Veterans Day Freebies Deals for Service Personnel

Veterans Day

My beloved, departed Daddy who lived till old age, was one of the few people I've ever known who served his country in both the U.S. Army and Navy. So in his memory and to honor every living veteran, I could not be more pleased to share some great free Veteran's Day giveaways for both the more than 22 million U.S. veterans alive today, as well as the over 1.3 million active military serving our country both domestically and abroad.

MommyBlogExpert.com

10 Offers for Veterans and Active Duty Military

Applebees Restaurants

Veterans and active duty military are invited to choose a free meal on Veteran's Day from one of seven entrees at Applebees restaurants across the U.S. Details

Black Angus Steakhouse

Active military and veterans receive a complimentary Steakhouse Cheeseburger and Fries at participating restaurants nationwide. Details

California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and active duty military are invited to enjoy a free entree either a pizza, salad or pasta dish on Veteran's Day. Details

Car Washes Nationwide

Active and retired military are invited to get a free car wash on Veteran's Day at participating locations all 50 U.S. states through the Grace for Vets program. 

Denny's Restaurants

Active, inactive and retired military personnel are invited to come into any participating location on Veteran's Day for a free Build Your Own Grand Slam breakfast from 5 a.m. till noon. Details 

Great Clips

Active, inactive, retired, disabled and reserve members from any branch are invited to stop by any U.S. Great Clips salon on November 11th and receive a free haircut that day or get a free haircut card you can use through 12/31/15. Details

Image from IHOP

IHOP

A stack of free Red, White and Blue patriotic buttermilk pancakes with glazed strawberries, blueberry compote and whipped topping will be available free of charge at participating restaurants across the U.S. for veterans and active duty military on Veteran's Day from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Details

National Park Service

The National Park Service invites veterans and their families as well as everyone else to visit all national parks free on Veteran's Day. Many of these include battlefields and monuments, such as Gettysburg, are directly related to America's military history. Details

Seaworld, Busch Gardens and Other Company-Owned Parks

Seaworld's Waves of Honor program offers active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman and up to three members of their immediate family one complimentary admission any day of the year. There is also a program for Veterans to receive a one-time complimentary admission for themselves and three additional guest. Both offers are available at select Seaworld properties. Details

Shoney's Restaurants

A free All-American Burger is free to any active duty military or veteran on Veteran's Day at participating locations. Details

FTC Disclosure: I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any organization mentioned in this post. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar Prizes November 8-14

Twitter Parties

Master Twitter Party Calendar - Including USA & Canada

Constant Updates plus Get a Peek at Future Weeks

Brands: 
See bottom of post to hire Mommy Blog Expert for your next Twitter Party!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Master Twitter Chat Party Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. A brand new weekly Twitter Party Schedule is published every Sunday at 9 am ET.

Be sure to check back often during each week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook, Pinterest, Google+, and Blab parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

The majority of parties are for U.S. only, unless indicated otherwise. Look for highlights in pink for Twitter Parties where CANADA residents are eligible for prizes.

THIS WEEK

Monday, November 9

Share the Joy of Pie Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @dawnchats @simplybeingmom and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs. #SharetheJoyofPie

MOBU Herbals Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @mobuherbalsshop @justphalon and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) product prize packs - see RSVP link for complete prize descriptions. #MOBUHerbals

Cord Blood 411 Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @babycenter and others. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 American Express giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $250 AmEx GC. #CordBlood411

Unroll Me Now Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @sweeptight @laughwithusblog and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 VISA GCs. #UnrollMeNow

Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats for Toys Twitter Party at 9 pm ET. Prizes: $125 Kellogg's Rice Krispies prize pack - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #TreatsforToys

Kodak Moments App Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @kodakmomentsapp @enlistmoms. Prizes: THREE (3) holiday giftbaskets. #KMapp

