Monday, May 21, 2018

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?








76 comments:

  1. Love the food info and those green peppers made me smile :)
    Why not be bold when you place something on your head! I love the idea of something "over-the-top" :}
    My youngest is now 44 years old. He has never complained about the way mu husband and I brought him up and I think I was a terrific MOM!!! THat's my story and I'm sticking to it :D

    Have a great day RO!!!
    Hugsxxx

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    1. I agree Jan. Over the top is just plain fun! Very cool that your youngest thought you were the best. I concur! Hugs...RO

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  2. I don't have children. I THINK I would be their parent vs their friend. I see around me those that treat their kids like friends and their kids are nightmares. So I would hope that I would be their parent and when they get old enough we'll be friends. Now I want grapes. DAmn you. Nothing better Ro than frozen green grapes. I eat them like popcorn when watching TV. I can't have them in my house because I will just eat them all the damn time. Better than popcorn or candy or chips but it's still an issue if you eat the whole bag. Did I just share that out loud? :-)

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    1. I agree. Being a friend, in my opinion, is a recipe for disaster for sure. My son tells me that he hated it as a kid, but as a parent himself these days, he gets where I was coming from. I didn't know about the frozen grapes, and need to try that. It sounds like such fun treat and well worthy of being eaten during a movie! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  3. A spring cold!!! Rottttten!!!!!!

    Strawberries! Oh yes! SEXY STRAWBERRY PIZZA! LOL

    Fascinators. Nope, I don't get them either. But I guess one "has" to wear one, to a big British event.

    Although, I did NOT watch the Wedding this weekend. 'Could care less.

    Loved Diana. Think Kate is cool. And that's it, as far as me and Royalty goes. :-))))

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    1. Yes, it's really been trying to keep me down for sure, but I'm struggling through. I agree to any reason to try strawberries and love them so much! I love looking at the hats so much, and so many were really over the top. I watched all three weddings and they were all so different. Hope your day is going well! Hugs...RO

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  4. I need a slice of that sexy strawberry pizza :) I love frozen grapes in the summer and ice cold watermelon.

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    1. I'm not a fan of regular pizza, but adding fruit just makes it so yummy! I need to try those frozen grapes! Hugs...RO

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  5. Mmm apples! I love the tart ones too

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    1. That sure is a lot and a great way to stay healthy, right? Hugs...RO

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  6. I am a big fan of apples. Until the first floury one of the season. Then I walk away until the new season starts.
    Strawberries are a year round treat.
    Love that final cat. Truth.

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    1. I love my apples, but not the sweet ones - ever! (lol) That's cool that you can eat the strawberries year round. Lots of recipes and treats with those. Aren't cats the best? Hugs...RO

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  7. I love most fruit. I hope you feel better.

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    1. Thanks for the well wishes, Mary! Like you, I enjoy most fruit, and even though Summer is not my fave, there are so many amazing choices to get lots of goodies. Hugs...RO

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  8. WOW, you had me at food! I hope you feel all better soon!

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    1. Thanks for the well wishes dear Brian and family. Yes, I am sadly obsessed with food. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  9. WOW, this really IS all about food. I love strawberries, but I want them fresh and not added to anything. I want to be able to pull their little "hats" off when I bite into the fresh fruit.

    I laughed at those scary bell peppers. That was cute.

    I admit I HATE ketchup. There is something unlikable about it, although my foodie friend Sally douses it on everything. She might like the different tastes, but I doubt it.

    Thanks for letting us know about Donut Day. I want to visit both places in my city (grin).

    I'm a BIG fan of brunch. It combines the best of two worlds, and helps extend the time spent with others, especially since I'm such a slow eater.

    I saw Fascinators at the Royal Wedding, I heard several commentators using the name, but had NO idea what they were talking about. Thanks for clarifying the word and sharing these. Like you, I don't get it!

    Hope your day is filled with joy and good food, too.

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    1. That's a pretty neat way to refer to the top of a strawberry and makes me smile, dear Elizabeth. Aren't strawberries the best? The bell papers made me laugh too, and I sure wouldn't ever want to see that in a grocery store. (lol) Another reason to eat a sweet treat is always great. It's been a while since I went to Brunch, but there have been times that I've gone alone with a good book so I wouldn't stay all day. (lol) You know I watched too, and all I kept thinking is that everyone had these really neat hats. (lol) Happy Sunday and HUGE Hugs...RO

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  10. With the Strawberry Pizza, I'm thinking of substituting blueberries for the strawberries...I wonder if that would work. Thanks for the great recipes.

