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Sunday, October 21, 2012

PUMPKIN-STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE

 
 
PUMPKIN-STREUSEL COFFEE CAKE 
Courtesy of Nancy Larson Adkisson
 
 
 
Okay, let's face it folks the Holidays are here.  Whether you choose to believe it or not "it" has already begun as evidenced by the Halloween, Thanksgiving AND Christmas displays that are simultaneously up at all major retailers across America. 

So while stores are already displaying thier Holiday wares, we here in the random Jolls house have already begun the baking.  There have been several loaves of bread and just today we made some sugar cookies...And, plans are on tap for some Cinnamon Rolls later in the week. Ah yes the Holidays are indeed here and it is time to share the love.

It is really the foods of the Holiday season that brings it all together for me.  Holiday foods equal a happy tum tum; okay yes a fatter, lazier tum tum but a happy one damn it!  And, what is January 1st for anyway if not to set goals and start a diet?  I don't want to break tradition at this point...

So send me your recipes and pics and I will post them for all to enjoy this Holiday season.  First up is a fabulous looking Fall coffee cake courtesy of Nancy Larson Adkisson.  Thanks Nancy!

Okay, your mission peeps it to make it, to enjoy it and then to let me know if it is as delish as it looks m'kay?

Shells.


INGREDIENTS:

1/2 c. butter
3/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 c. sour cream
1 3/4 c.  to 2 c. pumpkin
1 egg
1/3 c. sugar
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

 STREUSEL:
1 c. brown sugar
1/3 c. butter
2 tsp. cinnamon
 
DIRECTIONS:
Cream butter, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla; add 3 eggs beating well. Combine flour, baking powder and soda. Add to butter mixture alternating with sour cream. Combine pumpkin, 1 egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and spice. Spoon 1/2 of batter in 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle 1/2 of streusel over batter. Spread pumpkin mix over streusel. spread remaining batter over pumpkin. Sprinkle remaining streusel on top. Bake at 325 degrees for 50-60 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serves 12.

I added a simple powdered sugar glaze to the hot cake at the end!!
 
 



Saturday, October 13, 2012

Papaya Thai Cuisine

 
 
Papaya Thai Cuisine
916 787-0505
5015 FOOTHILLS BLVD. ST 3 ROSEVILLE, CA
 
 
OMG, soooooo goooooood, let's just get that out of the way right off the bat!  Papaya Thai Cuisine, the little restaurant that no one knows about...Yet!
 

 
So sis and I were out last weekend drumming up raffle prizes from local businesses for a pancake breakfast fundraiser.  While I was hitting up a local Mr. Pickles my sister went into a new biz called Papaya Thai Cuisine.  She gave them her spiel and I guess the owner told her they were struggling a bit but he offered her a $20.00 gift card towards lunch or dinner; which I found really generous! 
 
The owner's comments about struggling got my sister and I talking about how we really need to support local small business more and I told her I would love to try the place and spread the word...The bottom line is either you are good or you are bad right? 
 
Papaya Thai Cuisine is good, really good!  I walked into the place not expecting much (the exterior is a very generic cookie cutter strip mall) and got quite the surprise at the sweet and calming interior.  The colors are dark woods with hints of golds and greens.  White table cloths provide a beautiful atmosphere and give a feeling of elegance.  My overall impresssion was that Papaya Thai Cuisine is quietly intimate but not at all cramped.  There is a beautiful centerpiece bar along the back wall and lovely music that automatically makes you feel both relaxed and welcome.
 
I ordered the chicken Pad Thai (family size) and for $8.00 received a HUGE to go container of noodley yumminess!  The smell wafting from the container got me at about two steps from the door and I opened my lunch up and dived in like I was a homeless person.  Yes, I admit it I was standing on the sidewalk scooping noodles, and chicken, and peanuts, and onions into my mouth with my fingers (which I now find amusing because I was asked if I wanted a plastic utensil set...And, silly me thought I would be eating this at home and I said no) and I didn't care that I was scarfing food on the street... I DID NOT CARE people, because it was that good!
 
 
 
I have added some pics I found on the Papya Thai Cuisine website because ummm, well I kinda devoured my dish before I thought about taking a picture.  But, honestly it was as lovely as the pictures before I got my grub on.  And, well let's be honest here I got my grub on, and my grub all up in that Pad Thai dish...LOL, and I liked it!
 
