Happy Wednesday!  I am going to throw out a little twist - no recipe today, instead, I’m going to do a product review.  Not to worry though, I think that this product is pretty darn cool.

I was contacted by Leslie Haywood, the creator of Grill Charms, and she was really upset that she missed the Zesty Holiday Gift Guide.  Since it’s a great product, I don’t mind writing a small plug for her.

Leslie LOVES all things food, wine and friends.  During a dinner party that she hosted in her Charleston SC home, she had a very spicy “light bulb moment” that has since led to her inventing, manufacturing and now marketing the perfect holiday gift for the gourmet.

Leslie adds that if you order by the 20th, she will make sure it arrives anywhere in the US by Christmas Eve.

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Another week has passed… and it is time for another installment of Zesty’s favorites of the week.  For this week I am doing a few return picks as well as a few new blogs that I have been checking out.  I think you will enjoy the line-up for this week.

I find this weeks selections have a lot of variety in both personality and style. Let me know what you think by dropping a comment and checking out these great blogs.

1. EzraPoundCake - If you love great recipes and a great blog… in addition to stunning photography, this one is a must see.  Simply Amazing!  Check out the sauce on these muffins.
2. Eating Bender - As a self-described “Lazy Chef,” Jenn of eating bender works to balance a crazy college schedule with the desire to create fast, easy and delicious recipes. You can see how Jenn gets in the culinary mood for fall by checking out this link.
3. Katheats - If you didn’t already know, Kath is a huge lover of Oatmeal… check this bowl out, it will knock your socks off!
4. VeggieGirl - Overall, a great blog with great veggie recipes. Talk about a cool post…. check out how to multi task.
5. Creative Confectionary - All I can say is WOW.  This blog is something else.  Witty and funny writing style, complimented by great recipes and a fun atmosphere.  Jennifer really has the whole package.  For some great Candy Corn Halloween Cupcakes visit today!
6. Carrots and Cake - Soon to have a feature post on Zesty…. I just love this blog.  Any leftover apples aching to be baked.  Check out this sweet little treat.
7. Care to Eat - A great duo of Andrea and Erin.  Talk about fun and exciting to read.  I suggest everyone follow this blog, you will not be disappointed!  Simple ideas, great philosophy  - truly a must see.
8. Megans Munchies - full of a variety of recipes, food finds, and food blog fun. Megan loves to be creative and come up with unique flavor and texture combinations when playing in the kitchen. As an added bonus, she tries to make all her recipes as healthy as possible!  Be sure to check out this special treat
9. Kitchen Table Medicine - Did you know that squash was a ’super food’
   
10. Southern Plate - Check out some old fashion American Macaroni and Cheese

Zesty Tip: When using Herbs - remember dried herbs should cook for a long period of time to maximize the flavor and fresh herbs should be used at the very end of the cooking process.

I hope everybody has a safe and happy Halloween in addition to a generic Happy Friday.  I look forward to another fun and exciting week… until next week.

Take care

Zesty

Happy Friday everyone! Well folks another week has passed and more food has been consumed. How is everybody doing?  As you know, I started a ritual last week where every Friday I would feature some excellent food blogs and display some of the great content around the world.

Before we get started, I have to first say a special thank you. I received the “Premio Arte Pico was given to me by: Jo@KitchengirlJo@blogspot.com

This is an interesting one that originates from Uruguay and is called the Premio Arte Pico from a blogger who makes dolls. You can visit her site here.

The acceptance of Premio Arte Pico has some rules:

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Hey folks… It’s Friday!!! I wanted to switch things up a bit and share some great blogger friends with all of you as well as pass on an award that was graciously given to me earlier this week.  I am planning on doing one of these posts each week and feature a number of fun and exciting food blogs.  Let me know if you think this is valuable as we share each others ideas.

Excellence Award

I was very fortunate and excited to receive the Excellent blog award from Natasha over at Healthy and Gourmet.  Thank you Natasha!

So now I would like to take this time to pass it on to three great blogs. For these winners if you would be so kind and choose three of your favorite blogs and keep this award moving along.

And the lucky winners are:

1. Carrots and Cake - Tina over at Carrots and Cake will show you a great way to find a healthy balance in your everyday lifestyle.  Go check her out - you will be very glad you dropped in.  Her blog is very professional and easy to find the information you are looking for right away.  Keep up the good work Tina.
2. Krista’s Kravings - Krista will show you a great attitude and fun and exciting ideas on how to create a healthy lifestyle and be accountable for what you eat.  Krista always come off as very optimistic in her writing and is full of energy  - you will be happy you stopped by and make sure you bookmark for great meal ideas.
3. Southern Plate - Christy will definitely show you some killer recipes from the South.  Head on over to Southern Plate and I promise you will have meal ideas for many days to come.  I am really impressed with the quality of recipes as well as the simplicity of them.  Great job Christy!

Zesty’s picks of the week

VeggieGirl - Ever want some healthy eating ideas?  How about a passion for nutritional cooking or just want to look at some great pictures?  If you answered yes to any of these - i suggest stopping by VeggieGirl you will be happy you did!

The Hungry Mouse - Over at Jessie’s blog you will definitely find innovative food ideas… exceptional photography, not too mention fresh new content daily.  Witty comments and a great writing style is defintely in store at The Hungry Mouse.

Megan’s Munchies - One of my first food blogger buddies - Megan is sure to serve up some outstanding recipes.  Whether they are quick meal ideas for a busy lifestyle or home baked cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth you will definitely find something to your liking.  If you like Pumpkin - this is the blog for you.  Keep up the great work Megan.

Katheats - I happen to bump into kath’s blog about 4 weeks ago.  All I can say is wow.  This blog is a great read.  Kath’s writing style is very interesting and for me motivational.  She is very up beat and positive and has a great outlook on life.  Stop by Kath’s internet haven for great healthy food recipes  - you will be very happy you did!

PinkPeppercorn -  Great recipes… stunning pictures… and an amazing reader experience.  You will find yourself reading through all her posts.  How about kicking it up at PinkPeppercorn?

Thinkinsidetheicebox - This spot has it all…. great pictures, great recipes and you can tella huge passion for food.  I also found great tips and tricks in the kitchen.  be sure to check out this one… you may learn something.