friday links

I've created a nice list of gingerbread recipes from around the food blogging world.
Do you crave gingerbread in December?
I do something fierce.
The gingerbread mix from Trader Joe's is quite good.
If you're in a hurry and want a fast gingerbread fix, give this one from Trader Joe's a go.
You can create so many things from it:

gingerbread cupcakes with white chocolate-cream cheese ganache

chocolate-gingerbread

Elsewhere around the web:


hot & spicy ginger snaps from RecipeGirl
gingerbread brownies from Oh Bite It
triple gingerbread ice cream from We Are Not Martha
gingerbread cookies from Annie Eats
orange gingerbread with cream cheese frosting from Joy the Baker
gramercy tavern gingerbread from Smitten Kitchen
chocolate-gingerbread granola from How Sweet It Is
gingerbread caramels from Confections of a Foodie Bride
gingerbread-pear empanadas from Laylita's Recipes
soft glazed gingerbread cookies from Dolcetto Confections
gingerbread cupcakes w/ mango buttercream from Pies & Plots
white chocolate gingerbread cake balls from Eats Well with Others
gingerbread latte cupcakes from Bakers Royale
pumpkin spice mousse cake w/ a flourless chocolate-gingerbread cake bottom from Confections of a Closet Master Baker
cinnamon roll swirled gingerbread bars from Picky Palate
nutella gingerbread scones from Cake Batter & Bowl

gingerbread-maple moon pies from Tracey's Culinary Adventures

gingerbread cookies from vanillasugarblog

soft gingersnap cookies w/ white chocolate chunks from Two Peas and Their Pod

gingerbread cheesecake bites from Created by Diane

Other finds:
owl cookies from Rosy Posy
eggnog bread with rum glaze from Knead to Cook
custard & white chocolate cookies from Warm, Snug & Fat
4 weeks of yuletide recipe roundup from Kitchen Historic
baking without flour for the holidays from NPR Food
global cold cures from NPR Food
go Paleo without going broke from Paleo Lifestyle Magazine
physical toll on negative emotions from Marks Daily Apple
homemade harissa sauce from Food Republic
37 ingredients that made up the Twinkie! from Gizmodo
stretch wrists to prevent hand inquiries from Greatist
sunglasses to fight the winter blues from Greatist
11 alternative medicines explained from Greatist


cinnamon roll coffee cake from Averie Cooks

Have a wonderful weekend!

friday links

It's Friday!

My latest finds at Trader Joe's:


Don't you love those free samples at Trader Joe's?
You know I hang out at that booth as long as I can.
Well this was the free sample of the day and it was heavenly.
This pizza or is it flatbread?  Tastes like a crispy thin pizza.  It's delish.  You must try this.
When you bake it at home, place it on the wire racks (or pizza stone), this way it gets nice and crispy.


I added on some artichoke hearts.  So good.

These were good.

Haven't tried this yet.  Have you? It sounds good.

On the fence with this one.  But I might give it a go if mixed with sushi rice (like on the package).

These were really dry. Like over-cooked dry.  Maybe I got a bad batch,  Good idea though.

These are dangerously good!

This was good. Needs more rice, but the taste was good.

I love this.  Dry, salty salami with a sharp cheese.  Mmmm.

If you ever need a new idea for a pesto add in--these spicy cashews are it!

I can't remember where I got these, but if you see them get them.  They are so good.  Spicy good.

Anyone tried these new coconut almonds from Blue Diamond?

These were on sale at Whole Foods--you know they were actually quite good.
Very deep chocolate flavor.
Speaking of Whole Foods--did you hear they are FINALLY coming to cape cod?  Yes yes indeed.
I am over the moon thrilled with this news.  They announced it on their Facebook page a few days ago.  I had to do a triple take when I read the words "Hyannis, MA".
I am their number one fan--they have no idea what they're in for do they?
Where in Hyannis?  I think, not 100% sure so don't quote me, but I think they are taking the old Borders store on Rt. 132.
I will keep you updated.  (lol)

And speaking of whole foods.  Should you need a last minute appetizer (or snack), you must try these.
So good.

Yes these are my PINK kitchen counters. Not by choice--came with the house.
Recently I spilled red food coloring on them.  Nothing was working to get the stain out, until someone
on twitter told me to try those Magic Erasers.
And it worked, perfectly. So now you know.

Perfectly clean.

Worlds skinniest house.

Iron rich fruits & veggies

Outside adventure film school

Bizarre celebrity homes

Skeletal remains found in upended tree

Be a "qualitarian" and eat your way to amazing health

Backpack camera system brings Google street view to grand canyon

DIY oyster crackers

I love hoe cakes, and I guess True Blood made them popular--again

Deep dish pumpkin pie w/ dulce de leche walnut streusel

5 foods to eat for happiness (blueberries need to be on there)

Wonderful add in's for chili

Fig & walnut crackers (sounds good!)

Chili & cornbread waffles!

Famous writers overcoming writers block

Cranberry curd bars with walnut shortbread

Buddhist monk is the worlds happiest man (there's proof!)

