Hey, Kinda says it all---doesn't it????I have some amazing things to tell you that involve chocolate......
For example---when you walk in to Kroger---everyone has probably bought a box ( for the Holidays) of Esther Price chocolates...but did you know, that they, Esther Price, have a complete showroom of candy-----chocolate candy---in Silverton, Ohio????? Yep---right down the street--on Montgomery Road, South of the Kenwood Towne Center.....it is a nice field trip for the Holidays......and a heavenly place to visit. lol
Remember---Loveland does "Christmas in Loveland" ...
In Loveland, Ohio----there is a Candy Sweet Shop--with candy-ice cream-hot chocolate----and cases of the candy we all grew up with, old fashioned candies----all under one roof. Loveland Sweets.
Right in the middle of old Loveland---the main drag thru town----right beside Paxton's restaurant and Pizazz---a funky neato gift shop....cute stuff.
Where else could we score some chocolate?
Well, one clue I will tell you...and here I say---
Never-never expect to hear anything negative on this blog.....I will fill you in on stuff to be aware of---from my own personal experiences and giving my opinion...yet it is just an FYI....nothing more.
If you buy---from Whole Foods---some of the most lucious desserts-yes, some are chocolate, they could also be Vegan....meaning, I bought a beautiful piece of cake ( sliced and packaged-from their case) and said cake was made with ingredients...that would not melt--like normal chocolate or butter creme.....When I took the piece back to the store---weeks later--still looking like it did when I purchased it...I was told some of the items were Vegan....wellll....that is fine---but I like cake to melt in ones mouth so to speak---not stay in solid form. Good reason to read labels.......
I want to give two simple recipes that involve chocolate------so we begin with an easy chocolate cheesecake.......
First:
Buy at the store------in the sugar-spices aisle...a No-bake cheesecake.......
Fix all of the ingredients as directed---however-----after forming the crust---on a lovely dish---take a container of chocolate ( your choice) frosting ( you would purchase to frost a cake) and layer the top of the crust with this, before you add the cheesecake filling on top......bingo---easy----can even add choc. chunks--break up a candy bar-----into top---or shave choc. on top----use a cheese grater to shave a bar of choc.///you can also add finely chopped nuts on top, too.......sprinkle over the top.....chill to set it all up.....easy...will look and taste fab....
Also----the Cheesecake factory at the Kenwood Towne Center has amazing full size cheesecakes for sale........oh yea!
Second one:
Everyone may know the Thumbprint cookie deal-----if not-----simple roll of sugar cookies------bake according to directions----add a Hershey's Kiss--in the middle of the cookie when it leaves the oven....make a variation on this theme.....add other goodie fillers......pistashios...chopped, with sugar dusted over the top of the cookie----green sugar......ohhhhhh.
In this post---even tho it is not chocolate---I want to share the cutest idea I have ever seen----(can be chocolate cake mix).....lol
Bake a cupcake----cool and then frost with white icing. You can also sprinkle coconut on the cupcake after frosted...then place two marshmallows on top of each other-( we are building a snow-man) then add a black jeally-bean for the hat----small carrot slices for the nose...and sprinkles for the eyes.....is adorable. And pretty darn easy.
Well we are due for some snow....and that is when the things we love mean the most..... to curl up with.....
I may post about Boston next......where to go--what to visit---places you don't want to miss if you visit.......until then....stay warm and cozy.......ta.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Easy, Elegant, time and energy saving......
When it comes to the Holidays, working and trying to manage---for me--even a take to the 'family party' dish was real effort...so I, did my relatives and friends a favor and went to area----here I want to say---absolutely yummy food-----places and bought whatever was required.
I remember watching the 'Martha Stewart' Holiday show with my daughter and feeling both overwhelmed and a little depressed-----until I put it all into perspective----and realized---it's a show-----she has 60 peeps doing the very real labor involved---broken down into departments, to do so.....COME OFF IT!
Even one of those lovely-simple desserts would take me half a day to make.....and probably would not look ( presentation is everything-packaging the same deal) like the one they displayed with such pride on the show...
But, I do love to remember those lovely shows.....
I started looking for shortcuts-----elegant and easy......I would look at Food Network and found there were recipes that didn't take forever to make.....but that were very elegant......ditto, friend and family ones....brought to events.
And last minute-----Servattis in every pocket of Cincinnati-( suburbs) and in Northern Kentucky...... I love this place!!!!!
My daughter and I, from the time she was able to realize what New Years was really all about---celebrated the New Year with a tea party---using Servattis yummy and small individual desserts---and a tiny glass of champagne poured into our tea cup.......Memories......lol
Okay, so here are four easy-easy-elegant ( depending on how you serve them up---remember presentation is EVERYTHING) appetizers for the Holidays.....I will post desserts on the next one......these are from a mix of family-friends- and some of what I have seen on tv/cable.
