Grilled Bone-In Ribeye & Garlic Butter Asparagus from America’s Test Kitchen’s Master Of The Grill Cookbook

America's Test Kitchen, Food photography, black chef

I’m not sure why 2016 is in such a rush but it may be causing me to lose track of time. It only seems as though yesterday, I was driving down the highway admiring Spring’s cascade of honeysuckle that laced both sides of the road. It feels like every year, I’m constantly reminding myself to pick honeysuckle to make simple syrup and I never get around to it, but I digress – we’re here to talk grilling.

Why, yes – Summer crept in like a thief in the night and without any apology but I’m not complaining. The Tennessee heat is harassing every brow and back with puddles of perspiration, children are frolicking across freshly mowed lawns and backyards are sending up billowing smoke signal invitations to everyone in the neighborhood. Summer is an open invitation to keep your house cool and your oven in hibernation while the grill carries the load for a while. I’m honored to be partnering with America’s Test Kitchen to share some grilling tips and flawless recipes for your summer entertaining. ATK’s latest addition to their extensive cookbook collection is all about grilling, and it spares no details when it comes to all the tools and knowledge you’ll need to be a Grilling Guru this season.

asparagus, food photography, americas test kitchen, health eating

Grilling, Charcoal, Chimney Starter, ATKgrill

I have a pretty extensive cookbook collection and they all serve one purpose or another, they all have their tips to offer, some, I’m a die-hard believer in and others I take with a grain of salt. But this cookbook, or better yet – ‘guide,’ shall we say, in particular, is pretty much spot on with the techniques and approaches to what I feel is intimidating to the masses.

Americas Test Kitchen, Grilling Food

Ribeye Steak, Recipes, Grilling, Americas Test Kitchen

When I grill I use one-hundred percent all-natural hardwood lump charcoal, I like the flavor it imparts and I’ve used it for so long I couldn’t tell you why I left behind all the other options as it pertains to flavor, but I won’t be changing back anytime soon. I will say that I learned a little something during this process that was never apart of my barbecuing/cookout experiences growing up in East Tennessee. We never used a charcoal chimney – it was simply crumbled up newspaper nestled in the bottom of the grill and the charcoal arranged evenly over the top, a generous squeeze of lighter fluid and dinner was in motion. I must say though, I will never touch lighter fluid again due to my palate still having nightmares about the harsh aftertaste it leaves behind from excessive usage. I prefer the lump charcoal, it burns clean, quick and easy, and the flavor is awesome. But I always encourage everyone to do their research, and find what works for you.

When flipping through the book to find recipes to share with you guys, I wanted to do something different but since whatever I chose to prepare would also be dinner – I went with beef…because beef. I didn’t purchase anything too expensive, I purchased two bone-in ribeye from a local grocer for about twenty-six bucks and a bundle of asparagus for about three bucks. And compared to what we would’ve spent on a steak dinner out, this was a great deal in my book. I cooked the steak to medium but there are instructions in the book to guide you along on how to cook the meat to your preferred temperature. Remember, thermometers are always your best friend when cooking meat, or really most things in the kitchen!

Americas Test Kitchen, Steak Recipes, Grilling

I’ve been reading this book on and off for the last three weeks and I’m amazed at all the info that is crammed into roughly 430 pages, everything you ever wanted to know about seasoning, proper tools, recipe tricks, and more that will definitely equip to you to be a master of the grill. I hope you guys enjoy these two recipes as much as I did. The steak was so full of flavor and juicy, and the asparagus was a garlic-y, buttery dream with a little char for intrigue. Trust me when i say this won’t be just another book that collects dust on the shelf, you can purchase the book here. Cheers to grilling perfection!

Americas Test Kitchen

The Ultimate Steak
2 (1 1/4-to 1 1/2 pound) double-cut bone-in ribeye steaks, 1 3/4 to 2 inches thick, trimmed
4 teaspoons kosher salt
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pepper

1. Set wire rack in rimmed baking sheet. Pat steaks dry with paper towels and sprinkle all over with salt. Place steaks on prepared rack and let stand at room temperature until meat registers 55 degrees, about 1 hour. Rub steaks with oil and sprinkle with pepper.

