MEET THE GREAT FOOD TRUCK RACE TEAM - POSTCARDS

As you already know, I'm a HUGE fan of the Food Network, and love watching The Great Food Truck Race every year.  I fell in love with the Postcards Team because their food looked so yummy!  So having the opportunity to meet the innovative creator of Postcards, Greg King, from the show, all the way from California had me doing the Happy Dance! True, this is reality food television, but I was super impressed that everyone got along and the competition was friendly and exciting.  No backstabbing going on here, folks! Sit back with a cool drink and enjoy this fun and informative interview: We're thrilled to have you on board today and can't wait to find out more about the Postcards world. 1.  What's your food truck all about? Well, Postcards is a fusion soul food concept, where we deliver flavorful and savory soul food served in a wrap or a bowl. 2.  How long have you been in business and what made you choose the food you cook? I've been in business 2 1/2 years now. When I was a child growing up my dad owned a soul food restaurant. It was the groundwork for my decision today. I love soul food and I love to cook. It was just a natural fit. 3.    How in the world did you end up on the Food Network?   The casting department spoke with someone who recommended us. The person had tried our food and suggested they call us because they thought the food was great. From there it's all history. 4.      Did you feel nervous about being with other food truck vendors?  We're on the road every day working with a number of really talented gourmet food vendors. Never one moment did we feel fear or trepidation. Food is what we do! No matter if we are on TV or on the street, we work hard to deliver a great product for customers. 5.      How did you feel when you won the $1000 challenge for the soup, chiles and yummy cornbread preparation? It was exciting to win the challenge. It's important to showcase your food talents on the show. Having the greatest sales is not the bar that dictates whether or not you are a great cook. When people say they love your food, that signals real success. 6.      How did you end up using your daughter and “big sis” as you co-partners in crime, and do you ever find it difficult to work together? They were the natural choices. I work with my big sis on the truck almost every day. My daughter is the light of my life. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to be on this journey with me. They both empower me and believe in the food in our vision. That's why they were the natural choices. 7.      Everyone seemed so calm.  Did you feel stressed out when you were by yourself? I always take on the perspective of there's no reason to be alarmed by any situation. When they gave us challenges, I just went with the punches and continue to try to do the best work I could do. That's also how much Teams work. We are calm and we work hard to just deliver a great product. We also made it a point to rally the teams together. We didn't want to be catty or have drama. We promoted The notion of supporting each other and each team. We knew that the only people we were competing against were ourselves. Knowing that allowed us to stay very calm. 8.      Inquiring minds are dying to know – where in the world does everyone sleep and eat during the show?  Did you cook for each other? They put us up in hotels. Most of the time we ate out. 9.      Since being on the show, has your life changed and do you see more business? The show was a great experience for us. We have seen some great people come up to the truck and let us know they saw the show. People have been extremely supportive. It's been great! 10.   Do people recognize you at the supermarket? Recently I was in Chicago and a woman walked up to me and said I saw you yesterday on the show. She wanted to take a picture on the street. We did. It was a lot of fun! 11.   Would you want your daughter Gray to carry on the food tradition?   Gray wants to be an actress. I want her to do whatever she chooses in life and I fully support her. If he chooses to going to food, I know she's going to be a superstar in that area. 12.   What about opening up a restaurant?  Will it still happen? We will have a restaurant in 2016. 13.   Would you ever travel to other states to sell your food? We will do this too. 14.   What’s your favorite food to eat? I love soul food. I also love french fries. 15.   What movie are you dying to see when you have time? I love dramas. Nothing on my radar right now, but I'm sure something will come to me soon. 16.   Now that the show is over, what (if anything), would you have done differently? We were our authentic selves. The entire incident with the car accident was really blown out of proportion. I wish that it been portrayed differently on television. At the end of the day we were true ourselves and I don't think I'd change anything. 17.   If someone gets sick on your truck, what do you do? It depends on the severity. First thing is to let them go home. If it's really severe I call 911. 18.   Was there anything about the show that you didn’t like?  Did a contestant ever get on your nerves?  Did you have a fave food truck other than your own.  We really loved all of the other contestants. When the truck accident happened, if you look at social media you'll see that a number of them really came to our defense and let people know that we were a stand-up team. I can't say I had one favorite. I had six favorites. 19.   What state do you wish you could visit within the next 5 years? I can't say state, but how about country? I'd love to visit South Africa soon. 20.   What can you tell us that people would be surprised to know?  My daughter is a Howard University legacy. I attended Howard. Now she attends Howard. She got accepted to some top schools, but Howard was her first choice. I'm a very proud father. I had quite a few friends who attended Howard and was very close with a DJ on the Quite Storm, waaay back in the day.   What a proud legacy for you and your family to be a part of, and we wish you all the greatest success throughout the rest of this year, and in 2016 when you open that restaurant!  Stay in touch and thanks again!

