Yumeezy

Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods

2010-03-31T10:00:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder which foods could be hazardous to your life? Well, Time Magazine recently did some research and compiled a list of the top ten most dangerous foods. Bet you never thought eating a hot dog could be so risky...

Photo Credit: iStockphoto

Spring Into Spring

2010-03-27T16:39:00.000-07:00

With the arrival of spring comes a plethora of fresh fruits and vegetables. Utilize this season's best produce by delving into delicious recipes that bring out the flavor of fresh asparagus, strawberries and crisp seasonal greens. Spring into the season with these mouthwatering recipes courtesy of the Los Angeles Times test kitchen. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Los Angeles Times

Spring Desserts

2010-03-27T11:26:00.001-07:00

Add some zing to your spring sweets repertoire with these exclusive Easter recipes from Martha Stewart. Yum!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Have a Sweet Weekend!

2010-03-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

For the recipe for these decadent mini molten chocolate cakes with mocha sauce and more, go to Delish.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Delish

Cadbury Easter Eggs

2010-03-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

It’s spring time and you know what that means—Easter! Along with pastels and white bunnies come fabulous Easter treats. Among my favorite spring time goodies are Cadbury eggs. These chocolaty eggs are made up of smooth milk chocolate and filled with either crème or sweet, gooey caramel (the caramel variety being my personal favorite!). These UK imports are only available during the Easter season making them all the more special. Cadbury eggs are among England’s top three bestselling candies and thanks to Hershey Foods Corporation, every spring we here in the US are enchanted with the delectable eatable egg shells every spring. We all know it’s the equinox and Easter is near once the Cadbury Easter bunny and the famous “Clucking Bunny” commercials begin airing. So as the holiday approaches, fill your baskets with these decadent delights before time runs out!

Learn more about Cadbury and Cadbury eggs!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Candy Warehouse

Creative Ways to Use Oreos

2010-03-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Nothing says indulgence quite as well as a glass of cold milk and Oreo cookies. These classic black and white treats are quintessential Americana but more importantly absolutely scrumptious! Just when you thought that Oreos were just fine on their own Oreo super fans have taken the tasty cookies and reinvented them. Oreos have been added as the main ingredient to classic recipes such as cheesecake and have been transformed using techniques not usually associated with dessert--deep-fried Oreo cookies, anyone?
Sneak a peak at these 15 recipes using Oreos via Springpad.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sophia via Flickr

Golden Tickets

2010-03-02T19:15:00.000-08:00

Who hasn't watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and fantasized about getting their hands on all the sweet items in the heavenly chocolate factory? Well, this fictional delight is coming to life. Nestle-owned Wonka candy is slipping Golden Tickets into bars of its premium line of chocolates aptly named Exceptionals bars. The ten lucky winners of the grand prize along with three of their friends will be invited to take a trip around the world plus $12,500 in spending money. Among other prizes are free airline vouchers, Ticketmaster gift cards, movie certificates and chocolate, of course!

The Exceptionals line of chocolate bars come in three sweet flavors: Scrumdiddlyumptious which is made with toffee pieces, crispy cookies and crunchy peanuts all layered in pure milk chocolate, Chocolate Waterfall is a delectable combination of creamy white chocolate and velvety milk chocolate, and Domed Dark Chocolate is a bar made of rich dark chocolate topped with milk chocolate drops. At $5 a bar, the Exceptionals line is Wonka's exclusive line of chocolate. Get your chocolate fix with a Wonka bar available at Dylan's Candy Bar.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Dylan's Candy Bar

Cupcakes, Anyone?

2010-02-23T15:29:00.000-08:00

If you are actively drooling over these mini delights like I am then I suggest you try out the recipe for these killer brown sugar, pecan, caramel frosting cupcakes courtesy of Chik n' Pastry. Get bakin'!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Chik n' Pastry

America's Worst Fries

2010-02-23T14:22:00.000-08:00

Would you like fries with that order? Well, of course, is that even a question anymore? Our love of french fries is unquestionable and has led to some interesting creations of the French culinary classic like chili cheese and gravy soaked fries. With the undoubted tastiness of these concoctions comes the caloric heftiness. David Zinczenko along with Matt Goulding, authors of Eat This, Not That have put together a list of America's worst french fries (not according to taste, of course, but according to their nutritional index). And the worst possible order of fries? Drum roll, please....
Chili's Texas Cheese Fries with Jalapeño Ranch pack a whopping 1,920 calories, 147 grams of fat and 3,580 milligrams of sodium. Well, we were warned, everything's bigger in Texas...

Want to see the rest of the list and where your favorite fries rank? Read America's Worst French Fries (and What You Should Eat Instead!)

Photo Credit: Courtesy of iStock

Pizza Cones!

2010-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Move over Chicago deep-dish and NYC pizza and make room for...Portuguese cone rolls? Leave it to the trendy Manhattanites to break-in this new food trend. After seeing the success of the pizza cone in Brazil, Portugal, and Italy, former Lisbon banker, Ingo Pinto decided to bring this venture to the ultimate grounds to test success: New York City. K! Pizzacone in Manhattan had it's grand opening this week and the verdict isn't out yet. How does it work? Well, here's the scoop: the cones are shipped in from a Connecticut bakery and are made to order. You've got your standard toppings to choose from like plain cheese and tomato, some not-so-standard ones like BBQ chicken and chili and even more nontraditional ingredients like scrambled egg and sweet toppings like chocolate and banana flambé make they're way onto the menu. Once you've settled on a topping, your cone is placed in the oven and it's ready to enjoy in five minutes flat.

What's your take? Are pizza cones the new pizza evolution or just a glitzy trend that's destined for failure?

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gothamist

(Camel) Milk Chocolate

2009-08-01T13:09:00.000-07:00

Get ready for some seriously innovative chocolate! Al Nassma, a Dubai-based premium chocolate company is preparing to make its camel milk chocolate available to U.S. consumers within the next few months. Al Nassma’s chocolates are the first in the world to be made of camel milk. This brand new company, founded last October, has a farm filled with 3,000 camels exclusively for milk production and GM Martin Van Almsick says the company aims to produce 100 tons of the premium chocolate a year. Al Nassma plans not only to expand to the U.S. but also Europe, Japan and Australia and there are plans for opening up an online store. Van Almsick told Reuters that Al Nassma aims “to be the Godiva of the Middle East” and apparently if they reach success in the global market a comparison may not be necessary. The chocolates contain no chemicals or preservatives and are laced with local spices, nuts and honey. Besides having five times the amount of vitamin C compared to cow milk, camel milk contains less fat and lactose and more insulin making it more appealing to diabetics and the lactose-intolerant. I’m anticipating trying this new chocolate—how about you?

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Al Nassma

Cupcakes on the Go

2009-06-03T14:58:00.000-07:00

We’re all familiar with the ice cream trucks that jingle around the neighborhood selling cool refreshments on warm summer days but did you ever expect to see a cupcake truck putting along dishing out mini delights? On the go New Yorkers jonesing for a sweet treat can have their cake and eat it too thanks to the CupcakeStop truck, a traveling cupcake-mobile. Former New York Law student, Lev Ekster, credited cupcakes for helping him survive through his grueling studies and now runs CupcakeStop. During his trial run of his new venture, Ekster ran out of cupcakes sooner than expected. Now, he estimates he will sell 1,200 to 1,500 gourmet cupcakes a day traveling between Union Square and Chelsea all ranging in price from $1 for minis and $2.50 for regular sized cupcakes.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of CupcakeStop.com

Bloomsberry & Co. Chocolates

2009-05-22T18:46:00.000-07:00

Last month while I was on the hunt for chocolaty Easter treats for my pals, I came across Bloomsberry & Co. Chocolates. What made me focus in on these chocolates was the eye catching packaging. With amusing names for their chocolates such as, “Emergence Chocolate” and “Bochox” Bloomsberry is making its mark in the chocolate realm. This designer chocolate bar company hails from down under in New Zealand. After receiving loads of emails from customers all over the world raving about their chocolates, the folks at Bloomsberry expanded their reach and became accessible by opening up shop in Australia, Europe, and the U.S.A. Their clever casing and witty phrases help their tasty chocolates fly off the shelves. Bloomsberry & Co. Chocolates are a novelty item that surely make for an interesting alternative to the ordinary chocolate bar.

When I bought some of the chocolates for friends and family I snagged a milk chocolate bar for myself to try. I found the chocolate to be quite creamy and better than I initially thought it would be. I have not tried the dark chocolate variety but considering I was pleased with the milk chocolate I think the dark chocolate will be worth a try.

Prague Delights

2009-05-22T10:18:00.001-07:00

If you ever thought of going to Prague I think this picture seals the deal. While checking out one of my favorite sections, the Travel section, in The New York Times I came across this mouthwatering image of desserts deliciously displayed in a Prague confectionery. The Erhartova Cukrarna is a vintage bakery dating back to 1937 complete with period decor. Read more about how to wisely spend 36 hours in Prague in this NYT article (check out the picture of the Dancing House, a remarkable architectural marvel!).

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The New York Times

Perfect Pancakes

2009-05-18T15:04:00.000-07:00

I was browsing one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple, when I came across an interesting idea for reusing a ketchup bottle. You can recycle your ketchup bottles by using them as pancake dispensers. Make lovely round flapjacks by squeezing out the exact amount of batter without the mess caused by attempting to transfer it from a mixing bowl. Small, medium and large pancakes are easily achievable with this method and you can get crafty too! Squirt out ears for a Mickey Mouse pancake or create a three tiered snowman for the kiddies all with a few simple drops from the former bottle of ketchup.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Real Simple

Psycho Donuts

2009-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

Would you buy a pastry with a name that flirts with serious mental illnesses? A new doughnut shop in Campbell, California called Psycho Donuts has stirred up some controversy since opening up last March. The store sells pastries with names like “Psycho” and “Bipolar” making light of what protesters call serious illnesses that should not be taken lightly. The community’s mental health advocates have been protesting the doughnut shop and in recent weeks the picketing has reached a new level. Mental health workers say that there is a stigma that comes with being mentally ill and that Psycho Donuts is perpetuating that stigma. Owners of the store say that their intention is not to poke fun at mental illness but to do something “that’s light-hearted and fun”. They also say that for them they are referring to the doughnuts as crazy and they are not making any statement about people. Residents of the city of Campbell are intrigued by the doughnut shop and its controversial theme. On the store’s website, they say:

Psycho Donuts has taken donuts to the next demented level. We bid a fond farewell to the tired, round ring of lameness, and the drab, time-weathered environment of doughnut past. Psycho Donuts has taken the neighborhood donut and put it on medication, and given it shock treatment.

They have a “padded cell” display and customers can take pictures with a straitjacket on. An art display called the “nutcase art display” is placed in the shop as a part of the décor as well as a flat screen TV that plays a slide show of Rorschach images. The staff at Psycho Donuts are decked out in doctor coats and nurse uniforms with stethoscopes, syringes and all. The owners of the shop Kip Berdiansky, who has done stand-up comedy and Jordan Vweigoran say that the idea behind Psycho Donuts was to reinvent the doughnut idea and to try to make their business stand out in a time of recession. The idea certainly has made them stand out but whether or not it is working to their benefit is yet to be seen. Source
Source

Would you visit Psycho Donuts? Do you find the theme of this new pastry shop to be offensive? Share your thoughts on Psycho Donuts with us by leaving a comment!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Psycho Donuts

Birthday Party Cupcakes

2009-05-17T10:08:00.000-07:00

This weekend I made cupcakes for a birthday party and they turned out fabulous...

I made vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting...

Once I ran out of chocolate frosting I improvised and whipped up some cream cheese frosting...

