Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

The Blackmarket Bakery is a true find — First you have to find it, and then you’ll discover that the somewhat hidden treasure offers high quality, unique baked goods.  It’s quirky and stylish like its CIA-trained Pastry Chef Rachel Marie and my kind of place.  It can be found off Sky Park Circle, near John Wayne Airport for those passing through.

Although the colorful store front is small, it packs in a variety of fresh baked (and baking) goods and other cool items.  I love the tie dye chef’s jackets too.

In addition to the weekly baked treats, they offer Cooking Classes – Here’s the current schedule.  Recipes, baking tips and generous samples are included with all.

As you can see, Blackmarket Bakery has won a lot of awards.

I was recently invited there to decorate CAKES with other local, fabulous food bloggers.

The Cakes were frosted by Chef Rachel in the flavor of our choice and bloggers were paired to create their own masterpiece.  The Cakes were then split in half for each to take home.

As you can see, pre-frosted it’s no ordinary Cake — They’re delicious and we got to decorate and take ’em home.  How fabulous!  And YOU now get to do the same for a birthday, event or any day.  Order a simple two or three tiered Cake with the flavors of your choice.  You pick the Cake, filling and frosting, then take it home to decorate it however you please. 

Most of us here opted for the Vanilla Buttermilk Cake with the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting.

The professionals added our chosen Cake borders and we decorated the rest.

It was a pleasure to meet other talented food bloggers at this event — Joseline of Daydreamer Desserts, Kimberlin of Rustic Garden Bistro, Quyen of Kitchen Runway, Priscilla of She’s Cookin’ and Anne of Orange Coast Magazine.  My Cake decorating partner was Todd, who will need to provide his link info — I think our Cake turned out pretty good.

This post provides a few ideas for this DIY concept — It’s fun dressing a naked Cake.

We could run amok with the options, but ultimately learned that simple is often best.

You really don’t need much to make them look good.

The above is our final CAKE, by Team Todd and Shelly.  It turned out better than expected.  Chocolate curls and sugar flowers go a long way — Hooray.

Every Cake looked great and it was the first time decorating for most.

What fun!  Thank you Blackmarket Bakery and Chef Rachel.

Since it’s across the street, I’d like to walk here someday when it FINALLY opens.  It’s been about 8 months since we first reported seeing Fresh & Easy signage in Costa Mesa.  I don’t know why it has taken so long — I’ve seen several potential customers park, and then walk purposefully towards the store to learn it’s still not open.  Bummer.  It’s been a bit of a tease.

At last, Fresh & Easy will be opening in Costa Mesa (Newport and Harbor) on February 9th.

We had such a great time at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  There was much to do, see and eat and the VIP Lounge started it off just right.  The set up was cozy and warm with several couches and heat lamps arranged throughout.  I’d go back next year for the same.  They did a great job — It was relaxed, manageable, stimulating, hospitable and filling.

Certain Food Truck Appetizers were served in the VIP Lounge during the first hour — From The Greasy Weiner we had the above which was good, but we really wanted the Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog that seemed to elude us.  We didn’t get the few that were served during the limited time.  Bummer.  Oh well, on to other food.

Our favorites offered in the VIP Lounge were the “Gumbolaya” and Chicken & Sausage Gumbo served by Ragin Cajun Cafe on Wheels.  Their servings were generous, spicy and tasty.

Piaggio Gourmet on Wheels was serving Empanadas.

Adult Chocolate Milk and Monster Energy Drinks were a couple of the sponsors.

The Moo Girls were handing out Adult Chocolate Milk and Chocolates flavored the same — It tastes like a White Russian, which I like.  And the girls were really sweet too.  Can you tell which one is me? 😉

The guy being interviewed below is a Blasphemous Rumours band member/singer for the Depeche Mode tribute band scheduled to play later on the 80’s stage.  Their couch happened to be next to mine.

Wine Garden VIP Bar.

Hover over all photos to learn more.

The Burnt Truck offerings — A smiling face and juicy Sliders.

I want these Sliders again.

I didn’t have a Tornado Potato, but they looked pretty good.

More Tornado Potatoes swirling in the new year.

Dead Man’s Party, the Oingo Boingo tribute band playing on the 80’s stage.