Tuesday, November 10

Huggies for Holidays Twitter Party at 11 am ET with @thesimpleparent @thecouponista. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 CVS giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 CVS GCs. #HuggiesforHolidays

Armed Forces Vacation Club Twitter Party at Noon ET with @sitsgirls. Prizes: TWO (2) $100 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) $300 VISA GC. #MyAFVC

Kids N Trips Twitter Party at 12:30 pm ET with @jenleo @lajollamom and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 American Express giftcard, ONE (1) $100 AmEx GC. #KidsNTrips No RSVP

Thanks Pak Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @valpakcoupons @savings and others. Prizes: $400+ in prizes TBA. #ThanksPak

Ask Skin Expert Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @shespeaksup @lorealparisusa and others. Prizes: L'Oreal Paris Revitalift giftbaskets, ONE (1) Grand Prize L'Oreal Paris giftbasket + $200 Target giftcard. #AskSkinExpert

My All American Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @socialmoms @stacieinatlanta. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards, TEN (10) My All American swag bags, ONE (1) Grand Prize $500 Amazon GC. #MyAllAmerican

Safe Pet Holidays Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @charlottereed @petrendologist and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 VISA giftcard, ONE (1) $25 VISA GC and more. #PetrendsTweets

The Hoover Cordless Game Day Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @hooverusa @clever_network and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) Hoover Cordless 2-in-1 Stick & Handheld ARV $149.99, ONE (1) Hoover Cordless Lift ARV $399.99. #HooverCordless

FiOS Philly Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @enzasbargains. Prizes: ONE (1) Kindle Fire HD 8. #FiOSPhilly

One Watch Many Faces Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @audreymcclellan @verasweeney and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) Noah Galloway limited edition watches. #onewatchmanyfaces No RSVP

Share the Light Twitter Party at 8:30 pm ET with @patakscanada @masalamommas. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #SharetheLight

Holly Jolly Holidays Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @greenplicity @silikids and others. Prizes: Huge number of prizes for moms and kids - see RSVP link for complete prize descriptions. #HollyJollyHolidays

Concina Con Smithfield Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @dimemedia @latinomarketing and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packs that include Smithfield product and either a $75, $100, $175 or $250 giftcard. #CocinaConSmithfield

Let's Talk RESPS Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @cstconsultants. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 VISA giftcards - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #LetsTalkRESPS

Wednesday, November 11

Fall With a Twist Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @morningstrfarms @aboutamom and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Target giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Target GCs. #FallWithaTwist

Pie Face Twitter Party a 1 pm ET with @momcentral @hasbronews. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 gift codes; SIX (6) $50 gift codes + Hasbro Pie Face game. #PieFace

Real Cheese Real Life Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost and others. Prizes: FOUR (4) $50 VISA giftcards. #RealCheeseRealLife

Rainbow Light Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @momsmeet @rainbowlightns and others. Prizes: TEN (10) winners will get Rainbow Light products. #RainbowLight

Cooking with Seneca Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @rachelcooksblog. Prizes: FIVE (5) prizes TBA. #CookingWithSeneca

Baby Nes Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @audreymcclellan @verasweeney and others. Prizes: TBA. #FeedingPositivity No RSVP

Doing Good Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @crowdtappers. Prizes: $750 in prizes. #DoingGood

Festive Flavors Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @produceforkids @crunchpak and others. Prizes: TBA. #FestiveFlavors

Amazinghood Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @kellyrowland. Prizes: FOUR (4) prize packs that include products plus either a $50, $75, $100 or $250 giftcard. #Amazinghood

Thursday, November 12

Don't Miss Out Twitter Party at Noon ET with @ymcbuzz @shopprsdrugmart. Prizes: FOUR (4) $100 Shoppers Drug Mart giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $300 Flu Defense Kit including a $250 Shoppers Drug Mart GC + flu care products - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #DontMissOut

