It has been awhile since I baked… The hubby was struck with Covid and luckily he is getting better. He had a craving for something sweet. I stumbled upon this recipe and decided to make this for him ? You can get this recipe at https://makethebestofeverything.com/2021/11/moose-tracks-cookie-bars/
Mix all wet ingredients! Mix until creamy.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees (F). Cream butter, sugar, vanilla, and eggs in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Mix all dry ingredients!Don’t forget the chopped peanut butter cups!!Mix both the dry and wet! Add the chopped butter cups!
In a separate bowl, stir flour with salt and baking powder. Add the flour mixture into the giant bowl to make the cookie dough. Chop up the peanut butter cups and fold them into the dough.
Spread the dough evenly .Melt chocolate!Melted chocolate goodness!Pour and Swirl Chocolate!!
Line your baking dish with parchment paper. Drop dough onto the baking sheet and spread it out to fill the entire thing. Microwave the jar of hot fudge and pour it randomly on top of the cookie bars. Use a toothpick to swirl the fudge around into the cookie dough. (I couldn’t find fudge, so I used a semi sweet chocolate bar and melted it on the stove top. It added such a nice touch!) Bake cookie bars in the oven for 20 minutes.
Tada!! It is done!!Mmmmm delish!
Remove from oven, let cool, and serve once they have reached room temperature. Overall, the taste was amazing! I thought it would be way heavier and more sweet-tasting due to the peanut butter cups and chocolate, but pleasantly it wasn’t. It was simple, with just the right amount of sweetness from the cups and the chocolate (maybe the fudge would have made them more decadent?). They were very easy to make, with few ingredients. The next time I make them, I would love to try it with fudge and see if there is any change in the sweetness and consistency. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!
Only dry ingredients you need!Mix all dry ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk flour and cocoa powder together. Set aside.
Wet IngredientsMix until smooth
In a separate bowl, beat butter, vanilla, and sugar with a stand or handheld mixer on medium speed until smooth; about 3 minutes.
Mix all ingredients!
Switch the mixer speed to low and gradually add in the flour mixture, until just combined. The dough will have a chocolate tint to it ?. That’s pretty much all the ingredients you need!
Roll up the goodness!
Roll the dough into a log about 2 inches (5cm) in diameter, wrap well, and refrigerate until very firm, about 2 hours. I’m not sure if I rolled to the measurements it asked for…. but it was done. The 2 hour wait kind of stinks, but I understand why it is needed. So make sure you plan your timing in advance when you bake these cookies. Also, it may not look appealing at this point, but patience ?!
Cut the roll in slices.Ready to bake!
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Cut the dough into ¼ inch (7mm) thick slices and place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool on wire racks. Again, not sure if I sliced them accurately based on the recipe’s measurements, but definitely came close. They still don’t look appealing. They actually look like slices of liverwurst ?. But they will come out delicious!
This is where the Godiva comes in….Mmm… melted chocolate goodness
Once cooled, melt the chopped chocolate in the microwave on low power or over low heat on the stove and drizzle over the cookies. Let set and harden before storing. Love the smell of chocolate cooking on the stove!
Tada!!! Told you it was worth the wait!Soooo Good!!!!
This was my first time making shortbreads and it was so easy!! I loved that it required minimal ingredients! Even the prep time was not bad. However, the storing of the dough and waiting for two hours was annoying, but that is because I was impatient! ? The melting of the chocolate on the cookies added a lovely touch to them. The actual shortbread was not overly sweet and the addition of the melted chocolate added a nice elevated sweetness to the cookie. I will definitely add this one to my cookie recipes collection! Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!
A throwback gas station that has been transformed into a awesome dining experience!
“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” – J.R.R. Tolkien
The hubby and I were at Cape May, NJ for our typical New Year’s getaway. On our first night there, we decided to eat at Exit Zero. Exit Zero Filling Station is a restaurant with a bar and a gift shop selling Cape May souvenir shirts and sweatshirts, along with a gas station. The restaurant is owned by Jack Wright, a native Scotsman who emigrated to America. As owner of the Exit Zero publishing company, he later purchased property across the street, built a new metal framed barn to house his business … the restaurant, a retail shop, and then acquired a liquor license and the next-door gas station to form what is now the Exit Zero Filling Station. Their menu features dishes of seafood, meats, chicken, Indian curries, burgers, and sandwiches. Vegan and Vegetarian options are available.
In 2021, the gas pumps were removed and replaced with outdoor seating. When the hubby and I went, they had an awesome outdoor winter theme!!
