Ooooooh, ahhhhhhh....

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know Single’s Awareness Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I wanted to make my friends and loved ones something special to celebrate the holiday, but this year I had to get my act together early since I will be out of town on the 14th.

Typically I would make some sort of baked good, but since most of those are out of the question nowadays I decided I would foray a new and unfamiliar territory: candy. I stumbled upon this recipe via Pinterest and knew I HAD to make it. I mean who doesn’t love Snickers bars? Especially homemade Snickers bars.

They are surprisingly easy to make – believe it or not – with no baking involved. Just a lot of melting, patience and willingness to get a bit messy. Wanna know how to make some for your friends? Recipe is below.

Homemade Snickers Bars (Adapted from How Sweet It Is)

makes one 9 x 13 pan

Ingredients:

4 cups of milk chocolate chips

1 1/4 cups of creamy peanut butter

1 cup of granulated sugar

1/4 cup of evaporated milk

1/4 cup of unsalted butter

1 1/2 cups of marshmallow fluff

14oz bag of caramels

1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

1 1/2 cup of salted peanuts

4 cups milk chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Combine 2 cups of the chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of peanut butter and melt until smooth. Pour into a very well greased pan and let cool completely (tossing it in the freezer to speed up the process is totally fine).
2. While the chocolate layer is cooling, combine sugar, evaporated milk and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Add in marshmallow fluff and 1/4 cup of peanut butter. Pour on top of chocolate layer and let cool completely.
3. While the second layer is cooling, combine the caramel and whipping cream and melt in microwave until fully combined (a few 30 second increments do the trick). Lightly chop up the nuts and fold into caramel mixture. Pour on top of nougat layer. Let cool completely.
4. Repeat step 1 and pour of the top of the camel layer and let it cool completely (see a trend here?).
5. Enjoy!

See, I wasn’t kidding, the recipe is a lot easier than one would think. Just some melting and mixing and you’ve got a delicious candy that will definitely impress your friends.

Here’s to a Happy (and sweet) Valentine’s Day!

Flowers that smell good and do good? Can it be true?

It’s that time of year…again. Valentine’s Day. Meaning it is time to stock up on cards, chocolates, and, yes, flowers for the one you love.

So while indulging in the most Hallmark of Hallmark holidays why not help the greater good as well? That’s where Roses for Autism comes in. It’s a New England rose farm that not only sells beautiful bouquets BUT also serves as a training and employment program for adults on the Autism Spectrum. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the flower sales go towards teaching people with autism the skills they need to be successfully employed in the community.

The farm was founded by Jim Lyman who’s teenage son Eli is autistic. Lyman wanted to help his son find and maintain meaningful employment while also allowing him to grow as an individual. Through Lyman’s background in agriculture he realized he could create a unique company that would bring together those in the autism and agricultural communities in a productive and meaningful way.

At the Roses for Autism farm, adults and young adults with autism grow, cut, package and sell flowers that can be shipped nationwide – just in time for Valentine’s Day! Or any occasion you see fit, such as my upcoming birthday…(cough, cough, hint, hint).

Well, what are you waiting for? There is only a week until the big (V)day! Hurry on over to the Roses for Autism website and buy your sweetie some roses today and know you’re supporting a great cause at the same time. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Bouquets priced from $45. To purchase visit the Roses for Autism website www.rosesforautism.com or call  203.453.2186.

Who I should be spending Thanksgiving with

I’m back! I know, I know, I’ve been MAJORLY slacking on the blog updating.  What can I say? It’s been an eventful month or two. Between launching a couple of restaurants, a few fundraisers, weddings galore, college football, and all the other craziness that is ‘season’ in Miami, I haven’t had much time to update this blog. Things have been just going way too fast to actually sit down and chronicle them.

But, my (early) New Year’s resolution is to update this sucker at least twice a week. And to lose 10 lbs. Hopefully I can stick to at least one of those goals.

Anywho, as some of you may know, I work in the hospitality industry and our Superbowl is this week – that’s right, Thanksgiving. Originally, I had plans to go to Orlando to see some friends and family, dine with Mickey Mouse, and then head to God’s Country (aka Gainesville, FL) to watch my Gators play against that dirty, dirty ‘girl’s’ school. But, due to a crazy roommate unforeseen circumstances, I have to now stay in town and move out of my apartment. You’re jealous, I know.

