TheSnackHound

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Haagen Dazs. All opinions are 100% mine.

Häagen-Dazs®, the makers of all of the most decadent ice cream flavors, including my favorite – the Häagen-Dazs® ice cream bars, presents he new….oh. Wait a minute. Ice Cream Bars isn’t a flavor. It’s more like a state of being. You know what I mean. Anyway, the big H-D presents Passion Profiles. PP is a series hosted by Entertainment Tonight Canada’s Cheryl Hickey and features profiles of folks all over Canada who share their culinary and creative passions. The best thing is its on the internet, for lazy….I mean really busy people who are multi-tasking.

The goal of the show is not a high profile promotional yappity-yap but the opportunity to share some tidbits that will inspire other people. If they were interviewing me, or profiling my passion for the food related, I would probably at first try to show them some oddball collection of something just to toss people off the scent.  Then, I would go in for the double whammy and share stories about the year long quest I am on for the perfect chocolate bar, as well as discuss the Golden Ratio?  Well, the golden ratio has to do with the perfect glass of lemonade.

To create the perfect glass, the Golden Ratio is 1-6-6. (Never 6-6-6 because some folks are superstitious of that number, plus you would rot all of the enamel off of your teeth.) One cup of sugar, six squeezed lemons and six cups of cold water. For larger batches, just multiply. Of course for a selfishly small batch, it would be a 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 lemons and 3 cups of water.

And everyone would say, “so what?” And then I would also whip out the three ingredient cooking recipe: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup peanut butter, and 1 egg. That’s peanut butter coolies, folks. Then I would do something that would be considered cheating. For the pre-snack meal, I would make three ingredient salmon: 1 piece of salmon, lemon and butter. Now that’s really lame because that’s just seasoning salmon. It’s really not taking three things and through the magic of science making it all something new.

The next webisode of Passion Profiles is NOT starring me (thank goodness for you guys), but Mark McEwan, owner of McEwan’s, a high end grocery store, as well as the owner of One Restaurant and Bymark, North 44)°. Why should you listen to Mr. McEwan…well he started off as a dishwasher..at the very bottom of the rung and worked his way on up. So don’t fret if you’ve got talent and drive but all they offer you at first is sweeping a few floors. Life is what you make of it…have faith.  And treat the diswasher, the garbage-emptier or the dog poo picker upper kindly because you’ll never know when they’ll be your boss someday. Catch the epi–I mean WEBisode starting August 25th.

Undoubtedly, you have already heart this over the weekend, but the story bears repeating: Yes, its true what my uncle said wen I was six years old is partially true. He always warned us not to eat too many unpopped popcorn kernels, as a corn plant would grow in our stomachs. He apparently was slightly misinformed, as it would actually grow in the lungs instead. A Brewster, Massachusetts man is quite relieved that he does not have lung cancer, nor emphysema, but a pea plant growing in his lung. Thankfully, it is now out, but he most definitely could have choked to death…just much later than the fateful day when a pea went down the wrong pipe. For more on the story, you can read what the local paper had to say.  (Okay, the Boston Globe is not really a hometown-y local paper unless you are looking out your window at the Pru’, but it beats trying to find a Cape Cod paper on the web.

Ron Sveden is indeed a very thankful man. I would chide him, though. He was lucky this time, but hopefully it will be a strange wake up all for him to quit smoking. He was lucky to have the faux lung cancer to have vanished, but he may not be so lucky next time. Ron, if you are out there reading, I hope you indeed count your blessings.

I wonder what scientists who claim that “nothing can go down the wrong pipe” think now? The coughing fit is just from the item touching the valve or the switching station, or whatever that is. Of course, uncles and parents everywhere are happy that they “told us so.” Next, a news story with someone’s face “staying that way” after they tried to put their eyelids inside out will grace the cover of every major news publication.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of iNetVideo. All opinions are 100% mine.

We all know by now that if you are an “indoor person” you can get fit with Billy Blanks, but Billy Blanks doesn’t stop the video or DVD and tell you how you are actually doing compared to the folks in the studio.  Does he really know you are not sitting on the sofa watching him do all the work? Personally, if I was actually exercising, I’d make sure to send him an email or something to make sure he knew, because the last time I checked, it looks like Billy Blanks could flatten you if he wanted to, and maybe he doesn’t take kindly to sitters.

