Tag Archives: chocolate

Going Gourmet

A couple of weeks ago, we were in one of those fancy chain gourmet stores looking at some dinnerware. Our current set is a hand-me-down set that is missing many pieces. The pieces are missing mostly thanks to Mrs Butterfingers over here…me. While I was pregnant, my joints would loosen up so much that my husband swears he could hear my bones rattle around as I walked. An average rate of one broken plate/bowl/cup a month times three pregnancies..well, you get the picture. While we were in that gourmet store, we spied a very pretty canister of gourmet chocolate waffle … Continue reading →

A Thanksgiving Surprise… And A Chocolaty Product Review All In One

Let’s face it, there’s nothing better than spending Thanksgiving with friends and family while dining on a scrumptious homemade meal of turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings. I was blessed to be able to spend the holiday gorging on all of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. This year, I didn’t have to host the festivities, rather we gathered at a friend’s home, and shared in a wonderful meal complete with a surprise dessert that my family is still talking about today. My wonderful friend happens to be a creative hostess who delights in making parties fun for guests of all ages. … Continue reading →

Hershey Park – Great Escape for Families

As an avid traveler, I am always looking for new places to visit, especially those that focus on families. One such place is in Hershey, Pennsylvania, known as what else – Hershey Park. Located near Amish country and Harrisburg’s state capital, this is an excellent location for a summer of fun. For instance, you can visit Hershey Park, which has been voted as the number one amusement park by top magazines, Zoo America, Dutch Wonderland Family Amusement Park, and more. While there are many things to do and see in this part of Pennsylvania, I wanted to address Hershey Park … Continue reading →

Diabetic Friendly Chocolate Cheesecake

I have a history of diabetes in my family, so naturally I am concerned about it. Eating well also runs in my family, so I must balance between being health and being happy with what I eat. This diabetic friendly chocolate cheesecake is an excellent medium between the two! It is from the Quick-Smart Diabetic recipe collection. For this recipe, you will need one 5.25-ounce package of sugar-free chocolate graham crackers, reduced calorie margarine, ground cinnamon, cooking spray, one .25 ounce envelope of unflavored gelatin, fat-free milk, 2 1/2 8 ounce packages of 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, vanilla extract, sugar substitute … Continue reading →

Purple M&M’s?

My 2-year-old daughter loves M&Ms, which makes getting through the grocery store’s check out line a bit tricky, especially since she doesn’t remain in the cart while I’m unloading my items onto the conveyor belt. Last week we went through our normal ritual of me trying to make like Speedy Gonzalez and get my items sorted and paid for before she had the chance to beg me for a bag M&M’s (which are conveniently located at her eye level bordering the cash register). “Mommy, I want M&M’s,” my daughter stated flatly. (Usually, I ignore the first two or three requests. … Continue reading →

Decadent Chocolate Coconut Marshmallows

Oh boy—this one’s a good one. Who doesn’t love marshmallows in s’mores or Rice Crispy treats? Here’s a recipe that’s homemade and delicious. The marshmallows will melt in your mouth while the crunchy coconut will send your taste buds over the edge. For this recipe you’ll need: For 25 squares 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1 cup cold water 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 3 Tablespoons light corn syrup 1 package (7 ounces) shredded, sweetened coconut, finely chopped 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 1 large egg white ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract To make this recipe: Sprinkle the gelatin over water … Continue reading →

Halloween Safety for Pets

Halloween can be a lot of fun for your pets; it can also be a dangerous and stressful time for your four-legged friends. First and foremost: don’t let your pets eat any chocolate! Chocolate is dangerous for both dogs and cats. Even the wrappers can be harmful for your pets, causing blockages and digestive problems. Other things to watch out for: People in costumes. Even familiar friends and beloved family members can be frightening to a pet when in costume. Or, your pet may mistake a costume for a toy and tug a young child right off his or her … Continue reading →

Pennsylvania Pretzels

Usually when you think of Pennsylvania, you think of chocolate but this state is also known for something else – pretzels. If you are planning a trip to Pennsylvania and want something unusual and fun for the entire family to enjoy, I highly recommend you add a trip to the Sturgis Pretzel House to your agenda. Located in Lititz, this was actually the first pretzel bakery in the United States. Housed in a stone building, the Pretzel House was the creation of a bread maker and traveling laborer by the name of Julius Sturgis, thus the name. Using a pretzel … Continue reading →

Calling All CHOCOHOLICS!!

I admit I am not the world’s greatest cook, but I love food and I love to eat… and what I love to eat more than any other food on the face of the planet is CHOCOLATE. (I know I am not alone.) As a guest blogger in the FOOD category (thanks Libby) my contribution will not be in the form of detailed recipes, rather I come bearing wonderful news about an extraordinary new addition to the culinary world, excuse me, the CHOCOLATE world, a place where you can indulge in slices of triple chocolate pizza, experience a shot of … Continue reading →

Five Foods That Can Add Spice To Your Love Life

My skinny cousin always says he has no time to eat. (He clearly doesn’t get the same joy from devouring donuts that I do.) Rather, he says he simply “eats to survive.” But, you don’t need to be a “foodie” to know that food has so many other powers besides sustaining life. Certain foods have been proven to boost brainpower. While others assist athletes in their quest to become the best in their fields. And then, there are those foods, which dieticians claim can give you a boost in the romance department. Here are five foods that experts say can … Continue reading →