Friendsgiving Fail Twitter Party at Noon ET with @sitsgirls. Prizes: THREE (3) $150 VISA giftcards and a year's supply of Kettle Brand Chips. #FriendsgivingFail

Unstoppable Moms Twitter Party Noon - 12:30 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $50 giftcards. #myunstoppablemom

PTPA Twitter Party Noon-1:30 pm ET with @ptpa @ptpaamy and others. Prizes: TBA - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #ptpaparty

Fertility Issues & Relationships Twitter Party at 1 to 1:30 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost @coopermunroe and others. Prizes: THREE (3) $25 CVS/Pharmacy giftcards. #TheStorkOTC

Libby's Cansgiving Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @libbystable @resourcefulmom. Prizes: THREE (3) prize packs including Cuisinart 3.5 quart slow cooker + Libby's products, ONE (1) Grand Prize includes GreenPan Black Ceramic Non-stick Casserole + Libby's products. #Cansgiving

Sinus Relief Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @smiley360. Prizes: EIGHT (8) Winter Adventure prize packs that include a FitBit, Ghiradelli Hot Chocolate, fleece to keep you warm, $25 sporting good giftcard + more. #SinusRelief

Cold And Flu Care Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @crowdtappers @kleenex and others. Prizes: TBA. #ColdAndFluCare

Bob's Red Mill Holiday Baking Bonanza Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @clever_network @bobsredmill. Prizes: SEVEN (7) $50 Bob's Red Mill giftcards + set of flours, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 Bob's Red Mill giftcard + set of flours. #BRMHolidays

Pairs Well With Holidays Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @dentistmel @turningclockbac and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Whole Foods giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Whole Foods GCs. #PairsWellWithHolidays

Let's Play Twitter Party at 5 pm ET with @letsplay @lunchboxdad. Prizes: TWO (2) $50 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) $100 VISA GC. #LetsPlay

Garden of Life Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @socialmoms @aliciasilv and others. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards + product ARV $12.95, ONE (1) Grand Prize $500 giftcard + product ARV $12.95. #GardenofLife

Stop Your Burn Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @5minutesformom @crissy and others. Prizes: TWO (2) prize packs including $250 Walmart giftcard + BurnJel giftbasket ARV $50, FOUR (4) $100 Walmart GC + BurnJel giftbasket ARV $50 prize packs - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #StopYourBurn

Jones Stuffing Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @jonesdairyfarm. Prizes: TBA. #JonesStuffing 

Beaches Resort Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @beachesresort. Prizes: TBA. #BeachesTeens 

Friday, November 13

Hot Topics with Wendy Williams Twitter Party at 10 am ET with @yourlifeafter25. Prizes: FOUR (4) $25 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) $50 Amazon GC - BOTH US & Canada residents eligible for prizes. #WendyWilliams

Beyond Tired Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @momcentral @sleepfoundation. Prizes: EIGHT (8) $50 Amazon gift codes. #BeyondTired

Miracles from Heaven Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @socialmoms @momspark and others. Prizes: TWENTY (20) $20 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $500 Amazon GC. #MiraclesFromHeaven

Big Season Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @biglots @iamthemaven and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 Big Lots giftcard, TWO (2) $200 Big Lots GCs. #BigSeason

Thank List Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @amgreetings @clever_network. Prizes: SEVEN (7) $75 VISA giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $100 VISA GC. #ThankList

The Hunger Games Watch Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @thehungergames. Prizes: TBA. #MJWatch

NEXT WEEK

Sunday, November 15

Eat Well Canola Oil Twitter Party Noon ET with @themessybaker @canolaeatwell. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #EatWellCanolaOil

eBay Holiday Party Twitter Party 8 to 8:30 pm ET with @sitsgirls. Prizes: THREE (3) $100 eBay giftcards. #eBayHoliday

Monday, November 16

Prepared With CVS Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @afrugalfriend @frugalfamtree and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 CVS giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 CVS GCs. #PreparedWithCVS

