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Whisk and Bowl Partners with The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck for a Special Surprise (Giveaway)

Posted on July 15, 2014 by Shannon Murdock

As long as there has been baking, there have been cookies. No, really. I looked it up. Of course, they’re not the cookies we know and love today. Cookies were more like wafers, and were baked because they were easy to travel with. In the 7th century, when the use of sugar became common in Persia, cookies somewhat similar to ours started to appear. From there, the cookie spread throughout Europe due to the Muslim conquest of Spain. By the 14th century all of Europe had hopped on the cookie wagon, though they wouldn’t resemble the cookies we know today until the 18th century.

Why all the cookie trivia? I’m glad you asked. The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck – Orlando’s favorite cupcake food truck, & Whisk and Bowl – the place to shop for the best quality baking tools, teamed up to make one delicious cookie. We were there to document it all. Take a peak of what happens when two titans of the kitchen come together.

If you’re interested in watching them bake the cookies from start to finish, follow this link to our YouTube video. They go through the process step by step and give some great tips, too. The recipe will follow in a few days.

The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck will be featuring those mouthwatering cookies at the Windermere Food Truck Bazar on July 25^th. Karen from Whisk and Bowl will be joining the Yum Yum guys on the truck too.

Karen Manfredi of Whisk & Bowl & Alex Marin from The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck show off their cookies!

But wait! There’s more! We want to give you things! Baking things. Well, not give you. You have to win them. Enter yourself for a chance to win an amazing prize pack (worth over $200) from Yum Yum Truck & Whisk and Bowl.

Large Emile Henry Citron Deep Mixing Bowl
Fletcher’s Mill French Rolling Pin
Matfer Exoglass Spatula
Best Flat Stainless Steel Whisk
Fat Daddio’s Piping Bag Set
Copper Stand Mixer and Bowl Cutter
Copper Bow Tie Cutter (not pictured, but one was used to make those cute bow tie cookies Karen & Alex are holding.)
A dozen Yum Yum cupcakes
A Yum Yum Cupcake Truck t-shirt

Alas, I am not eligible to win, but YOU are. So get those entries in and good luck!

A quick tweet is required for the first entry (which can be done daily). Earn bonus entries with various likes and follows.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Whisk and Bowl can be found at East End Market, or items can be ordered through their website: http://www.whiskandbowl.com/

The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck can be found traveling all around Central Florida, or orders can be made through their website: http://theyumyumcupcaketruck.com/

The Best Birthday Party was had at Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Shannon Murdock

Posted in Nom Nom Nom, Product Reviews, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews Leave a comment

One of the hardest things for me to write about are things that I enjoy. I’m always afraid that I won’t be able to translate that joy into words. Recently, I had my 33rd birthday party at Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park. Yes, I had a chocolate birthday party. It was awesome. I’ve been trying so hard to adequately write about what a great time I had, that I’ve started and restarted this blog several times! Hopefully, I can express just how much fun my friends and I had that night and maybe you’ll want to have your birthday party there, too.

Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park is owned and operated by the wonderful Jami and Kevin Wray, two of the nicest people you will ever meet. Their shop is located on idyllic Park Avenue, just down the road from Rollins College (Go Tars!).

The night started off with the delicious smell of chocolate wafting onto Park Ave. You can almost taste the chocolate before even stepping foot in the door. When inside, your eyes jump back and forth between the wonderful displays. There were regular chocolates, chocolate covered dried fruit, chocolate pizza, chocolate shoes, and even chocolate covered potato chips! My friends and I window shopped while we waited for the night to begin.

In the back of the store, which you can’t get to without passing the gelato (free tasting samples!), is where the party was held. The room holds more than 15 people, but there were 13 of us and I believe it made it more comfortable as everyone had more room to move around. On a long table were squares of wax paper, each containing a caramel apple, an Oreo, a Nutter Butter, a graham cracker square, and pretzel rods. Running down the center of the table were edible decorations such as sea salt, sprinkles, chopped nuts, and chocolate covered popcorn. We each wore a Peterbrooke apron and a paper hat. Markers were provided for the decorating of the hats.

The party begins with a history lesson: a chocolate history lesson. Danny, one of our wonderful hosts, taught us about the cacao plant that chocolate beans come from, the Mayans and their use of the cacao beans, and how chocolate evolved into what we know and love today. At the end of the lesson was a pop quiz. Correct answers were rewarded with white chocolate covered pretzels.

