Photo by Willie Davis

Well HELLO new year! It’s an entire new decade. I just attended one of my favorite events that starts the year off right, the media preview for the First Look For Charity Gala at the Chicago Auto Show. Always a great way to see what restaurants are making this year. Taste food from 150 chefs all in one night! Get your tickets here!

Photo by Willie Davis

I’ve been blessed the past several years to be able to attend both media days at the Chicago Auto Show and the First Look For Charity Gala. Being raised to give back to the community through volunteering, First Look For Charity is one my absolute favorite events.

Photo by Willie Davis

Not only does it allow you to see the auto show in your favorite party gown (oh and I’ve worn a full ball gown in the past) but it supports 18 amazing local charities. Purchasing a ticket to First Look gives back to the community in so many ways. While also giving you a chance to win this year’s raffle prize of a 2020 Ford Explorer ST!!  I mean how can you pass up a chance like that?

Photo by Willie Davis

This year over 150 chefs are making 80+ bites for attendees to nosh on while getting a chance to check out their dream cars on the floor of the Chicago Auto Show.  There is no better way to experience the Chicago Auto Show. Enjoy delicious food and beverages all around the best new cars.  Plus over the years First Look For Charity has raised over $53 million for local charities. Each year this night continues to raise almost $2.5 million. 

Photo by Willie Davis

Thanks to the media preview, I’ve already got some favorites like Vanille’s macarons. A tradition featuring the auto show logo and classic cars . There’s just something about a macaron that makes me incredibly happy and Vanille pulls out all the stops to make these special for the Chicago Auto Show. There are many new featured restaurants this year including RPM on the Water and Rock Bottom Brewery. Don’t miss out on the most fabulous party of the year! 

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An all electric scooter that folds in half. So you can tuck it under your chair or into a locker.  Weighing in at only 27 pounds this scooter is light enough to carry by hand. When you get where you are going you can pick it up and head inside. All without being winded because the Hover-1 has a full 16-mile battery life.  That is enough to get you across a college campus and back a few times in a day.  No more planning your classes by location on campus. You can have your dream schedule and not look like a hot mess rushing between classes.

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If not you can find out more about the event and where they will be stopping here Nintendo Switch Tour. The tour is headed to 16 different cities after Chicago! You can never have a bad time playing with a Nintendo Switch! 

We went to the first day of the tour here in Chicago and it was a blast!!! We got to play the Super Mario Maker 2  which just released and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order which will be available July 19th.

If you are looking for something fun to do with the whole family head to Navy Pier and check out the #NintendoSwitch tour and play a few classic games like Super Mario Cart 8 deluxe and Super Mario Party to name a few. As well as play Super Mario Maker 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance: The Black order. Not to mention all of the Nintendo everywhere! You may just be tempted to use a warp pipe yourself! 

Pro tip: I recommend creating a Nintendo account if you don’t have one yet and check-in when you get to the venue to get a QR code for a free gift while supplies last.  The Nintendo Switch Tour is only in Chicago until tomorrow before moving onto Milwaukee’s Summerfest! 

I hope you have a blast like we did. BTW, I beat my nephews in Mario Kart 8

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After learning exactly how the safety features work, I can honestly say we all wish we could drive the 2020 Police Interceptor. We walked in not quite sure what to expect of the Police Interceptor and left knowing if the apocalypse begins to get our hands on one! Anti-stab plates, maximum cargo space, hybrid battery, and bullet proof panels are just the obvious features.  

When you dig deeper, you will find the BLIS system.  A system that detects motion around the SUV.  Not only does it show you, but it also classifies this motion as safe or a threat.  Based on speed and direction surrounding of the objects around you, so someone passing by is safe.  While the dangerous person running towards you is red and triggers the Interceptor to lock doors and roll up windows automatically.  Perfect for deflecting surprise attacks when your guard is down.  

From extensive testing with actual officers from Michigan State Police and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, there are less obvious additions. An updated rear end that is crash safe at 75 mph impacts! The Federal safety standard is 50 mph rear impact.  Seats that are made to prevent catching on clothes and duty belts.  The overhead rear lift gate release is on a safety timer. After pressing it, there are 45 seconds to open or the door will lock. 