Tuesday, November 17

Love& Magazine Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @pollinatemedia @jenmarrs and others. Prizes: Prizes from Logitech, Bloomingdales, QALO Ring and Victoria's Secret. #LOVEAnd 

Nutrish Senior Pets Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @nutrish @clever_network. Prizes: SEVEN (7) prize packs including $50 RachaelRayStore giftcard + 2 coupons good for Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain bags of food. #NutrishSeniorPets 

Family Volunteer Day Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @generationon @mombloggersclub. Prizes: $25 giftcards. #FamilyVolunteerDay

CB Blushies Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @bbloggersca @lushcosmetics. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #CBBlushies

Gobble Grins Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @fuggsandfoach @sunstargum and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) prize packs of Sunstar GUM products ARV $25. #GobbleGrins

5 Days of Fun Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @westvolusiafla. Prizes: Prizes include a two night/three 3 day getaway to the West Volusia Region. #5DaysofFun

Financially Fit Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @simplystacienet @td_canada. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 Amazon giftcards - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #FinanciallyFit

Wednesday, November 18

Gift Card Mall Twitter Party at Noon ET with @crissy @gcmall and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Amazon giftcards. #GiftCardMall

Western Union Chain of Betters Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @westernunion @clever_network. Prizes: EIGHT (8) $50 Amazon giftcards. #ChainofBetters

Meaningful Gifts Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @worldvisioncan @inkscrblr and others. Prizes: TBA - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #MeaningfulGifts

Thursday, November 19

Stouffers Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @themotherhood @tmchathost and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $25 VISA giftcards. #Stouffers

Love American Home Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @kellysluckyyou @thecouponista and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs. #LoveAmericanHome

ELLE XPandora Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @ellecanada. Prizes: ONE (1) Sterling Silver Bracelet with Sky Blue Crystal Radiant Hearts Charm $245 CAD, ONE (1) Sterling Silver Chain with Snowflake Dangle $140 CA, ONE (1) pair Snowflake Earrings $75 CAD - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #ELLEXPandora

Kia City Living Twitter Party at 6 pm ET with @kia @clever_network and others. Prizes: SIX (6) $75 giftcards, ONE (1) Grand Prize $150 giftcard. #DiscoverSportage

Love With Food Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @lovewithfood. Prizes: TBA. #LoveWithFood 

MoYou Your Mani Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @tradesecretsca. Prizes: MoYou London Starter Set - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #MoYouYourMani

Friday, November 20

Getting Ready for Thanksgiving Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @thetechdad @robynsworld @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Pass the Ten Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @lizventuresblog @ruralmoms and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $50 Walmart giftcard, FIVE (5) $100 Walmart GCs. #PasstheTEN

Saturday, November 21

Dream Series Twitter Party at 5 pm ET with @beingthewriter @jjdibenedetto. Prizes: ONE (1) prize pack including 3 Dream Series ebooks, ONE (1) prize pack including 5 Dream Series ebooks, TWO (2) $10 Amazon giftcards, ONE (1) USB flash drive with all author's books preloaded, ONE (1) signed paperback of winner's choice. #DreamSeries


COMING SOON 

Sunday, November 22

Step 2 Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @mmc67 @thestep2company. Prizes: FOUR (4) Step 2 prizes including The Fresh Garden Kitchen, The Love Care Doll Stroller, The Mighty My Size Table and Chair Set, The Kitchen - see RSVP link for more prize info. #Step2

Tuesday, November 24

Cookie Eggchange Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @burnbraefarms @sjconsulting_ca and others. Prizes: ONE (1) KitchenAid Mixer + $125 BBF giftpack, ONE (1) iPad Mini with recipe stand + $125 BBF giftpack, EIGHT (8) BBF giftpacks ARV $125 - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #CookieEggchange

