Nothing says thank you like chocolate…

To say that I am overwhelmed is an understatement. As is my mom. In true fashion of my mom though, it was not so much the monetary donations that moved her (though that is nice too), she was so moved by the comments that people left for her through the American Cancer Society. “People left such wonderful comments to me...they don't even know me”. I kindly reminded her that the kind of do since I spill her secrets on here from time to time. :P Which I am sure she feels is all worth it now. So thank you, thank you, thank you for all of you who donated!!!! You amazing, amazing people have helped her raise $900!!! $900. In my wildest dreams I didn't think we would raise so much. As promised, here is this simple yet insanely good Chocolate Hazelnut Financier with Nutella Ganache. Though this looks simple, there are a couple of steps that make it a little time consuming, but they need to be done. Don't let that stop you from making it, they aren't hard, they just take a little … [Read more...]

Prove my mother wrong…

So this is a non-food post. I don't do them often so this is probably important. :) See that crazy woman with the jellyfish on her head that was meant for little kids at the aquarium (no, not me in the yellow, the other crazy one). Well that crazy woman and I have a bet. See, as many of you know my mom is a breast cancer survivor. Every year she participates in the Relay for Life. Every year she raises money like crazy. Except this year. About 6 weeks ago my mom had her toe removed. Yes, you read that right, her toe removed. Up until a couple of days ago she was in a cast. On June 4th and 5th my stubborn mom is insisting on participating this year and will be wheeling herself in a wheelchair/and or walker for the race. Yes, insanity runs in my family. My mom's a little bummed that she hasn't been able to get out and fundraise (or do anything else for that matter) and so I told her I would ask my readers if they would be willing to help. She laughed. And from that the bet was … [Read more...]

Everyone smiles in the same language….

I have a gift. A gift for attracting strange people. So does my bff. We have come to the conclusion that we are smilers and that is what gets us into trouble. I'm almost always smiling and I have a habit of smiling at people. Which doesn't sound odd, but if you really pay attention, not that many people do. I loved in the movie Elf when he says “Smiling's my favorite”. Not because it is my favorite, hockey is my favorite, but because I could relate. Usually I get strange looks when I smile at people. I've been asked more time I can count if I'm on drugs. For the record, I am not. I get the half smile while you can see their mind racing thinking, how do I know this person? You don't...I'm just being...wait for it...friendly. And then you get the super crazy people that because you smiled at them they now want to be your bff and tell you all about their life. I find a lot of these. And yet it does not deter me...it just usually gives me good stories. :D I also get a lot of … [Read more...]

Seasonal Fruit Desserts…

One of the joys of living in Western Washington is the abundance of fresh produce to choose from. Farmers Markets and road side stands are scattered across our areas. Some of us are even lucky enough to belong to a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). So when the opportunity to receive Seasonal Fruit Desserts (right when lots of fruit will be in season) I was all over the chance. Seasonal Fruit Desserts by Deborah Madison( I actually own her Vegetarian Cookbook) is a visually beautiful cookbook that really focuses on creating desserts that lets the fruit shine through (imagine that). Some of the desserts are as simple as Strawberries in Red Wine Syrup which consists of strawberries (duh), red wine (again duh), sugar and some peppercorns, which I thought was an interesting addition. The author suggest serving them over orange segments. I, being a glutenous person, would probably go for over ice cream. :) But that is an example of the many recipes that highlight just the fruit and … [Read more...]

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