Taste & Travel

Cowtown Rodeo-NJ

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 23:06:00 +0000

When I was young my parents gave me a horse. I learned to ride, took lessons, and was always infatuated with the "country western" life-style.

Naturally, if you have those interests what better place to go on a Saturday night than a rodeo at Cowtown. The rodeo runs from May 25-September 28th starting at 7:30 running till about 10pm. There are 7 different professional events including bull riding and steer wrestling. The food is basic carnival food, except for the Cowtown roasted peanuts!! They are a must every time we go!

Yee Hawww!!!

Yardbird Southern Table-Miami Beach, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:09:00 +0000

When your on the road, I always look for meals that are different, something I can't cook at home, or just good ol' home cooking. Well Yardbird touches upon all three. And their description of what Southern Food is explains it to a tee...

Growing up Southern is a privilege. It runs a helluva lot deeper than just where you’re born. It’s a set of ideals passed down through generations. Sure, it’s about sweet tea and swimmin’ holes, front porches and fried chicken, magnolias and Moon Pies. But more importantly, it’s about being devoted to your roots; having a sense of place, of tradition, of family, hard work and each other. And those, my friends, should be universal ideals.

To that end, we proudly present Yardbird Southern Table & Bar. A house of worship to farm-fresh ingredients, classic Southern cooking, culture and hospitality. What we believe is a noble endeavor indeed. So stop on by, cop a seat and sample some from-scratch divinity. We’re serving up the freshest, most inventive takes on regional Southern fare seven days a week with a foot-stompin’,
soul-healin’ brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. We’ll keep a place set for you.

First let's start with the cocktails, most are made with bourbon, moonshine, or some kind of whisky! I went for the moonshine with watermelon.

With so many things I wanted to try it was hard to pick...we started with the housemade ricotta served up with strawberries and baby pickled radish. Yummy!

Then we shared the heirloom tomato salad with watermelon and farmers cheese that was seared! Nice and lite!

For my main dish I had the fresh fish of the day which was triggerfish. Great dish-nice and light!

Hanson's Shoe Repair-Orlando, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 23:25:00 +0000

Hanson's Shoe Repair Shop...if your shoes have lost their spirit or are prohibiting you from walking properly then listen carefully....please speak easily into the phone to schedule a time to drop off your shoes...let us know how many and a time and we will let you know shortly if we can accommodate your request....

If you haven't caught on to my drift yet, you are missing out on the newest speakeasy in downtown Orlando. Hanson's Shoe Repair is hidden on the 3rd floor of NV Art Bar. You must call and schedule a time with how many shoes you will be dropping off (code for people). Once you receive your code word you must wait to give the password to the private entrance to enjoy the intimate space decked out in 1920's decor. It doesn't stop there, drinks are pretty accurate to the time there also, so don't ask for a jager bomb! My recommendation is to go early, enjoy the space before it gets to crowded. Hanson's can't hold much more than 30 people. The bartenders are great. We had Marvin and he gave very good recommendations.

My shoes might just need to be repaired more often!

Grilled Banana

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Tue, 28 May 2013 01:13:00 +0000

Yes-you read that correct, grilled banana. Are you looking for a easy dessert that will impress, search no further. Grab those bananas sitting on your counter and throw them on the grill still in the peel.

Cook each side till is starts to get soft, but not mushy. Pull it off the grill, cut it open and add honey, whip cream, and cinnamon. Now chow down! Awesome right?

Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream-Ohio

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Fri, 24 May 2013 03:10:00 +0000

I wasn't sure what to expect for Ohio, but great ice cream was not on my list of places to look into. When talking to many locals, they kept suggesting to go to Jeni's for ice cream. I'm thinking, really, its ice cream, what could be that exciting about it. Totally wrong! Try out- Cloverton (they use the cream from cows from a local farm that are grass fed) or Queen City Cayenne (Spicy ice cream!!) They have ice creams that are limited edition so it keeps the menu fresh like-absinthe & meringues or olive oil, saffron, orange & carmel!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream that tasted like this!!!

Rise n 1-Dallas, Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Fri, 24 May 2013 02:34:00 +0000

I LOVE French food! I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into with this French place in Dallas, Texas, but the reviews were through the roof. Rise number 1 specializes in the soufflé. Let's start with my first course-the marshmallow soup. Amazing-a carrot based soup with mini cheese soufflé in the soup and then they pour a pesto on top.

