Listen to Lena

Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

Enter to Win with M&M Meat Shops!

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*The following giveaway is open to Canadian residents only*


When I was young, March Break meant two things: more sleep and more television.

My parents never bothered to plan getaways or kid-friendly activities; instead, the best my brother and I could hope for was to be left alone until Friday, when we heard the dreaded, “You were supposed to organize your room while you were off this week and it’s still a pigsty!” Ah, memories.

We weren’t alone; upon returning to class, there was usually one or two lucky individuals who sported a tan – the rest, sadly, had little to report (other than statistics of how late they slept and how much TV they watched).

Yet in recent years, the combination of yuppie parents, increased disposable income, availability of all-inclusive packages, children’s expressed preferences and competition from other parents has initiated a theoretical mass exodus every second week in March.

Or so I thought. While March Break is definitely one of the busiest times of the year for family travel, a recent survey indicated that over 70% of families still opt to stay home, or close to home.

So what are kids doing? Well, they’re still sleeping and watching TV, but thankfully, parents have become more involved in planning family-oriented day trips, fun activities and inspired meals. And if you’re staying in this March Break, look no further than M&M Meat Shops to provide delicious, quick meals that’ll keep you out of the kitchen and focussed on family fun!

Here’s my sample menu for a yummy week off:

MONDAY

How about kick-starting March Break with a Monday afternoon matinée? Grab your kids’ favourite DVD, some toffee-flavoured popcorn and a bowl of M & M’s scrumptious Peanut Butter Chocolate Persuasion Ice Cream. It has just the right combination of salty and sweet; with a vanilla ice cream base, it’s loaded with chocolate-covered peanut butter mini-cups and finished with a swirl of peanut butter ripple. Um, yes please.

If you’re watching a flick’s extended version, consider popping some Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough into the oven – you’ll have warm, freshly baked cookies to complement the cold, sweet ice cream. YUM! The week will definitely be off to an amazing start!

TUESDAY

Out to explore the city? Make a quick and easy breakfast they’ll love while giving you a pass on dish duty. Try this kid pleaser: M&M’s Bacon “Griddle Stacker”. With grilled eggs, crisp bacon and a slice of real Cheddar cheese – wrapped in a flaky croissant – you’ll have breakfast on the table in just 2 minutes. Alternatively, try the hearty Breakfast Wrap, a zesty omelette wrapped in a soft tortilla shell which offers the same convenience and mess-free cleanup!

Need a lighter option? Toss a handful of Sliced Strawberries, 1/2 cup of Natural Vanilla Frozen Yogurt and a splash of milk into a blender, and you’ve got a delicious breakfast smoothie! And just like that, you’re out the door!

WEDNESDAY
Ah, play date Wednesday. Good news: you’ll go down in history as the BEST mommy hostess when you serve:

Four Cheese Bite Size Pizzas – The perfect kid-friendly snack! Delectable miniature pizzas topped with a tangy tomato sauce and a blend of four cheeses – mozzarella, brick, cheddar and Parmesan. My two year old does not really have a taste for pizza, but LOVES these little bite-sized goodies. One pack of 30 should get you through an afternoon!

Chicken Strips – These strips were made for dippin’. Made with all-white chicken breast meat and breaded with Panko-style crumbs (my fave!), all you need is a selection of yummy sauces (I like M&M’s Honey Garlic and Thai Sweet & Spicy Sauce).

Stuffed Jalapeño Peppers – They’re not spicy, they’re “zesty”! And guess what – kids love them! Jalapeño pepper halves are stuffed with processed cheddar cheese and sauce, then battered, breaded and par-fried. Ready in just 10 minutes – keep some on hand for the adults, too!

THURSDAY

Make it a “Take-Out Thursday”… without dialing for dinner! M&M Meat Shops has everything you need to enjoy yummy Chinese fare at home. Start with their Cantonese Style Egg Rolls; filled with a mixture of cabbage, beef, celery, pork, onions and Chinese spices, they’re awesome as an appetizer (or late night snack).

Then, move on to Chicken Stir Fry and Vegetable Fried Rice – you’ll satisfy your family’s cravings and up to 3 servings of vegetables – now that’s what I call double duty!