So where’s a girl to eat? If you’re not spending Thanksgiving at a relative’s house, or just don’t feel like cooking, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from around Miami. Check out my top 5 picks after the jump.

1500°  - One of my favorite steakhouses on Miami Beach and recent recipient of Esquire Magazine’s Best New Restaurants of 2011, it’ll be serving up a buffet fit for a king from 3-9pm on Thanksgiving Day. Highlights include Roasted Florida Cobia, Fig Molasses Slow Cooked Ribs, Roasted Turkey with all the trimmings, and for dessert – get ready for it – it’ll have a S’MORES STATION. Can you tell what my favorite dessert was when I was growing up?  (Price: $60++ per person. Located in the Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach: 4525 Collins Ave, Miami Beach; 305-674-5594)

 
Area 31 – This restaurant is known to put on a killer holiday buffet. I think I’m still full from its over the top Mother’s Day buffet. This Thanksgiving meal is sure not to disappoint with options such as Turkey AND Whole Pig Carving Station, Snapper with Coconut Rice, Pork Tenderloin with Bacon Sweet Potato Hash, Shellfish Stew with Chili Saffron and Coconut Broth, and more desserts than you know what to do with – and I almost forgot to mention, wine is included! (Price: $85 ++ per person and includes choice of red or white wine. Located on the 16th Floor of the EPIC Hotel: 270 Biscayne Blvd, Miami; 305-424-5234)

Christy’s - An institution in Coral Gables, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving here many times throughout my short life. This year they’ll be offering a ‘Traditional Thanksgiving’ which includes not only the BEST Caesar Salad you’ve ever had, but also Roasted Turkey, Creme of Mushroom Soup, Sweet Potato Mash, and a choice of Pumpkin or Pecan Pie. If you’re vying for a piece of red meat (I mean it is a steakhouse after all) they’ll be serving up some steak and fish options as well.  (Price: $39.50 ++ per person. 3101 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables; 305-446-1400)

Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill - The Truffle Roasted Chicken that is found on the Sugarcane menu is quite possibly one of my favorite dishes in town. I swear I have dreams about that dish and not only will that dish be found on the menu, but special a la carte offerings of Thanksgiving-inspired dishes will also be available such as Creamy Polenta with Duck Egg and Duck Proscuitto, Suckling Pig Porchetta, Apple Cider Roasted Turkey, and Pumpkin Pecan Clafoutis. Wash it back with a Spice of Love and you’re in business. (Price: Varies. 3250 NE 1 Ave; 786-369-0353
 )

Yarbird Southern Table and Bar – The newest dining darling from celeb chef Jeff McInnis, this restaurant will be offering up some good ol’ southern cooking on everyone’s favorite food holiday. The family style meal will have two seatings at 3:30 and 7pm and will be filled with Southern dishes like Cheddar Spoon Bread, Sweet Potato Pie, Green Bean Casserole, Turkey Three Ways (brined, confit, and of course, fried), along with a plethora of pies to round out the meal.  (Price: $65++ per person. 1600 Lennox Ave, Miami Beach; 305-538-5220)

This Saturday, October 1, will be the second Brickell Bar Crawl hosted by Miami Crawls. I had an absolute blast at the first one this summer but sadly I won’t be able to go this weekend’s crawl (out of town wedding – dammit). I highly recommend that you join in on the fun though if you are around this weekend.

The crawl starts at 3pm and tickets are $25 in advance or $30 day of the event. The money raised will benefit University of Miami Department of Neurology’s Residency Research and Education Fund, which CLEARLY means cute surgeons will be in attendance… (double dammit)

Buy your tickets here. Full drinking schedule can be found below.

BRICKELL IRISH PUB:
First Beer Free!
$4 Pints of Miller Lite
$5 Pints of Heinekin/Amstel Light/Newcastle
$6 Well Drinks

GORDON BIERSCH:
First Beer Free!
$3 Lager Specials, $2 off wine,
$3 garlic fries, $5 chicken tender platter

EL VATO TEQUILA & TACO BAR:
Free Pinneaple infused tequila shooter
$3 Miller Lite
$ 5 House Margaritas

B&B JOINT:
5/$5 Coors Lite/Miller Lite Buckets

RED BAR GALLERY:
$3 PBR, 5/$12 Budweiser Buckets, 5/$15 Corona Buckets,

FADO IRISH PUB:
$4 20oz. Pints of Stella Artois and Hoegaarden

BLUE MARTINI:
First Drink Free!
Half off Drinks, $5-9 Appetizer Specials

TOBACCO ROAD:
Free Jello Shot!
Domestic Beer $3.50
Import Beer $4.25
$5.25 Well Drinks

TRANSIT LOUNGE: TILT COVER BAND!!!
Free HurriCANE shot!
$3 PBR

My Addiction

Behold an allllll too familiar image of my desk for the past month…

I like Starbucks, don’t get me wrong, but I’m not CRAZY about it. I drink it on occasion when I need a pick me up to get through the rest of the day. Although most times, I’m fine with a plain ‘ol cup of joe that can easily be found in my office building.