1. Take a cucumber and peel it------then take a cheese slicer and peel off long strands of cucumber---lay out flat---add a slice of salmon ( packaged will do) ( fresh is better) ---roll these up and add a dollop of sour cream on top----sprinkle with dill---lightly---
then....sprinkle ( use your fingers and MEASURE) a small bit-(tiny)- of pepper flakes.....on top----and you can add pickled ginger and wasabi on the side---as a little add on.....instead of the pepper flakes. Put out some lovely flat bread crackers and there you have it!
2. Buy packages of chicken livers.......boil in a pot, ( until almost done ( rinse off the yukky grey stuff) ....in lightly salted water-----drain.......put a slice of sugar/apple ( any sweet ) flavored bacon and wrap around the liver----secure with a toothpick.....broil these bad boys until completely done---bacon is curling up and smelling delicious.....add dipping sauces---mustard-honey......done!
3. Go to Kroger-----(buy hot pepper jelly ) Kroger brand in jelly aisle) -----green and red----take it home----pour it over a softened package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese---add your favorite crackers......done!
4. Go to Maderia, Ohio------if you can--if not--Kroger-----or wherever you shop---(in Maderia---there is a shop called Piazza Desceopli
buy: figs (actually have them in a jar at PD) -----( at Kroger or Bob Evans--fig jelly or jam)
(3) cheeses--( tell them what it is for--they will help you choose and let you taste)(both places)( okay all three-see below)
(2) types of flat crackers......Rosemary Thyme are wonderful-----(Whole Foods is a great place to shop for all of this, too)
walnuts-grapes-(At PD------bottled Farmhouse Olives)------(every store has olives---try the ones in oil--real olive oil.....important)....
(really, I would say use your imagination--however, it is better to stick to a solidly tried and true version to begin---flavors must taste good together)......
For all of your above yummies------use a favorite platter-----nice napkins----take a bottle of wine....champagne----enjoy----is easy and you will get in the hang of adding your own little accompany-ments as you go along, to make this easy and elegant offering your own signature item requested year after year ( oh yeah, forgot to mention that--my fam. says --"what cake from Servattis are you bringing?"......got them trained to ask the question I want to answer......)
and for the last bit.....if this is to be at your home.....nothing says celebration and nice---like fresh flowers placed on the table.......even for an evening offering..same candles.....Oh Festival.......sit back and bask in the compliments...... and Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
I remember watching the 'Martha Stewart' Holiday show with my daughter and feeling both overwhelmed and a little depressed-----until I put it all into perspective----and realized---it's a show-----she has 60 peeps doing the very real labor involved---broken down into departments, to do so.....COME OFF IT!
Even one of those lovely-simple desserts would take me half a day to make.....and probably would not look ( presentation is everything-packaging the same deal) like the one they displayed with such pride on the show...
But, I do love to remember those lovely shows.....
I started looking for shortcuts-----elegant and easy......I would look at Food Network and found there were recipes that didn't take forever to make.....but that were very elegant......ditto, friend and family ones....brought to events.
And last minute-----Servattis in every pocket of Cincinnati-( suburbs) and in Northern Kentucky...... I love this place!!!!!
My daughter and I, from the time she was able to realize what New Years was really all about---celebrated the New Year with a tea party---using Servattis yummy and small individual desserts---and a tiny glass of champagne poured into our tea cup.......Memories......lol
Okay, so here are four easy-easy-elegant ( depending on how you serve them up---remember presentation is EVERYTHING) appetizers for the Holidays.....I will post desserts on the next one......these are from a mix of family-friends- and some of what I have seen on tv/cable.
1. Take a cucumber and peel it------then take a cheese slicer and peel off long strands of cucumber---lay out flat---add a slice of salmon ( packaged will do) ( fresh is better) ---roll these up and add a dollop of sour cream on top----sprinkle with dill---lightly---
then....sprinkle ( use your fingers and MEASURE) a small bit-(tiny)- of pepper flakes.....on top----and you can add pickled ginger and wasabi on the side---as a little add on.....instead of the pepper flakes. Put out some lovely flat bread crackers and there you have it!
2. Buy packages of chicken livers.......boil in a pot, ( until almost done ( rinse off the yukky grey stuff) ....in lightly salted water-----drain.......put a slice of sugar/apple ( any sweet ) flavored bacon and wrap around the liver----secure with a toothpick.....broil these bad boys until completely done---bacon is curling up and smelling delicious.....add dipping sauces---mustard-honey......done!
3. Go to Kroger-----(buy hot pepper jelly ) Kroger brand in jelly aisle) -----green and red----take it home----pour it over a softened package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese---add your favorite crackers......done!
