Entertaining How-to: an item you already have can save guests from mystery dip + an impressive homemade gift.

Uncommon uses for common things. There was quite a spread and I had five minutes to figure out how to label each of the different dips before hungry adults would be knocking on the door. If everything is clearly marked, no palette would be offended by mystery dip experimentation.  A marker and clothes pins did nicely. All guests were now safe; Every vegetable destined for the muncher's choice of hummus, blue cheese, goddess, or cowboy ranch dip. There are very few items I'm convinced have only one use. I challenge you to name some other clever and quick entertaining tricks.

Homemade gifts are always welcome. This wrapper is just outright cool and deceives at first--it is so professional it's hard to believe it is handmade. The writing is so precise it is typographic; Now that's a font I would buy. The list of ingredients tops off a perfect homemade gift that is both personal and clearly made with love. The packaging was so impressive it seemed a shame to open. However, that worry was quickly pushed aside for an inspection of the gorgeous bread that was contained within. 

{Give a shout out to the birthday boy @worldofbarbee. Take a listen to the breadmaker's band The Helping Hands here.}

Happy Hour Friday. Crazy food combination melts in your mouth.

I admit, I really like food. Just so you understand, I really like to eat. I mean, really. And while I consider myself adventurous, I was still quite surprised when I came across the following on the popular Portland restaurant The Tin Shed Happy Hour Menu. Then I took a bite and WOW. The craziest combination was an explosion of YUM in my mouth.

  

Not hard to replicate--if you can't make it to the Tin Shed try this at home. 

Berry Garcia (their name)
Roasted red pepper, jalapeno, black bean, Tillamook cheddar & berry jam, topped with jalapeno-cilantro creme fraiche. 4-

It's the combination of the sweet pepper, the hot pepper, the creaminess of the cheese, the bite of the bean, and the sweetest of the jam (use just a little) makes it combine to the most delightful flavor. Made from pantry ingredients, a snack that could be made when the fridge is looking sad and empty.

CUPCAKES ARE FOREVER!

Have you been to Saint Cupcake yet? If you haven't you are missing out bigtime.

Stop in today to pick up your sweetie an assortment of bite-sized cupcake "dots" and a small valentine gift card that will be sure to please. Click on any of the photos above to link to other blog coverage of Saint Cupcake.

My personal favorites:
RED VELVET
COCONUT CREAM
FAT ELVIS
HOT FUDGE ON CHOCOLATE

VISIT SAINT CUPCAKE NOW!
http://www.saintcupcake.com/

Mississippi Movie Mondays presented by Moxie Rx

Moxie Rx Presents
MISSISSIPPI MOVIE MONDAYS
7pm to 10pm
(show time 9pm to 10pm)
Moxie Rx Opens @ 7:00
for Nibbles & Refreshments

FREE! Watch movies projected on the side of the Rexall Drugs building (where the Fresh Pot Coffee Shop is located) just up from the intersection of NE Shaver and N. Mississippi Ave. Also available for purchase are amazing nibbles by Moxie Rx and some lovely beverages (they are planning on having a license to serve alcoholic drinks).

July 31st
Silent Movies and Cartoons
with live music by the Evolutionary Jass Band

Future Shows:

August 14th
Joanna Priestley will present a program of contemporary,
experimental animation, including her new film "Dew Line" ("a rich
abstract tapestry of botanical and biomorphic forms that hint at the
loss of botanical diversity") and a few historic gems that are her
favorite animated films.

August 28th
Music films from the collection of Dennis Nyback including Slim
Gaillard, Lester Young, 50's Rock and Roll, Scopitones from the 60's
and more.

September 11th
A series of musical shorts curated by Eric Isaacson of Mississippi
Records

* Special thanks to The Evolutionary Jass Band, Mississippi Records , Joanna Priestley, Dennis Nyback, Video Verite, & a Very Special Thanks to Rachel Elizabeth for curating this event

Oogle my Kugel - another local food review of Moxie Rx

Breakfast Kugel with fresh strawberries and whipped cream
@  Moxie Rx, N. Mississippi Ave Portland      $4.50

kugel   (kgl) n.  A baked pudding of noodles or potatoes, eggs, and seasonings, traditionally eaten by Jews on the Sabbath.

I pronounce it YUM. Highly addictive. Decadent and very filling. If you still haven't tried anything from this Mississippi area cart you are missing out. Check out previous postings for reviews and the link to the article about Moxie Rx in the Willamette Week. Moxie Rx is now opened Friday-Monday. Hopefully more days added as the weather improves!

Eat like a gourmet for under $5. Moxie Rx's yummy tomato tartlet

Tomato and goat cheese tartlet with white bean salad
@  Moxie Rx, N. Mississippi Ave Portland      $4.50

Eating well on a budget can be hard. I have tried to convince myself that coffee and an oatmeal cookie constitutes a meal. (There is some logic to this when the cookie is larger than your hand.) Other times it seems that a slice of pizza or fast food (gasp!) are the only options for a quick bite that doesn't leave you without any money left to do happy hour that night with your friends.

Enter the Moxie Rx food cart, located on N. Mississippi Ave. in the lot next to the Fresh Pot Coffee Shop. Each scrumptious item is worth every penny and is made fresh with the best ingredients. Another plus - you will be supporting another local small business. Nancye is the owner and genius behind ever single delicacy. If you haven't already visited for an affordable meal or snack you are missing out bigtime. Options include breakfast, lunch, homemade muffins and scones, cookies, smoothies and more. Currently only open Fri-Sun, but better weather will bring additional days.

Read about Moxie Rx in this week's Willamette Week.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

I thought I would share my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. To me, this is the perfect cookie. If you follow the directions exactly these cookies stay chewy for days. You may also gain five pounds in the process but it will be worth it. Drink with milk!

Chewy Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies

2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) MELTED unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla (less if you like a mellower vanilla flavor)
2 eggs
Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks (if you use milk chocolate these cookies will be too sweet)

Preheat oven 325 degrees. In mixer combine melted butter, brown sugar, sugar, and vanilla. Add one full egg and one yolk and mix well. In separate bowl combine flour, salt, and baking soda. Add dry ingredients to mixer and mix like crazy. Stir the chocolate chips in by hand. Spoon onto baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes. When they look just barely done remove from oven. Let cool on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes. Remove to cooling rack.