NUTELLA CHEESECAKE & PARKING

I've never really been a fan of the Oreo Cookie until they started coming out with all these really cool flavors, but did you know it's actually been around since 1912? Oreo's are also the best selling cookie in the United States with over 360 billion sold!  That's pretty amazing.

Anyhoo, this recipe from the dessert cookbook, "Sweets and Treats with Six Sisters' Stuff".  If you're on a diet, or even thinking about that word, this is not the book for you, but if you love desserts that are yummy AND easy to make, give this one a try.  You won't even need to use your oven!

NUTELLA CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 12 Oreo cookies, finely crushed
• 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
• For the filling:
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups Nutella
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• For the topping:
• ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a pie pan and set in the fridge until firm. In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, Nutella, vanilla extract and heavy cream until smooth. Spread filling over crust and place in fridge until it sets up. In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Microwave for 1-2 minutes or until chocolate chips are melted. Stir until smooth and spread evenly over cheesecake. Cover and keep in fridge until set.

Feel free to add walnuts or pecans for even more decadence and crunch.

PARALLEL PARKING
Many years ago when I got my very first license in North Dakota, thank goodness I didn't have to do any parking.  Fast forward a few years later when I allowed my license to expire in Maryland, and had to take the entire dang driving test.  I had absolutely NO clue how to parallel park, so I called a friend and we did a quick 30 minute test in his tiny car.  For those that are thinking that's pretty fast to pick it up - not really.  Our plan was to try to keep the things he taught me in my head long enough to pass that test, hence the quick turnaround. (lol)  

I passed, but just barely. If you talk to anyone who knows me, they'll quickly tell you that I can't back up very well, let alone parallel park. I'm so bad at it, that someone usually has to direct me to get out of tight places, AND I'll get laughed at.  On my own, I'll drive around the block for hours to avoid parking, if I have to. What about you? Is parallel parking still required where you live when you get your license?

I'm behind in watching one of my favorite programs, called Madame Secretary starring Tea Leoni, but I binge watched the other day. Originally she was the one who fascinated me, but the more I watched, I ended up with a serious crush on Tim Daly, who plays her hubby.  Apparently, she agrees with me because they're now dating in real life!  Yay! The topic of one of the shows that I never really thought about was what would happen if the president got sick, was impeached, or died?  Who actually takes over, and is there any way that person could get out of it! (lol)  Here's the list in order, and it's been this way since 1947:

• 
  
• Vice President
• Speaker of the House
• President pro tempore of the Senate

• Secretary of State
• Secretary of Treasury
• Secretary of Defense
• Attorney General
• Secretary of the Interior
• Secretary of Agriculture
• Secretary of Commerce
• Secretary of Labor
• Secretary of Health and Human Services
• Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
• Secretary of Transportation
• Secretary of Energy
• Secretary of Education
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs
• Secretary of Homeland Security

