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Eat! Free Short Stacks At IHOP for National Pancake Day!

February 28, 2012 By

In celebration of National Pancake Day, IHOP restaurants nationwide are offering up free pancakes in an effort to raise awareness and funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

IHOP restaurants across the U.S. will be offering free short stacks of pancakes today from 7am to 10pm in attempt to raise $2.7million for select charities.

In return for the free pancakes, guests are asked to consider leaving a donation for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other designated local charities.

Eating for a good cause is as good as it gets!

For more information about National Pancake Day, and to find the nearest IHOP near you Click Here

Happy National Pancake Day!

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Party: Carnival, The World Get’s Their Party On Today!

February 21, 2012 By

Since Saturday many countries have been dancing the night away in the streets to bring in the Lent season which begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday.

Catholic and Eastern Orthodox societies hold festivals in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday that most commonly involve large parades and public street parties.

The Carnivals held in Rio De Janeiro, and Trinidad & Tobago are the most popular celebrations where people travel from around the globe to take part in.

On Wednesday Christians embark on a 40 day period of fasting and prayer, so one could appreciate the party till the wheels fall off atmosphere of Carnival before this journey.

Carnival in Rio or Trinidad is a great vacay whether its just the girls, just the fellas, or just the two us  type thing,  it doesn’t matter, a great time is guaranteed!

It’s too late for this year but you can begin planning for 2013 and trust me planning ahead is crucial  when attending carnival in Trinidad or Brazil because accommodations sell out up to 4 months before the events!

Here are some snaps of people getting their Carnival on!

[Gallery not found]
Filed Under: Party

Love: Work on Next Year’s Valentine’s Date With the Heineken Serenade Facebook App!

February 18, 2012 By

Valentines Day, the most depressing day for single Americans has past.

You and all of your single friends decided to be each other’s valentines, went to dinner, then to the strip club, all the while making fun of the sea of couples you all saw in passing in an attempt ease each others loneliness. Unfortunately it wasn’t as eventful as you had hoped.

Halt! Put down the lotion!  Heineken wants to help you “seal the deal” with that special someone and  get a jump start on V day 2013.

Just asking someone out on a date is soooo 2011, Heineken has introduced the Serenade Facebook App that enables you to woo your luv-candy in song.

With just a few clicks you can send a custom song to that special lady  asking her out on a date in hope that one day she will eventually have sex with you.

To begin your quest to having sex again here is the link to the Serenade Facebook App: http://apps.facebook.com/heinekenserenade

Send it to at least 5 women, because statistically,  1 out of every 5 women are willing to sleep with you. Then Bam! You’re so in there!  I’ve sent myself one, and I must say it was quite romantic. *wink*

The latest of Serenade promotion videos features a friend of Food & The City,  the talented funny man, Affion Crockett. This is hilarious! Check it out!

WhatChu Think? Fellas, if romance wasn’t valued extremely by women, would you still be romantic?What do you think of women’s expectations of romance in relationships? Unrealistic? or Whatever the lady wants she shall have?

Holla,

Filed Under: Live

Live! Senior on Bus Teaches Young Lady About Respect

February 17, 2012 By

My cousin brought this video to my attention and I have to say this is the most Gangster-ish Senior Citizen I have ever seen in my life! This is the kind of woman you want on the squad, because you know! That she has got your back!

No one knows the lady’s name so I’m just going to call her OG Oatmeal-Cookiez.  (Whaaat! she looks like she makes great oatmeal cookies… and she’s like an oatmeal cookie… sweet but rough in texture) *cheese*

In this video OG-Oatmeal gives a young lady on the bus a good “talkin’ to” for being disrespectful.

Disclaimer: OG-Oatmeal-Cookiez has a potty mouth. This video contains explicit language.

Holla!

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Live! Doggie Fame: Malachy, Westminsters’s 2012 Best In Show

February 15, 2012 By

This adorable Pekingese named Malachy won “Best In Show” yesterday in the only contest where bitch is a technical term ,   the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

One may wonder, what did Malachy and his handler, David Fitzpatrick, gain from their new doggy stardom?  Here’s the list of prizes for the 2012 “Best In Show” Dog.

-Silver Bowl Trophy

-Steak Dinner at Sardi’s, a historic restaurant in the Theatre district.

-A tour of the Empire State Builing

-And Malachy and his handler , David Fitzpatrick, will ring the opening bell on the NY Stock Exchange on Thursday.

(It’s a lil depressing that Malachy’s life, who is a dog, is more exciting then mine…just slightly)

Although there isn’t a monetary prize for the “Best In Show” title, the notoriety and appearance fees  from upcoming scheduled appearances on the Today Show, The View, and other shows, will make up for it. Also the Fitzpatrick recieves a higher stud fee for breeding the dog.

