LUCY & ETHEL IN THE CANDY FACTORY: I Love Lucy Day

Today is I Love Lucy Day. And really, who doesn't love Lucy? I Love Lucy was one of the most watched television series of its time. Today's unofficial holiday commemorates the day in 1951, when the show, starring real-life couple at that time, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, debuted on CBS.

Being that I'm all about chocolate, here's my favorite scene from the Queen of Comedy: Lucy and Ethel in the Candy Factory.

And, in case you're curious about where this episode was filmed: Filming actually took place at the See's Candies factory in Los Angeles, on May 30, 1952.  Lucille Ball and Vivian Vance spent half a day learning the ropes, dipping chocolates and packing candy on the production line before filming began. The uniforms the two wore were actually borrowed from See's workers.

Watch the Lucy & Ethel in the Candy Factory clip below. 

And, in case you want collectible to commemorate the episode,  you can find Lucy & Ethel in the Candy factory Barbie dolls on eBay. 

Cartoon of the Day: Dessert Day

 

DESSERT CHARCUTERIE BOARD: National Dessert Day

Today is National Dessert Day, but every day is Dessert day at my house-- chocolate dessert. But if you’re looking for a few fun ideas to put together for National Dessert Day or for a sweet surprise for your next party, check out this guide from Shari’s Berries on Dessert Charcuterie Boards. One of the best ways to  introduce your guests to  your favorite treats is with a dessert charcuterie board! Whether you prefer a traditional mix of flavors or bits based on a certain theme, build your board with a variety of sweets. Opt for candy such as chocolates or go big with brownie bites and cupcakes.

Shari's Berries:

Before you create your dessert charcuterie board, you need to choose a theme! Your favorite flavor combinations or a certain ingredient like a specific candy or fruit can help inspire your board’s theme. Once you’ve chosen a theme, consider what ingredients will add visual interest and texture to your dessert platter. If you’re not sure what to include, these dessert charcuterie board recipes will give you a place to start!

Fruit Lover 
Enjoy fresh fruit paired with creamy melted chocolate for a sweet surprise! An assortment of dried fruits and berry kabobs are perfect to dip into a melted mound of chocolate. A side of brie and fruit crackers are perfect for pairing with tangy and bold fruit flavors. Add in a handful of hand-dipped cherries to top off this candied board.

Sweet and Salty 
Satisfy both of your cravings at the same time with this dessert charcuterie board. Compile savory snacks like crunchy bacon and salted nuts to pair with a mixed hazelnut and chocolate spread. Dark chocolate with sea salt and chocolate potato chips are also great options to wake up your tastebuds!

Charcuterie Board Styling Tips 
Using the right size boards and utensils will make assembling and serving that much easier! Before you begin, choose the right size board to display your treats on. Place the necessary bowls and utensils on before adding food to assess how much space is left over and then add in your other ingredients around this. If space allows, place extra ingredients such as sauces and dips on the outside of the board. Last but not least, make sure to add in some color! A mix of bright shades will attract the eyes of your guests, but it will be the fun flavor combinations that keep them coming back!

Experiment! Enjoy!

Red's Ultimate M&M Cookies: National M&M Day

Today is National M&M Day! Celebrate with Red's Ultimate M&M Cookies or just eat a handful of M&Ms. 

M&Ms originated in the United States in 1941, and are now sold in as many as 100 countries. The candy-coated chocolate concept was inspired by a method used to allow soldiers to carry chocolate without having it melt. They are produced in different colors, some of which have changed over the years, with special ones for holidays and celebrations. 

Red's Ultimate M&M Cookies

Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 12-ounce package M&M® MINIS®

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F.
In large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy
Beat in egg and vanilla.
In medium bowl combine flour, baking soda, and salt; blend into butter/sugar mixture.
Stir in M&M® MINIS® Milk Chocolate Candies.
Drop dough by heaping teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake 10 to 13 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and centers are still soft. Do not overbake. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheets; cool completely on wire racks.
Store in tightly covered container.

MAKES ABOUT 50 COOKIES.