Make Mine Chocolate!

Posted on April 3, 2012April 3, 2012 by Jenny MacBeth

If you don’t know, I’m a bunny lover. There is nothing yummier than a big ole chocolate bunny, but I’m also fond of the furry, breathing kind. I’ve been raising domestic rabbits for 12 years, and they bring such joy to our life.

Because I adore these misunderstood animals, I need to address a big problem this time of year…

It’s where people go out and buy real rabbits for gifts because their kids beg and plead, “Mommy, please can I have a bunny?” This is a big decision that should be considered by all those taking part in the much love and care they need.

madame bunny, photo by Jenny MacBeth — Madame Bunny

Shortly after Easter shelters are over run with unwanted rabbits. Hundreds of rabbits die because people did not realize how much work it takes. Many people toss them outside. Domestic rabbits can not survive outside.

mr. rabbit, photo by Jenny MacBeth — Mr. Rabbit

Bunnies make great indoor pets, but I urge you to read Make Mine Chocolate! before you buy one as a pet.

Their mission:

Rabbits are a familiar symbol of the Easter holiday. In the days leading up to it, they appear on television commercials and packages of candy, and stores are filled with stuffed rabbits. It is no surprise that children beg their parents for a bunny of their own. Ill-prepared to care for these unique creatures, their “owners” often quickly tire of them. In the months following Easter, local humane societies and rabbit rescues are flooded with rabbits, former Easter gifts whose “owners” no longer want them. The unlucky ones are dumped outside where predators, cars, illness, and injury virtually guarantee an early death.

In 2002, in an attempt to address the problem, the Columbus House Rabbit Society began a campaign to educate the public on the realities of living with a rabbit, and to discourage giving live rabbits as Easter gifts. Using ceramic pins in the form of chocolate bunnies as the symbol, the campaign’s goal is to spread the message that rabbits should not be casually acquired and to educate the public about the special needs of these often-fragile creatures. The pins serve as conversation starters. Comments about the pin provide the wearer the opportunity to share our message with the general public. These informal conversations are supported by a card that is distributed with each pin, and by business cards that can be handed out to interested parties. Both the pin card and the business card list important facts that should be considered before bringing a rabbit into the home. Our goal is to educate the public of the challenges of properly caring for rabbits and to encourage them to purchase chocolate Easter bunnies (or stuffed toy animals) rather than live rabbits.

Help spread the word. Thank you.

Giant Eagle’s Market District

Posted on March 27, 2012March 27, 2012 by Jenny MacBeth

Photo from podcamppittsburgh.com

Pittsburgh’s Big Bird (aka Giant Eagle) made national news on CBS Sunday Morning News. The morning commentary was about Taste Test Markets. Now, there’s my calling – Official Taste Tester.

Columbus, OH is considered the nations central test market. Several restaurants in the area test their new food ideas in the area. Who knew Columbus had great taste? Sorry Columbus, I don’t mean to knock you, but I’m from Pittsburgh. A little rivalry doesn’t hurt anyone.

Anyway, Giant Eagle’s Market District was mentioned using the Columbus location “as a lab for things like nutrition labeling and frequent shopper perks.” I haven’t been to the Columbus location, but I have frequent Market District’s. I love it. Especially, since I do a lot of cooking, and I’m always looking for unique ingredients. Giant Eagle senior vice president Brett Merrell said, “You can find cactus in the endless produce section. The butcher shop has every kind of

Market District, Photo from columbusfoodie.com

meat, including rattlesnake and python.” I have not had to go to a specialty store, trying to find an odd spice, now having a Market District near me.

After watching the morning show, I did a little research on Market District in Robinson. Looks like they have cooking classes run by Chef Keira, on the second floor of this store. You can participate in hands-on courses, or sit back and watch the show. This is something that I’m going to try with my friends.

In the end, CBS Sunday Morning News dubbed Giant Eagle Market District, “the mother of all grocery stores.”, but you’ll always be Big Bird to me.

