Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Nibbles of Tidbits is asked to try a lot of products — Some immediately interest us and others we’re not so sure about.  Since we can’t, nor want to try ’em all, we choose to try food products we’re curious about, that are unique, that we think we’ll like, or because it’s offered/provided at the right time.  If we report about a product, it’s guaranteed to be honest, good or bad, rain or shine, although good, shiny days are preferred. 😉

In this instance, I wasn’t quite sure about trying Blue Diamond’s Almond Breeze, a Non-Dairy Beverage made from real Almonds — I’m a hard core Milk drinker and the thought of Almond Breeze as a drink scared me.  I thought it would taste too sweet, but it’s not.

This product arrived timely in that I’d been wanting homemade Hot Chocolate and Almond Breeze came with an Almond Hot Chocolate recipe.  The stars aligned.  In addition, I love nuts (all kinds) and have purchased many Blue Diamond products over the years.  Their quality has been consistent.

I prepared the Almond Hot Chocolate by pouring hot (microwaved) Almond Breeze over Milk Chocolate Chips and powdered Cocoa (approx. 2 cups Almond Breeze, 6oz. Chocolate and 1 tsp. Cocoa) — Their official recipe is linked here.

Pour the hot Almond Breeze (or Milk) over the Chocolate Chips and Cocoa.

Prepare in individual cups with desired amount of Chocolate or in bulk to fill many cups.

Stir until Chocolate Chips are melted and Cocoa is blended.

I thoroughly enjoyed my first Almond Hot Chocolate in a cup from my Great Grandma Moore.

The combination of ingredients makes a rich, luxurious Hot Chocolate and the hint of Almond puts it over the top — It adds a nice, toasted flavor.  Cheers to all my loving Grandmas!

Almond Breeze makes an excellent Hot Chocolate.  The taste of it alone was surprisingly good, as it’s not sweet — I actually liked it.

It’s noted that Almond Breeze can be substituted, cup for cup in many recipes, which sounds exciting, but it appears it’s not true when it comes to the basic Minute Tapioca recipe.  Its preparation with Almond Breeze didn’t work, as it never firmed up properly and remained too runny.  The Almond garnish sank — Bummer!  It tasted good warm and perhaps cold it could be served as a boba drink, not.

Overall, we’re nutty about this product discovery.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.  I’m thinking about placing Lemon under the Turkey skin before baking it — If I do, I’ll be sure to slice it thinly instead of in half, so not to have it turn out like this hoochie.   The photo was sent to me via an untraceable string of forwarded emails, thus I don’t know its origin.  If it’s your Turkey, I’d like to give credit.  It’s too funny!  I dare YOU to surprise your family with the same. 🙂

I like the way this new style Whisk works, I like the way this new style Whisk works, I like the way this new style Whisk works — That’s hard to say outloud three times fast, or is it just me.  Regardless, the Whisk is by WMF.  Could it be that I put less effort into stirring this mix?  It kinda seemed like it and it worked well.  I liked using it. 

A few pros and cons include… The batter is less apt to get trapped in the Whisk, it’s comfortable and easy to use, but it may be a little louder, as the balls bounce off the edges of the bowl, and it’s harder to scrape the sides of the bowl with the Whisk, since the ball tips are wider than the prongs.  Overall, I love it as an acceptable, fun, useful kitchen tool option.

I received the Whisk (and other goodies) at the Foodbuzz Bloggers Festival in San Francisco, then graffiti’ed the above photo before re-posting it here.

Have you heard of, seen or tried a Grapple yet?  I first saw them on Unwrapped.  They’re Washington Extra Fancy Gala or Fuji Apples that are infused with a concentrated Grape flavor.  It’s said that Grapples look like an Apple, but taste like a Grape, and is described to have the sweet distinctive flavor of a Concord Grape with the crispness of a fresh Apple.  Chef Lexi (below) from Kids in the Kitchen gives ’em a try.