Circus Animal Cookies

2009-05-03T09:24:00.001-07:00

Step right up all of you circus animal fans: Mother’s Cookies’ scrumptious Circus Animal Cookies are back! Thanks to Kellogg’s, this month the pink and white mammals are making their way back onto the shelves and into our tummies.
Back in October of 2008, Mother’s Cookies abruptly went out of business and along with filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the company ceased production on all of their classic treats. In December of 2008, Kellogg’s Co. bought the trademarks and recipes for Mother’s most famed creations including sandwich cookies, wire cut cookies and our childhood favorite: iced animal cookies. These nostalgic goodies are all coming back in their original red and purple packaging with the smiling Mother herself in the corner.
Thanks to the fabulous folks at Foodbuzz I got a sweet sampling of these tasty animals before anyone else and I was not disappointed. I reached into the big glossy bag and pulled out a white camel with festive, colorful sprinkles and I instantly remembered how much I loved these cookies; the thought of them not existing anymore was unfathomable. After all, for finals week during college, these were my main source of nutrition! Mmm, elephants…

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Heather Scott (Ephemeron)

Lemon Bar Cupcakes

2009-04-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Originally I was going to share a killer recipe I use for making zestalicious lemon bars with wheat flour but as I hunted for mouthwatering images of those tangy squares I discovered a fantastic recipe for another tasty treat: lemon bar cupcakes. The mini delights are an innovative creation worth the extra baking process. Lemon bar cupcakes are made in four super simple steps: the shortbread crust, the lemon layer, the lemon cake topping and the cream cheese frosting.

Zip on over to BakeBakeBake to snag this scrumptious recipe!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Alexis Lynn

Buitoni Pasta: Wild Mushroon Agnolotti Pasta

2009-04-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the folks over at Foodbuzz I was given the opportunity to sample Buitoni’s new Wild Mushroom Agnolotti pasta. Buitoni is known for offering all natural and creative meals in minutes and I absolutely agree, my pasta was ready in minutes. After tossing a few in boiling water and letting them cook for about 5 minutes, my serving was ready. I drizzled a small amount of virgin olive oil as to enjoy this Italian specialty as au natural as possible. The pasta was generously filled with portobello and crimini mushrooms and savory Grana Padano cheese. The roasted garlic added a tangy essence and the Parmesan cheese completed the dish. I thought it was quite delicious and the pasta itself was obviously premium quality made of stone ground semolina flour. My only complaint is that it was a little on the salty side but that can be balanced out by combining it with other ingredients. So overall I would say Buitoni’s Wild Mushroom Agnolotti pasta is decent and hearty however beware of the high sodium content.

Easter Chocolate Hunt

2009-04-05T06:45:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and Easter is right around the corner and we all know what that means-- fabulous Easter chocolates and delights. From Cadbury eggs to marshmallow peeps, to the granddaddy of them all, the chocolate Easter bunny, I’ve got you covered. Here are my picks for the top Easter treats…

Milk Chocolate

Lindt is prided for creamy chocolates and this spring it’s bringing fabulous milk chocolate goodies including the delicious Lindt Gold Bunny. This solid milk chocolate bunny has the perfect consistency and just melts in your mouth.
Lindt Gold Bunny, $4.50-$25

Dark Chocolate
The chocolatiers of Hotel Chocolat are committed to producing the finest quality chocolates and their dark chocolate confections for Easter are superb. This original creation is called the Serious Dark Fix Egg from the Extra Thick Easter Egg line. It’s a 74% dark chocolate egg that opens up revealing 14 luscious dark chocolate delights.
The Serious Dark Fix Egg, $45 (11.64 oz.)

White Chocolate
For fresh and natural treats, chocolate lovers flock to Lake Champlain Chocolates. This Vermont company utilizes all natural ingredients for their indulgent creations. If you want tempting chocolaty confections for your Easter shindig try Lake Champlain’s tantalizing solid gourmet white chocolate bunnies.
Chocolate Easter Bunny, $10.50 (4 oz.)

Filled
Delicious chocolates are always a pleasure to bite into but what’s even better is when there’s a surprise filling. Fannie May produces fantastic chocolates and this spring add their dark and milk chocolate covered marshmallow eggs to your list of must haves. The smooth dark chocolate and fluffy marshmallow are a delight to sink your teeth into.
Marshmallow Eggs, $11.49 (8oz.)

Organic
Sweet Earth makes the freshest chocolates around. They use the purest organic ingredients and recommend that you devour their succulent confections within a week of purchasing them otherwise their rich flavors start to diminish thereafter. This Easter, Sweet Earth is offering a box of 15 of their most enticing truffles.
Easter Truffle Box, $24

Vegan
For chocolate geared to those who are lactose intolerant or for those who prefer animal-free products there are plenty of chocolatiers who cater to those needs. Allison’s Gourmet is among my favorite vegan chocolate vendors, 100% of the ingredients in their fine chocolates are certified organic and dairy-free. Jazz up your Easter holiday with a bag of fabulous vegan chocolate eggs filled with delectable centers ranging from espresso caramel to raspberry ganache.
Truffle and Caramel Filled Eggs, $13.95 (5 large eggs)

Nut-Free
Lots of kiddies are allergic to peanuts and other tree-nuts which is why Divvies is the place to go get goodies for the little ones without worrying about aggravating any allergies. This spring Divvies is offering a sweet, solid chocolate bunny made with nut, dairy and egg-free chocolate.
Chocolate Bunny Rabbit, $8.50 (4 oz.)

Sugar-Free
Not everyone can indulge in sugary sweets that’s why Russell Stover is the chocolate company to go to for sugar-free treats. Fill those Easter eggs with these delightful and fruity sugar-free jelly beans.
Sugar-Free Jelly Beans, $3.79 (7 oz.)

Expensive
The king of luxury fine chocolates is without a doubt Neuhaus Createur Chocolatier. This Belgian company produces exquisite confections worth every dollar spent. If you are willing to splurge on truly luscious Easter delights look no further. This spring Neuhaus has put together fabulous Easter baskets filled with spectacular creations including delicious marzipan cubes, creamy piped gianduja confections, pralines and chocolate eggs with delectable fillings (my personal favorites).
Easter Gift Baskets, $87-$273

Inexpensive
Nothing signifies Easter more than the Cadbury egg. For decades, Hershey’s has been known for a variety of novelty chocolates that have been a part of all of our childhoods. This Easter, spring for a festive gift basket stocked with the best Hershey’s creations including scrumptious Reese’s peanut butter cups, chocolaty Hershey’s kisses, chocolate eggs all in colorful pastels and solid chocolate Easter bunnies (which you can personalize).
Easter Gift Baskets, $14.95-$62.95

Bunnies
No Easter celebration is complete without a delectable chocolate bunny to bite into. It would be easy to recommend any old solid chocolate bunny however I like to spice things up, literally. Vosges Haut-Chocolat is bringing out the spices this season and creating the zestiest bunnies. With ingredients like chipotle chili peppers, Ceylon cinnamon, lemon zest, pink peppercorn and grey sea salt your taste buds are in for a treat.
Easter Bunnies, $12 each (2.5 oz.)

Peeps
Spring has arrived once colorful marshmallow peeps start appearing. This season pick up peeps that aren’t so traditional. Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company is putting a new spin on this classic by covering them in, you guessed it, chocolate! The marshmallow sweeties are saturated in velvety milk chocolate and are ready to be gobbled up.
Chocolate Covered Peeps, $11.95 (8 peeps)

Eggs
What would an Easter egg hunt be without the eggs? Scoop up some delicious milk chocolate eggs from Ghiradelli for your festivities. The brightly colored foils contain mouthwatering chocolaty delights guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate craving.

If you are willing to splurge a bit, I highly recommend Neuhaus’s seasonal eggs infused with decadent fillings including nutty praline, creamy gianduja, salted caramel and white chocolate. These morsels are truly eggs-quisite.
Ghiradelli Chocolate Eggs, $15 (20.75 oz.)
Neuhaus Easter Eggs, $58 (40 eggs)

Cookies
Take a break from all of the chocolate by biting into a soft and chewy cookie. Harvard’s Sweet Boutique is a personal favorite of mine because they use the freshest ingredients in their freshly baked goods. Munch on these scrumptious cookies glazed with sumptuous white chocolate and hand decorated to look like Easter eggs. These whimsical creations would be a tasty addition to an Easter party.
Easter Egg Shortbread Cookies, $30 (16 cookies)

Coffee Break

2009-04-02T06:06:00.000-07:00

If you’re like me and are active but can’t stand achy muscles during physical activity, you might be delighted to know that that extra cup of joe may just do the trick. In a recent study published in the April issue of International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, researchers concluded that downing a cup of coffee before an intense workout reduces exercise related pain.
Competitive athletes regularly gulp a cup of coffee before competitions because they feel that caffeinated buzz gives them an extra edge. The researchers who conducted the study found that may be the case because caffeine lessens muscular discomfort felt during intense exercise. The 25 subjects who participated in the experiment were given a pill containing the equivalent of two or three cups of coffee and a placebo (sugar pill) one hour prior to engaging in an intense 30 minute cardio session. The participants reported feeling less pain in their leg muscles during the caffeine assisted session than with the placebo. What researchers found to be the most interesting is that caffeine tolerance had no effect on the study, that is, people who regularly drink coffee still get the pain reducing benefits of caffeine. Source
Don’t expect to see coffee mugs replacing water bottles at the gym but this is great news for those of us who want to reduce pain during exercise but increase athletic performance. I did a mini experiment of my own to test the results of this study. Since the sun is out a little longer these days I have been able to go on my intense two and a half hour run/hike after work. For the last two days I chugged down some espresso before the big workout and after. I actually cut my time by fifteen minutes and had enough energy to go further. The usual muscle achiness I feel during the run and the soreness I feel later on in the day never seemed to show up. Now, I’m no scientist so I’m sure my results aren’t as accurate as they should be however I think I’ll be drinking a cup of coffee before any intense workouts.

Pistachio Recalls

2009-04-01T19:06:00.000-07:00

Another crop not normally associated with salmonella, a bacteria most known to effect animal products, has become the latest item to be pulled from the shelves. Pistachios are the latest victim in what seems to be a sudden increase in salmonella contamination. It was only a few months ago that the national peanut butter recall due to salmonella jolted the food industry now consumers are being advised to stay away from pistachios and products containing the nut that came from a specific distributor. Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. is the California nut grower and processor at the center of the latest recall. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the recall will include products in which pistachios were used as an ingredient.
It all started when Kraft Foods Inc.’s Back to Nature trail mix tested positive for the bacteria (which can be fatal in young children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system). Setton also may have distributed contaminated shelled and unshelled pistachios to Kroger Co., and Wal-Mart which produces Sam’s Choice private brand of pistachios. The Setton recall will involve more than 2 million pounds of pistachios. Kraft is recalling more than two dozen products containing pistachios under the Planter‘s and Back to Nature brands. Many grocery stores are following suit by pulling any items containing the nut from their shelves until they receive further information about the safety of the products. Diamond Food Inc. and some distributors of private label pistachios such as Walgreen Co. say their goods did not come from Setton therefore are not contaminated.
Though pistachios are not consumed as widely as peanuts, they do make their way into many products including ice cream and Middle Eastern pastries such as baklava. Source

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Island Indulgence

2009-03-31T09:28:00.000-07:00

Aloha! Have you ever dived into a dish that was so incredibly tasty you wouldn't mind flying hundreds or even thousands of miles for just one bite? Not that this was today's guest blogger's mission but that is just how good Hula Pie is. One of my favorite people, Laura (you might remember her from earlier last month--three words: pecan caramel cake), makes sure to chow down on this island treat every time she cruises on over to Maui and she's sharing her experience with us today. Take it away, Laura!

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Hula Pie! It’s not only as good as it looks, it’s even better--think mud pie taken to a whole new level.

Once a year I abandon my low-carb regime and indulge in the one dessert definitely worth those extra pounds. If you are an ice cream fan you will love the pint of macadamia nut ice cream that is used in just one slice of this incredible dessert. It is however the one inch thick fudge covering the top of the ice cream that makes my mouth water. And if all that chocolate isn’t enough, there is a thick crust of chocolate cookies lining the bottom of this delicious pie. Just when you thought this fantastic calorie packed goodness couldn’t get any better you’ll be pleased to find out it’s topped with chopped macadamia nuts and covered in whipped cream!

Every time I go to Maui I don’t think about the sun, the beaches or the palm trees, I think about one thing and one thing only, the HULA PIE! The enormous size of this dessert is enough to feed about 3 or 4 people however when I indulge in this tasty treat I take the challenge all on my own. The last night of my trip always consists of dinner at Leilani’s in Kaanapali where I order a Hula Pie for dinner. It is truly a challenge to finish this rich dessert but somehow I manage to devourer it all on my own!

