Bird of a Different Color

Holiday-specific food has always been a problem for me. It seems I become addicted to particular items that can only attained at certain times of the year. I must admit that as a teen, I was obsessed with the overly sweet Cadbury cream egg. As soon as they appeared, I would begin to hoard them, attempting to collect enough on my own and from gifts to last as long as possible. Fortunately, this behavior lead to Cadbudy cream egg burnout and they longer do anything for me except turn my stomach.

But that didn't keep me from falling prey to similar specialty foods. You may remember the fun size Milky Way Dark, now called Milk Way Midnight? Milky Way makes many of their candy bars in several different sizes: minis (just a bite), fun size (a couple of bites), regular size and "2 to go' (formerly king size). Now, I have been a major fan of the Milky Way Midnight since they introduced it. After the candy bar formerly known as the Mars Bar (Now called Snickers Almond. I detest candy rebranding. Mars doesn't even have a candy bar called Mars any longer!), I think the Milky Way Midnight is my favorite. And it is also the favorite of several of my friends. At one of my previous jobs, we did a taste test of the three sizes the Milky War Midnight was available in, determining unanimously that the fun size was the perfect proportion of nougat to caramel to chocolate. Wouldn't they all the be the same? Not at all. Each is subtly different and the fun size was perfection.

The only problem? Milky Way Dark fun size was only available at Halloween. Why? I'm not sure, but like the aforementioned Cadbury Cream Eggs, I and many of my friends would hoard the fun size at the holiday, making them last as long as possible. Until that dreadful day, the thought of which sends shivers down my spine. I remember being at Target and looking through the candy for the Milk Way Midnight fun size, none to be found. I looked elsewhere. None. Zero. Zilch. I finally wrote the company and was informed it was no longer being produced. What a sad and miserable day for America.

But, really how hard is it to change out the chocolate in the enrobing machine? It can't be that difficult. If I win the lottery I will make them produce it again; if I had a time machine I would go back to the year 2000 and buy as many bags as I could find. The I would go even further and grab my child self, bring him to the future and get his teeth sealed, then return him to the past. I like candy too much for someone who hates the dentist.

Since the Milky Way Midnight debacle, I have tried to remain aloof about seasonal candy and food. But, I must admit that it's limited availability is part of it's attraction. Only being able to have something once a year makes it more special.

But, I do have a weakness: SweeTARTS Chicks, Ducks and Bunnies. Sure, they are just SweeTARTS in a special holiday shape, but there is something about that is just different. The Easter shapes are just better, perhaps because they're bigger. They seems to dissolve on your tongue in a way that a conventional SweeTART does not. Or maybe it's because Easter is the last major candy holiday until Halloween? And I'm just looking for something to hang my desperation on? Regardless, I try to limit myself to a couple of bags per season. I enjoy them while I have them and try not to hoard them. I don't want to burnout and also don't want to reach the level of addiction that would cause me to write to the company were they ever to stop producing them...or start petitions.....or a 'Save the Chicks, Ducks and Bunnies' Facebook page. One may take on Milky Way, but one does not want to take on Willy Wonka. I've seen the movie.

Plus, there are more important things in life than candy.

There is cake.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Mitchell's favorite flavor combination (in the sweet realm) is chocolate and peanut butter, so for Valentine's day, I made him a box of peanut butter buckeyes. These treats are intended to resemble the nut of a tree by the same name. They couldn't be easier to put together and are prefect if you know someone who loves peanut butter dipped in chocolate. They are also a fun kitchen activity to do with kids as there is some mixing, rolling and dipping but not much else in the way of haute cooking techniques needed. After a long week, I didn't have the patience to make mine 'Martha Stewart-pretty,' but they were super-tasty which is what counts.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Buckeyes
You can use what every chocolate you prefer in these, but most recipes suggest semi-sweet. I used bitter sweet, as the peanut butter filling is mostly sugar and I thought the contrast would be nice. I also use Smart Balance spread instead of real butter which works just fine. If you use unsalted butter, add a small amount of salt (may 1/4 tsp) to the mix.