And the verdict is in… Lexi and the tastin’ gang behind the camera (5 of us) were unanimous — The Apples were indeed fresh and tasted like Grape, but the Grape flavor unexpectedly tasted artificial.  Its scent and taste was reminiscent of purple, Grape flavored Candy or Soda, not that of a true Concord Grape, as we were hoping.

Since we’re always interested in different things, we had to try a Grapple.  They’re definitely of premium quality, but we didn’t fall in love with their flavor.  Regardless, we appreciate trying unique foods — It’s a fun time.

Are you part of the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival collage?  If you’re a Food Blogger and attended the San Francisco event, and remember your mug shot with badge being photographed, you’re most likely pictured in Casey’s collage.  Casey of Eating, Gardening & Living in Bulgaria created a collage of 200+ participants, along with the respective blog and Twitter names for each.  Wow — That was a lot of work and now an excellent reference of the event.  Thanks!

With little time to spare, I was recently tasked with bringing dessert on a camping trip.  After scouting out potential mixes at the local grocery store, I chose Krusteaz Cinnamon Crumb Cake & Muffin Mix and a Ghiradelli Fudge Brownie Mix.  The Brownies were good, but the Crumb Cake was amazing — Yes, amazing.  The Cake was moist and the Crumb Topping stayed crisp.  We wrestled over who got the last piece and it wasn’t me.

I’ve since gone back to the store to purchase several boxes — A couple boxes will be tacked on to Christmas gifts (hopefully the recipients don’t read this), a few others are reserved for future preparation, and one box was prepared for co-workers.  Seven out of seven co-workers fell in love with it this morning.  And again, I missed out on the last piece.  It went fast.  I’m telling ya, it’s good stuff.

And since it’s soooo good, we’re anxious to try other Krusteaz products.  I currently have my eye on the Raspberry Bars, Key Lime Bars and the Berry Cobbler mixes.  The results of those tastings will soon be reported here.  One co-worker says their Pancake mixes are first-rate too, but we’ve yet to try ’em.  FYI:  If you’re too fabulous to prepare a simple mix, recipes using the pictured product (and others) are available on Krusteaz website.

I’m now reminiscent of the Second Annual Foodbuzz Bloggers Festival that took place November 5 – 7th in San Francisco.  I had a wonderful time meeting hundreds of notable Food Bloggers throughout the weekend.  This report is our final in the 3-2-1 Foodbuzz Blogger Festival Wrap Up.  Wish I could dig into it all again — Perhaps next year.

The Gala Dinner hosting 350 Food Bloggers on the last night of the festival was held at The Grand Hall, Ferry Building, which was nice and worked well.  The table settings were striking and filled with a sea of Wine glasses for pairing with each dinner course.  Bonny Doon Vineyard poured it all.  Thanks!

The Roasted Golden Beet Tart was paired with 2009 Bonny Doon Vineyard Ca’ del Solo Albarino.  And my favorite was the Rosemary and Garlic Infused Rack of Lamb paired with the 2006 Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Volant.

Before entering The Grand Hall for dinner, we enjoyed hors d’oeurves and more Wine outside.  I was most impressed with the Cucumber basket weave mat beneath the Hoisin Beef and Scallion Rolls — It greatly contributes to presentation.

And the dinner ended with a Tarta de Almendras with Oranges — Would you believe its crowning garnish glory was made of Parmesan Cheese?  It was and I loved it.

I met countless Food Bloggers who flew in from everywhere — A few special friends included Ginny of Food-G, Geri of The Princess Gourmet and Mimi of Cute Pig.

I also had the pleasure of meeting Rosa of The Catty Critic, Kat of Kat’s 9 Lives, Elizabeth of Ms. Lin Guide, Jennifer of Kirbie’s Cravings, Donald of Mochi Thoughts, and several others soon to be linked below.  If pictured and your name and link isn’t included, PLEASE send your information, because I really want to include it — Didn’t collect all the cards I wanted.

Casey of Eating, Gardening & Living in Bulgaria, pictured next to her Foodbuzz badge will be posting a collage of hundreds posing the same way. 