2A. FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL Open bottom vent half-way. Arrange 4-quarts unlit charcoal briquettes even layer over half of grill. Light large chimney starter one-third filled with charcoal briquettes(2 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over unlit coals. Set cooking gratin place, cover, and open lid vent halfway. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

2B. FOR A GAS GRILL Turn all burners high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Turn primary burner to medium-low and turn off other burner(s). (Adjust primary burner as needed to maintain grill temperature around 300 degrees.)

3. Clean and oil cooking grate. Place steaks on cooler side of the grill with bones facing fire. Cover and cook until steaks register 75 degrees, 10 to 20 minutes. Flip steaks, keeping the bones facing fire. Cover and continue to cook until steaks register 95 degrees, 10 to 20 minutes.

4. If using charcoal, slide steaks to hotter side of grill. If using gas, remove steaks from the grill, turn primary burner to high, and heat until hot, about 5 minutes; place steaks over primary burner. Cover and cook until well browned and steaks register 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare) about 4-minutes per side. Transfer steaks to a clean wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 15-minutes. Transfer steaks to carving board, meat from bone, and slice into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Serve.

Grilled Asparagus

Serves 4 to 6
Use asparagus that is at least 1/2 inch thick near the base. Do not use pencil-thin asparagus; it can not withstand the heat and will overcook. Age affects the of asparagus enormously. For the sweetest taste, look for spears that bright green and firm, with tightly closed tips.

1 1/2 pounds thick asparagus spears, trimmed
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 minced garlic cloves
Salt and pepper

1A FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter three-quarters filled with charcoal briquettes (4 1/2 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes.

1B FOR A GAS GRILL Turn all burners high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Turn all burners to medium-high.

2 Brush asparagus with melted butter and season with salt and pepper.

3 Clean and oil cooking grate. Place asparagus in even layer on grill and until just tender and browned, 4-10 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. Transfer asparagus to platter and serve.

This post was written in partnership with America’ Test Kitchen. All thoughts and opinions are mine.Master Of The Grill

 

 

Chocolate Overload S’mores Cheesecake

Chocolate Overload S'mores Cheesecake Chocolate Overload S'mores Cheesecake

I remember my sister and I sitting on the back porch tearing yesterday’s newspaper into small ragged pieces and placing them into an empty can. Probably one of my grandmother’s #Folgers cans, you know the red one with the plastic lid? We used those as vessels to fulfill our need for the melty gooey, chocolatey goodness that would soon tangle our fingers in a web of mallowy strands and #cocoa smear. If I had to choose a house that I missed, it was this house with the huge backyard where we often watched the deer drink from the pond and the trees overflow with black walnuts, pears and apples. We were young and naive and had no real appreciation for the seasonal jewels that rolled across the forest floor. I mean, we ate the occasional fruit and cracked a few nuts now and again but nothing too serious. I remember seeing our next door neighbor gathering the nuts in the evening to crack for an evening snack.

Chocolate Overload S'mores Cheesecake

If I had the passion for food I have now back then, I imagine that I would’ve encouraged the making of pies, tarts, jams and jellies, but those are merely the wishes of a time gone. And we all know that living in the past can prove to be a detriment to one’s growth; no one wants that…do they? S’mores are the ‘cream of the crop’ when it comes to nostalgic childhood treats. The simplicity of those three ingredients combined have the capability to solve life’s conundrums, sartorial – political or otherwise. There may be a little embellishment in there but work with me folks, we’re talkin’ #smores.

