A Hodgepodge of Love

It's always fun when Wednesday comes around and it's time to join Joyce for the Wednesday Hodgepodge! I love seeing what questions she comes up with each week. With Valentine's Day next week, love is definitely in the air!

1. What is something you are loving right now?

Playing Hanging with Friends and Words with Friends. It's fun to play a game with friends even when we can't be together!

2. Paris, Venice, New York, and Rome are considered four of the most romantic cities in the world. Which one would you most like to visit?

I guess New York. None of the others particularly appeal. And I've always wanted to do the whole NY thing -- stay in Manhattan, visit Macy's and FAO Schwarz, see a show or two on Broadway, etc.

3. Are you a romantic?

Definitely.

4. What's your favorite love story made for the Big Screen?

I've always loved The Sound of Music.

5. Everyone loves Pooh bear and friends...which character are you most like and why? Click here for help in answering this question.


Take the 100 Acre Personality Quiz!

6. What's the best chocolate something you've ever eaten?

I never can remember things like that. I don't order dessert a lot, but I know I've had some good chocolate desserts on special occasions. But honestly, these are pretty hard to beat!

7. Share a favorite quote about love.

I considered Elizabeth Barrett Browning and others, but you can't top this!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

Today is composer John Williams' 80th birthday. What a gift he has given to the world with so many incredible pieces of music. Of course, there are plenty of exuberant pieces that come to mind -- Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Olympic themes, and so many more. But he's also composed some quieter, reflective pieces. This is absolutely one of my favorites of those.

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Betcha Can't Eat Just One!

I almost missed it.


Today is National Chocolate Chip Day.

I don't have the energy this late to make any cookies, but that's okay.

Chocolate chips are great right out of the bag!

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Fall Into Flavor - Chocolate Muffins

Fall brings cooler temperatures and sends us into the kitchen to warm our homes and our senses with the aromas and tastes of good food. Lid at 2nd Cup of Coffee is hosting Fall Into Flavor to give us an opportunity to share some of our favorite healthy decadent comfort foods.

I got this recipe shortly after I married from a woman at my church who brought these to an event. They were a staple at any ladies tea or brunch, and I think of her whenever I make them. Fair warning though: it is impossible to eat just one, and since they are bite-size, it's easy to lose track of how many you've popped in your mouth!

Chocolate Muffins
Melt and set aside:
1/2 c. margarine
1/3 c. chocolate chips
Mix:
3/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. flour
2 eggs
Add to melted chocolate, mixing well.
Add:
3/4 c. pecans
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Grease & flour miniature muffin tins. Using small cookie scoop, spoon batter into pans. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Immediately remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Makes 2 dozen miniature muffins.

Head on over to 2nd Cup of Coffee to find more recipes!

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FREE Chocolate!

Now this is a sweet relief plan! Mars Snackfood, maker of good things like M&M's and Dove chocolate is giving away free chocolate EVERY FRIDAY until September!

Americans could use some relief and are looking for reasons to smile. To help, Mars Snackfood US announced [May 7] the creation of the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act™, a nationwide effort to bring sweet smiles to millions of Americans via free, full-sized samples of Mars real chocolate, product discounts and coupons along with the proclamation of Free Chocolate Fridays™. Now through September, Mars will give away as many as seven million full-size packages of its M&M’S®, SNICKERS®, MILKY WAY®, TWIX®, DOVE®, and 3 MUSKETEERS® brand chocolate in the United States.

TGIFCF!

As part of the campaign, every week through the end of September, Mars will give away a quarter-of-a- million full-size packages of real chocolate on Free Chocolate Fridays. Americans can claim one of 250,000 full-value coupons each Friday beginning on May 8 at 9 a.m. EST by visiting RealChocolate.com. Coupons, which will be mailed to consumers, will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis and are redeemable for any full-size Mars real chocolate product. The coupons will be limited to one per person, per week.

"Brands like M&M'S, SNICKERS, DOVE Chocolate, TWIX, Milky Way and 3 MUSKETEERS are loved by Americans," said Michele Kessler, vice president, Mars Snackfood US. "That's why we've created the Mars Real Chocolate Relief Act. It's our way of giving Americans a small treat during challenging times."

Source: Mars website

Last week's kick-off was so successful that today ONLY, they are giving away HALF A MILLION coupons!

To get yours, go HERE!

Yes, I've already requested mine. Because I have so close to half a million readers, I didn't want you all to beat me to it!

Be sure to watch the birthday video below! It cracked me up when he moved the piano!

Have a sweet Friday!

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'Tis the Season. . .For Tasty Goodness!

There is a certain flavor combination that is practically irresistible to me, and it seems it is everywhere I turn this time of year.

Dark Chocolate + Mint = Pure Delight
My most recent temptations:

Pepperidge Farm Mint Milano Cookies Drenched in Dark Chocolate

Use the words "drenched" and "dark chocolate in the same sentence, and I'm there!





Oreo Limited Edition Old-Fashioned Candy Cane Creme

As if a regular Oreo isn't pure goodness on its own, now the filling is all minty!




Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Twist

A perennial favorite. This year they've added chocolate curls on top of the whipped cream. Mmmm-mmmm! It was all I could do not to run my finger around the inside of the cup when I was done!




If I overdose on these, maybe I won't be so tempted by these in January.


Yeah, right!

So what's your special can't-resist-it treat during the holidays?!

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Check These Out!

For a virtual chocolate fix, go here -- a delectable site dedicated solely to all things chocolate, some edible, some not! And right now you can help Name That Chocolate Dessert in the inaugural edition of this monthly event. What a fun blog!


And between ball games, birthday parties, or other activities, please stop back by my blog on Saturday as I join Amy for Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. I'm so looking forward to being part of this weekly focus! What a great way to prepare for Sunday worship!

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