Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Nibbles of Tidbits and company doing my kind of camping.

We also celebrated Bailee’s Birthday (Kids in the Kitchen) — The pictured Cake design is not recommended.  Don’t these things happen (lost a hunk) when it matters most?!  It tasted good, so I made the best of it.  It’s Chocolate Mountain Cake with an Orange Juice/Zest Glaze.

Unusually warm and extra beautiful in January on the South Carlsbad Cliffs.

Food, walks and painting rocks.

It’s mostly a rock beach now, after a storm a couple years ago.

Moments of branding wrapped in family time.

Christmas Crackers from Cost Plus — Wanted to try them.  A pop with jokes & prizes inside.

We had plenty of Dips, Salads, Chips, Coronas, Cactus Coolers and Mimosas at bay.

Talented Kids in the Kitchen — You’ve seen their work.

Simple eats to compliment all — Ground Beef Tacos.  The kind I grew up with.

Don’t you love the smell of a campfire?  I do!

Must have S’more ingredients on hand for these occasions.

Watching the surf with tunes and lazy dogs.

The sunsets were striking, like always, it seems — I’ve never seen a bad one.

Picnic tables are resourceful.

Playing games, flying kites, painting, taking pictures and eating – Ahhhh, free time.

Uniquely shaped rocks inspire — What’s its story?

Well wishes to your family in 2012 – Explore and eat together.

Enjoy all when and while you can.  Traveling mercies.

Hi there said the Orange.  He/she/it sure looks friendly and it’s only an Orange Peel.  It’s funny how things come alive with eyes.  Does it look easy to create?  We’re going to give it a try.  I have the feeling it’s going to be harder than it looks.  We’ll see how it turns out and report in an update.  Check back to see if we’ve got the knack to create this Cracker Jack.  Try it too.

The camera took this photo on its own — Oranges and Tomatoes on the counter, a start.

Why is it I’m compelled to push this Mini Shopping Cart down the aisle every time I see it at Cost Plus?  I ponder that.  It embarrasses my Mom when I do it.  Maybe that’s why, and it just makes me laugh.  I’ve promised to refrain from now on.  This time I had Chef Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen do it.  It’s double-mint cute now – Post title inspiration is here.

Preparing for a Christmas Par-tay by shopping at my favorite store, Cost Plus World Market.

How old are you?  Did you ever have a metal Lunch Pail?  We love the variety and nostalgia at Cost Plus/CPWM.  Would you believe this girl (me) doesn’t like to shop, but it’s always fun and interesting shopping there.  This visit Chef Nieces, Bailee and Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen model a few goods.  Bailee liked the mini Tabasco Bottles – I do too and told her that I used to carry one with me all the time, until one leaked in my purse.  That was a bummer.

Some things just need Hot Sauce, but that’s another story.

We’re supposed to be shopping for a Par-tay, better than a Par-tee.

Too many cool, stylish things — Is it the models?

Today we set out for a Gift for the Christmas Par-tay exchange, plus 10 Prizes, 4 kinds of Beer, 4 Bottles of Champagne, 4 Bottles of Wine, Munchies, Candy and Wrapping Paper.

And former Miss Downey Contestant, mi Madre still has it – Sorry Mom for writing that, hahaha.

Stay tuned for more about my 17th Annual Christmas Par-tay.  It’s always the first Friday in December.  We filled two carts with unique prizes, beverages and snacks — Ready to dig in.

A work in progress by Kids in the Kitchen — Some of the Best Carved Pumpkins are HERE.

Don’t toss the SEEDS, bake ‘em – Pumpkin Seeds are too easy to make, especially in October.

Chef Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen loves the Funfetti Mix Kits by Pillsbury and recently made their Whoopie Pies for a Pool Party.  They were a hit  – Everyone was excited to see and eat them.  They are much better than the Whoopie Cushions she usually brings to a party.  Thanks Lex.

