Spring Has Sprung!

So, I'm driving around town today and it's 84 degrees--on the last day of Winter, for Heaven's sake!!! Seriously??? Well, I'm not going to complain, and even better, I'm thanking God for: 1) providing us with one of the mildest Winter's on record, and, 2) sparing us from another Icelandic adventure like the one that He bestowed upon us last year!!!! Ah, Winter in the South, you never know what you're going to get, and if you don't like the weather one day--stick around, because tomorrow can be entirely different!

Spring arrives in all it's glory with the now green landscape emerging, the flowers peeking up from the once cold ground, and then, there are the spectacular trees blooming!! Bradford pears are filling out with color and the spectacular cherry tress are bursting with their snowy beauty! Cherry trees--oh yes, I am reminded that it's the time of year in our nation's capital for the biggest Springtime show of  all, the annual Cherry Blossom Festival!

The Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20th (tomorrow) through April 27th in Washington D.C.   If you have never gotten the opportunity to visit during the festival, you need to make plans (quickly) to attend, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of the "Gift of Trees", as they refer to it.   For those of you who don't know, the festival is a celebration of the gift of cherry trees from the country of Japan to the US, back in 1912, as a gesture of friendship and goodwill between the two countries.

The trees, which now number approximately 3750, with 16 varieties, are located around the Tidal Basin in East & West Potomac Park, and on the grounds of the Washington Monument. There are led, and self-guided tours, cultural activities, a parade (April 14th) and most events are free to the public. When we attended last year, we were happy to just meander around for several hours, enjoying the majesty of these pink-white beauties, which when walking beneath them, gave the illusion of stepping through a canopy of snowy white butterflies, and offered up spectacular photo opportunities.

Traffic is pretty hectic, as one would imagine, and I suggest getting there as early in the day as possible, (during the week is preferred-as opposed to the crazy weekend crowds!) in order to snag a better parking spot. Plan to spend a few hours, and wear comfortable shoes, because you will also want to visit the other National Monuments while you are there. The weather during festival time, is pretty erratic in D.C., so plan to dress accordingly (in layers). With this year's weather being so mild around the country, you may not have such extremes as we experienced last year (snow one day, rain, and a few sunny days) but be prepared to carry at least a sweater, and possibly a compact umbrella.

During your visit, you may be inspired to want to go home and plant some cherry trees for your own enjoyment, and alas--the festival has you covered there...they even have cherry blossom trees available for purchase!

Most airlines have daily flights available to D.C., with the best fares if you book at least 3 weeks in advance, but I have also lucked out with a 10 day advance, and occasionally, a last minute super rate! (So keep your eyes open every day for online specials!!)

Enjoy your visit, take lots of pictures, and send us your best shots for us to post when you get back!!

Your travel shots!

Just a quick reminder--we would love to see your fabulous travel shots, so please forward them, with a description of the locale, to our email address listed in the Contact Us section!  Can't wait to see what you send us!  Also, if you would like, please send along your favorite travel tip for the location in the shot!

St. Patty's Day Dessert--Irish Mint Brownies...YUMMM!!!!

By: Kim Getchell (as featured on Allrecipes.com)

"It's a brownie covered in mint cream topped with chocolate, mmmmmm!"

 

Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9x13 inch pan

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate syrup
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons creme de menthe liqueur
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup sugar and 1/2 cup of softened butter until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the chocolate syrup. Stir in the flour until just blended. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool completely in the pan.
4. In a small bowl, beat the confectioners' sugar, 1/2 cup butter or margarine and creme de menthe until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled brownies, then chill until set.
5. In a small bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter and the chocolate chips, stirring occasionally until smooth. Allow to cool slightly, then spread over the top of the mint layer. Cover, and chill for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Nutritional Information 

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 286 | Total Fat: 13.8g | Cholesterol: 63mg

Erin Go Bragh, Y'all! (or for us English speakers--Ireland Forever!!)