It is in Maui where this creation originated. Kimo's Restaurant holds the rights to the original Hula Pie but this fantastic dessert is found at other TS restaurants around the islands such as Dukes and the Hula Grill. If you are too busy to make the flight on over to Hawaii you can still experience the Hula Pie in all its glory with a visit to Sunnyside in Lake Tahoe, Dukes in Malibu or Huntington Beach or any other TS restaurant in California.

The Perfect Mold

2009-03-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

I have tried dozens of times to bake the perfect birthday cake. Every time the cake tastes fabulous but the decoration could always use a little work. Who would have thought spelling out “Happy Birthday” would be so difficult? If you’re like me and could use a little assistance in the decorating department boy have I got the gadget for you! Introducing the Happy Birthday Cake Mold from Spoon Sisters. Just empty your cake batter into this food grade silicone mold and bake away without worrying about how you’ll perfectly display that festive phrase. This innovative creation is heat proof up to 300 degrees and can be tossed in the microwave for a snappy cake. It even has a quick cake recipe on the rim.

Lick-able Logos

2009-03-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Massimo Gammacurta has created these hard candy treats featuring the most recognized fashion labels including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Gucci. I wonder if they cost as much as the designer duds. Read more about these trendy lollipops here.

Apricots

2009-03-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Ah, yes, spring has arrived and the sweet smell of seasonal fruits is in the air. One of my favorite spring crops is the wonderful apricot. This fuzzy fruit is not only delicious but great for your health too. It is chock-full of beta-carotene and the super antioxidant Vitamin A that help protect the eyes and heart and repair tissue damaged by free radicals. Apricots originated in China but were brought to Europe from Armenia hence the oh so appropriate scientific name, Prunus armenaica. The top producer of apricots in the world is Turkey. In California is where most of our apricots are grown since it’s here in the sunny state that apricots thrive. Because the west coast climate mimics Mediterranean weather it is a perfect fit for the apricot tree. Apricots are fresh in the spring and summer but are available year round thanks to jarred apricots and the drying method. Dried apricots make their way into delicious dishes throughout the year and are used more than the fresh version in most recipes.

Speaking of delicious dishes, here is a tasty recipe for savory Armenian apricot soup courtesy of 101 Cookbooks. Give it a go!

Get Well Soon, Peanut Butter!

2009-03-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

In light of the ongoing peanut butter recalls, I would like to honor our creamy friend in this special tribute. I found the most tasty peanut butter infused treats and dishes that’ll have you running to the cupboard to take out that jar of pb and start baking or cooking up a storm. Read on about these treats to get the yummy recipes.

Peanut Butter Vegan Ice Cream with Chili-Spiked Sauce
Cool it down with this recipe for luscious peanut butter ice cream from The Conscious Kitchen.

Peanut Butter-Swirled Brownies
Get ready to whip up a batch of decadent peanut butter brownies with this fabulous recipe from The Kitchen Sink.

Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Bottom Cheesecake
If you just tried sinking your teeth into your computer screen to taste this mouthwatering dessert then you should probably snatch the recipe from Mmmm, Brains!

Brownie Peanut Butter Cups
These moist brownies are filled with ooey gooey peanut butter goodness. Get the formula from Bake or Break.

Peanut Butter and Banana Cupcake with 5 Spice
Satisfy your cupcake craving by whipping up a batch of these zesty goodies using my favorite nutty butter. This scrumptious recipe is available at Couture Cupcakes.

Peanut Butter Scone
Serve up a hot cup of tea with this fantastic peanut buttery morning delight. Follow the recipe at My Sweet Vegan.

Peanut Butter Pad Thai
Who says peanut butter can’t be used in a savory dish? Try out this mouthwatering recipe.

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies
Who wants a cookie? This yummy cookie recipe combines nutty peanut butter and rich chocolate for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Cupcake
Forget the bread, I want my peanut butter and jelly on a cupcake. Feast on this classic in a new way by trying this fabulous recipe for pb&j cupcakes from How to Eat a Cupcake.
Photo Courtesy of Sweetness in Seattle

Peanut Butter Cinnamon Roll
Take a bite out of this lush cinnamon roll laced with creamy peanut butter. Yum! Get the recipe at My Sweet Vegan.

Pancakes

2009-02-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

It's National Pancake Day so get ready to make some hotcakes. IHOP is offering its customers a free serving of their famous short stacks and all donations will go to charity. If you can't make it out to IHOP follow one of these delicious recipes.

Here's a sweet recipe for peanut butter and jelly pancakes.

Heart Healthy Fruit: Cherries♥

2009-02-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

As American Heart Month enters its final week lets make the most of it by learning about another heart healthy food: cherries (it also happens to be National Cherry Month). Recent studies have shown that a diet high in cherries reduces body fat, inflammation, weight and cholesterol which all happen to be contributing factors that lead to heart disease. Antioxidants in cherries have been proven to have great cardiovascular benefits. To learn more about the heart health benefits of cherries go to choosecherries.com.

Here is a fantastic recipe for scrumptious cherry scones. Sip on a hot cup of tea while you enjoy these tart treats.

Welcoming the Weekend

2009-02-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Good morning! I've got a fantastic idea to ring in the arrival of the most celebrated days of the week. It's a treat from Emilie over at the wonderful vegan blog The Conscious Kitchen. Follow her delicious recipe for this innovative cupcake made with chilies, Turkish coffee (my fave), cardamom, anise, dark chocolate and pistachios. Brew up a nice cup of coffee or pour yourself a soothing serving of tea alongside this yummy Mediterranean inspired treat and you're off to a great start for the weekend!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Conscious Kitchen

Heart Healthy Eats: Shrimp♥

2009-02-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

I’m a die-hard seafood fanatic and will always defend my devotion to those tasty creatures under the sea by referring to the many health benefits that fish and other water foodstuffs yield. Being that it is American Heart Month, I think it’s perfect timing to discuss one of my favorite seafood eats—shrimp. These scrumptious crustaceans are beneficial to the cardiovascular system as a whole and help lower blood pressure.
Research studies have shown a diet sufficient in shrimp raises HDL (good cholesterol; see this post for more information on “good” and “bad” cholesterol) levels and decreases levels of triglycerides (a form in which fat is carried through the blood). Shrimp is also an excellent source of nutrients that are needed to ward off heart disease, like vitamin B12. Omega-3 fatty acids, which prevent blood clots as well as heart arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and inflammation, are found in shrimp. Read more about the benefits of shrimp here.

Here is another heart healthy recipe courtesy of Eating Well that incorporates two heart-friendly ingredients: shrimp and broccoli. Whip up this tasty recipe and throw on a side of brown rice and you’ve got yourself the perfect dinner meal. Eat to your health!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Tim Tam Cookies

2009-02-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

You're probably wondering what that chocolaty treat peaking out of the center of the hot cocoa is. It's an Australian cookie called Tim Tam that is supposedly the best chocolate cookie according to ilovetimtamcookies.com (well, that was expected). These scrumptious biscuits come in chocolate creme and caramel flavors and are coated in chocolate. Tim Tams are the #1 selling cookie down under with a whopping 35 million packages sold each year. If you're skeptical, you should try them for yourself. The company making these decadent treats have teamed up with Pepperidge Farm to give Americans a teeny taste of Australian confections.
Target is exclusively carrying the Aussie favorite now through March.

Creamy Italian Hot Chocolate

2009-02-19T16:16:00.000-08:00

I went hunting for a nourishing hot chocolate recipe and struck gold. I discovered a recipe for thick and rich Italian hot chocolate. Italian cuisine is known to be lavish and flavorful and this hot chocolate is no exception. This velvety concoction uses bittersweet dark chocolate for robust flavor and milk and cornstarch to achieve an almost pudding-like rich consistency. Follow this simple formula for outstanding authentic Italian hot chocolate, get cozy and savor the deep flavors.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Steel Wool

Hearty Breakfast: Frittatas

2009-02-19T06:17:00.000-08:00

We’ve all been told not to skip out on breakfast and that it’s the most important meal of the day. It’s true, having a plentiful meal in the morning charges you up and gets you well and ready for the day ahead. But sometimes we get a little lazy and either grab something prepackaged and eat on the go or pickup a skimpy snack on the way to work or school when in fact the best breakfast is always homemade. What makes a homemade breakfast even more rewarding and beneficial is when it’s packed with ingredients that will help your body function at tip-top levels. Frittatas are a hearty Italian dish that are usually served for breakfast but since they're so fulfilling they can serve as a lunch break eat or a quick fix for a delicious dinner meal.

This scrumptious broccoli and potato frittata recipe from The Food Channel is perfect for a satisfying breakfast. It adds nutritious ingredients including antioxidant rich oregano, rosemary and thyme as well as broccoli which aids in heart health, fiber rich potatoes (as long as you keep the nutritious skin on), and vitamin enriched tomatoes. Once you make this easy recipe you’ll definitely never miss out on a hearty homemade breakfast again.

Note: The mouthwatering photo at the top of this post features a frittata made with smoked salmon, dill, capers and onions--a great alternative recipe would be to substitute some of the ingredients in the recipe above with these healthy ingredients or even add them to this recipe. Either way the result will be a delicious one.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Grilled Chocolate Sandwich

2009-02-18T18:17:00.001-08:00

Let's continue this dark chocolate celebration. Here's a yummy recipe for a grilled dark chocolate sandwich from Eating Well. It's super simple and scrumptious. Make way for dessert!

Dark Chocolate: It Does A Body Good

2009-02-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of this healthy heart of a month I think it’s only appropriate to bring up my favorite topic: chocolate! I don’t discriminate, I savor every kind of this sweet eat but we all know that there is some level of distinction between the different kinds of chocolate. Turns out, the higher the concentration of cacao, the more you will benefit from it health wise. It was milk chocolate all the way for me until a moment of desperation for something sweet gave way to my discovery of the flavorful taste of dark chocolate.
Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients like fiber and protein. This tasty sweet also lowers blood pressure but that doesn't give you the green light to eat all the chocolate you want. Dark chocolate, like all chocolate is high in fat so consume it in moderation. Where are the heart health benefits, you ask? Dark chocolate is infused with heart healthy flavoniods that are exclusively found in this kind of chocolate. Flavoniods keep cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reduce the risk of blood clots, and slow down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries. A University of California San Francisco study showed that people who ate 1.6 ounces of dark chocolate loaded with epicatechin (a flavoniod only found in plants) a day gained health benefits. After undergoing high-tech evaluation of how well the blood vessels dilate and relax (an indictor of healthy blood vessel function) tests revealed the group who ate the dark chocolate showed high levels of epicatechin coursing through their arteries. That leads to increased blood flow and we all know what that means: good blood flow = good heart. Source

Prepare to crave chocolate because I've got a list of my favorite dark chocolate makers and the fabulous chocolates they create.

Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Vosges uses the purest ingredients and it doesn't hurt that it's an environmentally conscious chocolatier. These delightful morsels of dark chocolate truffles are fantastic. Vosges Haut-Chocolat

Green and Blacks
These chocolate makers produce wonderful and high-quality organic dark chocolate bars that you can find at your local grocery store. Green and Blacks

Soma Chocolates
Soma chocolates are made of premium cacao and taste splendid.
Soma Chocolatemaker

Godiva
We all love Godiva chocolates and their dark collection is superb. Godiva

Scharffen Berger
These chocolatiers are famous for their premium chocolate creations and I highly recommend their sumptuous high cacao content dark bars. Scharffen Berger

Heart Healthy Dinner: Salmon♥

2009-02-18T14:08:00.000-08:00

My absolute favorite food has got to be salmon. I enjoy it every which way from smoked and cured to grilled or broiled. There are so many ways to season and cook salmon that there is no way you could get bored of eating it. Being that it’s American Heart Month, it’s only appropriate to bring up salmon. Salmon is chock-full of heart healthy Omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) which are essential to human health but not produced by the body. According to a study conducted by the American Heart Association, Omega-3 fatty acids decrease chances of a sudden heart attack and plaque on arteries as well as lowers blood pressure. The AHA recommends eating Omega-3 rich fish like salmon at least 2 times a week for optimum heart health. To learn more about the healthy benefits of salmon read this informative post or go to SalmonFacts.org.

