I am lactose intolerant, so dairy and I do not get along well. One of the hardest things to do without when I mostly severed my ties with moo-products was ice cream. I have tried all kinds of soy, frozen yogurts and other things. Today, I tried Coconut Bliss at WordCamp Portland.

Holy cow delish.

The texture is creamy, rich and with a delightful hint of coconut.  Add to that dark chocolate (or the peanut butter chocolate I tried earlier today), and it’s positively, well, bliss!

I’d write more, but it’s calling my name from the freezer right now….

I must admit I have a little infatuation with a slow cooker.  It’s not just any slow cooker, mind you.  This is the Deluxe Slow Cooker from All-Clad, and I’m a little twitter-pated.  Here’s why: Layers of flavor. Any cook worth their weight will tell you that flavor comes from layers.  Saute, caramelize, deglaze – this makes good cookin’ good lookin’.  This slow cooker can go on the stovetop, which means all those lovely bits come stay with the food.  Saute onions, garlic, sear your roast, fire up the slow cooker and you’ve got one yummy dinner on the way!  Stovetop, Slow Cooker + Oven. This little beauty also goes in the oven, and from the looks of it, I wouldn’t mind putting it on the table.  That’s one fabulous multi-tasker!  (Alton Brown would be so proud!) So, I’m just sending out this message to the universe.  I am in love with this slow cooker.  Couldn’t hurt, right? 

Like it?  Get it HERE on Amazon.

(photo courtesy Williams-Sonoma)

Let me introduce you to my new friend, the “Food Lover’s Companion”.

My lovely hubby got me a gift certificate for Sur la Table for Christmas.  Oh yeah, baby.  So, after much aimless wandering this afternoon I came across this book.  It’s been on my “to read” list for a while, so it came home with me (along with a new tart pan & micro planer).

Sometimes as I’m learning about new recipes, techniques or foods I come across a real stumper.  What the heck is “plonk”?  Well, any foodie worth their weight will tell you you don’t wanna cook with it. 

I’ve been unable to put this down, and I’ve learned some cool stuff!  Like the fact that “stracciatella” is both an Italian version of egg drop soup (sometimes with parmesan I might add) and an ice cream with chocolate bits floating in it.  Ok, yum & yum.

What other treasures of knowledge does this thing hold?  I’m off to find out…

[It's quite possible I'm having a little foodie-geeky moment, but that's ok.  ]

Kitchen Utensil Chandelier from Oobject.com

Is there something you are oogling over for your kitchen?  Do share!

Happy little discovery.

Then a few days ago, my husband asked me what I’d like for my birthday and Christmas this year (since the two are within 5 days of each other).  So, I started making my wish list.  I was adding some cool stuff  (like the new Barefoot Contessa cookbook) and thought I would take a shot in the dark at finding my long lost measuring teacups and spoons.  And lookee what I found!

Soak in the utter fab style…

Yes, I DID giggle like a school girl.  How cute are these?  They make me want to bake and cook (more).  What I love is they are so cute to look at and so useful at the same time.  These little beauties are welcome to sit out on my counter anytime!

Do you have a favorite kitchen utensil with some serious style?

What’s not to love about a place that serves delicous tea (and soy lattes), yummy pastries and has wifi?  There’s plenty of goodness to go around at Townshend’s Teahouse in Portland, Oregon.

I love to frequent this mellow teahouse to meet friends or just catch a little breather between appointments while I’m in the area.  I went there recently and had a Soy Earl Grey Latte with a Blueberry Teacake.  SO good!  I couldn’t finish the entire cake, so I shared it with my friend.  I was all so delish, and the setting of the place is upbeat, mellow and just plain delightful all at the same time.

Even better?  If you like tea, you too can get in on the fun at their online store here:

Townshend’s Teahouse

I, for one, would like to try the Creme de la Earl Grey.

So, if you’re in the neighborhood do stop by, you won’t be sorry!