For my dinner I picked the crab soufflé-a special for the evening. This just melted in my mouth. It was perfect because I didn't feel stuffed after I ate the whole thing. It was like the airiest crab cake that I ever had!

I would recommend this place to anyone looking for great French food. It was fresh and the place was very welcoming! Au revoir!

Organic Powdered Peanut Butter

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:31:00 +0000

Yes, you read that correct- I just tried Just Great Stuff Organic Powdered Peanut Butter! OMG! What a wonderful idea!!!!!

You make what you want and one less jar to have in the refrigerator. Half the amount of fat compared to regular peanut better and no oils!!!! Love!! Its perfect for traveling, just take the powder and no need to worry about keeping it cold once opened. So I put it to the taste test- 2 tablespoons of powder to 1 tablespoon of water.

Above you can see in the first photo, my water-powder mix and second photo is what the powder in the jar looks like. Get to mixing now!!

So I dipped my fuji apples into my peanut butter and it tasted just like any peanut butter I've ever had and maybe better because I knew I was taking in half the calories and not compromising on the taste!! The name says it all- It's Just Great Stuff!!

La Colombe Coffee

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:01:00 +0000

So I have been on a coffee kick recently. Trying all different kinds and trying to work my magic with the french press. My boss recommended to me that I try La Colombe in Philadelphia,PA.

This shop doesn't have a menu when you walk in and the line moves quickly with "regular" customers. They specialize in drip coffee and esspresso. You really can't go wrong with anything you chose. I had a latte with dark chocolate that was unsweetened. It was so smooth. Makes me want more just thinking about it.

Noosa Yoghurt

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 15:09:00 +0000

Being in Whole Foods Market all the time I see tons of products I always want to try! I've been eyeing up this yoghurt for some time and finally caved in to trying it! I wanted to know what the hype was about Noosa Yoghurt!

A little back story on this yoghurt-they are originally from Australia and now the makers live in Colorado. This yoghurt is super creamy-I've never tasted anything like it. Recently, I pretty much gave up on "regular" yogurt and switched to greek. This was defiantly a treat-almost like a pudding.

This yoghurt is 2 servings so I tried to mix up the fruit and scoop out what I was eating for one serving. I rather have a one serving size cup, but I could have ate the whole thing myself it was so tasty. If your looking for something new, give Noosa a try!

Distrito-Modern Mexican

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 14:56:00 +0000

Last week I checked off another eatery on my long list of places to try at-Distrito in the University City area in Philadelphia, Pa. This restaurant is another great one in the Garces Restaurant Group-an Iron Chef winner!

My mom and I enjoyed lunch there because we read online about a great lunch deal-$15 for your drink, and 2 courses. We decided this would be great for us to pick 4 different things to share. For our first course we got the traditional guacamole with cojita cheese and chilango chop salad. And they give you free chips and salsa when you first get seated.

So our first courses were awesome. Now lets get to the second dishes- Mahi Mahi Tacos and Huarche de Hongos. The fish tacos were small, but delicious. The second dish (I'm not going to pretend I know how to say it properly) was kind of like a flatbread with cheese and mushrooms-awesome. It's much more complex and tastes great!!!

Adding to the food is the atmosphere-which to me just makes this place over the top. Its bright pink inside and has some really fun seating options. If you love Mexican food I highly recommend this place. Next time I will be trying some of their margaritas!!

Coffee EVI- Tampa, FL

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:57:00 +0000

If you know anything about me I'm all about supporting the small and local business, thus along my travels I try to find places that are not chain restaurants. Well I've just found a small gem in Tampa, Florida, Coffee Evi. It's a husband and wife team that serve coffee from a local company from St. Petersburg, FL and offer great milk alternatives like almond milk!!! That's a big win in my book! You can't even get almond milk at Starbucks!! Their ice coffee's ice cubes are frozen coffee cubes so it does get watered down! Smart! I opted for a egg and cheese baguette this morning and an iced carmel macchiatto with almond milk! Yum!

If your wondering what Evi stands for like I was-it means house in Turkish. The husband is American and his wife, Turkish. Bring together American and an European feel to the actual "Coffee House. " Overall, I was really impressed and when my travel allows, I will be back again! Until next time...

Self-Definition

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 02:47:00 +0000

It has been some time since I sat down to post on my blog. First, I thought it was some sort of "funk" then I decided it was a nice break because it was becoming to much of a chore instead of something I wanted to do as part of my daily routine. In the time of my absence I have traveled around Europe, the state of Florida, Freeport, Maine, and made a decision to move.

