ECO CHIC IN THE KITCH (VEGAN COOKIES)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

It's never too difficult to be environmentally friendly, and with the help of Priscilla Woolworth, granddaughter of the famed Woolworth brand, we are taking eco-chic to a whole new level!

Priscilla opened an online general store that sells environmentally friendly products for your kitchen and home.

In the spirit of healthy, organic living, I have made some of my FAVORITE VEGAN COOKIES using Priscilla's 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil. 

**

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour 
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1 cup of organic brown sugar
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• 1/4 cup of butter/margarine alternative
• 1/4 cup or water
• teaspoon of baking soda

• 1 handful of vegan carob chips OR an assortment of nuts and raisins

 Mix the top group of dry ingredients in a large bowl. 

In a smaller bowl, microwave or heat the butter substitute until melted and mix in the water and baking soda. Make sure this is fully mixed. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and knead with your hands thoroughly. 

Once the dough is room temperature (not hot as to melt the chips) add in the carob chips and/or nuts.

The cookies may seem a little dry, if so, add a teaspoon of water and knead in. 

On a tray lined with 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil, lightly sprayed with olive oil, place the cookies (flattened) onto the tray and bake for 15-18 minutes on 375.

Enjoy!

How to Plate: On a nice tray with a large cold glass of Soy Milk :)

FIND MORE FABULOUS ECO-PRODUCTS AT http://www.priscillawoolworth.com/

DESSERT FOR ONE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

I give into my love for chocolate almost every night by having a square of dark chocolate over 70 percent cacao.

I make myself think I am being heart healthy, which I am-- it's better than having milk chocolate!

If this doesn't satisfy my need for sweets, I turn to NO PUDGE FUDGE. It's super easy (I wouldn't make it otherwise) and tastes a-maz-ing.

In the pic above, you'll see a added a sprinkle of powdered sugar to "fancy" it up.

Have a delightful and satisfying weekend!

KEEP THE ROMANCE GOING

Keep the romance going with Quady wines. (Visit them here)

MAKING VALENTINES SWEET - PART 2

On the flip side of alcohol content (20% Alc Vol), I simply ADORE Quady's BATCH 88 STARBOARD -- It is simply divine.

I could literally sit and drink it all day... or I can serve it to my love on Sunday.

This Starboard is full of flavor-- something the winemakers pride themselves in-- a blend of vintages that have an average age of about 5 years.

This bottle is really something special. You can drizzle it over practically anything, drink it by itself, or, as I did, pair it up with some homemade dark chocolate pecan clusters. (See my Chocolate BARK recipe here)

This really brought out the chocolate raisin character of the "port."

Get typing -- 88 Starboard is amazing. Pick up a bottle for your special someone!

Visit QUADY WINERY at http://www.quadywinery.com/

NOTHING SAYS I LOVE YOU... LIKE ALCOHOL

Valentines Day is fast approaching.

And, like me, I'm sure you busy working girls haven't really planned everything out just yet.

Well, let me help you.

Quady Winery is located just a few hours away from Los Angeles or SF. They specialize solely in a California Dessert Wines, perfect for making your Valentines Day (or any occasion, really) much sweeter and more fabulous.

You can take a drive up to visit for a tasting of their delicious wines, and bring your little trip home with you to continue to enjoy... or you can order online or by phone.

The best thing about Quady dessert wines, is that they do all the work for you.
And, believe me, I have no problem letting them!

Yes, you can just have a glass AS dessert.
Yes, you can do what I call a "Drink and Drizzle."
And Yes, you can do whatever you want after a few glasses behind closed doors.

I will be posting quite a few highlights and dessert / dessert wine ideas to make your Valentines Day as sweet as can be!

Visit Quady at http://www.quadywinery.com/

DON'T GO CHOCOLATE BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY / OY VEY!

*

Choooooocoooooooolate. Yes, chocolateeeee.

Mmmm. Oh yeah.

On a side note, I do believe those Dove commercials with the brown silk sheets fluttering as the women eat chocolate while moaning wildly is a bit too much.

The following recipe is all about personalizing your dessert. If serving during a dinner party, this looks like you spent the whole day on it.

The reality is, that it take about 10 minutes and an hour to set in the freezer.

And to top it off, dark chocolate is good for your heart and fitting into your jeans tomorrow morning.

**

• 3 Chocolate bars (I prefer dark -- over 60 percent)
• Nuts and Berries (I've used almonds, pistachios, and dried cranberries. Try cashews.)
• Dash of Canola oil.

Break up all the chocolate into squares. You can melt the chocolate two ways. Oy: in a pyrex bowl in the microwave. Oy Vey: in a pyrex bowl over a pot of boiling water (through contact heat).

Once the chocolate is melted, coat a pyrex dish or baking tray with either wax paper or saran wrap. Spray very very very lightly with Canola oil (Pam).

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate onto the tray. Sprinkle your selected nuts and berries or dried fruit onto the chocolate.

Throw into the freezer for about an hour.

How to Plate: Break the chocolate bar into large pieces and stack organically.

INAUGURATION DAY!

Cupcake courtesy of Big Sugar Bakeshop (Studio City, CA)

THE EASIEST DESSERT EVER

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: (less than) OY!

*

I was fortunate enough to have two strappingly handsome gentlemen over my house last night, but I just didn't have the energy to make a cake or cookies or brownies-- anything difficult, really-- to celebrate their presence.

So, I got my Jackson Pollock on and made a chic dessert that's light and nothing short of stunning.

Two ingredients. That's all you need.

**

• Cherries (there ARE late-season cherries in your local grocer!)
• Gourmet Chocolate Syrup (I prefer a Chocolate Syrah Sauce you can find online or in wine country)

Wash those plump cherries, scatter them on a platter, and drizzle with the gourmet chocolate syrup!