Jun 16, 2012
My friend Mary lives in Canada. Which is prob’ly a good thing.
We’re both Chocoholics, and if she lived any closer to me we’d most likely be at each others’ door every day sharing the dark sweets in its various forms.
That doesn’t stop us from still encouraging one another to indulge without the other one present. Thank goodness we know our limits. So we’re actually more apt to post pictures on each others’ Facebook wall. Most of the time.
Beautiful, lovely, delicious looking chocolate pictures.
My friend Del introduced me to this website, Foodimentary.com. It’s a fun blog that tells you what foods to celebrate each day. Each. Day.
Seriously, Del?! I owe you the biggest plate of baked goods evvver.
So. Yeah. I finally checked out the blog and discovered that June 16th is National Fudge Day. How awesome is that?
I’m betting you can guess what I’ll be doing after the morning housecleaning, right?! Yup. I’m gonna try my hand at making fudge.
I’m so happy I could cry chocolate tears.
Now, I don’t have any photos of fudge since I haven’t made it yet, but I do have some great photos of my past delicious chocolate goodies.
I hope they inspire you to try your own hand at making some wonderful treats. Enjoy!
The Tiramisu at Bella Trattoria, Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. The coffee was also delectably delicious.
My date with Bocelli.
These donuts will be great when dipped in my ganache.
I made this batch when I wrote my blog review of “Julie & Julia.”
Homemade donuts. Yum!
I didn’t make this great Cheesecake, but it was the finishing touch to my Bunco at Tiffany’s party.
Authentic NYC Junior’s Cheesecake
This is some of the best baking chocolate ever.
Direct from New York!
My Scharffen Berger Prize Package
And it makes a really great holiday drink.
Chocolate Martini made with Scharffen Berger Chocolate.
I use my Wilton Cake Decorating Kit
for more than just icing.
Best Cake Kit
This great ganache was used as a topping
and also a soft chocolate candy.
Making Ganache
These chocolate-covered pretzels are my current
favorite
homemade treat.
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
I hope by now you’re drooling and making out your grocery list. Go on, now! It’s time to make some fudge!
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
May 19, 2012 |
It’s that time of year again: Summer Blockbusters are already starting to play at theaters across the nation, and with some of them comes the Great Adventure known as the Midnight Movie Premiere.
For the seasoned professional, this experience is more than just a two-hour outing. But for the novice, it can be a bit overwhelming. And that’s why I’m offering these useful tips:
MOJO MIDNIGHT MOVIE PREMIERE SURVIVAL GUIDE
- Sleep. At some point, your body will mandate this. It doesn’t matter where or when, but if you don’t plan for it, you may find yourself snoring a snoozefest and adding to the soundtrack. Very young children are more apt to sleep through the movie, although, to be honest, I’ve only seen two at a Midnight Movie Premiere. It’s best to leave the tiny tots at home. Teenagers and young adults find that sleep will come approximately five minutes after arriving home. Adults should catch a nap before the movie, or may find themselves nodding back and forth throughout the flick. This last tip also applies to those who are just hanging out with family and friends but otherwise have no true interest in the movie. If you arrive terribly early, you can stake your claim in line and rest there as long as you don’t do something like kick your neighbor or talk in your sleep.
- Arrive early. Enlist family and friends for a Changing of the Guard so not one person has to stay in the same spot all day. Pay attention to the local chatter for a few days ahead of time. Drive by the theater half a day early to scope it out. Ask the Ushers how many theaters are sold out. These will give you a good indication of the expected crowd. For the Midnight Movie Premiere of Twilight, Dot and I arrived a good ten hours early. For The Hunger Games, it was only four.
- Drink coffee. Then drink a VitaminWater. Then drink a regular water. Do all this at least an hour before the start of the movie so you won’t have to step on people’s feet in your race to the bathroom. Buy a hot coffee half an hour before the movie starts, but don’t drink it until then.
- Don’t buy snacks as soon as you arrive. They’ll go stale and you’ll wish you’d saved your snackage funding for the Main Event. Popcorn is meant to be enjoyed during the drama. Bring healthy snacks from home to munch on while you’re sitting/standing/squashed amongst all the other attendees. Bottled water, sliced fruit, even sushi make a great snack.
- If you have several adults in your group, send one on a food run about three hours before the show for “real” food, which includes anything from the local McDonald’s Dollar Menu to Buffalo Wild Wings. Any earlier and you’ll still be hungry. Any later, and you’ll be ushered into the actual theater and asked to throw your food away or put it in your car.