'Tis the month of St. Patty, where everything in sight turns ridiculous shades of green in honor of this March 17th Holiday, named for St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.....Green Hair, green beer, green eggs and ham...and don't forget, if you don't wear green on St. Patrick's day, you are subject to the customary "pinch!".....green, green, green.....but did you know:

• The original color associated with St. Patrick was blue.   
• St. Patrick used the shamrock as a way to explain the Holy Trinity to the Irish people in the year 432.
• It is a religious observance, and was not celebrated as a public holiday in Ireland until 1903.
• The official St. Patrick's Feast Day was first celebrated in the early 1700's, as the lifting of the lenten restriction on eating and drinking. ( and now, as a reason to get wild and crazy :)
• The first St. Patrick's Day festival in Ireland was held on March 17, 1993, and was approved by the Government of the Republic of Ireland as a way to promote Ireland, and it's culture.

St. Patty's Day is now celebrated in many countries around the would, even though, in the US, it's not really an official holiday.  But alas, official or not, many people look forward to any reason to enjoy this colorful revery.  Some interesting factoids:

• In Savannah Georgia, every fountain within the city limits is dyed green, and there is a huge parade, with over 450,000 spectators every year.  Savannah's Irish version of Mardi Gras has party goers celebrating on River Street until the wee hours of the night!
• Chicago dyes it's river green.
• In Venice Italy, they celebrate the Festa Irlandese'--10 days of live music, food, and drink.  Those Italians know how to party!!!!
• In Moscow, Irish bars contribute huge floats and even showcase the large Irish Wolfhounds as part of their local parade.
• Munich is the only city in Germany that celebrates St. Patrick's Day.
• Guinness is the drink of choice, (although I've certainly celebrated with green Margaritas, and that was just fine, as I'm not a beer drinker!--Uh oh, does that mean that I get my Irish membership revoked??) and the most common St. Patty's day meal in the US is corned beef and cabbage, although, historically, this is an American meal.

So, this week, put on your green, party like a leprechaun, and enjoy being one of us Irish people for a day! We welcome all to our celebration, or as we say in Gaelic, "Failte" (pronounced, Fall-cha!) which means, Welcome All!

Magic Cookie Bars, a la Cat!

Now, I know everyone is probably familiar with this recipe, so why did I choose this recipe first???  Because it's one of my all-time favorites....and because it reminds me of how we used to beg our Aunt Pat to make sure she had them made for our family reunion every summer when we were kids........and because my sweet friend, Mary, always talks about how good my version of these are.....and well, they are just so darned good!  That should be reason enough!  Besides, I don't know anyone who doesn't like them........

They certainly aren't gourmet, but I dare you to turn one down if I make them for you.........uh-uh, won't happen! LOL!

MAGIC COOKIE BARS A LA CAT

Magic Cookie Bars

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1 (14 ounce) can EAGLE BRAND® Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
• 2 cups butterscotch morsels
• 1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped nuts

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
3. Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Footnotes

• Variations
• Omit nuts.
  Peanut butter flavored chips or white chocolate chips may be substituted for butterscotch flavored chips.
• Magic Peanut Cookie Bars: Substitute 2 cups (about 3/4 pound) chocolate-covered peanuts for semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
• Magic Rainbow Cookie Bars: Substitute 2 cups plain candy-coated chocolate candies for semi-sweet chocolate chips.

San Francisco.....ahhhh!!!!

The City by the Bay, as Steve Perry, from Journey, sings (and now I must admit to my Journey addiction--the one that makes my kids' eyes roll way back in their heads...but more about that later )...it is a spectacular place, and one so close to my heart, (and yes, I  leave my heart in San Francisco every time I'm there--thank you,  Mr. Tony Bennett :)

Any chance I get to visit is another exciting adventure for me, as I always discover more to love about this place!  From Telegraph Hill, to the Mission District, zig-zagging down crooked Lombard Street, and beyond, to Pier 39 and Ferry Building........Dining in China Town for dim sum, or Pier Market for fresh clam chowder......or maybe Boudin's, for the best Sourdough Bread in the world, or.., or,....so much to see and do, it's hard to pick.  And then, there is Ghirardelli's!!!  (remember, I AM a chocoholic, after all, so chocolate is always on my list :)

