Busy Brunette Bakerista

It’s that time of year when children and adults start planning weeks ahead in anticipation for one night of obtaining bags of free, delicious, hyperactivity-inducing candy of all sorts – Halloween. Since stores start selling candy right after Labor Day, my kids are ready for something new by mid-October. This is the only “bark” recipe I have and can I say, better than any other candy – but a bit pricey. So if you have any to share with friends or neighbors, don’t. Adapted from an old recipe from Bon Appetit magazine, “candy bark” refers to a candy, usually of chocolate with large pieces of nuts, made in flat sheets. Afraid-of-the-Dark Halloween “Bark” 1 lb. bittersweet chocolate chips 3 (2.1 ounce) Butterfinger candy bars – cut into irregular 1-inch pieces 3 (1.4 ounce) Skor or Heath toffee candy bars – cut into irregular ¾-inch pieces 8 (.55 ounce) peanut butter cups, each cut into 8 wedges ¼ honey-roasted peanuts 3 ounces white chocolat...

My Greek grandfather, Papouli, ran a small produce truck in Hollywood in the 1940's and 50's. He was a professional at choosing fruits and vegetables and told me the best place to get certain "exotic" foods was Frisco. That's right, not San Francisco, but just "Frisco." Busy Brunette Bakerista - Tasting Tour of "Frisco" @bbbakerista I started my tour this week with two of my favorite eating spots in the city. Z. Cioccolato in North Beach. My daughter is a fudge expert and nearly passed out at the deliciousness of each flavor. #ineedamoment I highly recommend the cookies-and-cream, and peanut butter flavors. The cute employees behind the counter also give you free popcorn with every purchase! Its' worth your spending money. The Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory in old Chinatown is hidden down a small alley with little signage and even smaller door. The freshest and lightest fortune cookies you will ever taste! I always b...

My daughter loves the combination of chocolate and butterscotch so thus the name…choc-erscotch! This fudge comes out very gooey so make sure you chill it long enough in the fridge. You can also substitute the chips with peanut butter chips...yummy. Chocerscotch Fudge ·               2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips ·               1 can of sweetened condensed milk ·               1 t. vanilla extract ·              dash of salt ·              1 cup of butterscotch chips (or peanut butter chips) Place chocolate chips in a medium-size microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until chips are melted, stirring about every 30 seconds. Pour in condensed milk and add vanilla, salt, and butterscotch chips. Stir until mixed well.  Pour into a 8” x 8” x 2” baking pan lined with par...