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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Super Pimento Cheese Recipe Found In the Morning Newspaper...Better Than Mom's

Got this great recipe out of the Arkansas-Democrat Gazette newspaper this morning, went to Kroger, bought the ingredients, and having a super pimento cheese celery stick right this moment. It's creamy, spicy, simple, delicious, and even tastes better than the one my mom use to make. Thanks, Kelly Brant for sharing this super recipe and yes, it will go perfectly with my 4th of July spread!


How to make Spicy Roasted Red Pepper Pimento Cheese:

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mayo
1/4 cup neufchatel cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 of a 12 oz jar of roasted, red peppers, drained, chopped
2 teaspoons finely grated onion
2 teaspoons coarse-grain mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
ground pepper to taste
Crackers, apple wedges and/or celery sticks, for serving

1. Using a box grater, grate cheddar cheese using fine and coarse holes for the best texture; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together the mayo, neufchatel and sour cream until creamy and well combined.
3. Stir in shredded cheddar, roasted peppers, onion, mustard, cayenne and mix well.
4. Season to taste with ground black pepper.
Serve with crackers, apples or celery. Makes about 3 1/2 cups.


Tuesday, June 19, 2012

The Average Life Span of a Housefly...




that's about how long Dona's Little Italy survived at the old Bruno's Little Italy location on Bowman Curve in western Little Rock. Super fortunate I got to try the perfect homemade dinner rolls with light fresh marinara sauce, the delicious Joe's Pizza (should have been Dona's but the printing company screwed up), and the delectable refreshing Italian Spumoni before the management recently closed the doors. I even got to chat and eat with the genuine Italian owner (heavy accent and all) who filled us in on how many other successful Italian restaurants he has, that his brother, Joe, has Joe's Pizza and Pasta Italian Grill in Springdale (which happens to be my most favorite Italian place in the Natural State), why Dona's probably sunk like the Titanic (amazing how most people think they can't eat Italian food without a bottle of wine), and what he's thinking about doing in downtown Little Rock. Although it was to be my last meal at Dona's, it was a luscious experience! 


And, how many of you know the average life span of a housefly according to Newton's Home Page? Email your answer to diannehocut@live.com and the first correct answer to arrive, will win a gift card to Marco's Pizza! Deadline for entries is June 29, 2012 at 8 pm, CST! Winner (if any) will be announced on this blog. Good luck and maybe you'll get to try Dona's or Joe's real Italian pizza at sometime in the near future! It's gonna be hard to keep a true Italian eatery that plays Dean Martin music down!!!

Dona's Little Italy on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Love Those Itty Bitty Hole in the Walls of Arkansas...


Was in the Clinton area the other day and had the opportunity to check out this adorable little hole in the wall designed just right for "food & friends" eatin' in Arkansas. Located in the small and cozy town of Leslie, the Skylark Café was a foodie's delight! My party tried a tad of everything and from a group of eight, there were no registered complaints! Just had to experience the Chili with Buttermilk Cornbread Muffin and sooo glad I did. Chili was spiced just right with subtle blends of different herbs and chili powders and loaded with various cheeses on top. The cornbread muffins were freshly baked with coarsely ground whole wheat grains. Once you go freshly and coarsely ground with whole grain corn kernels you never go back to plain ole store bought corn meal! From the freshly baked bread and desserts to the vegetarian offered delights, I can't wait to trek on back to the city of Leslie and try some more homemade goodies at the Skylark Café.




Skylark Cafe on Urbanspoon

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

We Live Too Close...

Glad Smokin' Buns is not open 7 days a week (open Wed thru Sat) or I think we might eat there every night if we could! They always have delicious food, no waiting, and delightful wait staff!! These are a few of my favorite things at Smokin' Buns...




Smokin' Buns on Urbanspoon

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Believe It or Not...

I had great service and the most delicious grilled veggie panini the other day as I stopped in at an old Arkansas favorite, Community Bakery on Main Street in Little Rock. The restaurant staff were in a pretty agreeable mood so everything went well with my order. Service has been a little sketchy in past visits and I must say it could be due to customer overload! However, I really don't care how busy they are, I just want to be treated nicely. Not too much to ask for. But, I do tend to get my meal and run...the grilled veggie panini on Ciabatta bread is to Di for!!!! Cookies were good, too!



Community Bakery on Urbanspoon

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Mixed Reviews About Dogtown Coffee and Cookery


I have been going to Dogtown Coffee and Cookery ever since they opened the doors a couple of years ago as Java Roasting. I have loved the pleasant atmosphere and friendly, gracious staff however, I have had a bit of trouble liking their lattés and food. I actually had to quit stopping by for my morning latté because their coffee became way too bitter. Then they regrouped, changed their format and menu, and remodeled into a nice little coffee and cookery café so, I gave them another shot. The lattés are simply wonderful these days, but...the food is gonna need some work. Had the Chicken Spaghetti and Side Salad a while back and it was OK with chunks of chicken and Penne pasta for a different twist. The salad and dressing on the side needed help! Never did like those fancy tasteless bagged greens even when they are served at topnotch restaurants. Today, I stopped in for the Pimento Cheese and Potato Chips. Too garlicky and where the heck was the mayo? The finely shredded cheddar cheese did not work for my true Southern taste buds. A creamy Velveeta type would have been better. Chips were nice and crispy, though. And, service still wonderful. But, can this place stand on it's great service, luscious lattés, and cozy atmosphere as it continues to serve not so great food? Time will tell...oh, and I would pass on the biscuit and gravy, too. I do wish this place well and I sure hope they get a down home Southern cook into their cozy kitchen real soon! I think that's all it needs...




Dogtown Coffee & Cookery on Urbanspoon