Peterbrooke has not one, but two chocolate “fountains:” one milk and one dark. These machines constantly churn the chocolate in order to keep it tempered and smooth so it does not seize up. Annie, our other wonderful host, showed us the proper way to dip our treats, gave us some rules, and let us loose. Some of us were more conservative with our decorations, while others went all out, piling everything on top of their treats.

We had some delicious El Churro mini cupcakes from the The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck, and they let us dip those, too!

The best part of the evening was something you can’t get at Peterbrooke, because the best part of my night was my friends. We drank (alcohol is allowed at the parties because Jami and Kevin rock), we laughed, we decorated, and we smiled all night long. My friends are all creative types. Celebrating with me were musicians, performers, teachers, planners, and lovers of life. For an hour and a half we were able to forget our troubles and focus our creative energies into crafting some impressive looking and great tasting chocolate treats.

The combination of chocolate and awesome people made my birthday party the best I’ve ever had. If this blog has whet your appetite for chocolate, head on down to Peterbrooke and grab yourself a dark chocolate sea salt bar, my personal favorite, or any one of their delicious treats. If you’re planning a party anytime soon, I cannot recommend Peterbrooke enough. You can never go wrong with chocolate, especially when it comes from Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

Favorite Places to Shop: Scoutmob.com

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Shannon Murdock

Posted in Product Reviews, Reviews, Uncategorized Leave a comment

In order to become one of my favorite place to shop, a store has to have three things: quality, variety, and uniqueness. I honestly cannot remember when, or how, I found Scoutmob.com, but I am supremely glad I did.

Scoutmob believes that “by surrounding ourselves with the authentic, the unique and the curious, our lives are more awesome.” I wholeheartedly agree. Scoutmob celebrates independent makers and their inspired goods by highlighting local artisans. The goods on Scoutmob range from clothing, to furniture, to food.

Hand crafted, locally sourced, organic, beautiful food. Salts, cookies, oils, syrups, jams, candy, teas: you name it they probably have it. If you’re looking for gifts, or looking to try something new in the kitchen go check out scoutmob.com. Just don’t spend too much money.

TOMS Ventures into the World of Coffee with TOMS Roasting

Posted on April 4, 2014 by Josh Murdock

Posted in Brew Reviews, Product Reviews, Reviews, Travel Leave a comment

TOMS the philanthropic company known most for their buy one give one shoes has ventured into a new realm of giving. It was the latest announcement by Blake Mycoskie, the founder of TOMS, at SXSW Interactive in Austin, Texas (Yes, the founder of TOMS isn’t named Tom). Mycoskie talked about the social good mission of his company and had a big announcement for the crowd at the end of his talk. TOMS was diving into the world of coffee. It will sell TOMS coffee online and in Whole Foods to start but will also start opening TOMS Roasting Company location around the country with the first one in Austin, Texas. The following morning after the announcement, TOMS opened the first one in Austin in the area known as SoCo or South Congress.

TOMS Founder Blake Mycoskie Announcing TOMS Roasting Co.

What will your purchase of coffee do for the world? TOMS will donate one days worth of water to someone in need in the areas where they get coffee beans from for each cup purchased and one weeks worth of water for each bag of coffee purchased. Water, especially clean water, is an important part of the coffee bean process and to keep people healthy.

“According to studies by the World Health Organization, 20 liters of clean water is the daily requirement per person for adequate drinking and personal hygiene. Just one bag of our coffee provides a week – 140 liters – of clean water to a person in need. TOMS partners with Water For People to provide clean water in 5 countries through sustainable, community-owned water systems.” – TOMS.com

At the TOMS Roasting Company locations, it won’t just be about the coffee but other items sold by TOMS, including shoes, eye wear, and market place goods that all give back to various causes. These location will be a place for non-profits and other groups to meet and have conversations with a cup of social good coffee in hand.

Are you do your part to help the world?

Want $20 off your first pair of TOMS and some coffee? http://friend.toms.com/x/CnWbJd (Must be a order of $75 or more)

Taking a Walk in Winter Park with Orlando Food Tours

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Shannon Murdock

Posted in Nom Nom Nom, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews, Travel Leave a comment

On a beautiful Sunday morning, Josh and I headed to downtown Winter Park to take a three hour tour. Don’t worry: we weren’t on the water, and we didn’t get lost. We went on a journey for the love of food.