If you’d rather get in on the action, try woking up M&M’s Classic Stir Fry Vegetables and layering them over Hutong Noodles – irresistible Asian-style lo mein noodles which are seasoned with a traditional Asian sauce.

For dessert? Gourmet Pineapple Skewers, of course.

FRIDAY

It’s game night! Whether the game is basketball or Jenga, M&M’s Louisiana Style Chicken Wings are my very favourite snack to serve. The wings are crispy and spicy – the way wings are meant to be. We’ve always got a box in the freezer chez Lena.

Also try a game day staple – Beer Battered Shrimp, or one of M&M’s signature HotDipz (I vote for Spinach, Artichoke & Cheese).

And there you have it! A yummy March Break menu chock full of easy and delicious meal ideas. Are you inspired to rip up those plane tickets and have a stay-cation instead?


As Canada’s largest retail chain of specialty frozen foods with locations coast to coast, there’s an M&M Meat Shops near you! Click here to find your local store.


M&M Meat Shops has generously offered one Listen to Lena! reader the chance to win a $50 Gift Card! To enter, plan your March Break menu by visiting M&M online – then leave a comment here with five (5) items that you’d treat your family to.

You can also qualify for extra entries! Remember, you must leave a separate comment for each. You can:

(1) Follow my blog, Listen to Lena!
(2) “Like” Listen to Lena! on Facebook
(3) “Like” M&M Meat Shops on Facebook
(4) Tweet about this giveaway (here’s a tiny URL for you: http://tinyurl.com/4tbul7z)
(5) You may tweet about this giveaway daily

I’ll draw for a winner on March 13th. Special thanks to M&M, and good luck everyone!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  5. Mmmm…"Fall off the Bone"® Barbecue Back RibsBattered Onion RingsSweet Potato FriesBreaded ShrimpBanana Chocolate Chip CakeThanks!! Now I want cake!!mommakoala(at)cogeco(dot)ca

  6. Mmmm…"Fall off the Bone"® Barbecue Back RibsBattered Onion RingsSweet Potato FriesBreaded ShrimpBanana Chocolate Chip CakeThanks!! Now I want cake!!mommakoala(at)cogeco(dot)ca

  25. 5 items i would treat my family to are:Lavalicious™ Chocolate Chip CookieCheese & Spinach CannelloniClassic French QuicheBacon Wrapped TurkeyCrispy Twisters

  26. 5 items i would treat my family to are:Lavalicious™ Chocolate Chip CookieCheese & Spinach CannelloniClassic French QuicheBacon Wrapped TurkeyCrispy Twisters

  33. Lavalicious Chocolate Chip CookieChicken club pizzaSupreme homestyle lasagnaBattered onion ringsOriental party packjlgibbings at hotmail dot com

  34. Lavalicious Chocolate Chip CookieChicken club pizzaSupreme homestyle lasagnaBattered onion ringsOriental party packjlgibbings at hotmail dot com

  37. Mmmmmm, Bacon wrapped fillet mignons, Deep Dish Beefsteak Pie, Cabbage rolls, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake! Mmmmm, I already "like" you on facebook and I aslo "like" M&M meat shops as well.

  38. Mmmmmm, Bacon wrapped fillet mignons, Deep Dish Beefsteak Pie, Cabbage rolls, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake! Mmmmm, I already "like" you on facebook and I aslo "like" M&M meat shops as well.

  45. Chicken StripsSirloin meatballsRosemary pull-apart breadChicken quesadillasFully loaded potato soupGreat, now I'm hungry for a midnight snack!

  46. Chicken StripsSirloin meatballsRosemary pull-apart breadChicken quesadillasFully loaded potato soupGreat, now I'm hungry for a midnight snack!

