So finally a formal recap of a Zesty food presentation which took place last Saturday.  Before I begin, I just want to say it was a lot of fun.  It was a bit nerve racking preparing under a time crunch to get ready for a live act but I would do it again in an instant.

I was not really sure what I was getting into as I just took the request and said “YES” without asking to many questions…. that is normally how I live!  Terrible I know but fun.  So I stopped in Friday evening to check out the venue and was totally impressed.  Nice big kitchen to work in, labeled cabinets and drawers for supplies.  There was even a chef from the culinary institute there prepping for the lunch.

On the video side of things – they had wireless mics, huge video screen displays – great sound system.  Overall this was a great event.  The topic of the whole event revolved around tips for having a less hectic Christmas Season.  So of course I tried to adhere to that and make a super simple treat.

On to the Food

I know I know – the title made you drool.  I can tell!  This little treats are super easy to make and actually quite cheap to gather the ingredients.  It consists of three simple ingredients and a total of 4 minutes of cooking time.  Can you really beat that?  I think not.  Here is the scoop on how to prepare this little single bites of heaven.

Ingredients

• Flat waffle pretzels
• Chocolate caramel balls
• Pecan halves (roasted)

Method

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F
2. Line baking sheet with parchment paper



3. Spread out waffle pretzels on the parchment paper
4. Add a chocolate caramel balls on top and bake for 4 minutes





5. Remove from oven and press a roasted pecan halve on top until the chocolate and caramel begin to ooze
6. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: If you want to use Jumbo Rolo candies instead – they work great as well but my only concern is the cost if you are making them in large batches.

In addition to the treat I thought I would share a couple of not so boring vegetable dishes for the crowd.  With that I had to share the dazzled carrots with pear and balsamic – which is literally just as easy as boiling carrots.  I also presented the simple brussel sprout recipe with figs and maple.

Some more food shots

Some kitchen Mayhem shots

I had a great time on Saturday and realized that I love food and everything about it.

I hope you have a great day and keep smiling.

Take care

zesty

Oh my goodness it is Friday.  Last evening was spent at the house prepping and cleaning all the outside walls of saw dust and wood shavings.  Why you might ask?  Well because the spray foam insulation team is arriving today at 8:30 am and will be raring to go… I hope!

It only took a few hours to somewhat tidy up and make all the corners accessible.  I am going back first thing this morning to ensure I didn’t miss any spots as it was kind of dark and my light burnt out.

To take us into the weekend….. I have a special treat brewing in the oven.  How about a walnut decadent brownie?  I thought you might like that.  This is super easy to make and also very simple create gluten free.

Below is the  recipe as well as my simple instructions to get this in the oven.  Get ready to enjoy.  I also had a chance to try some new vanilla that was sent to me from the fine folks at Shining Dog Vanilla.  This is Pure Vanilla Extract made from certified organic vanilla beans.  It contains no added sugar or fructose. and is quite delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 Cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 6 oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 Cups sugar
• 1 Tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 Tsp. salt
• 1/2 Cup all purpose flour
• 1/2 Cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Method

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Lightly butter 13×9x2-inch baking pan.
2. Melt butter and chocolate in a heavy medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until chocolate mixture is smooth. Cool.
3. Using mixer, beat eggs and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in chocolate mixture, vanilla and salt.
5. Add flour; beat just until blended and then toss in the walnuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing top.
7. Bake until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean ( 30-35 minutes )
8. Remove and let cool.



9. ENJOY!

Zesty Tip: If you do not have chocolate you can always substitute and use cocoa.  You may find that the brownie will be slightly more bitter and less smooth as well.

So I am pretty pleased it is Friday.  We are planning an apple picking day tomorrow if the weather is suitable.  The weather has been terrible the last week so hopefully it is decent for a day in the orchard.  I am sure if we make it there – there will be some apple recipes coming your way.

Ohhhhhh I almost forgot.  Today is the deadline for the POM Tea giveaway.  Be sure to enter.  Have a great weekend.

Take care

zesty