 
 


 
Check out Papaya Thai my friends and let me know what you think.  I think this place is fabulous and a small local business worth your time.
 
Shells
 
 
 
 
 


Thursday, September 13, 2012

Marie and I

Marie Osmond has nothing on me.  She lost a mere 50 lbs.  I've lost 80 and counting.  Since January 20, 2012 I have actually lost the weight of an average 3rd grader.  It was NOT hard!  Once I quit eating out with Pete at Red Lobster it was a piece of cake!  I went back to Nutrisystem.  I used it as my starting point and even though I am not yet done losing weight, I rely on the food less and less.  My main plan now is working out and consuming 1000 - 1200 calories per day.  Once you make that your habit, it becomes much easier.  I never thought I would be saying this, but I actually go out of my way to workout.  Almost every night something comes up that I could easily say is more important, but I finally am of the mindset that without that, I will never get to my goal.  Nutrisystem food is good!  I know our posts are usually funny (and quite witty if I do say so myself), but I thought I would take a moment out and give myself a pat on the back.  I'll post again when I am at my goal.

Sunday, September 09, 2012

Roberta's Cocina Mexicana

Roberta's Cocina Mexicana
5635 Freeport Blvd. Ste 6
Sacramento, CA 95822
 
 
 
Roberta's is a simple Mom and Pop style place with  a friendly staff and really good authentic Mexican style food.  The place is clean and there is so much to choose from on the menu:Tacos, Burritos, Quecas, Birria, Carnitas, Menudo and so much more.  I opted for a brekkie classic of Chorizo and Eggs... And, below is a pic of what I got for something like $5.00 with chips and salsa and a drink...Ridiculously inexpensive and OMG sooooo good, so good!  My friend ordered the Menudo and received a trough of the stuff with all the fixins and I can tell ya it was some of the best I've had.
 
 
So here is the thing folks, if you enjoy, and I mean REALLY enjoy places like Del Taco, Taco Bell, Jimboys Tacos and El Pollo Loco you "may" not like Roberta's style of food.  Not that there is anything wrong with any of the places I listed...I enjoy ALL of them, but they are not authentic Mexican food.  They do not have that rich layered flavor of meats cooked slowly, or the exquisite burst of spices that comes from family recipes or regional areas...Roberta's food has that and more.
 
I highly recommend Roberta's and I hope you enjoy your visit...Let me know mmmkay?
 
 
Shells

Shrimp Tacos with Zesty Cream Sauce




This is a really great light recipe for Shrimp Tacos...My sister and I grubbed on these this week and all you heard in the house of gnosh was "mmmmm!, damn!, soooo good!, this doesn't suck! and more please!

The original recipe was in Americas Best Recipes Magazine, 101 Quick and Easy recipes; however, I made a few changes that were appropriate for me and sis...I suggest using 8oz of sour cream, the rest is wasted since you basically drizzle it over each taco.  And, I added more spices because sis and I enjoy really flavorful ingredients. 

Make this folks it's just good food!  And, let me know your thoughts.

Ingredients:


  • 1 (16 ounce) container nonfat sour cream

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder, divided

  • 1 teaspoon cumin, ground (divided)

  • 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, divided

  • 3/4 cup water

  • 1 lb shrimp, medium (unpeeled)

  • 3 tablespoons orange juice

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 teaspoons olive oil

  • 1 avocado, chopped

  • 8 corn tortillas, warmed (6-inch size)

  • Directions:

    Whisk together sour cream, 1 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoons salt and cinnamon. Add 3/4 cup water, stirring until smooth. Cover and chill until ready to serve.
     
    Peel shrimp, and devein. If desired, chop. Combine remaining 1 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes and 1/2 teaspoons salt in a shallow dish or a zip-lock plastic freezer bag; add orange juice and shrimp, turning to coat. Cover or seal, and chill 15 minutes.
     
    Remove shrimp from marinade, discarding marinade. Saute garlic in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 2-3 minutes. Add shrimp, and cook 5 minutes or just until shrimp turns pink. Serve with sour cream mixture and avocado in warm tortillas. Prep time includes refrigeration time.



