Whole Foods Flourless Chocolate Cake + Alexandria Cupcakes

For a dinner at my apartment not too long ago, I tried out this recipe for a flourless chocolate cake from the Whole Foods website.  Even without the glaze in the recipe, this cake was super chocolate-y and delicious, if I do say so myself.  The instructions for the cake are really easy and it's a great go-to recipe for gluten intolerant and regular dinner guests alike!

I'm not quite sure why my cake came out with two dents in it, but it did not affect the taste fortunately :o)

S and D were nice enough to bring over some cupcakes from Alexandria Cupcake.  The red velvet cupcake was good, not too sweet.  The frosting's texture was very interesting- almost like marshmallow fluff, it was different from other frostings I've tried before.

  

It was a fun night with good friends and good desserts for sure!

Lunchtime Links for October 5th, 2011

• Serious Eats: Perfect roasted chicken. 
• Most Eligible Dallas: Recap from TVGasm.
• Bella Nutella: Pumpkin Nutella mini cheesecake bites.
• Kirbie's Cravings: Chocolate mug cake.
• Picky Palate: Chicken and rice soup.

Pink Jams! Take a Bite

 For the month of October, Pink Jams! has a great DC-area event going on where people can eat great food and help out a great cause!  

Here's the background information from their site:

Take a Bite out of Breast Cancer is an outreach and fundraising campaign focusing on educating Washington, DC area residents about the importance of early detection and awareness, and supports Pink Jams!, a DC area non-profit promoting breast cancer awareness to young men and women. By combining this important message with fashion, art, social events, and live music, Pink Jams! is reaching out to men and women under the age of 40.

For the entire month of October, chefs and restaurateurs will commit their establishments for one day, a week, or the entire month, and generously donate a portion of their food and beverage sales so that Pink Jams! can continue their work to save lives. 

For more information, including the participating restaurants, please check out the link here. 

Lunchtime Links for October 4th, 2011

• Serious Eats: Dog shaped hot dog steamer, haha.
• Bakerella: Chewy chocolate meringues. 
• Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Recap from TVGasm.  
• Gossip Girl: Recap from NYMag.  
• The Kitchn: Five chocolate dessert recipes.

Boot Accessories

I recently picked up this pair (or two pairs, rather) of knee high socks to wear under tall boots in the fall/winter.  This is a great way to pull together a seasonal look with some extra warmth as well.  DSW has a great selection of fun under-boot socks, ranging from simple ones like mine to crazy fur-attached ones, haha.  I look forward to buying a few more pairs to go with my tall boots this season!   

Anyone else excited for Tall Boots Season?

Lunchtime Links for October 3rd, 2011

• Serious Eats: Brewing coffee with a Japanese kantan dripper.
• Glee: Recap from TVGasm.
• The Kitchn: Asian pickled cabbage.
• The Pioneer Woman: Frito chili pie.
• Tokyo Terrace: Easy noodle stir fry.
  

CVS Deals - Week of 10/02/2011

This week there weren't any "free" deals but lots of Extra Bucks to snag for another purchase!:

• Irish Spring body wash and 3-pack soap: 3/$9 on sale, two $1 off manufacturer's coupons, $3 Extra Bucks back.
  
• Scope mouthwash: $4.49 on sale, one $1.50 off manufacturer's coupon, $1.50 Extra Bucks back.
• Oral-B Cross Action power toothbrush: $5.99 on sale, one $3 off manufacturer's coupon, $1 Extra Bucks back.
• Listerine Zero mouthwash: $3.99 on sale, one $1 off manufacturer's coupon, $2 Extra Bucks back.
• Pond's 30-count towelettes: $5.88 on sale, one $1 off manufacturer's coupon, $2 Extra Bucks back.
• Tampax Pearl 18-count: $3.99 on sale, $1 off manufacturer's coupon.
• Sure deodorant: Buy one get one free ($3.59), two $1 off manufacturer's coupons.
• Dawn Hand Renewal dish detergent: $0.97 on sale, one $0.25 manufacturer's coupon.
• Febreeze Set and Refresh: $2.99 on sale, one $1 off manufacturer's coupon.
  

One item this week is a really great deal if you can find the right product:

• L'Oreal Eversilk and Everpure shampoo/conditioner: Buy two get $5 Extra Bucks back, two $1 off manufacturer's coupons.  In a separate display section (aka not in the regular shampoo/conditioner aisle), I found bottles that had free corresponding travel-sized bottles attached, so be sure to look for those!