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Oct
14
2011
Tags: antique mall, bakery, Blue Frog, cafe, California, Orange, travel
This week while my family was visiting from Arizona, we went to a very charming shopping area in Old Towne Orange Historic District, CA. It’s only about 15-20 minutes from Newport Beach on the freeway. While we were browsing through antique shops, I quickly saw this sweet little cafe and bakery called Blue Frog. We decided to do brunch….and a few desserts.
There are a few seats outside as you can see in the photo and inside there are seats around the counter. You can also find a handful of tables upstairs. You walk right up to the counter to order and pay, then the server brings your food to your table. At the counter you will find desserts galore. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cheesecakes and more. I was tempted to try one of everything!
Take a peek!
I ordered the Froggie Breakfast Burrito that had eggs, bacon and cheese inside a perfectly soft flour tortilla with a cup of mild salsa. You can choose between potatoes or fruit for your side. The potatoes were nicely seasoned, thin and great with the burrito.
The biscuits and gravy were great. Flavorful peppery bacon gravy over top 2 soft buttery biscuits. Next time I would order an extra side of gravy since we ran out towards the end 
Potatoes or fruit are your side choices here as well.
Well, since we finished brunch around noon, it was perfectly appropriate to order desserts right? First up is this adorable little chocolate cake. I had very high hopes for it because it looked so darn good. Let’s see what it looks like inside
Oh yah, super moist cake and ganache layered in between the cakes. This little cake lived up to my expectations. Will order it again!
Had to order this cute oval shaped baby Carrot Cake. Loved the shape, the size and all the frosting! Let’s take a look inside.
Lovely little layers of cinnamon-y carrot cake with little golden raisins throughout. It was soft and layered with a light cream cheese frosting. Very good!
Oh baby, this giant eclair was the bomb….no, seriously. A nice layer of chocolate on top of a nice flaky crust, with a perfect vanilla custard on the inside. We loved picking at this one.
Blue Frog Bakery
136 S Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 538-3764
Closed on Mondays
Tues-Sat 7am-5pm
Sun 8:30am-7pm
Sep
20
2011
As I was grocery shopping this morning, my eyes stopped on these new Granola Thins by Nature Valley. I picked up the box and could hardly wait to get it home to tear into it.
Inside the box, you’ll find 10 individually packed little granola thins with one side dipped in dark chocolate. Be still my heart!
I will say the dark chocolate is very mild, it tasted more like a semi-sweet actually. I also love that each square is only 80 calories.
Here’s what you’ll find when you open the little package. One side soft yet crispy granola.
….and one side chocolate! How fabulous!
Crispy little chocolate squares of goodness. I give these a 10 out of 10. I just had to spread the word
Has anyone else tried these?
*This is just me, not a sponsored post:)
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Have a great day!
May
2
2011
This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Kraft.
With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, these Creamy Salsa and Black Bean Nachos are perfect to add to your fiesta!
Appetizers are some of my favorite recipes to develop. They are generally quick and easy not to mention absolutely delicious. I’ve used Philadelphia Cream Cheese in my speedy nachos that I mix with mild prepared salsa for an incredible creamy topping. I top the tortillas with black beans and cheddar cheese which makes for a delightful creamy Mexican style plate of nachos.
The Real Women of Philadelphia are looking for your best appetizers this week that use Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Four $25,000 winners will be chosen!
The winners will also:
- Contribute to a Cookbook
- Star in their very own Cooking Videos
- Make Publicity Appearances
- A chance to become a Guest Contributor to national food magazines
- And become $25,000 richer!
Sweepstake runs from April 19 to May 9th.
Visit the Official Site HERE and Visit the BlogHer Round Up Page HERE
While you are dreaming up appetizer recipes, use my simple creamy nachos for some inspiration
Creamy Salsa and Black Bean Nachos
One small bag of Tortilla Chips
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
3-ounces Philadelphia Cream Cheese
2 cups prepared mild salsa
Sprig of cilantro for garnishing
1. In batches, place tortilla chips onto microwave safe plates. Sprinkle with cheese and black beans. Microwave until cheese is melted, about 60-80 seconds.
2. Place cream cheese and salsa into a small bowl and mix to combine. Place dollops over nachos and serve warm.
Makes 8 to 10 servings
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Apr
25
2011
Tags: chocolate, cream cheese, graham crackers, peanut butter
This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Kraft.
Creating recipes with Philadelphia Cream Cheese is one of my favorite things to do. Sweet, savory and everything in between. How fun is that? Today I have developed a simple tart that you’ll have on the table in no time at all. Cream cheese, peanut butter, brown sugar and chocolate chips are your filling that is inside a gorgeous sweet graham cracker crust. Sometimes simple is best in my book.
The Real Women of Philadelphia are searching for your best recipes using Philadelphia Cream Cheese and this week is all about desserts. Get your thinking caps on and create something that will knock those judges socks off
While your there, be sure to check out what recipes are being submitted by others. You can watch videos and check out the forum that will give you all the tips you need.