All of this comes in a hybrid package! There are non-hybrid models.  However, even with the hybrid you do not lose out on speed and performance.  Overall the new 2020 Police Interceptors are faster in 0-60 and 0-100 speed tests.  Even with an extra 400 pounds of cargo, the speed tests still out perform the previous models.  

Last but not least, the Chicago plant is responsible for making the brand new Police Interceptors. Including the modifiers, they are not after market parts. Ford makes all of the accessories including light bars, sirens, and trunk circulation fans.  The latter of course is ideal for K-9 units. The Police Interceptor is easily converted for canine officers to ride in comfort. So getting to test drive these is amazing.  Of course, we are nowhere near as tough and aggressive as the seasoned officers.  My track runs were cautious and tame compared to the officers.  I still say you wish you could have one for yourself but there are many accessories that are police only. You can check out more of the specs here!

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You see Australis Barramundi is not only delicious but sustainable. Their fish is ocean farmed in their native country, Vietnam.  They believe in smart fish farming so there is no shortage of fish.  Right now most fish are wild caught, which doesn’t make sense for our growing and hungry world. All of this so you can enjoy delectable sea bass. Find out more about their sustainable practices and where you can buy their fish here!

My favorite ways to eat fish is either as tacos or sushi, but I always want to try something new. If you follow us on social media, you probably saw that I tried frying this weekend. My first thought was a peach fried fish with a peach salsa, but I decided to go sous vide instead.

Sous Vide is my summer fall back cooking method, way better than grilling (almost) because you can pop it on the grill right before serving. If you’re not familiar, sous vide is the french water batch method of cooking. Basically it heats and circulates water at a certain temperature which perfectly cooks your vacuum sealed food. For me it’s a set and forget cooking method, like using a slow cooker.

You might think, but fish already cooks really quickly and it does, but tends to dry out which doesn’t happen with the sous vide. Our barramundi takes 30 minutes in the sous vide and then you can do a quick broil in the oven for color or use a cooking torch. Here at Rosie Discovers, we lean towards Asian flavors and you’ll see that in this dish.  This isn’t exactly sweet and sour, but more on the sour and savory side.  

A Little Better Sour Barramundi

2019-06-10 08:16:49

Serves 2

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

35 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

35 min

Ingredients

1. 1 package Australis Barramundi plain frozen fillets, defrosted
2. 1 tablespoon diced shallot
3. 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
4. 2 garlic cloves, minced
5. 1/2 lime, juiced
6. 2 tablespoons white wine
7. 2 tablespoons sesame oil
8. 2 tablespoons soy sauce
9. 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce
10. 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
11. 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

1. Defrost 1 package/2 fillets Australis Barramundi following package instructions.
2. Pre-heat sous vide to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Combine remaining ingredients in a bowl, whisking together.
4. Place each barramundi fillet in a quart zip-loc bag. Add half of marinade to each bag. Seal in sous vide using the water method.
5. Cook for 30 minutes. Remove from zip-loc bags and discard marinade. Either torch barramundi fillets or broil 1-2 minutes. Serve on brown rice, with green salad.

Notes

1. You can totally chill fish after cooking in an ice bath and refrigerate for later use.

By Alison

Rosie Discovers https://rosiediscovers.com/

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Not just that the curve of the windshield feels bigger.  The backseat is spacious too.  Plus all of that cargo room.  We already demonstrated just how much you can pack in the trunk during our feed! 

As for the driving, well it is smooth yet fast for an SUV. At first the dial shift confused me after all it is new.  However, at the end of a week, I was loving just a slight twist to change gears.  The sport mode is a button in the middle of the dial.  Honestly, you can play out some car fantasies by just pressing that one button.  Everything feels smoother with a higher ride height than most other vehicles. Although, you do not need to climb up into the Edge.  The height is just right.  

The safety features are equally amazing. The size may be bigger than my everyday car, but that doesn’t matter with a smart SUV like the Titanium Edge.  From blind spot warnings to park assist, there is a lot less hassle.  No more fretting over parking in a tight parallel spot.  Something that would terrify me in such a large SUV, but thankfully the Titanium package has the optional Park Assist. So parking in a crowded area is easy.  