4. Go to Maderia, Ohio------if you can--if not--Kroger-----or wherever you shop---(in Maderia---there is a shop called Piazza Desceopli
buy: figs (actually have them in a jar at PD) -----( at Kroger or Bob Evans--fig jelly or jam)
(3) cheeses--( tell them what it is for--they will help you choose and let you taste)(both places)( okay all three-see below)
(2) types of flat crackers......Rosemary Thyme are wonderful-----(Whole Foods is a great place to shop for all of this, too)
walnuts-grapes-(At PD------bottled Farmhouse Olives)------(every store has olives---try the ones in oil--real olive oil.....important)....
(really, I would say use your imagination--however, it is better to stick to a solidly tried and true version to begin---flavors must taste good together)......
For all of your above yummies------use a favorite platter-----nice napkins----take a bottle of wine....champagne----enjoy----is easy and you will get in the hang of adding your own little accompany-ments as you go along, to make this easy and elegant offering your own signature item requested year after year ( oh yeah, forgot to mention that--my fam. says --"what cake from Servattis are you bringing?"......got them trained to ask the question I want to answer......)
and for the last bit.....if this is to be at your home.....nothing says celebration and nice---like fresh flowers placed on the table.......even for an evening offering..same candles.....Oh Festival.......sit back and bask in the compliments...... and Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Holidays are racing at us!!!!!!
As we get ready for the onslaught of parties, family events, and just general shopping required to make it through the Holidays......take some time for you! If you sit in a room---or snag a quiet corner ( Cinderella-ahah) and reflect for 15 mins....in utter peace and quiet or better still, with some soothing music ( and yes, I do realize this could be crashing hard rock for some of us-smiles) it will revitalize your soul....much like shopping specific stores does for me. You can also just take a power walk-----releasing all the worries and God awful lists of "to do" thing-ies.......letting them go for the moment. Bundle up, if that is what it takes to take some time to yourself......for a quiet reflection.....no one expects that you will be hugging a tree, if you say, "Mom, Sis, Auntie" ( fill in the name.tehe) I need to take about a fifteen minute walk... been putting on a little Holiday weight".......they will be impressed and say, "wow, she is a health nut"---worse case scenario------"wow, what a good example, I think I will do just that very thing when she gets back"----best case.
We all need this peace for the season---to help our psyche cope......and to stay fresh and revived, so that we may actually enjoy whatever we have planned. Do not give in to anything----this is your "you" time......and you need it.
One of the places that helps revive you are either local or not-----Holiday fare---offered up in a different way...look up Holiday Festivals----they do all the work--it is a break for you---if you are hosting....your fam for the Holidays. And they are pretty well done.
Come on guys, we are headed to Loveland or Lebanon or the Krohn Conservatory......pick a place and make it your Holiday tradition.......Sharon Woods has a Village....and lights....Mt. Adams is just a really pretty place to visit.
Also, be mindful of the food and drink deal......don't overdo...and stay focused on healthy...at least part of the time....VITAMINS--keyword for today......shakes with yummy fruit and yes, even veggies.
This is a simple one: Plain yogurt---stir into a frothy mix--add a small bit of orange juice---just spoon it in....bananas or berries...this is too simple.....and sooooooo healthy. And a protein mix also.......with fruit and almond milk.......yum.
Next blog---easy-peasy-appetizers.......I am the Food Network Queen watcher......lol.
Enjoy the moment....every moment...we are making memories, after all.
We all need this peace for the season---to help our psyche cope......and to stay fresh and revived, so that we may actually enjoy whatever we have planned. Do not give in to anything----this is your "you" time......and you need it.
One of the places that helps revive you are either local or not-----Holiday fare---offered up in a different way...look up Holiday Festivals----they do all the work--it is a break for you---if you are hosting....your fam for the Holidays. And they are pretty well done.
Come on guys, we are headed to Loveland or Lebanon or the Krohn Conservatory......pick a place and make it your Holiday tradition.......Sharon Woods has a Village....and lights....Mt. Adams is just a really pretty place to visit.
Also, be mindful of the food and drink deal......don't overdo...and stay focused on healthy...at least part of the time....VITAMINS--keyword for today......shakes with yummy fruit and yes, even veggies.
This is a simple one: Plain yogurt---stir into a frothy mix--add a small bit of orange juice---just spoon it in....bananas or berries...this is too simple.....and sooooooo healthy. And a protein mix also.......with fruit and almond milk.......yum.
Next blog---easy-peasy-appetizers.......I am the Food Network Queen watcher......lol.
Enjoy the moment....every moment...we are making memories, after all.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Okay and then it just hit-slammed into me........lol
We all have moments where we are like---wha??? and it is because, even with absolute effort on our part, things do occur that give us pause and upset the karmatic worksheet we prefer to work off of......smiling.