Visit the Official Site HERE and Visit the BlogHer Round Up Page HERE
Hope you enjoy my tart in the meantime
Creamy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Tart
9 whole graham crackers, finely ground
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons melted butter
8 ounces softened Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. and spray a 9-inch removable bottomed tart pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place graham crackers, sugar and melted butter into a large bowl, mixing to combine. Press into bottom and up sides of prepared tart pan. Bake for 10 minutes, remove and cool for 10 minutes before filling.
3. Place cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter and heavy cream into work bowl of stand or electric mixer beating until well combined. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips, mixing to combine. Pour into cooked crust, add remaining chocolate chips to top and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before cutting into wedges. If you are in a hurry, you can stick it in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
Makes 8 servings
Apr
19
2011
This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Kraft.
The Real Women of Philadelphia are on the hunt for the best recipes using Philadelphia Cream Cheese. There are so many fun things to check out on their website , you can meet other cooks, check out new recipes and watch great videos for ideas to get you started with your own recipe to enter.
One of my favorite sections of the website is where I can watch The Season Two Video Recipe Gallery. Women from all over the country upload their cooking videos for all to see.
I also love that Season One has their very own cookbook with recipes from home cooks that created simple dishes with Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
This week is Main Dish week, so put on your thinking caps and get cooking! To help inspire, I’ve shared a recipe I created, titled Pesto Chicken Thighs with Italian Cream Sauce over Parmesan Couscous. It’s simple and full of Italian flavors the whole family is sure to love. With just a few ingredients dinner will be on the table in no time at all! Enjoy!
Visit the Official Site HERE and Visit the BlogHer Round Up Page HERE
Pesto Chicken Thighs with Italian Creme Sauce over Parmesan Couscous
1 pound boneless chicken thighs, fat removed
1/2 cup prepared pesto sauce
2 cups cooked couscous
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup Philadelphia Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme
1. Place chicken thighs and pesto into a large ziplock bag, seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place chicken thighs onto a large baking sheet that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, until chicken is cooked through.
3. Place cooked couscous, olive oil and parmesan cheese into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to combine. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes. Reduce to heat to low.
4. Warm Philadelphia Italian Cheese and Herb Cooking Creme into a small saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed. Reduce heat to low.
5. To serve, place couscous onto a serving plate and top with chicken. Drizzle with warm cooking cream.
Makes 4 servings
Apr
13
2011
Tags: bacon, broccoli, cream cheese, roasted red peppers, side dish
This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Kraft.
I have followed The Real Women of Philadelphia since their debut last year and now they are back with season 2 with another chance to win $25,000 for your best Philadelphia Cream Cheese recipes! Paula Deen is the perfect host and I just love seeing her smiling face when I pop into see what new recipes have been posted.
I followed season 1 faithfully because my good friend Mandy Heaston of Gourmet Mom on the Go, was a finalist and actually won her category. It was so exciting to watch the live broadcast last year of all the winning recipes. Seeing pictures of her and Paula Deen is such a treat. Mandy’s recipe for Asparagus and Parmesan Cream Pastries looks incredible, and she’s even got a video, take a peek!
To get your creativity going, here’s an incredibly simple yet tasty side dish I’ve created that my entire family goes bonkers for. Broccoli, bacon, roasted red peppers and cream cheese baked to perfection. Hope you enjoy!
Visit the Official Site HERE and Visit the BlogHer Round Up Page HERE
Creamy Bacon and Roasted Red Pepper Broccoli Bake
1/2 pound cooked bacon, crumbled
8 cups broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers from jar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
5 ounces softened Philadelphia cream cheese
1/4 cup heavy cream
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and spray an 11×7-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Place bacon, broccoli, and roasted red peppers into prepared baking dish and season with salt, pepper and garlic salt, stirring to combine. Cut cream cheese into small pieces and place evenly over broccoli. Stir gently, pour cream over top and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until broccoli is fork tender.
Makes 4 to 6 servings
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Apr
11
2011
This is a sponsored post from BlogHer and Tropicana.
Let’s face it, it’s tricky to keep the family healthy ALL the time. We are constantly trying to stay on top of good health whether it’s running around outside, riding bikes or walking through Disneyland…often There’s no secret, it’s a challenge, but we try to have fresh fruit and vegetables on hand so we can eat as much as possible. It’s nice when there is so much goodness packed into orange juice like Tropicana, I know my kids are getting their fruit serving just by drinking a big glass of juice!
Check out Tropicana’s Official Facebook Page HERE and their Twitter Page HERE and their Official Website HERE
Pledge to squeeze more fruits and veggies into your day & Tropicana will help kids in need. Tropicana will donate one 8-oz glass of orange juice to the USDA School Breakfast and Summer Food Service programs, up to 184,375 8-oz glasses. Please pledge by going to http://bit.ly/gAU7Eq . Promo will end 12/31/11.
How To Enter: $100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway
1. Leave a comment here telling us, “What do you do to keep your families healthy?”
Rules:
No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods: a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post b) Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post c) Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry. This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. The Official Rules are available here For other chances to win, see the Round Up Page!