Before the Farewell Brunch the next morning, I thought I might be done meeting and eating, as I’d overloaded on both throughout the weekend — Then met Angela of the Spinach Tiger, a fabulous lady living an admirable life in Tennessee.  Getting to know her over more food and drinks capped the weekend.  It was certainly a pleasure meeting all pictured bloggers and other fabulous mentionables soon to be linked here in an update.  Thanks Foodbuzz. 🙂

11/18/10 Update:  In addition to the talented Food Bloggers named herein and in previous Foodbuzz Blogger Festival posts, I’m happy to have met Greg of Sippity Sup, Joan of Foodalogue, Jeanne of Simple Math Bakery, Amanda of The Cilantropist, Cathy of Show Food Chef, Veronica of The Enchanted Cook, Kristin of The Cuisinerd, Norma of Platanos, Mangoes and Me, Michael of South Bay Foodies, Linda of Salty Seattle, Jenn of Just Jenn Recipes, Lindsey of Gingerbread Bagels, Becke of Columbus Foodie, Eddie of Culinary Studio, Catherine of Cate’s World Kitchen, Susie of Artisan Food Discoveries, Wendy of The Local Cook, Astrid of I Have Two Feet and Ten Toes, John of Food Wishes, Teri of A Foodie Stays Fit, Joel of Cooking with Words, Elaine of Virgo Blue, Kate of Something We Dreamed, Stephanie of Foodiacs, Jerry of Cooking by the Seat of My Pants, Jesse of Beer & Nosh, Allyson of Living My Whole Life and Renuka of Foodelicious, to name just a few.

Been camping in South Carlsbad, but will soon post our final wrap up of the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival and back log of reports that’s ensued.  It’s all good.

Cooking Hot Dogs over the camp fire while the sun sets over South Carlsbad.

Relaxing.

Running through the Seagulls hoping for a few things not to happen.

Creative dog walking with a Cheese Puff and fishing pole — No hook. 🙂

Inspiring a lazy dog to walk.

It worked, but not for very long.

Wake up Maggie got it.

Painted rocks in South Carlsbad.  Nibbles of Tidbits left a special message on a rock — Find it and describe and we’ll send you a prize.  Good luck!

Another sunset on a mini vacation.

We picked up an empty glass and bag upon arrival at the City View at the Metreon in San Francisco, then filled ’em up over-and-over again with seemingly endless samples of Beer, Wine and FOOD.  It’s what happened to 350 Food Bloggers during the Taste Pavilion, an afternoon prelude to the Gala Dinner commencing three hours later — The Foodbuzz Blogger Festival is an eating extravaganza. YEAH!

Only ended up taking a few photos here — I needed another arm, or two, or three — It was hard to eat, drink, write, shake hands, collect literature, and accept Beer, Wine and product samplings with just two hands.

The Frog Hollow Farm Pears were so juicy and a favorite from the event was their Granola.  It’s some of the best I’ve had.  I wish I’d brought back another bag of it — Soooo good!

Willow Bird Baking was one of the six recipe winners and Nature’s Pride Cooking Demonstrators at the Taste Pavilion.  Congratulations to all.

Fresh Express Salads, much needed greens.

The Cupcake of the weekend seemed to be everywhere and dare I say they were just okay.  Maybe I didn’t have the right one, because the Food Network was filming them for Cupcake Wars, or something like it — In love Food Bloggers will know better.

One of the coolest things there was the Buitoni Flip Book Booth, which converted short video clips into mini Flip Books – You then flip through the book pages to see yourself move — It’s like watching an old fashioned mini movie.

I captured talented Food Bloggers, Chef Dennis, Korean American Mommy, CaffeIna and What’s for Dinner Across State Lines making a Flip Book — What fun!

View from the Taste Pavilion — A new appetite had to happen before dinner and appetizers scheduled to be served three hours later.  It shall be reported as the final (1) in the 3-2-1 Foodbuzz Blogger Festival Wrap Up.