  55. 1)Four cheese pizza2)Party Spirals3)battered onion rings4)Too Tall Oranges & Cream Cake5)too tall Coffee Double Cream Cakepeggylikesstuff at gmail dot com

  56. 1)Four cheese pizza2)Party Spirals3)battered onion rings4)Too Tall Oranges & Cream Cake5)too tall Coffee Double Cream Cakepeggylikesstuff at gmail dot com

  73. -BUFFALO STYLE CHICKEN WINGS-FOUR CHEESE BITE SIZE PIZZAS-FALL OFF THE BONE"® PORK BACK RIBS-BREADED CHICKEN BREASTS-LEMON AND HERB CHICKEN ALL MEAT KABOBleannemacg at gmail.com

  74. -BUFFALO STYLE CHICKEN WINGS-FOUR CHEESE BITE SIZE PIZZAS-FALL OFF THE BONE"® PORK BACK RIBS-BREADED CHICKEN BREASTS-LEMON AND HERB CHICKEN ALL MEAT KABOBleannemacg at gmail.com

  85. I would likeHoney Garlic Chicken Wings Deep Dish Deluxe PizzaBreaded Monzza SticksDouble Caramel Cheese CakeFrench Onion Soupcalvert0 at telus dot net

  86. I would likeHoney Garlic Chicken Wings Deep Dish Deluxe PizzaBreaded Monzza SticksDouble Caramel Cheese CakeFrench Onion Soupcalvert0 at telus dot net

  97. Chicken Club PizzaThree-Cheese Pasta Bake Butter ChickenChicken Pineapple Mini-Skewers"Fall off the Bone"® Pork Back Ribstynancyrobster at gmail dot com

  98. Chicken Club PizzaThree-Cheese Pasta Bake Butter ChickenChicken Pineapple Mini-Skewers"Fall off the Bone"® Pork Back Ribstynancyrobster at gmail dot com

  113. oh it is easy to pick 5 i love soo many 1) Barbecue Beef Bowl2)Chicken Caesar3)Classic Stir Fry Vegetables4)Battered Zucchini Sticks5)Buttertart Barsstaceyx at telus dot net

  114. oh it is easy to pick 5 i love soo many 1) Barbecue Beef Bowl2)Chicken Caesar3)Classic Stir Fry Vegetables4)Battered Zucchini Sticks5)Buttertart Barsstaceyx at telus dot net

  127. Well, it is hard to pick just 5 items!! As that we use M7M products ALL the time!!But my list is as follows..1. Oriental Party Pack2. Single serve frozen soups (chicken noodle and french onion)3. Homestyle Lasagna4. Breaded onion rings5. Butter tart bars … mmmmm

  128. Well, it is hard to pick just 5 items!! As that we use M7M products ALL the time!!But my list is as follows..1. Oriental Party Pack2. Single serve frozen soups (chicken noodle and french onion)3. Homestyle Lasagna4. Breaded onion rings5. Butter tart bars … mmmmm

  145. hmmm…so many good choices! I would chooseBuffalo Style Chicken WingsFrench Country Mushroom SoupGarlic BreadGarlic & Parmesan Potato WedgesLavalicious™ Chocolate Chip Cookieksceviour at hotmail dot com

  146. hmmm…so many good choices! I would chooseBuffalo Style Chicken WingsFrench Country Mushroom SoupGarlic BreadGarlic & Parmesan Potato WedgesLavalicious™ Chocolate Chip Cookieksceviour at hotmail dot com

  187. Fall off the Bone"® Barbecue Back RibsBattered Onion RingsSweet Potato FriesBreaded ShrimpBanana Chocolate Chip Cakejessicatang90 at gmail dot com

  188. Fall off the Bone"® Barbecue Back RibsBattered Onion RingsSweet Potato FriesBreaded ShrimpBanana Chocolate Chip Cakejessicatang90 at gmail dot com

  205. My top 5 would be:Petite Pull-Apart Bread Cinnamon RaisinApplewood Smoke and Maple SalmonBrie BitesApple Blossom®Strawberry Shortcake Bars Love their stuff in general! :)

  206. My top 5 would be:Petite Pull-Apart Bread Cinnamon RaisinApplewood Smoke and Maple SalmonBrie BitesApple Blossom®Strawberry Shortcake Bars Love their stuff in general! :)

  209. realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*comOnly FIVE??? Oh my… well, I ADORE the pulled pork wraps! The cabbage rolls are mouth-wateringly good. The meatballs are SO easy – I throw them in soup, pasta, or just eat them on their own with BBQ sauce. ALL the Gourmet HotDipz are insanely creamy and yummy. And last, but CERTAINLY not least, the Oriental Party Pack makes any party tasty!Thank you!