Apparently Doggy Fame comes with digital hate mail. Persons peeved at the judges  choice took to the internet to express how they felt about Malachy: ”I’m sorry, but the thing that won Westminster is NOT a dog. It’s more like an animatronic troll doll with extra hair,” said one Twitter comment.

My larger concern is for this Tweeter who made that and 1. Watching the Dog Show on Valentines Day, and 2.  then felt passionate enough to tweet about it… Talking about it is the first step buddy.

Well I got some ink in my pocket just in case I come across Malachy so that I can get a paw print (that’s how doggie celebrities give autographs….duuuuh!)

Congrats Malachy on your new shiny bowl, and superstar status!

Holla,

[Gallery not found]
Filed Under: Live Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Love! Nothing Says “Be Mine” Valentine Cheesecake Brownies

February 14, 2012 By

Most people like brownies and cheesecake, so putting them together only seems natural. Adding red food coloring to the brownie batter and swirled into the cheesecake mixture on top make for a festive dessert for Valentines day.

If he isn’t in love with you yet, whip up a batch of these Valentine Cheesecake Brownies to change his tune honey!

They’re super simple to make, and you can serve it in a desert dish with some vanilla ice cream with two spoons for sharing.

Valentines Cheesecake Brownies


Ingredients

  • 1 Box of brownie mix (brand of your choice)
  • 1  bottle red food coloring (1 oz)
  • Cheesecake Topping
  • 1 8 oz package cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1  egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Prepare the brownie mix according to directions on the  box adding the red food coloring. Reserve 1/3 cup of batter to swirl on top of cheesecake layer.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese, egg, sugar and vanilla with a whisk or with an electric mixer, until fluffy.
  4. Pour the cheesecake into the pan, on top of the brownie mixture.
  5. Add a tablespoon or so of water to the reserved brownie batter, and stir well. The texture should be like thick cake batter. Dot the batter onto the cheesecake layer, and swirl with a knife.
  6. Bake for about 30 minutes, until the cheesecake is set, and just barely starting to brown around the edges.
  7. Allow to cool fully before cutting.
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Live! Grammy Sum Up: Adele, Nicki Minaj (no comment), & Katy Perrys Smurfy Hair!

February 13, 2012 By

It’s the morning after Grammy night, a night filled with great accomplishments, and great performances by Adele and Jennifer Hudson.

I am so proud of Adele, It’s great to see true talent prevail. It’s refreshing to see an artist leave the antics and choreographers at home and just sing, and that’s exactly what Adele does, S-A-N-G!!! Any woman that can set Fire to the Rain is All-Rite with me!

Congrats Adele on your complete domination of the Grammys, taking home 6 Grammy’s girl !(talkin’ like I know her)

The mood was somber as the show went on without one of musics greatest song birds, Whitney Houston. Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Whitney by singing her career hit “I Will Always Love You.”  It was a very emotional moment. (Niagara falls on the tear scale)

Katy Perry let us know that she got a divorce, then wrote a song about it… Like to hear it… here it go… it’s called  ”Part of Me” .  I am goo goo gaa gaa over some bright colored smurf looking hair, but you should really consider giving your BFF  Ri Ri her wig back. Music artists are so lucky, they can break up and then make money off of singing about it, all I’ve ever received from an ex was trust issues. *shrug*

Dammit, I can’t take it no more!  Nicki Minaj has got to go! Last night she fell all the way off the effin’ map….. I’m done..

This bi#c!h is sorry.  Is anything sacred in America anymore….I know she wouldn’t have done this performance in Rome…. making a mockery of anyones faith is not cool, we don’t have to all believe the same thing, but respect is a must, and some things are sacred, period.

Ok, take away the all the references to Catholicism, the song is still Wack, and bad trees bear bad fruit, therefore the performance was Wack as well or an “Epic Fail” as my predecessors say…

Is this what’s hot right now, or am I just getting old…. I may just me getting old…but that ish was Wack-Sauce with a side of fu#*in horrible…

Relive this moment at your own risk smh (with my hands covering my face). I spent 5 minutes too long searching for the link to this mess..

I have nothing else to say…. except subscribe to Food & The City! (pssst. button is on the top right of the screen *wink)

Holla,

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Legend, Icon, Diva, Whitney Houston Says Farewell, But Not Goodbye at Age 48

February 12, 2012 By

Yesterday music lost another one of its treasures, Whitney Houston at age 48.