    Shells

    Friday, April 13, 2012

    SKINNI(ER) CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

    Yeah so okay  it's been like a year since I have bothered with this site and I thought maybe I should add some stuff.  Just so you all know I have totally gathered, saved and written lots of stuff, I just never bothered to actually add it to this blog.  Now, please understand that I am not stating that updates are going to be more frequent (mostly because I am lazy) what I am stating is that I will totally think about trying  harder to actually post to this blog.  You're welcome!


    SKINNI(ER) CHICKEN CORDON BLEU



    I know, it looks amazing right?!  It so totally is, and I am totally made of awesome because this dish is the shiznit fo sho!

    Preparation time: 15 mintues
    Cooking time: 30 minutes
    Weight Watchers Points Plus Value: 8 (per serving)
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients:
    4 Foster Farms Thin-Sliced Boneless Skinless Breast fillets
    4 slices  Kraft Singles (2% milk) Swiss Cheese
    4 slices Oscar Meyer Deli sliced Ham
    1/2 Cup Progresso Panko (Italian Style) Bread Crumbs
    1/2 Cup Sunnyside Real Egg Product                                                                                                   
    4 Tsp salted butter
                                                                                                                                                                                 
    Instructions:
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. 

    Pound chicken to 1/4 inch (or less) pieces. Assemble ingredients to make a production line...Chicken, cheese , ham, toothpicks, egg wash, bread crumbs. 

    Place 1 slice of ham and one slice of cheese in center of chicken breast and jellyroll the chicken.  Secure ends with toothpicks.  Using one hand coat chicken with the egg wash.  Using your other(clean dry hand) sprinkle panko crumbs onto breast to lightly coat.  Do not roll directly in crumbs as you will likely use too much on the first few pieces leaving nothing for the rest of the chicken pieces. 

    Place assembled chicken onto baking sheet.  Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray (I use an olive oil spray, but any type will do) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes depending on your oven.  Chicken should be white and juices should run clear.  You can always use a meat thermometer to test doneness. 

    Remove chicken from oven.  Use a microwave to melt 4 tsp of butter.  Drizzle 1 tsp over each piece of chicken and serve warm with salad, fruit or veggies for a lovely and satisfying skinni(er) meal. 

    And Nancy don't make any snarkey comments about my plates...I was totally channeling Beyonce Chicken.


    Shells

    Friday, April 29, 2011

    The Royal Wedding and the Royal Dog (me)



    Not sure if anybody appreciates how important it is to be invited to be on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during a once in a lifetime ceremony, but in case you aren't sure, let me clarify. It was an honor to be included and I totally was not expecting it! Respecting their Royal Highnesses' I did not wear my crown (don't want to upstage the bride). But there I am, witnessing history. As I stated earlier, my job today was to be the critic of the food choices at the wedding, and that's what this post is about. So take another look at me with the
    royal couple before you soak in the real "meat" of this post. Aren't I darling? Kate looks good. But me....SO CUTE.
    Ok, so:
    On the menu for the wedding breakfast was:
    Cornish Crab Salad on Lemoni Blini
    Scottish Smoked Salmon Rose on Beetroot Blini
    Pressed Duck Terrine with Fruit Chutney
    Miniature Watercress and Asparagus Tart
    Quail Eggs with Celery Salt
    Miniature Yorkshire Pudding with Roast Fillet of Beef and Horesradish
    Assortment of Palmiers and Cheese Straws

    Ok....yuck. The duck thing was good. I like duck. I can get the yorkshire pudding stuff at home on any given Sunday since my Uncle Jim cookes it all the time. I'm not into Blini. I might be if I knew what it was. Watercress? What is THAT? Quail eggs....ummmm, no. I do admit the cheese straws weren't bad.
    Did you notice the picture of me and the royal couple on the balcony? Do you think I should have worn a more ornate collar? Perhaps a hat with a pretzel on top of it like Princess Beatrice? I think I looked pretty good. Although it's unfortunate in that shot I wasn't even looking at Kate and Wills. I was looking at one of the Queen's Corgi's who looked particularly handsome. If you must know, he and I snuck away half way through breakfast and went and had some of our own royal breakfast. And let me assure you, there was no Science Diet Light involved.

    Wednesday, April 27, 2011

    What? Nobody is coming home to let me out?

    Did I just read that my mother is living it up on gourmet delivery service and I am home waiting for her? Eating DOG FOOD?