Before being spoiled at the Tasting Pavilion at the Metreon in San Francisco, most Foodbuzz Blogger Festival attendees participated in Morning Breakout Sessions/Seminars at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel, conveniently taking place down the elevator from my 19th floor room.  During my first session, panelist Lick My Spoon, Kitchen Corners and Carrots N Cake talked about blogging success and what it means to each of them — Interesting and diverse points of view.

Mary Sue Millikin prepared Fish Tacos during the ‘Great Catch’ session presented by Alaska Seafood.  Food Bloggers got to make their own Fish Tacos at the Taste Pavilion that later followed.

It was fun watching the Food Bloggers edging to get the best photos — Some were right up in the Salmon’s face.  I’m sure many produced better photos than these, but I liked my seat.

During my last session, Chez Pim, Rhodey Girl Tests and Food Wishes talked about Video Blogging — Moderated by Krissy Wall.  Food Wishes offered great tips and was pretty funny too.  After all ended at noon, 350 Food Bloggers hiked it down to the Tasting Pavilion, reported about in (2) of the 3-2-1 Blogger Festival Wrap Up.

There’s so much to write about and too little time with the busy work week ahead (and now have a cold).  Back from San Francisco and a giant box of goodies to arrive soon via Fed Ex — Had to ship it all back to avoid the heavy luggage fee imposed by United Airlines.  It’s truly gouging (12lbs. over = $100).  Excessive, yes, no?  I’ll be addressing a few issues with United and will report more when their response is received.  That experience was a bummer, but I otherwise had a crazily stufted time participating in the non-stop eating fest with 350 Food Bloggers from all over.  The farthest traveler came from Bulgaria to attend the Second Annual Foodbuzz Bloggers Festival.  I’ll be linking to all the talented Food Bloggers I had the pleasure of meeting and can’t wait to try the interesting products that are on the way.  Thanks for all Foodbuzz!

Only posting a few photos throughout the weekend, but will later post a full report of the festivites including links to the many amazing bloggers I met throughout.  Currently on food and fun overload, but ready for the Saturday Night Gala Dinner to begin in a few hours.

Frog Hollow Farm Pears and more on every table.

More unedited Welcome Reception photos.

Viking Gumbo — Vegan or Non-Vegan options.

The Food Network was there filming a segment on Cupcakes — That’s all I know for now.

Endless Cupcakes, food and bloggers this evening and more to come — OMGosh.

Not much time for words right now — Have a lot to report about the flight, but will do so later.

Sat in the very last row of the small plane.

Checking in at the Foodbuzz table. 🙂

Just got to the Sir Francis Drake.

View from my room.

Hello.

Thanks for the swag!  I already ate the 479° Black Truffle + White Cheddar Popcorn.  YUM!

Ready to start blogging, but it’s time to head to the Welcome Reception to meet everyone.

I’m heading to the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival in San Francisco this weekend.  The experience will be completely new to me, as I’ve never been around a bunch of Food Bloggers — I’m gonna trip out on everyone taking photos of the food at the same time.  I think I might be more interested in photographing them photographing the food.  It’s a curious thing to me for some reason.  The food will surely be covered, thus posting the same here might be redundant.  We’ll see how it all goes down.  The plan is to write several short posts throughout the weekend if technically able.  Pictured above is of the “Foodie Gift” I’ve been asked to bring to the Welcome Reception Friday night at Fort Mason Center.  It’s in my suitcase getting ready to fly to SFO and  its contents sum up Nibbles of Tidbits.  More to be reported about that and the rest of the festivities later.

Thanksgiving in Southern California — Are you still deciding how to celebrate Thanksgiving this year?  As the Orange County Food Examiner, I recently posted a Thanksgiving Starter Kit that includes links to most local happenings.  It’s a great place to begin your holiday planning.  We hope it’s helpful.  Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

Nibbles of Tidbits is thankful for its many blessings, including YOU!