2 cups powdered sugar
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
4 tbsp Smart Balance spread, melted
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
6 oz. bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips

Put the powdered sugar in a big yellow bowl and whisk briefly to make sure all of the lumps are removed. Add the peanut butter, Smart Balance and vanilla extract. Stir with a spoon until the mixture comes together. Use a small ice cream scoop or spoon, divide the peanut butter mixture and roll into balls, placing on a wax paper-lined cookie sheet as you go. Place the balls in the freezer and freeze for 15-20 minutes.

Meanwhile, melt the chocolate. You can do this in the microwave or a double boiler, but I have a small electric fondue pot which works perfectly for melting chocolate and keeping it warm. Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and using a toothpick, dip each into the chocolate leaving a small circle of peanut butter peaking through at the top. Twirl quickly to remove an extra chocolate then place back on the wax paper. After all are done, return to the freezer for 5-10 minutes to set. You can put these in individual wrapper or just on a tray if you're serving for dessert. Some people like them at room temperature, but others prefer them just from the fridge with a little chill. I fall into the latter camp.

Makes about 24 candies.

Enjoy!

Mexi-CAN



We had great Mexican last night, with amazing salsa and guacamole at Super Mex.

Then we went by Pinkberry to find out what all the culty business is about. I had original flavor with blueberries, so felt a little healthy but still satisfied. I took a photo, even though you aren't supposed to. The interior was very cool, but a little loud...so we didn't linger.



After, we popped into a great little candy store with all kinds of treats: Mike & Ike (my favorite!) in vintage-y boxes; salt water taffy in all kinds of flavors; all your favorite old fashioned candy; and Marie Antoinette lollipops! It was a good thing I was already stuffed full of burritos, enchiladas and yogurt, or I would have bought a huge bag of goodies...


Eat and Eat in Madison

Last weekend in Madison was filled, as always, with wonderful eats and delicious treats.

On Saturday we went to the farmer's market, which encircles the capital. There were amazing piles of vegetables, jams and jellies, and piles of baked goods. I bought a jar of blueberry jam and another of spiced tomato. I thought the tomato might be delicious on a grilled cheese with some Gouda or other delicious melty cheese. After our long walk around the square, we has a delicious meal at Himal Chuli, sitting outside on the sidewalk and watching the people go by. I started with a delicious dal, one of the best I have ever eaten, and finished with a seitan cooked in a spicy, yogurt sauce.

Of course, the most exciting part of the visit food wise was a trip to Vom Fass, Dave's new store, which means "from the keg." Vom Fass sells oils, vinegars, liqueurs and wines. You can taste and taste and taste all the varieties: fig vinegar, aged balsamic, grappa, citrus oils, nut oils and on and on and on. I bought some hazelnut oil that is more flavorful and delicious that any I have ever tasted. Vom Fass is poised to take the country by storm, so look for one near you sometime soon.

Missing Austin and craving tacos, we had lunch at Tex Tubb's Taco Palace--which our hosts described as a "faux Austin taqueria." I had a mushroom taco and a fried avocado--both delicious--and washed down with sangria. Pretty real to me. But what do I know about tacos? I live in Indiana...

It was Wisconsin, so of course there was cheese....glorious cheese!

And a little chocolate from the wonderful, amazing Belgian chocolatier, Leonidas.

Mangez!

SoCo Treats

Saturday, Katie and I bummed around South Congress doing a little shopping, looking and eating. We popped into Cissi's Market which has all kinds of yummy treats, including some garish sugar cookies that are actually divine. They served them at the docent holiday party last week, and I would say they are possible the best I've ever had.

After walking up and down the street, we decided that a slice from Home Slice would hit the spot. I love Home Slice and I think it's some of the best pizza in town. (Queen of Pies!) I know I'm not alone with these thoughts or any sort of foodie prophet. My only complaint is that everyone KNOWS it's great pizza, so it's always super crowded. Oh well, worth the wait for cold beer and hot pizza. I had a slice of cheese and a slice of margherita.

On the way back to the car, we checked out Big Top Candy Shop, the new candy destination from folks who run Monkey See Monkey Do. What will you find at Big Top? Piles and piles of every kind of candy you could possible want. Piles. I resisted, but I'll be back. AND they have a soda fountain.

Mangez!