- Bring blankets. Most theaters will seat you as soon as the last regular crowd has left, so you can hang out in plush purple seating. Even so, for the first few hours at least you’ll be sitting/standing/squashed either outside or on cold, uncomfortable tile flooring. Once you are in your seat, the blanket can act as either extra cushioning or a covering, depending on your mood, age, and fatigue level.
- Know the Show. This is critical. Even if you are just a tag-along seat-filler, it’s important that you at least have a working knowledge of what’s going on. Midnight Movie Premieres are those designed for an Already-Audience. If you admit to a stranger that you’re not sure who Agents J and K are while watching Men in Black III, you run the chance of having popcorn tossed at you… from your own group!
- Speak the Language. This comes on the heels of the above point for obvious reasons. Battleship’s Liam Neeson won’t be talking about quilting. Neither should you. If the movie is based on a book that you haven’t read, there’s no shame is asking your friends for cribnotes. Just do it quietly and away from the general public.
- If you still haven’t fully grasped the above two points, for Pete’s sake do not ask questions during the movie!
- In fact, the Cardinal Rule of Midnight Movie Premiere attendees is never, ever speak during the movie itself. There should be no distractions whatsoever. Turn off your cell phones. Do not bring cellophane packaging and do not crunch your smuggled-in soda cans.
- It is permissible, however, to loudly tell someone else that they are disrupting your experience. Especially if other people are looking annoyed and not doing anything about it. It’s better to be quickly loud and subdue the annoyer, than to let it continue.
- There’s Safety In Numbers… and fun! For some reason, a Midnight Movie Premiere is much more enjoyable if there’s a herd involved. The More, The Merrier! Most theaters pre-sell tickets at least a month in advance. If you can, buy as many as you think your people will want. You can always sell them back to the theater… but not a stranger, especially at a marked up price. That’s called Scalping. It’s illegal, and can get you kicked out of the theater.
- Dress accordingly: a Midnight Movie Premiere in winter calls for scarfs and mittens and a hot thermos. Notsomuch for a summer Premiere.
- Dress the Part: If you’re really into the storyline, dress up as one of the characters. Wear hats. Glasses. Overcoats. Wigs. Whatever it takes to get strangers to point you out of a crowd and say, “Die Hard Fan, right there, folks!”
- Bring a bag of books to read and games to play. This is also more fun if you have a larger group. Small pocket card games like Uno or Apples to Apples are great fun. Even a Sudoku puzzle book can help pass the time faster. You can take it to the car before the movie begins, or bring it into the theater with you and keep playing.
- Pretend to be someone you’re not. Pretend you’re related to someone in the movie, but don’t make it obvious. Be subtle. Trick the people around you into wondering if it’s true or not. When I was in high school, my friend Debby and I had tons of people convinced Martin Sheen was my uncle. And this was during the days when his sons featured prominently with the rest of the Brat Pack. Talk about a fun summer!
- Start a sing-a-long. Speak in fake accents. Draw attention to yourself and your group, but in a good way. Sometimes theater managers will reward you for this by offering free popcorn. Draw attention to yourself and your group in a bad way, and they’ll reward you by kicking you out. Know the limit line before you cross it!
- While you’re sitting there on the cement or tile for hour after hour after hour, it’s quite possible you’ll start to go a little mad. That’s okay. Embrace the culture. Laugh at everything. Point at strangers and whisper to your friends. Eavesdrop on other conversations and then blog about it.
- Most of all, and I can’t believe I’m actually writing this (but I need a good closer): Have Fun. Don’t let the natural irritants get to you. Strangers will talk during the movie. At least one of your friends will fall asleep. Popcorn will be spilled. But even with the knowledge of those events having a 100% occurrence probability rate, I still fully recommend the experience.
Which Midnight Movie Premiere will you see this summer?
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Jan 2, 2012
I’m not gonna lie. I hope this post attracts lots and lots of attention. I hope beyond hope that somehow, someway, Keurig sees it, and like any other great food blogger, I’ll be contacted and offered mucho free product to review for them. I’d love a stinking huge Keurig gift basket to show up on my doorstep with a “Thanks for thinking of Us” card attached. Yeah… I sure can dream, can’t I?
In order to understand my love for Keurig, you must understand my love for coffee. It all began when I was a junior in college and staying up late with my friend in the dorms. Now she was a coffee drinker. She knew Starbucks before they were on every corner. And during one particularly long study session which kept us up already past a decent hour, she said, “I need coffee. I’m going to the cafeteria.” I didn’t drink coffee much back then. Sure I’d had it as a kid with lots of milk and sugar. But as a regular, Mmm-mmm good! Gotta have it! thing, notsomuch. It was too hot and strong for me, so I added a few ice cubes. That’s the ticket!