Holy moly, does that change when Fall comes around.

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes are my second favorite thing about Fall, second only to College Football, of course. I’ve found myself craving them – sometimes even having two a day (hmm, and I wonder why I’ve had trouble sleeping…). While my love affair for them has only intensified, the close to $5 price tag for my coffee crush is not cool.

This past weekend I was determined to find a less expensive, at-home option, so I scoured the internet and found a few recipes and on Sunday morning I put them to the test. I’ll save you the nitty gritty of my latte trial and error and just give you want: the best tasting (non-fat) recipe.

Just-Like-Starbucks Skinny Pumpkin Spice Latte (Adapted from The Kitchn)

makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
1 cup non-fat dairy creamer OR skim milk
1 tablespoon canned pumpkin
1 1/2 tablespoons Splenda
1/4ish teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3/4 cup of strong brewed coffee OR 1-2 shots of espresso

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in spice, and transfer to a blender and process for 15-20 seconds until foamy. If no blender is around – just whisk until foamy.

Pour into a large mug and add the coffee on top.

Optional: Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

It’s much simpler than I thought it would be, and if you’re a pumpkin fan like me you’ll probably have all the ingredients already lying around your house. Also, you can double or triple the cream recipe and just heat it up when you want some Pumpkin Spice in your life (it stays for a 3-4 days in the fridge). Enjoy!

Boy, was she right.

Now that summer has a officially come to a close and the kiddies are back to school, it’s time for everyone to come out and play – and lord knows, it doesn’t need to be a weekend for us Miami folk to hit the town. Check out my top picks after-work activities to help you make it to the weekend a little more quickly…

Monday (9/12): Dolphins vs. Patriots – Monday night football is back and our Dolphins are kicking off the regular season against our long-time rivals, The New England Patriots. The game is sold out, but not to fear, this one will actually be aired in South Florida! That means it is time to hit up your favorite watering hole and drink up, because there is nothing like a Tuesday morning hangover to make the rest of your week for smoothly.

Tuesday (9/13) TEDxMIA 2011- Get inspired and channel your inner creative juices at this after-work conference at the New World Center. According to the release, the event will be, “a gathering of 500 diverse, innovative individuals all in one location. Expect to forge unexpected connections through the exchange of ideas, leading to extraordinary insights and triggering powerful inspiration.” Nine speakers will talk during the 3-hour event including everyone from wine makers to marine biologists. Tickets* are $50 and you can get them here. The is from 6-9pm. The New World Center  is located 500 17th Street, Miami Beach, FL. *Tickets are currently wait-list only.

Wednesday (9/14) Food Justice Film Series – O Cinema and Youth Lead have partnered up to bring our community a monthly series that showcases films which highlight the importance of eating responsibly and its effect on us and our world. This month’s film is Forks Over Knives, “examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods.” A pre-screening reception catered by Raw One begins at 6pm, followed by the film screening at 7pm. Tickets are $10.50 and can be purchased here. O Cinema is located 90 NW 29th Street, Miami, FL. 

Thursday (9/15) Mexican Independence Day at Talavera - I know what you’re thinking (and I thought it too), isn’t Cinco de Mayo Mexican Independence Day? Nope, September 15 actually marks Mexico’s true anniversary of Independence – 201 years ago. Talavera (and its sister restaurant, Jaguar Ceviche Spoon) will be celebrating in style with discounted margs, live entertainment, a traditional ceremony, El Grito, in honor of Mexico’s heroes, along with Mexican cuisine served throughout the evening. Festivities start at 6pm. Talavera Cocina Mexicana is located 2299 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL 

Friday (9/16) nextgen Kick Off Party – The end of summer means the beginning of philanthropy season here in Miami. To celebrate the start its season, nextgen, Community Partnership for the Homeless young professional group, will be hosting its annual kickoff party. While the $75 price of entry might be a little steep, it includes not only the party with gratis drinks, food, and live music BUT  a year membership to nextgen. If you ask me, partying for a good cause is a wonderful way to start the weekend. Buy your tickets here.  The event will be held at The Stage located at 170 NE 38th Street, Miami, FL.

