Black Bean Brownies

Whether you are trying to eat healthier or are in search of tasty "veggie-hiding" recipes for a finicky eater in your life, you will want to add this black bean brownie recipe to your collection. Here's why: They are delicious. My taste testers couldn't believe that these rich brownies were made with black beans, which are a good source for fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Another bonus is that they are gluten-free!

He's smiling because he knows he is going to be eating brownies. I'm smiling because I know he is going to be eating black beans. It's a win-win!

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Do you have a favorite veggie hiding recipe? I would love if you would share it in the comments below.

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Filippo's Italian Specialties

Although I have lived in Silver Spring since 2005 I am embarrassed to admit that I had no idea how many golden nuggets were tucked away in an area adjacent to the Wheaton Mall known as Wheaton Triangle. I had ventured over there one morning after my friend Brian from Corcoran Caterer's highly recommended visiting a mom and pop baker's supply shop named Little Bits. Unfortunately Little Bits was closed for the day but thankfully a few doors down I noticed a sign for Filippo's Italian Specialties (formerly known as Marchone's). Intrigued by the idea there was an old school Italian market in Wheaton I popped in to see what they had to offer. I was immediately welcomed with a warm smile and greeting from the owner, Filippo. While waiting in line for my sandwich it was apparent that this store had a loyal following. One gentleman that I spoke to had been coming here for over 30 years. I ordered a cold cut sandwich and it did not disappoint! It's one of the best I've ever had... and that's saying a lot coming from a girl that grew up on legendary The Coffee Pot sandwiches in Bangor, Maine.

Oh yeah, they also have fresh and famous cannoli shells from Vaccarro's that are stuffed with a homemade filling on site.

After a superb sandwich and conversation with Filippo I vowed I would be back with Scott in tow so we could take some pics for a blogpost and help spread the word about one of Wheaton's best kept secrets.

In line at the deli counter Menu

Italian Cold Cut 

Meatball Sub

I love the hot cherry peppers that they put on the cold cut sandwich (I always order extra) and am stoked that they have jars of it in stock from Sun of Italy as well as fresh Italian bread, deli meat and cheeses for when I want to make sandwiches at home. 

Sopressata 

Frozen meals to go

I picked up a couple of frozen chicken parms for quick and easy meals for Scott while I was out of town.

Vaccarro's cannoli shells

My favorite is the chocolate dipped cannoli. To die for!

Getting a special cookie from Filippo... or maybe two :)  was definitely the highlight for Morgan. 

Filippo, you've got another customer for life!

Do you have a favorite hidden golden nugget? Please leave a comment and share!

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Carlty Bryer's Wicked Good Gingerbread Cake Baked in a Pumpkin

My dad had been raving about this unique gingerbread cake recipe that he had found in his Wilson Farm's cookbook so when he came out for a visit last week, that was one of the first things on his list to make. Luckily for you and me, he made it just in time to share before our Thanksgiving festivities begin. You are absolutely going to want to try this one. It is very easy to make, the moist gingerbread cake paired with the pumpkin tastes unbelievable, and the presentation is wicked unique. Topped with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream this gingerbread cake baked in a pumpkin will definitely give you rockstar status at your next gathering.

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The Golden Nugget Gourmet is about sharing with you must have recipes, the food is my first priority, and then hopefully having a few great photos as well. When my dad made this cake, it was early evening so the lighting wasn't great in my kitchen and I wasn't able to get a true quality shot. But I want you to have this recipe in time for the quickly approaching holidays, so here it is, and hopefully down the road I can add some better pics. Better yet, I would love if you share a picture that you took after making this recipe and I'll add it to this post.

For those of you that have picky eaters, this recipe was Terp Tyke approved :)

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Martha Stewart's Method for Roasting a Perfect Turkey

It was Thanksgiving 2011 when I discovered Martha Stewart's method for roasting a perfect turkey. I had always had pretty good success with my turkeys in the past but had never been able to achieve this type of perfection. The skin was crisp and gorgeously browned and the meat remained tender and juicy. The addition of white wine helped to produce a rich gravy from the pan drippings. Whether this is your first time cooking a turkey, or you are a seasoned home cook, you are going to want to save this golden nugget for the upcoming holidays.

Basting with butter and white wine

Thanksgiving Turkey 2011

Looks like this little guy was satisfied :)

Morgie Thanksgiving 2011 (16 mo)

If you are still searching for some Thanksgiving sides, check out these Golden Nugget family recipes.

