Nothing says I Love You like Bacon

A very Happy 1st Valentine's Day to my Mister!  

I love you more than bacon.  ;)

Better with Bacon: Chocolate

If you think this bacon looks a little strange, like it's covered in chocolate you're RIGHT!  Uh huh! Chocolate Covered BACON!  This crazy concoction might sound a little crazy, and might look a little suspicious, but it's downright delicious.  Salty, sweet, and savory (with a crunch)!  

To make your own Chocolate Covered Bacon: 

To get the bacon to the perfect crisp, strips of thick bacon were placed on a rack (on a cookie sheet covered in foil)  and placed in the oven at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes.  As soon as the bacon is pulled out of the oven the excess oil (on both sides) should be absorbed with a paper towel.  Once the bacon is cooled begin to heat the chocolate.  If you usually melt chocolate over a double boiler, try using the microwave using a technique seen Real Simple magazine - it takes just a minute, really a minute.  Using a spatula, coat the bacon with a generous amount of chocolate, remove the excess, then place on a rack and then into the fridge (for 30 min.) to allow the chocolate to harden.  YUM! 

Happy Birthday to you!

It's been a while, okay a long while, since my last post.  What have I been doing? Well, I've gone on a  couple of getaways: to Lanai and Maui, got pampered at spas, went out for some fabulous dinners and coffee dates, spent time quality time with the most important people in my life, and yes, I got married!!  By my side, through it all, has been my friend, "Queenie."  

Today is Queenie's birthday!  

Queenie, I know that I am lucky to have a friend like you.  Someone who is a good listener, who makes me laugh, shares my passion for food and travel, and is loyal and dependable.  Thank you for being a forever friend.  I love you!  Today, on your birthday (the Mister and) I want you to know that we are thinking about you and wish you all the best!  I wish you lots of laughter, good times and good health, success in your studies, and love.  And as you blow out your birthday candles I hope you wish BIG...  you know, for the stars :)  XO!