MONSTER CANDY BAR CAKE

Things have really changed in life.  The other day, my 4 year old nephew whom I've vowed never to babysit again, took his grandmother's phone.  As he started punching numbers, he calmly asked for her password to unlock the phone.  Huh?  She just as calmly provided the info he requested, and before I knew it he was typing away!  Another nephew who is 5, asked his mother for her credit card number so he could order something on-line.  Now I'm really scratching head, readers, but perhaps I'm in error or too old fashioned.  I  expect a kid to do homework, read a novel or learn to tie a shoe.  What in the world is going on?????(lol)

If you're looking for something cool and safe for your kiddies to do for Halloween, be sure to check out the Scare-fest on October 29 @ 5:30pm and October 30 @ 5:30pm.  Movies will be provided, along with snacks in the Lillington Library for teens aged 13-18.

Now onto this fun recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee and her cookbook called Every Dish Delivers:

INGREDIENTS
Nonstick Cooking Spray
1 Box Chocolate Cake Mix
1 1/2 Cups Cola
3 Large Eggs
1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 1/2 Cups Various candy bars, chopped and divided for use
1 Can of Chocolate Frosting

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare 2 9-inch round pans with cooking spray.  Cut parchment paper circles to fit in the bottom of the pans.  Place the circles in pans and give them a light spray of oil.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix cola, eggs and oil.  Beat with a mixer on low speed until combined, then continue beating on medium speed for 2 minutes, occasionally scraping the bowl with a spatula.  Fold in 1 1.2 cups chopped candy.

3.  Divide the batter between the 2 cake pans.  Place in preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Cool in pans for 10 minutes.  Invert cakes onto cooling racks cooling completely.

4.  To finish the cake, remove the parchment circles and place one layer on a cake plate or stand.  Spread layer of frosting then sprinkle with 1/2 cup candy.  Place second layer on top and finish frosting the cake.  Decorate the cake by sprinkling remaining candy on top and sides of the cake. You're ready to impress friends and family!

It's important that I share social issues regarding women, but when it comes to my own personal health, I tend to fall short. Last month I discovered a fairly large lump on my breast that I ignored, thinking it would go away, then promptly forgetting about it because I'm awful busy.  If you remember, October is the month we recognize Breast Cancer, so I had it checked out, just as I encourage you to do.  I wasn't surprised by the results, but I am optimistic, because that's just what one has to do in order to stay sane. Whenever possible, we have to live life to the fullest.  This is true if you're homeless, have no job, no money and or no family support.  We must remember that we are here for a reason, even when not knowing what that reason may be. I say this to remind you of the importance of doing self exams and having mammograms done.

If you don't have the money, take some time to research and get it done for FREE, or borrow the money.  We've come a long way, but that doesn't mean we can ignore the warning signs our body tells us.

RECOGNIZING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EVERY MONTH

Initially this blog came about because of my love of books, freebies and recipes; however, I'm just as passionate about the plight of abused women.

Domestic violence wears many hats and includes verbal abuse.  The old adage of "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is NOT true.  Being called useless, a whore or stupid are just minute examples of this type of abuse.  In fact, a verbal abuser loves to tell us they are not abusive because we aren't being hit.  This is simply another form of emotional degradation.

Many can never imagine lying next to someone in fear of doing something that could cause a raised fist, being degraded or threatened by someone who professes to love us before even getting out of bed.  Love is NOT supposed to hurt us. 

Some of us can't imagine not being able to leave the house to earn a living, or having our children threatened with harm. If we are allowed to work, we may go to work with hidden bruises and mental anguish. 

October is the month many recognize domestic violence, but for a victim, she lives with it every day; hoping and praying for the money to get away, for the support of family, or a shoulder to lean on.  A victim may have difficulty leaving due to many reasons, including the loss of her self-esteem.  Yet she does want a better life. She wants to be a survivor, using her pain to help someone else in need.