I started reading a book called The Happiness Project and within the first chapter, I realized I think this past year has been a test on myself to find my own happiness.

Happiness = Growth

Within this last year I have really grown. I've always been independent and have been able to live on my own, but this year I tested myself. I was given a great opportunity to work in Florida and I had to accept that.

I've discovered a relationship between happiness and ambition.

With that ambition I want to take on more and with happiness playing a role within that I am moving back up North. On that note, while I have been in Florida, I have been able to focus on myself. I've learned to Be Leann and live by my own commandments. You can not let anyone change who you are. If they can not accept that, they do not deserve to be in your life.

That being said, I'm looking toward the future with great optimism. I have goals set in place to keep myself in check along with eating and making great foods and traveling to wonderful places.

Thanks to everyone who has played a role in supporting me along my way, big or small, it all counts.

I took this photo in Warsaw, Poland-The guide told me this mural is supposed to show that even though we are all different we can all live together in harmony.

Jackson's Mighty Fine Food & Lucky Lounge

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 00:57:00 +0000

September already!!! Where does the time go??? Well the last weekend in August I got to spend in Virginia! I went to see a friend that now lives up there and our fun filled weekend we stopped off at Jackson's.

I wasn't sure what to expect as I had done no food research at all (I know totally not like me), but this place was awesome. The service was great, the decor was fun, and the food was down right tasty! I was so wrapped up in conversation and eating I must apologize for not taking pictures. But take my word, the shrimp/crabcake specialty sliders were awesome and so was the firecracker rock shrimp roll.

Federal Donuts

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 02:57:00 +0000

My parents kept telling me about this donut place in Philly and to be quite frank, I didn't see what the big deal was, donuts. I'm not a huge donut fan. Then we got there and its this small hole in the wall place (love places like that) that also makes fried chicken?!!

What makes this place special is they have "fancy donuts" that change every so often with crazy flavors like fig on fig or creamsicle. Then they make fresh fried donuts to order.

Holy cow, they were good. Strawberry rhubarb pie and pomegranate nutella were my top 2 favs. This place just inspired me to take my baking to the next level. Watch out!!

Amada

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 02:49:00 +0000

I love tapas! Small plates, but I always manage to over eat. Amada in the new Casino, Revel is owned by iron chef, Jose Garces. My family has let me be in charge of their stomach's and so far I've done pretty well. That night we put ourselves in the chef's hands deciding to go with the Chef's selection of tapas and wine pairing. Amazing!

Just enjoy the photos. The colors and shapes are just beautiful. I can't even explain how wonderful everything tasted!

This last photo was the house made donuts with saffron, vanilla, and brown sugar. I think I was in heaven. The honey was infused in house with lavender. This place was an amazing treat! Don't pass it up!

Bizarre Foods Featuring Me!

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Tue, 14 Aug 2012 02:31:00 +0000

So the end of July I returned to good ol' Jersey! The family and I went down to Atlantic City for the Food and Wine Festival. There was one event I just could not pass up-The Bizarre Brunch with Andrew Zimmern! (If the name doesn't ring a bell, its the guy on the travel channel who eats things that you probably never wished upon your worst enemy in grade school)

My family and I had no idea what to expect. My mom just kept coming up with random things like monkey brains or animal testicals. Well she was right about the latter. When we first arrived it looked like a normal buffet with champagne and omelets until you took a closer look.

There were signature dishes that I had to search out within the buffet. I decided to skip the tongue-tried that in China already. I did eat everything on that list though!

Crickets on french toast....why not?! They were pretty crunchy. The lambs liver was extra soft. Just as I was thinking I had conquered the worst, we were pleasantly surprised when Zimmern announced each table would be getting a special small plate with more goodies!

From left to right-Chicken Feet, frog legs, Pork ribs, and in the back-Pork Ball. My least favorite were the chicken feet because there was not any meat. I don't even like eating chicken skin and to think about the feet skin I shiver. Frog legs were pretty yummy I think I would try them again. The pork ball...just the thought...made me make this face...

Believe it or not it wasn't really that bad. I was just hamming it up for the camera. I had a great time trying all the foods and washed it down with some ice cold adult chocolate milk!

After enjoying our delicacies I even went over a talked with the Bizarre Food man himself, Andrew Zimmern.

Happy Eating!!

Keep Austin Weird

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 13:39:00 +0000

Going back in time a bit, I got sent to Austin, Texas for work a few months back, and loved it! Not sure what to expect, visions of cowboys danced in my head with a long southern draw that I wouldn't understand. It was almost the opposite, Austin, was this hip, chic, urban place I did not want to leave.

After arriving I headed to get settled at my hotel, The San Jose. My boss suggested I stay here and it looked pretty cool online. Well, it was more than cool. The building was covered in ivy and the whole feel of the place was very laid back and relaxing, I was on Texas Time now. Each room had it's own entrance not a shared hallway. The decor was modern and chic. Really could I just pick this place up and move it back to Fort Lauderdale.

Now to feed my stomach. I asked for a few local recommendations and I ended up at Hopdoddy, a burger bar. where everything is made in house. I really enjoy places like this. I ended up with the GREEK burger-Lamb, Feta Cheese, Arugula, Pickled Red Onions, Tomato, Cucumber, Tzatziki Sauce. Oh and the seasonal peach cobbler milkshake!!!! AMAZING! Get there early because there will be a line!

Next I headed down Congress Street to check out the shops and sites. I found Allen's Boots! Cowboys?

Yes! Real boots? Yes! There were rows and rows of boots, every shape, size, and color. Just leave me in here for a bit to cool off and enjoy the country music. And ofcourse, buy my first official cowboy boots. If you didn't know when I was young, I was obsessed with country style, I had a horse and a goat. So I decided on a pair of Tony Lucchese boots, which are made right in Texas.

After my purchase, I headed down to the state capital building to learn a bit about the history of Texas.

My next day in Texas, was all work related, a new Whole Foods was opening in Arbor Trails! Beautiful store. Did you know Whole Foods originated in Austin, Texas??

I think there must of been something in the water, because I just wanted to enjoy everything Texan. Texas tea, Texas BBQ, and I don't even like red meat.

Overall, I wish I could have extended my trip. I had a wonderful time and the people were just so welcoming. Austin had its strange and weird things, but that is what made it quirky and had me coming back for more! Till next time-Keep Austin Weird!

Busy Little Bee

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 01:59:00 +0000

Hello Hello Hello!!

I've been cooking, eating, and traveling.... so I will be updating you with my recent experiments and where I have been! Stay tuned!

My Changing Thoughts on Food

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Mon, 04 Jun 2012 23:31:00 +0000

Eating is essential. What you chose to put in your body is your own choice. Over the past year or so I've changed what I eaten or maybe at times my body forced me to change what I should eat. One other big part of my life is my decision to stay active by running half marathons. It's not just about the medal at the end (though that does help get me to the finish line) it's about seeing results and having a happy, healthy body.

My work takes me to Whole Foods and I've always loved that store, but I do not love the price tag that comes along with it. Working in this store has surrounded me with health nuts, people that don't know how to cook, and people just like me-they want to be healthy.

So let's get down to the nitty gritty. Here's what I have changed

1-I do not drink milk anymore. Almond milk all the way. I'm not sure if the Forks over Knives scared me out of drinking it anymore, but I just feel better not drinking it. Want to know some of the benefits of almond milk? Take a look here.

A favorite of mine is the dark chocolate almond milk after a good workout!

2-Limiting my intake of red meat. My dad (probably like every other man) is a hard core carnivore. He could eat meat 7 days a week. My body just started to reject it. I feel very lethargic after eating it and after many medical studies, it's just not good for you.

3-Eating fresh! Do you know where your food is coming from? Have you ever juiced an orange? Well I have and after making my own orange juice someone please tell me what is in tropicana because it is sure not all oranges. I don't want to eat processed foods or foods with tons of fillers.

4-I got rid of my microwave. (GASP!!) You are probably thinking I'm crazy right about now. At first it was kind of weird, but eventually I realized I just didn't need it and have gotten along just fine without it. Just think, the people of our past didn't have them. If it's not good for you to stand in front of a microwave why should I be eating food that I microwave? Think about it.

5- I make most of my own food. I have really limited my going out to eat and this was forced and by choice. First off, its good to save money (or pay off my student loans). When I go out to eat, I want it to be something I can't make at home or something really special. When I cook my own meals, I know exactly what went into them and who was touching them!

Even though I have made these adjustments it doesn't mean I don't have a day when I eat french fries or handful of candy. We have to indulge now and then, but it is all in moderation. I'm about to treat myself to a banana with nutella right now! I just encourage you to think about where your food is coming from and what you can do to keep your body healthy.

Dinning in the Dark

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:59:00 +0000

Most of you probably thought I stopped eating or died, but I have done neither. This readjusting thing is just starting to set in. My mom came to town for the Easter holiday and I was able to take her to a great restaurant Nick took me for my birthday, Market 17. It specializes in local foods that are natural or organic. Can't get much better than that can you?

Well, it does. How does dining in the dark sound? Scary. Messy. Sloppy. Creepy. These are just some of the thoughts that ran thru my head when the opportunity arose. Ofcourse we did it. You can chose 4,6, or 8 courses. The waiter suggested 6 so we went for that. Being escorted into a small room with curtains blocking out the light there was a dim chandelier lit. The waiter, Brian explained that we will now need to get used to using our sense of smell, feeling, and taste. He removed the light and came back with his night vision goggles on and all you could see was a small red dot.

The food was all very good, nothing crazy, we started with salad, appetizer, a fish, 2 meats, and dessert. Since your sight is gone its amazing how much stronger your sense of smell is. Forget about eating with silverware and just dig in with your hands. This really helped you identify what you were eating. After every course Brian the waiter came back and could see what we had or had not eaten and would test our skills of what we thought we ate. My mom was trying to psych me out near the end when it came to the second meat as she was thinking it was something weird or gross. The dessert way by far my favorite. Miracle fruit. You chew it for about a minute and then eat different fruits with different levels of acid. The restaurant serves you a plate of pieces of fruit including a limes, lemons, and grapefruit. My favorite by far was the lemon!!! It was amazing. The crazies thing is miracle fruit originally from Africa, is now being locally grown in South Florida! If you can get you hand on some of these your in for a great experience.

Back to the whole experience, even though you can not see your food, dining in the dark was awesome. There was nothing to be scared or nervous about, if anything its just one more way to enjoy your food. It isn't all about the presentation!

Traveling the State of Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:03:00 +0000

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth and I promise you I have been eating...alot! I've tried a ton of new places and ate at a ton of Whole Foods. In the past week I went to a total of 16 different Whole Food Markets all over the state of Florida, as far North as Orlando and as far South as Naples and Coral Gables.

My love of cooking is growing everyday as I get to experiment at home with my brand new kitchen aid mixer my bf bought for my birthday! I just tested it out the other day to make a favorite irish sweet.

I'm testing new things with the pasta company I work for and learning what the trending food habits are in each area.

I'm starting to settle into my new home and I promise things will be back to normal soon! Stay tuned for some great places to eat in some new areas!

Update!!! Where & What I'm up to!

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:29:00 +0000

Hey Everyone! So you probably thought I fell off the face of the Earth! No! I've had so many exciting things happen in my life, I haven't really gotten the time to blog. Since my initial work training for Severino Pasta, I've packed up my things and relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to be closer to a majority of the Whole Foods Grocery Stores. I tried a few great places in the Ft. Lauderdale area such as Rocco's Taco's (Great table side guacamole) and Market 17 (all fresh local products, with a menu that changes daily).

One of my bosses is touring the state of Florida with me, going to all the Whole Foods. What an adventure! My job it great, offering a great product to the public couldn't be better. Talking to all the people that visit Wholes Foods, wonderful. To add travel to the mix, amazing. All the ingredients I could ask for!!!!

After my first day I stayed in Boca Raton. That night we ventured out to Delray Beach, Atlantic Ave for some dinner. We ended up eating at a place called Vic & Angelo's. A really cute Italian place. For my entree I had a pear and 4 cheese torteloni. Really tasty.

After visiting 5 days on my second day, we stopped in Miami. We had a great steak dinner at STK. My 3 mile run this morning did not make a dent in the meal I had this evening that's for sure! Filet with blue butter and a side of asparagus and for dessert fresh bag of donuts that basically melt in your mouth. It's not just the food that is wonderful but the atmosphere just helps to make it fantastic.

The rest of the week can only bring great things for my new adventure.

Sbraga-Philadelphia, PA

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:15:00 +0000

To celebrate the start of my new job I was told to pick a place to go to dinner. Oh the choices in Philadelphia, PA. Pretty much endless. Do I go to a favorite or try something new. I decided to be adventurous. A new restaurant in Philly, Sbraga, is right on Broad Street.