  210. realitybbq*AT*gmail*DOT*comOnly FIVE??? Oh my… well, I ADORE the pulled pork wraps! The cabbage rolls are mouth-wateringly good. The meatballs are SO easy – I throw them in soup, pasta, or just eat them on their own with BBQ sauce. ALL the Gourmet HotDipz are insanely creamy and yummy. And last, but CERTAINLY not least, the Oriental Party Pack makes any party tasty!Thank you!

  229. I love M&Ms – we always get a gift card for new mommies, what could be better then having some great meals in your freezer when you don't have time to cookMy favs are:the Lavalicious Chocolate Chip Cookie – OMG have you tried these, you better not of all that work on the fresh diet will be for nothingHubby loves the chicken wings and curly friesI am also a fan of the hot dips (sooo easy and yummy)and of course the meatballs!Katie Akatiejaneallen at gmail dot com

  230. I love M&Ms – we always get a gift card for new mommies, what could be better then having some great meals in your freezer when you don't have time to cookMy favs are:the Lavalicious Chocolate Chip Cookie – OMG have you tried these, you better not of all that work on the fresh diet will be for nothingHubby loves the chicken wings and curly friesI am also a fan of the hot dips (sooo easy and yummy)and of course the meatballs!Katie Akatiejaneallen at gmail dot com

  245. Duh,your Blog is my Holy Grail. I do not know how many awesome things you have opened my life too. Just 5 things Eh…. Hard but here they are. 1)Strawberry Short Cake Bars(Mike's Fav) 2)Chicken Kiev 3)French Onion Soup(to dye for)4)Sweet Potato Fries(Drool)5)Herb&Garlic Sirloin Steaks(Died and gone to heaven)

  246. Duh,your Blog is my Holy Grail. I do not know how many awesome things you have opened my life too. Just 5 things Eh…. Hard but here they are. 1)Strawberry Short Cake Bars(Mike's Fav) 2)Chicken Kiev 3)French Onion Soup(to dye for)4)Sweet Potato Fries(Drool)5)Herb&Garlic Sirloin Steaks(Died and gone to heaven)

  289. I would treat my family toPull-apart Cinnamon Raisin breadLavalicious Chocolate chip cookiesOriental Party packFour-cheese pizzaCrispy Fries

  290. I would treat my family toPull-apart Cinnamon Raisin breadLavalicious Chocolate chip cookiesOriental Party packFour-cheese pizzaCrispy Fries

  309. The 5 items that we would like to have areBistro Chicken® PortobelloFrench Onion SoupBreaded Chicken BreastsAngus Beef BurgersBarbecue Chicken Wingssilverneon2000 at yahoo dot com

  310. The 5 items that we would like to have areBistro Chicken® PortobelloFrench Onion SoupBreaded Chicken BreastsAngus Beef BurgersBarbecue Chicken Wingssilverneon2000 at yahoo dot com

  323. I would treat my family to:Hors d'Oeuvre QuartetVegetable Lasagna Cheese & Spinach CannelloniButternut Squash Supreme SideTOO TALL Oranges & Cream Cakesbabij2 at shaw dot ca

  324. I would treat my family to:Hors d'Oeuvre QuartetVegetable Lasagna Cheese & Spinach CannelloniButternut Squash Supreme SideTOO TALL Oranges & Cream Cakesbabij2 at shaw dot ca

  345. I would get Extra Large Shrimp FanBarbecue Chicken WingsStuffed Potato ShellsFall off the Bone"® Barbecue Back RibsChocolate Caramel Pecan Cheesecakeamt(at)telus(dot)net

  346. I would get Extra Large Shrimp FanBarbecue Chicken WingsStuffed Potato ShellsFall off the Bone"® Barbecue Back RibsChocolate Caramel Pecan Cheesecakeamt(at)telus(dot)net

  357. Lavalicious chocolate chip cookieCrispy twistersGarlic and parmesan potato wedgesfall off the bone pork back ribsbanana chocolate chip cake HeidiWatts31 at hotmail dot com

  358. Lavalicious chocolate chip cookieCrispy twistersGarlic and parmesan potato wedgesfall off the bone pork back ribsbanana chocolate chip cake HeidiWatts31 at hotmail dot com

