bowers' 15th annual chile pepper festival

I always thought spice was nice. Not saying I'm a spicy fiend, but I could fall into the category of an "appreciator." This being said, I found it alluring to attend this past weekend's 15th Annual Chile Pepper Fest, held in the Berks County town of Bowers, Pennsylvania.

Thoroughly impressed that outdoor setting of William Delong Memorial Park was able to pack as many spice enthusiasts and entrepreneurs in to one petite space, I trekked to the back woods of my hometown area to tackle the finest display with my brother and my dad, who are both equally accepting of adding a jalapeno zing to typically ordinary foodstuffs.

Immediately overwhelmed by the non-stop setup of vendors slinging jams, salsas, hot and BBQ sauces, spiced salted seasonings, and even, chocolate-coated peppers and jalapeno wine, if there ever was a place to consider become cozy with the hot-on-the-tip-of-your-tongue feeling, this was surely it!

Some of our highlights from the morning-long trot with all things courageously kickin' include the appropriately-named Carl's Kickin' Chili, which will easily bring anyone's eyes to tears, Brenda's Candies' spicy peanut brittle, Captain Thom's Bacon Ketchup (less spicy, more awesome) and the Chile Spot's Strawberry Habanero Jam. Of course, taking advantage of such a specific tasting shindig, my father and I decided to faux-tattoo-it-up, both having temps placed on our tough-guy arms.


The best part about the entire spiced mouth frenzy was the off-site trip to Meadow View farm, made available through offered horse-drawn rides, where you could indulge in more hot pepper pleasures, including their notorious hot pepper ice cream, made available in strawberry and peach blends. Perfectly creamy with a delicate afterward kick, I could enjoy cones of this zesty, milked ice for years and years to come.

caramel and candy, an apple's best friend

Finally, autumn has arrived and for a girl who fiends off of the best of the season, my always-Starving Marvin persona couldn't be any more pleased to be gushing over the just-picked apples, gorgeous arrays of pumpkin beer, coffee, breads and pies, and of course, all set in the incoming crisp fall air.

And, although I blab about sweet treats regularly on this blog, and as my blog name assumes, I love apples, I honestly never crunch down on such caramel or candy concoctions. Actually the last time, prior to these autumn-appropriate shots, was when I was a wee lil' one.

B encouraged this recent sugar-coated chow session, and I could have not been any more pleased. However, next time I promise you, I will be the one dunking these darling nut balls for many to enjoy!

the glory of an instant sugar coma at vegan treats

 

It was appropriate that, when visiting Vegan Treats' founding location last Friday, in Bethlehem, I select thee cake that made sugar goddess Danielle Konya--the chocolate-covered peanut butter bomb cake.

As a chocolate cake toppled with peanut butter mousse and drenched in a chocolate ganache and creamy peanut butter drizzle, the undeniably rich treat is almost cavity-creating. Yet, if that's the slight pain I have to suffer to have such a pleasure in my life every-single-day, then please make that happen!

Even if the aforementioned cake wasn't the superstar of this dairy-free bakery, I would have still decided to neatly nosh such a gorgeous heap of sweet. BUT, the fact that it was made my first trip to the tantalizing treat shop that much more amazing, and almost, panic-attack creating as how was I, a sugaraholic, suppose to decide on just one mini-cake to bloom myself out of being a Vegan Treats' virgin.

Well, of course, I didn't go home with nothing in tow, and my friend and I were sure to stock up before heading out of the cutesy boutique that's smears in zebra prints and vibrant pinks. To me, what makes the animal-loving bakery so marvelous is their mini-cakes. They skip the whole cupcake trend, and offer their customers individual-sized creations that are slightly larger than the average muffin-topped dessert.

Overwhelmed by the decor (and tastes, of course) of the many variations of cheesecake, the Death by Chocolate masterpiece, the adorable confetti cake, the giant-sized cookies, and even, the sticky buns and shoo-fly pie slices, it may take me some time to fight off the extremely satisfying sugar coma ... and I would not have it any other way!

Vegan Treats, 1444 Linden Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania,  610-861-7660

downtown phoenixville's fenix martini bar

 all photos by Laura Taylor

There's always that one place (or more than) in your town or local dining stomping ground, where it peaks the top of your must-visit list, but for whatever reason, you hadn't been able to slip a visit in your schedule. The Fenix Martini Bar in downtown Phoenixville has forever reigned on my list of "must-go-to-asap" places, and I am embarrassed to say that it took me up until a few weeks back to pop by for the first time ever.

It wasn't as if I hadn't heard good things, actually I have caught wind of extremely great things, which caused me to be completely antsy on being a late bloomer at such a notoriously hip locale. BUT, as you can see above, my first drink-and-eats experience was sure to please, and I will recommend the suave lounge to any females out there looking for an ideal spot for a girls' night and a perfect mix of cocktails to get cozy with your gals.


Also, as you can see above, I adore their pastry chef Amanda Boutcher, and if you haven't tried her incredibly rich and decadent desserts, speed on over and give your sweet teeth quite a treat!

To read my full recap, click here!

french quarter bistro's bbq throwdown

All photos by Laura Taylor of Phoenixville Dish

If you haven't gathered this already, the way to my gushy heart is through a perfectly prepared platter of something incredibly delicious and decadent. So, last Saturday, when asked to act as a judge in a local barbecue throwdown at French Quarter Bistro, how could I deny such a request!?

Local chefs, Mark Van Horn of FQB and Mike Tavenner of LePan Catering, battled out once, earlier this year, over the best crafted concoction of jambalaya. This time around, the meat smoking kings tested three courses of classic picnic staples, vying to be crowned the local king of the best barbecue.

To read the full report, speed over to Phoenixville Dish where I detail all six dishes that easily made this competition a success.