Crazy for Popcorn

I love good popcorn. I'm just old enough to remember when movie theaters had real butter, not 'buttery topping' as the man at the theater described it to me recently. (And the popcorn came in tubs, not paper bags.) When I worked at The Comedy Stop there was a popcorn machine and while it didn't have butter we would sneak in sticks of butter for the corn ourselves. (Shhh, don't tell the management, I may want to work the club again one day.) Microwave popcorn, while edible, isn't quite as good as the popper kind (and don't get me started on air popped, that's just wrong.)

I like the flavored popcorn too. Cheddar, herb, Parmesan, caramel, kettle, chocolate, it's all good. (For the best white chocolate popcorn, go to Danielle's which is also the only place in Las Vegas where I can get caffeine free Dr. Pepper.) A few years ago Will and Val got some popcorn from her folks for Christmas from The Popcorn Factory which is how I discovered the delightful combining of cheese popcorn with caramel popcorn.

Anyone from the Chicago area is familiar with Garrett's Popcorn and their 'mix' which is half cheese popcorn and half caramel popcorn mixed together. I'm into salty and sweet together so this mix is extraordinary. But Garrett's is pricey and has to be shipped. Ditto for Popcorn Factory. I tried a cheap kind from the discount store last holiday ($2.50 for a three gallon drum should have tipped me off, but no) and was sorely disappointed. So imagine my delight when we went to lunch last Sunday (to Cafe Deia for tapas, future post on that later) and I spotted Dyer's Gourmet Popcorn. We had to stop and try some (okay, I had to stop and everyone got dragged along) and boy is it good.

They have several 'everyday' flavors like butter, white cheddar, caramel, caramel pecan (whole pecans, delicious) and they had the "mix". He also has some specials like pina colada, jalapeno and chocolate (which is more like a cocoa kettle corn that a chocolate covered). It's fresh (never more than a few hours old) They offer samples and we had fun trying it. And I got my mix. Oh so good, the caramel is a great but not overpowering caramel corn and the cheese is such a fun orange with great cheesy flavor. Yum.

Now, I wish I could be the business advisor there. He has a lot of things I would improve upon, first of which is a functional website. I swear, I could increase his business by 30% if he's let me make a few suggestions. But instead I'll just keep my mouth shut (mostly to chew the delicious corn!) But if you are ever hankering for some Chicago style popcorn while you are in Vegas and you are out by Durango and Flamingo, head to Dyer's. Get the mix. While you're at it, get me some too!

Whip It Real Good

Friday I went to the movies for the first time in forever (I believe it may have been the first time in 2009) which is unusual for me but with the business plus raising an 88 year old I never have time. But I had received a summons for Grand Jury duty so Mom was home to watch The Graminator and I had already done my hair and makeup (wow, makeup, I know but for me it's a feat) when the court called to tell me I had been excused and didn't need to go. So I decided to get some supplies for a cake I'm doing and go to the movies.

I went to see "Whip It", the roller derby themed directorial debut of Drew Barrymore. It was terrific and I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up. *SPOILER ALERT* Don't read more if you don't want to know about the film!

Ellen Page (Juno) plays Bliss, a small town Texas teen who doesn't quite fit in. She's not a square peg in a round hole, she just hasn't found her niche yet. When a classmate says to her, "So, you're alternative now?" she answers quizzically "Alternative to what?" Bliss tries to be a good daughter, competing in the town's beauty pageant to please her mother, a former Miss Blue Bell herself who now delivers the mail and lives in a tiny house and pins her lost dreams on her two daughters. Bliss' father loves his kids but can't quite relate to all that estrogen so he watches a lot of football (and looks longingly at the guy next door with his two rough and tumble sons.)

Bliss and her best friend Pash sneak off the bright lights of Austin one Friday night to see an exhibition match of the Texas roller derby league. After the excitement of her first encounter with derby, Bliss tells the captain of the Hurl Scouts ( the losingest team in the league) that "You're my new heros." Maggie (Kristen Wigg from SNL) tells her to come to try outs and "be your own hero".