Comedy Hypnotist Show.

Do you recognize these characters from the OC Fair?

The New Year’s Eve Bash Demolition Derby.

I think the objective is to bash into each other until you can’t start your car anymore.

It was a little hard to tell what was going on officially, but it looked cool.

There were several trophies being handed out and one big winner (below right), I think.

And Karaoke at Baja Blues — This guy wasn’t too bad.

Peeking in on Crepes Bonaparte, who had the longest line we saw this night.

And below is the Rajin Cajun Cafe on Wheels, who also participated in The Great Food Truck Race on the Food Network.  They were eliminated in week two.

We liked The Flip Truck menu and meant to mosey on back to try ’em, but forgot.

Perhaps another time for The Flip Truck — Pondering.

Jumping Jack Flash, The Rolling Stones tribute band playing on the 60’s stage — They interestingly had the largest crowd approaching midnight.  I loved their look! 

Also in the VIP Lounge was a complimentary Photo Booth to take as many photos as you like.  What fun!  I took the one below with a couple cool new friends.  Thank you and Happy New Year — So many nice people out this 2010/2011 evening.

Near the Main Mall at midnight, in the right place at the right time — A good way to start 2011.

FREE Ferris Wheel and Super Shot Free Fall Rides were happening all night long.

God Bless America.

Crepes Bonaparte and about 50 other Gourmet Food Trucks will be at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  We had the pleasure of trying their food at the Preview Event and what a treat it was.  All was fresh tasting, sizeable and high in quality.  Merci CB!

Check out their MENU and good prices too.

For our savory Crepe, we tried the Baby Bleu.

As you can see below, folded into the Baby Bleu is a generous amount of Chicken, Bleu Cheese, fresh Spinach and a Raspberry Vinaigrette — The combination goes well together.  Unfolded it’s not as glamorous, but you’re able to see the quality of its ingredients.

And for our sweet Crepe we tried the HazelBerryAna with a side of Ice Cream — It consists of fresh Strawberries, Bananas and Nutella, a Hazelnut spread that seems to be all the rage these days, all rolled up (or triangle folded) into a large tasty Crepe.

Two of us shared both, but still couldn’t finish it all, especially since we had to save room for more truck meals.  It was a lot of food that I’d like to have right now.

I don’t know his story, but this fun DJ will be playing tunes at the New Year’s Eve Block Party too.  If the Preview Event is an indication of his talent, we’re in for good music on NYE.

If you’ve heard of Crepes Bonaparte before, but aren’t quite sure where, it could be that you remember them from the Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race” — They were one of seven truck teams competing for a $50,000 grand prize.  They were eliminated from the competition in week three and now truck proudly around Orange County.  Lucky OC.

Several other food trucks were serving up deliciousness at the Preview Event and I luckily spun the wheel to receive a sampling from Rolling Sushi.  And toys were being collected to receive $5 off the price of admission to the OC Fair’s NYE Block Party.

Although not in the mood for Sushi this night, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and flavor of the pieces we received — And my guest who is afraid of Sushi even liked ’em. 

I unfortunately cannot recall the exact names of the pictured items, but Rolling Sushi’s menu is linked here.  They’ll be present at the NYE Block Party too, thus you’ll be able to try all then.  And their impressive service is worth mentioning too — They were so nice.

Tickets are still available for the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party, so if you want to try Crepes Bonaparte, Rolling Sushi and several other popular Gourmet Food Trucks, buy your ticket today.  And why not go all out with a VIP ticket — It comes with a few extra perks. 

And finally, 12 lucky winners will have a chance to welcome in the New Year with a blast by free-falling at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party at midnight.  In other words, twelve coveted spots are being offered for a special midnight “drop” on the Super Shot Free Fall Ride.  Interested riders can enter online at ocfair.com/giveaway and enter the code “countdown.”  Winners will be selected on December 30th and must already have a ticket to the event.  Good luck.

I hope to see you there — Happy New Year!

As Orange County Food Examiner, I just posted a report on a few food happenings going down on New Year’s Eve.  If local, YOU have a lot of choices.  Crepes Bonaparte will be at the OC Fair’s New Year’s Eve Block Party — We’ll be reporting more about that soon.  Until then, it’s easy to win free tickets here.