One of our favorite features is the wireless charging pad.  Placed conveniently in the center under the display and controls, this is the perfect spot to store your phone.  I wanted to call eternal dibs, as it is beyond useful to keep your phone charging while driving around.  It even charged through my case without needing any adjustments to my phone! That doesn’t always happen with contact chargers.  To be honest with this option alone, I find the Titanium package to be fully worth it! This is a game changer with no fuss over charging your phone especially when you will probably be connected while you drive! 

The Titanium package certainly highlights why specific features make your dream car. There is a big improvement with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist +, Park Assist, panoramic roof (which we never closed even in the rain at night). Heated seats for the front and back can make everyone comfortable.  I cannot leave out the SYNC 3 and B&O sound system. A huge improvement to how you interact with your Ford Edge with improved voice recognition and killer sound. Yes, I did annoy everyone with my constant need to have music playing.  The sound is so good, there is no reason to ever turn it off! 

Overall, I have to say this is definitely more space than we need but I think it is perfect for someone with constant cargo.  I have never felt such a smooth ride in downtown Chicago streets. Find out even more about the 2019 Ford Titanium Edge here! Better yet test drive it for yourself!

Check out more fun we had driving:

• Matthew Tested For Empathy Belly
• Ford: More Fun Than Vodka
• One Tank Of Good
• Our Top 5 2019 Chicago Auto Show

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Photo taken by Tom Smith

We had gone all the way to St. Louis last weekend on the hopes of getting a start on strawberry season! Sadly the weather was really bad and rainy.  Never fear we had someone to take our place to enjoy picking strawberries! With over 1oo years, Eckert’s Farm is celebrating strawberry season by offering you the best berries and family fun. Not to confuse you, Eckert’s Family Farms are located in Belleville, IL but it is much closer to Springfield than Chicago!

Photo taken by Tom Smith

Picking strawberries is one of our go to activities.  For the child free, you can still enjoy your time with strawberry sangria and of course all the berries you want! Not that parents can’t enjoy some sangria, but it’s not something you always find at a pick your own strawberry farm.  Plus it is a great idea of what you can do with your strawberries after picking!  Don’t just think about pies or jam. Use those hard earned fruits in refreshing drinks and snacks! 

Photo taken by Tom Smith

Strawberries is not all you will find during your adventure.  They also have a petting zoo with some adorable goats.  As well as tractor rides to get you to and from the strawberry fields.  Always a plus if you have younger pickers that may be tired after attempting to eat their weight in fresh berries.  Don’t lie, we all did it at one point! I still wonder why they don’t weigh you before and after…but I am happy that they don’t! 

Photo taken by Tom Smith

Of course, there are more than just strawberries.  Produce availability changes from week to week so be sure to check out their website.  As of now, there is fresh asparagus! This isn’t just a strawberry farm! They have seasonal picking all year round including apples and Christmas trees! So be sure to plan your trip before strawberry season is over! 

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Virtue sent over a multi-pack of 4 different ciders: Michigan Apple, Brut, Michigan Honey and Michigan Cherry. So you may see me use one of the other flavors in another recipe. I make no promises, but I’ve been thinking about cherries and cherry cider.  But for now we are all about the gooey combination of caramel and apples and cider!  Today we’re using the Michigan Apple in a pillowy, apple-y, boozy apple sweet roll AKA schnecken or sticky bun as its known here in the states. Typically sticky buns have nuts and you could definitely add a layer before you put in your buns.

For years now I’ve been using some form of booze in everything I make with apples from pies to apple bars. This recipe lends itself to using cider in both the apples and the caramel. The cider caramels aren’t really a new idea, but I’ve never seen it in a sticky bun. If you need to source the cider, then you find out more about the cider house here! You may even want to take a trip to Fennville, Michigan to get it from the source!

Virtue Michigan Apple Cider Sticky Buns

2019-05-15 11:17:41

A Michigan apple sticky bun using Virtue Michigan Apple Cider. This is a schnecken style with gooey caramel and apples for the ultimate apple treat.