Whitney Houston was the epitome of Diva. She leaves behind a catalog of contributions to music that transcends time itself. Although she will never grace the stage again psychically, her music will outlive us all.

It’s sad that some can only focus on her not so glamourous history then her legacy. Most of us can suffer the ramifications of our bad discussions in private, and can successfully escape the judgment sketchy pasts from friends and family. Whitney, like any other superstar have no choice but to live their lives publicly.

Sure, some moments in Whitney’s life made for some good TMZ stories, but when someone dies, famous or not, a degree of respect, tact, and care should be taken when life is lost.

How she died,  and who was with before when she died, is irrelevant to me.  The end result is still the same, she’s gone, and that fact, trumps any detail that could come to light at this moment for me.

I remember when I became a Whitney Houston Fan.  I was in the 2nd grade and I got a whippin’ for borowwing my moms Whitney Houston’s “I’m Your Baby Tonight” tape and playing it until it broke…..no regrets lol.. I’d do it again.

Thank You Whitney for sharing your talent with the world, you will be missed!

Enjoy this Video Playlist of some Whitney Hits ! Celebrate Her Legacy!

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Love! 5 Things Not To Get Her for Valentines Day

February 11, 2012 By

First a little history….

Valentines Day was created in America because without it,  February would be void of a holiday where you were culturally bound to purchase something for someone else.  (source: ronique nicole 1981)

While most women anticipate to be swept off of their feet on February 14th in a vortex of romance, most will be disappointed because they’ve seen “The Notebook” one too many times, and unless you’re dating professor x, your partner can’t read your mind, and therefore are clueless to what your idea of “romance” may be.

Well, I can’t tell you what the standard of romance of  your girlfriend, wife, or baby-mama is,  but I can tell you 5 gifts that you should stay away from.

ONE:

Teddy Bears:  Unless your girlfriend is 12, I would stay away from the Teddy Bears. Adult females have no use for teddy bears. A while ago we’ve traded in tea time with Mr. Fluffles for mocha lates at Starbucks with Christina and Susan, our human friends.

TWO:

Candy: More likely than not, your girlfriend is on a diet. In America 9.5 out of 10 women are on a diet whether its been successful thus far or not. You can walk into any women’s restroom USA and overhear some lady who is a size 2 calling herself a fat ass in the mirror.

THREE:

Teddy Bear Holding Candy: This is a double offense.

FOUR:

Hand Made Anything: Unless you are a carpenter or a jewelry maker, put down the glue gun and go to the mall. Gift cards were invented for a reason.

FIVE:

Clothes Or Lingerie That Don’t Fit: If you don’t know her body and her size you better not call yourself  buying an article of clothing for her, because trust me, if you give her something that doesn’t fit, no matter what body type she is, it’s the body type you won’t be examining that night (if you know whadd-I-Mean).

Disclaimer: This is just advice infused with humor, and like any advice it should be aligned with facts.  You are the only one that can fill in “facts” about your relationship. So don’t contact me talking bout, I treated my girlfriend to a day at the spa,  and she wanted chocolates…*shrug*

What-chu-Think?  What are some of the worst Valentines Day gestures you have heard about or experienced?

Holla!

Filed Under: Love Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Live! Where For Art Thou X-Factor USA Judges!

February 9, 2012 By

Simon Cowell is setting the record straight that Mariah Carey Cannon and Beyonce Knowles Carter are not on the list of candidates to fill the two empty judge chairs over at X-Factor USA. Teeth are clenched to know who will fill these empty spaces?

Who Would You Pick?

Whitney Houston? (if she can keep it together *peering eye)

Gwen Stefani?

Chilli from TLC?

Fergie from BEP?

What-chu-Think? Who would you chose to fill the empty seats for X-Factor USA? 

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Eat! Kitchen Treasures: White Godiva Martini Cake, I Think It’s Love

February 8, 2012 By

There was a time that I thought there was nothing better than Godiva Chocolate.  Well the folks at Godiva proved me wrong by rolling out their line of Godiva Chocolate Liqueurs that could be dangerous, in a good way, in the hands of any skilled drink mixer or baker.

Tracy from New York proved just how deliciously dangerous she could get with Godiva Liqueur  with this remix of the red velvet cake.  The cake is adorned by a fluffy Godiva White Chocolate liqueur infused filling and frosting that is delish! Serving this cake up in martini glasses is sure to be the buzz of any par-tay!

Without further adieu, Behold!