12/27/10 Update:  The OC NYE tickets have been awarded and delivered.  Congratulations to John in Huntington Beach!  See our review and food photos from Crepes Bonaparte here.

Mark your calendar — If local, you’ve got to check out the New Year’s Eve Block Party Preview Event.  It’s scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2010, from 6 – 9pm at the OC Fair & Event Center, near the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office.  It’s FREE to get in (and park).  The special preview event will feature music, karaoke and a sampling of gourmet food trucks participating in the New Year’s Eve Block Party event on December 31, 2010.  Food and beverage tastings will be offered for a small fee, varied by truck.  You just need to show up, park, walk up, then decide what to try first and bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the special toy drive to receive $5 off a ticket to the New Year’s Eve Block Party.

Pictured here is a sampling from just one of the 50+ food trucks to be present at the New Year’s Eve Block Party.  The colorful French Toast (above) and Beef, Lamb & Chicken Skewers (below) will be served by Chomp Chomp Nation, one of the newer trucks on the road that’s operated by a proud husband and wife team.

You’ll be able to enjoy the pictured items (and so much more) at the OC Fairgrounds on New Year’s Eve and stop by the Preview Event happening Thursday, December 16th to check out other gourmet food truck options.  You’re sure to find something you’ll love!

And if you like what you see at the FREE Preview Event, why not ring in the new year at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party?!  There will be a lot going on.  Bring the family, friends, or come alone, as there will be plenty to do, EAT and see.  In addition to the 50+ gourmet food trucks, tribute bands will be playing throughout the evening (Pearl Jam, U2, Oingo Boingo, Led Zeppelin, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, just to name a few), and there will be dancing, a demolition derby, a comedy hypnotist and a pyrotechnic laser show at midnight, and possibly a few rides — It’s almost the Orange County Fair in December.

PLEASE NOTE — The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party will be different than past NYE events held at the venue, in that it’ll be hosted by the OC Fair & Event Center, not a private promoter seeking all hoochies.  It strives to be family friendly and fun, like a real block party.  Tickets are on sale now.

ATTENTION — If local, the above tickets can be yours.  We’re giving them away on December 20th.  Just leave a comment here or send a direct message to FoodBlog on Twitter NOW and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win them.  And if you reeeeeeaallllllly want them, you may leave a comment or send a direct Twitter message once daily to improve your odds of winning.  Good luck all!

12/20/10 Update:  Congratulations goes to John Lombardo of Huntington Beach — His name was drawn from about (33) who entered to win tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party by leaving a comment here, sending a Direct Message through Twitter and/or Facebook.  Thanks to all who entered.  I hope to see you at the event.

Are you part of the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival collage?  If you’re a Food Blogger and attended the San Francisco event, and remember your mug shot with badge being photographed, you’re most likely pictured in Casey’s collage.  Casey of Eating, Gardening & Living in Bulgaria created a collage of 200+ participants, along with the respective blog and Twitter names for each.  Wow — That was a lot of work and now an excellent reference of the event.  Thanks!

Been camping in South Carlsbad, but will soon post our final wrap up of the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival and back log of reports that’s ensued.  It’s all good.

Cooking Hot Dogs over the camp fire while the sun sets over South Carlsbad.

Relaxing.

Running through the Seagulls hoping for a few things not to happen.

Creative dog walking with a Cheese Puff and fishing pole — No hook. 🙂

Inspiring a lazy dog to walk.

It worked, but not for very long.

Wake up Maggie got it.

Painted rocks in South Carlsbad.  Nibbles of Tidbits left a special message on a rock — Find it and describe and we’ll send you a prize.  Good luck!

Another sunset on a mini vacation.

I’m heading to the Foodbuzz Blogger Festival in San Francisco this weekend.  The experience will be completely new to me, as I’ve never been around a bunch of Food Bloggers — I’m gonna trip out on everyone taking photos of the food at the same time.  I think I might be more interested in photographing them photographing the food.  It’s a curious thing to me for some reason.  The food will surely be covered, thus posting the same here might be redundant.  We’ll see how it all goes down.  The plan is to write several short posts throughout the weekend if technically able.  Pictured above is of the “Foodie Gift” I’ve been asked to bring to the Welcome Reception Friday night at Fort Mason Center.  It’s in my suitcase getting ready to fly to SFO and  its contents sum up Nibbles of Tidbits.  More to be reported about that and the rest of the festivities later.