When asked if I wanted to sample Wheat Thins Stix, my first thought was no thanks.  To be honest, I’ve never been a fan of Wheat Thins, but know my Mom is.  She’s been snacking on them ever since I was a kid.  Since they’re always in her cupboard, I asked if she wanted to try the Wheat Thins Stix.  She agreed and here we are — Lexi from Kids in the Kitchen (pictured) loved them, especially the Cinnamon Kick.  And my Mom liked both.  Okay, I sampled a few too and have no complaints.  Thanks for the opportunity Nabisco, as I’m now partially converted.

Update:  Apologies, the post title was changed due to formatting issues.

Our last day at the OC Fair included Cupcakes.

More Chili Cheese Fries.

And everything FOOD related.

Champagne in the Wine Garden with Cheese and Grapes.

Another Sky Ride — Love the view, but it still scares me.

We will miss all there is/was to do at the Orange County Fair.

See you next year.

It started with our favorite Beef Brisket Sandwich at the Chuck Wagon — We love it!

Admission and parking was FREE from Noon – 1PM.

It was the busiest opening day we’ve seen.

The results of the Culinary Arts Competition (1st Show) are in and my Blondies won a First Place Ribbon.  Cool!  It made up for non-placement of my Fancy White Chocolate Flags.

$2 Samplings are available every Friday between Noon – 4PM.

We had a sampling of the Australian Battered Potatoes — One was plenty good.

Waiting for Ribs.

Centennial Farm.

Tomato varieties for future reference.

The above table was entered in the Amateur Table Setting Competition.  We found it a crack up.  While most try to create something fancy or beautiful, this individual produced something (probably) more realistic and definitely comical with a Cat Food can vase and leftover Subway Sandwich napkins for to-go Pizza and basic Beer.  Brilliant but no ribbon.

Faces at the OC Fair — Cows, Goats, Pigs, Chickens and ours.  Chef Niece Bailee of Kids in the Kitchen also won a First Place Ribbon for her painting pointed out by my lovely Mom, Pamela.

Have you seen the California Pizza Kitchen Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad Kit?

It’s sold at Costco, unsure if exclusively — And my Mom loves it.

She and Chef Niece Bailee of Kids in the Kitchen mixed it all together.

My thoughts… It’s not bad, but I don’t love it.  For its cost of $9-something, I’d rather go to California Pizza Kitchen to have the real thing, or make the Salad from scratch using my CPK Cookbook, as I did once before.  The Salad Kit comes with everything the Original BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad does in the restaurant, except Romaine — You’ll need to purchase and add it separately, which ultimately adds to its cost.

What do you think about it?

Kids in the Kitchen playing Hedbanz — I am a Cake — I am Bacon.  Am I edible?

Obviously the cow came before the Milk, as I Need Text Company (“INTC”) came before Nibbles of Tidbits.  Freelance Writing Services continue to be available by way of INTC, as Nibbles of Tidbits thrives.  A Nibbles of Tidbits Facebook Page was created to bifurcate our presence there — If you “Like” Nibbles of Tidbits fka “Fan” (A FB name change: It’s less committal, ), I may Like you too.  I get the change, I’m not a fan of many things, but like a lot.  I’d be more apt to like YOU.  Aside from all that, inquire within regarding professional writing services.

Maggie likes Nibbles of Tidbits.

In contrast to our new-fangled fork on Facebook, the Vintage Milk Truck serves to connect the post title and highlight a historical relationship with Milk.  All are presented to establish capability and experience, with more to be learned at INTC — And to celebrate creative freedom here on Nibbles of Tidbits.  It’s a balanced association, amply liberated for your benefit too.  Though I sometimes resemble Mr. Bill, the words are King.

My Play-Doh face, modeled by Chef Lexi the day all photos were taken.

Our resident Chef Lexi of Kids in the Kitchen made and decorated the pictured Cupcakes for a school fundraiser.  She especially liked the ‘Frosting can that works like Cheez Whiz‘ and the adornments picked up at TJ Maxx.  They look awesome and should raise millions.