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    1. I'm not a blueberry fan despite knowing they are healthy, but that would work just as well for sure. Any type of fruit pizza sounds pretty good to me.(lol) Hugs...RO

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  11. Aaaah that strawberry pizza looks so good, Ro! We have a couple of weddings this summer and my cousin wants us to wear fascinators on one. Nooooo. I think they look funny. :/

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    1. Wow! I sure hope you can take some pictures of thos from your blog Joyous Joy. I bet that will be so fun! Hugs...RO

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  12. Good stuff today...as always.
    I want that strawberry pizza!
    Are you taking Vitamin C for your cold?
    Feel better.
    Hugs

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    1. Every time I try to make pizza, something usually goes horribly wrong (lol) but this sounds like I could possibly get it right. No vitamin C, just powering through because of so many deadlines. Ugh..Sure hope your weekend is great! Thanks for the well wishes. Hugs...RO

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  13. Replies
    1. Yay for for fun fruit Nadene! Hugs...RO

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  14. I'm all for the food! :) And I think ketchup with other, non- tomato ingredients is a great idea. I tried cherry barbecue sauce from a place where I vacation and it was GOOD- now it's one of my favorite barbecue sauces to use.

    I LOVE Krispy Kremes, they are my jam.

    I do like brunch too, we always used to go when I was a kid and I found it somewhat boring. Now I appreciate it. :)

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    1. That's pretty cool to have cherries in bbq sauce, and quite unique. I can see how you'd be hooked on the flavor. I used to work a block away from Krispy Kreme when I lived in Virginia Beach, and those smells tortured us every day! (lol) Now I try to restrict myself to the days when they are FREE. They closed down the brunch place which was up the street from us, so it's been a while since I enjoyed brunch, but I try to make it at home when I feel extra perky. But when I go out to dinner with friends, it's fun to chat for a little while, then I'm just ready to go home and rest. (lol) Happy Friday and Hugs...RO

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  15. Oh yum! This pizza is beautiful to look at, too!

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    1. I thought the same thing! (lol) Hugs...RO

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  17. Oh yes, I LOVE brunch. And that strawberry pizza looks so yummy. I make these fruit pizza cookies that are just amazing. I really hope to make them soon; so refreshing for the summer. That Sugar Rush day sounds like fun!

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I have so many strawberries these days that I'm trying my best to think of creative ways to use them. They are so yummy! Hugs...RO

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  18. This is a delicious post, I love any and everything with strawberries, yummy! Have a tasty week, hugs, Valerie

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    1. Give me strawberries any day of the week, and like you I'm right there Valerie! Hugs...RO

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  19. I love brunch but we typically slide towards the breakfast side of brunch. We got to this little place near the house most Saturdays and they have this breakfast sandwich that features spicy aioli which I think should be featured more often on anything that involves eggs! I love strawberries and now I want that pizza!

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    1. Oh my goodness, anything spicy and I'm always in Katherine. What a cool idea to use it in a breakfast sandwich, but I want to give it a try on a cheeseburger too, of course. (lol) I love strawberries so much too! Hugs...RO

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  20. Food: The Ultimate Temptation. Lol, I am such a foodie and it is so hard trying to change my eating habits to healthier ones. I'm sorry you're feeling sick Ro and I hope you feel better very soon! *hugs*

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    1. Like you, I'm a foodie and literally watch food shows, or try new recipes all the time, most of which I shouldn't be eating. (lol) Thanks for the well wishes and I sure hope you're doing great these days! Hugs...RO

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  21. Bummer about the cold. Wishing you well, Ro!

    Yummo on the strawberries and the sexy pizza looks great.

    I always wondered what those funky and fun hats that aren't really hats were called.

    Have a great day, Ro!

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    1. Thanks for the well wishes Sophia, I appreciate it. Yes, yes, yes to strawberries all the time. That's a cool name for a hat, right? (lol) Hugs...RO

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  22. 7000 varieties of apples? Good grief. My current favorite: Honey Crisp:)
    Hope you're evening is pleasant and your dreams sweet.
    Hugs

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    1. I like the Honey Crisp too, along with Granny Smith and Pink Lady. I wonder if anyone has gotten even close to trying all 7000 types. It's always weird the things I think about. (lol) Hope your Sunday is wonderful! Hugs...RO

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  23. Mmmmm, I love strawberries too and will have to try that sexy strawberry pizza. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

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    1. There's just so much you can do with strawberries, and the flavor is phenomenal. Hope your Sunday is amazing! Hugs...RO

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  24. I’m happy to know I’m not the only one that’s been crazy busy this week/month. OH So sorry to hear that you have a cold, being sick is never fun. I’m such a strawberry lover it’s not even funny, they are sweet and tasty and even good for you. Hello Sexy Strawberry Pizza :) I usually eat at least one apple a day, and yes there are tons of different varieties, gala apples are my favorite right now.