    Where is the justice? I plan to bark loudly when she gets home and wake up the whole house. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

    Take Out Taxi



    In California, we have Waiters-On-Wheels. Here in Illinois the food delivery service of choice is called "Take Out Taxi". At my office we have been pretty much living on Take Out Taxi ever since March 11, 2011 when the Tsunami hit Japan and the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant became a disaster on par with Chernobyl. Lunch today was from California Pizza Kitchen and I got my usual (lettuce wraps). They are so good....


    Tonight is going to be a late night at the office and dinner is coming in 30 minutes. I chose a different place called Jimmy's Grill in downtown Naperville. So Take Out Taxi will pick up the to go order, and bring it to our office. All for a small delivery fee.


    This morning when I asked my boss what he wanted from CPK he enthusiastically said FISH TACOS! and then he decided to change his mind as he didn't want the office to smell all fishy all afternoon.


    Tonight, however, he is not as restrained. Jimmy's Grill also has Fish Taco's and he's going for it! I guess the longer the day wears on, the less we care if it smells fishy. If we have to stay here until all hours of the night, bring on the fish!


    I'll let you know how it goes.



    Saturday, April 23, 2011

    The Key Wester -- gone but not forgotten

    So the other day my niece called me as I was getting into my car to go home from the office. She herself was driving home from Downers Grove and she invited me to meet her for sushi on Route 59 at Nagoyo (see previous blog). I gladly accepted and detoured my route home to meet her at Nagoya. This brought me down Route 59 when I normally would have taken Eola. Much to my surprise, I noticed that the Key Wester (owned by Portillos but a sensation in it's own right) was being dismantled. At first I thought it was storm damage (looked like a tornado had struck part of the building). I googled it when I got home only to find out that a few months ago they suddenly shut their doors. After like 15 years (or more?) of a fabulous restaurant that has memories dear to my heart, they closed. It's the economy and the fact that people just don't splurge out like they used to. I have so many memories of the Key Wester. The first one that comes to mind is when my mother died. Tom and I flew to Illinois and the following night we went there with my brother and my niece (mentioned above).










    I think I was still in shock when this one was taken. But even before that, my friends and I used to go there to






    Naperville will not be the same. The Key Wester being demolished is just a symbol of how my old life has been demolished. I need to make new memories. I am glad I can make them with Shelley.



    Sunday, April 17, 2011

    An ice cream that I have no clue about


    But it sounded so good when Shelley talked about it, I must run out and get some. Well, not tonight...but maybe tomorrow? It's sweet and salty and if it's good enough for Jimmy Falon, it's good enough for me.


    Wednesday, April 13, 2011

    Royal Dog

    Guess who has been named as the official dog to comment on the food being served at Kate and Williams wedding? Yes, it's true. It's me. Betsy Lou Smego. You can call me HRH Elizabeth Louise Smego. I think it might be my german heritage (I share that with William, or "Wills" as I call him). I will be reporting from London after the royal wedding and let you know about all the food. Please don't feel you need to courtsey when you meet me. Although that would be appreciated.


    I can't wait!!


    No such thing as too much sushi

    Nagoya. Route 59 in Naperville in the same parking lot as Walmart. Be there. If you are a sushi lover (and what really respectable human being isn't?) you owe it to yourself. Normally I would shy away from an all you can eat sushi bar that's in Chicago (i.e., not near an ocean) but these guys really bring it. At dinner, for $19.95 per person (the price of some appetizers at other sushi restaurants) you can get access to a sushi buffet that contains: hibatchi, sashimi, sushi, crab legs, oysters, chinese cuisine, salad, dessert....I could go on and on...SO GOOD AND FRESH. So worth $19.95.

    Sunday, April 03, 2011

    This is me, as usual....

    Waiting to get a bite of prime rib. And guess what? I got one! NuWave's are even good for dogs. If they behave. Bailey didn't sit good on the carpet and wait and she might not get any. Poor Bailey. Tee hee....

    NuWave Style Prime Rib!



    The official definition of the NuWave oven is this: Cook quick! NuWave's ovens cook 50% faster than conventional ovens due to a 3-way patented method that uses infrared, conduction and convection heating for tender, evenly browned meals.