I want to first discuss their outdoor experience… so festive and fun! Outdoor winter dining was a real treat. They have converted seven tents into cozy outdoor private dining spaces that can hold from 2-6 people. They also converted some vintage trailers. Really cool! The particular tent we stayed at was the “Cindy Lou.” Our tent was so colorful and it definitely screamed “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” vibe! Other themes included “Elf”, “Christmas Story”, among others.
I loved my drink. It was refreshing and the combo of lime with the coconut was not overpowering. It had the right amount of sweetness. I’m usually not a big fan of coconut, but this drink has made me convert! Onto our appetizer. The wings were large and tasty! Perfectly cooked and crunchy with the right amount of sauce.??
Blackened Salmon-Atlantic Salmon grilled with Cajun spices, served with tangy slaw, jalapeño mayo, toasted brioche bun and tater tots.Hot Chick– Buttermilk, siracha, marinated fried chicken, with pepper jack cheese, Cajun slaw, sweet and sour pickles, siracha aioli, brioche bun and waffle fries.
The “Hot Chick” (love the name?) was such a good sandwich! It was spicy, but not crazy spicy that I could not taste the flavors of the sandwich. (I did put the aioli on the side… very good, but it would have been too spicy for me ?) The chicken was perfectly crispy and flavorful, and the bun was nice and fluffy. Waffle fries were very nicely seasoned and cooked perfectly as well. Loved the sweet pickles!
My husband enjoyed the Blackened Salmon Sandwich. He felt it was amped up by jalapeño mayo, a zingy slaw and a yummy Brioche bun. It was cooked PERFECTLY. So moist, fresh, and flavorful! My husband loved the taters tots! They were not too salty, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle. He gobbled them up.
We had to have dessert! Dessert was the peanut butter pie and it tastes like you are eating a peanut butter cup.? Super tasty!
Exit Zero had becomes one of my favorites, especially during the holiday season!
Absolutely dig this place! The food is delish with a unique British/Indian flare. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I loved that they had heated outdoor seating! It was a fun atmosphere and just an interesting place to dine. Highly recommend and we’ll definitely return! Thanks for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!
“Part of the secret of success is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.”-Mark Twain
Around the Christmas holiday break, the hubby and I decided to stop at Lambertville after a day of winter hiking. We came across this gem… the Lambertville House Bar and Restaurant.
Lambertville House serves American cuisine – seasonal dishes that can be enjoyed on their lovely patio overlooking Bridge Street. The hotel that houses the restaurant has been a local landmark for over 200 years. It started when Captain John Lambert, nephew of the US Senator John Lambert, erected this building originally as a tavern and hostel (the present Lambertville House) which first opened its doors in 1812. Lambertville House through the years has hosted many historical and famous guests, among them President Andrew Johnson, General Ulysses S. Grant, General Tom Thumb, Robert Lincoln, Pearl White and most recently, WW II hero General Chuck Yeager.
French Onion Flatbread, with Caramelized Onions, Bechamel and Gruyere
For our starter, we decided to get the Flatbread. It was an interesting take on French onion. The flatbread was flaky and the taste was not bad. However, I’m not sure if I like French Onion on a flatbread. I think I rather stick to French Onion Soup. Inventive, however.
Chicken Pot PieInside the Wellington…Filet, Prosciutto, Puff Pastry, Vegetables, Mashed PotatoesLook all that yummy goodness!!You smell the deliciousness inside as you start to dive right in! Beef Wellington
Our entrees were the Beef Wellington and the Chicken Pot Pie. Let’s start with the pot pie – amazing taste! The crust on the pie was flaky, buttery and savory. The inside, so creamy! Chock full of vegetables and chicken. This dish just hit the spot, very comforting with a definite homemade taste! The Wellington, delish! The crust was flaky and it kept all the ingredients inside, without being soggy or falling apart. The filet was juicy and flavorful! All the components in this dish just melded together so well.
Great place to people watch if you are dining on the terrace.?
The food was classic American fare, with a vibe of being back in time. Staff was friendly. Our food was delicious and comforting. Cozy and pleasant dining spot; we sat on the terrace with a street view under heaters. Great for having a cocktail and people watching. Thanks for reading my review and continue to chomp away!
Fun and Vibrant place for lunch! They had outdoor dining ?
“Eating makes me happy. So there.” -Unknown
Towards the end of November, I stopped at this place with a friend of mine for lunch. This place is located in the heart of historic Asbury park, New Jersey. The Ale house offers sixty beers on tap, a diverse gastropub menu and several cocktails! It was founded in 2015 in the historic Steinbach building, newly remolded and renovated in 2019.