I know that with the arrival of #Pinterest and food bloggers appearing by the dozen every hour — these once sacred treats are always getting a new makeover from pie-pops to #cake but I warn you, steer clear, it’s a trap and you won’t be happy. What I’m giving you today is an all year round invitation to the snack once cornered to Autumnal nights and snow-capped backdrops. We should be able to indulge in all of this goodness any time the mood awakes within us and be able to do so without checking the weather report. Lord knows, it won’t be correct anyway. The time is winding down and as you know I am collaborating with the fine folks of the Asheville Wine & Food Festival to bring you some delicious food posts in anticipation for the event.

I can’t begin to tell you how full my heart is full knowing that we are only a few weeks away from that Blue Ridge Mountains seduction. We found the perfect place to stay in walking distance to coffee shops and you know how I love the beans. We’re plotting out all our favorite places to dine as if we won’t be eating enough AVL goodness between the SWEET Event and The Grand Tasting! If you haven’t made plans to attend, there’s still time and you won’t want to miss it! You can purchase tickets for the SWEET Event on August 21 here and tickets for The Grand Tasting on August 22 here! In the meantime, enjoy this recipe for one of your favorite childhood treats and steer clear of all those other impostors (wink).

IMG_1544-0 Chocolate Overload S'mores Cheesecake

Chocolate Overload S’mores Cheesecake

Crust… 2 cups Crushed Graham Cracker
3 Tablespoons Granulated White Sugar
1/4 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
6 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (slightly melted)

Filling…
2-8 ounce pkgs Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1/3 Granulated White Sugar
1 Teaspoon of Nielsen Massey Bourbon Vanilla
2 Large Eggs 1/2 Teaspoon of Kosher Salt
1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

Topping…
6.2 ounces of Hershey’s Chocolate (4 1.55 oz bars)
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
2 Cups Miniature Marshmallows

Method

First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Put your butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until mostly melted but not hot. Mix together your graham crackers, granulated sugar, salt and butter until you can squeeze the mixture in your hand and form clumps. You may need a little more butter depending upon the dryness of your grahams. Place the mixture in the bottom of an ungreased cake pan, square or circle, it doesn’t really matter. Evenly pat down the crumbs until no holes remain. If you have a pan slightly smaller and the same size I would use it smash it down evenly. Smash…giggle. Bake in the oven for ten minutes, remove and allow to cool. Reduce oven temp to 325 degrees for your filling.

Place your cream cheese into a standing mixer with the sugar, vanilla and salt. Let the mixture whip on medium speed for two minutes, add the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula and then evenly distribute the filling over your cooled crust. Surround the bottom of your pan with aluminum foil. you will probably need to pieces to criss cross the bottom of the pan and create a boat for the cheesecake, be gentile. Place this into a larger baking pan and fill the surrounding area with warm water about 1/2 way up the side. Place the entire thing into the oven slowly as to avoid splashing water into the cheesecake. Let cook for 90 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Once cheesecake is done, allow it to set in the water for 30 minutes and I noticed that the top didn’t crack like the last time I made it and removed it immediately once cooked. Give it a try! Allow to cool overnight or for at least 90 minutes.

Then, take your chocolate and rough chop it, place it in a microwaveable bowl with your vegetable oil. Heat it in the microwave for 20 second intervals until chocolate is completely melted. Be careful not to overcook your chocolate, this will give you nasty sugar crystals (not cool). Pour it over the graham cracker crust, place it in the fridge and let it cool for 15-20 minutes.

Turn on the broiler, if you have a temperature option I typically use HI and watch the marshmallows like a hawk. Let your oven come up to temp. Evenly distribute the marshmallows over the chocolate, try not to leave any exposed chocolate and more marshmallows never hurt anybody. Place the pan on the high rack , tell the kids to step back. You should be squatting with the oven door open watching your marshmallows get nice and toasty right before they burn. Though this is totally subjective on how much crunch and torchy marsh you like, I like a lot! You may need a towel at hand to slightly rotate your dish to get even torch (no marsh left behind, ask Bush) on your marshmallows. Once your topping has the right color that you prefer, allow it to cool for 30 minutes before cutting into it. You will want to run a sharp knife under hot water if you desire perty slices.