What an amazing meal and time we had at Gladstones Malibu, technically located in Pacific Palisades.  Did you know that?  I didn’t.  It’s been about 15 years since I’ve been there.  Gladstones has been in existence for decades, but recently stepped into a new era with a new look and menu that’s true to its iconic heritage.  We fittingly cruised there in style.

Most were able to squeeze into the photo before setting out (minus the kids) to celebrate the 40th Birthdays of David and Chris (both in plaid).  I’m found above the yellow balloon. 🙂

I said CHEERS with a Watermelon Mojito, which was perfectly refreshing and strong.

We had a few Oyster virgins in the crowd who were willing to give ’em a try.

It was funny to watch — Let’s just say that no newbies fell in love, except for one, as shown below.  Jerry said ‘the aphrodisiac aspect of the Oyster kicked right in’ and Ami had to hide.

Get a room — Continuing on with the Seafood Ceviche.

And then the reeallllly great stuff came, Lobsters and USDA Prime NY Strip Steaks, oh my.

Gladstones Market Seafood Pasta.

My plate with King Crab Legs, always a fave.

The Curried Coconut Shrimp was reported to be very good, by the one who brought his homemade (grown and roasted) Salsa in the limo, which was fantastic too.

Most had the Lobster and Steak combination.

It was a little too cold to dine on the large patio with “jumbrellas” this October evening — The ocean view is nice, but best captured in photographs during the day.

Happy Birthday friends and thanks for all Jer!

We love how Gladstones packs goodies TO GO.  I brought home a marvelous Sea Turtle and almost felt bad digging into the leftovers the next day.

Happy Halloween!  These Cupcakes can easily be made using any Chocolate Cake Mix — Just add Frosting to a pastry bag with a Basket Weave Tip, then pipe it back and forth strategically over and around Edible Eyes.  That’s it.  Since I got the flu this year (from the flu shot mind you, no mas para mi), I was sadly unable to participate in our annual Halloween Cookie Decorating Party, thus post links from last year here and the year before here.

It’s going to be a tough decision for the judges and I’m thrilled to be in the mix — Can’t believe I now have a (6/1) chance of winning a Trip for 4 to New Zealand.  That’s incredible!  And tomorrow is the last day to enter the Kiwi A-Go-Go Bloggers’ Contest to be selected as Ms. or Mr. October, if you will.  Each month from May through October, Zespri picks a Semi-finalist.  The links will tell more.  The winning entry will then be selected by a triad of prominent Kiwi specialists… Karen Brux, Zespri’s US General Manager, a representative of Air New Zealand, and Peter Ombler, a Kiwifruit grower from the Bay Of Plenty.  The winner will be announced on November 15th. 

Good luck to all Semi-finalists — May,  June,  July (Me),  August,  September and October.  If you’re not a Blogger, you may enter here to win your own New Zealand vacation.  And you’ll find more Kiwi recipes here.  Play The Kiwi Game often!

11/08/10 Update:  The Blogger Contest is now closed and October’s winner is linked above.

11/15/10 Update:  Congratulations goes to Baking Barrister for winning the Trip for 4 to New Zealand.  We were close, but no Kiwi for Nibbles of Tidbits.

Taco Dawg will be serving up new menu items starting this Halloween in celebration of their one-year anniversary.  Taco Dawg is a gourmet food truck (a popular food option these days) that puts a spin on two classics — Tacos and Hot Dogs, hence the name.  We recently tried a few at Taco Dawg’s Critics Dinner 2010.  Thank you Taco Dawg!  We were happily impressed with the new and featured menu items.

All may try the pictured items for the first time on October 31st, somewhere in Irvine by day, then at the Spooktacular in Orange that evening.  Note: Since it is a truck, it’s best to follow Taco Dawg on Twitter to obtain their exact location.  To learn the names of the Tasting Menu items soon to debut, hover over each photo.  Starting from the top is the Taco Papa and above is The Samurai, my favorite — We all loved its Miso Caramelized Glaze.

Above is The Hipster, Taco Dawg’s first Vegetarian Taco, made with Portobello Mushrooms, Chipotle Sauce, Grilled Onions, Jack Cheese and Romaine Lettuce.