Here’s a heart healthy dinner recipe for succulent salmon from Eating Well. Throw on a side of steamed veggies and roasted potatoes and you’ve got yourself a meal your heart will thank you for.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of cwirthy.com

Heart Healthy Breakfast: Waffles♥

2009-02-18T06:16:00.000-08:00

Hey, folks! February is the official American Heart Month. So what would be better than starting your day off with a heart healthy breakfast? I bet you didn't think waffles could be healthy for your heart but they can be with this tasty recipe from Eating Well. Using whole wheat flour helps boost your fiber intake and non-fat buttermilk will cut the fat content. Topping this warm treat with fresh berries will help keep your heart healthy and give you a hearty helping of antioxidants. Dust off that waffle iron and get the batter ready because you'll probably be making this breakfast favorite on a daily basis after you try this recipe.

Slurpalicious Smoothies

2009-02-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

Ice-cold fruit blended drinks, or smoothies, are not only tasty but they're really nutritious. As I scoured the web in search of yummy smoothie recipes I couldn't make up my mind as to which one I wanted to try. They all looked and sounded delish. So I thought I would go ahead and share some of the recipes I found that I'll be trying the next few days. Follow these slurp-worthy formulas and drink away...Enjoy!

Passion Fruit, Pineapple and Mango Smoothie
This tropical treat is packed with exotic fruits that you can actually find at your local supermarket. This smoothie recipe is chock-full of antioxidant infused ingredients and a hint of spice to put a little kick in your step.
Courtesy of bbcgoodfood.com

Raspberry Smoothie
Raspberries, bananas and fresh orange juice team up to create this fruity blast. This recipe adds a little bit of vanilla yogurt to give it that creamy consistency. Yum!
Courtesy of myrecipes.com

Banana Berry Smoothie
This tasty recipe adds honey to the mix to make it a thick and truly sweet treat. The sticky honey also enhances the flavor of the bananas and strawberries.
Courtesy of myrecipes.com

Raspberry Cheesecake Smoothie
Alright, so it’s okay to have a decadent smoothie every once in a while. This recipe is more dessert than smoothie but who can say "no" to a liquefied cheesecake? Not me!
Courtesy of Old Orchard Juice

Vanilla Honey-Nut Smoothie
This hearty breakfast treat will have you savoring every mouthful. This recipe blends soy milk, frozen yogurt, tofu, honey and peanut butter to create a delightful smoothie that’s like no other.
Courtesy of myrecipes.com

Blueberry Smoothie
What’s a smoothie without blueberries? Infused with healthy antioxidants and a long list of health benefits, blueberries are one of the most health boosting foods you could consume. Break out the berries , follow this tasty recipe and drink to your health!
Courtesy of dietsinreview.com

Scrumptious Salad

2009-02-17T06:01:00.000-08:00

As I continue my sugar overload detox, I'm looking for nutritious recipes that will be good to flush out that excess sugar, keep me fully satisfied and of course, taste delish. I absolutely love salads and what I love best about them is that you can always create your own custom recipe just by adding a few more ingredients or using a little more of this or a little less of that. I like to make a smorgasbord of sorts when it comes to salads. My favorite things to put into my healthy and hearty salads are the following: spinach, cilantro, bell peppers, eggplant, olives, mushrooms, tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, asparagus, crumbled feta cheese and a dash of olive oil and lemon juice. It's healthy, tasty and will keep you satisfied until it's time for that next meal. Go get that big bowl and start chopping up a delicious salad that you've customized and feel free to share your concoction with the rest of us.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Marshmallows

2009-02-16T18:30:00.000-08:00

After a weekend filled with chocolate and Valentine’s Day treats, I felt the need to go on a sugar detox for a couple of days. This usually consists of tons of water, raw fruits, tons of water, raw veggies and did I mention tons of water? So to get full detoxification benefits I thought I’d throw in some herbs that aid in the flushing of toxins. On my quest to hunt down the most purifying herbs I came across a couple that I already use including hibiscus flowers and licorice. However there was one herb that caught my attention: marsh mallow root. The first thing that came to mind was that fluffy confection you sandwich between graham crackers and a chunk of chocolate but to my surprise there are a whole host of health benefits associated with the sticky herb. I did some research and found out some very interesting facts about the marsh mallow plant and the sugary creation that is named after it.

Marsh mallow is a plant indigenous to Europe and Asia and was used by the Ancient Greeks and Romans for medicinal purposes. It is abundant in marshes and other damp areas. It was used to treat wounds and alleviate coughs. 19th century doctors would create a formula with extracted juice from the marsh mallow plant, egg whites and sugar that when hardened was used as a medicinal candy to soothe a child’s sore throat. The beneficial elements of the concoction also included suppressing coughs and boosting immunity.

The earliest known marshmallow candy confection dates back to the Ancient Egyptians. It was a honey-based candy flavored and thickened with sap from the root of the marsh mallow plant. This sweet treat was reserved for gods and royalty. The first modern marshmallows were made in the 1800s in France where sap from the marsh mallow root was used as a binding agent for egg whites, corn syrup and water. The confection was both time consuming and expensive to make. But by the 1900s marshmallows were available for mass consumption and sold in tin cans as penny candy and marsh mallow root was replaced by gelatin which gave the candy a more stable form. With a few tweaks here and there, the marshmallow as we know it today was created.

What started out with a plant used as a healer morphed into a treat reserved for the upper echelon then trickled down to penny candy. The ultimate revolution of the marshmallow is celebrated as a loyal companion to hot chocolate, camp fires and Rice Krispies. Marshmallows have even tip-toed their way into elegant dishes, cupcake frosting and creamy marshmallow fluff is a favored mate to a peanut butter sandwich, Elvis-style.

Learn to make your own marshmallows with this quick and simple recipe from Food Network and for fabulous recipes and snack ideas using marshmallows check out Kraft Foods.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr, Kraft Foods

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Happy day o' love! Help yourself to a lovely cupcake. Here is a quick and super simple recipe from my favorite Southern gal, Paula Deen from Food Network. Follow her easy recipe for fabulous red velvet cupcakes and treat yourself and your special someone to a decadent dessert.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Food Network

Tropical Hot Chocolate

2009-02-12T22:06:00.000-08:00

The season for hot chocolate is slowly winding down. As we prepare to say good-bye to heavy winter coats, freezing cold temperatures and high heating bills let’s whip up many a cup of comforting hot chocolate as the final weeks of winter approach. I found a fabulous recipe for dairy-free hot chocolate that substitutes coconut milk for regular milk. This innovative recipe was put together as a Valentine’s Day treat for the author’s husband who cannot have dairy--all he wanted for Valentine’s Day was hot chocolate. After countless recipes were put to the test and failed, this recipe came about through trial and error. The result was a creamy, decadent and rich cup of hot chocolate.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The New York Times

High-End Indulgence

2009-02-11T21:13:00.000-08:00

We all love chocolate. The industry has expanded so that now we are able to choose from a wide variety of chocolates that are both high in quality and low in cost. But every once in a while it’s okay to splurge on high-end gourmet chocolates that’s likeness just can’t be found in a drug store. There are many high quality chocolatiers out there to choose from but my ultimate favorite is Neuhaus Createur Chocolatier. This Belgian chocolatier was my first introduction to fine gourmet chocolate. Made of the highest quality European chocolate, Nuehaus is famous for its signature praline filled chocolates now used widely by many chocolate manufacturers. Neuhaus produces quality milk, dark and white chocolates with divine fillings including ganache, nuts, caramel, ganduja and coffee. This Belgian chocolatier also makes an exquisite marzipan with coffee flavor and sugar crystals. So if you are thinking of splurging on good high-quality gourmet chocolates I highly recommend sampling Neuhaus fine chocolates.

Here are some delightful Valentine’s Day specials from Neuhaus.

Neuhaus Chocolate Dreams

This collection is filled with six of Neuhaus’s luscious specialties including scrumptious praline chocolate hearts, creamy piped almond and hazelnut gianduja and decadent manon white chocolates.

Heart-Shaped Box
The world of gourmet chocolate changed when Neuhaus created the praline. This charming box contains Neuhaus’s delicious signature praline milk and dark chocolate hearts confections.

Neuhaus Tin Heart and Caprice & Tentation
Double the pleasure! This lovely tin is filled with 10 different flavors of Neuhaus classic chocolates. The deluxe Caprice & Tentation box is complete with toffee filled chocolates with coffee ganache and toffee filled chocolates with vanilla fresh cream.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Neuhaus

Sweet Talkin'

2009-02-11T18:47:00.000-08:00

My earliest memories of Valentine’s Day involve making mailboxes out of construction paper and stuffing Snoopy Valentine’s cards into classmates’ inboxes. After delivering our clever cartoon Valentines we’d all turn our mailboxes upside down and dump out our cards onto our desks and rummage through the mess to find the sweet treats. Lollypops, bite-sized candy bars, and mini chocolates were the Valentines we really looked forward to. But of course, there was always someone who brought in those bland, chalky, heart candies. Sure the phrases on them were cute but to a hard sugar craving kid they tasted like dust! They would follow me around wherever I went for the entire day. I would try to throw them all out in the trashcan but remnants of the powdery tarts would remain. I’d look in my pink and red decorated mailbox hoping, wishing I’d find a heart-shaped chocolate I forgot about or overlooked. But to my disappointment I’d find a pink, dusty heart staring back at me from the bottom of my bag reading “COAX ME”.
As much as I despised those grotty candies they were very much an important part of February 14th. Made by the New England Confectionery Company or NECCO, Sweethearts Conversation Hearts have been around every Valentine’s day since 1902. With classic phrases written on them like, “Kiss Me”, “Sweet Talk”, and “Be Mine” these tiny heart candies have become icons of this national day of love. Every so often Sweethearts phrases are updated to keep the tiny messages fresh. “Dig Me” was a phrase found on the Valentine’s treats in the 70s and cute but snicker-worthy phrases like “Ura Tiger” and “Purr Fect” made their way on the hearts a couple of years ago. In order to meet the demands of Valentine’s Day, 100,000 pounds of the talkative treats are produced a day. A whopping 8 billion hearts are sold during the six weeks leading to February 14th. Learn more about these chatty candies at NECCO.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Sweet Delivery

2009-02-10T17:40:00.000-08:00

Have you been too busy to go out and find a Valentine’s Day gift for your special someone? Is your loved one far away but you still want to surprise them with a gift? Do you have a significant other who is attached to your hip so you can't sneak away to find them something special before February 14th? You’re in luck because I’ve discovered a bakery that creates sweet treats made to order. Harvard Sweet Boutique makes fresh goodies baked from scratch and ready to deliver. Their products are all natural and made with top-of-the-line ingredients like rich European chocolate with the highest cocoa butter content, pure double-strength vanilla extracts, the finest flours, premium grade nuts, and fresh Grade A butter. The bakers at this sweet bakery do not use preservatives so they recommend devouring their confections as soon as they arrive or storing them according to their guidelines (found in the FAQ section on their website). Their charming packaging is the icing on the cake with cute poka dot designs, pink hearts and faux crocodile boxes. Harvard Sweet Boutique ships their goodies all over the U.S. and even do custom orders for weddings and other special occasions.

Here are some Valentine’s Day special packages from Harvard Sweet Boutique.

Raspberry Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Rich and dense chocolate brownies layered with jazzy raspberry buttercream icing and a shiny coat of bittersweet chocolate to glaze.

Sweetheart Shortbread Cookies
Freshly baked vanilla shortbread cookies coated with rich white chocolate glaze. Charmingly hand decorated and sprinkled with sugar crystals.

Valentine’s Day Truffles
Gourmet truffles made with richly smooth chocolate ganache dipped in bittersweet, and white chocolates.

Manly Brownie Sampler
Decadent, dense, rich and chocolaty brownies in three scrumptious flavors: chocolate fudge, mint, and raspberry. These macho brownies are packed in a manly faux crocodile box.

