If there's one thing this girl loves, it's mojitos. And nothing says "Let's hold onto summer forever" (no really, don't let it leave...) more than a sweet mojito, a Zaya Raspberry Mojito Float to be exact.
Zaya Rum, the self-advertised "World's Finest Sipping Rum" holds its own in the battle of great rums (including Puerto Rico's Bacardi) and was a fragrant, spicy sip right out of the glass all on its own. The Raspberry Mojito Float, on the other hand, was just the right mixture of fruit, frothy lime sorbet and fiery rum; quite the sexy drink! Also, just a tad beyond delectable and a great addition to my Friday apartment Happy Hour. Now, if only my balcony had a view of the sunset...
Enlightened Cakes is a cookbook by Camilla V. Saulsbury with a goldmine of recipes for lighter, lower fat desserts. Cook your very own cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes and more with fewer calories and less fat using over 150 decadent recipes listed in this cookbook. Make lighter version of classic bundt cakes, New York style cheesecake or frostings, or try your hand at the more exotic recipes like Chai Cupcakes.
Saulsbury's trick is the cutting back of butter, sugar and oil, rather than using chemically altered substitutes that in return alter the taste and texture of the dessert. Her truly enlightened desserts are sure to please any palate, and this easy-to-follow cookbook should be a staple in any baker's (and dieting baker's) pantry.
Tip: It's always great to cook your own dessert so you can control amounts of fat and sugar, especially when dieting.
In New York, everything seems to be on the go: coffees, bagels, sandwiches, yogurt, and now at long last we can add wine to that list! WineTime bars combine my two favorite treats: wine and chocolate. They seem decadent, yet are actually beneficial to your health, leaving you guilt free.
Loaded with antioxidants, WineTime bars prevent aging and help with heart protection, with more Resveratrol than 50 glasses of red wine. These bars are also high in fiber and contain seven extra super fruits: cranberry, noni, pomegranate, goji berry, acai, mangosteen and blue berry.
And did I mention the taste? A combination of dark chocolate, fruit and wine allows you to have happy hour at any hour of the work day. I'd say these bars beat any man when it comes to wining and dining.
Labor Day is fast approaching, a day to kick back and relax and bite into a great burger. When it comes to condiments, forget the Heinz or Hunt's and head straight for Sir Kensington's. This "scooping" ketchup comes in jars that fits perfectly on dinner tables next to bowls of fried onions and plates of charred brats. Simply pick up a grilled bun, swipe some ketchup on the surface, slap on a patty and consume. A unique history and easy to read ingredients make this ketchup the one to look out for. Don't forget to try both flavors: Spiced and Classic!
Tip: For a delicious surprise, veggie style, spread a little Sir Kensington's Spiced Gourmet Scooping Ketchup on an Organic Sunshine Burger for an added kick.
If I had to choose my last meal on earth, it would definitely be dessert, so I apologize if I may seem a bit biased towards this dish. Just writing about it makes me want to check out of my office and check-in to Highpoint Bistro & Bar down in Chelsea to be a test tube for the caramel experiment.
Although it takes me into a sugar lack depression state every time I reminisce about the plate without being able to devour every morsel again, it's worth sharing.
So here it goes. Imagine caramel taking over your life for about a half hour (or longer depending on how fast you can scarf this sugar baby down). "The Anti Fondu," as Chef Deffina
calls his creation," serves up a salt slab flooded in caramel, and another portion of smooth, sticky, caramel on its own, surrounded by a seemingly endless array of goodies. So after much trial and error (it was a tough evening!) here's my lab report:
Hypothesis: The taste and texture of the caramel will differentiate when absorbed by the salt slab.
Procedure: Test this using by dipping heaven's sweetest desserts in the salted caramel and the separate caramel.
Materials: Chocolate banana cupcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, raspberries, apples, roasted pecans, popcorn marshmallows, chocolate whip creme pastries, and finally, God's gift to the earth, the double fudge brownie.
Results: The treats between the salted caramel and the original caramel do vary.
Conclusion: Epic delicious success. High Point Bar and Bistro is a must try for every dessert lover in town.
Grade: A for Appetite and Absolutely Amazing!
Tip: This meal can not be downed alone. I would advise always splitting between two people at the minimum! Unless of course this dish is a part of the breakup binge or you are still mourning the series finale of Lost, only then are you excused!
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