If there is a way to NOT exercise while having spent a lot of money on gadgets, there must be a way to feed your face too.

Over at , iNetVideo I have found amongst the sea of blu-ray movies and dvds, that Nintendo makes a game where Jamie Oliver helps you cook. Well, he really doesn’t, but its an interactive experience where you get grocery lists and figure out how to do all sorts of stuff.  In fact, they actually had other titles on dvd and various games revolving around cooking and nutrition.  iNetVideo has been around since the late 90s and has offered movies and games at a discount, but with the information overload of all the other movie websites out there, I’ve overlooked it until now.

If you interested, it appears to be a title that is being discontinued, or they just bought a lot of them, because its 70% at $5.99. It really doesn’t matter if they are coming out with a new game system, if a DS is what you have.  I still play the old Atari 2600. I don’t think Jamie Oliver would come over give you a whooping like Billy Blanks could, but he is certainly more skilled at wielding sharp objects, so you best make an effort, kids. Actually, he doesn’t have to do anything because if you choose to eat garbage all the time, you will cause more damage than a one time encounter with a juicer-of-steel could.

Next weekend, the Fiesta Factory tent sale Sale will occur at the Flatwoods outlet mall.  The dates are Thursday, August 12 through Saturday, August 14th.  Times on each day are 10 A.M. until 7 P.M.  Tickets will be distributed starting at 9 A.M. on each day, so you can get in line then.

Typically, there will be first quality as well as factory seconds.  Some factory seconds merely have an air bubble or other small production blemish and are perfect for daily use, so don’t let it discourage you if you are primarily looking to complete or compliment your set, versus looking to ferret away pieces for collecting posterity. This is a great opportunity to buy one of the more expensive pieces, like a pitcher or mixing bowl set that you intend to use daily.

For etiquette tips on going to the Factory Sale, check out this post from 2008 and here.

As of this moment, I do not know if the new Paprika color will be in the mix as far as 1st quality pieces, but you are sure to find decorated pieces that wouldn’t have been available at a standard department store, or get a chance to mix and match with older colors.

The store is located at 70 miles west of Charleston at :

Everything Fiesta®
52 Skidmore Lane
Sutton, WV 26601

View Larger Map

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Memphis Travel. All opinions are 100% mine.

B.B. King stands for Blues Boy King, who, God Bless’Em, is still touring at the age of 85. What will I B. in Memphis? I can B. someone who is surprised that if I want to see Elvis Impersonators, I am barking up the wrong tree. They’re in Vegas. Memphis is where Barbecue and Blues rule, and where I can B.a pig, I suppose. Even if you are a vegetarian, there is sure to be something on Beale Street for you. Just check of the Memphis-savvy travel guide at itinerary.memphistravel.com to root around.

I personally would probably come back with a stomach ache and a camera full of pictures of hokey or novel pun filled signs and plenty of stores to tell. Right now can enter to win a trip package. There are packages for singles, single with a friend, couples and families. Weekly winners have already been chosen, why not you?

One tour package includes a night at the historical Peabody Hotel (yes, the ones with the ducks in the fountain), carriage rides and dinner at the Majestic Grille.  Singles with friends dine at B.B. King’s and most packages include one “flip side” excursion including the Farmer’s Market, Jerry’s SnoCone, and even a Roof Top Party. Yeah, if the barbecue doesn’t agree with me, I’ll fill up on SnoCones. There are no calories to them, right?

Where have I been?  Here I am.  After a terrifying software update, I am back to scorching brownies like I ought to be.  I was terrified of updating Wordpress.  In full disclosure, I was running the same version that I was since maybe 2008…or was it 7?  In computer years, it dates to somewhere between Lot’s wife turning into salt and the invention of sliced bread.  Doesn’t sound too tasty, does it?  However, I have met many folks who would say, “That sounds great…but where’s the butter?”

