McCormick Video Shoot: Take 1 plus Give 1 Away

Many of you know that a few weeks ago I had what ended up being one of the best experiences of my life.  I love to cook, I love to photograph food, but McCormick and Allrecipes turned the tables and shot two separate videos of ME cooking a recipe, and eventually photographing it, along with some of my other online Mom friends.  I'm excited to share this new product with all of you!  I joked during the shoot that it truly could make everyone into an "Everyday Gourmet" because the recipes are foolproof and impressive.  My family LOVED this meal, and I'm convinced that yours will too. 
I'll blog about the second video in a future post.

McCormick's new line of Gourmet Spice Blends includes a Sweet Basil & Bruschetta Chicken and this was featured in the first video.  I was able to meet Lillian, one of my online foodie friends from NY, who visited me (I'm from NC) so we could cook it together.  She's on the right.

 If you're a busy mom (like me!) who sometimes has trouble cooking a delicious, relatively quick, wholesome meal in the midst of your work & home obligations, Girl Scout meetings, clubs, and soccer season then you are going to LOVE these kitchen helpers!  Lillian shared the Sweet Basil & Oregano Bruschetta Chicken blend with me in our video and it is phenomenal and sooooo easy!!

Here's what you want to look for in your local store--they may not be available now but will be in the very near future:

6 delicious blends

You can tell by the window on the packaging exactly what the ingredients are, but if you're unsure, you can read every ingredient on the back of the package.  What?  Stop?  Yes! I said you can actually read--and pronounce--every ingredient that goes into these mixes.  They are all natural and premixed in exactly the right measurements to create a relatively quick and easy home-cooked meal.  No measuring, no having to substitute one spice for one you're out of, everything you need is in there. With one of these bad boys,  fresh meat and vegetables, and a few simple ingredients we all have at home, everyone can put a fabulous meal on the table in about 45 minutes.  Our videos, when they are released, will show you how.  For now, enjoy your behind-the-scenes sneak peek of the making of the upcoming video from McCormick!

Notice how the chopped tomatoes are well coated with the spice blend

One of my favorite behind-the-scenes pictures--everyone works together to create one great shot

My kitchen--study this closely, there may be a quiz later!

Theresa & Jean, food stylists & Andrew, the McCormick rep

Lillian getting her mic from Cameraman David

Lunch Break

Our talented cameramen--Erik & David who promised to make me & Lillian look good ; )

David getting the "beauty shot"

This is one of the actual food pictures I took WHILE the camera was rolling
You may see this in the video ; )

What a fun experience!  I'm so excited about this product that I'm having the first GIVEAWAY.  Because I believe these mixes would be perfect for:

Newlyweds who may not be experienced cooks (good for gift baskets!)
New Moms who don't have time or energy to prepare a tasty meal
Single Guys who are hungry and miss their Mom's cooking
Single Girls who love to cook and share with their friends
College Kids who want to eat something other than fast food
Empty Nesters who value their newfound time and don't want to spend it cooking

See where I'm going with this? 
McCormick Gourmet Spice & Seasoning Mixes are for everyone, and I'm giving away TWO sets as pictured above to one lucky reader.  One for you, one to share with a friend, a total of 12 mixes.  All you have to do is this:

1. Follow this blog and leave a comment advising who you would share your set with and why
2.  Like House of Frolic & Mirth on Facebook, or share it on your Facebook page
3.  You'll get a bonus entry for pinning about the giveaway and letting me know on the Facebook page. 

Contest ends May 15th--good luck!!  I'm off to cook dinner now--and the hardest decision will be which mix to choose!

**Please take note--the Giveaway has already ended