And thus began my love affair with coffee. A few years later, a former boyfriend came to town and since it was close to my birthday, he took me to lunch. We drove to the outskirts of the neighboring town, to a quaint little restaurant off the freeway that garnered much attention for it’s 50’s-era style. The food was great, and the coffee was decent. We started talking about really good coffee and he suggested we make the 30 minute drive to the nearest Starbucks. I’m game! So off we went on an impromptu coffee run.
Now, when I say I live in the Southern California desert, that’s not exactly true. I live in a residential suburb that’s planted in the desert. But you don’t really understand the meaning of the word desert until you start driving toward Barstow. And how it is that Barstow got a Starbucks long before we did is still a bone of contention around here. So. You get my excitement at driving just for good coffee. I was thinking this would be a really great birthday!
We were so busy chatting and getting caught up that we missed the first turn off. Hmm. No worries. There’s another one in a mile.
Missed it.
So we kept driving. It’s not easy to get lost on the 15 North. It’s not like there are any sidestreets to get in the way or mislead us. So we just kept talking, driving, figuring we could turn back once we reach Calico Ghost Town. A darn good birthday drive.
Missed it again. We were just about to turn around when I saw it. The first billboard indicating Sin City lay ahead: Las Vegas! And what, you ask, did the billboard advertise for that fine town? David Cassidy in Concert. Ohhh, babyyy….! I’m pretty sure I drooled. Or squeeled. Or both.
I pointed and said, “Ooh, let’s go there!” I was just joking. He wasn’t. And he said, “Wanna go?” Just like that. Uhmmm… WHAT?!?! Five dollars in my back pocket. Never been to Vegas. Hair and makeup not quite done properly. We were only supposed to be getting coffee. So I made a quick phone call to my family and said, “Hey, I’m gonna be home seriously late… like, tomorrow morning!” and it was settled.
Two great things happened that night. The first is that David Cassidy stood ten feet in front of me with his microphone, looked into my eyes and sang, “I Think I Love You”, to the dismay of all other females in the audience. The second is that I had a really great cup of coffee.
Now that’s a birthday!
Flash-forward over a decade, and I’ve become quite the coffee snob. I make Folgers when I have to, but prefer the Starbucks drive-thru. Especially since it’s literally a block from where I worked.
Last spring, I treated my mom to a birthday celebration at The Mission Inn in Riverside. It’s a beautiful, historic Inn. Just 35 minutes south of home, I used to drive there often to see the sights and surrounding areas, but never stayed there. This was the first vacation with all three of us: Mom, Me, and Dot. And it was the best. Our concierge was so helpful. She was in constant communication with me by phone and email. I explained to her my personal ideas and she threw in some marvelous touches that I never thought of. Once we were settled, she came up to personally introduce herself and wish my mom a wonderful birthday. [If you ever get the chance to stay at the Mission Inn, do so! And let them know I sent you!]
I’m so in love with the history that the Mission Inn has. I’m particularly fond of Author’s Row, where I hope to vacation some day. Many wonderful authors have not only stayed at the Mission Inn, but written books while there. I’m pretty sure there’s a Magic Pen around there, and I just need to find it.
Years ago, at one of the Inn’s corners, was this great place: The Mission Inn Coffee House. I was so looking forward to grabbing a Starbucks-quality coffee. But it has since been replaced with the Bella Trattoria, which is a fine Italian dining establishment where we suffered under heatlamps in 20 mph winds and rain just to eat my first ever veal (lasagna, it was superb!) and a true tiramisu; all while listening to Bocelli in the background.
Our room was tucked into a corner and we had a grand door overlooking the Spanish Patio, Author’s Row, and windows overlooking the pool. It was exquisite. The first morning we woke to find the coffee pot was a Keurig.
I’d never tried a Keurig before. I considered it a flashy gem, a gaudy ring on the hand of the rich and famous. A bling-bling that unnecessarily flaunted snobbery. I knew nothing. The Mission Inn had printed wonderfully simple instructions. They could have called
it “Keurig for Dummies”: Pour water. Select K-cup. Brew.
Voila! Keurig + Molly = Coffee Snob.
It was so simple. So easy. So flavorful! It took me only two weeks to get my own. Just like the one at from our room at the Mission Inn. The only difference is the color. Theirs is black. Mine is red.
You know how all roads lead to Rome? That’s how it is with me and coffee. Whereas every significant coffee moment in my life holds a great memory, there is nothing, nothing, nothing like the enjoyment I have with my Keurig. Each day, the perfect cup of coffee awaits me. I enjoy a variety of flavors without worrying about one bag of beans going stale before I finish it. When I need an extra boost, I brew a short cup full of caffeine. If I’m looking for a casual day at home, a full 12 ounces fills my cup.
