All I Eat Food!

If you asked me what my favorite dessert was I think I’d have to respond by saying, “Anything chocolate!!!” Anything? You might wonder. Hmm, yes. I’ve had all kinds of chocolate, even spicy chocolate. And I’ve had different things dipped in chocolate, like potato chips. And I still haven’t found chocolate that I didn’t like.

But if I really had to pick…it would be chocolate mousse. There is something about chocolate mousse. It is creamy, rich, airy, deep, sweet and dare I say, heavenly.

I will be honest that the only bad part is that it isn’t the easiest thing to make. It involves some steps that may be a little discouraging but I promise it will be worth it in the end.

You will need:

•8 oz. dark chocolate ( I used Dove chocolate squares)

•¼ cup of water

•2 TBS butter

•3 egg yolks

•2 TBS sugar

•¼ cup water

•1 ¼ cup whipping cream

1.) Begin by putting chocolate in a food processor until it is chopped into little pieces. Then, microwave the chocolate, first ¼ cup water and butter in a microwave safe bowl. I would suggest microwaving on low increments of time so that you can check on the mix and make sure it isn’t burning. Once everything is melted, stir and allow to completely cool.

2.) In a saucepan combine egg yolks, sugar and remaining water and heat to 160°. I would suggest using a candy thermometer to do this so it reaches the appropriate temperature.

3.) Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate mixture in a bowl. Set the bowl in another bowl filled with ice and stir until cooled. Lastly, fold in whipped cream and portion into bowls.

I suggest you sit down and take a moment to eat this mousse in a quiet place where you can just acknowledge how amazingly tasty it is. And realize that is doesn’t get more decadent than this…unless of course you decide to dip some chocolate covered chips in the mousse. I promise I won’t judge you!

Isn’t it peculiar how as the months become warmer our stomachs somehow know that it is no longer needed to eat warm foods? Okay, so maybe this is just me. All I know is that whatever the temperature is outside, I want the opposite type of food.

Cool weather = hot food

Warm weather = cold food

In fact, during the summer months I’m pretty sure I could just live off of fresh fruit and tomatoes. Especially Jersey tomatoes!

My favorite way to eat tomatoes is A.) A tomato sandwich, which I will have to demonstrate at a later time. And B.) Bruschetta

Best Ever Bruschetta

You will need:

•4-5 medium tomatoes

•1-2 cloves of garlic

•1 TBS olive oil

•2 TBS red onion

•About ¼ cup basil

•1 tsp balsamic vinegar

•pinch sugar

•pinch salt and pepper

1.) Begin by washing and dicing tomatoes and put in a large bowl.

2.) Mince garlic and onion and add to tomatoes.

3.) Chiffonade basil by layering all the pieces on top of each other,then rolling the pieces tightly. Make small slices so that basil looks like thin ribbons.

4.) Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

4.) Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow ingredients to meld and become even more delicious!

To me, bruschetta is the perfect warm weather food. It is juicy, full of flavor and can be quite filling. And the best part is you can eat it with bread or use it as a topping for a salad, chicken,fish…cereal, oatmeal, ice cream. Okay, fine I got a little carried away. My point is, bruschetta is amazing.

And I realize that this is a pretty well known recipe but everyone has their own take on things and this is mine. And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to make your own!

Hello everyone! I hope the weather was beautiful this weekend wherever you were because it was gorgeous in NYC!! Jay and I went visited the city for a quick getaway and it was perfect. We wined, dined…and saw WICKED!

This photo is a picture of the set before the show. Unfortunately, you aren’t allowed to take photos as the show is going on but I wish I could have! Although I’m sure it wouldn’t have done the show any justice.

Last night we ate at a restaurant called Mia Dona, an Italian restaurant. We were meeting some friends but got there a little early and just so happened to make it in time for happy hour! We grabbed a few drinks before dining.

The food was delicious and I loved how the portions were just right. I left feeling satisfied but not overly stuffed.

We spent a good amount of time walking around the city (today we walked over 10 miles!) and saw all kind of great sites. You could just feel the energy and everyone was out and about. I love how most restaurants have outdoor seating, especially because I can browse what everyone else is eating by just walking by

There were tons of protests going on throughout the city which made things interesting. And there was some sort of bike through the city where there were tons of bikers that we saw all day!

Today we had a sandwich at Salume, another Italian eatery! NY Magazine rated this sandwich shop to have the best Panini in NYC! And I concur.

Another great weekend in New York City and I can’t wait to return.