So I’m especially looking forward to this week’s roundup of food links, which has a lot of fun gadgets, ideas and recipes!

Are You Planning A Mardi Gras Party?
She Knows Parties has links to Mardi Gras recipes and party ideas.

Cooking Gadgets
Like beer? Check out our list of the top 10 beer gadgets!

Discovering Stories Behind Your Culinary Items
Mary Emma at Country Kitchen tells some of the stories behind her cooking items and encourages you to do the same.

Easter Already
Does holiday creep bother you?

Fun Gadgets~ Herb Scissors
Useful for anyone who likes to cook with fresh herbs.

In Search of Alternatives to Food in the Evening
If you are looking to cut down snacking after dinner and into the night, here are some ideas that worked for Jean.

Tangy Pork Chops
A recipe for delicious pork chops served over rice.

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

[image: flickr]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

Happy New Year from Chocolate Bytes!

[image: flickr]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

Happy Holidays from Chocolate Bytes!

[image: flickr]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

Yep, it’s National Chocolate Covered Anything Day! So tell me, what’s your favorite chocolate-covered treat?

My husband’s would definitely be chocolate-covered almonds. I like pretty much anything though I’m currently in the mood for chocolate and peanut butter.

I’ve also finally gotten some stuff together to make some chocolate-covered treats for the kids’ teachers (I hope!).

[image: flickr]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

Happy Thanksgiving from Chocolate Bytes!

[image: flickr]

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

All winners have been notified by email as of 8:00 a.m. PST Sunday, November 2 and have 24 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. If you see your name below but have not seen an email, please check your junk mail folder or send me an email.

For the Senseo Coffee Machine and Godiva Coffee Flavors:

1. Elizabeth

For the Emily’s Chocolates prize package:

1. Amy

For the Katherine Anne Confections Truffles:

1. Nickie

For the Chocolate & Chuckles:

1. Rachel Crisman
2. Kristin
3. Tricia

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

All winners have been notified by email as of 9:00 a.m. PDT Saturday, November 1 and have 24 hours to respond before a new winner will be chosen. If you see your name below but have not seen an email, please check your junk mail folder or send me an email.

For the 8 copies of Great Party Fondues:

1. Kirby McCauley
2. Kam A
3. Sand
4. Lila Lyons-Werner
5. Crys
6. Judy P
7. Deborah
8. Tanya W Francine

For the pink Theobromine Molecule T-shirt:

1. Kathy

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

Congrats to Sito, the last Blogtoberfest winner at Chocolate Bytes for the year!

Sito has won a Scan on the Go Anti-virus!

Post from: Chocolate Bytes

I was watching Throwdown with Bobby Flay the other day (don’t ask) and they were making blondies. I’ve never made them before and the recipe seemed easy enough so I gave it a shot. They’re delicious, of course – pretty much chocolate chip cookies in brownie form – but combining and heating the butter and sugars beforehand made them extremely gooey and extra sweet.

Make sure you let them sit out for a while (at least an hour, I’d say) so they kind of fall and compress a bit. Even after a few days they’re still moist and yummy!

Chocolate Chip Blondies

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, plus butter for pan
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup light brown muscovado sugar
1/2 cup dark brown muscovado sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk chocolate chips
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons toffee chips
1/2 cup coarsely chopped toasted almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and line a 9 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a 2-inch overhang. Butter the lining too.

Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl.

Melt the butter in a medium saucepan; add both sugars and whisk until combined and sugar is melted, about 5 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and let cool slightly. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until combined. Add the flour and whisk until just incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips, toffee chips and almonds and transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.

Bake for 24 to 27 minutes or until the top cracks slightly and is firm to the touch and a skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist pieces clinging to it. Remove to a wire rack and let cool completely. Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment handles, transfer to a cutting board and cut into 2-inch squares.

Post from: Chocolate Bytes