Petite Sweets Tower
For the cookie monster Valentine this creation is perfect. Overstuffed with delectable mini cookies including, heart-shaped sugar cookies drizzled with bittersweet chocolate, chocolate toffee cookies and chocolate chunk cookies.

Valentine’s Day Tower (pictured at the top)
This three-tier tower includes tantalizing raspberry chocolate brownies, scrumptious sweetheart shortbread cookies, and decadent chocolate truffles.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Harvard Sweet Boutique

All Caked Out

2009-02-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Because it was my birthday, I got to have my cake and eat it too. One of my favorite friends, Laura, is rumored to be an extraordinary baker yet for the eons I have known her I had never had the pleasure of even getting a whiff of her baked goodies. It all changed last night when I was treated to a Laura-esque creation.

<--He's contemplating sacrificing the six-pack for a bite of chocolaty goodness...

It was a chocolate, caramel and pecan infused cake with rich chocolate frosting layering the top. It was absolutely delectable. So much so that it was successful in tempting two boys on a restricted diet to ditch the low-carb regime and delve into the chocolaty delight. The ooey-gooey caramel and the crunchy pecans were a splendid surprise sandwiched between the moist and fluffy chocolate cake.

Scrumptious birthday cake -->

As I sit here and devour this luscious slice of leftover cake (all in the name of research and inspiration, of course...) I am loathing the idea of having to exercise a little extra next week to burn off these extra units of energy. But I must say, these were among the tastiest calories I've ever acquired. Thank you, Laura for a splendid birthday cake and for an extra hour (or two) of cardio!

<-- All gone! He caved in.

Happy 1 Month Anniversary, Yumeezy!

2009-02-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

Not only is it my birthday today, it is also the one month anniversary of Yumeezy! Thank you to all of my readers for making me feel like I’m not just talking to myself when I post my food-erific entries. And a huge, grateful thank you to all of the fabulous Flickr photographers who have let me borrow their amazing images. Without them there would be no dimension to my posts. Also, I look forward to meeting new foodies and getting to know more about the foodies I’ve already met.

Cheers!

Rania

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Fire-y Chocolate

2009-02-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

For my first birthday festivities treat of the day I sunk my teeth into a gift of delicious chocolate! I had the pleasure of biting into a smooth chunk of dark chocolate with Mexican ancho and chipotle chilies and Ceylon cinnamon from Vosges Haute Chocolate. It was heavenly. The spice from the chilies enhanced the bittersweet essence of the dark chocolate while the cinnamon delightfully perks up taste buds and leaves a pleasant lingering after-taste. If you’ve never tried spicy chocolate you are truly missing out on a great thing.

For more info on where you can get Vosges’s Red Fire Bar and a bevy of other spectacular chocolates visit their website.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr, Vosges Haute Chocolate

Happy Birthday...to Me!

2009-02-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's my birthday. And what do I look forward to the most? The cake, of course! Every single February 7th of my life, I've been greeted with a birthday cake that puts a long-lasting grin on my face. The French bakery around the corner from my early childhood home took the honors of baking me delicately feminine white cream frosting pineapple infused confections with strawberries circling the top. Those were the days when I'd get a numbered candle lit in the center of the cake. Then there were fabulous chocolate cakes that varied in richness and shade. Ah, and the brilliant creation that was ice cream cake--that was a show stealer at my birthday parties. As I got older and appreciated my fruits more than I did as a kid, I would get glorious fruit tart-style cakes that were delectable. So as you can see, every birthday I have had has been a sweet treat.

Birthday celebrations just would not be complete without birthday cake. Historians date the first birthday cake back to the ancient Greeks. The Greeks would make a honey cake or bread to celebrate three occasions: festivities among family and friends, the birthday of cities and temples and the birthdays of emperors both past and present. It was however believed to be the moon cake that was the first birthday cake. The Greeks made a circular shaped cake to offer to the goddess Artemis, the goddess of the Moon. They put candles on it to make it glow like the big pie in the sky.

Other scholars believe the first birthday cake was created by the Germans in the Middle Ages. They would make a cake out of sweetened bread and shape it to resemble the baby Jesus to commemorate his birthday. The cake was resurrected later as a Kinderfest or celebration of a child's birthday.

During Medieval times in England, cakes were made with coins and thimbles baked inside. Whoever found a coin in their slice was believed to become wealthy and the unlucky fella or lady who discovered a thimble in their cake was hit with a double whammy. Not only was their a darn thimble in their dessert but that meant they would never get married.

In the spirit of my birthday and many birthdays past and to come I say you whip out the flour, eggs, sugar and milk and get to baking! Here's a fantastic recipe from Eliza over at Notes From My Food Diary for the beautiful cake gracing the top of this entry. It's a triple layer vanilla buttermilk cake with chocolate fudge frosting. Mmm...Eliza, would you like to bake and FedEx me one? Go check out the blog to get the recipe for this fabulous birthday cake. Oh, and hold the thimbles.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Notes From My Food Diary

Bananarama

2009-02-06T17:53:00.000-08:00

I was running around all day today and barely had time to grab a bite for lunch so naturally I was starved but wanted to save room for dinner. Hmmm, what do I do? I whipped up a simple snack that satisfied my hunger without filling me up to the max. It took a second to put together this healthy treat. It's like a banana nut muffin, liquefied!

Bananarama Parfait

Ingredients:

1 banana
1 cup low fat organic yogurt
walnuts
cinnamon
unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions:

Fill your bowl with a cup of low fat yogurt. Slice up the banana and toss in a handful of walnut pieces. Stir it up and garnish with a healthy dash of cinnamon, shredded coconut and ground walnuts.

I alternate between walnut and granola from time to time to switch things up. For a more dazzling, dessert-ified version of this snack, throw in a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream and drizzle chocolate on the top.

My buddy Eman made this on-the-go snack and it turned out fabulous! Take a look for yourself:

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gamany, Flickr

Homemade Nutella

2009-02-05T21:18:00.000-08:00

You know you want it! Rich homemade, yes, homemade chocolate-hazelnut spread smeared on a warm bun and topped with delicious bananas and chopped hazelnuts. Snag this recipe for homemade Nutella from Vegan Visitor. Pull a Ferrero and make this yummy spread that has captured the taste buds of everyone around the globe. Thank you Nutella for being so darn good!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vegan Visitor

Chocolate-Nutella Gellato

2009-02-05T20:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's winter and it's cold but come on, you can't pass up a bowl of creamy homemade gellato. This fabulous recipe from Miss Everyday Italian herself, Giada De Laurentis of Food Network takes 10 minutes to make and doesn't require using an ice cream machine (phew!). So break out the waffle cones and pretend it's a hot July afternoon because you don't want to miss out on this. For the love of Nutella, go make it already!

Chocolate-Hazelnut Gelato

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1/4 cup
4 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chocolate-hazelnut spread (recommended: Nutella)
1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, crushed, for garnish

Directions:

In a saucepan combine the milk, cream, and 1/2 cup sugar over medium heat. Cook until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whip the egg yolks with the remaining sugar using an electric mixer until the eggs have become thick and pale yellow, about 4 minutes. Pour 1/2 cup of the warm milk and cream mixture into the egg mixture and stir. Add this mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over very low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, about 7 to 10 minutes.

Place a strainer over a medium bowl and pour the warm custard mixture through the strainer. Stir in the vanilla and hazelnut spread until it dissolves. Chill mixture completely before pouring into an ice cream maker and follow manufacturer's instructions to freeze. To serve, scoop gelato into serving bowls and top with hazelnuts.

Note: The title image for this post is linked to a fantastic recipe for chocolate and hazelnut semifreddo--check it out!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Peanut Butter and Nutella Cookies

2009-02-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

We have all been deprived of peanut butter goodies lately and we're not too thrilled about it. When I found this recipe for these pretty peanut butter and Nutella cookies I was excited to try it. Courtesy of Jamie from The Cupcake Review, I've brought you a fabulous recipe for scrumptious cookies that will have you savoring each and every morsel and crumb! Thanks to this yummy recipe now I don't have to streak the Nutella jar in the kitchen with traces of peanut butter as I try to get the best of both on a spoon...

Photo Credit: Courtesy of The Cupcake Review

Nutella Ricotta Dessert

2009-02-05T19:26:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love cheese and I can't live without Nutella so when I found this super easy, quick recipe that combines the two, I was sold! Valette, a fabulous photographer on Flickr has a great recipe for a Nutella and ricotta cheese creation that is delish! It took me less than 2 minutes to make and it hit the spot. Do you have a minute or two? If you do, whip up this treat and enjoy!

The following recipe is courtesy of Valette.

Nutella Ricotta Dessert

Ingredients:

3/4 cup ricotta cheese
1T plus 1t nutella spread
1t cocoa powder

Directions:

Press the ricotta through a sieve twice to create a smoother, creamier texture. Mix with the nutella and cocoa.

Serve with a sprinkle of chocolate crumbs. Or fresh berries. Or nuts. Or coconut. Makes two wee servings. But you don't need much more.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Nutella Cookies

2009-02-05T13:46:00.000-08:00

I'm a sucker for cookies. Put them infront of me and they'll disappear in a flash especially of they're rich and chewy. So when I saw the recipe for these Nutella filled cookies at Technicolor Kitchen, I knew I had to try these. Follow this super simple recipe and enjoy these tasty treats on behalf of World Nutella Day!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Technicolor Kitchen

Nutella Crepes

2009-02-05T12:28:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, the place where I had the absolute best Nutella crepe happened to be a Japanese mini market. Yeah, a Japanese specialty store in the Avenues in San Franciso is where I had the most amazing French crepe with Italian hazelnut spread. Who woulda thunk it? It was an amazing warm crepe with ooey-gooey Nutella generously spread and hazelnuts on the inside rolled in a waffle cone topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled heavily with more creamy Nutella. It was a luscious experience devouring the marvelous creation. Mmm…

Here’s a fantastic recipe for making Chocolaty Strawberry Finger Crepes courtesy of 7thSpace. Follow the recipe and enjoy this wonderful dessert!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

World Nutella Day

2009-02-05T06:26:00.000-08:00

Who would have thought that World War II would bring about the circumstances for the creation of one of the world’s most celebrated spreads? Because of rationing, cocoa was in short supply so chocolate production was limited. Pietro Ferrero, a pastry maker in Italy, began using hazelnuts to stretch his chocolate supply. And there you have it, a brilliant product was formulated.
Nutella is a creamy, sweet spread comprised mainly of sugar, vegetable oils, hazelnut, cocoa and skim milk. It is a modified recipe of gianduja, a chocolate consisting of almond and hazelnut paste. Nutella has been enjoyed by people all around the globe for decades. In the U.S. we were a little late in the game, being introduced to this sumptuous cream in 1983. It was gobbled up in the Northeast first then trickled out to all other parts of the country only gaining in popularity. Up until this century, Nutella was only available as an exclusive import at specialty markets but now you can find this velvety delight in every grocery store.
Nutella has been an ingredient in many delicious recipes for decadent pastries and desserts. It has graced the top of crepes and waffles and is the rich filling for Ferrero’s scrumptious Ferrero Rocher hazelnut chocolates. In honor of this splendid day, let’s celebrate by enjoying some Nutella. Whether you spread it on some toast, dip a cookie in it or lick it off a spoon, do your part and have some Nutella! Personally, I like to spread this yummy between a warm croissant and enjoy it with a hot cup of tea. How do you like to eat your Nutella? I will be doing my part and posting some of the tastiest recipes that I have come across that incorporate this fabulous spread.

Learn more about Nutella and get recipes at the official website, http://www.nutellausa.com/ and get more information about World Nutella Day at http://www.nutelladay.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Creamy Hot Cocoa

2009-02-04T18:41:00.000-08:00

According to Mr. Punxutawney Phil, also known as the groundhog of Groundhog Day, we are in for another six weeks of winter. But never fear, I've got the antidote for any potential winter blues! This creamy and chocolaty hot cocoa recipe courtesy of the fabulous Paula Deen from Food Network will keep you warm and toasty for the rest of the season. Get creative and top with mini marshmallows, cinnamon or whipped cream and chocolate morsels. I’m tempted to take a tip from one reviewer who suggests to drop caramels in the decadent drink and let them melt for ultimate indulgence. So whip up this recipe, get cozy, cuddle up next to that special someone and sip away!