There are world class hotels all around,  and, as I discovered on my last visit--quaint boutique hotels!  This was new for me, but I must admit....I like this idea.  We stayed at the Prohibition era built,  (1928) and quite elegant, Sir Frances Drake hotel.  You are greeted at the front entrance by a very dapper, Beefeater doorman, all decked out in his finest red uniform and black hat,  (Hi Eddie!!) and then step inside, and up the grand staircase to the reception area, for a quick check in, with the very friendly staff.    Kimpton Hotels has  renovated this beauty, and added so much charm, that you feel almost as if you are staying at a bed and breakfast, instead of a large hotel....the French Provencal decor was a subtle nod to the old days, and even though our room was on the smaller size, it was quite cozy and comfortable....well, for me, anyway...my room mate, Kelsey, had a little issue with getting her 6'2" legs all tangled up in a tiny hole in her sheets, which made for much morning laughter between the two of us, as she tried to wrangle out of the bedding, but she ended up working things out with the staff to take care of her problem.  And, YES, you heard me right....the girl is 6'2', and a beast on the dance floor of the Starlight Room on the 21st floor, as we all discovered one night!  Go Kelsey!!!!  The  Kimpton people know how to do it right!!!!  Their customer service policy is out of this world, and they strive to make every visit a memorable one. (Thank you for the champagne and strawberries, and the animal print robes, Kimpton!)  I will most definitely return......but please make sure Kelsey's bedding is in better shape, next time) LOL!!!

For those outdoor folks, there is plenty to do....head down to the bay, and start your morning with the world famous Irish Coffee, at the Buena Vista Cafe,  fly kites down along the bay, ride bikes across the Golden Gate Bridge--maybe even stop in Sausalito for lunch afterwards,  charter a boat for a ride over to Alcatraz, or do a walking tour of the Golden Gate Park (make sure you stop at the delightful, Japanese Tea Garden!)  And of course, if you're into sports, there are several professional teams in San Francisco for you to enjoy (Go 49'ers!!---we were there the night they beat the Saints in their playoff game--crazy, pandemonium broke out--partying in the streets until the wee hours of the morning!)  It was quite entertaining ;)

The "Drake" is located in Union Square, close to lots of restaurants and shopping.  While we never had dinner at the hotel, due to the fact that we were out and about in the evenings, we did have breakfast, one morning, in their Scala's Bistro, and it was quite excellent!  We ventured out for breakfast the next two days, and discovered Sears Fine Food, which is famous for their plate of 18 little Swedish pancakes, with Lingonberry sauce,  and Lori's Diner,  a cute-retro-50's style place with the red leather barstools and chrome counters that you would expect.  Now, I must say, I am a bit (??)  quirky, (imagine that!), and whenever I try a new diner for breakfast, I judge them by how good their corned beef hash is!  Crazy, I know, but I just expect  corned beef hash in a diner--that's how it should be....and in this instance, Lori's beat Sears in my corned beef competition.....but the little Swedish pancakes at Sears were a good runner up option...so we will call it a tie, this time :)

The Powell Line Cable Car , (don't dare call them Trolleys or the locals will flog you) ran right outside our hotel, so we all hopped on, one afternoon, after a long day of walking the convention halls at The Fancy Food Show, and headed down to the Bay area, Pier 39 to be exact, in search of our favorite seafood place, Pier Market, for some of their awesome clam chowder.  As always, it was excellent, and after dinner, we strolled around the pier, shopping for souvenirs, and looking out over the boats docked in the harbor, as the evening sun was setting, just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge......a delightful evening....

Another night, after the show, we headed over to Ghirardelli Square, for a private cocktail reception given  by the wonderful Ghirardelli folks, for select clients (don't we feel special?).....let me tell you, these people know how to throw a party!  Lots of food, cocktails, and to top it off....we were all encouraged to head over to the ice cream counter, where the servers made us anything we wanted!  All of us chose the most gi-normous, Hot Fudge Sundaes you could ever imagine!!!  Remember.....I am a chocoholic, and this IS chocolate heaven, after all!  What's a girl to do???  right???  But did I stop there??  Oh no.......one of the counter attendees saw me gazing at the brownie case, and immediately loaded up a box with several of them, and handed those fudgey bricks of yumminess to me!!!.....again--chocolate----was I supposed to hurt his feelings, and turn them down???  Oh no.....that would never do!!!  LOL!!!!  Ghirardelli Square is open to the public, and if you get a chance to visit,  please do....and try the Sundaes!  (And Brownies!!) Trust me, they are worth all the calories...