Bliss straps on her Barbie roller skates and even though she's too timid to hit anyone, makes the Hurl Scouts. Her journey to become "Babe Ruthless" through derby is a fairly typical coming of age story. All of the things that happen to Bliss probably would have happened to her in college anyway. But derby teaches Bliss to stand up for what she wants, to be her own person, even if that person isn't 'mainstream' and that men are pigs (sorry guys). Sure, she takes some hits along the way, but the derby metaphor holds. If you get up, keep going and get a little help from the team, you can "Whip it".

This movie was Girl Power to the max but so much fun that I think even men would like it. It's less about Roller Derby and more about learning about yourself and your relationships with people around you. How the people who may not understand you can still love you and how important family is, whether they are you 'real' family or your teammates.

Brilliant performances by the cast, including Marcia Gay Harden as Bliss's postal carrier mom (I adore her as an actress but find her arched eyebrows just a bit distracting), Andrew Wilson as the Hurl Scouts' coach (he's the third and most underused of the Wilson brothers, Luke and Owen. He has their talent and he's as good looking so I don't know why he isn't in more movies), Juliette Lewis who was awesome as "Iron Maven" the rival team captain who fears that Bliss is going to steal her last chance at a moment of glory, and Daniel Stern as Bliss' dad, who had one of my favorite moments of the film. (Putting out his own yard sign of pride.)

The credits end with the dedication something like (I'm paraphrasing, sorry) "For all the girls who think they can, you can!" and that's how I felt leaving the theater. Empowered and happy. I've heard that some 'real' roller girls aren't happy, that they felt the derby stuff wasn't realistic enough but again, the movie wasn't about derby as much as it was about people. And I learned more about derby than I expected. My grandparents used to watch derby when I was a kid but that's about all I knew. Now I understand how it's played.

Drew did a great job directing, relegating herself to a fairly minor character, the Whole Foods cashier by day and roller derby "Smashley Simpson" by night. The scenes were well shot, the pacing was great and the movie never lost it's focus on Bliss.

I don't roller skate (fear of falling down) and I could never be a roller girl (see fear of falling down compounded with fear of elbows to head, flying over railings and concussion) but I loved the power and freedom those girls had. So while I may not be a derby girl on the track, I'm a derby girl at heart. They all had such awesome names that I wanted my own derby name. So just call me "Ginger Wail" as I wail on you while I pass you on the imaginary track in my head!

Get Out

A friend's sister was a battered wife for apparently a very long time and the years of physical and mental abuse ended in terrible violence. I know what toll emotional and physical abuse can take, and I know what it does to your self-esteem. In my opinion, abusers NEVER change. They can promise you anything, but they will abuse again and again and they will try to make it all your fault. If you are the victim of abuse, get help and get out. Don't hide it, don't excuse it and don't live with it.

Needed a Laugh

I'm feeling a bit sad today. Alzheimer's is robbing me of my sanity while it robs The Graminator of her memory. So here is a laugh from Mitchell and Webb. I love those witty Brits. I laughed out loud. Thanks guys, I needed that.

Hair!

So my hair appointment took four hours yesterday. I went to Marcy at Shag Me, who also does my brother's and sister-in-law's hair so I knew I was in good hands. I just laid down the guidelines and then let her go to work. Here were my hair issues:

1. I have no forehead. It's more of a two-head.
2. I have a widow's peak.
3. I'm not going to spend hours each day doing my hair, so it has to be easy care. But...
4. She had to show me three ways to style it or else it was just gonna get pulled back all the time.
5. I'm not a blonde. Ever.
GO!

First she decided I needed bangs. Although I was a bit nervous (I haven't had bangs since the fifth grade) I said why not - my hair philosophy is that it's grow back out. She asked if I wanted long side bangs (no, because once they get into my face I get irritated and pull them back, see #4) so she decided on "Betty" bangs (after pin-up Betty Page.)