Thanksgiving in Southern California — Are you still deciding how to celebrate Thanksgiving this year?  As the Orange County Food Examiner, I recently posted a Thanksgiving Starter Kit that includes links to most local happenings.  It’s a great place to begin your holiday planning.  We hope it’s helpful.  Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

Nibbles of Tidbits is thankful for its many blessings, including YOU!

Taco Dawg will be serving up new menu items starting this Halloween in celebration of their one-year anniversary.  Taco Dawg is a gourmet food truck (a popular food option these days) that puts a spin on two classics — Tacos and Hot Dogs, hence the name.  We recently tried a few at Taco Dawg’s Critics Dinner 2010.  Thank you Taco Dawg!  We were happily impressed with the new and featured menu items.

All may try the pictured items for the first time on October 31st, somewhere in Irvine by day, then at the Spooktacular in Orange that evening.  Note: Since it is a truck, it’s best to follow Taco Dawg on Twitter to obtain their exact location.  To learn the names of the Tasting Menu items soon to debut, hover over each photo.  Starting from the top is the Taco Papa and above is The Samurai, my favorite — We all loved its Miso Caramelized Glaze.

Above is The Hipster, Taco Dawg’s first Vegetarian Taco, made with Portobello Mushrooms, Chipotle Sauce, Grilled Onions, Jack Cheese and Romaine Lettuce.

We appreciated the Beer and Wine and met cool new friends, including Taco Dawg.

OMGosh, we ate so much at this Critics Dinner.  It was on to the Hot Dogs, then back to the Tacos.  We tried The Reuben Dawg (above) and The Dirty Dawg  (below) that’s piled with Homemade Chili, Nacho Cheese, Crumbled Potato Chips and Onions — Both are made with an all Beef Hot Dog.

Continuing on, we tried The Big City Dawg (below).

And The Cuban (below), thought to possibly be the best item of the night, at least at our table — It’s a Taco variation of a Cuban Sandwich that includes a combination of Ham, Pickles, Swiss Cheese and traditional flavors.  The Cuban is the featured item of the month.  Each month, Taco Dawg will feature a special item that’s not on the menu.

It all ended with a miniature version of their Apple Taco — It was good, but thank God it was small, since we already ate so much.  Barely had enough room.

To learn more about Taco Dawg and the pictured Tacos and Dawgs, visit whaddupdawg.com and here — Their site will be relaunched next month, so check back for that.  Follow Taco Dawg on Twitter to learn their exact whereabouts.

We’ll be making lots of Cookies, Cupcakes and Halloween goodies to be posted here soon.  Until then, if looking for more Halloween action than that, I just published a list of unique events happening throughout the county.  It’s posted with links on Examiner.com, where I write as Orange County Food Examiner.  Above photos were taken by Steven Woo at a DC Halloween Party last year — Hover above to learn more.

I’m excited to tune-in to Digital Happy Hour for the first time — It’s a Live Broadcast that happens from Charlie Palmer at Bloomingdale’s South Coast Plaza each Wednesday between 5:30-7:00pm.  See you there.  They say…

Each week, Executive Chef Amar Santana & Social Filmmaker Sean Saint-Louis host unique celebrity and social media guests as they unwind with cocktails and culinary delights, while discussing the latest trends in food, film, mixology, sports and fashion.  It’s always progressive, always fun and never predictable.  Wherever you are in the world, you’ll be glad you tuned in to The Digital Happy Hour.

You can learn more from Orange County Films.  And previous Charlie Palmer reviews can be viewed here and here.

Note:  Broadcast times and locations vary, thus check the Digital Happy Hour link above for the latest news.  The video player becomes live each Wednesday.

Learn where to GIVE in Orange County and throughout California during National Food Bank Week and all year long.  Give today for you may need to receive tomorrow.

Tomorrow begins National Food Bank Week (10/09/10 – 10/15/10) — As Orange County Food Examiner, I’ll be posting about what can be done locally to contribute.  Do you have food or time to donate right now?  If local and unsure how to help, the Orange County Food Bank is a good place to start — And Second Harvest Food Bank is another.  More links and information will be reported on Examiner.com.