We appreciated the Beer and Wine and met cool new friends, including Taco Dawg.

OMGosh, we ate so much at this Critics Dinner.  It was on to the Hot Dogs, then back to the Tacos.  We tried The Reuben Dawg (above) and The Dirty Dawg  (below) that’s piled with Homemade Chili, Nacho Cheese, Crumbled Potato Chips and Onions — Both are made with an all Beef Hot Dog.

Continuing on, we tried The Big City Dawg (below).

And The Cuban (below), thought to possibly be the best item of the night, at least at our table — It’s a Taco variation of a Cuban Sandwich that includes a combination of Ham, Pickles, Swiss Cheese and traditional flavors.  The Cuban is the featured item of the month.  Each month, Taco Dawg will feature a special item that’s not on the menu.

It all ended with a miniature version of their Apple Taco — It was good, but thank God it was small, since we already ate so much.  Barely had enough room.

To learn more about Taco Dawg and the pictured Tacos and Dawgs, visit whaddupdawg.com and here — Their site will be relaunched next month, so check back for that.  Follow Taco Dawg on Twitter to learn their exact whereabouts.

The Red Wine I drink most often is (and has been) Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel.  The price is right, especially when it’s on sale, and it has a nice depth of flavor, thus I was excited to stumble upon Ravenswood’s No Wimpy Wines Assignment just in time.  YOU now have 8 more days to create and submit a video using Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel as the star.  Since we already think it’s a star, it was fun to experiment with Windows Movie Maker and the ideas bouncing around my head.  Wish us luck!

We submitted 2 videos (above and below), as YOU may submit as many as you’re able to create.  Ravenswood looks to purchase at least 4 videos for use — Creators will receive a one-time usage fee of $5ooo for each video chosen.  Enter your video here now.

* In consideration of the pending competition (and embarrassment), the above videos are only posted now on Nibbles of Tidbits — It took a lot to work up to that. 🙂

We’ll be making lots of Cookies, Cupcakes and Halloween goodies to be posted here soon.  Until then, if looking for more Halloween action than that, I just published a list of unique events happening throughout the county.  It’s posted with links on Examiner.com, where I write as Orange County Food Examiner.  Above photos were taken by Steven Woo at a DC Halloween Party last year — Hover above to learn more.

Although I haven’t watched it lately, I’ll forever be a long time fan of Saturday Night Live.  And I particularly LOVE the NPR Delicious Dish sketches — They crack me the hell up!  Since Nibbles of Tidbits is often about the FUNNY regarding FOOD, this video mixes right in.  And I’ve been a Betty White fan for years, before she became popular again.  She’s pretty funny! 😉

* Try Betty’s Giant Dusty Muffin, described in the video, or these Sugar Donut Muffins, or learn about Pete’s Schweddy Balls on NPR’s Delicious Dish.  Bon Appétit.

Who doesn’t love Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce?  I haven’t met anyone.  And after countless years of Steak marination and mixing it into Sauces, for the life of me I still can’t pronounce it, and need to assess its spelling over and over — We all know what I’m talking about, right!?  Regardless, the mysterious concoction of flavors is the best!  And right now Lea & Perrins is asking YOU to Shine at Dinnertime with a Video Recipe Challenge.  You could WIN $10,000 and more.  Just create and submit a home video (under 4 minutes long) showing how easy it is to make a flavorful dish using Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce.  Submit a video today through November 14th.  Unwrap the possibilities, get filming (and editing), then upload your video here.  Voting begins in December.  More will be reported here when it’s happening.  GOOD LUCK!  Hhhmmm, perhaps I should start thinking about this one too.  I invented The Kiwi Game* in my first video and too shy to link my second — Will the third be a charm?  We’ll see.

* Thanks to Zespri and The Kiwi Game, I’m a lucky Semi-finalist in their fabulous contest you can enter here.  Not sure if I can actually call The Kiwi Game an invention. 😉