Once the bangs were cut (they still looked awkward at this point because they wanted to go back in the ponytail) we talked color. She decided on a dark brown with red undertones to match my natural hair color (since I can be lazy about touchups) and then lots of thick red highlights all over.

Once color was done (and an eyebrow waxing, I usually do my own but it was a 'pamper me' day) she started cutting my hair. Well, razoring my hair, into choppy little ends. Then she straightened and texturized it. Then she showed me not three but FOUR ways to style it. And the result?



I love it! It's totally not something I would ever have picked out for myself but it looks so cool. The color is amazing and the bangs hide my widow's peak and make my forehead look larger! I feel hipper and fresher than I have in a long time and even got flirted with by the guy at the pizzaria when I picked up dinner (new hair, new confidence, isn't that funny?)

I'll try to post better pics later, but that is one I took last night (please forgive the "no makeup" look.) And if you are ever in a hair rut, call Marcy at Shag Me Salon (702-823-5446). Trust me, you can trust her!!!!

Eclairs and Gougeres, Oh My

So I was obsessed with making gougeres (savory cheese puffs made with pate choux) so one day I just did it. I made a small batch, using pepper jack for the gougeres (which was not a strong enough cheese so next time I will use a sharper, more flavorful cheese.) I also made a vanilla bean pastry cream for the eclairs which I lightened by folding in whipped cream. (Sherry Yard had a name for this mixture in her cookbook but I can't remember for the life of me what it was.) Then I topped them with homemade dark chocolate ganache. They were sooooo good. I made them small, just a couple of bites big, and when I was eating them I wished I had made them HUGE - so it's probably a good thing that I didn't.

All the baking that I'm doing for GCS leaves me little time to bake for myself, but I'm still determined to make black and white cookies and French macaroons. But right this minute, I'm dreaming of big, spicy, gooey cinnamon rolls. Not the ones from the can, but homemade with lots of cream cheese icing. We have a VDE meeting on Saturday and if I have enough time on Friday night, I'm going to make some to take to the meeting.(I have several orders that have to go out on Friday so it's a big if.) As soon as the weather turns cool (it's in the high 70's, which may not seem cool to you but in Vegas it's practically sweater weather) I want to make cozy foods and bake like crazy. Guess I'm in the right business!

Okay, order to pack for shipping, then this afternoon I've got a hair appointment. I have no idea what I'm going to have done, but I'm ready for a radical change. I'll post pics, providing I look okay.

Things I'm So Sick Of

I'm getting really tired of a few things, so I'm going to get this off my chest. Feel free to add your own current peeves to the list!

John and Kate - Ugh! If I hear any more about these two morons I might just have to go postal. Does anyone besides me wish that CPS would take their kids away from them? Both of them need to learn to be responsible adults and quit airing all their dirty laundry in public. Stop acting more childish than your five-year-olds, get your act together and get some therapy for your kids, because they are going to need it! And while we are on the subject...

TLC - when did "The Learning Channel" become, as my mother calls it, "The Sideshow Network"? Shows about little people, families with dozens of kids, toddler beauty pageants and shows like "My Monkey Baby" (seriously, I can't make this up). I'm pretty sure it's only educational in the sense of what NOT to do!

Daily stories about the housing crisis - Is there anyone on the planet who doesn't know that the housing market is in the toilet? Do we seriously need daily reminders? It's bad, we get it, and not only do we get it, we're LIVING it! Enough already, at least make the gloom news weekly instead of daily. This goes for unemployment and slumping cars sales too.

Medication commercials - Okay, we need to ban pharmaceutical sales from television. Not only do I no longer want to hear about fibromyalgia, erectile disfunction, bladder control or cholesterol, but I also never, EVER want to hear the side effects of these medications again. I don't care how bad your nerve pain is, increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions is not worth it. I also don't need to hear any more about priapism, vomiting, blurred vision, constipation or dry mouth. Remember the good old days when the doctor prescribed medication instead of the patient? Let's go back to that.

