We grocery shop on Saturday morning - which was the day after Valentine's Day. So we scooped up some half-priced Dove chocolates. Yum.
We had to make a trip to Springfield. A stop at Cerrato's Pastry Shop made our errand worthwhile! These three were what was left after the ricotta cake and chocolate bomb disappeared. (Didn't think to photograph until after they were gone.) Delicious.
This coincided with a weekend of chocolate baking. I've had a recipe for chocolate caramel bars for years that calls for cake mix and wrapped caramels. They were always a hit. But I don't keep cake mix and caramels on hand (plus I hate unwrapping 40 caramels). I wanted a from-scratch version because those ingredients are always on hand. This is my second attempt. It still needs work. I botched the caramel portion of the recipe - but I'm getting closer. At least my failures taste good, too.
Back in October I bookmarked Pumpkin Chocolate Whoopie Pies as a recipe to try. I know it's not pumpkin season, but I got around to making a half batch on Sunday. It helped use up some leftover cream cheese. They're tasty! 
Have you heard of jackfruit? It's making a splash as a meat substitute in recipes. I found some at the grocery store and decided to give it a try. I've gotten a chance to pull it apart to separate the flesh from the seeds. It does have an interesting texture. I need to remember to cook it up to see how that tastes.
My weekend plans getting sidetracked by work. Not cool. But I've got the turtles ironed and the first bit of stitching done. Hoping to show some real progress soon.I could use some good vibes sent my way over the next several days. Yeah, that's cryptic; if all goes well, I'll be less cryptic next week.
That's my likes for the week. If you're done drooling over the pastry, brownies and cookies, there's other fun stuff over at Not Afraid of Color's I Like Thursday.
Lots and lots of good vibes heading your way :)
ReplyDeleteSending good vibes your way-hope all is ok. Those first chocolates really caught my eye. Yummy
ReplyDeleteThinking of you with the most positive thoughts, Sally! And meanwhile salivating over all your chocolate treats. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sally! Your chocolate caramel creation looks delicious. I hope you share your winning recipe when you get there. Personally, this batch looks close enough to me. HAHA! Your turtles look fabulous - I am fascinated by sea turtles. And cryptic or not - I'll be happy to send some good vibes your way. Generic good vibes is a piece of cake to send. {{Hugs}} ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeletemay the force (of all the people who love you) be with you.... good luck... You're making me drool all over the keyboard with those treats!
ReplyDeleteSally the chocolate looks awesome--purchased, and made. Oh the turtles are great. Sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
ReplyDeleteAll those lovely treats, Sally. Drooling here too. I just love food photos so much. Fabulous turtles...are those batiks? I hope you can feel the good vibes I’m sending you all the way from Canada, dear.
ReplyDeleteYUMMMMM! Have a great week! SEnding you good vibes and hope your weekend is better! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteJust the other day the Husband asked if I ever tried jackfruit. Most likely I've tasted it from a can or bottle, but all I can remember is the syrup, and that was yucky sweet. I wonder where I can find fresh jackfruit. Thinking positively for you. :-)
ReplyDeleteYour post made me hungry! I love chocolate and pastries so I really enjoyed it! I love the turtles! They look really good. I'm sending you prayers for everything to go well!
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