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Chip Nut Meringues

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

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A wonderful cookie for the holidays.  When you bite into the cookie, the center is unbelievable.  Gooey chocolate and nuts, a wonderful combination. Perfect for gift giving and very easy to make.  Store in an airtight container.

Chip Nut Meringues

Preheat oven 350°

With a whip attachment on your mixer

Beat 2 egg whites

Gradually add 2/3 cup sugar

Beat until stiff

Fold in

1 teaspoon vanilla

Pinch of salt

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 cup coarsely chopped nuts

Drop by rounded teaspoons onto foil lined cookie sheet.

Put in oven and immediately turn your oven off.  Crack the door open approximately  1 – 2 inches.  Leave in the oven for 6 hours.  Do not open the open door during this period.

Enjoy!

My Pantry

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

There are a few things that you will always find in my pantry. These are items that I usually have more than one on hand. Many are perfect for that unexpected night of entertaining.

Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic
If you are a lover of Gin and Tonic (as I am) this is the best tonic I have tried. You will not be disappointed.

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Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Crisps and Luxardo Cherries
Both are pretty self explanatory. Dark Chocolate for that chocolate craving and Luxardo Cherries to add to a great cocktail.

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Amy’s Organic Soups – Chunky Tomato Bisque

Since childhood, I have had a love for tomato soup.  This soup is by far the best tomato soup I have tasted.  Wonderful with a grilled cheese sandwich or cut the grilled cheese sandwich into cubes and add as croutons.  Childhood memories.

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Wickles Pickles
Two words – try them. They are fantastic.

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Wausome Wafers
One of the most unique and additive foods I have found. One ingredient, Wisconsin Cheese!
You must try these. When I serve them, everyone is intrigued and want to know how they too can get some. Check out their website, they will ship to you.

Wausome Wafers

Popcorn Soup

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

Rose's Luxury

One of the most amazing foods I have tried recently is the Popcorn Soup at Rose’s Luxury in Washington, DC. This restaurant is currently the number one restaurant according to Bon Appetit Magazine. So, we headed to the restaurant and after waiting outside for a little over an hour (no reservations accepted) we were seated at a cozy window seat. You feel like you are having dinner at your grandmother’s house, just delightful. From the vintage drinking glasses to the mismatched silver, the atmosphere is very warm and inviting.

Now to the Popcorn Soup, one of the first things we ordered. It arrived in an oversized shot glass with popcorn floating on the top of the soup. The closest description I could glean was a combination of movie theater style popcorn soaked in cream, strained and heated. Sounds too simple for such a delicious soup. I am sure I missed something in the description because this soup was one of the most wonderful things I have tasted. Just delightful. Instead of trying to recreate this at home, I will head back to Rose’s anytime for this pot of deliciousness. What a treat!

Food Trucks

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

IMG_1929If you have ever passed a food truck and wondered what the excitement is in ordering from a food truck, trust me, stop by and check them out.  Recently, we hosted a party and had the event catered by a local food truck.  Hands down, it was one of the best parties we have hosted. Fresh hot delicious chicken sandwiches with condiments and hot doughnuts proved to be the perfect casual dinner. Food trucks offer you the ability to host a party and leave the cooking to others. It also is great since all of the service wear is disposable. I highly recommend a Food Truck event in your future. Not having a party? Not a problem.
Food trucks are everywhere and many times post their locations on social media. I am a strong supporter of Food Trucks and their contributions to the culinary landscape.

Accolades to Astro Doughnuts and Fried Chicken in Washington, DC for their outstanding Food Truck.