White Chocolate Pretzels | Munchies

16 11 2011

One of my favorite treats for the holidays is white chocolate covered pretzels.  Ohhh nom nom nom.  They’re the perfect combo of salty and sweet. Not to mention, suuuuuper easy to make.

You only need two things: Pretzels and Vanilla Almond Bark

First thing you do is break off about six cubes of almond bark.  Place in a microwave safe container.

Heat for 1 minute, then stir. Repeat until chocolate is melted.

You want it to be smooth but not to the point where it’s runny.  If it is runny let the chocolate cool for a bit before moving on to the next step.

Toss in pretzels, a handful at a time.  Stir gently to make sure the pretzels are covered.  Scoop each pretzel out separately with a fork.  Make sure to let all excess chocolate fall away in the bowl.  You can also knock the fork on the rim of the bowl to knock off extra chocolate.

Place the pretzels on wax paper to set.

They should be good to go after about 10-20 minutes.  Just double check before  you start throwing the in a candy dish or bag.  If the are still  a little wet they’ll end up clumping together.

I decided I wanted to have some that looked a little less sloppy so I hand dipped half the pretzel in the chocolate.  Which also gave the flavor a little more salt to each bite.

Either way, they are d-lish!

Place them in your favorite candy dish and enjoy!

I can’t believe Thanksgiving is just around the corner!  So excited to get to cooking and baking.

What’s your favorite holiday treat?!  Let me know and maybe it will end up on the blog!

‘Til next time…


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Oreo Cupcakes | Munchies

1 11 2011

I fell in love with miniature Oreo cupcakes a couple years ago at the Cupcake Smackdown.   I’ve always wanted to make them so I finally decided to do it.  Turns out they are super simple and you can make them a ton of different ways.

You will need:

*White cake mix

*Vanilla Frosting

*Miniature Oreos

First I placed a couple handfuls of Oreos in a plastic bag(easy clean up)

Then I got a little country.  I didn’t have a mallet so I used…a hammer to break up the cookies. Yep, a hammer.

Then I made  the cake batter as instructed by Pillsbury.

When the batter was nice and smooth, I added the cookie crumbs.  I found it better to use more cookies but you can add to your taste.

I poured the beautiful batter into the cupcakes wrappers, about 3/4 full.  Then baked them at 350 for about 20 minutes.

While the cupcakes were cooling, I got the frosting ready.  I mixed in the cookie crumbs.  Then I used a plastic bag as a make shift pastry bag, all I had to do was clip the corner.

And to top it all off I placed a miniature Oreo cookie on top.

Ta-dahh!  On some I used plain vanilla frosting, sprinkled them with crumbs and topped them with a cookie.  I prefer the cookies mixed in the frosting though.

Give it try!  Let me know what ya think!


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Categories : Misc., Munchies

Gourmet Egg Scramble | Munchies

12 10 2011

Ha ok let’s be honest, gourmet might be a little fancy for this one but it sounds good, right?  So I’m not an omelet person, never have been and likely never will be.  Something about a giant slab of eggs with pieces or meat and veggies flaoting around like a jell-o mold or a fruit cake…gross.  Although I guess my egg scramble isn’t a far cry from an omelet but whatev.

I’m pleased to present my newest cooking creation.

Gourmet Egg Scramble

And as with most of my munchie recipes there is no true science but I’ll give you the break down.

Ingredients:

* 2 Eggs or 3 Wgg Whites (whichever you prefer)

* A Handful of Spinach

* Bacon Bits (Don’t have time to cook bacon? Me either! Bacon bits are SO much easier and just as yummy)

* Goat Cheese

* Extra Virgin Oil Olive

Step one:  Heat about two table spoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil on medium heat. Add spinach and saute until the leaves have wilted.

Step two: Crack in the eggs and stir.

Step three: Once the eggs have cooked up a bit add the bacon bits and goat cheese to taste.

Step four: Devour 🙂

It’s super easy.  The whole process takes about 7-10 minutes.

Let me know what you think or if you have any other tasty ingredients to add!

Enjoy!


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Cupcake Creations | Munchies

28 09 2011

It’s time for another cooking adventure, one of the baking variety!!   I love to cook and bake!  I think it’s always so fun to create something new.

This time I found my inspiration during a recent road trip.   My roomie and I we’re on our way back from Fort Worth and decided to do the standard stop at where else…?  The Czech Stop!  The Czech Stop is a delicious little Czech bakery nestled on the side to I35 just North of Waco in the small town of West.  As soon as you walk in the door the smell of heaven almost knocks you off your feet.  The jalapeno bread, the fruit kolaches, the cupcakes, the cookies nom nom nom….Ok.  Focus.  Focus.

While we were there I spotted a chocolate peanut butter cupcake and I thought to myself, actually I think I said out loud to Katie, “I could make that!” And so, I did.