    So you faithful blog followers (yes, I am talking to both of you) know that my brother (much older than me) turned 50 last week AND that he is a fussy, gourmet cook. My niece bravely purchased this for him and he's been experimenting with huge success all week. Tonight -- prime rib. Who's brave enough to put a 5lb prime rib in this? Jim Raine, that's who.




    The photos here are of the process along the way, along with my finished plate (strawberry pattern and all):




    Sunday, March 20, 2011

    Go Banana's!

    So I was craving Banana Bread and Nancy found an easy looking recipe (Banana Banana Bread) on http://www.allrecipes.com/ (a great shared recipe site.)

    I tweaked it a bit because it seemed like it might need more flavor and I have to say it turned out to be a yummy B-Bread!  I preferred it cold vs. hot which is really odd, but it is what it is.

    Ingredients:

    2 Cups plus 4 Tablespoons Cake Flour - All purpose flour is fine, but use only 2 Cups
    1 tsp. Baking Soda
    1/2  tsp. Salt
    1/2 cup softened butter
    4 ripe Banana's
    1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar
    1/2 Sugar
    2 Eggs - Room Temperature
    1 tsp. Vanilla

    Optional:

    Add Walnuts, Cranberries or Chocolate Chips as desired.
    Can be poured into mini loafs or muffin tins...Adjust baking time as needed.

    Directions:

    Preheat oven to 350 and grease a loaf pan.
    In a large bowl mix together flour, baking soda and salt.
    In a separate bowl mash banana's together with butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla until well mixed.
    Fold in dry mixture until well incorporated.

    Pour into bread pan and bake for 50 - 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.
    Remove from oven and place on rack to cool.





    Enjoy!

    Shells

    Saturday, March 19, 2011

    It's a miracle...a dog food miracle!





    Even though I don't think she's crazy about me, my Aunt Paige is my favorite Aunt. She works at Banfield Vet at PetsMart and because of that, Mom took me there today. We sorta just wanted to get out of the house and peek in on what Paige was doing. Well...Eureka!!!!!!!!!!! This lady was walking around the store selling dog food and you will never guess that Mom actually bought me something new. Yes, she did. Yes!!! she did!!! She did. I swear.



    It went down like this: this woman stopped to admire how darn cute I am and of course Mom was eating it up and talking to her. Next thing you know, we're in the dog food aisle and this woman is talking Mom into a food that the vet recommends because it has glucosamine for special dogs like me who have had bad backs and now has a bad hip. She told Mom to mix it with my Science Diet Lite at first and then ween me off SDL onto the new food. Ha ha ha....I fooled all of them. I spent a good 15 minutes picking out the little SDL chunks and just eating the new food which is really, really yummy. I like it so much they put my photo on the bag.







    Life is good. Until I get sick of this food. I'll report back.

    Monday, March 14, 2011

    Soups On!

    You know it's been raining in Nor*Cal for what seems like 142 day now...Okay, that is clearly an exaggeration, but, when you miss the sun it certainly seems much longer than it actually is.  One of the few things that I can take comfort in when its gray and gloomy is Winter Food.  You know what I mean the homey, gut warming foods that your mom made.  To me Winter Food are entrees like meatloaf, spaghetti, pot roast and mashed potatoes and of course stews and soups.

    I decided to head to the Nugget Market for dinner because I had had a big lunch and because I didn't want to cook.  Something warm and already made sounded great.  I entered the store and picked up some fresh fruit and then headed over to the deli and bakery.  I wandered past the chinese kitchen and wrinkled my nose, I mozied past the sushi and decided no, I glanced at the salad bar and the hot baked items and nothing was screaming "take me home."  Then as I was turning the corner for the bakery I glanced at the soup bar. 

    OMG, YES!  Soup is exactly what I didn't even know I wanted!  My little happy place got happier and everything was shiny again.  I wanted to sing out loud but of course I was still in the store so I contained the excitement to the inside and just giggled a little maniacally.

    As luck would have it the Nugget had a huge steaming pot of Chicken Noodle, and let me tell ya I love me some chicken noodle soup!  I grabbed a half pint container and ladeled a really fragrant soup with thick noodles and chunks of chicken and veggies.  Then I grabbed a rustic demi baguette and headed home.  Don't worry I paid first...