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Dough

1. 3/4 cup buttermilk
2. 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3. 3 large eggs
4. 1 teaspoon salt
5. 4 1/4 cup flour
6. 1/4 cup sugar
7. 2 1/4 teaspoons active yeast

Filling

1. 4 apples, peeled and diced (I used Pacific Rose)
2. 4-8 Tablespoons sugar
3. 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
4. 2 teaspoons cornstarch
5. 1/4 cup Virtue Michigan Apple Hard Cider

Cider Caramel

1. 7 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2. 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar
3. 1/4 cup reduced Virtue Michigan Apple Hard Cider (reduced from 1 cup)
4. 2 Tablespoons corn syrup
5. 1 teaspoon vanilla

For The Dough

1. I layered everything in the bread machine in this order and put it to work. An hour and a half later I had gorgeous elastic, perfectly risen sweet dough. This recipe makes enough to make a dozen buns or rolls. If you want to make the dough by hand, leave me a comment and I’ll include the entire recipe.

For The Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, cook diced apples and sugar until par-cooked 5 -7 minutes. In a small bowl whisk together lemon juice and cornstarch, pour into saucepan. Then add the Virtue Michigan Apple Hard Cider, heat until the sauce thickens and glazes the apples. Set aside to cool.

For the Cider Caramel

1. In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup Virtue Michigan Apple Hard Cider to a rolling boil and reduce to about 1/4 cup. This will take 10-15 minutes. When reduced add rest of caramel ingredients and bring to a boil, making sure dark brown sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour in either two 9-inch round pans or a 13x9-inch pan.

Assembly

1. Take your freshly risen dough and on a floured surface; stretch, pat and pull it till you reach a 12 x 16 inch rectangle. With the 16 inch side being horizontal to you. Spread cooked apples on dough leaving a 3/4 inch area all along the top topping free. You’ll need this edge to be able to seal your rolls when you roll them up.
2. Tightly roll dough up. When finished pinch all along long side to form a seam and seal rolls. When sealed, gently stretch dough to 18 inches in length. Place seam side down and cut into 1 1/2 inch slices with a serrated knife. Place these in a greased 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9 inch rounds, cut side down. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place till doubled in size or place in refrigerator to rise overnight. (Mine took about 40 minutes to double, but it was warm out)
3. When doubled in size, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake till puffy and golden brown 20-35 minutes. Mine took 26 minutes to cook. Don’t be scared if they seem to bulge up in the middle of the pan. This is due to the caramel underneath, they’ll settle down after cooling a bit. Remove from oven and allow to cool in pan for 10 minutes. Invert onto serving platter and serve.

By Alison

Rosie Discovers https://rosiediscovers.com/

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Brick Safari are all to scale.  From the smallest of creatures to the largest of them all! Can you take a full giraffe selfie? We tried but we didn’t get quite the whole giraffe! They are so tall! We had a lot of fun trying to take selfies with all of our favorite animals!

With over 40 animals to see on your Brick Safari, you can experience animals in a new way.  These brick sculptures are actual animal sizes.  Brookfield Zoo is the first stop for this traveling exhibit. It’s hard to really understand how big a dolphin is when they’re always in the water.  Now you can see just how big they are compared to you! 

There are quests as well to do during your Brick Safari.  Plus a safari jeep and a lion out in the open for great photos!  Not to mention you can see some animals that you can’t find at Brookfield Zoo.  There are pandas and an elephant in the Brick Safari.  That elephant took 1600 hours to build using nearly 300,000 bricks.  Each animal has some fun facts and the amount of bricks and time it took to build each one!

At the end of your brick safari you can build your own animals.  Don’t just look at them, but enjoy building with the bricks! Part of the appeal is knowing that you can build anything you can imagine.  This exhibit will hopefully inspire more people to try creating what they can imagine!  We had fun building a penguin with bricks.  Not to scale but it is still cool to see them come to life! There are a large variety bricks to be found at the end.  You can buy a variety of kits from miniature animals to larger scale builds.  Plan your trip for a Brick Safari until September 29th!

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