I hope you and the family enjoy this recipe, I mean s’mores all year round, you’re winning! Chocolate Overload S'mores Cheesecake

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Goo Goo Cluster Recipes, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Nashville Recipes, Cookie Recipes, Chocolate

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

This summer heat is working me over like crazy and even the sweat beads on my brow are becoming frustrated. Its like the sun has a vendetta and its unleashing hell and taking names, literally. But as far as  I’m concerned it could never be too hot to eat chocolate or break into a textbook chocolate chip cookie. Chocolate chip cookies are my sacred-kind of childhood snack and you may call me a snob when it comes down to it. I mean, cookies run rampid on the inter webs, being stuffed with nutella and laced with truffles for the so-called ‘real foodies’ but you can keep those. I’m somewhat of a purist when it comes to the circular, sometimes amoeba-shaped little puckets that pair so well with cold milk and shakes alike. Yes, milkshakes and cookies are sheer perfection, just ask my inner eight year old, he’ll tell you all about it.

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies,  Cookies, Chocolate Recipes, Nashville Food Bloggers, Bloggers, Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies, Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

Goo Goo Clusters were the equivalency of currency in our home and a treat to be savored upon the completion of one’s chores. My mother kept them tucked into the third shelf of what was better known as the snack cabinet. There were bags of Doritos, Moon Pies, Oreos and Chips Ahoy chocolate chip cookies, because those were my dad’s vice along with bottled coke.

I remember being in the line at the grocery store and spying the sweet treat laced with peanuts and dipped in chocolate sitting snug in the silver packages on the shelf. They were always calling my name and appealing to every desire in my four and a half foot being. Whenever I received my allowance I typically bought whatever I saw first because the money was ‘burning my pockets’ as my mom would say,  and back then you could find the Goo Goos three for a dollar. So quite naturally I bought six.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

I find joy in partaking in the most simplistic forms of dessert. I have a great appreciation for those creatives who taking something ordinary and make it extra-ordinary, but at the heart of it, all I desire is the textbook chocolate chip cookie, a moist slice of chocolate cake with the perfect amount of frosting, a scoop of vanilla ice cream and maybe a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. I went on the search for a cookie recipe that gave me the crunch around the edges, the chew in the center and the cookie that when you bit into it, nothing else matters and just for a moment–for a brief and satisfactory moment, you are the only person that matters. And I hope to give that to you today with these cookies. Now, remember to read all the way through the recipe before you begin, and definitely space your cookies the three inches apart because the nougat and caramel will cause your cookies to spread significantly, but thats not a bad thing in this case. Enjoy.

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

3 cups AP flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melt slightly & allow to cool slightly
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons Nielsen Massey vanilla
2 cups chopped Goo Goo Cluster chunks (Original & Supreme)
1/2 cup of %60 cacao bittersweet chocolate chips (I like Ghirardelli)

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cover your sheet pans with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl, set aside.

3. Beat together melty butter & sugars in a large bowl with a Kitchen-aid mixer on high speed until pale and fluffy, but do it gradually so you don’t have a mess on your hands, about 2 to 3 minutes. Lightly beat 1 egg with a fork in a bowl & add 1 3/4 tablespoons of it plus 2 remaining whole eggs to the butter mixture, beating with mixer until creamy, about 1 minute. Beat in vanilla. Reduce speed to low and mix in the flour mixture until just blended, then stir in Goo Goo chunks & chocolate chips.

4. Scoop 1/4 cup batter for each cookie, placing the portions 3 inches apart, on 2 baking sheets. Flatten mounds into 3-inch rounds using moistened palm of your hand. Form remaining cookies on additional sheet pans.

5. Bake, 1 sheet at a time, until golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Remember that oven temps vary so keep an eye on your cookies. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool and continue baking off the rest of your batter and cook it off.

Note: I have tried this recipe after dough has been frozen so I’m not sure how well it would work out but if you try it let me know!

