Baked. Pumpkin Cookies.

For as long as I can remember, around this time of the year; my mom would pull out the kitchenaid mixer as a constant staple to her counter top. You see, once it was cool enough outdoors it was time to start whipping up the batches of pumpkin & chocolate chip cookies at my families house.

These pillows of pumpkin perfection dotted with choco chips are a HUGE crowd pleaser. From the office Halloween luncheon to your late night bon fire, these will NOT disappoint, promise. Try them, you’ll thank me.




"i heart pumpkin cookies recipe"

Pre-heat over 350'

Combine...
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/2 c oil (vegetable)
- 1 c sugar

Mix w/ combined dry ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda + 1 tsp milk (dissolve)

Once combined, stir in...
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate Chips (As much or as little as you like - I use the entire bag!)

Spoon onto baking sheet in little "blobs." (Yes, that's a technical term!)

Bake for 10-14 minutes...toothpick should come out clean.


If you’re not into baking, Elmwood Bakery on Madison Ave in Lakewood makes adorable spooky petit fours for sharing, Blackbird Baking Company is currently whipping up batched of Pumpkin and Ginger cookies, theres always the apple tarts available at On the Rise Bakery on Fairmont or not to be missed chocolate dipped macaroons from Prestis...I digress.

Who has a sugary sweet tooth? Not me! :)

30 years fresh (09/19)

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Whole Foods Turns 30! I hear Whole Foods is turning 30, don’t worry WF, 30 is the new 21! This Sunday at their University Heights Location they are offering many exciting specials. So, after the Browns win, and you are looking to prepare for the week ahead and maybe you need to go pick up a few groceries...head to the party.



They will have a live band playing the tunes of the 80’s (the year they were born), free samples of birthday cake for everybody, 30 products throughout the store at 1980’s prices, special culinary demos, vegetable sculpting and a chance to win many prizes including an 80 second shopping spree!

Happy birthday dear Whole Foods, happy birthday to you!

Garlic LOVE! (09/11-12)

The North Union Farmers’ Market is proud to present the first ever Cleveland Garlic Festival at historic Shaker Square! This grassroots food and music event will take place Saturday, from 1:00-10:00 PM., and Sunday, from 12:00 to 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 each (can be purchased online or at the show) All proceeds will support North Union’s mission of championing local foods by connecting certified producers with consumers through a network of markets in order to:

- Supply the community with the freshest garlic – harvested ripe and brought fresh to market
- Support growth and incubate over 300 small businesses in Northeast Ohio
- Stimulate the local economy by keeping money in our communities
- Keep Ohio land producing food and supporting families, which saves farms from destruction



The Cleveland Garlic Festival will be the place to be for “all things garlic” in the Midwest Great Lakes region. Attendees will enjoy garlic-themed food prepared by local chefs including everything from ice cream to oysters, an onsite celebrity chef Grill-Off, live music, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, taste and grow tents for children, and many more events and activities.

Get out the breath mints – the Cleveland Garlic Festival arrives this weekend!

Wierd Al (09/03)

I know that this Friday is the anticipated Rock Hall Ball..but has anyone heard the news? Wierd Al Yankovic is also performing in Cleveland on Friday! Remember him?

I can vividly remember singing the Madonna tune to the lyrics of "Like a Surgeon" as I pranced around my parents home as a young kid. Since those days "Al" has gone on to write and perform many hits such as "Canadian Idiot" and "Polkarama," a parody on polkas.



You can find Mr Yankovic at this years Taste of Cleveland running from Friday September 3rd through to Monday the 6th at Time Warner Cable Amphitheater at Tower City in downtown Cleveland. Everything from Polish cuisine and spicy Cajun fare to Grammy Award-winning artists and radio rock stars are on the menu...fingers crossed no rain for the holiday weekend!!!

Ride to Melt (eastside!) (08/28)

Sunday, August 29th, 2010

Ever eaten at Melt and then after felt yucky and was angry at yourself for eating every last drop of the best “wakin bacon” and fries around? Wouldn’t you feel better if you knew you had 13 miles to ride on your bike after to get yourself home? Here is your opportunity!

This Sunday Melt will host a “manual transportation event” from one Melt to the other. Starting at Melt West in Lakewood and making the trek across town to Melt East in Cleveland Heights, this is an opportunity to see our great city of Cleveland, raise money for two great arts organizations, and enjoy Melt Bar and Grilled.

