Coconut M&Ms

Yes, they do exist. I have some sitting on my desk right now. Unfortunately, the bag has not yet been opened, so I am unable to tell you if they're delicious or not.

I will update soon though.

Pillsbury Simply...

Pillsbury has a new refrigerated cookie dough - Pillsbury Simply...

What's the difference between these and their other cookie doughs? Pillsbury Simply... uses the same ingredients that you would use in homemade cookies.

Should be delicious - I'll try them when I find them!

Carmela Ice Cream

I read about this place that makes ice cream sandwiches - Carmela Ice Cream. Lucky for me, they make their rounds through local farmer's markets in LA. I'll be visiting them for dessert this weekend...

I hope it's good. At least it will be relatively close to home. :)

Crumbles Cookies - Corona, CA

When we went to Sweet Harts, one of the girls mentioned Crumbles bakery. I'm not sure if I got the right store, but I found a bakery called Crumbles in Corona, CA and tried it out anyway.

The cookies are really good! They have a different selection everyday - their everyday cookies and daily specials. I liked their Raspberry Tea Cake - it was a cross between a snowball (sans powdered sugar) and a linzer tart. I think I'll be going back for more! I want to try their chocolate chip cookie. Check them here.

The Kitchen

There a little place in Los Angeles called The Kitchen. When I heard about it, I thought it was a restaurant, but it's a catering company that has a take-out counter.

I've been there several times in the past couple weeks, and I'm only in LA on the weekends, so that should tell you something. I've bought A LOT of dessert - bars, cookies, cookie sandwiches, brownies, cupcakes - and tried some of their food. It's all really good! Their box lunches are so cute too. I think that I'll be using them the next time I cater something.

Hawaiian Pancakes @ IHOP

IHOP (International House of Pancakes) now has Hawaiian Pancakes! Banana Macadamia, Pineapple Upside Down, and Strawberry Passionfruit. Sounds delicious huh?

Repelling Cats

I've been traumatized by a recent experience with cats. Plus I'm really allergic to them. Anyhow, does anyone have suggestions for repelling cats? Too many stray cats are meandering in the neighborhood, and I need to find a way to repel them...without buying a dog.

I've heard that people spray a mixture of cayenne pepper and water anywhere they don't want cats. I've also read that people put motion-sensor toys to freak them out - I'm not a big fan of this idea, cuz it might scare me too! :)

Any suggestions would help. Thanks!!!

Cinnamon Basil Pesto

One of my friends gave me a bunch of cinnamon basil from her garden. I didn't even know that cinnamon basil existed! Imagine basil with a subtle hint of cinnamon mixed in. Actually, when I smelled a big bunch of it, it smelled like Big Red gum.

Anyhow, she gave me a big bunch, and I decided to try my hand at making pesto. So simple - basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt and pepper - so delicious. You don't even really need to do anything except toss it in the food processor! Oh, and while it smells like cinnamon, it doesn't taste like it, so don't worry if you want to try it in place of regular basil.

She gave me tomatoes from her garden too. Homemade pesto and garden fresh tomato on a toasted French roll with some melted mozzarella...and a dash of good balsamic vinegar. Mmmmmm....