People who can't follow traffic laws - It's a law for a reason. For the safety and well being of ALL drivers. So quit running red lights, ignoring the 'right lane must turn right' signs, speeding through school zones, ignoring the right of way and all other gosh darned rude and illegal driving. We get it, you're life is far more important than ours is. But sooner or later you are going to hit someone or something and I don't want it to be me. You can be darned sure that these drivers are the ones complaining about the high cost of auto insurance and the litigious society we live in, but it's their danged fault. Stop it!

This is what's been bugging me lately. What's got a bee in your bonnet?

What I'm Working On

It has been busy around Glitter City Sweets, we doubled our sales in September and believe me, August was busy enough. I'm going to have to hire extra help for the holidays!

We are doing more custom cookies as our reputation gets out there and our marshmallow sales are still booming. We will be offering a homemade hot cocoa and marshmallow combination for the holidays along with pumpkin, caramel and peppermint marshmallows and a variety of holiday cookies. Whew. Bur I love the holidays!

Here is what we've done, just in the past two weeks.


These are table card cookies for a Bar Mitzvah in California. Mazel Tov Michael!


This is "Bunnicula". Apparently he is a vampire rabbit who sucks the life out of carrots. These were designed for the cast of the play based on the book of "Bunnicula". Notice that one ear has the play name and the other ear was personalized for each cast member. We hope those kids had a great show!



Cookies can serve multiple purposes. These, for example, were first an invitation to a birthday, then you can eat them. First birthdays are such a milestone and we are very pleased to be a part of such a special occasion. Happy Birthday Sofia and props to her mom Tami for such a fun invite.


These were favors for a big birthday. Life's a beach! Each cookie was embellished with royal icing on the umbrella, sailboat and starfish. Aren't they adorable? Happy B-Day Barbara.


Our corporate client list keeps on growing. Logo cookies are a great way to say thank you to clients or a unique way to introduce yourself. Who doesn't like getting cookies?


Custom "Welcome to Las Vegas" lollipops for a bride from Texas who came to Vegas to get married. She wanted these for the 'Welcome' bags for her out-of-town guests. I love them!


These lobster cookies are for a wedding in Rhode Island next week. They were sent off just yesterday. They were so much work but they were so worth it. And I love the personalized ribbon, it adds a very special touch. Mucho thanks to Diana at
Chic Favors and Invitations for the ribbons. I'm so happy to have found her and I know we will be working together a lot in the future. Sometimes fate gives you exactly what you need when you need it and Diana is one of those fateful things.


Same bride from Texas but these poker chip cookies were favors for the wedding. I wish Amanda and Craig much happiness, and thanks for letting GCS be a part of your big day!


Champagne anyone? A bit of bubbly for a 40th Birthday in New Jersey.


Huh? Why is there a picture of mushrooms in a post about sweets? Because they are MARSHMALLOW mushrooms. Popular in the U.K, but hard to find in the U.S., we were challenged by a customer to make her some. And they are both realistic and delicious. Even people who hate mushrooms will love these fun fungi!

Yes, that's just SOME of the things we have been up to. We now have handmade gummy candy as well. New products being worked on every day. I also want to thank Maura for her wonderful blog post about Glitter City Sweets, you are the bomb, girlfriend!

Okay, heigh ho, heigh ho, it's back to work I go, marshmallows and a special birthday cake are on the work orders today. Bless Georgie for letting me bake all the time now in her commercial kitchen. My 'couple hours a week' has become a 'couple of hours every day'. It's amazing the generosity you are given sometimes!

X's and O's

Since my last post seemed to stir something, I thought a bit of humor today was called for. You know how I love those Brits for their sassy comedy, so here is a bit of Mitchell and Webb to lighten the day.

XX (and no, I don't think you are twenty, even though you look fabu!)