Orange and Chocolate, love those together.

I kind of had orange and chocolate on the brain today.  So the two flavors crashed into the fact that I'm also on a biscotti binge.  So, yes I had to look for a recipe.  Here it is:  DOUBLE CHOCOLATE ORANGE BISCOTTI from Recipe Goldmine.  I made some just today and they are very good.  I heard lots of "mmmmmms".

I posted on TASTY KITCHEN website! Fajitas!

Go HERE for the tasty recipe!

Bananas! Something other than banana bread, please.

A gal gets to a point where she just needs to have more options for those ripe bananas calling from the fruit bowl, don't you think?  Here's a couple of great recipe links for you to enjoy.  Double Chocolate Banana Muffins (from my good friend, Patricia) and Banana Pecan Biscotti.  Patricia suggested springling the muffin tops with an equal mix of brown sugar and cocoa powder before baking.  I think throwing a little cinnamon in with it is also good.  When eaten warm they remind me of a mini molten chocolate cake.  Walnuts taste just as great as pecans in the biscotti, maybe even better.  I was never a fan of biscotti, but banana seems to be a great, powerful flavor to make them with. And I think a little chocolate zig zagged over the top gives it an extra special touch.  I don't think I've made banana bread in a long time!

Smoked Salmon Spread from Famous Dave's - copycat recipe revealed!

We tried this a couple of nights ago.  Wish we had doubled it!  Go HERE for the recipe from Recipe link.  There may be other recipes to try, I stopped at the first one.  We have had this at the restaurant and I think it is pretty close.  It was much smoother due to the canned salmon, but I think you could stir in some more salmon after you have blended everything.  Or you could simply reserve some of the canned salmon and gently fold it in.  I saw no reason to search any further.

Chai Tea copycat is right on the money.

I put this chai tea recipe found at Recipe zaar together tonight.  I'm warming up with a cup right now.  I had my doubts, but it is a true match to brands I've purshased in fancy tins.  This recipe makes 7 cups of mix and is meant to be put in separate jars or containers of your choosing to give away as gifts.  I know my friends are going to be happy.  I spent under $10 on the ingredients I didn't have.  I had most of the spices already.  It will make about four generous gifts.  Go HERE and make some yourself.

The boxed cake mix gets a makeover.

I am very crazed about a certain recipe right now. It's very badly named "cake balls". I first made them for a dinner with family and they just went on and on about how good they were. This was even after my mother said, "cake balls?", "uh, with a boxed cake mix?" when I told her what I had decided to make! I have to admit, I was surprised myself. But let me assure you, this really dresses up the boxed cake mix. I don't even like boxed cake mixes! It's considered unacceptable to make them on a regular bases in my circle. Folks look down their noses at one who habitually arrives at events with a cake from a box. My first time making them I used lemon cake and lemon frosting and I could not believe how good they were. I even served them in my pedestal crystal dish. They were worthy. The oohs and ahs of my guests told me so. They reminded my so much of truffles, especially when served chilled. The next time I made them I used strawberry inside, it was not near as good, to me that particular flavor just tasted too artificial. There are so many variations that you can do with this, the possibilities are endless. Next, I'm using chocolate for the inside with a lot on orange zest, I love that combination. I want to try raspberry with chocolate outside too. Here is the link to the recipe on Tasty Kitchen: CAKE BALLS > I think cake truffles is a much better term, even truffle cakes? Cake Balls just makes my fingernails curl under. I also think it makes a great edible gift. Start collecting tins and hitting those cake mix and commercial frosting sales. yeah! I just got some for $.99 for the cake mix and $1.50 for frosting. I also think they would make an excellent favor at a wedding. Can't you just see them lined up on a crystal dish with a doily underneath?