Orlando Food Tours began when a group of friends met once a week hang out and get rid of the mid-week blahs. They tried new food, and realized they could turn their love of food into a business. Their goal with Orlando Food Tours is to introduce locals and tourists to the Winter Park food scene. They walk you up, down, and around Park Ave., giving you local history while letting you sample some of Winter Parks savory treasures. Park Avenue is one of the most picturesque roads in Winter Park. The streets are bustling with people eating, shopping, playing in the park, walking their dogs, or all of the above. The shops are varied, with everything from wedding clothes to baby clothes, everything in between, and before and after. In fact, you could outfit yourself and your whole home on Park Ave.

Prato

The fist stop on the tour is Prato. Eye catching with it’s beautiful upscale country décor, Prato’s beauty extends to it’s food. We were offered two pizzas: Salsiccia (toscano, rapini, cherry pepper, provolone picante) and the Widowmaker (caciocavallo, romesco, fennel sausage, farm egg). Both were elegant and fresh, and loved by all. Also offered were focaccia breadsticks and an olive oil dip. Josh and I will definitely be back on date night.

Beautiful farm-to-table accents

Salsiccia Pizza

Widowmaker Pizza

The Ancient Olive

Tucked back down a small side street near a charming Spanish-style fountain is The Ancient Olive. Specializing in infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars, The Ancient Olive is a gem. There are many varieties of olive oils such as Basil, Blood Orange, and Tuscan Herb, and balsamic vinegars such as Cinnamon Pear, Dark Chocolate, and Grapefruit. All are free to try. You’re even encouraged to mix and match to find a combination you love. They host cooking classes, too. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable.

The cinnamon pear is one of my personal favorites. It’s great on ice cream, as you might have seen in my previous post.

Kiel, one of our tour guides.

The Spice and Tea Exchange

Josh and I have been to The Spice and Tea Exchange many times. They have a vast selection of spices, teas, rubs, sugars, and small kitchen utensils. They have ready-made packets of spices for easy cooking and plenty of helpful, knowledgeable staff on hand willing to help.

Orchid Thai

I have not had a lot of Thai food in my life. It seems like there are not enough Thai restaurants around. Fortunately, Orchid Thai is there to save us from our loss. It’s a small restaurant on Park Ave. with seating both inside and out. We were given a table outside due to the beautiful day. We were served Pei Mussels with a lemon ginger sauce, and an appetizer sampler plate with summer rolls, spring rolls, crispy shrimp, dumplings, curry puffs, and a cucumber relish. I’ve never had mussels. I was thoroughly impressed. The lemon ginger sauce made the mussels shine. All of the appetizers were flavorful. There were not enough of them.

Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream

Good dessert should always follow a good meal. Ice cream and fudge was our treat at Kilwins. Kilwin’s specializes in fudge, but they have an array of delicious sweets to tempt you.

Sassafras Sweet Shoppe

Because one sweet treat just isn’t enough. We stopped at Sassafras, a small candy store on Morse St. There were plenty of sweets: old favorites and new ones. They also have a cotton candy machine. Who doesn’t love fresh cotton candy?

The Orlando Food Tour was a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We visited places new to us, and others we were already fond of. We also learned a little of Winter Park history along the way. If you’re new to the area, or just interested in getting a better look around (as well as eating some delicious food), we highly recommend taking a tour.

The promo code is “EatMore” and will give 10% off tickets to our readers. This promo code is good till March 31, 2014.

http://www.orlandofoodtours.com/

Trucks and Tech Orlando Returns with a Zombie Twist – Truckpocalypse

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Josh Murdock

Posted in Food Truck Reviews, Nom Nom Nom, Reviews Leave a comment

trucks_and_tech

Make sure to mark Thursday, March 27, 2014 on your calendar for Truckpocalypse!

For Trucks and Tech III: Truckpocalypse, survivors and zombies will go head to head in an epic costume contest battle. Before the war begins, stock up on gourmet goodies that’ll satisfy both human and undead appetites alike. Get infected through captivating tech conversation and startup demos. And enjoy a commemorative cup filled to the brim with delicious brews, all while kicking back on your lawn chair/blanket for a front row seat to the inevitable onslaught. Truckpocalypse is coming…are you ready?

It wouldn’t be Trucks & Tech without the food trucks. The food trucks on site will be SWAT Truck, Yum Yum Cupcake Truck, SwedeDISH, Melissa’s Chicken and Waffles, The Crepe Company, Soup to Nuts, and The Pastrami Project. Grab yourself a delicious cupcake, a plate of swedish meatballs, and spicy buffalo chicken waffle to munch on with the family. I know I’m craving one of these right now!

This event is one of the few family friends tech events in Orlando. Bring out the family for fun and to learn a little about the tech community in Orlando. Our family has enjoyed every Trucks & Tech so far.

