phone book (btw, who uses those anymore?) to look it up again. Why does this frustrate me so? HOW can I try and remember when FALL BACK time comes how to adjust the clock?
Suggestions?
HELP!!
Kris

Curling. I've Been Schooled!

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 13:17:00 GMT

So, yesterday as part of my weekly e-newsletter, I questioned if Curling was a sport. Here is an excerpt of what I said...:

"My sincere apologies for having nothing to write about today. I really had great intentions of blogging yesterday except I got into a fight. With the couch. The couch - it won. The riveting bouts of curling were just too much! Not. Really, is curling a SPORT? I mean, can you sweat or injure yourself when curling? If any professional curlers are reading this, I sincerely apologize. Ah-hem. What was I saying again?"

THEN, I got this email from one passionate Curler! She said:

"Kris,

Please enough about poking fun at the Curlers ! Yes it is a sport and I actually curl in the Trempealeau/Centerville area, which is only about 25 minutes from your store. Yes you really can sweat and it is a fun game--of strategy !!!! Our club has sent many of our members to compete in many different levels through out the United States as well as our club hosting the Jr. Nationals which was attended by young people from all over the United States. It appears that this is the year for those of us who do curl to take several hits from the people who really don't understand the game. Anyone is welcome to watch--we have leagues Monday - Thursday nights starting at about 4 PM going thru 10:00 PM and this weekend there is a Men's Bonspiel which starts on Friday. A bonspiel is what we call a tournament.
OK now I will stop. Can you tell that I really love the game and yes it really is a sport !
Have a great day!
Vickie K"

Oh how I love pressing buttons! Mostly, I love people who are PASSIONATE! Thanks for the email, Vickie! U-Rock!

Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletters here!

I Just Might Run For Office

U-Bake La Crosse — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:17:00 GMT

OK - I probably won't run for office but after attending the Wisconsin Restaurant Association's Lobby Day - I can REALLY see how politics can get in your blood! It was one of the coolest experiences I have ever taken part in!

Tina, The Big Cheese and I along with about 100 restaurant/small business owners from Wisconsin, met in Madison to participate in Legislative visits at the Capital. We met with Senater Dan Kapanke, Rep. Mike Huebsch, Rep. Lee Nerison and Rep. Jennifer Schilling. It really was liberating and powerful to be able to meet ONE ON ONE in the offices of these fine elected officials and tell them about MY business and how the issues today are affecting small businesses.

A bonus of the day - we got to hear from the top 3 Gubernatorial Candidates! Tom Barrett, Scott Walker and Mark Neumann.

By the way, Jennifer Schilling is pretty much my new BFF now! She's a regular shopper at U-Bake - a big fan of our soup, breadsticks and cut-out cookies! Something kinda cool happened with her...During our visit in her office, she told us she was starving and hadn't eaten lunch yet. Then, about an hour later I checked messages on my cell phone. It was Jennifer telling me how U-Bake saved the day for her, again! She was in her car driving home when she reached under her seat looking for a glove. What she found instead, was 2 U-Bake cut-out cookies decorated in a little, plastic bag. She was thrilled - U-Bake to the rescue. I just thought it was cute that she called to tell me! I'm sure she'll be calling me for the all the BIG issues, too!

Kris, The Dough Queen
PS - Check out Tina's blog and her take on our day!

Mini Reubens

U-Bake La Crosse — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:58:00 GMT

Yeah, I know - I haven't blogged for a while....I think I finally got my feet under me again since the holidays! Yeah! Found a great recipe that would taste great on Super Bowl Sunday. It features our incredible, creamy cole slaw mix. Enjoy!

MINI RUEBENS
20 slices U-Bake rye cocktail bread
1 cup U-Bake Cole slaw
1 teaspoon creamy horseradish
1/2 pound corned beef
1/2 pound grated swiss cheese
1/4 cup 1000 Island dressing

Arrange bread slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Place under broiler for 1 minute to toast bread slices. Turn bread slices over and spread 1000 Island dressing over each slice. Mix coleslaw and horseradish together. Top with coleslaw, corned beef and cheese. Broil 1 minute until cheese begins to melt. Drizzle with remaining 1000 Island dressing.

Lasagna Soup and more!

U-Bake La Crosse — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:14:00 GMT

Whoo Hooo! I get to yak on the radio Thursday morning. Mike Hayes accepted my bride and I will be joining him for an hour during his Coulee Region Cooks show again! I'll be sharing my delicious Lasagna Soup recipe along with a couple other goodies. This stuff ROCKS! Recipes will be on the website Friday.

Tune in from 10-11am on WIZM 1410.
Kris

It Actually DOES Pay To Work Out!

U-Bake La Crosse — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:39:00 GMT

Normally, I hit the Y at 5am with my neighbor, Erin for a healthy workout of walking, rowing, biking and gabbing. Talking DOES burn calories. We are getting so svelt. Not. But since I close the store today, I got to sleep in and went to workout around 9:30. The place was PACKED! New Years Resolutions are in full swing, people!

Anyway, I'm about an hour into my routine and I ran into a friend of mine, Bill. I was on the stationary bike doing my thing as Flo Rida played in my ears, when I felt it socially necessary to remove them. I looked like death. No makeup, hair in a bushy pony tail, barely brushed teeth. Ladies, you know the drill. These are the times that you don't want to run into anyone. So, Bill and I gab and catch up on life for a few minutes when he says..."Did you know that Damien is here" I gasp - "Miller? SHUT UP!" Bill looks over the Eliptical Machines of death to see if he can see him. "Oh, he must of left". Darn, I think and the convo is over. I make my move over to the Arm Fat Pull Down machine. Yes, that is the technical name. Bill comes over to tell me that Damien was still here and asked if I wanted to meet him. Ummm, "YEAH", I declared. I make a loud noise getting out of the machine and Bill escorts me to Damien. Gees, maybe this isn't a good idea I began thinking.....I start pinching my cheeks to make some resemblance of a rosy glow. Where oh where is my lipstick? I'm sweating. I'm panting. And NOW I'm going to meet Damien Miller. We are now in front of the the baseball man himself. "Damien, I'd like you to meet my friend, Kris." Damien, smiles and I melt. "Great to meet you" is all I could muster over the pitter patter of my heart. Bill continues, "She's your one fan". "Oh, YOUR the one!" my boyfriend, er... I mean Damien says. Remembering that I must have been a terrible sight in my Wal-Mart sweats, I said, "Well, I don't want to interupt your workout, but it was great meeting you." Sigh....what a great way to start the day. I called the Hubs and told him my dramatic tale to which he replies..."yeah, I knew he worked out there".

The air came out of my head and I hit the shower.