White Godiva Martini Cake

Ingredients

RED VELVET CAKE
- 2 c white sugar
- 2 stk unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 5 oz red food coloring
- 2 1/2 c flour
- 1/2 c cocoa powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 c buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 Tbsp white vinegar
FILLING
- 2 pkg 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 2 c confectioners sugar
- 1/2 stk unsalted butter, softened
- 4 Tbsp white godiva liquer
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp heavy cream
FROSTING
- 4 stk unsalted butter, softened
- 6 c confectioners sugar
- 2-4 Tbsp heavy cream
- 6 Tbsp white godiva liquer
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.   Cream sugar and butter, beat until light and fluffy

3.   Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition.

4.   Mix cocoa and food coloring together and than add to sugar/egg mixture; mix well.

5.   Sift together flour and salt. Add mixture to the creamed mixture alternating with buttermilk; blend in vanilla extract.

6.   In a small bowl, combine baking soda and white vinegar and add to the mixture.

7.   Pour batter into 3 (8-inch) round greased and floured pans. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes or until toothpick comes         out alittle crumbly. Remove from heat and cool completely before frosting.

8.   For Filling:

9.   Cream together the cream cheese and butter.

10.   Add the confectioners sugar and vanilla extract until full incorporated.

11.   Add White Godiva Liquer and heavy cream to the cream cheese mixture and whip until fluffy

12.   For Frosting:

13.   Cream butter and vanilla together. Add the confectioners sugar until fully incorporated.

14.   Alternate adding White Godiva Liquer and heavy cream until desired icing consistency.

-recipe from justapinch.com

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Filed Under: Eat Tagged With: , , ,

Live! The Voice Season 2. Its On. And its Poppin’

February 8, 2012 By

As you may or may not know The Voice kicked off its 2 night premiere on Sunday and Monday.

Right out the gate the talent is flooding in, and so far the talent level is so much better than season 1.

The Voice has the best judge panel dynamic, Chistina, Adam, Sheldon, and Cee Lo make a great entertaining bunch as judges.

Does anybody wonder how Cee Lo came about acquiring the fancy feast kitty?  Ok maybe it was just me, N -E- Who. The best Voice moment so far has been Lindsay Pavao’s rendition of the 2010 poppin’ bottles anthem “Say Ahh” by Trey Songz.

Sorry Trey.. I like her version better…..

This season The Voice has churrned out of their marketing machine the 5th Coach Game via Facebook where you can pretend that you are the 5th judge, build your teams of 12, and rise some talented soul to stardom  (*boom, followed by dramatic pause for theatrical effect). …I’m so in!

So far team Ronique Nicole consists of….

1. Lindsey Pavao

2. Jamar Rogers

[viddler id=bbbd1e1d w=545 h=307]

3. Rae Lynn
[viddler id=f453a6e3 w=545 h=307]

4.Gwen Sebastian

[viddler id=46bd81dd w=545 h=307]

5. The Line

[viddler id=254f81f7 w=545 h=307]

6. Kim Yarbrough
[viddler id=56b427e0 w=545 h=307]

Boom,  there it is!     Who would your team picks be so far?

Holla!

Ronique Nicole

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Live! Super Bowl Half Time Show Recap: Some Things Are Better Left In The P-A-S-T, Madonna

February 6, 2012 By


First and foremost, I luv’s me some Vogue, and Material Girl totally went my head. All in all I respect Madonna as an entertainer.

In 1990, I was vouge-in with the best of em;  But, like Boys II Men, some things are better left in the 90′s.

Madonna’s Super Bowl half time show was wack (yes since we’re in the 90′s I will use 90′s slang), and I nominate the song “Give Me All Your Luvin” for the worst song ever award,it literally causes me emotional distress when I hear it. I can tell that the producers were like ” what is the crappiest song we can make in the shortest amount of time…. L-U-V Madonna…. Y-O-U.. You wanna.. that’s it!”

While the roman theme is great, and I can appreciate a good toga party any day.. But where in the hell does the Roman theme fit with any Madonna song ever made???  This is a classic case of theme-disconnection.

Wicked LCD screen and light displays, and then you have Cupid dancing on a tight rope?  When in doubt through LMFAO in the mix and get people to shufflin’…. eehh that didn’t work either, not even the fro-listic duo could save the day.

The Super Bowl Half Time Show is serious business, and this is the first time in a long time that I was more entertained by the commercials then the half time show.

Have we lost our way Super Bowl Half Time Show committee people……Get it together… you have 12 months.

Well so far, you can always count on the commercials…

Enjoy these funny Super Bowl Sunday commercials!Holla!

Crash The Super Bowl Doritos Contest Winner


Pepsi Commercial with the Winner of X Factor Melanie Amaro

M&M “Sexy And I Know It” Commercial

The Dog Strikes Back : 2012 Volkswagen Game Day Commerical

What Was Your Favorite Game Day Moment?