As Orange County Food Examiner, I just posted details and links regarding Orange County Restaurant Week, which starts (again) this Sunday, September 26th.  It’s always the best time to dine out in the OC.  You get more food for less money.

* The pictured Sizzlin Blue Crab Cakes are from Ruth’s Chris Steak House, an Orange County Restaurant Week participant.

The 2010 inaugural OC Foodie Fest officially happened at the Honda Center last Saturday and although I personally was unable to attend, Nibbles of Tidbits sent its favorite Guest Blogger, Bonnie and her trusty photographer, Andrea to enjoy and report about the event.  Somebody had to do it and wish it was me after hearing about it.  Bonnie writes the rest…

The food, the sun and the fun were all perfectly aligned at the Honda Center Saturday afternoon for the inaugural OC Foodie Fest, with over 8,500 people attending the sold out event and 49 gourmet food trucks. No doubt this will be the first of many more Orange County Foodie Fests to come.

Although there were officially declared favorites, the three of us unofficially agreed that the top banana — while bananas are served as an option on top of loukas, which are Greek donuts – should have gone to Louks Greek Gourmet To Go food truck. We think their lamb chops might be the best we have ever had. In fact, they were so good that we decided to take some home with us.

Apparently many others agreed, because while we ran back there at the end of our day, stood in line and paid for the perfectly seasoned and prepared chops, they ran out just one person shy of us.  To their credit, Louks refunded our money and served up an equally tasty Gyro sandwich as a substitute free of charge. Thanks for being so gracious, Louks!

Our next stop was the World Fare Bustaurant, a double-decker with room the top to eat and enjoy the people watching.  Our truffle infused macaroni and cheese balls were mouth watering. And we washed them down with a strawberry-basil-lemonade that was to-die-for. It had just the perfect amount of the basil flavor added to the tasty drink.

The last truck we ate from, Piaggio on Wheels, offered a truly a diverse cuisine. We could not resist trying the water served in a real coconut, empanadas and a bacon wrapped hot dog topped with both chipotle and chimichurri sauce. It was all delicious and truly gourmet food.

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention that all of the shopping provided by the Patchwork vendors was top notch and high quality. There was also an art show with live painting from eVocal, plus live local music and an area devoted just to kids. The O C Foodie Fest also gave back to the community, with a percentage of the proceeds going to three local charities, Child SHARE, St. Vincent’s Meals on Wheels and Pretend City.

The OC Foodie Fest was meant to bring exposure to the growing market in Orange County for food trucks, as well as to give the opportunity for LA trucks to branch out into a new area.  It succeeded on so many levels that we can’t wait for the next one!

THANKS to our Guest Blogger, Bonnie Flamm and event photographer, Andrea Stein for the excellent report and photos — I hope to attend next time.  Learn here where the trucks might be going next or follow them on Twitter.

Today we’re heading to Temecula for a lovely picnic among other things and we have a guest blogger goin’ to the OC Foodie Fest to eat from the 50 Gourmet Food Trucks parked at the Honda Center today.  There’s a lot of good eats happening right now.  We’ll soon report about them here.  Until then, enjoy the beautiful Koi, eyes only — They want to be fed too. 🙂

Daily Grill restaurants nationwide will donate all of its proceeds from Lemonade sales on Friday, August 20th (National Lemonade Day) to a special nonprofit that was formed by a 4-year-old girl whose short life continues to make an impact.  Daily Grill founder, President and CEO Bob Spivak hopes to double $5,000 typically generated in sales and donate 100% to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer.  Daily Grill’s fresh-squeezed, hand-shaken Lemonade has been one of the restaurants’ signature items since 1988.

Alex’s story began in 2000 when the 4-year-old was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that often leaves its young victims unable to walk.  She defied the odds and managed to live an active, albeit short, life.  Her decision to hold a Lemonade stand to help doctors find new treatments and ultimately a cure for all childhood cancers, including her own, became her quest.  In just 4 short years, the “stand” raised more than $1 million.  Her parents, Jay and Liz Scott, have continued Alex’s legacy of hope after cancer ultimately took the youngster’s life at the age of 8 in 2004.  What started as the vision of one little girl has been embraced by a nation of volunteers.