The money raised will be divided between the Lakewood Arts Fest and Heights Arts in Cleveland Heights. Sign up and get a sponsorship form at either location. The more money you raise the more benefits you receive.

Raise $25-$49.99 = 25% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $50-$74.99 = 50% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $75-99.99 = 75% off sandwich and beverage

Raise $100 and over = 100% off sandwich and beverage

They will also raffle off a giant 7ft signed “East Side Invasion” poster that hung in our Cleveland Heights location’s windows during construction. Signed by artist John G and owner Matt Fish

BEGIN: Melt Lakewood - 14718 Detroit Avenue END: Melt Cleveland Heights - 13463 Cedar Road Begins @ 8:30am

Fair-time (08/12-15)

The fair opened Monday night at the Berea Fairgrounds and will run through Sunday, Aug 15. The entry fee ranges from $6 for general admissions and $5 for seniors and children 5 to 12 years of age,

If you are feeling especially daring you can get tickets to ride, rides. Carousel anyone? For those of you who want music, live entertainment includes the Pink Floyd tribute band, Wish You Were Here, which will perform Saturday at 7:30pm. Plus, for everyone there award-winning pot-belly pigs, blueberry pies, funnel cakes...and if nothing else the ultimate people-watching experience.

Wanna go to the fair? :)

Summer weekend!

How did it get to August already? Weren't we just planning our afternoon trips to the beach? Or what we'd pack on our evening picnic? Well, not to worry, we still have all of August and most of September keep up warm and enjoying the Cleveland outdoors.

This weekend what are you doing? So many great area events it makes me wish I could be in two places at once.

This weekend, not too be missed...

> Artists from all over Ohio will meet to sell their work in Lakewood...check out the Grey Cardigan pop up shop!

> E.T lands at Huntington Beach, while Dorothy and the munchkins take over Playhouse Square.

> A memorial show to our dear Cleveland friend, Harvey Pekar at the Beachland Ballroom.

> Grab your bike and take an evening ice cream ride to your best neighborhood ice cream shop!

> Cheers on our area athletes at this years Cleveland Triathlon.

> I've been craving a crepe, a pot of french press and the Sunday morning paper in the city.

> A big street bash in the Warehouse District!

> Rent a kayak and paddle through the Rocky River to keep cool!

> How about a $5 Mojito to ring in the new week?

Well, whatever your weekend has in store for you, make sure you are happy, healthy and surrounded by those you love. Happy iheartcleveland weekend!

scoop scoop, yum yum contest

Ruggles, gotta get me some....more!

Grab your bowl and grab your spoon Ruggles Premium Ice Cream announced that it wants fans of the frozen treat’s popular radio commercial to create their own version of the company’s catchy jingle and enter to win an impressive array of high-tech prizes in the “Ruggles Scoop Scoop Video Contest.” The online contest will run throughout July, also known as National Ice Cream Month.

To enter, visit www.RugglesVideoContest.com, download the jingle’s music and words, and by using a digital or video camera, or cell phone camera, create a video version of the famous Ruggles jingle. The Web site will contain rules, a sample video and instructions for uploading contest entries.

“Our popular jingle always ranks high on the list of commercials you sing with,” explains Penny Baker, marketing director for Ruggles. “We can’t wait to see the videos as our own ‘ice cream idols’ get creative. It’s a fun way to celebrate the summer ice cream season and win some fantastic prizes at the same time.”

Videos will also be available via the Ruggles Premium Ice Cream Facebook page, with updated “scoops” posted on Twitter throughout the contest via www.twitter.com/rugglesicecream.

Participants must be 18 years or older to submit an entry, but anyone can star in the video, such as family members, children, or church choirs, for example. Winners will be announced on July 30, 2010.

ALSO....for discount tickets to any summer sweet treat that Smith Dairy/Ruggles sells....you can grab discount coupons at Smith Dairy under SAVE MONEY!

Gluten Free Cupcakes (06/11)

Friday, June 11th 2010

The Hudson location of Main Street Cupcake has let me in on their latest creation....for those of us with food preferences or food allergies you can now find gluten free sweet cupcakes every Friday for your and your friends at their bakery.

Each sweet cake will be offered in three flavors at $3 a piece. For those of us "sans-allergies" Main Street offers SO MANY adorable flavors, every day (closed Monday's)...my favorites are Champagne and Raspberries & Lemon Drop! Yummm..

