Social Commentary Courtesy of peopleofwalmart.com

I am obviously addicted to peopleofwalmart.com. Apparently this shopping list was discovered at a Walmart in Virginia. I'm not sure if it reflects more poorly on the American diet or on our educational systems. I do, however, have a pretty good suspicion that the authors of this list may need some cardiac care in the near future.

The Things you Learn at Work

  For reasons unknown to me two coworkers were having a debate over whether cinnamon was an aphrodisiac or not. An intrepid CRNA listening into the conversation googled the matter on his iPhone. He almost immediately discovered a list of supposed culinary aphrodisiacs. Oysters were there of course, as well as chocolate. Honey and almonds were listed, so a bowl of Honey Bunches of Oats in the morning could possibly have some interesting consequences. There were certainly some surprises, at least for me. Asparagus was on the list, said by a 17th century herbalist to "stir up passion in both man and woman".  Avocados were also listed. Apparently the Aztecs called avocado trees "testicle trees" due to the  testicular appearance of the pairs of avocados hanging from the branches. In fact, avocados were banned by Spanish Catholic priests due to their sexual nature. I thought garlic was an interesting, odorous choice, but apparently it has the ability to vasodilate and increase blood flow. Bananas, figs, and basil were also on the list, but no cinnamon.  I suggested alcohol, but nobody paid any attention to me.

I'm No Paula Deen, But...

These are seriously the best things I have ever eaten. I took them to my work, and they disappeared in minutes. I had never made anything from scratch in my life, but it was not even that hard. Trust me. I am no expert chef, but I love to EAT. And don't get upset that I'm promoting obesity in our already overweight and sedentary society. Just don't eat them all yourself. Share with a buddy. Moderation, people! Awesome stuff.




Symphony Brownies
Yield | 12 brownies

Ingredients
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate; coarsely chopped
3/4 cup butter
1 ½ cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 (4.5 ounce) Symphony Chocolate bars; broken into squares

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Microwave chocolate and butter or margarine in large bowl at medium (50% power) for 3-4 minutes or until butter is melted.
3. Whisk until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar and add in eggs, extracts and salt. Gradually add in flour and stir until just combined.
4. Spread ½ the batter into prepared pan. Add an even layer of Symphony Chocolate squares and cover with remaining ½ of brownie batter. Bake for 30-35 minutes; do not over bake.
5. Remove to cooling rack. Allow to cool completely before cutting.

Inspired by Paula Deen and adapted from allrecipes
mybakingaddiction.com

Food History

If I were a 1950's woman, would this look appetizing to me? Would I be recommending it as a healthy meal choice? My 75 year old Dad loves Veg All.