My one up on their cupcake?  The secret err… I guess not so secret ingredient, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Minis.  One of favorite candies, right up there with Snickers.  Ooohh Snickers…and a new cupcake idea is born. hmmm…

Fresh from the oven I added the Reese’s to create this warm gooey deliciousness.

And voilà! I present to you my rich and creamy creation.  A triple chocolate fudge cupcake stuffed with Reese’s minis and topped with a rich peanut butter frosting. YUM!

They must have been good…last time I saw this container it was full. 🙂

What’s next on the baking adventure horizon?!  My friend has requested vanilla cupcakes…boooooooring. 🙂  Of course they won’t be boring old vanilla after I’m done with them.  I’m thinking of adding Oreos or I liked that Snickers I idea I mentioned earlier.  The wheels are forever turning!  You’ll just have to wait and see!


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Happy Monday! | Munchies

12 09 2011

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.

       – James Oppenheim

Starting the day with delicious happiness…

Name that bakery! Ready.  Set. Go!


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Morning Sunshine | Personal

6 06 2011

Sunrise, Sunrise…

 Love startin the day with deliciousness 🙂

Happy Monday!


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Categories : Munchies, Personal

Mint Milkshake | Munchies

7 03 2011

It’s the return of mason jar milkshakes!

This time Mint Oreo…nom nom nom.

You will need:

*Ice Cream *Milk *Mint Oreos

Side note:  I have always considered myself a Blue Bell girl but in an attempt to be frugal I went with Great Value and let me just say, YUM!  Twice as delicious and half the price? Yes please!

Cookies!  I heart sweets and anything mint 🙂

The mason jar is ready and waiting!

Dominated.

That was D-lish!  Worth every calorie 🙂

I’ve decided I’m going to create a new mason jar milkshake each month.   Let me know if  you have any tasty ideas and I’ll give them a shot.


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TYP February Event | Networking

22 02 2011

The TYP February event was held at The Dogwood.  They provided great drink specials from local vendors, Deep Eddy Vodka and Buckethead beer.  We also had tasty treats courtesy of Austin Cake Studio and we enjoyed the amazing music of Mark Gibson.  It was a great night!

Thank you Dogwood for having us!  We  enjoyed the specials and the great tunes!

Thank you to Holley of Austin Cake Studio for providing the delicious treats!  If you’re looking for a local cake maker for your next event, give Holley a shout.  She rocks!

Our next event will be March 10th from 6-9pm at Kung Fu Saloon(location tentative).

If you would like to feature your business at one of our events, please send me an e-mail at larimieleigh@gmail.com.  I’m in charge of Venue Selection and Sponsorship for TYP Austin.  We’re always looking to support local vendors.  We love great locations, live music and especially food!  Hope to hear from you!


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Categories : Austin, Networking

Torchy’s Tacos | Munchies

17 02 2011

Torchy’s Tacos speaks for itself.  Delicious! Any location, any time.  If you live in Austin and you haven’t eaten at Torchy’s, shame on you.  You’re missin out.

My staple, the Green Chile Pork Taco.

Slow roasted pork carnitas simmered with green chiles and topped with queso fresco, cilantro, onions(- the onions on mine) and a wedge of lime.  Served with tasty tomatillo sauce.

Coming in at a VERY close second, the Fried Avocado Taco.

Hand-battered fresh avocados fried and served with vegetarian refried beans, topped with pico, lettuce and cheese.  Served with poblano sauce.

Their tag line is SO right.  Their tacos are always…


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TYP January 2011 | Networking

8 02 2011

TYP(Texas Young Professionals) Austin started 2011 with a bang!  The UT Club was the perfect spot to kick off the year.  The night was a great success!  We had over 120+ members in attendance.  And let’s not forget about the delicious hors d’oeuvres courtesy of the UT. Yum!(You know me and food, LOVE)

Thank to everyone that attended!  Special thank you to the UT Club for hosting us!  We had a great time!

REMINDER #1:

Our next event will be Thursday, February 10th from 6-9 at The Dogwood on West 6th.  The Dogwood will be serving $4 Deep Eddy cocktails and $2.50 Buckethead beer — for our group!  For more details and to RSVP visit http://bit.ly/fckj2H Hope to see you there!

REMINDER #2:

As a courtesy to TYP, the UT Club is extending their special offer to our members until February 15th!  So if you would like to take advantage of the reduced initiation fee and reduced monthly dues, please email Jenny Campbell (jenny.campbell@ourclub.com) or Audrey Prideaux (audrey.prideaux@ourclub.com) for more information.  Don’t forget to mention that you are a member of Texas Young Professionals!

 

Follow TYP on Twitter @texasyoungpros or you can follow me @larimieleigh


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