Sbraga-is American, modern cuisine, that comes in 4 courses for $45. There's more add on if your interested. Everyone choses from an appetizer, fish, meat, and then a dessert. The dishes take some basic homestyle favorites and puts a twist on them. If you try planning your meal before hand, you might just want to wait till you get there. The menu tends to differ from what is online and the servers do a great job explaining the dishes.

First, I decided on the eggplant app. I can't quite explain the dish, but it tasted amazing. Eggplant, tomato, and goat cheese.

For my fish, I decided to go with the Mackerel. Which did have a bit of a spice to it, but it was great. Normally an oily fish, it was steamed and tasted great.

My parents both had the fish and chips, which I have read great reviews and my mother confirmed them. Instead of a tartar sauce the fish is served with sauce that has an Indian curry flare.

For the meat dish I had to go with the meatloaf. Meatloaf? With a bacon marmalade? Things were going to get interesting I though! Tasted wonderful.

Now time to decide on a dessert. Everything sounded delicious. My parents both decided on the Banana Passion fruit, which was so light and just melted in your both. Even the display was beautiful.

I decided to go with something more rich-the hot chocolate dessert. Rich chocolate with warm vanilla ice cream. Drool!

Overall, I thought the meal was great, some home cooked favorites got a facelift. Keep it up Chef Sbraga, I enjoyed your creations that kept me wanting more.

One thing I will warn you all of, there are open candles on the tables, a lady behind me caught her menu on fire! I had to just laugh as she didn't even notice until my father pointed it out to her and the waiter quickly took it away from her!!!! She even said she thought she smelled something burning, but she thought it was coming from the kitchen! haha

Pasta 101

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 02:35:00 +0000

I have to say I'm pretty lucky. In these economic times, I recently have been able to secure a great job with my favorite pasta company, Severino. My passion for food, people, and marketing have lead me to be the Florida District Representative for Severino Pasta. The pasta is homemade in New Jersey, but sold in a growing number of Whole Foods locations. I will be servicing 16 stores in Florida.

Part of my training was to come back up to the store to learn everything about the pasta-what it's made of, how it's made, packaged, and distributed. First off, let me tell you this is not a huge manufacturing warehouse. Severino is as fresh as it gets. About 20 employees making the pasta and cutting it fresh! My senses came alive in the store. The machines, which were imported (40 or so more years ago) from Italy are roaring loudly as I walk into the store at 8:30 am. The colors of the pasta are so vivid and you can smell when they are making wasabi pasta a mile away!

I honestly didn't know what to expect as far as training went, but I was suited up with a chef jacket and hairnet and off to work I went. One of my favorites has to be cutting the spaghetti and boxing it. Later in the day I sealed boxes of dry pasta. There's no conveyor belt, I hot glued each box myself and put stickers on each container. If thats not a labor of love, I'm not sure what is.

Throughout the day I started to reflect about how amazing this company is. The small group of employees have learned a wonderful trade and continue to share it with us today. Not many companies are like this today. The owners are hands on about everything, continuing to work on the floor with everyone else. The staff here are as great as the pasta itself, everyone has let me help them and taken the time to explain everything to me. From what I have learned there are rarely any turn overs and the company just recently had one of their first retirees.

I'm looking forward to starting a great career with Severino Pasta. Continue to follow along as my journey begins.

Make Whoopie..........Pies that is!

noreply@blogger.com (Leann) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:54:00 +0000

After you get your mind out of the gutter I'm going to tell you all about my new venture- Making whoopie pies! If your not familiar with whoopie pies they are mainly from the Northeast. Not quiet a pie, cake, nor brownie. It has a creamy filling that oozes out when you take your first bite. Usually they are wrapped in clear cellophane plastic. As a child I first saw them in Lancaster, PA or what we refer to as "Amish Country." There were always homemade baked goods. Believe it or not I wasn't a big fan of whoopie pies growing up, but my dad loved them.

For Christmas this year I received a mini whoopie pie pan, recipe book, and my first whoopie pie mix. With everything in front of me, I had to try them out.

The small sweet treats are addicting. After my ready made mix pies went over so well I now set to create them by scratch. I decided to do the classic chocolate pie and make 3 different fillings- marshmellow, cream cheese, and peanut butter.

Each turned out extremely good and now I have to get these sweet treats out of my home before I eat them all. As a hobby I have decided to continue on my whoopie pie journey and sell them. As I continue to test more flavors I will add them to my list. If you are interested in the purchase of some homemade whoopie pies you can inquire here.