Dale and Thomas Popcorn

Dale and Thomas Popcorn. If that means nothing to you, then you have a little living to do.

I have only recently been introduced to Dale and Thomas Popcorn by a wonderful friend of mine, who works on my floor (Ahem, that means you Helene!). She had a bag of this popcorn from a store that I've walked past many times in Philadelphia. Boy, oh boy, what a mistake it was to pass this store for all of this time. Helene shared with me probably the BEST popcorn that I have ever had in my life (no joke!). It was the chocolate chunk 'n caramel flavor popcorn. Holy moly! It seems so decadent, yet it is so light! After trying this, I decided that it was absolutely imperative- for the sake of my sanity- to go to this store myself and see what this place is all about. I was greeted by the friendliest people in a store that is so adorably set up! (It's in the food court area at the Shops at Liberty Place, do me a favor and go!). There is such an Americana, old-timey, melancholy feel to this place! I sampled some of their flavors, UNBELIEVABLE. And took away a "small munchie bag" (which is not small! no skimping here) full of what is called "Chicago Style," which is a mix of the caramel popcorn and the north country cheddar. Huh, let me tell you people something... this is definitely the best Dale and Thomas Popcorn mix..... (hmmm... or was it the chocolate chunk 'n caramel?)

I picked up a bag of the White Cheddar and Black Peppercorn today for my dad. And I have all of the confidence in the world that I will convert him this evening into a Dale and Thomas Popcorn fan.

A brief history of this wonderful store: Dale and Thomas was created by what they call the "world's first popcorn chef." The founder, Ed Doyle- a graduate from the Culinary Institute of America- decided to take on his life's passion of POPCORN and create every great flavor possible for such a wonderful treat! And boy did he ever!!!!

So please, please, please, do me a favor... no... rather, do yourself a favor and visit this store for some yummy, All-American popcorn. You will not be disappointed!!

An Autumn Homemade Tea Delight!

I have been wanting to dabble in making my own homemade tea for quite some time, but never have been able to get around to it, for one reason or another. Well, last night, I decided to shake off the cobwebs and put some of the best spices and tastes of the Autumn together and make one awesome tea!

It was glorious and comforting on a rainy Philadelphian evening and I cannot wait to make it again tonight!

Autumny Tea
Makes about 6 servings

1 coffee filter
2 TBS whole cloves
Approximately 1/2 tsp shaved nutmeg
2 cinnamon sticks (+ some for a garnish!)
1/2 cup apple cider
about 6 cups boiled water

Combine all of the herbs into the coffee filter and secure with either a rubberband or a twisty tie (or empty tea bags if you have them!) and steep in the boiled water for approximately 5-7 minutes. Add your apple cider.

Pour it into your favorite coffee mug, spruce it up with a cinnamon stick and enjoy!

Butterscotch Apple Crisp

Okay.. so I have absolutely been on a complete cooking hiatus. I know, I know. Well, since moving back to my parents' house, I have been fortunate to not have to cook when I come home from work (I will post some of the incredible recipes that my mother has filled my belly with.. but this is for another blog post!!) I have had some moments to create some yummy desserts to further my baking education.

A little bit ago, in the spirit of fall, I decided to make a Butterscotch Apple Crisp, and let me tell you, it was delicious! Tastes almost like a carmel apple! Great, great, great with a cup of milk!


Butterscotch Apple Crisp
Adapted from recipezaar.com recipe

Serves 12
1.25 hours with 25 minutes prep time

Apple Layer
2 ½ lbs tart apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1 2/3 cups butterscotch chips
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I ended up using wheat flour)
½ tsp ground cinnamon

Topping
½ cup all-purpose flour(again.. The wheat flour)
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup butter or margarine (I recommend using butter)
1 cup chopped walnuts
3/4 cup oats


1. Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees
2. For the apple layer: arrange the apples in a greased 13x9 baking pan
3. Combine butterscotch chips, sugar, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl, then pour over the apples
4. Bake for 20 minutes
5. For the topping: combing the flour and sugar in a medium bowl
6. Cut in the butter, until crumbly
7. Stir in walnuts and oats; sprinkle over apple layer
8. Bake for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until apples are tender and topping is lightly browned (and really keep an eye on your crisp once 30 minutes is reached)
9. Cool slightly
10. Enjoy!!!!!!!! (especially with Breyer’s Ice Cream, yum!)

Finally! September's Postings for the Best Tastes of Autumn Challenge

Hello my wonderful friends! I must admit that I have allowed myself to go on a blogging hiatus for the past 2 weeks between moving back to my parents' house until my house is finished being rehabbed, as well as going to California! Now that beautiful September has come to a close, I am posting everyone's entries for the Best Tastes of Autumn Challenge- September!

And now we are almost halfway through October- it's so hard to believe! So send me some great recipes for this month's challenge as well! (I'm brainstorming some great recipes myself!)

Some great stuff has been submitted, people! I suggest you check each of these out!

Pumpkin Cobbler, by yours truly
http://goodcleaneating.blogspot.com/2009/09/september-autumn-challenge.html
　
Pumpkin Roll with Cannolli Cream Filling, by the Dessert Lady

http://pamssweettooth.blogspot.com/2009/09/its-pumpkin-time.html
　
Pumpkin Spice Latte, a second fun treat by yours truly
http://goodcleaneating.blogspot.com/2009/09/pumpkin-spice-latte.html

Apple Pudding with Brown Butter, by Carlihttp://velveetaaintfood.blogspot.com/2009/09/third-times-charm.html#

Butternut Risotto, also by Carlihttp://velveetaaintfood.blogspot.com/2009/09/fall-dinner-perfection.html

Pumpkin Chili, by my sister, Kristi
http://www.kristihane.com/2009/09/a-tribute-to-fall-healthy-pumpkin-chili/

Pumpkin Bread, by Lydia C!!
http://simply-lydia.blogspot.com/2009/09/pumpkin-bread.html

Chili, by Angela, Your Everyday Mama:
http://youreverydaymama.blogspot.com/2009/09/chili-i-think-i-found-winner.html

Chipotle Sweet Potato Corn Chowder, also by Angela, Your Everyday Mama:
http://youreverydaymama.blogspot.com/2009/09/chipotle-sweet-potato-corn-chowder.html