CELEBRATE (food) CARTS (06/10)

Thursday, June 10th 2010

Have you heard the buzz? Food delivered right to your place of work? Or how about gourmet food to cure your late night cravings? yes, Cleveland has recently upped the ante by adding a series of food carts to our already stellar lunch and dinner options.

Cleveland Public Art, The Zygote Press and Ohio City Near West are hosting an event to celebrate the latest and greatest. Swing by West 26th Street (in front of CPA) the street will be closed so we can eat from the carts & drink in the street! Zygote Press artists' prints will be on display in CPA's office gallery.

Fingers crossed the sun shines. Sounds like it will be such a fun evening.5:30-9:00pm

Wine & Goat Cheese (06/12-13)

Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13th, 2010

I don't know about you, but a good glass of Malbec and a spoonful of goat cheese might be my ultimate favorite "snack."

This weekend at Heinen's they will be pairing Northeast Ohio's Mackenzie Creamery with complimentary beer & wine. There is even a discount $1.00 off each flavor (except truffle flavor), which is a great savings if you are feeling like stocking up! Entirely free to taste, I'll try to schedule my grocery shopping time to coordinate with my own personal "happy" hour!

See you at Heinen's!

Rutabaga Nights (05/01)

Saturday, May 1st, 2010

Market Under Glass : Free ticket contest

Hello & happy best spring weekend EVER!

I hope you were able to enjoy a bit of sunshine while also enjoying your friends and family on this holiday weekend. I had a nice weekend, and can't believe it's a new week all over again. Let the good times roll...

So, a few months ago I was approached to see if I might volunteer my time to the Cleveland Foodbank for their annual premier event, Market Under Glass. They wanted myself and a handful of other area bloggers to appear as "celebrity" servers, and I use that word very loosely. I laughed at first and thought that was the silliest request...me? A minor "celebrity," I think not.

But since it was for a good cause, and since I could be the "Three Birds server," I signed up for the evening event.

Market Under Glass, will take place on Thursday, April 22 from 6-9 pm at The Galleria at Erieview. The event benefits the annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, a 21-county food and funds drive, coordinated by the Cleveland Foodbank.

Over 1,200 guests will spend the evening grazing on superb cuisine and delicious wines and beers from more than 50 of Cleveland’s premier restaurants and beverage purveyors. There will also be the opportunity to win prizes through the Continental Airlines Silent Auction & Raffle. Tickets are for sale $100. Tickets to Market Under Glass may be purchased online at www.cleveland.com/marketunderglass or by calling 216.738.2046. For the complete list of restaurants check this out!

The good news for you is that I have a pair of general admission tickets to give away for this big Cleveland benefit. Just tell me by THIS Friday, April 9th @ 3pm, what your favorite Cleveland springtime events, activities and or memories are. I am so excited to hear from everyone.

Dante "tastes"

I keep meaning on posting just a little something about the new Tremont restaurant; Dante. I went there on a really cold winter snowy night, I could barely walk through the snow and on the ice in my super high healed boots.

The place was hopping but we scored a seat at the bar. I think the Cavs game was on so that was an ultra bonus. Anyways, I just wanted to mention that I really liked the way they offered "tastes" as a portion of many of their menu items. Think bigger than a tapa but smaller than an appetizer. I keep meaning to go back for another dish of the amazing beef carppacio, but this time I want my own. :)



If you are planning your weekend and haven't checked out Dante, perhaps it's time?

Food & FIlm Fest

So here we are, in the midst of this years Cleveland Film Festival...

Over the weekend I had the privilege of screening five fantastic films; from “Ingredients” to “A Matter of Size.”

While the festival committee requests of the viewers that all cell phones, audible watches and even pagers (do people still carry pagers?) be turned off during the film...what about growling stomachs?

Yes, this past Sunday as I sat and enjoyed the afternoon film, my stomach let out a loud, whining growl, and man was it long. Was I hungry? Did the walk through the “food” court of Tower City entice me? I think not. Had I not stuffed enough sweets into my pocket to satisfy my afternoon hunger? I had no idea why my belly was making such a scene.