    I got home and sliced some of the baguette and added some strawberries to my plate and let me tell you people it was uber yumminess.  The chicken noodle had a nice base soup that was not too thick but not watery.  There were carrots, celery and onion,, the noodles were perfect and the chicken was tender.  Pulling it all together was oregano and maybe sage and certainly salt and pepper. 



     I don't know what the Nugget puts into thier soups but I have enjoyed every one that I have tried and this was no exception.  So, if you are ever get that 142 rainy day feeling I suggest a lovely Winter Meal from the Nugget soup kitchen (or your local market) that only costs about $5.00 and is sure to drive those blues away.


    Shells

    Sunday, March 13, 2011

    Another Weekend, Another Burger...

    Another quick and tasty burger from the Food A Go-Go kitchens.  The provolone cheese, double onion ciabatta burger.




    Ingredients:

    1 lb. ground beef

    Deli sliced Provolone cheese

    1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

    2 tsp. Onion Powder

    1 tsp. cracked Pepper

    1 tbs. Powdered Ground Mustard

    1 tsp. Liquid Smoke

    1 fresh loaf Ciabatta bread

    1 Tomato (optional)

    1 Bag of Seneca Crisped Onions

    Mayo and Ketchup to taste

    Preparation:

    Set ground beef out until it reaches room temperature.  In a bowl add beef, mustard, liquid smoke, onion powder, salt and pepper.  Mix well and form patties to the size you prefer; monster or slider.

    Heat skillet to medium high heat and thinly coat the bottom of the pan with vegetable oil.  Place the burgers into pan and cook about 3 - 4 minutes per side for medium rare burgers.  Of course grilling works great too!

    When you flip the burgers wait one minute and then add the provolone cheese, this gives it time to melt thoroughly.

    Remove burgers and allow them to rest for a minute or two, while they are resting place slices of ciabatta bread face down in pan and toast to desired warmth.

    Spread mayo and ketchup on the ciabatta bread and add tomatoes, then pile with onion crisps and top with the burger. 

    Take plenty of napkins with you to the table and enjoy scarfing this bad boy!  Oh, and remember to give me your feedback, I would love to know what you think.

    Shells

    There is nothing small about Starbucks Petites


    Everyone knows I love coffee.  In fact I love it so very much that I carry the unofficial title of "Coffee Whore."  I start every morning with a double espresso and follow it up a couple of hours later with an Iced Mocha...And, sometimes another espresso.  Occasionally, I have a small cup at home in the afternoon.  Shut Up, Don't Judge Me!!!  I quit smoking, I quit drinking and I quit other illegal substances, so I will drink as much coffee as I want dammit! 

    Errrrrm, I apologize the large amounts of caffeine sometimes make me a little edgy and obnoxious...

    Sooooo anyway I really enjoy coffee, and I love, Love, LOVE Starbucks coffee.  I have a Starbucks just about every day.  It's not that I don't enjoy other coffees, in fact Peet's Major Dickason's blend is my abso fav of all time.  But, as much as people complain about a Starbucks on every corner the truth is that there IS a Starbucks on every corner.  I know where they are, I know the best times to go and I feel like family when the barista's greet me by name, so Starbucks is the choice of this over caffinated blogger. 

    As much as I love Starbucks coffee I generally don't eat the food at Starbucks, I have found that the "food" is generally like eating cardboard, flavorless and dry.  However, the sweets at Starbucks are pretty tasty treats and thier latest offerings really hit the mark for me.   Starbucks Petites are bite sized desserts but they are not small on appeal or flavor.


    The above picture is of a few of the new treats; clockwise from bottom left is carrot cake,salted caramel bar, lemon square and a rocky road cake pop. The entire menu includes cake pops in three flavors (tiramisu, birthday cake and rocky road) and tiny cakes such as lemon, red velvet, carrot and a few regional flavors all of which run $1.50 each with a second treat for only $1.00 

    I really enjoyed all of these petite treats, but lemme tell ya the salted caramel was absolutely divine!  The cake pop was much like a brownie which I am NOT complaining about, I loved it.  The lemon was good, but not the best ever and the carrot was tasty, light and sweet.  I enjoyed these enough to want to try other flavors and I think the concept is brilliant because I often just want a small bite of sweet when I enjoy my coffee.

    Take it from this over caffeinated, sarcastic Coffee Whore, Starbucks petites are small in size, small in price and big on flavor and smiles.

    Shells