Temptation Tuesday - Your Supermarket's Bakery

Yesterday, I was hanging out in my favorite supermarket, Publix and while I was waiting in line to order my precious Boars Head Pastrami Turkey, I took a glance at the Decadent Desserts line of goodies in the bakery. Now anyone who shops at Publix can attest to the fact that their bakery and deli are pretty darn good. While "inspecting" the sweet delights, I realized that I've NEVER tasted anything from the Decadent Desserts case and made a mental note to return and try a few things. Oddly, I wasn't in the mood to try anything yesterday, but I'm hoping that changes soon. I'll definitely update y'all when I conduct my taste test.

So for this Tuesday, enjoy the view. If you don't have a Publix in your area, I apologize for causing such a disturbance.

Next time you're pressed for time and need a decadent dessert, don't overlook your supermarket's bakery case.

Sheila Denise

How I Ate My Way Through Stormwatch 2011 Atlanta

When I wrote on Sunday about the things I want to master, little did know (never imagined) that I'd be stuck at home since Sunday afternoon. Did y'all hear me?? STUCK, absolutely no driving ANYWHERE, no opportunity to go to Publix to touch produce or purchase my favorite Boars Head Jerk Turkey Breast, no dining out, no Goodwill thrifting, no searching for deals at Ross, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx or Marshalls, no NOTHING!! Now mind you, when I say stuck, I mean I've been on lock down! Before you start feeling super-sorry for me, I have a confession to make--I've loved every minute of being stuck at home--I just enjoy whining about not being able to shop. For years, in my former life, I rarely had an opportunity to spend very much time at home. I was an expert car renting, hotel dwelling, room servicing, restaurant dining puppet. Since Sunday, I've tracked down every speck of dust; reorganized the kitchen and bathroom(s) cabinets, the pantry, the linen closet, the bar, the coat closet and last, but not least, my dreaded office file cabinet. While doing all that, I've also forced myself to cook (more than I normally do) based on what's on hand.

Now this next part will probably not surprise you. In my shut in state, somehow I fell into a bit of hibernation-induced sipping and eating, so to ease my guilt, I'm sharing a few photos with you. In all reality, my little eatfest started on Saturday evening after a fantastic lunch with some super-fabulous friends at La Madeleine.

I was wise to order a small one this time.

I won't even attempt to tell you how much of this I inhaled, but let's just say that I've mulled about as much as I can mull.

Kinda-sorta fried, but not deep fried. I may have my "Southern" card taken.

Who can survive a snow storm without gingerbread?

This is my I'm-beginning-to-feel-guilty dinner last night.


And today's still-feeling-a-little-guilty lunch. I used the leftover lump crab.

I think we'll be somewhat back to normal tomorrow, so I decided to have one last unnecessary, but quite delicious meal as my official goodbye to Stormwatch 2011 Atlanta.

Guilt is nowhere to be found on this plate.

Metro Atlanta should be almost back to normal for the weekend. If not, I suppose I'll just continue to organize, reorganize, and eat myself into a stupor.

Since 49 of our 50 states (lucky Florida) are "enjoying" snow, I'd love to hear how you're coping.

Sheila Denise

Spring Rolls TSE Style

I've been on a sushi-ish kinda kick for the past few weeks and while scratching that itch, I also stumbled upon some really good spring rolls. I'm sure they're referred to as some other kinda roll as well; however, for today's purpose, I'm calling them spring rolls. The wrappers used to make them are rice wrappers and they're very fragile discs (or squares), that you wet to make them pliable.

Lunch today was sushi from Publix--made while I waited. As as I was enjoying my sushi and praying that the top of my head wouldn't blow off with each bite (I'm an idiot for wasabi) , I decided that dinner would be spring rolls.
I knew that I wanted to include shrimp, Phillips Lump Crab, rice noodles, mango and basil. The more I thought about it the more fillings I wanted to include, so I ended up with the previous five ingredients as well as bean sprouts, jicama and arugula. Now I'm pretty sure arugula is waaaaaay outta place in this scenario, but I didn't have any "regular" greens.

This was my first attempt at making spring rolls and I knew I needed to shut off all outside interference--I was about to get down to business and needed to focus. Turns out I was so darn focused that I left out the rice noodles. After I stood back and admired my not-so-great wrapping work, I looked over on the other counter and saw the noodles!! What's a girl to do?? When the noodles are left out, you use them as a landing strip for the spring rolls, that's what!
I also made a quick peanut sauce with smooth peanut butter (with honey), Sriracha sauce, soy sauce and mango nectar. It's as yummy as it is simple.
The entire process was not as scary as I'd thought and overall, I'm pretty pleased with my first attempt, but as many of us, I want to perfect my rolling skills. These things have more wrinkles than the wrinkly-est Shar Pei. Is there anyone out there who wants to take me under his/her wing before I take a syringe of Botox to these suckers? Anyone???

Sheila Denise

Fruit Tart - Blackberry Version

A local supermarket has been stocked with the most delicious blackberries for the past few weeks and I've been eating them like crazy. This morning, I decided to try something other than eating them straight, in smoothies or with my daily Greek yogurt. During my search, I stumbled upon a blackberry tart recipe on a blog called Eclectic Recipes. Just the sight of those luscious, juicy berries piled atop a cream cheesy bed with a shortcakey crust had me eager to recreate this lovely vision. I also loved the fact that Greek yogurt was incorporated into the recipe.

So I got to work and as I progressed, I KNEW I'd have a slice before I could assemble the berries on it. I was even more convinced to do so when I tasted the cream cheese mixture. Oh Em Gee!!! This tart is delicious!!!

Angelia, of Eclectic Recipes, entered this recipe into the Publix Berry Recipe Contest, which ended yesterday. If the judges taste buds are working...this one should be a winner!! Best wishes Angelia...you have my vote!

Just one note, the recipe includes salt and sugar; however, they aren't mentioned during the process, but I pulsed them with the flour and nuts. I'm sending this entry to Angelia, so she'll correct me if I'm mistaken. Also, I added a couple of tablespoons of sour cream and used pecans instead of walnuts, simply because I didn't have walnuts.

Oh yeah...please excuse my pitiful looking mint--it was here and I needed to add a bit of color. I'll have fresher mint next time, I hope.

If you're looking for a simple and delicious dessert, add this one to your arsenal. Thanks Angelia!!

Sheila Denise