An Apple Day, Jack apple cider served in a cored apple with a caramel cinnamon sugar rim.
Practical Magic, Ketel Citron triple sec, magic glitter, blackberry puree, fresh lime juice and rosemary garnish
Let’s start with drinks! Both were colorful, fun and tasty! However, “An Apple Day” was the winner. It was so delicious that it tasted like an apple pie ?? Both drinks definitely scream fall!
Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Shaved Ribeye with White American Cheese, Green Peppers, Spanish Onions , Texas Pedal Sauce
For the appetizer, we decided to order the Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Omg, soooo good!!! All the ingredients just melded so nicely in this egg roll and the sauce just added a lovely touch to it. It definitely tasted like a cheesesteak, but bite size! It was well prepared, tasty and with the right portion size to share.
Lobster Roll
lobster meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, salt & pepper served on new England style bun
French Onion Grilled Cheese with
Gruyere Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Crispy Onions, Homemade Sherry Dressing with French Onion Soup For Dipping
A close look at this yumminess of of the French onion grilled cheese!
The lobster roll was fresh and the taste was not bad, but it was a little bland. I felt it was missing something. The taste of the sweet potatoes were all right, but some of them seemed a bit undercooked. The grilled cheese was very good! The bread was nice and toasty. The combination of all the ingredients was amazingly satisfying. The French onion dipping sauce added a nice complement to the sandwich!
So overall, it was a great experience! The Ale House serves an array of comfort foods and a great selection of beers and drinks. Our waiter was friendly and very accommodating. Nice spot to sit outdoor as well!! First time visiting them and will definitely return!
So the other other night, I wanted to bake something. I didn’t want a complicated recipe and I had some blackberries that I wanted to use. I searched on the web and came upon this recipe. You can get this recipe at https://dinnerthendessert.com/blackberry-crumb-bars/.
Just the egg yolk.
Food Process all wet and dry ingredients!
All mixed!
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees (F) and spray an 8×8 pan with baking spray. Add flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, butter and egg to a food processor and pulse until a crumbly dough starts coming together.
Fresh Blackberries!
First half of the dough and the Blackberries (mixed with sugar, lemon juice and corn starch).
Blackberries covered with the rest of the dough. We are ready to bake!
Add half the dough to your baking pan and press down in an even layer gently. In a large bowl mix the blackberries, lemon juice, ¼ cup sugar and cornstarch. Pour mixture over the crust. Crumble the remaining flour mixture over the top of the blackberries. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden brown.
Tada! Ready to dive right in the Blackberry goodness!
This recipe was excellent. It required very minimal ingredients and prep time was quick! The taste was amazing! For me, the crust was buttery and savory, with a hint of sweetness! (The recipe required very little sugar and was not over the top). Will definitely save this recipe!! Thanks for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!
Christmas cookie baking cannot be without sugar cookies. This recipe is one of my favorites! I have been using this recipe for years and I always get rave reviews from anyone who tastes them. You can check out the full recipe at https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/23750/marys-sugar-cookies/
Mixing all the dry ingredients!
Wet ingredients
Mix all wet ingredients!
Mix Dry into Wet and we are all set!
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and stir in the vanilla and almond extract. Combine the flour, baking soda and cream of tartar; blend into the creamed mixture. Cover and chill for at least two hours.
Time to cut out and design these cookies!
Festive!
Adding some Christmas flare!
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Divide the dough into two parts. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece of the dough out to 3/16 inch in thickness. Cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Place cookies 1 1/2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheets.
Mmm, they are looking a lot like Christmas!
Ready to be eaten!
Bake for 8 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
A delicious and traditional treat!
These sugar cookies are light, flaky, slightly crisp, but not crunchy. They are very easy to make! These cookies are delicious and the almond extract lends a wonderful flavor. I would not change a thing in this recipe! The only thing is that you to have to make a double batch, as the recipe makes too little! ? Thanks for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!
It’s that time of year when I love to bake cookies! I especially love trying new recipes. I came upon this recipe from a Facebook group called “My Favorite Italian Cookie.” But you can get this recipe at https://snappygourmet.com/cannoli-cookies-recipe/
Let’s take a look!
Crushed Pistachios
Orange Zest!
Mix all wet ingredients!
In a large mixing bowl cream the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs and ricotta cheese until well combined then mix in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and fresh orange zest.
Mix dry with the wet ingredients
Add the Chocolate Chips!!
Tada!!
Next, mix in the baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Mix in the flour. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips and the pistachios. Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease.
Ready to be baked!
Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of cookie dough for each cookie leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake cookies at 375 degrees F for about 8-11 minutes or until golden brown around the edges. Cool slightly then move to wire racks to cool completely.