Chocolate Bouchon

2009-02-04T05:58:00.000-08:00

Sink your teeth into this delight! This rich, decadent chocolate confection is a cross between a cake and a brownie and is called a bouchon. This dense yet moist, chocolaty French dessert is to die for! I rummaged around to find a fabulous recipe to create this luscious delicacy and struck gold. The magnificent Chef Thomas Keller has a fantastic recipe for baking up bouchons to perfection. Follow his recipe for chocolate bouchons for a sweet Valentine’s Day or for your pleasure. Decorate with whipped cream, cocoa powder and chocolate shavings for tasty jubilation. Yum!

The following recipe is courtesy of Chef Thomas Keller from his book Bouchon:

Chocolate Bouchon Recipe

These small brownie-like cakes are named for their shape, which resembles a cork (bouchon). They are very rich and chocolaty, baked with the chocolate chips in the batter, and dusted with confectioners? sugar. Bouchon uses 2-ounce fleximolds and serves smaller bouchons. You can also use 3- ounce (2-inch to 2 1/2-inch diameter) timbale molds for larger cakes. Preheat the oven to 340 degrees F. Butter and flour 12 timbale molds. Set aside.

Butter and flour for the timbale molds.
3 1/2 ounces (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
24 tablespoons (12 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and just slightly warm
6 ounces semisweet chocolate (Vahlrona or Scharffenberger or Lindt will do just fine), chopped into pieces the size of chocolate chips
Confectioner's sugar

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour twelve timbale molds. Set aside.
Sift the flour, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl; set aside.
In the bowl of a mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or in another large bowl if using a handhels mixer, mix together the eggs and sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes, or until very pale in color. Mix in the vanilla. On low speed, add about one-third of the dry ingredients, then one-third of the butter, and continue alternating with the remaining flour and butter. Add the chocolate and mix to combine. (The batter can be refrigerated for up to a day.)

Put the timbale molds on a baking sheet. Place the batter in a pastry bag without a tip, or with a large plain tip, and fill each mold about two-thirds full. Place in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. When the tops look shiny and set (like a brownie), test one cake with a wooden skewer or toothpick: It should come out clean but not dry (there may be some melted chocolate from the chopped chocolate). Transfer the bouchons to a cooling rack. After a couple of minutes, invert the timbale molds and let the bouchons cool upside down in the molds; then lift off the molds. (The bouchons are best eaten the day they are baked.)

TO SERVE: Invert the bouchons and dust them with confectioners' sugar. Serve with ice cream, if desire.

Recipe courtesy of Bouchon (2004) by Thomas Keller

Green Chocolates

2009-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Did you ever think that eating chocolates could help the environment? Well, a groundbreaking chocolate company is making that a reality. Chicago based Vosges Haut-Chocolat is producing its organic chocolates by renewable energy. As a certified organic manufacturing facility, this sweet company does not release synthetic pesticides into the environment which are likely hazards to local wildlife. Their organic farming techniques don‘t disrupt the flow of the local eco-system. To add to the already impressive list, Vosges’s boutiques in Chicago, New York and Las Vegas are all powered by wind! Oh, and it doesn’t end there, this gourmet chocolatier is also certified by the Rainforest Alliance which promotes sustainable cocoa farming practices to maintain a healthy environment and fair labor laws. Even their packaging is made from 100% recycled material. Green enough for ya?

Scope out these special Valentine’s Day packages from Vosges.

Gatsby Truffle Collection
Champaign and chocolate? Sounds right! Rich dark chocolate and decadent white chocolate paired with some bubbly and topped with a rose petal all in a retro gift box.

Exotic Truffle Collection
Vosges's signature collection in a cute heart box. This assortment includes Gianduia, Ambrosia and Absinthe.

Bapchi’s Caramel Toffee
Crunchy, salty-sweet caramel. Milk chocolate, pecans and walnuts make up this munchy creation plus that wildcard ingredient, pink Himalayan salt not only makes it pretty but it enhances the flavor of the caramel.

Organic Peanut Butter Bonbons
Smooth milk chocolate filled with creamy organic peanut butter and topped with pink Himalayan salt. Mmmm…

Exotic Caramel Collection
Pure and butter-soft classic caramel kicked up with a variety of exotic spices and ingredients including Aboriginal anise, blood orange juice and bee pollen.

Savory Aztec Truffles, in the top photo, will give you a taste of Vosges. Ingredients like sweet Indian curry, wasabi, ginger and sweet Hungarian paprika are sure to peak your curiosity.

The varieties are endlessly delicious! See more at Vosges Haut-Chocolat.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Vosges Haut-Chocolat

See’s Candies

2009-02-02T06:26:00.000-08:00

See’s Candies were a chocolate staple at my house as a kid. They were delightful to eat and every confection was filled with a surprise. I never knew what flavor I would encounter upon my first bite. My most favorite were the marshmallow filled milk chocolates. Naturally, at the time, I didn’t appreciate the complexity of chocolate varieties so there were many See’s Candies that were half eaten, in their wrapper, in the box. If I didn’t like a filling, I would put it back in the box and move on to the next. Yes, I am guilty of bite and run. Nonetheless, See’s Candies conjure up pleasant, chocolaty memories.

See’s has put together a line up of Valentine’s Day assortments that are sure to be satisfying to a chocolate craving. Here are a few of my faves!

Red Satin Heart
This romantic box is filled with See’s delights including lemon and raspberry truffles.

Tuxedo Heart
For that special guy! This handsome box has all the assortments that See’s is best known for like nuts and chews as well as my personal faves, soft centers.

Pink Ribbon Heart
This is the ultimate assortment if you love, love, love chocolate! Packed with a variety including milk, dark and white chocolates plus truffles, this set is sure to put a smile on the face of any chocolate lover.

Valentine Candy Collection
This trio of hearts is perfect. You get a bag of milk and dark chocolate hearts and cinnamon jellies coated in a hard candy shell. Sweet!

Large Gold Fancy
Get this big box of assorted, classic See’s chocolates for that very, very special someone. They’ll be nibbling on these for days!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of See’s Candies, Flickr

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate

2009-02-02T06:10:00.001-08:00

In honor of the chocolatiest day of the year, Valentine’s Day, Yumeezy will be a chocolate covered haven. On our countdown to V-Day, I’ll be bringing you the best of all things chocolate and all things Cupid to get you all in the mood for some Valentine’s sweetness. Get ready for some chocolate lovin’, let the choco-fest begin!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Gilligans Chocolate

Easy Vanilla Cupcakes

2009-02-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

What's the best base for creating festive treats? A vanilla cupcake, of course! Once you've got one of these babies ready you can go all out and decorate with frosting as you please. I cruised on over to All You Magazine and found a quick and easy recipe for vanilla cupcakes that can be baked in a jiffy and ready for you to festoon with colorful frosting designs. In the name of Super Bowl Sunday, I challenge you to recreate the fabulous motif in the delectable photo above. Get baking!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Happy Super Bowl Sunday!

2009-02-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

Enjoy the game! And, yes, those are indeed football cupcakes for your viewing pleasure!

Interesting Reads: Check out this page in the New York Times. It's a feature page in the Dining section devoted to Super Bowl parties and the foods that make them fabulous. There's a feature in there about a monstrous creation called the Bacon Explosion--I assume because that's what your digestive system would do, explode, after you attempt to eat this brick of meat! Check out the slide show, if you're brave.

Which team are you rooting for? Who do you want to win?

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

More Super Bowl Party Eats!

2009-01-31T07:28:00.000-08:00

It’s the biggest game day period. Forget basketball, baseball and don’t even mention soccer, the Super Bowl is the most watched final game of any sports league’s season. So it only makes sense to throw down a major fiesta! And what’s a Super Bowl party without super chow? Nada! Here are some tasty recipes courtesy of Food Network for your big bash that’ll have everyone huddled around the feast and not the tube. Get cookin’!

Grilled Chicken Wings
This spicy dish is courtesy of grill master Chef Bobby Flay. It’s a Grilled Chicken Wings with Spicy Chipotle Hot Sauce and Blue Cheese-Yogurt Dipping Sauce recipe that’ll put a kick in your football get together. With an 18 minute cook-time, you can grill up a batch of these during half-time and still not miss a moment of the game.

Macho Nachos

With a name like Macho Nachos, you know this is some seriously hearty chow! Courtesy of the sassy Miss Paula Deen, this recipe is a snap to whip up, only 7 minutes prep time. Mmm, cheesy goodness…

Stuffed Peppers
I am a huge fan of stuffed peppers so this recipe for Sweet and Spicy Stuffed Peppers is right up my alley. The plantain chips in this dish will definitely make this one a winner among the crowd.

Beef and Black Bean Chili

This protein packed dish courtesy of Bobby Flay is a hearty eat! It’s got spice and it’s a flavorful dish to curl up with in that easy-chair and watch the big game. Get the recipe for Bobby’s chili!

Chicken Empanadas
Miss Paula Deen is back with another Southern-fied Mexican dish! This recipe she calls Cheesiest Fried Chicken Empanadas with Chili Con Queso Dip is super delish and only takes 20 minutes to whip up. You had me at cheesiest, Paula!

Get the recipe for Bobby Flay's Sliders with Chipotle Mayonnaise pictured at the top. They're a quick grill and delightful!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Food Network

Grill, Baby, Grill!

2009-01-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

What’s the main course at a Super Bowl party? Oh, yeah, BBQ! Delicious chips and dips are only the appetizers that keep you from drooling over the marinated protein and veggies. Super Bowl Sunday is the most popular grilling day in the winter and if you’re lucky like we are here in Northern California, you’ll be able to take to the outdoors and start charring up a feast. I’ve got some grilling tips courtesy of www.grillingtips.com to make your cookout food grilled to perfection.

Chicken Legs
For grilling drumsticks you have to use the direct method. That means grill over coals, this keeps the leg juicy and flavorful while creating that crisp outer layer. Place the chicken legs 5-6 inches above the direct flames and be sure to keep the heat to a medium level to prevent dryness. It’s up to you if you want to douse them in BBQ sauce or eat them right off the grill. Learn more about how to make the mouthwatering chicken in this lovely photo at thebittenword.com

Hamburgers
Burgers are a cinch to grill. Using the direct heat method cook the meat about 2-5 minutes on each side, depending on how rare or done you’d like your burgers. I suggest slapping on some cheese during the last minute you’ve got it on the grill since I prefer my burgers with melted cheese.

Skewers
Whether its chicken or veggies that you’ve speared, it’ll be a quick grill. You have to remember to brush up the skewers with oil to prevent the veggies and lean cuts of meat from sticking to the grill. Try out different herbs and spices on the skewers while they grill. I prefer to marinate little cubes of chicken breast for a couple of hours then line them up on a skewer with slices of bell pepper, mushrooms and artichoke then throw them on the grill. Use direct heat and grill for about 13-20 minutes. Don’t forget to rotate!

Hot Dog

What’s a BBQ without hot dogs? These party favorites are a snap to cook. Toss them on the grill and rotate as needed for about 4-8 minutes using direct heat. Make sure you’ve got enough buns because these babies are the first to go!

Steak
Depending on the size of your steak, which is typically ¾ thick, you want to use the direct heat approach to sear. The time ranges between 8-14 minutes grilling time with a flip at about 4 minutes.

Fish
Grill fish over direct heat and depending on thickness cook for 5 minutes on each side per inches thick, for example 2 inches thick would require 10 minutes cooking time on each side. With shrimp, I recommend using the chicken skewer method (mentioned above). Marinate, and don’t forget the lemon juice. Now, throw that shrimp on the barbie!

Corn
Is there a better way to eat corn than grilled? I don’t think so! Cook this veggie for about 10-12 minutes and keep an eye on them. Rotate them consistently until you’ve got golden kernels. Scrumptious!

Asparagus
My personal favorite grilled veggie. Boil these guys for about a minute in salted water. Dump them in cold water to stop the cooking action. Drain, dry and brush with oil. Place them on the grill. Unless you want scorched asparagus, be sure to place them perpendicular to the bar grates so they don’t fall through. Grill for about 6-8 minutes (3-4 minutes on each side). Viola! You’ve got tasty veggies.