I digress.  This is really an important service announcement for People Who Should Pay Attention to Software Updates.  When you update regularly, you only have to press one button, but when you delay it for years, it involves much tedious copying and holding your breath.  I had to be brought back to life because the changeover process was so involved that I turned blue.  Not really.  But it was like starting over.  So…welcome to the brand new SnackHound.com.  But not really.  It just works a lot more smoothly and hopefully Commentluv and all the other gizmos will finally work now.

Stay tuned for a few more dysfunctional recipes and more.

Photo comments of Emmealcubo.com and is used under the Creative Commons license.

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of FriendGiftr. All opinions are 100% mine.

What if your friends buy you a gift card for a restaurant that you hardly ever go to because its way on the other side of town. Of course, you wouldn’t mind trying it, but its such a “make a day of it” and you can’t think of what you want to do over there.  In the meantime, you go out to other places a bazillion times.  I am guilty of being that type of gifter because I tend to choose places that are just near me, and I forget that they don’t have a franchise near my friends.  Then, if I pick a national franchise, OF COURSE, they will be in their state, but maybe six hours away.

Over at FriendGiftr, you need not worry about that any longer. You can buy one gift card, and before its in their hot little hands, the friend can swap it out for another. It’s nothing personal! You can even give it to them over Facebook or other social media. They’ll receive a informing them of your gift. There are restaurants as various as Cadillac Bar, Darden Restaurants (Red Lobster, Bahama Breeze) and even Domino’s and Papa Johns if they don’t want their rear end to leave the sofa. The cards can be split so if they only use $12.00 on pizza, they can convert the rest of the card into something else. If they prefer to dine at the snack kiosk at Blockbuster or swipe beef jerky from the check out area of Bass Pro, they can knock themselves out with that, too.

Why not just give cash? Well, some people think cash is tacky unless you are giving it to your nephew who is in high school, or for a graduation. My take is that I never go out and treat myself to dinner…the cash will just end up going in the gas tank, and sometimes that’s not the giver’s intent. They want me to have dinner “on them.”

Paprika, the latest addition to Homer Laughlin’s Fiesta Ware line is now available in stores. HLC officially released the color Sunday, June 20, 2010. The color replaces Evergreen in the Fiesta line up, which was discontinued in March. Of course, the colors are not remotely similar, but the deletion of Evergreen makes space on store shelves for the new arrival.

So far, I have confirmed that the Homer Laughlin Factory Store, Macy’s, Dillard’s, Mega China carry it.  Kohl’s still carries limited Evergreen pieces on their website, but does not have Paprika available.  In most cases, limited pieces are available at this time, rather than the full range of items.  The Homer Laughlin Factory Store website seems to have the largest array of pieces, which goes without saying. There are certainly to be more retailers stocking up on additional pieces as they become available.

I hardly ever watch tv, but when I do, inevitably the invention that will change mankind forever is hawked, like  The Grill Glove (www.GrillGlove.com), and the Lava Mitt ( www.LavaMitt.com). Heck, who needs plates when you can shovel it right in your mouth. You can even eat with your pinky up. I bet someone already has. I know. It was you.

The Folger’s plant in Downtown Kansas City will be closing in 2011. Operations will be relocated to the Smuckers headquarters in Ohio to consolidate operations. While it of course will mean job loss for Kansas City, the locale will also loose an iconic building. The troops are rallying to save the historic structure.  I first heard it from @ShellyKramer on Twitter who is local to the area, and there is hope that it wouldn’t be turned into condos.

I have my own proposal for the structure. Actually there are two.  This would be the most awesome bed and breakfast. You know, it would be “The Best Part of Waking Up.” While most coffee operations would be moved to Ohio, maybe a small amount in small batches would be made here.  It would be like going to one of those winery tours where you learn to brew your own wine.  No secrets would be given out, but they could mix the different coffees to your preferences. There could be bins and they would mix you a bag or can of half caff/half decaf.  Or maybe you want to mix Chocolate Silk and Cinnamon Swirl.  Maybe you like them, but not a lot so you add half regular and have Chocolate.  You take that home, and then you could order one there with whipped cream on the top.  Some of the bedrooms would be industrial decor themed and some would be antiquey and cozy – whatever you chose.