Ready to melt these bad boys!
???
Yummy!!!
Microwave remaining chocolate chips on high in a small microwave safe bowl in 20 second intervals, stirring after each interval until melted and smooth. Spoon melted chocolate into a small resealable bag, clip one corner slightly, then drizzle melted chocolate over cookies. Let cool for chocolate to set.
What a great recipe!!
I was very pleased with this recipe… simple and delicious! The only thing negative was the prep work. Unfortunately, I could not find pre-chopped pistachios, so I had to chop them myself, (very time consuming). But all in all, the cookies came out amazing. They were soft, not overly sweet and you can definitely taste a hint of the orange zest (added a little more than the recipe asked for). I didn’t get a “cannoli” flavor, but more of a “Biscotti” flavor. Great recipe and will definitely bake these again! Thanks for reading my review an continue to Chomp away!
In a large bowl, cream together the shortening, butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. In the recipe, it asks for a cup of white sugar and brown sugar. I cut it down to half a cup of each. (I feel that the cookie still has a sweet enough taste, even with less sugar) I also do not the put the whole 2/3 cup of butter. I only put half a cup, (so I only put half a stick). Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture.
Mixed and Ready!
Use a measuring tablespoon to round dough into balls. Don’t roll the balls, just make them rounded. Place onto ungreased baking sheets. I personally like the amount of cookie dough that is placed in the sheets… they are a great size! However, you can make the measurement smaller if you a want more cookies ??
Tada! Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies!!
This is a great cookie recipe! I’ve made so many chocolate chip cookies, but I’ll never go back to those other recipes… this one is by far the best! I have made these cookies at least 5 times and have gotten rave comments every time. They are nice and thick, soft and chewy, and absolutely amazing! Thanks for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!
“There is no love sincerer than the love of food.” — George Bernard Shaw
My friends, my husband, and I decide to try this place after we visited the Catacombs of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Epistrophy was a founded by Sardinian friends who fell in love with New York City. It is an Italian restaurant that offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, drinks, or dinner. They serve an organic, locally sourced menu that is heavily based on Sardinian recipes and traditions.
Fritto Misto
fried calamari, zucchini and potato chips with marinara sauce
Polpettine di Vitello
mini grass-fed veal & beef meatballs, white wine sauce, lemon zest
Tartare di Tonno Tuna dressed in lemon vinaigrette & chives with traditional Sardinian bread & avocado
All appetizers were homeruns. The calamari was a very delicious dish. The calamari was cooked perfectly, not chewy. The seasoning was simple but with just the right amount of salt. It paired nicely with the homemade potato chips. The meatballs… oh…my…god!! The meatballs were moist and savory. The white wine sauce that accompanied the meatballs was creamy and it definitely elevated them. It was all harmonious and I wanted more! The Tuna Tartare was excellent, super fresh, tasty and done well.
Creekstone Farm Hanger Steak
Pat La Frieda, black angus 100% grass-fed beef steak, rosemary fingerling potatoes, caramelized onions
Brasato al Cannonau
grass-fed beef short ribs braised with Cannonau red wine, fresh herbs, onions, organic stone-ground polenta
Malloreddus Alla Campidanese
Sardinian gnocchetti pasta with tomato sauce ,sweet Italian sausage and parmigiano-reggiano cheese.
Bistecca di Tonno
quinoa-crusted tuna steak, truffled pea sauce, potatoes,
fresh herbs
Orecchiette con Radicchio e Pancetta
fresh orecchiette, radicchio, pancetta, light cream sauce, parmigiano-reggiano
The crusted tuna, was done perfectly and was like “buttah!” ? The short rib was tender and delicious, in a wine reduction sauce which complemented nicely with the creamy polenta. The orecchiette pasta with pancetta was cooked al dente and a moderate amount of the flavorful; light cream sauce with chunks of pancetta were mixed throughout the pasta. It was very delicious.
Cannoli
Panna Cotta
Tiramisu
Desserts were a nice ending to our evening. The Panna Cotta was my favorite! It had a refreshing and light taste. The rest of the desserts were great as well! Loved the taste and the presentation!
Sangria Jazz – Pipeño, lime juice , Homemade Vin Brulè, mint
The drinks were refreshing and were beautifully presented. However, I felt that the margarita was a bit weak and lacked taste.
A great evening with friends!
I enjoyed this place overall. They managed to set up the outdoor dining really well and we all felt safe (covid precautions) dining at this spot. All dishes were really tasty and the waitress was friendly and informative. Thank you for reading my review and continue to Chomp away!