Thursday, November 26

Chicken App Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @chickenfarmers @sjconsulting_ca. Prizes: ONE (1) iPad Mini, ONE (1) 16-piece Roscher dinnerware set, ONE (1) Cuisinart 15-piece stainless steel knife set - Canada residents ONLY eligible for prizes. #ChickenApp

Friday, November 27

Paw Friday Twitter Party at Noon ET with @pawzaar @dogtipper and others. Prizes: $100s in PawZaar prizes. #PawFriday

Getting More From Your Tablet Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @thetechdad @robynsworld @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Friday, December 4

Traveling with Your Smartphone Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @thetechdad @robynsworld @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

Friday, December 18

Holiday Tech Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @thetechdad @robynsworld @theonlinemom. Prizes: TBA. #VZWBuzz

About this Weekly Twitter Party List

Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Master Twitter Party Calendar, the most comprehensive, constantly updated Free resource of its kind online. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar.

For Brands

How to Add a Twitter Party

to the Calendar

Add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Master Twitter Party Calendar FREE by emailing janis at janiselspas.com with "Twitter Party" in subject line including all details and links in the body of your message.

Hire MBE to Plan, Promote and/or 

Host Your Twitter Party

Also available, for a nominal fee, to plan, promote, host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please janis at janiselspas.com for information with "Twitter Party Consulting Query" in the subject line.


FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a consultant, host, co-host, and/or panelist for others. Except for the Share Sabra Twitter Party on 11/30/15, I am not receiving payment or compensation associated with any party on this calendar. See complete FTC disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Jamaica Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe Inspired by this Southwest Dream Destination

Good Food

I am partnering with Hire Influence, Southwest Airlines and Mondelez/Ritz Crackers for a food and travel inspired blog post series. This is a sponsored post, however opinions are my own.

#LuvRitzSweepstakes

VOTE for this Jamaica Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe and while you're there enter to WIN $5000 in Southwest Airlines giftcards.

Our family of six loves to travel and we've done dozens of U.S. road trips as well as traveled by air to exotic corners of the world many thousands of miles away from our home in L.A. When it comes to vacation travel, we often choose Southwest Airlines which has routes from our departure city of Los Angeles International Airport to many American cites as well as six other countries. 

MommyBlogExpert.com

Next up on my travel bucket list I'm dreaming of a trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica -- luckily it's a Southwest destination. Inspired by that vacation idea I came up with a wonderfully exotic and delicious Jamaican Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake that substitutes Ritz Crackers for graham crackers in the crust. You're in encouraged to read on and learn how to make this new take on the classic cheesecake to will make you wish you were on a tropical island.

Don't miss my other new blogpost showcasing another delicious, Southwest destination-inspired recipe made with Ritz Crackers: California Mini Tostadas.

Recipe

MommyBlogExpert.com

Jamaica Coconut Pineapple
Cheesecake

Time to Make: 2-1/2 hours
Makes 16 Servings

Ingredients

• 2 tubes Ritz Crackers (32 crackers each tube)
• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts
• 4 T. brown sugar
• 2 T. shredded coconut
• 1 t. vanilla extract
• 1 lb cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 c. cottage cheese
• 1 c. ricotta cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 1/4 t. salt
• 5 T. flour
• 1 c. sour cream
• 1/2 c. milk
• 1 c. coarse chop pineapple, drained
• Additional fresh pineapple & coconut to garnish

Directions

Prepare the Crust

1. Grind the Ritz Crackers and macadamian nuts in a blender or food processor.

2. Place ground cracker/nut mixture in bowl and add brown sugar, shredded coconut and vanilla and mix well.

3. Firmly press crust into bottom of an 8" spring form baking pan. Set aside.

Make the Cheesecake

4. In a large bowl using an electric handheld or stand mixer, mix cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, and eggs, then add sugar, salt, flour, sour cream, and milk. Beat until well blended.

5. Pour the cheesecake batter into prepared crust.

6. Drop chopped pineapple bits into the batter, sprinkling over the top of batter so that some pineapple remains near the surface and other bits descend down into the batter at various levels.

7. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes until baked through and lightly browned on top. Toward the end of baking time, watch through the glass door carefully for desired doneness without opening the door.

8. After baking time as ended, turn oven off. Leave cake in the oven for an additional hour to gradually cool to avoid the surface cracking.

9. Remove from pan and chill for a a few hours or overnight. Transfer to cake platter and garnish with fresh pineapple and coconut. For an extra Jamaican tropical touch you can also add exotic flowers to decorate and/or drizzle 1 T. of your favorite rum on top of the cheese cake.

10. Cut cheesecake with a sharp knife dipped into hot water for easy slicing, adding some of the pineapple and coconut garnish to each serving. Take in the view of your guests enjoying every bite and don't be surprised if they ask for seconds.

MommyBlogExpert.com

About Southwest Airlines
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is in its 44th year of service with 47,000 employees serving 100 million customers each year. The airline operates 3,600 flights per day, serving 94 destinations across the U.S. including my hometown of L.A. and six additional countries. For more information visit the official website as well as follow Southwest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MommyBlogExpert.com

About Ritz Crackers
Ritz Crackers are a classic snack which has been enjoyed for generations. They're widely available and easy to find in markets across America. Flavors to choose from include Original, Whole Wheat, Bacon, Garlic Butter and other varieties. Learn about Ritz Crackers on the official website where you'll also find lots more delicious recipes. You can also stay up on everything the brand is doing and get more ideas of how to enjoy Ritz Crackers by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Google+.

BIG #LuvRitzSweepstakes GIVEAWAY

Remember to VOTE for this Jamaica Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake Recipe and while you're there enter to WIN $5000 in Southwest Airlines giftcards.

FTC Disclosure: In concert with Hire Influence, I am being compensated for this Southwest Airlines and Mondelez/Ritz Crackers blog series campaign. However opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

California Mini Tostadas Ritz Crackers Recipe

Good Food

Southern California living does have lots of advantages. Beyond the warm year round weather here making it possible to spend lots of time outdoors, one of the things I love most about the L.A. lifestyle is that the regional cuisine is heavily influenced by the delicious tastes and flavors of Mexican food. 

I am partnering with Hire Influence, Southwest Airlines and Mondelez/Ritz Crackers for a food and travel inspired blog post series. This is a sponsored post, however opinions are my own.

Appetizer Recipe Inspired by my hometown of L.A.

The USA-Mexican border is just about a two hour drive south of where we live. Another plus is that avocados, my personal favorite Hispanic cooking ingredient, are grown locally, are inexpensive and almost always available in winter, spring, summer and fall. So when I was asked to create some original recipes incorporating Ritz Crackers, this original easy-to-make California Mini Tostada recipe is one one I came up with which reflects my hometown city. 

Be sure to also check out the new Jamaica Coconut Pineapple Cheesecake recipe I also created using Ritz Crackers, inspired by my Southwest Airlines dream destination which is Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Recipe

MommyBlogExpert.com

This recipe is easy and can be made either with meat or as a vegetarian dish, so both carnivores and veggie lovers can enjoy it. 

California Mini Tostadas

Time to Make: 1 hour
Makes 32 Appetizers

Ingredients

• 1 T. olive oil
• 1/4 large onion chopped
• 6 ozs. ground beef or vegetarian protein alternative
• 1/4 seeded & chopped red bell pepper
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 t. cumin
• 1 t. ground oregano
• salt & pepper
• 1 roll Ritz Crackers (32 crackers)
• 6-8 roma tomatoes w/ diameter similar to crackers
• 1 cup guacamole
• 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
• fresh oregano sprigs to garnish

Directions

Make the Tostada Filling

1. On the stove top heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion and saute till golden. Add chopped pepper and minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.

