We're making Whoopie...

...Pies, that is! And no, not this Whoopi.







You're probably asking yourself, what is a whoopie pie?

A whoopie pie (alternatively called a gob, black-and-white, bob, or "BFO" for Big Fat Oreo) is a baked good made of two round mound-shaped pieces of chocolate cake, sometimes pumpkin cake, with a sweet, creamy frosting sandwiched between them. While considered a New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition, they are increasingly sold throughout the United States. According to food historians, Amish women would bake these (known as hucklebucks at the time) and put them in farmers' lunchboxes. When farmers would find these treats in their lunch, they would shout "Whoopie!"

So what's the big whoop? We're now selling these housemade goodies at all of The Goddess and Grocer locations. Choose from chocolate or red velvet cake, half-dipped in chocolate. These cakes are so good, nothing we say is going to do them justice. Well, actually all we can say is "WHOOPIE!"

Panna Dolce Macarons

What was previously sold exclusively online, Panna Dolce now calls The Goddess and Grocer home for their French Macarons. A mouth full will have you saying, "J'aime manger des macarons!"

Who is Panna Dolce?
Panna Dolce is an authentic French online bakery specializing in French Macarons, Overloaded Cookies and The Brownie to End All Brownies. Based in Chicago, they bake all of products to-order to ensure the highest quality, freshness and shelf-life. Their authentic recipe is modeled after the classic Laduree French Macaron and combines exciting premium flavors with traditional french pastry.

What makes a Macaron a Macaron? Read Panna Dolce's history of Macarons:
Almond macarons, originally an Italian delicacy, were first created in 1792. Later, they were brought to France by Carmelite Nuns who were seeking asylum during the French Revolution. To pay for housing, the Nuns baked and sold macarons. These Nuns later became known as the “Macaron Sisters.” The Nuns followed the theory that "almonds are good for girls who do not eat meat."


What makes these treats just a little extra awesome? GLUTEN-FREE and WHEAT-FREE! Rejoice all!

Some flavors for thought:
Almond Butter and Strawberry Jelly Macaron
Chocolate Caramel Marshmallow Macaron
Chocolate Buttercream Macaron


Click here to find your local The Goddess and Grocer location or Panna Dolce for more details!

Sweet Girl Chocolate Mousse Tasting

What: Chocolate Mousse Tasting
When: Saturday, February 6th from 1-3pm
Where: The Goddess and Grocer Bucktown



"Convenience without sacrifice, what could be better!"
With Valentine's Day around the corner, you're thinking about what you want to do for your special friend, lover, or him/her. Think about giving them something homemade...like Chocolate Mousse! Oh, but you don't know how? Ah, perfect. This Saturday we're having a Chocolate Mousse tasting hosted by one of the owners and creators of Sweet Girl Chocolate Mousse, Dana Benigno. Not only will be you be able to try out this dessert, but you can chat with the owner and learn how to make it yourself! The product prides itself on being easy to make from ingredients that are organic and fair trade.

To learn more about Sweet Girl check out their website: http://www.sweetgirldesserts.com/


Peace, Love, and Sweets,


Goddess

A Bitch for a Bitch

This week's episode of "The Real Housewives of Orange County" the women are drinking a wine we sell here at Goddess and Grocer called "Bitch". It's a tasty 100% Grenache which is grown from 40- to 60-year-old vines from the Ebenezer sub-region of the Barossa. A " difficult-to-grow grape" hence the name. Join the ladies this Thursday with toast of "Bitch".

Also, this Valentine's Day we'll be selling gift baskets for your [wine lover] that includes "Bitch" among many other sweet treats.

Wow, how many times do you think we can say "Bitch"?

Check out BravoTV for more airing details: http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county

One Potato, Two Potato, Sweet Potato Month!

There is a theme for every month and a month for every theme. Among all the happenings in February, Sweet Potatoes are on the agenda. At The Goddess and Grocer (Bucktown) we routinely serve up Sweet Potato French Fries with Sage Mayonnaise. It's the perfect paring to any one of our sandwiches we offer.

Give them a try and let us know what you think!






Sweet facts about these taters':

• The sweet potato is the 6th principal world food crop, and approximately 90 percent of the worlds' crop is grown in Asia.
• The sweetness continues to increase during storage and when they are cooked.
• They are packed with calcium, potassium, and vitamins A and C. This is why one colonial physician called them the "vegetable indispensable."

Baskets of Love

A day of romance and fine foods. Whether you celebrate it or not, you can't deny the sweet treats and decadence that this holiday is all about. Here at The Goddess and Grocer we've made it easy for you to show love to your love. With baskets full of wine, chocolate, teas, baked goods, and sweet treats it will sure make her {his} heart skip of beat...or just pump faster from all the sugar.

Also check out when you check-out, Valentine's cookies located at the counter. More than just a cookie, it's art.










Ok, so you know what goods to get. Now you need a reservation at a real classy place. Perfect. Done. Feast Restaurant offers an amazing prix-fixe menu for Valentine's Day. Click here to check out the menu, but we're sure you'll love it. Reservations recommended.

Dipping into Super Bowl

We've been gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday the past couple of weeks. Holding our breathes until we could find out what color to make the cupcakes and what dips to go with what chips. Finally, it's just around the corner.




Here's a preview of our scrumptious Super Bowl cupcakes: Chocolate and Vanilla cake with butter cream icing. Touch down, flavor!






A great arm work out starts with great dip! Try some of these for your Super (dipping) Bowl:

• Spinach, artichoke and parmesan dip
• Tuscan bean and garlic dip
• Caramelized onion and sour cream dip
• Guacamole
• French onion dip
• Hummus - plain, garlic or spicy

Order today by phone 773.292.7100 -or- fax us 773.292.7117

So, how about a little tune for the sake of dipping! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHBwDYyyGxs