Autumnal Bliss

It has been what I would call a "fantabulous" weekend. The weather has been gorgeous. Sunny and mid-60s - very fall-like. Some trees are even starting to turn. I've just been puttering around the house working on my various decorating projects and cooking some of my favorite food. I am also enjoying watching the Steelers massacre the Bills!!
Yesterday I made Cinncinati-style chili. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, it is a very flavorful meat chili with a smooth texture which is served over spaghetti or on hot dogs. It's also served with your choice of topping when on spaghetti, either kidney beans, chopped onion or shredded cheese. I like mine "three-way", which is all of the above. I just put some classic cabbage rolls in the oven a few minutes ago. A bit of work to make all of the parts and put it together, but absolutely yummy with a Yeungling Lager! So I'll have plenty of good chow for the week. Later on this week I'll be making some Chick Pea Soup and Black Bean Enchiladas. I am so in the mood for cool weather food!
Well, now I'm going to replace the tile in the hallway between the kitchen and living room. Right now it's a lovely fake brick pattern that matches absolutely nothing around it. I lucked out and picked up 30 tiles for 8.99 at Ollie's Outlet that make a good transition from room to room. And that's pretty good considering the bathroom is also off of that hallway! I don't know what I'm going to do with myself when I finish all of these projects.... I guess I'll do more hiking in the state forest I live near! I LOVE AUTUMN!! Even though it's not officially here yet. :)

New Jersey and Koolickle Weekend

So did the title get your attention? Hehe. I'll tell you about Koolickles in a minute. I was in Moorestown, NJ yesterday to visit our Boscov's store. We're setting up our fall prototype for what all of our stores should look like for the season. I had to go out so I could get a better idea of what their floorplan is like so we can can come up with a good layout. I wasn't thrilled about having to spend my Saturday doing something for work, so I decided to make it fun and take the scenic route. I headed south from Reading on Rt.10 until I got to Honey Brook, which is a little town in the middle of cornfields. Then I picked up 322E and pretty much followed that the whole way to the NJ Turnpike. On my way I spied a few interesting places to stop on my way back. Wally's Wiener World was high on that list. And apparently I'm not the only person who thought it was fun! http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g52728-d614953-r5773990-Wally_s_Weiner_World-Glen_Mills_Pennsylvania.html
There were also tons of roadside produce stands, but seeing as it was 94 degrees outside and I didn't think to bring a cooler, I didn't want to drag fresh produce around 'til I got home. All in all, it was a pleasant drive and I got to see more of the diverse state of Pennsylvania. There is a unique feel to the landscape in Chester county. Some areas just seem too picturesque to be real. I got the impression that humans could ever really stamp their will over nature in that area.
So after my trip I got home and watched the Feasting on Asphalt marathon. Which brings me to my next subject. Koolickles are a regional item in the Mississippi delta. What are they? Well, the "Kool" is from Kool-Aid, the "ickle" is from pickle. Get the picture? Basically you take a jar of dill pickles, mix the brine with Kool-Aid (cherry flavor seems to be popular) and sugar and let it sit in the fridge for a week or so until the pickle takes on a bright red color. Of course, after seeing something so bizarre, I had to try making it myself since I doubt I'll be in MS anytime soon. They're in the fridge right now, so next week I will report on the experience of consuming a Koolickle!

Cleveland Here I Come!!

Well, not until November, but I am going to Cleveland. Why, you ask? Because one of the greatest events for a foodie like me is taking place there on Nov. 9- 11. The Fabulous Food Show has hundreds of exhibitors and presentations all about food. And there are several Food Network stars doing demonstrations as well. Giada DeLaurentiis will be there and my personal favorite........Alton Brown! I have sixth row tickets for one of Alton's shows and hopefully I can get an autograph,too. I'm also looking forward to the wine tasting!

It's only a three day getaway, but it should be packed full of fun! Anyone else interested in going? Check out www.fabulousfoodshow.com