Pook’s Blog

Name: Triple Chocolate Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 0
Ingredients: 1 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 stick unsalted butter; 4 oz good quality milk chocolate, chopped; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla; 1/4 cup each: semi-sweet, milk and white chocolate chips

Grilled Zucchini Salad with Lemon

April 18, 2014

This grilled zucchini salad is the perfect side for a summer BBQ. It is as pretty as it is delicious!

It’s summertime and everyone is in their backyard. Grills are lit and the smell of lightly charred meat and veggies fill the street. You are out walking the dog and you can smell a steak on the grill somewhere… You had dinner planned already, but that just went right out the window. Now, you’re on your way to buy a nice, fat steak or a basket full of veggies to throw on the grill. It’s the smell… it gets you every. single. time.

First, let me say that I love grilling. I stand in front of my grill, tongs in hand, listening to the sizzle as meat or veggies hit the grates. It’s one of the best sounds in the world! I feel like puffing out my chest and grunting “fire”, but the urge passes and I’m back to reality. Then… the smell wafts up and smacks me right across the face with the intensity of an angry mistress in a soap opera. I just breathe deep and inhale until my lungs are full.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of “Grill to Perfection” courtesy of Page Street Publishing. Any links to book are affiliate links.

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Get Your Game Face On…

January 30, 2014

Break out the fat pants… It’s Super Bowl Party time. Oh, don’t give me that face! You know as well as I do that no matter what, you and I will be eating more than we should. I love football parties; a gathering of friends, yelling at the television in unison, eating, drinking and being merry… until of course there is a fumble or an interception. Then the merriment seems to dissipate.

This year, I will have my very first Super Bowl Party. I love throwing parties and I will use any excuse to have friends over and feed them. The fact that there will be a football game on is a bonus! The smile that creeps across their lips as they taste something heavenly (or sinful)… that’s the stuff I live for. Seriously.

Here are some of the things that will be on our Super Bowl party menu:

photo courtesy of Cravings of a Lunatic

http://www.cravingsofalunatic.com/2014/01/jalapeno-bacon-poppers-appetizerweek-savorx-giveaway.html

She had me at bacon… Dang. You know those (GASP) frozen jalapeno poppers that people seem to be a fan of?! Make these and they will NEVER think those are a good idea, ever again. These little babies pack a punch and leave you reaching for more!

Who doesn’t love a corndog?!

https://www.pookspantry.com/guilty-pleasures/

This is serious. I don’t recommend eating these often, but once in a while… You need a corndog. Especially if they are mini size! These are so much fun! They are a taste of childhood for me. It was a special treat that we used to get and that sweet corn batter, deep-fried to golden brown delicious makes me smile every single time. A tray of these will make your friends very happy.

photo by: Alex Farnum
coutesy of: Leite’s Culinaria

http://leitesculinaria.com/87995/recipes-soft-pretzels.html

These little gems are on my menu. I love a soft pretzel more than any reasonable person really should… If I am somewhere that has them, I’m not walking out without one. I’m making a BIG batch of these and stashing some for those nights when the craving strikes. These are absolute snack perfection.

photo courtesy of: Pastry Chef Online

http://pastrychefonline.com/2014/01/23/turtle-graham-crackers-candy/

Tell me your brain isn’t thinking “how do I get some of that?!” After all the snacks have been devoured, your guests are going to need something sweet. Jenni has come up with something that fits the bill quite nicely.

photo courtesy of: Pass the Sushi

http://passthesushi.com/huli-huli-bacon-chicken-bites-captainstable/

If these don’t scream “SUPER BOWL PARTY”, I don’t know what does… Check them out & tweet with #captainstable to help donate a buck to ending hunger! Chicken wrapped in bacon… that is all kinds of right.

photo courtesy of: Foodie with Family

http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2014/01/29/garlic-parmesan-stadium-style-baked-steak-fries/

Is there ANYONE on the planet who doesn’t love fries? These are not just ordinary fries… Look at that cheesy, herb-laden goodness. These would be good for a party, movie night, dinner, a random Tuesday… You get my point.

Sweet Corn Fritters & a Cold Beer= Perfection

https://www.pookspantry.com/445/

Sweet Corn Fritters. What else is there to say? A plate of these & a cold beer and all is right with the world. There are so many ways to dress these up. You can leave them plain, as I did here, or mix in some bacon or crab. Wanna keep it vegetarian? Roasted red peppers, chipotle in adobo for a little kick or scallions would be nice.

Thanks to all of my generous friends who allowed me to use their images & links! Please check them out… And a big THANK YOU to all of you who take a few moments to read this blog!

#SuperBowl #GameDay #Food

Franklin Barbecue

January 10, 2014

It’s a rather unassuming-looking place, isn’t it? Don’t let that fool you. The incredible things that happen on this little corner down a nondescript side street will blow your mind.