Alas, you’ve got the basics for a fantastic Super Bowl cookout! To get more tips go to www.grillingtips.com.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Photo of the Day

2009-01-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

Alright, people, who would mind starting off their day with one of these? This is my ultimate fantasy breakfast! I'd try it out but it would probably hurt the tummy this early in the morning. Nonetheless this chocolate chip cookie sundae looks delectable. Freshly baked, warm chocolate chip cookie topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate sauce and a whirl of whipped cream. It's got a cherry on top, that counts as fruit, right? So it wouldn't be so bad...

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Zezmerelda

Get Dippin’: Super Bowl Party Dips

2009-01-27T17:16:00.000-08:00

What’s a chip without dip? A chip. That’s why I’ve rounded up the best, simplest, most delicious, chip-worthy dips from Recipe Zaar so that you can make this Super Bowl about the food and not the game. Who’s playing anyway?

Spinach Artichoke Dip
This savory side dish is perfect for dipping. Hot out of the oven, this recipe will be scooped out of site.

Guacamole

Holy guacamole! By far the most popular dip is a mash-up of fresh buttery avocado, ripe red tomatoes, crisp onions, spicy jalapenos. and fresh herbs. Check out this bang-up recipe!

Hummus

Break-out the pita and falafel! This is my kind of dip, spiced sweet roasted bell pepper feta hummus--that was a mouthful. Whether you go cross-cultural and dip a tortilla in it or slather it on a chicken skewer hot off the grill, this nutty dip will taste sooo good!

7 Layer Dip
This is the ultimate dip. Hearty and thick, this side dish will definitely stay on a chip. Scoop it up in a tortilla or chow on it solo, either way you'll be in dip paradise. Get the recipe!

Cheese Dip
Nachos in the making. This Tex-Mex recipe for Chile Con Queso is an awesome base for nachos, just throw on some jalapenos and you're good to go!

Tuna Dip
Pack some protein on that chip with this tasty tuna recipe.

Salsa
What's a Super Bowl party (or any party) without salsa? This authentic Mexican recipe will be scraped off the plate quicker than you can whip it up!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Avocado: A Wonderful Fruit

2009-01-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

Creamy, buttery avocado. This fruit is both healthy and delicious. A diet rich in avocados has been shown to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol. Most of the calories that come from avocados are fat calories so it should be consumed in moderation however avocados contain healthy monounsaturated fat. Forget bananas, avocados contain a whopping 60% more potassium. Avocados are one of the top fruits rich in fiber. And let’s not forget how rich in vitamins they are, they’re chalk full of vitamins B, E and K. So as you get ready to whip up some guacamole for that Super Bowl party, rest assured because you’ll be serving up a healthy, nutritious and delicious dip for those chips! Learn more about the wonders of avocados.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Peanut Butter Recalls

2009-01-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

The list of products being recalled due to possible salmonella contamination keeps getting longer and longer. Everything from Keebler and Famous Amos cookies to LUNA Bars and even dog biscuits are being pulled off the shelves to eliminate any possible risk of selling products which may contain salmonella-tainted peanut butter. So far 486 (and increasing) cases of salmonella have been reported, 6 people have died and 107 have been hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The source of the contamination has been linked back to Peanut Butter Corporation of America, a plant in Blakely, Georgia that produces peanut butter and peanut paste. The peanut butter is sold in bulk ranging from 5 to 1700 pounds to companies like Kellogg’s and institutions like schools and nursing homes. The companies turn the peanut butter or peanut paste into products like cookies and crackers. Companies that manufacture products using the contaminated peanut paste which is used in candy like peanut butter cups will then sell those products to another company that will use them in ice cream, for example, then a grocery store may buy that ice cream and sell it as a private label. This has made it difficult for investigators to track down exactly which products contain peanut butter or paste originating from the Georgia plant. This is what is prompting the lengthy recall list. Hershey’s and Kraft have stated that their products, like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Nutter Butters, do not contain paste from the Georgia plant. The Girl Scout organization has claimed that their products are free of contamination as well.
In the mean time, consumers are advised to stay away from any products containing peanut butter or paste. There is no explanation for how the salmonella ended up in the peanut butter but there is speculation that it may have been contaminated after the peanuts were roasted since the high temperatures of roasting peanuts would have killed any strain of the pathogen. See an updated list of the products being recalled at the Food and Drug Administration website.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

My Faves: Sugar Bowl Brownies

2009-01-21T06:29:00.000-08:00

There’s no hiding it, I’ve got a sweet tooth and the record to prove it. I’m easily tempted by fresh baked chewy chocolate chip cookies and you don’t have to ask me twice to try any luscious pastry. One of my favorite treats is a chocolate petite brownie from San Francisco based Sugar Bowl Bakery. This confection is absolutely delightful. It’s a bite size brownie (though it takes me about 2 ½ bites to devour it) that is so moist and decadent I can’t help but savour the moments that it’s in my mouth. The petite brownie has a light flaky top that melts once you sink your teeth into it. The tender center instantly saturates your taste buds with condensed decadence. Enjoying one of these baby brownies is truly an indulgent experience. I had one last night and though I could’ve had another, one was plenty to satisfy my sweet tooth. For more information on where you can get these chocolate morsels, check out Sugar Bowl Bakery. Though they are based in San Francisco, they've got locations nationally and they sell these wonderful treats at Costco and Starbucks. They also make them in a cranberry granola flavor which I’m dying to try.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Sugar Bowl Bakery

Man v. Food

2009-01-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

I’ve got a crush and his name is Adam Richman! Whether he’s chowing down on a 4 pound burger or feasting on a colossal doughnut, this dude epitomizes the concept of pigging out. On his show, Man v. Food which airs on the Travel Channel Wednesday nights, Adam tours the country state by state looking for the ultimate gluttonous havens. This boy from Brooklyn has trekked through some of the country's most famous food spots where they serve-up calorie dense guilty pleasures. Adam has introduced us to The Yeti (which he’s getting ready to tackle in the photo above), served up in Memphis’s Big Foot Lodge. The Yeti is a dessert made up of 18 scoops of vanilla ice cream, chocolate and strawberry sauce, whipped cream topped with cereals like Fruit Loops and Rice Krispies. After touring the town’s bender centrals, he takes on the local food challenge. Adam has taken on a 72 ounce steak (yeah, that’s right, 72oz.) in Amarillo, chicken wings doused in “atomic” sauce made from the world’s hottest chili pepper in Pittsberg, and the supreme Dagwood in Cleveland. If you can’t tell by now, this man can eat! Tonight Adam goes to his home state of New York to brave the spiciest curry. Goooo Man!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Travel Channel

Happy Inauguration Day!

2009-01-20T05:18:00.000-08:00

No matter what side of the isle you are on, there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that our nation has embarked on a truly historic moment. Our country is opening a new chapter in its history and we are all optimistic about our future. So let’s celebrate! To a hopeful prospect and prosperity ahead. Have a cupcake, or two.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Sea Salt, Caramel and Obama?

2009-01-19T20:47:00.000-08:00

Sweet and savory have been combined in the past to produce foods welcomed by our palates. The latest craze originated in France and combines sweet caramel with sea salt. Salt has been an ingredient used in baking by some pastry chefs because it enhances sweetness. In the case of salted caramels, the salt's burning sensation brings out the burnt element of the caramel. The culinary delight was revered by chefs for years. The confection migrated over to the U.S. but slowly gained esteem among the masses. People seemed to take notice when the combination made it’s way to mainstream outlets. Last fall Starbucks added a salted caramel hot chocolate to the menu and Haagen Dazs added a salted caramel ice cream to its premium collection. And if that weren‘t enough, when Barack Obama disclosed his indulgence is salty caramel’s from a Seattle based chocolatier, Fran's Chocolates, the trend skyrocketed in popularity. Learn more about salted caramel in this New York Times article.

Check out this recipe for mini salted caramel cupcakes from Cupcake Bakeshop. Yum!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Fran's Chocolates, Cupcake Bakeshop

Salmon: Super Seafood

2009-01-18T07:04:00.000-08:00

My introduction to salmon dates back to 2nd grade when a little redheaded girl from Alaska was a new student in our class. Embarrassing as it was, whenever you were the new kid in class, the teacher would point you out and make you introduce yourself to the rest of your classmates. Reluctantly, the girl introduced herself and told us she was from Anchorage. Her father was a fisherman and smoked salmon was a specialty of his. She passed around a tin of Indian hard smoked salmon to share with us. I examined my piece of fish jerky. The orangey pigment and oily texture didn’t really appeal to me. Then I took the dried piece of meat and tugged at it with my teeth. The salty flavor perked up my taste buds. The salmon was delightful.

Salmon has been hailed as the best source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. Wild, cold water fish like salmon are the best source of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) both of which the human body does not produce. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon are very beneficial. These acids promote cardiovascular health, regulate blood pressure, and protect against stroke. Salmon contains a healthy balance of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats making it the perfect low calorie and low saturated fat source of protein. It is also brimming with nutrients like selenium, niacin and vitamins B12 and B6. It is also an excellent source of phosphorus and magnesium. Eating salmon regularly generates great health benefits from cancer protection to inflammation reduction to improving brain function.

My palate was deprived of salmon until about 6 years ago when I was reintroduced to the wonderful seafood. It was an Atlantic salmon that my mom marinated in a secret spice recipe and baked in the oven. The fish was made to perfection. The tender meat fell right off at the natural grooves as I poked it with my fork. The zest from the marinade beautifully enhanced the salmon’s natural flavor. Cold smoked salmon was a late entry on my menu but it’s been a regular part of my diet ever since I discovered its buttery sweetness. The versatility of cold smoked salmon is infinite. One of my favorite midday meals is a slice of multigrain toast topped with cottage cheese, tomatoes and smoked salmon. Another favorite is avocado slices on a butter croissant layered with fresh smoked salmon. I make sure to stock my fridge with this healthy fish because not only is it delicious, it is the healthiest form of lean protein and essential fatty acids. Learn more about the benefits of salmon.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Chocolicious

2009-01-17T11:35:00.000-08:00

Can we talk chocolate for a sec? Let me tell you about the piece I just had a moment ago. It was a dark chocolate wedge made by Trader Joe's. But wait, this is no run of the mill chunk o’ chocolate. Not only is it made up of high quality 70% Belgian cacao, it’s got ancho and chipotle chilies and Korintji cinnamon. Chilies? Yeah, chilies. There is a party going on in my mouth! This trio of zing really kicked up an otherwise ordinary block of dark chocolate. The bitterness of the chocolate combined with the spiciness of the chilies and cinnamon came together in perfect harmony. Alright, just one more piece...

Note: The Chocolate Traveler sells high quality chocolate wedges however I couldn't find anything similar to the chocolate that I tried made by Trader Joe's.

Mmm...Pancakes

2009-01-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

I’m one of those girls who can eat breakfast foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Waffles in the morning, milk and cereal in the afternoon and a fruit, yogurt and granola parfait in the evening. I could totally live off of breakfast eats for the rest of my life, seriously. One of my most favorite foods to start the day off with are pancakes. Hotcakes, flapjacks, griddle cakes, silver dollars, whatever you want to call them, these stackable cakes are an AM (or PM) darling.

I’ve compiled a handful of fabulous photos from Flickr of the most mouthwatering pancakes. Click on the photo and find out more about the recipes!

Chocolate Chip
As a self-identified chocoholic, I find these chocolate chip pancakes absolutely irresistible.

Banana and Blueberry Buckwheat

These hotcakes look incredibly delish and they're healthy too. Pass the syrup!

Oatmeal Coconut Blueberry (Vegan)

No animals were harmed while making this product. Coconut, blueberry and oatmeal, can it get any better than this?

Doughnut Pancakes with Coffee Sauce

I’ve never heard of doughnut pancakes but I want some! Recipe, anyone?

Felt and Wool Pancakes
Ha ha, gotcha! Unless you enjoy the furry taste of felt and the cottony flavor of wool, this one is better to look at than to chew on.