Let's remove the stigma, so domestic violence doesn't continue to be a silent crime.  Let's stop pointing fingers and stating that someone deserves to be beaten.  No one deserves to be physically harmed. No one deserves to be treated as if they don't even exist. It doesn't matter if you're a man or a woman, rich or poor, black or white, homosexual or heterosexual.  Domestic Violence is a crime.

When it is safe to do so, seek help.  There are those who care.  I care and I believe that you matter.

FUDGY MINT COOKIES & THOUGHTS

Fudgy Mint Cookies 

Ingredients

• 1 package devil's food cake mix (regular size)

• 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar

•       2 Packages of Chocolate Covered Mints    

• 1/2 cup butter, softened

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon water

   

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°. In a large bowl, mix cake mix, butter, eggs and water to form a soft dough. Shape dough into 1-in. balls; roll in confectioners' sugar. Place 2 in. apart on ungreased baking sheets.
2. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set. Immediately press a mint into center of each cookie. Cool on pans 2 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 3 dozen      

This is another recipe from Taste of Home-
5 Ingredients.  I just love this cookbook!


WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I've been reading seriously since I was 8 years old, and now, I'm pretty dedicated to carrying either 2 books and a magazine, or three books wherever I go.  It doesn't matter if I'm headed to a get together, a doctor's office, or a wedding - it's just what I do. I may not read them, but I feel a sense of comfort knowing those books are near, just in case. I've never really had it happen, but if you want to read when we're hanging out, I'm not offended.   

On the other end of the spectrum, I've noticed that people will text during a conversation or do some tweeting while in church, at work, standing in line or at a PTA Meeting.  Many more carry on entire Facebook discussions at the dinner table with friends and family. Married couples are on Instagram while sitting next to each other.  I have my thoughts, but was wondering what you think about either of these situations.

Bibliocrunch Best-Selling Books Giveaway -15 Winners 

Open to residents of the United States, Canada who are 13 years of age and older, and ends on  October 21, 2015.

Website Entry Form | 

How To Enter:

1. Visit Bibliocrunch.com
2. Click the Register button at the bottom right. If it gives you an error about your password being too short click the Register button at the top and then go back to the entry page.
3. Follow Bibliocrunch on Facebook or Twitter
4. Tweet for bonus entries

Entry Limit: one entry per person + bonus entries for sharing

Fifteen (15) Prizes (5 copies of each):

1. The Martian by Andy Weir
2. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
3. The Damascus Cover by Howard Kaplan (signed copies) Thanks to Sweeties Sweeps

Do you absolutely love chili?  SAVE THE DATE on November 7, 2015 to get your chance to vote for one of 3 winners at the Fuquay Varina, NC Chilli Cook-Off, from 10am - 4pm.
For more info, visit http://www.fuquay-varinadowntown.com

We all have grown up with a perception of what a homeless person looks like.  Some may be disheveled, with sunken cheeks due to hunger, etc.  That's what we expect. But did you know there are thousands of people who live out of their cars, or move from home to home, hoping and praying for a good job and security and food for their kids, who look like the person you meet in the library or sitting in a fast food restaurant?  Some women leave their homes with nothing but the clothes they have on, grateful to be away from abusive partners. We never know who may need a helping hand.  If you can, reach out to someone in need who may be too embarrassed to ask.  Our kindness may make all the difference. 

WHAT IN THE HECK? AGAIN!

Despite doing some really crazy things in my life, I don't mind sharing so you can all laugh along with me. (lol)

I only thought this happened on television or in the

movies, but uh..nope!  The other day, I had to get some gas because I've been traveling way more than normal for various appointments. I stopped to a Murphy's gas station because it was the least expensive in the area.  I pumped the gas while talking on the phone then got back into the car. Then I started daydreaming. If you guessed that I drove off with the pump thingy still in the tank, you go to the head of the class with an A+.  Hearing this loud noise, and hysterical laughter from my fellow pumpees told me I had clearly lost my mind for a moment, before humbly going back to take care of my faux pas. Was I embarrassed? Heck yeah!  But why not turn these embarrassments into a story, right? Blogosphere, can you please tell me that I'm not the only one who has momentarily lost it in the gas station?  What the heck? (lol)

Being a cookbook collector, I managed to come across another really good one, called Taste of Home - 5 Ingredient Cookbook.  I totally love it!  Not only are these recipes simple to make, but they're creative and tasty.  Here's a really good one you can use as an appetizer or sweet treat, and it only takes about 10-15 minutes!