Got an event you’d like for me to list? Shoot me an email at oleefowler at gmail.com.

The rumors are true – Buck 15 is indeed back in business!

This bar/lounge/hipster haven, closed back in March after a rent dispute with its landlord. The owners promised it would come back in a new locale, but we’ve all heard that spiel before, so I wasn’t exactly holding my breath for the bar to reemerge.

Alas, I was wrong (and for one of the few times in my life, I was happy I was) because it did re-incarnate in a new form just three blocks away from its old location. All the charming aspects of my favorite bar are still there such as the alley-way entrance, unexplainable wall art, low ceilings, 80s music, and 2-4-1 specials until midnight.

The bar Gods have officially redeemed themselves…

Buck 15 is located 437 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 

Go Gators!

Folks, its time to dust off your koozies, fill up your fridge with Natty Ice and whip out your most spirited game day ensemble because COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS BACK!!!

Not to knock professional football, it does make for a killer Sunday Funday, but college football has my heart. It’s also seems to have most of Miami’s heart considering we can’t sell any tickets to Dolphins games.

Sadly, I can’t make it up to Gainesville nearly as much as I would like to watch my beloved Gators play. With that said, I’ve found several great places around my hometown to catch college games when I can’t make it to the game myself.

Below are my top 5 places in Miami to watch your alma mater (or the school you grew up down the street from but never got in to – same difference) take the field on any given Saturday…

5. Flannigan’s (any and all locations, but I frequent the Pinecrest and Grove ) What’s there not to love about cheap beer, decent bar food, and numerous TVs playing every game from here to Hawaii into all hours of the night. There’s a reason that this bar is staple in almost every neighborhood in South Florida. The one drawback is at least one time per visit I say to myself, “oh, look, there’s a baby…in a bar.” But, if drinking with the occasional child around doesn’t bother you isn’t a concern then cheers! 11415 South Dixie Highway, Miami, FL; 2721 Bird Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL

4. Sandbar (Coconut Grove) Yes, you read correctly, I am endorsing a UM sports bar. Being a die-hard Gator fan, it can sometimes be tough to stomach all the orange and green surrounding me on game days, but on days I can stomach it, Sandbar is a great place to watch the game and have some killer fish tacos. 3064 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL

3. Smoke’t (South Miami) While this restaurant/lounge/future-home-of-Shake Shack is located across the street from the University of Miami, it has taken a que from the Miami Dolphins and hosts a UF Football viewing party – so clearly it needed a place on this list. While I wouldn’t go here for dinner, its a nice change from the standard sports bar that I tend to frequent to watch the games and offers interesting barbeque (I use this term loosely) items and craft beer specials. 1450 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables, FL

2. Burger & Beer Joint (Brickell) This ranks so highly on the list because the food is delicious – a massive bar area doesn’t hurt either. It’s a good spot to go to if the game you are wanting to watch falls around lunch/dinner time. If you ask me, a gameday meal doesn’t get more perfect than a Mustang Sally and an ice-cold Shock Top. Inside Mary Brickell Village, 900 South Miami Avenue, Miami, FL

1. Miller’s Ale House (Coral Gables) I’ll admit, this one won by default because my beloved Sports Exchange closed earlier this year. Miller’s Ale House is another chain with locations scattered throughout Miami, but the newly opened Coral Gables location is nicest of the bunch. While smaller than its counterparts, it has insanely cheap drinks, a large food menu, and the cleanest, least-questionable crowd of all the Ale Houses in the area. 101 Miracle Mile, Coral Gables, FL

Stripped shoe with a Louboutin-inspired sole? ADORABLE. Want one for yourself? Pick yours up by clicking on the picture.

It’s Thursday and that means a big portion of Perricone’s pasta menu is only $10 all evening long. Some of the options include homemade potato gnocchi, whole wheat pasta with salmon, penne pomodoro, and several others. I know this deal has been around for sometime, but I am currently craving carbs and it sounds like a wonderful dinner plan. Any takers?

Perricone’s Marketplace is located 15 SE 10th Street (right across form Mary Brickell Village). For more information call 305.374.9449.