Hot From The Kettle ®
Halloween just doesn't do it for me. I suppose it's because I've never had a huge sweet tooth, even as kid. Now, as mother, I anticipate the horrors of sugar melt downs, and even more gruesome, the inevitable eveing of nausea that undoubtedly awaits.
Shockingly enough, some McDonald's, albeit in California, are handing out apples at their stores this Halloween. According to Food Network's blog, Healthy Eats:
Bloggable knowledge was exchanged last at night at "Fuzzy" Furlong Fieldhouse where the Adult School of Montclair hosted a panel entitled, "So You Want To Be A Food & Wine Blogger."
The discussion was moderated by Karen Diaz-Schloss of DSC Communications. Panelists included Peter Conway of Mano a Vino, Rosalie Saferstein of Table Hoping With Rosie, Deb Smith of Jersey Bites, Sharla Blanz of Off The Vine, Sue Guerra from Gary's Wine & Marketplace, and myself.
I don’t remember why, but last week I happened to be walking on Bloomfield Avenue with something known as “spare time” when I noticed a sign in the shape of a coffee cup hanging above a tucked away doorway. “That’s funny,” I thought, “I’ve never seen this sign before.”
The sign contained letters – apparently the name of the establishment. I couldn’t quite decipher the language, and thought it read “Ren” Coffee & Tea House. I spotted two women with yoga mats sitting in large comfy chairs in the bay window. I assumed this must be a safe haven for spending “spare time” and decided to walk in.
Unbeknownst to me, I walked into Trend Coffee & Tea House, a welcoming railroad style space that’s a coffee shop and then some. Owner, Eliott Alex, has created a coffee shop that feels more like your living room; warm colors, soft chairs, dark wood, and a feeling of tranquility.
When the weather starts to turn chilly, I want my oven on as much as possible. Not so much as a temperature control feature, but more an olfactory control feature. I love the smell of things baking in the oven – bread, apple pie, pumpkin pie, baked brie, a turkey, a rib roast, or just about anything.
I was raised by my grandparents, and my grandmother loved baking, too. In fact, she baked everyday. The aroma would hit me at the door every time I arrived home from school or from playing outside. It was comforting. It was home. I suppose I want my children to have those same olfactory memories.
Deborah Smith, founder and executive editor of JerseyBites, is proud to announce the launch of 3SquareDeals, a daily deal program dedicated to hunger relief in New Jersey.
In her latest "Bites from the Editor," Smith explains that 3SquareDeals, "will give a percentage of every purchase to the Community Foodbank of New Jersey and to other local hunger relief programs throughout the state. Every month we will offer deals that focus on food related products and services in your community. You get to save on restaurants, gourmet products, cooking events and more and give to hunger relief efforts with every purchase. Saving and sharing at the same time."
3SquareDeals will also spotlight "a local hunger relief program each month so you will get a chance to meet the people who keep the wheels turning and you will get to learn more about the amazing services they are providing to thousands of people here in New Jersey.
Hot From The Kettle will become an affiliate of 3SquareDeals, and make sure to watch for the monthly column - aptly title "Hot From The Kettle," on JerseyBites.
Photo Credit: Turtleback ZooDr. Oz chose Turtle Back Zoo as the location to film his show for an episode airing 10/28/11.