I want to introduce you to some freebies I am aware of......there are web-sites that offer these.....and places as well. And soon, I hope to have some for you right on this ole' blog.
Most people have some spare time to look at this, that, and the other.....I have a few years of experience on most folks and can share some of the fun things I know. I hope you will do the same.....here.
All good Karma is welcome. All bad will be eradicated as we would fight a virus.....which bad would then be. hehe.
In Cincinnati--my sister city--where I also live-----The Cincinnati Art Museum---is free......The Krohn Conservatory---- is free-----Mt. Adams ( a cool place to visit) is free---- to wander around.......loads of awesome things to do/see/enjoy---okay mostly bar-hopping and cuisine...but still-we gotta eat-right? drink-right?
At the Kenwood Towne Center-------in Kenwood, Ohio-----go into Sephora----free samples for anything you wish to try.....product wise.....this is important and why I support buying there----most stores will not allow you to sample-as in have a sample--(of their perfumes-cosmetics)--to take with you------Sephora does!!!!!!!!Bravo Sephora....you can also sign up online to get some really cool new stuff-free samples....look it up.
At Godiva----same location-ze mall-if you join their monthly offer--free ( can sign up at the store) ---you buy one piece of chocolate and get one free!!!!!!!!!!!! once a month...a nice little treat to enjoy while shopping.
And....last for this post...but not least......Hallmark--anywhere--you can sign up for the Gold Crowne Card---free---and get points for savings certificates mailed directly to you...Looks like a gift certificate when you get it and spends like real cash.....one of those dangling keypad thingies like a Kroger Plus card......they swipe when you buy anything at their store.
I am so childish--when I recieve these in the mail---I am like a kid with candy....laughing...
Enjoy....more to come....have fun!and be safe this Holiday Season!!!!!!
I want to introduce you to some freebies I am aware of......there are web-sites that offer these.....and places as well. And soon, I hope to have some for you right on this ole' blog.
Most people have some spare time to look at this, that, and the other.....I have a few years of experience on most folks and can share some of the fun things I know. I hope you will do the same.....here.
All good Karma is welcome. All bad will be eradicated as we would fight a virus.....which bad would then be. hehe.
In Cincinnati--my sister city--where I also live-----The Cincinnati Art Museum---is free......The Krohn Conservatory---- is free-----Mt. Adams ( a cool place to visit) is free---- to wander around.......loads of awesome things to do/see/enjoy---okay mostly bar-hopping and cuisine...but still-we gotta eat-right? drink-right?
At the Kenwood Towne Center-------in Kenwood, Ohio-----go into Sephora----free samples for anything you wish to try.....product wise.....this is important and why I support buying there----most stores will not allow you to sample-as in have a sample--(of their perfumes-cosmetics)--to take with you------Sephora does!!!!!!!!Bravo Sephora....you can also sign up online to get some really cool new stuff-free samples....look it up.
At Godiva----same location-ze mall-if you join their monthly offer--free ( can sign up at the store) ---you buy one piece of chocolate and get one free!!!!!!!!!!!! once a month...a nice little treat to enjoy while shopping.
And....last for this post...but not least......Hallmark--anywhere--you can sign up for the Gold Crowne Card---free---and get points for savings certificates mailed directly to you...Looks like a gift certificate when you get it and spends like real cash.....one of those dangling keypad thingies like a Kroger Plus card......they swipe when you buy anything at their store.
I am so childish--when I recieve these in the mail---I am like a kid with candy....laughing...
Enjoy....more to come....have fun!and be safe this Holiday Season!!!!!!
Oh! mi Gosh!!!!!!!
Okay, I should just start by saying " Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!I want to let you all know that I will start updating all info on this blog daily........I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I know, no matter the circumstances, we all can think of something we are thankful for...or usually someone.
The over eating we all do during the Holidays can be a big problem...preparing for those huge dinners and parties...by sticking a small piece of chocolate in your purse-----a nibble before din-din or the party and you are not as ravenous as you would normally be.....and we all know the "drink a glass of water before" trick......I love Starbucks for both......Dark Chocolate and sparkling mineral water........a great appetite killer..in a good way...good luck!
Okay much more to come....hang in there with me.....
The over eating we all do during the Holidays can be a big problem...preparing for those huge dinners and parties...by sticking a small piece of chocolate in your purse-----a nibble before din-din or the party and you are not as ravenous as you would normally be.....and we all know the "drink a glass of water before" trick......I love Starbucks for both......Dark Chocolate and sparkling mineral water........a great appetite killer..in a good way...good luck!
Okay much more to come....hang in there with me.....
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Amazing deals......Dreams do come true......
Let's face it...we all love amazing stuff...and if it is free. well...there you have it. We will be publishing on our blog----a way to score free goodies......so look for this on the next post........
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