AMARETTO-PEACH CHEESE SPREAD
2 Pkgs - Softened Cream Cheese
1 Jar Peach Preserves
1 Cup Finely Chopped Pecans
2 Tablespoons Amaretto
Gingersnap Cookies or Sugar Cookies

All you do is place the cream cheese on  serving plate.  In a small bowl, mix your preserves, pecans and Amaretto, then pour all that yumminess over the cream cheese.  Serve with the cookies and that's it.  What the heck, why not use on a bagel, too? (lol)

I'm waaay behind in blogging and responding, but I promise to get back on my game one day soon.  I sure miss seeing what everyone has been talking about in the world of blogging. One thing I managed to do that I'm super excited about was finishing up an interview with Postcards from The Great Food Truck Race on the TV Food Network with my boyfriend Tyler. I'll take those pats on the back right about now, please. I'm also thrilled that they are doing a  Kids' Chopped in the next 2 weeks!  I love to see kids show off their culinary skills in the kitchen. 

Did you know that there are tons of hidden bunkers throughout Washington D.C. just in case the president has to make a quick getaway?  Some are located in old buildings, or hotel basements.

FEISTY FRIDAY

About 20 years ago I used to wear contacts.  Nope, not the regular kind, I was flashy and wore the colored lenses that were really cool.  What most people don't know is back then when the lenses came in, you had to attend a class to learn how to put them in.  Well, my class had about 8 people in it, and it was supposed to last for about an hour.  That was the case for most of the people, who managed to get out of there in a quick 15 minutes.  Not me, my dear readers.  I ended up closing the eye store down and not in a good way. (lol)  I had so much trouble putting those things in, that it took almost 2 hours!  The thought of actually touching my eyes and putting something in them nearly drove me crazy.  My eyes kept tearing up,  it was a near disaster, but I finally figured it out.  The entire time I wore these prescription lenses, trying to be cute, I had to give myself an extra 15 minutes just to get ready! Flash forward to today, and I'm your glamour girl with glasses. (lol)

Do you remember that the rule back in the day was to remain quiet while in the library? Uh...apparently that's no longer the case.  For the past 3 days I had to do some work in the library, and set up shop with my laptop. Teenagers yelled across the room at each other, kids laughed loudly while watching things together on the computer, one man was on his laptop playing music, and two people were actually reading.  If you've been reading this blog, you already know that I'm a talker, but NOT in the library.  That's where we readers and writers go for peace and relaxation.  What in the world is going on?

The size of the America's smallest national park is a mere .02 acres!  If it sounds way too small to be a park, that's because it's really a landmark building in Philadelphia.  Looking for somewhere much bigger to hang out?  Visit Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve in Copper Center, Alaska which covers a whopping 13 million acres!!!!  The visitor center complex located at Mile 106.8 Richardson Hwy and includes a bookstore, short hiking trails, theater, amphitheater, and scenic overlooks.

A verbal abuser will frequently tell you and anyone else who listens that "he is not an abuser and is madly in love."  In fact, this is the very same person who will use denial tactics and say to his partner:

"I never told you that".
"You're delusional".
"You're making all that up".
"You're getting upset about nothing".
"It's no big deal".
"We never had that conversation."

Just for the record, we haven't lost our minds. When it becomes crystal clear to us that there was a conversation, that we're not delusional and that we've made nothing up, our self-esteem helps us to realize the verbal abuse we're being or have been subjected to.