Thank you Tanya of Veggie Love for bringing the 16th Annual Chocolate Lovers Festival to my attention. I wanted to post this because part of the proceeds benefits a great cause, Our Daily Bread.
What could be a better pick-me-up in the middle of the “winter blahs” than chocolate? This event held in Old Town Fairfax offers not only chocolate, but fun for the whole family.
Who’s up for some chocolate chip pancakes?
I know that sound of these birds by now. Sounds kinda like a laughing monkey and it’s LOUD. So when I hear this sound I look out to my wooded back yard to scan for huge black and white wings flying between the trees. This pair of Pilleated Woodpeckers visited my feeder and thought the bark-y tree was fascinating- for a couple minutes at least. Thank goodness they took mercy on the lovely tree and refrained from de-barking it. Have you ever seen on of these things shear bark off of a tree? Those beaks are serious!
Anyway, it’s too warm for soups, stews and braises which help me cope with the lack of sunshine in the winter. Nevertheless, I think some biscotti will cheer me up. I think I’ll make some after I take the pups for a walk.
Merry Christmas! I hope you all are having a wonderful Holiday with family and friends. Frank and I are on our way to visit family in New Jersey and will be sure to have some seriously delicious treats. I’ve packed up my biscotti and pizzelles to share with everyone, as well as a box of Polish cookies called Cruschiki and a cheese babka.
Frank has been a great Santa this year and has given me gifts to support my blogging and cooking adventures. For blogging, he got me a really cool tripod, and the Canon Elph! This little camera is darn cute and takes amazing pictures and videos.
I also received a long awaited chinois- sauces have been a skill I’ve wanted to work on for a long time, so this will help greatly.
So, what great foods and foodie related gifts have you received this year?
Cameron Perks, a coffee house and artist venue off of Duke St. in Alexandria’s West End, is holding a mini farmers market on Saturday December 8. There will be about 6 vendors inside the shop, including Tom the cheese guy, the greens guy and the scone lady (all familiar if you shop at the Del Ray or West End Alexandria farmers markets). There will also be 2-3 artists with jewelry and paintings.
Come join in, grab a cup of joe and get your market fix!
Warren Rojas, food writer for Northern Virginia magazine, announced today on Don Rockwell that he will be hosting a weekly food and dining chat Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. The newly upgraded magazine website boasts an expanded Food and Wine section with restaurant archives and reviews, preview menus and feedback forums.
We are very fortunate to have a variety of food critic voices in the D.C. area. I’m looking forward to the addition of Warren’s reviews and opinions, telling the good, bad and ugly. Let’s get grilling on Thursdays!