Each room would have a theme.  What about the “Scott Bakula Room?” If he is between tv and movie roles, he and his wife (not the actress pictured) perhaps stay there? Or would he sneak into your room and start brewing the coffee to wake you up and sneak out? (Commercial dates to 1985).

Of course, the upper floors would be the rooms, but they all wouldn’t be next to eachother.  There may be rooms with glass cases and historic memorabilia in between. You wouldn’t want your romantic weekend spoiled by the people in the next room, would you?  Or maybe a room would be really big so the whole scout troop would sleep over.   Then, there would be the “business end” down below and a trendy coffee shop for people on the street who are not staying there.  Of course you could order pastries made with Smucker’s Jelly in the middle of them and coffee.   I haven’t decided if I would go with ubertrendy or would hang my hat on the industrial theme again.

Of course, they should leave some of the factory “as-is” for the museum element of it or truck in historical collectible memorabilia about Folger’s and Kansas City history and people would tour it.  You just never know – It could be a really happening Bed and Breakfast/Coffee Shop/Museum and maybe even a funky place to have your wedding reception.  Of course, there would be free coffee with the room rental but it would be BYOB or BYOF – Bring your own Beef or Bring Your Own Fish. Smuckers, the parent company is just not big on main courses.

See…lives are changed with Folger’s.

Follow me on Twitter @TheSnackHound “just because” and for updated news (Oh, and I need a few more followers before Twitter will let me follow more of you!), and follow @SaveFolgersKC too.  I don’t drink coffee…but I brew it for the smell! (Oh, and I love historical buildings).

Honestly, I am not that big on cookies.  Lately, most people have been making them with gooey fruit in the middle or they are crusty and crispy like pastries.  My cookies need to be chocolatey and easy to eat without leaving a trail of crunchy combustibles.  My “go to” “fake it and bake it” style cookie is Chocolate Chip Devil’s Food cookies.  They are super simple to make, unlike my last “fake it and make it” recipe which called for so much prep time making homemade mousse to make a boxed cake look homemade.

1 Devil’s Food Cake Mix
1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs (not hard boiled or Cadbury)
1/2 cup to 3 cups of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips.

1) First, make sure that you have at least 2 eggs in the fridge.  You’ll need vegetable oil too, but you probably bought it 6 months ago and forgot it was there.

1) Go to the store and get a Super Moist Devil’s Foodcake cake mix.  This can be any brand that you want to get or is on sale.  Then come home.

2) Pour 1/2 cup of vegetable or canola oil in a bowl.  Get the eggs out of the fridge. Notice that they are now gone. Someone is home that is not normally home at this time and decided to make themselves scrambled eggs because there were “just two eggs in there and didn’t want to waste them.”  Root around in the cupboards for Egg Beaters.  Turn up empty.  Go back to the store.  Get more than two eggs.  Trust me, don’t use just one. You will make some pretty mean hockey pucks that way, but they’ll also be a powdery mess.

3) Crack the eggs and put only the contents of 2 eggs in the bowl with the vegetable oil.  Make sure the eggs are broken and everything is mixed in evenly.

4) Slowly pour the cake mix in the bowl with the other two things. But actually there are three things because there are 2 eggs.  Oh yeah, since they are scrambled up, its just one mass of egg innards.  Appetizing, huh?  Do this gradually.  I made the mistake of plopping the whole thing in there and then mixing it is like mixing cement.

5) Mix contents with a hand mixer, unless you are a really fancy person and have a stand mixer and you put flame decals on it or decalse of a B-52 Bomber on it.

6) Once everything is thoroughly mixed up, portion them out into balls on a cookie sheet.  I heard this recipe is supposed to make 24-36 cookies.  There is just NO WAY.  You are lucky to get 24.  I actually only got 20 cookies.  Because I ate them.  DO NOT eat the raw cookie dough. You can do it with peanut butter cookies but don’t do it with these.  It’s runny and soft and has raw eggs in it…unless you buy the pasteurized kind that are for Caesar Salads.  Then its okay.  But it might feel weird.

7) Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 degrees.  The cookies won’t look done, but they are.  No hockey pucks, people! Unless you really want them that way.

You want pictures?  Sorry. I ate them all.  Not all at once.  I assure you, it was in moderation.