And we’re not just talking coffee, here, either! Cocoas and ciders and teas, oh my! I also love brewing a clean cup of hot water for my instant oatmeal breakfasts, or regular tea bags. And let’s not forget that when I want to use my regular gourmet coffee grounds, I have the replaceable My K-Cup. With over 200 flavors and so many ways to brew, there is absolutely no possible way to make a bad cup of coffee.
All roads may lead to Rome, but all coffee leads to Keurig.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
Aug 29, 2011
by Molly Jo Realy @MollyJoRealy
Some years ago, I was having a conversation with my friend, Jenny. We were comparing our concerns and To-Do Lists when she noted, “Boy. You really have a lot on your plate!” To which I quickly replied, “Yes, but it’s not mine, and I’m being force-fed!”
Humanity is in the business of catering, but sometimes we overload ourselves. Do you ever feel that you’re carrying too much on your plate? I’m not talking about stacking spinners five plates high… all that does is turn you into a circus act. I’m talking about adding more to your one plate than what you can [should] healthily manage.
We’re all trained caterers in life. From a very early age, we learn to make other people happy, to be selfless and give more. We give our time, money, attention, emotions, and sometimes, parts of ourselves that we shouldn’t give away. It’s very fulfilling to help others. And sometimes that means taking things off their plate.
But what happens when others take advantage of that? Skooch those veggies over, time to make room for someone else’s share. They heap it on; more on your plate, less on theirs. And when word gets out that you’re a polite eater, the next thing you know, you’re eating three kinds of pie with homemade whipped cream, and you can’t even see the roast beef that you selected.
Catering to others is a good business, but like all businesses, you have to have a plan for success, or else you’ll sink.
It’s not selfish to say no to those extra sweets that just pack on the pounds. These are the people who talk so nicely to you and sugar you up, just to get what they want. The ones who manipulate you into thinking it’s all good, when deep down inside you know too much of a good thing is… just too much.
I personally don’t like beets. Beets are those bitter bleeders that seep and discolor the other food on your plate. I can manage them in tiny doses, but any more than that and … no thank you. Funny how they usually appear around the holidays. Beet People are those who slowly take over and bring their brand of flavoring to other foods. It’s always all about them. Those creamy mashed potatoes and gravy? A tad red now, a tad sharp.
Then there’s the Salad People. These are the people who know how to maintain a very healthy lifestyle and aren’t afraid of telling you what you’re doing wrong. The more sweets and carbs you load up on, the more green they dish out. Full of advice and fiber. Just stop the bad eats, and have a leaf. You’ll be fine. They do it. So can you. Unless you’re allergic to their brand of dressing. Unless you want more in your life than just rabbit food. Unless you want to eat the not-so-good-for-you stuff, just once in a while.
My favorite dish is the Meat and Potatoes. You know, the main course. These are the people who add sustenance to life. Sometimes it’s not quite flavored the way we hope, but add a dash of this and a pinch of that, and soon enough, it’s delicious. The reason we’re all here. Main Course people are your family, your best friends. The ones who are just comforting to have around and who help nourish you even when you don’t realize it.
Spices are those little extra touches in life. Salt for seasoning and preservation. Pepper for attention. Some flavors mix well, some don’t. Some you can take in large amounts, others notsomuch. Spices are anything, or anyone, in life. People. Money. Jobs. Entertainment. Distractions. Hopes. Dreams. Fears.
The funny thing is, I’ve never seen anyone use every single spice all at the same time. And some spices just don’t belong on certain foods. You wouldn’t pepper a pound cake, would you? Or dip an ice cream cone in gravy? I think not.
Being in the catering business means knowing what flavors blend, and what ones don’t. It means knowing proportions are just as important as presentation. You can’t serve an entire menu on one plate, or even at one function. We are all called to help each other, to cater to each other’s needs.
It’s okay to add seasonings and sustenance, and to enjoy their offerings as well. In fact, we’re called together in this potluck of life, to share and celebrate. To try new flavors, new foods. But that doesn’t mean ignoring our own needs for their sake.
It’s important to know that it’s also okay to say no. It’s okay to say, “This is my plate, and this is what I need,” or even “I’m allergic.” And when others start to heave their helpings upon you, it’s okay to say, “No thanks, I’ve had enough.” You know what you can take and what you can’t.
So sometimes you just have to set the big plate down and reach for dessert: that finishing touch that just sets things right. I’ll take the tiramisu over there, please. And a coffee. Thanks.
My date with Bocelli.
And Frankly, My Dear… that’s all she wrote!