RSVP for the Truckpocalypse on the Facebook event page for additional updated and info: https://www.facebook.com/events/590204037719658/

Picture provide by professorjosh.com

Balsamic Vinegar & Ice Cream? You have to try this!

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Shannon Murdock

Posted in Desserts, Nom Nom Nom, Product Reviews, Recipes, Reviews Leave a comment

Ladies and gentlemen, I have found my newest foodie obsession: balsamic vinegar and ice cream. Specifically, cinnamon pear balsamic vinegar from The Ancient Olive and French vanilla ice cream. I am serious. This is one of the most delicious combinations I have had in a long time. Honestly, I don’t really like vanilla ice cream, but while visiting The Ancient Olive in Winter Park with Orlando Food Tours, Nick introduced us to the idea of olive oil and balsamic vinegar on ice cream. Using a combination of blood orange olive oil, dark chocolate balsamic vinegar, and a small scoop of ice cream, he hooked an entire group of people on this strange new idea. I dare you to give it a try. Find a flavor you would like and give it a try. If you’re not sure where to start, head to The Ancient Olive in Winter Park, and ask for Nick. He’ll know what you’re talking about.

A few delicious bites from Treehouse Truck at the Apopka Food Truck Round Up

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Josh Murdock

Posted in Food Truck Reviews, Nom Nom Nom, Reviews Leave a comment

During the March Apopka Food Truck Round Up we decided to grab a few delicious bites from the Treehouse Truck.

The All American Burger – Classic Bacon Cheeseburger with Lettuce and Tomato

Cooked just right and a delicious classic to go with any day of the week.

Chicken Cheesesteak – Chicken Cheesesteak wit Onions and Cheez Whiz served on an Amoroso Roll

Treehouse Truck Chicken Cheesesteak

A great take on the traditional cheesesteak and I love the Cheez Whiz instead of the normal melted cheese many restaurants tend to put on their cheesesteaks.

Seasoned Fries – French Fries tossed in Seasoned Salt.

Fried Oreos – A bonus treat! Delicious! Must get again!

Find the Treehouse Truck online at http://treehousetruck.com or on Twitter @TreehouseTruck

Don’t forget to check out the Apopka Food Truck Round Up the first Thursday of each month. Best way to keep informed about which trucks are going to be in the lineup is through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ApopkaFoodTruckRoundUp

Finding a Great Bite to Eat in Austin #SXSW #SXSWedu

Posted on February 27, 2014 by Josh Murdock

Posted in Nom Nom Nom, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews, Travel Leave a comment

Are you a foodie traveling to Austin? It’s a great town for foodies! We can’t resist eating at some of our favorite spots, including a few new ones, each time we visit Austin. This blog isn’t just for those traveling to Austin for SXSWedu or SXSW, but for anyone that enjoys a good meal in town full of foodie delights.

We always make a pack when traveling to not eat in any places we could eat at home. We think you should do the same.

Here are a few of the places we recommend you eat in Austin!

Le Cafe Crepe

The best place in Austin near the convention center for breakfast is Le Cafe Crepe with a vast variety of crepes, inlcuding a breakfast special with coffee or tea, fresh fruit, and a crepes with various filling options. It’s a friendly, family owned restaurant where I have never had a bad meal. The first crepe I devoured was filled with egg, ham, and cheddar cheese. The next visit was filled with spinach, Swiss cheese, and eggs. Don’t miss this spot while visiting Austin, TX.

http://www.cafecrepeofaustin.com/default.html

Easy Tiger

The Easy Tiger (located right outside the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown Austin) is a bake shop and brew house. Upstairs features a bake shop with coffee, tea, fresh bread, pretzels, and sandwiches. Downstairs features a brew house and restaurant with over 20 craft beers on draft, beer cheese, house made sausages on pretzel buns, and more! It’s a great environment with good services. Plus you can always grab a paddle for a game of ping pong.

We snacked on the delicious Snack Board (2 Small Pretzels, Large Beer Cheese, House Mustard, Chex Mix, Jerky), unique Linguiça (Wild Boar, Garlic, Paprika, Smoke with Bacon-Braised Greens), and tasty Classic Bratwurst (Pork, Veal with Mustard & Kraut) both on a pretzel bun (a must).

http://www.easytigeraustin.com/

Chupacabra Cantina

For a quick taste of Tex Mex we stopped into Chupacabra Cantina for lunch. Simple Tex Mex with a few unique lunch items at a great price. We ordered the Mini Burritos stuffed with pulled chicken, covered in chili con queso and green chili sauce and Yucatan Pulled Pork Enchiladas stuffed with pulled pork and topped with avocado tomatilla sauce, habenero sour cream, and pineapple pico. Both were severed with rice and beans and under $7.

http://www.chupacabracantina.com/

Frank – Hot Dogs – Cold Beer

You can’t pass up a place who’s website is http://hotdogscoldbeer.com/, even as a vegetarian they have tons of options. It’s pretty obvious what they serve but it’s not your Momma’s hot dog.