We all have those places on our “food bucket list” that we hope we will be able to get to someday. One of mine was Franklin Barbecue in Austin, Texas. It is the epitome of what barbecue should be. Smoky, full of flavor and soft as butter. The brisket was so tender I nearly wept, the ribs literally fell off the bone when picked up… This was it, this was what I had been waiting for.

It was our first stop on the “Tour de Tex”. We had checked the website and unfortunately found that due to the holiday schedule, there was only day they would be open while we were in Texas. So, here is how it went: We woke up at 3:45 in the morning, got on a plane to San Antonio (our original destination), went straight to the rental car place from baggage claim, made an hour long drive on a wing (or a rib) and a prayer to arrive at Franklin Barbecue by 11:45 am. If this seems like a reasonable time to arrive, you’d be mistaken. The line started at 8:00am, which means we were pretty far back and it wasn’t looking good for us.

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Holiday Spirit…

December 11, 2013

Last night as I was driving to do a little Christmas shopping, I witnessed some Very Rude Behavior. The Girl (with whom I was speaking at the time) was subjected to a five minute tirade by yours truly and stories of similar behavior that I had been witness to during previous Holiday seasons in New York.

Instead of rehashing stories highlighting the “not-so-proud” moments, let’s instead focus on something positive. People I happen to think are fantastic! Some of them I know in real life and some only through the world of food blogging, but these are folks that I really, truly enjoy and I know you will too.

They are all very genuine and lovely people. They are riotously funny and can bring you to tears in the same post. Their recipes make you want to chip a tooth on the screen trying (in vain) to get just a little nibble…

They are a talented, kind and wonderful lot, please do check them out and say “hi” for me while you’re there.

Jenni, otherwise known as “Sissy” of Pastry Chef Online. Jenni is the Best. Plain & Simple. She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, her recipes are swoon-worthy and she is one of my favorite people on the planet. This bread recipe absolutely fascinated me.

Jamie writes some of the most beautiful words you will ever read. Her blog Life’s a Feast is one of my favorites. The recipes and the stories that go with them are wonderful. I can’t even tell you how many I have bookmarked to make someday… But, this one is next.

Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic is high-larious. She is my Canadian connection! Her recipes are straight-forward and delicious, she cooks and bakes with passion, loves to share the wealth with our food blogger community and is an all around great gal. Her slow cooker pulled pork recipe is something you need. Trust me…

Rebecca of Foodie with Family is just that. She is a Mom of some of the cutest, funniest boys and her food consistently elicits the “Pavlov’s dog” drool reaction. I met Rebecca at a food blog conference this year and we decided to trade goods… I was the recipient of this. It was magic in a mason jar. Seriously. I’ve never had anything like it and I cook for a living. I can’t say enough about how good it was. I ate it with a spoon while no one was watching…

Liz of That Skinny Chick Can Bake is a delight. Her food and photos are beautiful and her archive of recipes is massive. If you are looking for something in particular, chances are you’ll find it over there! Here is an example: I was looking for a fun something for a breakfast/brunch and this called my name. Loudly.

David Leite. Where do I even begin… He is amazing, his writing is so honest and genuine that he makes you feel as if you are having a conversation. I’ve met David a few times and believe me when I tell you, he is just as genuine in person. His site is wildly popular, his book is beautiful and his “Blahg” is like a little peek into his life. His post about the Thanksgiving debacle had me howling with laughter… He really paints a picture.

Becca of It’s Yummi! is without a doubt one of the sweetest people that I’ve never met 😉 She is a chef living in Wisconsin, she loves football (so you know we get along!) and she makes a mean bowl of soup. She is also a newlywed, so go on over and give her some love.

Well, friends… That about does it. In the spirit of giving, these are the people that are a gift to me through their words, their food and their friendship. Go check them out and cook something wonderful tonight. <3

To Market…

October 23, 2013

One of the first things I do when I go on vacation is find the local Farmer’s Market. I love seeing what the locals buy and spotting new items from area farms, bits of the earth still clinging to the roots.

Walking past the colors and shapes, I can’t help myself… I have to pick up piece after piece. Holding it in my hand, feeling it’s heft. Bringing it to my face, I smell everything from berries to beets; peppers to herbs. I am enthralled. The beauty of food hasn’t been lost on me, I have yet to become jaded and for this I am grateful.

Every market is a different experience, each offering something unique and sometimes things I have never seen or tasted before. That is when I really get excited, when I stumble upon something completely unfamiliar. I begin to imagine all of the possibilities… That’s the fun in experimenting with something unfamiliar; there is nothing to compare it to, so you can’t possibly go wrong!

Here’s where I think some people tend to take a “wrong turn” so to speak… Fear of failure. Or, less than perfect.   The people that know me are probably about to roll their eyes at me right now, because I have a teensy bit of an issue with being a perfectionist. Hey, I’m working on it.
Don’t be afraid to buy something that you are unfamiliar with; stepping out of your comfort zone is the only way to grow and learn. Yes, sometimes it’s a bit uncomfortable and perhaps a little painful at times but in the end, it’s usually worth it.   Experiment a little and see where it takes you…
You may end up creating something magnificent.

