But I Digress - Matthew's Puzzle - Autism Recovery, Gluten Free, Green Living Mom Blog

Lego Batman 2 PS3 Game Review

July 5, 2012 By Maryann

Holy Video Game, Batman!

Yeah, I know, that was kind of lame, but I couldn’t resist. Whenever I think of Batman, I think of Robin saying one of those cheesy holy-something-or-other Batmans. I loved watching that show. So I was pretty excited when I found out Lego Batman 2 DC Super Heroes video game was being released. My boys have loved the Lego PS3 games we already owned. They especially enjoyed the first Lego Batman game so I was sure they were going to love this one too.

They were jumping with anticipation as I loaded the game and got them their controllers. I let them have at it, like the old pros they are. The game is amazing, in true Lego’s fashion it makes Gotham City, Lex Luthor and The Joker fun and intriguing all at the same time. One of our favorite features is the fact that the boys can unlock other DC Super Heroes such as Superman, Wonder Woman and Green Lantern. The kids are so excited when they finally have a new character during free play.

They had a hard time with a few scenes and of course my husband was happy to jump in and help. He said it was a lot of fun to play. I like the fact that it is challenging, but not so hard as to make it impossible to succeed. This means the boys ask for it on a regular basis.

One of the other things that makes me like this game so much is that it has introduced the boys to Lego and DC Super Heroes. These are games, toys and characters that other children play with on a daily basis. Nico has taken such an interest in Batman and Legos that he specifically asked for a Batman Lego set for his birthday. And his uncle obliged with the Lego DC Universe Super Heroes Batwing Battle Over Gotham City which ties in with the game. Why would I be so excited that the boys loved a video game, you may ask. It is really simple. For years Matthew wasn’t interested in any sort of character or game and it left him deficient when talking to his peers. They knew all about the latest super hero or video game, but he was never interested. Then along came Lego PS3 games and Matthew’s eyes were opened to the wonders his friends had known about for years. Now Matthew talks about all sorts of Lego PS3 characters including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Robin (one of his favorites), and all the Star Wars characters (they have several Lego Star Wars PS3 games too). And best of all, he talks with his classmates and the other kids on the bus, because not only does he know who these characters are, but he loves playing with them. He even has taken to bringing some of the Lego characters in the car with him. It really helps with social interaction when he has something in common with the other kids. So in our how, Lego Batman2 gets 4 (or more) thumbs up. Stay Well.

I was provided with a free copy of Lego Batman2 DC Super Heroes to review. All opinions are my own.

Berry Meringues

July 3, 2012 By Maryann

For dessert this weekend, or for the Fourth of July, try making this refreshing and delicious dessert – Berry Meringues. For a simple, yet elegant Red, White and Blue dessert start with fresh summer berries such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries. Add a quick vanilla scented meringue and you have the perfect end to a beautiful summer dinner. We are devouring our Berry Meringues after a Sunday dinner of smoked chicken wings, Maryland steamed crabs and the all-American Hot Dog! Nothing could be better.

Berry Meringues

Author: Matthew's Puzzle

Recipe type: Dessert

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 5 mins

Total time: 15 mins

Serves: 4

Fresh summer berries under a vanilla scented meringue

Ingredients

4 egg whites
⅓ Cup sugar
⅛ tsp salt
⅛ tsp cream of tartar
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 pint fresh berries, your preferred mix

Instructions

In a clean bowl combine egg whites, sugar, salt, cream of tartar.
Beat on medium-high until stiff peaks form.
Do not over beat.
Add vanilla extract and beat to incorporate, do not over beat.
Fill ramekins with washed and dried berry mix.
Mound meringue on berries and completely cover.
Broil in oven until meringue is nicely browned.
Be careful not to burn.
Can be served immediately or cooled and served at room temperature.

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Boulder Canyon Kettle Cooked Ridged Potato Chips

July 2, 2012 By Maryann

Boulder Canyon Potato Chips

With Matthew’s new diet we have had to give up even more foods lately. Not only is he Gluten Free, but he is Casein Free, Soy Free and Sugar Free. That means we have even fewer snack/treat options. We tend to choose fruit for our snacks, but there are times when you just want something else. Like this weekend he is going to a friend’s birthday party where they are serving lots of kids favorites such as pizza, PBJ, cake and chips. I have to supply him with a GFCFSFSF pizza, GFCFSF peanut butter and honey sandwich, a GF cupcake, but the mom promised me she would provide GF potato chips!

This week I got to try Boulder Canyon’s Kettle Cooked Canyon Cut Ridged Potato Chips. Interestingly, my husband, Larry, was actually the first one to dive into one of the bags! Coincidence? I don’t think so. He chose the Sour Cream & Chives. He said they were really tasty, with a natural sour cream and chive flavor which wasn’t too strong. I decided to try the Honey Barbeque. Um, yum! They are gluten free, thick sliced and kettle cooked. I almost ate the whole bag, but I did show some restraint. I LOVE kettle cooked chips. The crunch that comes from a thicker slice, Canyon Cut combined with the kettle cooking makes for the most satisfying munch and crunch around. Then if you are lucky enough to get a chip that has folded over on itself like a little taco, well you are in crunch heaven! (as you can probably tell, those are my favorites!)

I am actually trying to contain myself and not open the Canyon Cut Totally Natural Potato Chips. I think Matthew would love those, so I’m holding on to them for this Fourth of July cookout, where I’ll let him indulge in these all natural potato chips. Then I’ll have to find a local shop to purchase these tasty treats.

Just so you know, Boulder Canyon Kettle Cooked Canyon Cut Ridged Potato Chips are not only gluten free, they contain no trans fats, no cholesterol and no MSG. They are also Kosher and Non GMO. Canyon Natural Foods also offers Malt Vinegar & Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Cracked Pepper and Olive Oil Potato Chips. But the flavors don’t stop there, you can also enjoy Vegetable Crisps, Hummus Chips and Rice & Adzuki Bean Chips.