Ever since finding out that I was going to get to meet my favorite chocolatier yesterday, and tour his magical chocolate factory, I admit that I have had chocolate on the brain. (And…the oompa looma theme song. Go figure.) :)
But when it comes to chocolate, I feel like I alwaysuse it to make chocolate desserts and sweets. So as a challenge, I decided to get creative and try to come up with a new savory dish. In the past few years, I have really grown to love adding a hint of cocoa powder to my fresh tomato salsas. Thus, I began to wonder if chocolate might have the same effect in a tomato sauce.
Disclaimer: I am serving for three months as ambassador for ‘Moments For Me’ with Haagen-Dazs. I receive complementary products as part of this promotion, but am not paid and all opinions are my own.
I was going to write today’s post all about how I love all things in moderation, and the chance to savor a sweet treat that celebrates all things warm and summery. Which still holds completely true.
I have just spent the past four days in Tex-Mex food heaven. So it seemed only appropriate that I kick off my week back home with a fun south-of-the-border-inspired treat — Spiced Chocolate Popcorn!
At my most recent book club, my friend Kerry served a delicious tomato basil bruschetta. And I have been craving all things caprese ever since. So this weekend, I gathered some fresh ingredients from the market and decided to create a new appetizer — Caprese Phyllo Cups!
These simple little phyllo cup appetizer could not be easier. All you need are five ingredients — any kind of tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, balsamic vinegar, and of course, my favorite little phyllo cups (or you can make baked cups with wonton wrappers). And less than ten minutes later, you can have an entire batch ready to serve and enjoy. So quick and easy. And so fresh and delicious!
Last Saturday, my delightful book club spent an entire evening talking all things Gatsby and Fitzgerald (which led to a 90′s hits dance party…of course). Then on Monday night, three of us Gimme Some writers had the chance to attend an early screening of Baz Luhrmann’s new film at our favorite movie theater downtown. But people, this wasn’t just any screening. Full-on 20′s costumes were required, vintage cars were parked up and down Main Street, old movie posters lined the theater, and everyone came ready to have a roaring good time. Our friend Malina, a remarkably talented and gracious costume designer, was to thank for most of our group’s amazing costumes (including some great hats!). Our own Sarah from Gimme Some Film gave a rockin’ interview after the screening. And the movie — well, you must experience it for yourself. It’s epic Luhrmann, and a given must-see.
Last week, I received a random afternoon text from one of my neighbors who is just learning to cook. He had walked across the street to our neighborhood market and picked up a fresh pineapple for a whopping $0.50. (Oh yes – one of the many reasons I moved to live next door to this market!) But when he arrived home, apparently he was a little unsure about how to cut a fresh pineapple. So he called the resident food blogger in the building. And being that I am obsessed a big fan of pineapple, I was more than happy to give him a little tutorial.
And then it reminded me of the other handful of friends over the years who have asked me the same question. So as I was making my fresh pineapple margaritas this week, I decided to whip up a quick tutorial on how to cut up a pineapple. It’s definitely not rocket science, but it can be a little confusing the first time.