HISTORY OF LEMONADE

Lemonade can trace its origins to the Egyptians when in 500 AD Lemon Juice was mixed with Sugar to make a beverage known as qatarmizat.

The first Lemonade “soft drink” debuted in Paris on August 20th, 1630.  The drink was made from Sparkling Water and Lemon Juice sweetened with Honey.

Frozen Lemonade made its debut in 1840 in Naples, Italy.

The earliest documented Lemonade stands were introduced by a young entrepreneur named Edward Bok who formed them in Brooklyn street cars from 1873 to 1876.  His background:

• He was 10 when he began selling Ice Water for a penny to passengers in horse drawn carts who stopped to allow their horses water.
• Other boys soon began copying Bok’s idea and stealing his business, so he made Lemonade instead and sold glasses for $.03 each.
• Bok went on to win a Pulitzer Prize for The Americanization of Edward Bok: The Autobiography of a Dutch Boy 50 years later

* Lemonade stands were first referenced in the media by the New York Times in 1879.

* 4-year-old Alex Scott started the nonprofit Alex’s Lemonade Stand in 2000 after learning she had cancer and she sought to find a cure.  She lived only 4 more years and in that short time raised more than $1 million for cancer research.  That organization today has since generated more than $25 million nationwide for children’s cancer research.

* August 20 is designated National Lemonade Day and Daily Grill restaurants nationwide will donate all proceeds from its Lemonade sales that day to Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

For more information, visit Daily Grill or Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.  Established in 1988, Daily Grills specialize in serving classic American fare at accessible prices in an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional, upscale New York City grill.  The popularity of the concept has resulted in 21 locations in eight states.

NOTE: The above is a re-published Press Release, not often seen on Nibbles of Tidbits.  It happens occasionally when we believe the information to be important and/or interesting.  We previously attended a fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand at 50 Forks Restaurant and that report is linked here.

The Koi Fish at Sherman Library & Gardens can’t be eaten, but are delightful to see — Instead Cafe Jardin and Tea Garden Creperie is recommended for food.  Sherman Library & Gardens is a notable place for High Tea, to stroll around varied gardens, visit a Koi Pond, shop, or even get married.  In some instances a $3 donation is requested and it’s well worth it.

It’s the last weekend of the Orange County Fair and today is the final day to munch out on the $1.00 Specials (Fridays, Noon – 4PM).  During that time, most food stands offer something interesting to eat for $1.00.  We had all that’s pictured below, including Deep Fried Bull’s Testicles (yeah, that’s right) and much more.  It’s a great time to try different things.

Note:  Hover your cursor over each photo to learn a little more, or stop by each booth and ask ’em what they’re serving for $1.00.

The OC Cupcake Classic is the last “Special Culinary Competition” you can enter this year at the Orange County Fair.  Entry Forms are due by August 11th and the Competition will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at 1PM on the Promenade Stage.  Since Cupcakes are so popular these days, the OC Cupcake Classic Competition will be stiff, but if you still want to enter before it’s not too late, email rfontes@ocfair.com.  Good luck to all — We may come and watch.  I’m content with the two 2nd Place Ribbons won in the Culinary Arts Competition, 2nd Show (pictured above).

The Orange County Fair’s Culinary Arts Competition (2nd Show) submissions are due tomorrow and will be on display starting Wednesday, August 4th.  Most 1st Show submissions will be removed from the display cases and replaced with the 2nd Show entries.  Those entering (and all Fair patrons) will be able to see the placement results beginning Wednesday and will be viewable throughout the duration of the Fair.

We’ll be entering Tangerine Coconut Muffins and an Orange Pound Cake.  Pictured are the practice (fine-tuning) results of our Muffins and a Banana Bread Pudding that was going to be entered into the Retro Baker Regatta Competition, if it hadn’t turned out too dry.  FYI: It’s not too late to enter a couple of the Single Day Special Culinary Competitions — Learn more about them here and good luck to all!

Update 08/03/10:  Actual ‘Orange Sparkle Pound Cake’ entry in 2nd Show (pictured below).