2. Add cumin, ground oregano, salt and pepper, and ground beef or veggie protein alternative. Gently stir all, cooking until well-browned, about 10-12 minutes.

3. Set aside ground meat/veggie filling to cool.

MommyBlogExpert.com

Assemble the Mini Tostadas

4. Layout Ritz crackers right side up on a clean, dry work surface.

MommyBlogExpert.com

5. Cut roma tomatoes crosswise into 1/4" thick circles and place one on each cracker.

MommyBlogExpert.com

6. Using a small spoon transfer about a teaspoon full of the meat mixture onto the top of each tomato slice, pressing gently so it stays on the appetizers.

MommyBlogExpert.com

7. Carefully spoon approximately 1 t. of guacamole onto top of the meat mixture on each appetizer.

MommyBlogExpert.com

8. Top guacamole on each appetizer with a small amount of grated cheddar cheese.

9. Transfer to platter and add the fresh oregano sprigs to garnish.

10. Pass around the appetizer platter to your guests and watch them enjoy your creation.

About Southwest Airlines
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is in its 44th year of service with 47,000 employees serving 100 million customers each year. The airline operates 3,600 flights per day, serving 94 destinations across the U.S. including my hometown of L.A. and six additional countries. For more information visit the official website as well as follow Southwest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

MommyBlogExpert.com

About Ritz Crackers
Ritz Crackers are a classic snack which has been enjoyed for generations. They're widely available and easy to find in markets across America. Flavors to choose from include Original, Whole Wheat, Bacon, Garlic Butter and other varieties. Learn about Ritz Crackers on the official website where you'll also find lots more delicious recipes. You can also stay up on everything the brand is doing and get more ideas of how to enjoy Ritz Crackers by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

Big #LuvRitzSweepstakes Giveaway

Remember to VOTE for the Mommy Blog Expert Mini Tostadas Appetizer Recipe featured in this post and while you're there enter to WIN $5000 in Southwest Airlines giftcards.

FTC Disclosure: In concert with Hire Influence, I am being compensated for this Southwest Airlines and Mondelez/Ritz Crackers blog series campaign. However opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's home page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

A Charlie Brown Christmas 50th Anniversary

Giveaway

Celebrating 50 Years of Peanuts

Like many of you I've been a fan of Peanuts and Charlie Brown my entire life and so have my kids. In fact, last year I served as a Peanuts Worldwide Brand Ambassador leading up to the 50th Anniversary airing of the iconic TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas. 

MBE partnered with Peanuts Worldwide for this story

With all the current excitement about the greatly anticipated children's The Peanuts Movie which will be released in theaters nationwide this Friday, I couldn't be more excited to be offering a super fun Gift Package Giveaway to celebrate a half century of Peanuts. 

50th Anniversary 
Peanuts Gift Set

GIVEAWAY

Ends 11/19/15

The prize package, provided by Concord Music, features a 2 CD set including the complete original soundtrack from A Charlie Brown Christmas plus another CD with all the classic character theme songs. Also included is a reproduction of the 1965 children's book by Charles Schulz plus four Peanuts postcards. This gift set, which is perfect for holiday gift giving, is now available exclusively at Walmart.

*** Bookmark this page NOW and come back DAILY to increase your chances of winning this great prize! ***

MommyBlogExpert's 50th Anniversary Peanuts Gift Pack Giveaway ends November 19, 2015 at 12 am PT and is open to legal residents of the U.S. only. Concord Music will award ONE (1) 50th Anniversary Peanuts Gift Pack to winner. Winner of this MBE contest will be selected at random from all entries and will be notified via email and must respond within 24 hours to claim their prize.

Good Luck!!!

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ENTER Them All HERE

FTC Disclosure: To facilitate this giveaway and the associated review, I received the special gift set featured. Concord Music is providing the prize and shipping for MBE's 50th Anniversary A Charlie Brown Chrismas Gift Pack Giveaway. However opinions here are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.