Then I thought about it, although there is the “food” court and the traditional movie supplies (popcorn, twizzlers, m&m’s, etc) you often see film goers darting from theatre to theater with a small cooler in tow...what did they know that I didn’t? Even if you don’t think you will get hungry, YOU WILL! Watching movies is a hard sport and one that needs to be fueled strategically.



So, with that said, here are a few ideas for you to munch on as you plan your trip to the film fest this year....

Wine & Chocolate for those late night films...stop in at Lilly’s in Tremont to pack your purse with a “juice box” sized servings of vino and pair it with the perfect truffle for you and your movie sweetie. A big step up from diet coke and snowcaps.

Lunch on the go...put your emergency flashers on and run into Nate's Deli (on W 25th, near the Market) for a hummus or shawarma rolled pita sandwich ($3-$5). Both sandwiches could be devoured during a film if you quietly roll down the paper and offer your neighbor a bite. Otherwise schedule a few extra minutes prior to the film and have a Tower City “Nates” fountain picnic in order to have that extra energy to wait in the stand by aisle

Taking a break between films...there are many places close by that you can escape the crowds of tower city and enjoy a quick food fix. If you want to stroll around Tremont to stretch your legs, stop by Dish Deli for the lemon scented tuna salad and daily veggie special. Thinking you’ll meet your friends for the next movie for a drink or a bite first? Flying fig and Momocho both have great happy hours, check them out. Need to run home to let your dog out between movies? How about a smoothie from Liquid Planet? If you want to take a break, but aren’t looking to loose your parking space...when is the last time you’ve enjoyed the bar at the Hard Rock Café or sipped a manhattan at Mortons? Check it out!

Speaking of food...I’m hungry; for more films and for some good food. Happy Film Fest, happy eating to you!

Celebrate Maple Syrup & Pancakes (03.13-21)

Saturday, March 13th - 20th, 2010

Celebrate the "pancake capitol of the world" with the arrival of springtime and maple sap = SYRUP!

Drive around and enjoy the 2010 March Maple Madness "Drive it Yourself" Tour. For the details of the driving tour click here.



For the details on the pancake feast click here.

Tremont Art Walk (3/12)

Friday, March 12th, 2010

This Friday is the monthly Tremont Art Walk. All of the cool boutiques, gallery's, culinary shops and sweet eats stay open later than usual to celebrate the neighborhood and this week...the coming of spring.

One of this weeks highlights to the Art Walk would be the special tasting at Lilly's Handmade Chocolates.



From 12pm-10pm they will be hosting a tasting featuring Mad Dogs & Englishmen ($3.50 per taste paired with a truffle), a Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz/Monastrell blend and Pinkus Organic Hefe-Weizen ($2.50 per taste paired with a truffle), a crisp, light beer.

I know where I want to kick off my walk...where will you start yours?

Another tricky pic!

I had so much fun around town over the weekend snapping pics along my snowy Cleveland morning...
Do you know where I was here?




I'll give you a few hints, you guess...

#1) It's located on the West side
#2) It's home to many fish, fruits & veggies
#3) It is open every week, but only certain days of the week

Ever been there?

Weekend fun!

Living in Cleveland there is always SO MUCH to do when it comes to planning my weekends. Some people might think there is nothing going on, but I beg to differ, I can barely squeeze in a load of laundry with all the super fun activities that are going on...




> Swoosh, woosh and fly like a bird...well almost! (Tobogganing is fun!)

> Indulging in a plethera of sale coupons

> A nibble of Strawberries & Pink Champagne AND a bite of MSC Fluff

> A sale and some “pleasing” snack with RS

> A dance with my dog!!!

> Get my “bollywood” on!

> Making a birdie sling with some fabulous friends.

> Supposedly there is a big football game on?

What will you be doing this weekend? Celebrating family & friends? Shopping for a fancy dress? Sipping a hot toddy or two? Fill me in on what I am missing!

Yoga for foodies (2/17)

Wednesday, February 17th, 2009

Do you like to downward dog or happy baby? What about sprouts and goat cheese? Well, then I have a perfect evening out for you.



Join David Romanelli (chocolate & yoga originator) for an evening of yoga at the downtown hot spot, Greenhouse Tavern. After the class is over, float downstairs for a family feast of farm to table yummies.

I posted this early because spaces are filling up fast. David is an amazing teacher, has wonderful music selections and is light and fun in his teachings....and we all know how much we LOVE Chef Sawyers eggs & fries...wonder if that is good to eat after yoga? :)