The Chicago Dog (Poppy seed bun, 100% Vienna Beef dressed with pickle spear, tomatoes, onions, day-glo relish, sport peppers, celery salt, mustard) was so good she couldn’t resist having a second.

The Southern Boy (Blackened, split Vienna Beef Hot Polish link dressed with caramelized onions, crispy pork belly, pepper jack cheese and our Dr. Doppelgänger BBQ sauce) was unique and a great variation to a traditional dog.

The Cheese Waffle Fries (Cheddar, sour cream, and chives) reminded me of loaded potatoes and was a great side to split.

We couldn’t resist dessert with the word BACON in them. We split Chocolate-Covered Bacon (Hickory-smoked bacon dipped in milk chocolate, turbinado sugar and sea salt) and soft delicious Chocolate Chip & Bacon Cookie (House baked chocolate chip, pecan, walnut, cranberry and bacon cookie).

Piranha Killer Sushi

Craving sushi? GivePiranha Killer Sushi a try near the convention center. It’s a great choice with decent wine prices, delicious fresh sushi, and good service. We grabbed a few basic rolls, including avocado, salmon, California, and Philly. The highlight was the Lobster Roll (masago, scallions, shrimp tempura & ginger cream topped with avocado & lobster) was ever bit of deliciousness in your mouth. For dessert we dived into the Banana Spring Roll à La Mode, I wasn’t a big fan of the green tea ice cream, but loved the red.

http://www.piranhakillersushi.com/

A few others below include other places we stopped along the way to eat:

Stubb’s BBQ Austin http://stubbsaustin.com/

Hey Cupcake https://www.heycupcake.com/

Unique Eats at Yellow Dog Eats in Windermere is a Tucked Away Treasure

Posted on February 13, 2014 by Shannon Murdock

Posted in Nom Nom Nom, Restaurant Reviews, Reviews 1 Comment

You know when you walk into a place and everything just feels right? It’s homey, warm, and inviting. A place that feels like home.

That’s what it feels like at Yellow Dog Eats. Yellow Dog Eats is nestled in a neighborhood in Gotha, right outside of Windermere. It’s located in a house that is over 100 years old. Inside, you’ll find wood walls, low lighting, and a cozy atmosphere. Oh, and a killer outdoor backyard setting that I know I would want to duplicate in my own yard.

It’s the food we’re here to talk about, though, and it doesn’t disappoint. The menu is extensive, filled with homemade sandwiches, BBQ, salads, and sides: both vegan and non. There are even a few choices for the kids though there is no, “kid’s menu.”

Josh went with the “Drunken Pig:” a pulled pork sandwich topped with pecan-smoked bacon, Gouda cheese, crispy fried onions, Fish’s Gold BBQ sauce, homemade beer cheese soup, and scallions.

I chose the “Mr. Smokey:” pulled pork sandwich topped with juicy pineapple slices, fried onions, pecan-smoked bacon, and Fish’s Gold BBQ sauce. I asked for no fried onions, though. I’m not an onion lover.

The little man got the “Puppy Love:” peanut butter, strawberry preserves, sliced bananas, fresh cut strawberries, chocolate chips, chopped roasted peanuts (which he nixed), served on multi-grain bread with animal crackers.

The pork was juicy, and the BBQ sauce flavorful. You can get that anywhere. It’s the toppings that pull everything together and make the sandwich memorable.

Find out location and full menu info: http://yellowdogeats.com/

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Category Archives: Reviews

Whisk and Bowl Partners with The Yum Yum Cupcake Truck for a Special Surprise (Giveaway)

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The Best Birthday Party was had at Peterbrooke Chocolatier of Winter Park

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Favorite Places to Shop: Scoutmob.com

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Taking a Walk in Winter Park with Orlando Food Tours

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Trucks and Tech Orlando Returns with a Zombie Twist – Truckpocalypse

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Balsamic Vinegar & Ice Cream? You have to try this!

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A few delicious bites from Treehouse Truck at the Apopka Food Truck Round Up

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