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    1. I love the being busy part, but being sick in the middle of it truly sucks. (lol) Glad you've been doing lots of stuff though. I was thrilled to learn how good they are for you too, and was another reason to get even more. (lol) I like any type of sour apple, and hae tried gala once or twice. Hope your weekend has been great! Hugs...RO

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  25. love these posts RO, love strawberries and I'm going to definitely look into fruit ketsup yum
    I did not know that fear of veggies had a name LOL

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    1. I thought that was a really cool idea to add flavor to food. People come up with clever stuff when it comes to food. It seems there's a name for just about everything Debbie. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  26. I love strawberries and have been loading my fridge up with them over the last couple of week. I usually eat them as is or with a bowl of yogurt, but I'm going to have to try that pizza recipe. :)

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    1. I still keep getting those and blackberries like crazy and finding new recipes to use them in. Hugs...RO

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  27. So sorry you have a dreadful cold, do hope you are feeling a lot better.

    I just love strawberries with double (heavy) cream .... but they are nice sliced in a salad too!

    All the best Jan

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    1. Love that I can use strawberries in my diet Jan! Hugs...RO

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  28. Oh no on the cold! If you need anything let me know.

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  29. I love this post! I love food! LOL! I love strawberries! Yummy! I didn't know there was that many types of apples!! I think brunches are fun! I don't get fascinators either! LOL! Big Hugs!

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    1. That's a huge surprise about how many apples there are.l I wonder if we could find someone who's made a record eating the most. (lol) Hugs...RO

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  30. One of my favorite things about this season is the fruit! It's back in season and not super expensive! We eat so much fruit this time of year and strawberries tops the list. Oh, and blueberries to with my grapenuts cereal. :)

    Elsie

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    1. I agree Elsie! The heat is the pits, but the fruits are fantastic and yummy! Your cereal sounds pretty tasty too! Hugs...RO

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  31. When I was a student I worked at the Wimbledon Tennis club every summer, and I used to binge out on strawberries, and now I hate them! Sigh.

    The only time I have brunch is in the States, it's one of my favourite times to eat. :D

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    1. Wow! That must have been pretty fascinating to work at Wimbledon! I bet you have some great stories to share about that. I totally get it about the binge thing. I had a friend who used to eat tons of pancakes, and now he's totally done with them.(lol) Since you're not eating strawberries these days, perhaps blueberries or raspberries? The brunches here can definitely be over the top for sure. Hugs...RO

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  32. New apple kinds created every few years too

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    1. That's pretty neat that that long list is still growing. Didn't know that. I love every tart apple that I can find. I wonder if there's someone out there who has tried almost every kind? Wouldn't that be some neat trivia?(lol) Hugs...and Happy Sunday! RO

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  33. I have nooooo problem getting enough fruits and veggies. I love them!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I'm okay with getting fruits in, but I need to be like you and eat lots more veggies Karen. (lol) Happy Sunday and Hugs...RO

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  34. I LOVE brunch any time!!! :) But I guess any time kind of defeats the purpose of brunch doesn't it lol? Strawberries...oh how I love thee. The only thing I have against fruits and veggies are the peels. I simply cannot digest them, so everything is peeled, which is a pain, so obviously I don't enjoy grapes anymore, I don't have it in me to peel them lol, can you imagine??? ;)

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    1. I agree Rain. Something about all the cool stuff you can get for Brunch is pretty amazing and tasty. Give me more strawberries please!(lol) I hear you on the grapes. We'll just pass on those right now, ok? (lol) Hugs...RO

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  35. Hope your long weekend is filled with family, good books and movies, and lots of delish treats.
    Do you have my email addie, Ro? If so would you shoot me a quick one so I can send promo material. And a big thanks for offering to help me out.
    Hugs

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    1. I'm looking forward to lots of fun, and maybe meeting some new friends. The Balloonfest is here this weekend, so it should be busy. My email address is goddess10@gmail.com. Can't wait to help out! Hugs...RO

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  36. All those yummy recipes for strawberries. Hope you enjoy your Sunday!!! {hugs}

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  37. Blessings.....
    Sounds like you have a very active and vibrant day.
    I wish you more.

    have a great week.
    Rhapsody

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  38. Speaking of donuts....Have you had Ducks Donuts? Yum.
    Are things slowing down any for ya?
    Stay dry.
    Hugs

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    1. I see that they have 3 locations here, one in Cary, and I need to get there quick Super Sandra! I hear nothing about good things about their food. Hope you're doing well, and I bet you're busy as always. HUGE Hugs...RO

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  39. Lovely post RO, so much food to talk about. I love veggie stuff. You don’t know what you ‘re missing if you don’t enjoy fruit. I used to work for a fruit and vegetable retailers and it was something else.

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