  363. mmmmm i want Buffalo CHicken PizzaSheppards PieFrench Onion Soup with Chicken Parmesan BowlBreaded CHicken BreastsHomestyle Lasagnai love M+M but it's usually outside my budget!!! we would die to win

  364. mmmmm i want Buffalo CHicken PizzaSheppards PieFrench Onion Soup with Chicken Parmesan BowlBreaded CHicken BreastsHomestyle Lasagnai love M+M but it's usually outside my budget!!! we would die to win

  421. Love M&M's shops.One morning the treat would be Petite Pull apart Bread(Cinnamon Raisin) Battered Haddock FilletsOriental Party PakHomestyle LasagnaBanana Chocolate Chip Cake

  422. Love M&M's shops.One morning the treat would be Petite Pull apart Bread(Cinnamon Raisin) Battered Haddock FilletsOriental Party PakHomestyle LasagnaBanana Chocolate Chip Cake

  437. I would treat the family to Lavalicious™ Chocolate Chip Cookies, Seasoned Teriyaki Beef Kabob, Breaded Calamari Rings, Stuffed Potatoes, and Bistro Chicken® Portobello

  438. I would treat the family to Lavalicious™ Chocolate Chip Cookies, Seasoned Teriyaki Beef Kabob, Breaded Calamari Rings, Stuffed Potatoes, and Bistro Chicken® Portobello

  485. I'd treat my family to:French Onion Soup, Cheese Tortellini Bowl, Bistro Chicken Portobello, California Style Mixed Vegetables, and Apple Crisp.pennblan at rogers dot com@penelope1111

  486. I'd treat my family to:French Onion Soup, Cheese Tortellini Bowl, Bistro Chicken Portobello, California Style Mixed Vegetables, and Apple Crisp.pennblan at rogers dot com@penelope1111

  487. The 5 items I'd like to treat my family to are:French Onion SoupBite-Size Sausage RollsCheese & Spinach CannelloniCabbage RollsandButtertart Bars.dbland at rogers dot com

  488. The 5 items I'd like to treat my family to are:French Onion SoupBite-Size Sausage RollsCheese & Spinach CannelloniCabbage RollsandButtertart Bars.dbland at rogers dot com

  515. Yummy…….Beer Battered ShrimpCabbage RollsChicken KievMaple Salmon SkewersShrimp Platter with Seafood Saucearickan(at)gmail(dot)com

  516. Yummy…….Beer Battered ShrimpCabbage RollsChicken KievMaple Salmon SkewersShrimp Platter with Seafood Saucearickan(at)gmail(dot)com

  529. Chicken breastszucchini sticksfrench onion souplouisiana chicken wingstoo tall strawberry cakeI follow and tweetedamkir9703 at gmail dot com

  530. Chicken breastszucchini sticksfrench onion souplouisiana chicken wingstoo tall strawberry cakeI follow and tweetedamkir9703 at gmail dot com

  573. The 5 things I would like to tyr are lavalicious chocolate chip cookie, brie bites, chicken club pizza, lasagna, personal size deep dish pepperoni pizza.janicebudgellpollard at hotmail dot com

  574. The 5 things I would like to tyr are lavalicious chocolate chip cookie, brie bites, chicken club pizza, lasagna, personal size deep dish pepperoni pizza.janicebudgellpollard at hotmail dot com

  659. Yum! I LOVE their turkey meatballs, and sweet & sour sauce. I'd also get their cream puffs, chicken wings & Lavalicious Chocolate Chip Cookie.

  660. Yum! I LOVE their turkey meatballs, and sweet & sour sauce. I'd also get their cream puffs, chicken wings & Lavalicious Chocolate Chip Cookie.

  739. Over the March Break, I will make sure my Family enjoys the following products from MM Meats: Fall off the bone Pork Back Ribs, Stuffed Pasta Shells, Baked haddock fillets, Hors D'Ouerves Quartet and Apple Crisp.Thanks for the great giveaway. We love MM Meats.dod@rogers.com

  740. Over the March Break, I will make sure my Family enjoys the following products from MM Meats: Fall off the bone Pork Back Ribs, Stuffed Pasta Shells, Baked haddock fillets, Hors D'Ouerves Quartet and Apple Crisp.Thanks for the great giveaway. We love MM Meats.dod@rogers.com