Peanut Butter Pancakes with Chocolate Chips and Raspberries

Ay, dios mio! Peanut butter and chocolate chips? As a huge fan of Reese’s peanut butter cups, this is the ultimate pancake for me. The raspberries are the icing on the cake, literally.

Whole Wheat Banana Walnut

Healthy and tasty all in one. The nutritious whole wheat packed with fiber makes for the perfect guilt-free pancake.

Buttermilk

Ah, the traditional buttermilk. This classic always satisfies my hunger for a savory hotcake.

Ricotta Lemon
This killer recipe puts a tangy twist on the classic pancake. It’s so good!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Spicy Potato Wedges

2009-01-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Friday has got to be the most popular day of the week. It beckons the end of a torturous work week or grueling classes and the start of a leisurely weekend. As a kid, for me Fridays signified TGIF programming and comfort food. I'd get comfy on the couch with my spread of treats that wouldn't make their way into my lunch box during the week and watch Urkel and his crazy shenanigans. It was also the night when my mom would make tasty Middle Eastern pastries or her delicious chocolate brownies with rich cocoa icing, so I would have the satisfaction of munching on my favorite indulgences and inhaling the aroma of fresh baked goodies. 'Twas indeed double the pleasure. It was somewhat of a Friday night ritual for my brother to peel potatoes, hand-cut them and make two sizzling hot batches of French fries for us to chow on while we watched our favorite shows. They were all uniquely cut and when fried, their textures varied from thick and grainy to skinny and oily to thin and crunchy. I didn't discriminate, I savored each one. We had two dipping choices: ketchup or a super spicy cayenne pepper concoction that was my specialty. I would alternate between the two dips dunking the oily ones in the cayenne sauce and the thick ones in ketchup, don't ask why, it just seemed to go together. When my tongue was zapped with a little too much spice from the combination of the cayenne dip and the heat from the fries, I'd scoop up a generous portion of ketchup on one of the fat fries to cool my mouth. For some reason, my dad liked to eat them cold and with mayo; I cringed at the sight. Friday night French fries were a great end to the week.

I've got a great spin on the usual French fry recipe. It's a spicy potato wedge dish that is simple, healthy and flavorful. They'll take minutes to make and seconds to devour.

Here's What You Need:

Olive oil
Potatoes
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne pepper
Granulated garlic
Dried parsley flakes

Here's What You Do:

1. Drizzle olive oil on a pan suitable for an oven.

2. Wash the potatoes and slice them so that they are thick. My strategy is to just cut them in-half then cut each half in-half and then cut each quarter in-half so that I end up with six wedges out of one potato.

3. Place the wedges on the oiled pan.

4. Mix the spices together to taste. I tend to make them more spicy so I liberally add cayenne pepper but you should mix the spices to your liking, of course.

5. Once you’ve combined the spices, sprinkle generously over the potatoes and place the pan in the oven at about 350 degrees for approximately 20 minutes (keep them in the oven a bit longer if you want them more well done, it’s up to you).

6. Enjoy!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Coffee: Good for You, Really!

2009-01-15T10:18:00.000-08:00

Alright, so here's another item that's been given a bad rap. Because of it's high caffeine content, coffee has been labeled as unhealthy and linked to high stress levels. Well, guess what coffee lovers, the latest research shows that a good ol’ cup of joe isn't that bad after all. Coffee has been shown to lower the risk for diseases associated with aging. A study conducted by Finnish and Swedish researchers in cooperation with the National Public Health Institute in Helsinki found that adults who gulped down three to five cups of coffee a day lowered their risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s by up to 65%. Other recent studies have also shown that coffee improves memory. Oh, and the wonders of java don’t stop there, more data show that it also lowers the risk for diabetes, heart disease and cirrhosis of the liver. And did you know that one serving of coffee has more antioxidants than a serving of blueberries, raspberries, oranges or grape juice? I know what your thinking and the answer is, no, it's not the caffeine. Drinking three to five cups of decaf or non-decaf yields the same benefits. But researchers emphasize that subjects who drank more than six cups a day did not benefit. So one thing we must all remember is to consume coffee (and everything else) in moderation. Well, all of this information officially justifies my adoration for café. Excuse me, my cup of Turkish coffee awaits!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

The Ultimate Omlette

2009-01-15T06:14:00.000-08:00

While we’re on the topic of eggs, I would like to share a yummy recipe with you guys. This is a simple recipe I came up with when I was trying to make use of items in the fridge that were on the verge of moving out of the refrigerator and into the trash can. It’s a basic two egg omlette over-stuffed with veggies and oozing with cheese. Give this simple protein packed recipe a go and you’ll have a satisfying breakfast or lunch in minutes!

Here's What You Need:

Olive oil
2 eggs
Salt
Pepper
1 white mushrooms
Baby spinach
1 Roma tomato
Cheddar cheese (any cheese will do)
1 jalapeno pepper (optional)

Here's What You Do:

1. Add salt and pepper to taste and whisk the eggs in a medium size bowl.

2. Grab a handful of baby spinach and toss them in with the eggs. Cut up the mushroom, tomato, and jalapeno pepper and put them in with the spinach.

3. Drizzle a little bit of olive oil onto a heated skillet and empty the egg mixture into it.

4. Sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on the center of the eggs. Once the egg is about medium done, fold it over with a spatula. Tilt the skillet so that any raw egg that is left will seep out and become cooked.

5. Serve it up and enjoy!

Note: I usually like to put it on a slice of whole wheat toast but when I'm feeling really hungry, I put it between a toasted whole wheat bagel. If you're watching your carbs, it is fantastic solo as well. Happy eating!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr, www.imagelicious.ca

Eggs: Nutritious and Delicious

2009-01-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

“Don’t eat eggs daily, you’ll increase your cholesterol level.” We’ve always been told to limit our intake of eggs to lower our risk for high cholesterol. Heart disease is linked to high cholesterol levels and happens to be the number one cause of death for Americans. So to know that eggs are higher in cholesterol than most foods, it makes perfect sense to avoid them, right? Well, not exactly. There are two components of cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) which causes high cholesterol levels and high density lipoprotein (HDL) which is associated with healthy levels of cholesterol. You should aim to have low LDL levels and higher HDL levels for a good cholesterol reading. Research shows that a diet high in saturated fats increases blood cholesterol levels. Eggs have long been associated with high cholesterol because they contain a higher amount compared to other foods but research shows otherwise. Since 75% of blood cholesterol is produced by the liver, a diet lower in saturated and trans fats is much more effective in achieving a good cholesterol level than avoiding foods with a higher concentration of it. So on the contrary, do not steer clear of eggs. They are a great low calorie source of protein, vitamins B12 and E, riboflavin, folate and iron. Enjoy your eggs, just don’t slather them with saturated fats and trans fats opt for healthy monosaturated olive oil instead. For more information check out this article from the Harvard School of Public Health, they know what they’re talking about.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

Cinnamon Rolls

2009-01-12T22:03:00.000-08:00

Sugar, spice and everything nice. The sweet, fresh-baked aroma of a cinnamon bun alone is enough to satisfy my craving for this decadent pastry. Rich brown sugar gives this treat its irresistible sweetness and the cinnamon gives it that spicy kick. The spongy texture and luscious icing qualifies cinnamon rolls as the ultimate indulgence. My favorite way to devour one is by unraveling it and savoring each bite while anticipating the melt-in-your mouth saccharine center, the gem of this delicacy.

However you enjoy this treat, it’s guaranteed to be a splendid event with this amazing recipe. This is my favorite cinnamon roll recipe because it doesn’t require you to use a bread machine, it’s simple and it yields the softest most flavorful rolls.

Here’s What You Need:

For the Dough:

1 cup whole milk, warm
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 packet quick activating yeast
4 cups sifted white flour
1/3 cup butter, melted
2 eggs

For the Filling:

1/4 cup butter, melted
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3/4 cup brown sugar

For the Icing:

2 cups confectioner’s sugar
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon melted butter
3 tablespoons milk

Here’s What You Do:

1. Empty the yeast packet in a large mixing bowl and pour in the warm milk and sugar and mix. Let it sit for about 10 minutes.

2. Add the eggs and butter and beat. Mix in the flour about 1 cup at a time.

3. Knead the dough, which should be firm yet pliable. Massage the dough until it is smooth. Form the dough into a ball and let it sit in an oiled bowl, cover it and set it in a warm space. Let it sit for about 2 hours, enough for it to double in size.

4. Press the dough down on a floured surface and begin rolling it out to form a flat rectangle. Spread the melted butter for the filling with a pastry brush on the flattened dough. Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the melted butter.

5. Start at one end of the rectangular dough and roll it into itself. You should end up with a long roll. Begin slicing the log into 1 ½ inch pieces, place them in a greased pan and let them rise in a warm place for about ½ an hour. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

6. For the icing mix all of the ingredients together until you form a thick consistency. Spread over the hot cinnamon rolls and let it melt over them.

7. When you feel ready, sink your teeth into your creation and savour the flavor.

Note: Though I'm not a pro I'm quite intuitive when I bake and cook, so I never follow recipes to the tee. Please feel free to tweak this recipe to your tasting. I also recommend throwing in some nuts or raisins to the filling if you're feeling adventurous. Bon appetit!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr

A Tasty Necessity

2009-01-10T19:38:00.000-08:00

What's one of the most essential parts of life that links everyone in the world together? What's that common bond we as a species share no matter how far away we may be from each other? What's that thing we just absolutely cannot live without? Food. At the dinner table, in the car, at work, in an igloo, in a tent, on a mountain, in the desert no matter where we are, we've gotta eat.

My earliest memory of food is blurry and faint but what I do remember of it was orange, pureed and in a Gerber's jar. The sweet aroma of a bevy of home-made Middle Eastern pastries with their flaky layers and syrupy saturation always signified a celebration at my house. Freshly baked, moist to the touch pineapple cake with a rich cream frosting and strawberries sweetly lining the top was always the star of my childhood birthday parties. Every weeknight, my dinner plate was always stocked full of hearty meals mom made. Delicious rice was the base of many of her mouthwatering dishes. I would pile the buttery grain on my plate and layer it with tender meat that had been simmering for hours soaking up juices from the onions and garlic cloves or her famed savory okra stew with chunks of melt-in-your-mouth cubes of beef.

Weekends were my favorite because that’s when we would order in. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely loved mom’s fabulous and nutritional cuisine but what kid passes up a calorie dense banquet? Saturday mornings started out with a powder pink box awaiting me on the kitchen table and overflowing with a tooth-aching assortment of doughnuts—flawlessly glazed, jelly and custard filled, powdered, sprinkled, frittered, and my personal favorite, chocolate old-fashioned. It was a treat. I would park myself on the rug cross-legged and indulge as Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes entertained me. Then there was Saturday afternoon. My dad’s favorite place to get Mexican food was in the city. He would take us to this restaurant on the weekend more often than not. I can never think back on those memories without salivating. My favorite thing to order was the chicken burrito. The soft flour tortilla could barely contain the succulent ingredients, I could tell because remnants of the lumpy guacamole oozed through the bottom. Amid one bite filled with warm grilled chicken, soft rice, garden-fresh cilantro, firm tomatoes, crisp onions, jalapenos and sour cream, I was in heaven. I would forget all of my worries for the day and soak in my savory wonderland.

There were many pizza nights. The smell of the pizza topped with my beloved mushrooms, olives and bell peppers would fill the car on its way home from the pizzeria. I was a drooling mess until we arrived home and I was finally able to sink my teeth into cheesy goodness. Chinese food was a weekend favorite too. Each take-out box was a mystery. I would end up looking through about three boxes of vegetable laden chowmein, taste bud perplexing sweet and sour chicken and piquant Mongolian beef before I finally embarked on my beef and broccoli paradise. Oh, and the scrumptious fortune cookie, for without that I would’ve never had a mystifying destiny to ponder the rest of the weekend.

On this brief stroll down memory lane I know that I have had nothing but fond recollections of my experiences with food. I want to continue to keep these pleasant sensations alive and share them with you all by creating this forum where I can discuss (and you can discuss) all things food. Let the journey continue. Cheers!

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Flickr, veganyumyum.com