My Fav Place - Desserts

Red velvet cupcake

One of my favorite guilty pleasures is a local shop called Favor Desserts located in Durham, NC.  The owner's story is inspirational, the desserts are impeccible.

The owner, Keijuane Hester served almost four years in prison for drug dealing.  Once released (and after a string of dead end jobs) he decided to take up a skill he was already familiar with in the kitchen.  With $30, a hand mixer, one regular oven, and no pans he started a baking business in his home.  Starting small, he sold his cakes by the slice at beauty salons and barbershops and used that income to grow his business.  He would sell a cake, buy a pan, sell a cake, buy a pan.  Hester now has a store front to sell his delectable desserts.

When you walk into Favor Desserts, the first thing you notice is the smell--that heavenly aroma of something absolutely delicious baking in the back. The second thing you notice is the contemporary decor which makes it the perfect spot to relax with a date for a devine cupcake and a cup of coffee.  If you're in the Raleigh-Durham area (or planning to visit), this place should go on the top of your list if you're looking for a sugar fix.

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Nueva York - Day 4

As my vacation progressed, I became less and less focused on photos so forgive the lameness of these pictures.  It's so easy to get caught in awe in this place.  Monday was super hot so we decided to hang somewhere cool---the movies.  I saw Battleship and MIB 3.  I'm really not a movie person but I thought they were both good flicks.  I was pleased with Rhianna's performance in Battleship and I really liked the way the movie referenced some aspects of the board game.  That was pretty neat.  Will Smith was of course funny in MIB 3 but the movie did have a interesting twist at the end that I didn't expect!!  That's all I'm going to say to keep from spoiling either movie for anyone.

Movie stubs.  Notice the prices.  Both were matinees.

After the movies, we made a quick stop at White Castle.  I must confess, this was my first White Castle experience.  Thanks to the State of New York, which requires restaurants to post calorie information next to all foods on the menu, I knew exactly how unhealthy my delicious meal was.  I'm not gonna lie...it kinda ruined the thrill a bit for me.

My first White Castle experience--delish!!

A friend of mine insisted on Spanish food later that evening.  Good call!  Unfortunately, I can't remember the name of the place but the food was great.  I felt much better about this meal than my burgers earlier.

Spanish meal

This is the last recap of my trip since my photos are getting super boring now lol.  Overall, it was a fantastic experience and I will DEFINITELY make plans to return.

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Apple Pie Oats

Photo courtesy of CookingLight

Some days you need a little more than a cup of coffee to get you through the morning, especially Monday mornings.  Oatmeal is always a great, quick breakfast option that will keep hunger at bay for several hours.  However, it doesn't take long for the same tired oatmeal recipe morning after morning to get old. Here is a different twist on a classic:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup almond milk (or substitute regular milk)
• 1 small apple cut into bite size pieces
• 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
• 1 tablespoon honey

Recipe courtesty of O2 Fitness.

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White Elephant

Photo courtesy of OCinSite.com
Recipe courtesty of The African Cookbook.

In a blender combine:
1 cup Moist Shredded Coconut (canned or fresh)
1 cup Milk (use coconut milk if available)
4 tbsp Sugar
6 oz. White Rum
2 oz. White Creme de Cacao
1 cup Crushed Ice

Mix until smooth.
Pour into 4-oz glasses.
Sprinkle with shredded coconut to garnish.
Serve with a straw.

Yield: 1 quart




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Trendy Cakes

I came across this photo and I just had to share!  This is fabulous beyond words. 

The only thing better would be a Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Christian Louboutin cake.  Yes, it does exist.

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Pomegranate Moscato Punch

If you're searching for the perfect drink recipe for your New Year's festivities this weekend, look no further.  This punch hits all the right notes.

You Will Need:
16 oz pomegranate juice
1 can (46 oz) pineapple juice
1 (750 ml) bottle Moscato
3-1/2 cups cranberry cocktail juice
1/2 to 1 cup triple sec


Make it bubbly: Top off the glasses with a splash of sparkling moscato champagne instead of adding it directly into the punch.

Make it virgin: Use sparkling white grape juice and orange juice to replace moscato and triple sec.

Kick it up a notch: If you're not opposed to letting your wine sit overnight, combine the ingredients the night before and let the punch sit in the refrigerator overnight.

Garnish with orange and lime slices and pomegranate seeds (optional).

Makes 12 servings.

*Recipe and photo courtesy of Divas Can Cook.

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