25 Most Hated Foods

Posted on March 25, 2012March 27, 2012 by Jenny MacBeth

My friend Shelly posted this article on Facebook, America’s 25 Most Hated Foods. Of course I had to check it out. I like 22 out of the 25 hated foods. It’s obvious that this girl likes to eat.

Topping the hated list is Mayo. Why?!? I love Hellmann’s mayonnaise. I’m not a fan of Miracle Whip (it’s too sweet), but Hellmann’s real mayo is awesome. It’s great in all kinds of yummy dishes, and it’s perfect for dipping french fries.

Next is Eggplant. How is that possible? Eggplant Parmesan is so yummy, and grilling it is another scrumptious option.

#3 – Avocado. Come on people. Avocados are hated because they look spoiled? I could see if they smelled spoiled. Homemade guacamole is the best. Not to mention, avocados make yummy spreads for sandwiches.

#4 – Tofu. Well, I could see this on a hated list. I’ve never cooked with it, but I’ve had it in yummy soups and chili’s. So good.

#5 – Anchovies. Not a fan. This is one of those foods I’ve never grown to like. I try it every once in awhile to see if my tastes have changed, but anchovies are not good (period).

#6 – Spinach. Spinach? What the hell. Spinach is awesome. Loaded with vitamins. I use spinach in soups, eggs, pizza, salads, and even sandwiches. Love spinach.

#7 – Turnips. These are great mashed, roasted, in soups. Very good.

#8 – Black Licorice. Not a fan. That’s all I have to say about that.

#9 – Tuna Fish. I can’t eat it out of the can, but I love it when I dress it up in a salad wrapped in a pita.

#10 – Onions. Onions are the spice to life. I think people are closet onion lovers. They just can’t handle the bad breath. – Eat a mint. I can eat a raw onion like an apple.

#11 – Buttermilk. I can’t drink it out of the carton, but mixing it for yummy salad dressings, mashed potatoes, and pancakes makes this a feel good food.

#12 – Raisins. These are great in salads and muffins.

#13 – Oysters. I’ll grant you that they are not the prettiest thing, but add some good-chilled vodka, and you’ll forget oysters are slimy. I also make a mean Oysters Rockefeller.

#14 – Green Peas. I do like my veges, and peas are oh so good.

#15 – Sour Cream. Sour cream makes for yummy dips. Always have it in my refrigerator.

#16 – Cottage Cheese. Love cottage cheese. Add some fruit and it’s a great healthy dessert.

#17 – Broccoli. How can anyone say they don’t like broccoli. Another great source for vitamins. It’s great in eggs, or just steamed with some sea salt. Yum!

#18 – Spam. The poor-man’s meat. It’s not healthy for sure. And, did you ever read the ingredients? However, I love it fried with eggs.

#19 – Brussel Sprouts. Glazed with butter in a skillet, these bad boys are awesome!

#20 – Beets. It’s not my favorite thing in the world, but a few slices in a salad are not so bad.

#21 – Okra. I’ve never had okra, but this article is going to make me find a good recipe to try.

#22 – Eggs. I eat at least one egg a day. I always have hard-boiled eggs in my refrigerator for those grab and go kind of mornings. Eggs are awesome.

#23 – Mushrooms. I can understand the texture thing. Not to mention, it’s fungus; not a pretty name to be associated too. Nonetheless, I love cooking with mushrooms, and all kinds of mushrooms. Stuffed portabella is my favorite.

#24 – Lima Beans. Heart Lima bean soup. I even cut up a raw onion to eat with it.

#25 – Liver. Another food that I can understand the dislike. Liver is a difficult thing to cook. It’s rare that I like it, but my sister makes an awesome liver and onions. That’s about the only time I’ll eat it.

As you can see, I like 95% of the hated foods. I will try the okra someday soon – just to see if I agree. You can click on the food links for cool recipes.

What foods do or don’t you like?