How to carve a turkey

10 life lessons from Forrest Gump (#4 is my favorite)

Man finds his doppelgänger at philadelphia museum of art

Have a wonderful weekend!

friday links

There is a new hot spot on cape cod!
I'm so excited.
Rarely do we get good pizza joints here.
Finally one opened up:  Wicked.
The actually have 2 locations in massachusetts, and one of them is on cape cod: mashpee.
They have the best pizza crusts I've had in a very long time.  Organic piza dough too. And they use as much local produce as possible. Sure they have a lot more than just pizza, but to be honest all my friends raved about the pizza, so my first time there we got pizza.  Next time I go I will try a few of the daily specials. Daily specials designed by the chefs of what's in season and local.  Excellent. The ambience of the restaurant is so comfy.  I know that is a popular word, but it's true.  The furniture, the chairs, the half booths were so cozy and comfy. The best part?  The tables were NOT on top of each other; room to breathe, with a hint of privacy.  And they have these high chair tables with half booths over at the bar as well.  Super comfy.  There is also a glass wall that looks into the kitchen, so you can watch what's going on behind the scenes.
If you come to cape cod, please make a trip to Mashpee. Prices are very reasonable.
The only thing they need to change?  The menu should really have more photos of their own creations. I mean their creations are insanely gorgeous and tasty.


Arancini:  risotto croquettes filled with pancetta, fontina cheese and natural Italian sausage.
Served with marinara sauce. These were definitely homemade. The filling was so light and so flavorful. Chock full of sausage, rice and just the right amount of fontina.



Fig and Prosciutto pizza.  Prosciutto de Parma, Fontina cheese, fig purée, baby arugula, diced poached pears and balsamic glaze. HEAVENLY!


Wicked mini donuts with creme anglaise and belgium dipping sauces.  And these were so fresh, so tasty, plus that creme anglaise was exactly like you'd find in any french restaurant.

Another yoga site: yogadork.com

Homemade milky ways!

(my weakness? homemade egg rolls) Chicken Egg Rolls

quick & easy crockpot baked beans

one question to guide your life (LOVE this, very powerful)

felix baumgartner: this is what skydiving from the edge of space looks like


note me: write & erase pillow


doggie water bowl

11 athletes share their favorite meals

Is your brain making you fat? (interesting, what do you think?)

Happy books: inspirational reads to make you smile

Increase serotonin with 21 foods for a better mood

6 natural ways to prepare for cold & flu season (some of these I've never heard of!)

Which meditation style is right for you?

Desk stretches! ( I love these--the 2nd one works)


These are new at Trader Joe's.  Really good, but pricey.

Here is a recipe for DIY kale chips at home.


I have arthritis in my knee.  Was recommended this all natural product.  Didn't want to try it because I always thought, all natural meant won't work as well.  Boy, was I wrong.
If you suffer from joint pain, tendon pain, arthritis, etc...please look for this: Topricin.


This all natural honey is all the rage now.  But it's like $27.00 per jar!  Ouch.  Have you tried this?


Pumpkin spice coconut milk. This is good!  I found it at Whole Foods.


Sparkling sake?  Oh yes please. (I found this at the larger whole foods; this one hails from Dedham Whole Foods). 


These were not good.  Nothing at all like the Starbuck Via's.  Very bitter.


A huge congrats to Jenny of Picky Palate on her first cookbook: Picky Palate Cookbook.
So proud of you!

To read list (click on image for more info):

I miss the sun! (photo from corporation beach, dennis, ma)

Have a wonderful weekend!

friday links

Happy Friday!

I got a special offer for you!



Tate's Bake Shop owner Kathleen King has come out with her first cookbook.
She was kind enough to offer a special price on this cookbook for my readers: $5.00 off!
Click here to purchase book using discount code: BAKEOFF

A quick peek inside the book.  I honestly thought it was all about cookies.  It isn't.
The cookbook consists of:
muffins, scones & shortcakes
tea loaves & quick breads
pies, tarts & crisps
cookies
party cakes & cupcakes
health & lifestyle baked goods
icing, frostings & sauces


pumpkin mousse pg. 82


blackout cupcakes pg. 169


cherry chip party cake pg. 153


chocolate almond biscotti pg. 146


Or if you don't want the cookbook, and just want to order their infamous cookies you can do that too.

AND Tate Bakes Shop has a Baking for Friends Bake-Off contest on Facebook -- where you could win $1000!

Here is a wonderful website for creative types: Creative Mornings.

Dog-Shaming!  How cute.

Pringles potato chips to come out with: pumpkin pie spice, white chocolate peppermint & cinnamon sugar?

A healthy-living power couple let us look inside their fridge.

Inflammation: the silent killer. Ways to reduce it.

Frosted mini wheats recall. May contain metals parts.  Parts?

Essential oils for muscle soreness.

Moth larvae infested Clif Bar! Gross!

Sweet potatoes to aid in weight loss?


These rugs by sonya winner will brighten up any room.


Wrist wallet.  Yes or no?


Say goodbye to keys, now you can unlock your door with your iphone.


Gift wrap station. You know now that I have a house, I can actually do this--finally.

If you click on anything, click this: Best way to chop fresh herbs!

Best space heaters for 2012

The Queen of Versailles! A Shakespearean tragedy!

Paper pocket to wrangle loose cords.

Habits for a good night sleep. (any of these actually work?)

Surprising signs you need more sleep.

Do food cravings really indicate nutritional deficiency?

Tasting metal in your mouth?

The breath-stress relationship.  Very interesting read!


Banana-cream cheese muffins from Baked Bree


No bake pumpkin butter-oat bars.  From Healthy Food for Living.

Pumpkin spice cookies with cream cheese frosting. From Eclectic Recipes.

Nutella filled pumpkin bread. From Roxana Home Baking.

No-bake sweet potato cheesecakes! From How Sweet It Is.


As if there isn't enough pumpkin-ness to go around. Trader Joe's has pumpkin macarons.


I've already started enjoying the weekend early.
This is a peanut butter blast from Dairy Queen. I asked for extra peanut sauce.
Man that was good!

Have a great weekend!