FUN FOOD FINDS & FACTS

We love visting Kim at http://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/as she hosts her weekly Sunday Post and shares new info on books, blogging, and more. Be sure to stop by to say hello! *Waving




Triple Chocolate Cookies - from The Food Network


Ingredients
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 large eggs
1 large yolk
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
6 ounces white chocolate chips

Directions
Whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and cloves together in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Remove pan from the heat, add the bittersweet chocolate, then set aside until melted.

Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla together in a medium bowl, then slowly whisk in chocolate. Stir in the flour mixture to make a loose dough. Don't overwork the dough. Fold in the chips. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (or 325 if convection option is available).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Form dough into balls, about 2 inches or 1 1/2 ounces each, and put on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a couple inches between the cookies. Bake until outside is crackly, but the center is still moist, about 13 to 15 minutes, or 12 in convection. Cool on a rack.

You already know that I love spicy food, so when I came across this Habanero Jam, I was definitely on board.  Even better, it's super simple to make which is great.

HABANERO JAM
4 oz. habanero chiles, halved with the seeds removed(removing the seeds decreases some of that heat)
2 cups tequila or vodka
1/4 finely chopped red onions
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
6 tbsp raw sugar
1 1/2 kosher salt

Chop the chilies in a food processor, then transfer to a small bowl and mix in your tequila or vodka. Let it sit uncovered for 1-3 hours, and chilies will get less spicy as they soak.  Drain, then set aside.

Transfer the chilies to a small pan, then add onion, vinegar, orange juice, raw sugar, salt and 1 cup water, bringing to a boil over medium-low heat.  Cook until the chilies are tender and the liquid has a syrupy texture - about 50 minutes or so.  Let cool and you're all set! Yummy!

If you like to add some sweetness to this jam, try strawberries or peaches.

FOODIE FINDS
You can live in a state for years and still miss out on some of the tasty treats from various restaurants.

SAN DIEGO is home to Little Italy's "Top Chef Alley", where some of your fave chefs from the show have amazing places to eat including one of my boyfriends, Richard Blais.  By the way, if you're addicted to the show like I am, the new season of Top Chef begins in Thursday, December 1, and Charleston is the hangout.  Yay!

NEW YORK has some of the best puffy fried fish tacos at Rockaway Beach Surf Club.

DETROIT is bragging about  a brand new place called Sister Pie and they serve dishes that are over the top fabulous. Strawberry Pistachio Crumble Pie, Toasted Marshmallow Butterscotch Pie, cookies and more, are what you can find on this eclectic menu according to Bon Appetit. 


Or if Detroit is a little too far, check out my friends Jeanine and Jack at http://www.loveandlemons.com/strawberry-pistachio-crumble/ for their amazing version!

Morrisville, NC will offer Trick or Treat & An Outdoor Movie on Thursday, Oct 27, 4pm - pm at Parkwest Village. www.parkwestvillage.net

WATER
I drink a ton of water each day mixed with lemon and sometimes coconut, but there are plenty of ways to get your H2O fix these days, if you don't like it plain.  Now you can get Cactus Water, Organic Maple and even Artichoke!  Some of these drinks can be pricey at $4 for a 17 ounce bottle or $3.00 for a bottle that's 11.5 oz.  My suggestion is to just make your own. You can put in the amount you like and it's much less expensive. When I want a lot more flavor, I have a HUGE bottle of pomegranate juice mixed with ginger slices, lemon, green tea, water, vinegar and dandelions. (Yes, Kim, I know you pay dang good money to get rid of them in your garden-lol) Yes, I know it sounds gross(lol), but it burns fat and tastes good.  Even better, you don't have to worry about anyone trying to run off with your drink. (lol)

TOO MUCH SPAGHETTI!
I don't know about you, but I used to have trouble figuring out how to measure the right amount of pasta from the box for two people, causing plenty of leftovers.  Try placing those noodles in an empty spice jar that has at least a 1 inch opening.  The amount that fits in that jar should be enough for you and that special someone!

Now 33, my son has been an avid Dallas Cowboys fan since he was 6 years old. He is 100% committed even if they're on a losing streak.  On the other hand, I used to be football fan about 10 years ago, but now not so much.  I must however, admit to my guilty pleasure of watching the Making of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders or the DCC as they call themselves on CMT.  They just happen to be the most famous and well known cheerleaders. But you may be surprised to know that they're not paid very well for having such amazing stamina to dance and cheer for an entire game.  Their practices can last from 2-4 hours. They may earn anywhere from $100 - $150 for their time.  That's the equivalent of $9 - $15 per hour. YIKES!

The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders aren't just pretty faces.  They need to know about football and are quizzed on the sport.  Their coach is no nonsense, so don't miss a step, flip your hands the wrong way, or not be able to do a split properly.  You'll be counseled, and if it's still wrong, you'll be cut during training camp.

The DCC has a regular squad, and also a team of 17 women who perform unique dance routines. They visit hospitals, go on USO Tours and make other public appearances for special events.