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

 

Goo Goo Cluster Chocolate Chip Cookies

macerated strawberries and a farewell to Spring 

macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

When I was a child tracing the cracks of sidewalks with my tender bare feet I knew nothing of the joy that each season had to offer–I was simply on a mission to find things in the dirt and release them from the soils firm grip. It seems like yesterday Nanny was walking across the decrepit bridge to the garden in search of the overnight harvest. She would pluck a basketful of tomatoes that were tugging at the vines and grazing the moist dirt below. The Serrano peppers would be swaying in the breeze as if wanting to chime like bells on the veranda. It was indeed summer and spring was leaving behind the last of the wild berries that grew up against the fence. The old wooden fence where you could occasionally catch a glimpse of our neighbor’s dog’s eyes glaring at you in the sun. I avoided getting to close to that fence in fear of shrilling barks being directed my way with great force–and laced with disdain and contempt for my existence. That is what I knew of dogs then, not now.

macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

I remember only having a few strawberries to eat from those bushes because they didn’t produce much fruit and I’m not sure why. But it may have something to do with the local plants in Oak Ridge contaminating our water supply, I kid, we had much supply of vegetables that never lacked the ambition of sprouting forth–only the strawberries. I was a lover of strawberries when I was a child but I was a meticulous eater of sorts, only chasing the lush red fruit and leaving the slightly bitter and tangy hull behind. This relationship was and is still the same with many other fruits today, don’t judge, you simply like what you like and we are who we are.macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

macerated fruit, strawberries, Delvin Farms, buy local

In my family, I simply can’t recall anyone ever macerating strawberries or fruit. It just wasn’t ‘a thing’ in my family. My mother and Nanny both used the gelatin in a tub when making desserts if Nanny wasn’t putting it in Jell-O mold for a church potluck. My father’s mother was the rinse and eat from the pint kind’ve of woman, and the resident baker, my cousin Carnell would typically bake them into a cake that would be lathered with strawberry frosting. It wasn’t until my mother in-law came into the picture some eleven years later that I would actually know and love the art of macerated strawberries. I’m sure I came across it in some format or another throughout culinary school but nothing that stuck like when the MIL made them.macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

There’s nothing like strawberries in season that will create a flutter in your heart and an excitement of your palate when you bend down to pluck it fresh from the vine. The experience of that tender bite kissed by sun, releasing that sweet juice into your mouth and without warning the corners of your lips begin to curl up the sides and you’re smiling ‘something serious’ that just can’t be contained. The strawberries you’re feasting your eyes upon in the post today are from the lovely folks at Delvin Farms and some from the folks at Kelley’s Berry Farm. I won’t lie to you I picked both of them up at East Nashville Farmer’s Market because I like to spread the love event though I occasionally have my bias depending upon the product. But I couldn’t fight the urge to have these berries in snacking distance so I sat them in the front seat, and if you know anything about Nashville traffic, it’s a nightmare. I came to an abrupt stop and the berries began to cascade in slow motion through the air and onto my ‘freshly cleaned’ car floor (wink). Well, there was no way I would be able to separate them and I don’t think the berries minded being blended so everyone was happy and now we’re spreading the love for two companies, so win win.

As you all know it’s kind’ve of a pain in the roo to put recipes into a formatted display in which you can just scroll down to the bottom and make it. I’m a talker and I’m going to tell you what to do to have this deliciousness in your mouth sooner than later. Not to mention, I love that it encourages you guys to actually read the content though I know there are those of you who hate it (sorry, not sorry)!macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

