Mid-Day (or late nite) Snack: Healthy Banana's Foster

Another of my favorites that I recently came up with is my Healthy Banana's Foster!

What you need:

1 Banana
Cinnamon
Honey
Yogurt or Ice Cream (optional) I prefer Blueberry Yogurt!

Instructions:
1. Cut banana slices and put them in a microwaveable bowl

2. Drizzle honey on top and add however much cinnamon you like. I personally love cinnamon so I pretty much cover my banana slices

3. Heat for about 20 - 30 seconds in the microwave
If slices aren't soft and mushy, put them back in to make sure they caramelize and you get that nice banana flavor

Top with some yogurt for a breakfast or mid-day snack (personally I love blueberry, for some reason it really goes well!) or ice cream for a more dessert-like snack. Or, you can just eat it plain!
P.S. If your slices are thinner, it gets mushy faster! I love that mushy banana taste that really brings out the sweetness of the banana. Mmm, delicious...

Let me know what you think! This is fast and easy to make, but gives you that dessert like banana taste and can be embellished with ice cream for a truly delightful, yet healthy snack!

Enjoy!

-Stephanie, WWT

Capogiro Gelato Artisans

Another stop on my Philly food day was Capogiro Gelato Artisans where you can get fantastic gelato, sandwiches, and many other wonderful snacks.  Although it was chilly out and my nose was running when I stepped inside, I couldn't resist and had to get some. After much indicisiveness and 6 or 7 samples later I finally made my decision. For about $4.50 I was able to get a small cup and try two flavors.  Here is a picture of my selection:

1/2 Banana Chocolate gelato + 1/2 Dulce de Leche gelato = heaven

The gelato was simply amazing. I wanted to try all of the flavors, many of which are exotic.  I think they change their menu daily however, so certain flavors may not be available.  The people there are super nice and the guy let me sample about 6 flavors. From what I remember:

Cioccolato Banana = perfect mixture of bananas and chocolate
Bananas Foster = a little bit more banana-ey, I preferred the chocolate
Dulce De Leche = very sweet with a caramel swirl
Mint something?? = can't remember the name but it was very minty, almost like toothpaste
Coffee something?? = also don't remember, but it was okay

I looked on the website to search the names of the types of gelato that I tried, and they already changed the menu! I would suggest looking at their online menu the day you visit so you know ahead of time if they'll have the flavors you're looking for. They only have a couple that seemt to be consistent every day.

I went to the Capogiro in Rittenhouse at 117 South 20th St althought there are 3 more locations I think the others are on 13th and the other is on Walnut somewhere. The atmosphere is one where you could bring a laptop and hang out for the day, or just come with some friends. It's still pretty small, about 10 tables maybe? Overall, it was a nice snack, that I honestly didn't need, but wanted to indulge in anyway. I would definitely go back and hope to catch some more interesting flavors like their basil or avocado flavors, yum!

Have any favorite gelato spots or flavors?
Hopefully warm weather is on the way!!

-Stephanie, WWT

Gastronomic Delights in Philly

This past Sunday was my big day out in Philly, a city that I've come to know and love these past three years.  I have to confess that my main motivation was not to go to the art museum, like my fellow dorm members, rather, I was seeking out the tastiest treats in Philly, that I hadn't already tried of course.

This whole trip was spurned by my dorm offering a free trip to Philadelphia and back, something which is the best deal for a college student short on cash. To take the R5 train to 30th Street and back costs $10, which won't break the bank, but it does add up.  While the rest of my floormates went straight to the museum, I walked the 30 minutes down Benjamin Franklin Parkway, past the iconic statue of LOVE, and down around City Hall to make my way to Reading Terminal Market, a foodie's paradise.  Located right across from the convention center, it may be hard to spot for someone who has never been there before.  Just look for a) the huge sign that says Reading Terminal Market, b) little hanging whales, cows, and fruits, or c) a huge tunnel. Any of these signs will let you know you're in the right place.

Now I have been to this market many times, but never have I had the pleasure of eating at Herschel's East Side Deli. Let me just say, the experience was heavenly! A review is forthcoming by the way.
From there I went to Macy's, right next to City Hall.  I really wanted to see the flower show there, something that is only in its second year. It lived up to the hype as Macy's was decked out in floral arrangements that made it seem more like a tropical paradise than a huge department store.

After that I decided to take a walk to Rittenhouse Square because of the awesome weather. I was also seeking out a gelateria in the area which I did find. Called Capogiro, this is a chain that has several locations around the city. Even though it was windy and a little chilly out, I couldn't pass up on this delectable Italian treat. (Again, I will post a review and pics soon!)