This is my best advice when going to a Green Market: go in with a rough idea of what you’d like.
If you are shopping for dinner that night or the next night, peruse the different stands and see what looks good, then plan your dinner. If you go in with a menu that is “set in stone”, you may miss out on something really amazing. That’s usually the way life seems to work out…

Union Square Green Market, Manhattan

La Boqueria, Barcelona

Prospect Park Green Market, Brooklyn

Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market, San Francisco

Support your local Farmers and Green Markets! Fall produce is amazing right now, be fearless in the kitchen! Buy something you’ve never worked with before and get cooking! I look forward to hearing about your culinary adventures…

Pear Butter Recipe from scratch

October 7, 2013

A quick and easy pear butter recipe for canning. Perfect for spreading on warm toast, English muffins, stirring into oatmeal, or even topping pancakes.

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Panna Cotta Recipe with Bourbon Figs

August 19, 2013

This easy panna cotta recipe with bourbon-poached figs will make you swoon. Lightened up just a bit, this vanilla panna cotta is still decadent and delicious, but with just a few less calories.

Vanilla Panna Cotta with Bourbon-Poached Figs

Whenever I see figs, I must buy them. I can’t quite help myself, they are just so sexy. Then my brain starts spinning with all the possible things to do with them. When I am visiting my family in Ohio, I always try to make something special. Something that I know for sure they have never had before. Sometimes it goes over well and sometimes, maybe not so much. I think this one was a winner.

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Catalan Tomato Bread (pa amb tomàquet)

August 1, 2013

Grilled Catalan tomato bread rubbed with cloves of garlic is a delicious and easy snack. Drizzled with grassy olive oil and dusted with flaked sea salt, it is best enjoyed outside with a glass of Spanish rioja. A super simple dinner or appetizer, this bread is bursting with flavor.

I had been dreaming about travelling to Spain for nearly a decade, so when I finally landed there back in April of 2000, I cried. The moment my feet touched Spanish soil, I was almost in disbelief.

I was so overwhelmed that I could not contain my pure joy. It felt as if the entire universe lined up and planted me exactly where I was supposed to be for that one perfect moment. I wanted for nothing, except Catalan tomato bread.

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Triple Chocolate Cookies

July 24, 2013

I wasn’t really planning on writing a long post about these triple chocolate cookies that I made the other day, until they became part of a charity bake sale. I really just wanted to say “hey guys, these cookies are really good. Go make them.” and that would’ve been the end of it.

Then, I saw her. Muffin. find myself at a complete loss for words when I see the photos of these dogs.

Those of us who love our pets like family can’t even begin to fathom how someone could harm an animal, yet it happens with more frequency than I care to think about. Which brings us to Muffins for Muffin. Kita, a fellow blogger over at Pass the Sushi, organized a wonderful bake sale to auction off our baked offerings to benefit Response-A-Bull and Muffin’s increasing medical bills.

I couldn’t make up my mind about what to send. What will travel the best? Is it too hot to bake something with chocolate? Will it melt by the time it arrives? What if people don’t want 3 different types of chocolate in their cookie?! (I realized that was just plain silliness! OF COURSE they do!)

Triple Chocolate Cookies

So, off to the kitchen I went to bake a batch of Triple Chocolate Cookies for Patrick, the generous winner of this item. While I do enjoy baking, this particular batch was extra special. Full of love and gratitude for being given the opportunity to help a little dog named Muffin.

Triple Chocolate Cookies

A Brownie-Like Cookie studded with 3 different types of chocolate

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 18 minutes

Total Time 33 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 stick unsalted butter
4 oz good quality milk chocolate, chopped
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup each: semi-sweet, milk and white chocolate chips

Instructions

(preheat oven to 350 degrees)
In a small sauce pan, melt butter over low heat. Once butter is completely melted, remove from heat and add in chopped milk chocolate. Let chocolate melt into butter, stirring occasionally.
Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Pour butter mixture into bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment. Add sugars and vanilla, beating on low speed until combined (about 2 - 3 minutes), then add eggs and beat until completely incorporated.
Add in flour mixture on low speed (or turn mixer off) and mix until just combined. Turn mixer off, scrape down sides and bottom of bowl, then add chips.
Beat on low speed just until chips are evenly distributed in dough.
Using a small (1 1/2 oz) scoop, scoop dough onto parchment lined sheet pan. Let rest for at least 15 minutes in the refrigerator prior to baking.
Dough will spread more when it is warm. If chilling dough overnight, let dough come to just below room temp before baking.
Place dough 2 - 3 inches apart on baking sheet lined with nonstick mat (Silpat) or parchment paper.
Bake for 8 - 10 minutes, rotate tray and bake for an additional 6 - 8 minutes, depending on your oven.

Notes

Do not overbake. The key to these cookies is letting them sit on the warm baking sheet to cool. The outside will be just barely crisp and the inside will be soft and brownie-like in texture.

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