All you need are some fresh local strawberries or some Driscoll’s or whatever store brand you can get your hands on will work. I know that I caught you kind of late with this post because strawberry season has ended for us here but you may be lucky. And be warned that most mass producers pick strawberries before they’re ready so macerating them is never a bad option. Always rinse your strawberries off unless you have a little country in you, like myself, then you eat them in the car on the way home from the market. Cut the berries into whatever size you prefer and toss them in to a couple of tablespoons of granulated white sugar. I recommend two tablespoons of sugar per pint of berries you have. Toss the berries in the sugar to give them an even coating in a bowl that’s not metal. Let them set in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes occasionally giving them a little stir to insure that the sugar is completely dissolved. Once you have a nice syrup in the bottom and fruit has weeped just a little, you have a perfect bowl of macerated strawberries ready to be devoured. This is great to do with your kids, it makes the perfect topping for a slice of cake or a scoop of ice cream and this process also works well with peaches, plums, pineapple etc. And if you desire to use raspberries or blackberries you’ll want to crush some of the fruit to encourage juicing.

macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

You can find this recipe on Steller Stories and please follow along for quick recipes and creative happenings in my life. I really hope you guys enjoy and I’d love to hear what you’re doing with your seasonal fruits!

macerated strawberries on The Local Forkful

 

Southeastern Cuisine and The Asheville Wine & Food Festival!

 

The Local Forkful, Food Blogger, SponsorIn anticipation for the Asheville Wine & Food Festival we’ll be talking all things southern food today, and why not? It’s only an intricate part of our lives here in the south and since the arrival of spring the fields have come to life with sun-kissed produce for harvesting. The creak of  screen doors have begun singing, honey suckle is running wild, the crickets are demanding your attention and the smell of smoked meat is in the air. Southern cuisine is the heartbeat of the southeast United States.cornbread panzanella salad

 

When I hear the word ‘food’ the first thing that comes to mind is ‘southern food’. Not simply because it’s mainly what I know but because it’s what I love. It is what I grew up eating around the dinner table and what I will die eating around the dinner table. Southern food is so rich in history and influenced by so many cultures that in #essence, southern food is ‘our’ food. We, a collection of people from different parts of the world all contributing little pieces to create a bigger picture.

 

Southern food is an experience all on its own; the simplicity of preparation in combination with love and attention to detail is what brings it to life. My mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are my greatest southern #food influencers. The most prominent of these three being my great-grandmother, she lived for food and loved everything about it. Most of my childhood memories involve her in the kitchen telling me stories of when she was a child, and how they used everything they had available to make meals. She’d tell me that eating your vegetables wasn’t an option when she was growing up because the table would be filled with them and maybe some cornbread and meat if they were lucky. I remember how upset she would be when people did not finish their food.Gluten Free Biscuits, The Local Forkful, Asheville Food and Wine Festival

I believe resourcefulness is at the heart of southern food. It’s the art of using what is available according to the season and making the best dish out of minimal ingredients. It’s the preservation of food to make it last through the cold season. It’s a celebration of hard work, the joy of new friendships and the exhibition of affection for mankind. There is an excerpt from John Egerton’s book Southern Food that sums it up perfectly…

 

“Within the South itself, no other form of cultural expression, not even music, is as distinctly characteristic of the region as the spreading of a feast of native food and drink before a gathering of kin and friends.  For as long as there has been a South, and people who think of themselves as Southerners, food has been central to the region’s image, its personality, and its character.”

Southern Food

 

I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else but the south, except Europe…because pastries, but even the French have their influence in the south (hello Louisiana!). But there’s something about cities like Nashville, Asheville, Memphis and Atlanta that make you excited about southern eats, not to mention the hole in the walls along the way and those boiled peanut stands dotting the sides of country back roads.

Roasted Beets, the local forkful, The Local Palate Magazine

 

The dining we experienced last spring in Asheville, NC is still clear on my palate as though it took place yesterday. The kale pekoras at Chai Pani, the fried green tomatoes and grits at The Early Girl Eatery and that gluten-free deconstructed s’mores dessert from Posana. And I won’t even get started on all that is French Broad Chocolates, that’s a whole blog post in itself if you’re familiar with my #chocolate addiction. I hope to see you at the Festival with me eating all the #southern goodness! You can find all the details here.