On my walk back to the market I stopped in an Anthropologie 4 floors high! I didn't buy anything though, in favor of saving my money for my upcoming New York trip! I decided to head into Chinatown, somewhere I had never been before. It is relatively close to the market, off of Arch street.  Anyway, it was fun to pop in and out of some souvenir shops and bakeries, but again, I didn't buy anything, for I knew what treat I wanted to take with me.

So my journey concluded back at Reading Terminal at Termini Bros. This Italian bakery served my the best cannoli I have had to this day, which, I guess isn't really saying much cause I've had very few cannolis in my lifetime. I got a regular ricotta filled shell to go, which surprisingly lasted until later that night without getting soggy at all.

Overall, I have to say my day was filled with walking, eating, and just enjoying the city.  Now, it's back to crunch time, and the crazy mess of the last month of my junior year of college.

Do you have any favorite food spots in Philly? If so, please share!
Also, check out my post from a year ago on Reading Terminal for more reviews!

-Stephanie, WWT

Mid-Day (or late nite) Snack: A Healthy Chocolate Fix?

I have recently discovered the most wonderful way to get a healthy, completely organic snack, while at the same time satisfying my craving for chocolate! It comes in the form of Larabar's Jocalat, a line of chocolate bars to complement their fruit flavored ones. Now anyone who has just tried the fruit ones might have been a little turned off. I agree, some of them have a funky tangy flavor, but the Jocalats are the closest thing you'll find to a healthy candy bar. Each Jocalat bar contains 7 ingredients or less! Here is what was in mine:

• Dates
• Walnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Unsweetened Chocolate
• Cashews
• Coffee
• Cocoa Powder

The texture of these amazing bars of goodness is extremely soft. So soft they almost crumble when you bite into them! There are little fruit and nut bits in them and a delicious chocolatey flavor. The one I tried was the Chocolate Coffee bar, but I know they have a Chocolate Hazelnut as well as a Chocolate Mint one.  The dark, dramatic wrapper makes them easy to spot.

Sorry for the bad pic, but this is what the bar looks like

These magical chocolate bars give you 1/2 serving of fruit and if the taste isn't enough to get you hooked, check out these healthy attributes that they offer:

• Completely Organic
• Gluten Free
• Dairy Free
• Soy Free
• Non - GMO
• Vegan
• Kosher
• 5g of fiber
• Cholesterol and Sodium Free
• Fair Trade Certified

If you haven't tried the regular fruit ones, I suggest you do so. I think the Cashew Cookie one is particularly yummy, but I have to say I didn't really like the Coconut Cream Pie one. Their flavors all boast some sort of dessert theme like Bluberry Muffin, Banana Bread, Apple Pie, Cinnamon Roll, and Carrot Cake.  I'll have to try those sometime, they all sound delicious! There are 19 fruit flavors and 4 Jocalat flavors and you can check them all out at Larabar's website here. According to the website, the bars are made by grinding fruit, nuts, and spices with no baking or cooking involved!

So go to your local supermarket and try a flavor! You might be surprised and if you love them, you won't feel guilty for indulging because everything is natural and organic!

Stay healthy!

-Stephanie, WWT

Kara's Cupcakes Review

I recently discovered on a trip back home to California that there is a Kara's Cupcakes located only ten minutes away from my house in Walnut Creek, CA!

The first Kara's was founded in San Francisco by executive pastry chef Kara Lind, whose cupcake empire has now grown to six stores across the bay area. The Walnut Creek store is fairly new, but I was so impressed by the simple, yet chic, atmosphere.

Photo from The Cork Board blog

I went with my mom on a weekday for some shopping and browsing and we decided to stop in and get some breakfast cupcakes. We both opted for the filled cupcakes for $3.25 which have an awesome filling inside.I tried the Banana Caramel, which is a filled cupcake with a caramel filling, and a silky cream cheese frosting. It was amazing and reminded me of a sweet banana cake, similar to a carrot cake.

My mom tried the filled Fleur de Sel cupcake, a chocolate cupcake with caramel filling, and ganache frosting topped with Fleur de Sel. Hers was equally delicious, but I personally preferred the spices in the Banana Caramel. Cupcakes and coffee, a perfect way to start out the day. Service was wonderful and we even went back after we had shopped a bit to take one home for my dad. They even have cute little mini cupcakes, which are just smaller versions of all of their regular cupcakes.

I will definitely be back this summer to try the Raspberry Dazzle (a chocolate cupcake with raspberry cream filling) the Passion Fruit (vanilla cupcake with passion fruit) and probably the Java and Kara's Karrot cupcakes.