Oyster Stuffing 

Aunt Peg's Wicked Good Deviled Eggs

Aunt Peg's Wicked Good Cranberry Relish

Got Leftovers? Find out how to make this gourmet hot turkey sandwich.

Gourmet Hot Turkey Sandwich

What are your favorite Thanksgiving sides?

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Aunt Sylvia's Oxtail Pasta

During the Fall of 2012 Scott and I travelled to Miami Beach and stayed at the Miami Beach Conference Center so Scott could attend and present (Clicker Experiments That Will Change The Way You Teach) at the Turning Technologies User Conference. One night we headed over to the best spot in town for dinner... his Aunt Sylvia's house. It doesn't get much better than a poolside dinner on a warm Miami night with a cool cocktail in hand and Celia Cruz music playing in the background. On the menu was a special oxtail pasta recipe (pictured above) to celebrate Ernesto's (Scott's step-father) birthday. I had never had ox-tail before, and to be honest I can't say the idea of oxtails was all that appealing, but OMG it was delicious. The meat was unbelievably tender and the rich sauce that melded it all together was to die for! After one bite I knew I needed to get the recipe and I guarantee you'll want it too!

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A Taste of the Good Life

It has become our family's tradition to celebrate the 4th July in Baylake Pines, Virginia Beach with our good friends (extended family really) the Imrich's. This tradition always begins with a stop at the Bayville TASTE Unlimited for lunch before setting up camp for the week. Last summer as we drove into the parking lot to grab our first meal we noticed that they were holding a 40th Anniverary Photo Contest on Facebook and the Grand Prize was a thousand dollar gift certificate! OMG whoever won could eat there for life! The theme was "Show Your Love for the Taste." We brainstormed for a couple of days and then Scott came up with the idea that involved standing in the median of Shore Drive (in the blazing hot sun) until we created the perfect shot. There were tons of fantastic photo entries that captured their heartfelt connection to this culinary landmark but we were ecstatic when they announced Scott was the winner. I was happy for him even though he beat out my own entry (below)... though I will humbly admit that even though it was hard to accept defeat :) Scott's picture truly encapsulated a general expression of everyones love for the Taste Unlimited.

What I really love about this story is that Scott's first reaction was not that we were going to eat here for life but we would wait until the following 4th of July and throw a catered dinner for the Imrich's and tell them to invite whomever they wanted. We followed through with his idea and threw a catered feast at the Imrich's for their family and friends. Here is a pic with Sandy the Bayville Manager, Jeremy the catering manager, and another very photogenic staff member who is unfortunately washed out (as is my dress) because Chris was responsible for taking the pic :)

Prior to arriving at VA Beach we spent a few days contemplating what to order because everything on the catering menu sounded so darn delicious. Scott left me in charge of ordering but made it clear that he didn't want to do the everyday sandwich order (which are also outstanding) but instead treat guests to a more decadent menu that would probably introduce most of our local guests to items that they had never had there before. Here is the phenomenal tapas style menu his photo provided.

Lobster Salad Sliders Succulent lobster salad on brioche slider rolls

Bacon Wrapped Scallops  (GF) Tender scallops wrapped in Edwards’ thick-sliced Virginia hickory smoked bacon, served chilled

Grilled Beef Tenderloin Canapés Thinly sliced herb-marinated tenderloin with horseradish cream on baguette slices

Grilled Marinated Shrimp Platter (GF) Garlic and herb-marinated then grilled to perfection   

Virginia Ham Biscuits  Edwards’ of Surry country ham served on Jane’s sweet potato biscuits from Franklin, served with a dollop of Virginia Chutney Company Peach Chutney

FYI- There were several guests that usually do not care for ham but loved these sandwiches! A perfect combination of sweet and salty.

Mini Crab Cakes ( GF) Served with chili-lime aioli

Side of wild-caught West Coast Salmon (2lb. avg.), marinated in Asian spices then grilled and served with cucumber-wasabi sauce and rice crackers

Our Bayville Taste Unlimited Spread

The food and staff at the Bayville Taste are top-notch and whether you are picking up some sandwiches for the beach (beachfront locations actually offer dune delivery), looking for must-have homemade cheese spreads or mom-and-pop style specialty items like KimKim 
Sauce, or planning a catered dinner party, I highly recommend checking them out. We are fans for life and were well before receiving such a generous Grand Prize. Although we will not be eating there for life (free of charge) we were able to celebrate a once in a lifetime event with our friends. Priceless :)

What is your favorite Taste Unlimited item?

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