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Eat! Super Bowl Eats Day 5! Meatball Mini Burgers Baby Yeaaaah!

February 4, 2012 By

Super Bowl Sunday is like Thanksgiving without having the having to pretend to like unlikable relatives part.  You have total control over the invite list, and there is no such thing as too many potato chips.

This day wouldn’t be complete without the greatest invention since Tang, the slider.  Over the past 5 years Americans have been obsessed with making mini-me’s of great comfort food classics.  The meatball has taken the spotlight lately on the slider frontier, so for day 5 of Super Bowl Eats, I give you….. The meatball slider yeaaaaaaauhh..

Meatball Mini Burgers

Ingredients

  • Tiny Buns
  • 1  can (16.3 oz) Pillsbury® Grands!® Flaky Layers refrigerated buttermilk or original biscuits (8 biscuits)
  • 1  egg
  • 1  tablespoon water
  • 2  tablespoons sesame seed
  • Meatballs
  • 2  teaspoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2  cup chopped onion (1 medium)
  • 3/4  cup chili sauce
  • 1/4  cup water
  • 1/4  cup yellow mustard
  • 2  teaspoons chili powder
  • 32  frozen plain meatballs (from 28-oz package; about 3 cups), thawed
  • 8  slices (3/4 oz each) American cheese, cut into quarters

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. On ungreased cookie sheet, place biscuits 1 to 2 inches apart. Cut each biscuit into quarters, but do not separate pieces. In small bowl, beat egg and 1 tablespoon water. Brush egg mixture over tops of biscuits; sprinkle with sesame seed.
Bake 14 to 17 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; separate biscuit quarters.
Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook, stirring frequently, until onion is tender. Stir in chili sauce, 1/4 cup water, the mustard and chili powder. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Add meatballs to chili sauce mixture. Cover; cook over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are hot.
Split each biscuit quarter to make tiny bun. Fill each bun with 1 cheese piece, 1 meatball and some of the sauce. Secure with toothpick.
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Eat! Super Bowl Eats Day 4: Fried Tamale On A Stick, Oh My!

February 2, 2012 By

I don’t think one can ask for anything more delicious when it comes to these bite size beauties.

These  tamale remix is small in size, but mega in flavor. For day 4 of Super Bowl Eats, I give you……..

Fried Tamale on A Stick

Ingredients

  • 1 Pound Prepared Taco Meat
  • 3 Cups Masa Harina
  • 3 Cups Warm Water
  • 1/4 Cup Butter
  • Oil for frying

Directions

Make your favorite taco meat, whether it be with Old El Paso seasoning from a packet or a homemade spice blend with sauteed peppers and onions. Allow to cool.

Prepare tamale dough by mixing butter and masa harina and salt, then slowly adding the water. The dough should become wet and moldable. It should be around the consistency of peanut butter.

Flatten some dough in your hand, then add a spoonful of your taco meat, then wrap the dough around the meat forming a ball.

Steam your tamale balls for about two hours.

Remove the balls from the steamer, dust with flour, and fry for a few minutes until browned on all sides.

Serve with salsa.

Enjoy!

Recipe by TheFoodinMyBeard

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Eat! Super Bowl Treats Day 3: Football Spinach Pizzas

February 2, 2012 By

These mini footballs ain’t for punting, they’re for eating!

Mini Football Spinach Pizzas are a guilt free treat for Super Bowl Sunday. Here is how to make em!!

Ingredients

  • 1 tube Pillsbury thin pizza crust
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can Muir Glen pizza sauce
  • 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 9 oz bag baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
  • 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 pinch coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
  • string cheese for laces (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add the diced bell pepper and season with a little salt. Saute until crisp-tender,  2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.
  3. Back in the skillet, add the spinach; cook until wilted, 2 minutes. Transfer to a small strainer and press out any excess liquid.
  4. Roll out the pizza crust, and using a football cookie cutter, cut out…well, the football shapes.
  5. Place mini crusts on a greased baking sheet.
  6. Spoon a small amount of pizza sauce over each football. Follow with a good layer of wilted spinach.
  7. Top with a good sprinkling of goat cheese and a layer of red pepper.
  8. Bake for 6 minutes and remove from oven.
  9. Decorating Tip! While pizzas are baking, cut string cheese for the laces: Peel a few pieces of the string cheese into thin threads, and cut those into smaller pieces. When you remove pizzas from the oven, place string cheese on top in a lace pattern, then return pizzas to the the oven for another 3 minutes or until crusts are done.
  10. Drizzle each football pizza with a nice drizzle of oil and a few grinds of pepper, and serve immediately.

Recipe by Bev Cooks

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