Photo taken from Amuse Bouche blog

Kara's also makes full size cakes and there are gluten free versions of the Sweet Vanilla, Chocolate Velvet, and Coconut cupcakes. You should definitely travel to the nearest Kara's if you live in the bay area. You will not be disappointed and will be treated to a decadent treat of goodness!

Check out their menu here!

-Stephanie, WWT

Mid-day Snack: Asian Pears

Looking to spruce up your day with a refreshing mid-day snack? Want to try something different? How about Asian Pears? The market on campus near my dorm sells perfect asian pears. I'm not sure how or where they're getting them from, but they are some of the largest ones I have ever seen. I couldn't eat a whole one in one sitting, for lunch. No joke! This thing was enormous, I could barely hold it in one hand! I've included some pictures so you'll believe me.

Keep in mind this is only a half of the pear! 

Anyway, asian pears are actually pears, although they more closely resemble an apple. They are crunchy, juicy, crisp and a bit grainy. They sometimes have more of an earthy taste that comes from their brownish skin, which is rougher than the more common European pear species (with a typical "pear" shape). They also have a rounder shape than the European pears.  You might easily spot them wrapped in a foam cushion in order to keep them from bruising. They are ripe when hard - most likely right when you buy them, but can keep for several months in a fridge.




The "Hosui" here is the asian pear



There are different varieties of asian pears and the one that I'm talking about would be the pyrus pyrifolia also known by Japanese pear, nashi, Taiwan pear, apple pear, Korean pear, or sand pear. When choosing an asian pear, you want a firm one with a small amount of brown spots. Remember, they are ready to eat when purchased, you want that hard crunchy feel to them. These pears are sometimes used in soy sauces and vinegars as a sweetener. They can also be incorporated into a marinade. So what are the benefits of eating an asian pear besides the taste and crunchiness? Well, 1 medium pear is only 50 calories and gives you 4 grams (14% DV) of dietary fiber, not bad for a snack. There's also some vitamin C in there and a small amount of iron. So whether you just want a nice change of fruit, or are looking to incorporate them into your meals (great in salads) try an asian pear next time you visit the grocery store.

Happy snacking!

Stephanie, WWT

Vending Machine Wars

Today, unlike many others, I was thrilled with one of those crappy vending machines. When I went to get a snack, I was fortunate enough to end up with two M&M bags for the price of one! Talk about lucky huh?

But then I started to realize, that my happiness was achieved at someone else's loss. I mean, who doesn't hate it when a vending machine either: a) is sold out or doesn't give you your change back b) get's your snack stuck in those pathetic little loop dispensers or c) somehow completely messes up because of faulty mechanics and takes your money but does nothing?

It aggravates me to no end! That person who failed miserably at trying to purchase a personal pack of M&M's just made my day though, even though they don't know it.

This is for all of you out there who know what it's like to desperately crave a snack, only to have it stolen away from you by those cold metal loops. So, the next time you lose the battle in the fight of ongoing vending machine wars, stop to think, that the next person that comes along and purchases that same snack with an extra pack (or even two) stuck in the loop, will become a little happier in receiving double the joy in your simple, unwilling gesture of gratitude.

Or, you could just pay the extra money and get two snacks. :)

Keep fighting the machines!

-Stephanie, WWT

Banana Chips?

So, I was eating banana chips this morning and was wondering why I never attempted to make them myself! So for anyone else who wants to try, I found some recipes online. I won't be able to make them until I get back home to my kitchen, but if anyone attempts either of these, let me know what you think!

First recipe:
• 5 Raw Bananas (peeled)
• 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
• Oil for deep-frying
• Salt to taste


• Put the peeled bananas in salted iced water.
• Chop the bananas in water and add turmeric.
• Keep in water for 10 minutes and then drain out water completely.
• Transfer to a kitchen cloth to remove the moisture.
• Heat oil till it starts fuming.
• Deep-fry the slices till almost crisp. Add few slices at a time.
• Prepare paste of 1/2 tsp water and 1/4 tsp salt.
• Add this paste to oil. This will make the slices crispier.
• Repeat the procedure for remaining slices.
• Drain the chips on an absorbent paper.
• Cool and store them in an airtight container.

Found on: http://www.indobase.com/recipes/details/banana-chips.php




Second Recipe:

2 large firm DOLE® Bananas
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Cut bananas diagonally into 1/8-inch thin slices. Dip banana slices into fresh lemon juice. Place slices on baking sheets sprayed with vegetable cooking spray.

Bake at 200 degrees F, 2 hours.

Turn slices over; continue baking 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until slices are crisp.

Remove slices to wire rack and cool completely. Store in airtight container

Source: Dole Food Company

Found on: http://www.recipelink.com/mf/31/36446

Make sure to let me know how your attempts come out!! Or if you know a better recipe, please share!

Stephanie, WWT