IT'S ALL ABOUT THE FOOD

It's been another crazy week of loony friends, planning, projects, book reading, trying new recipes, interviews, computer issues, coupon shopping and movie watching.  

Add to that a dreaded cold which has been trying very hard to keep me bedridden, but I refuse to give in. (lol)

Now onto the fun stuff!  This post is all about food and all its glory, so hop on board for the ride!

I absolutely adore strawberries and use them for lots of different treats.  If you're looking for something different to do with the fruit in your fridge, this is a good one to try.  It's perfect to try with kids or for a family get together.

SEXY STRAWBERRY PIZZA
1 Lb Pizza Dough
2 Tbsp Unsalted Butter,melted and cooled
1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar
3/4 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
4 Oz. Strawberries, Hulled
1 8 Oz Package of Cream Cheese, softened
1/2 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1/8 Tsp Kosher Salt
4 Cups Macerated Strawberries
3/4 Cup Heavy Cream, whipped to soft peaks
Caramel Sauce for serving

1.  Position racks in the center and bottom of the oven, then heat to 425 degrees.  Lien 2 cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2 Shape each quarter of the dough into a 7 inch round.  Place 2 rounds on each prepared pan, brushing the tops with melted butter.  Mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, and sprinkle on the top.

3.  Bake, rotating the pans halfway through, until the bottoms are brown and crispy, and the dough is cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes.  Then allow them to cool completely.

4.  Meanwhile, pulse strawberries in a food processor  until smooth.  Add cream cheese, confectioner's sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and salt.  Pulse until smooth.  If it's runny, refrigerate until it's firm, enough to spread.

5.  Divide strawberry cream cheese mixture among the cooled pie crusts.  Top with the macerated strawberries and whipped cream then serve immediately.  Drizzle with the caramel sauce if you like.

MACERATED STRAWBERRIES
2 Tbsp Strawberry Preserves, 1/4 Cup Sugar, 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice, 2 Lbs Strawberries, hulled and halved.

In a large bowl, microwave preserves in 10 second increments until runny.  Stiri in sugar and lemon juice.  Add strawberries and toss to coat .  Let sit, tossing occasionally, until berries release their juices, at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

COOL STUFF

Lots of us may not like veggies, but did you know the actual fear of them is called Lachanophobia? That's a pretty scary term, right?

GRAPES ARE GOOD
On average, 1 person eats about 8 pounds of grapes a year.

AN APPLE A DAY
I always love trying new apples, especially those that are a little tart, but did you know there are actually 7000 varieties of apples that are grown around the world?  Wow!

DECADENT DESSERTS
If you live in NC, or plan to visit the Memorial Day weekend, what better way to enjoy yourself than with lots and lots of yummy sweets.  On Sunday, May 27 from 1p-5p come out to celebrate NC Sugar Rush Day where you'll be able to sample lots of goodies from more than 20 food vendors. For more info, visit here and Get all the details on their Facebook event page here.

KETCHUP NO MORE
Are you tired of plain old ketchup, and want to try something brand new to put on your hotdogs and hamburgers? Visit www.chupsitup.com, and you'll find ketchup without tomatoes in the recipe!  They make their condiment with mangoes, or cherries, etc. along with their own special flavor enhancers designed to pair with your meals.

If you love donuts, get ready to celebrate National Donut Day on June 1 to score a  FREE treat from Krispy Kreme or Dunkin Donuts.  If you live near another donut shop or bakery, be sure to ask for any deals they may be offering, or check the Internet. 

ICE CREAM LOVE
If you're in the Houston Texas area and have a hankering for ice cream, be sure to check out the Fat Cat Creamery which is known for some crazy ice cream flavors like Waterloo Strawberry Buttermilk, which actually includes Waterloo Texas gin in the recipe, and is very addictive.  Or what about Whiskey Butter Pecan or the Bunny Bait for some unique flavors. Oh, I almost forgot - they are all about cats! https://www.fatcatcreamery.com 

HEAD COVERING
A formal and decorative piece of headwear common among the British is called a fascinator and became famous in the 20th century.  But isn't it really just an over the top hat?  I love them, but I don't get it!  Do you?

BRUNCH
Do you enjoy all the goodies that go along with Brunch?  According to recent studies, 51% of diners born in the mid 90's prefer to eat from a brunch buffet instead of just plain breakfast, but they consider it the best time to socialize with friends and family.  

But 1/3 of Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964), don't consider this to be a time to socialize. They just want to eat their meals and head on home.

What about you?  Do you like Brunch on the weekends?