While there is no way to cover all the exciting activities in San Francisco,  I wanted to share a few of my favorites with you.  Hopefully, this will stir enough interest  to make you want to schedule a trip out there soon, and hey, if you need a guide, I'm always available :)  You just have to promise to take me back to Ghirardelli's!!! ;)

California Dreaming.....

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the Fancy Food show in one of my favorite cities, San Francisco!! While this was not my first time at the show, it was my first time there looking for products to feature on this site, so I was quite excited, and extremely discerning, in looking for the most unique and delicious items to share with you!

Now, about the show....imagine, two convention centers filled with the most spectacular and delectable treats that you have ever seen! One building for domestic specialties, and the other is for international delights...ooh, the sights and smells...and then there were the samples!!! Rows and rows of vendors, sharing bits and bites of their wares...think chocolates--lots of chocolates!!!! Every kind of chocolate that you could ever think of, plus many that you would never dream of!!! (are you getting the idea about about my number one obsession yet???)

Not all products there are chocolate, however, ---there is a sea of different items from, cookies, chips, nuts, sauces, drinks, meats, cheeses, seasonings, and....well, I think you get the idea!  After years of attending this show, I've learned how to pace myself.........the first time I attended, I was sick from sampling every product  I was offered within the first fifteen minutes!  And I hadn't even made it down one side of ONE row yet!!!!!!  Note to self:  Indian Samosas and Italian Cannoli do NOT combine well in one's stomach!!!   Never the less, I soldiered on....after all, I was there for the food!!!  I just had no idea how this worked!  Pace-Pace-Pace.....I've actually gotten very good at turning samples down, and being more selective with the more shows that I attend....and trust me, that is a GOOD thing!!

Now that I've tempted you with this adventure, I must share the sad news that the show is NOT open to the public, so don't go booking your flight to San Francisco for the next show, quite yet!  Sorry, but this is a trade show for the gourmet industry, and is where all the fabulous new food/gourmet products are introduced to the retailers!  But never fear!  That's why I'm here....I will give you an insider's view to all the sumptuous new treats that will be hitting the market, and.....if you are good...I will even tell you how you can obtain them!!!!!  Aren't you excited now??????  I know you are............ :)

In the next few days, I will be sharing photos and details with you regarding the items that I personally selected as the "Best of Show."  I can't wait to bring you these wonderful treats, so get ready! You will be drooling at your keyboards, I promise!

I will also share with you, some information about the fantastic city of San Francisco, so if you've never been, well, maybe this will encourage you to check it out!  After all, that's what we do here...explore!  Now get out there!!!

Featured Product!

Baking Betty's--They Keep You Coming Back For S'More!

Is there anything better than cookies and milk? Or, maybe you would prefer a gooey-chocolatey S'more!!  I mean, seriously, doesn't that just make you want to get busy in the kitchen???.......Well, these two Hot Cookies, from the L.A. area,  are baking up the best of your childhood favorites--delectable little bites that combine chocolate chip cookies and S'mores!  Yes, that's right!  What a combination! 

Meet The Baking Bettys--Taryn Carpenter and Emily Osterberg, who are the brains, (and obviously) the beauties (aren't they adorable in their Tutus?) behind these magical, morsels of delight!  They come in 4  varieties--S'mores, Double S'mores, Chocolate Chip, and their newest, the Sugar Betty! . Now, I really haven't met a chocolate chip cookie that I didn't like, but I have to admit.... I was never a fan of the traditional S'mores growing up-------However, that changed after Taryn presented me with 3 Baking Betty's S'more cookies  on my last visit to L.A.,...All I can say is,  O-M-G!!!  These cookies are amazing!!!  I've been converted!  I want S'more!!!! Really---I want S'more, right now!!!!!

Baking Betty's are available on the West Coast at Fashion Island, in Newport Beach, but don't fret if you aren't an L.A. resident.....the Betty's will be more than happy to ship you a batch, just go to our featured product tab, and place your order!  And afterwards, if you would be so kind as to shoot us a quick message with your feedback on The Baking Betty's, we would love to hear from you, as feedback is important to us and our Vendors!

So, what are you waiting for???  Go--place--an--order--your tummy will thank you, and like the Bettys say, " They will keep you coming back for S'more!" ....now where is that last S'more that I was hiding from the boys???............hehehehe!    Nom-Nom-Nom.........

My personal Betty's stash