Yummy Puppy Chow and Razzie Awards

Ever since I can remember, puppy chow has been amazingly delicious.  I don't think anyone in the history of humanity has hated the delicious and simple dessert (unless you're allergic to peanut butter).  Tonight, I made this classic dessert with a couple of friends staying in the house.  It's a cheap and easy recipe that many people will absolutely love.  Now, living in Germany, peanut butter can be hard to find, so you can always substitute the ingredient with NUTELLA :) 

Makes enough for numerous handfuls

Ingredients:

5 bars of dark chocolate

1/2 cup of peanut butter/Nutella

1 box of Rice Chex cereal

2 cups powdered sugar

Directions:

Pour the box of cereal in a large mixing bowl.  Gradually melt the bars of chocolate in a double boiler, block by block.  As you continue to melt each piece, turn the heat down so the chocolate doesn't burn.  As soon as the chocolate is completely smooth, stir in the peanut butter or Nutella until completely mixed.  Now pour the mixture over the Chex and stir until each little piece is coated.  Now, slowly dump the powdered sugar over the warm bowl of goodness.  Stir, and let cool.  Devour. 

So there it is;  One of the best desserts out there, and something that is perfect for anyone at any age.  And for the random film portion of the blog...

Monday the Razzies, or Golden Raspberry nominations will be announced, and I couldn't be more excited.  The Razzies always put a smile on my face, and give me a prime example for what NOT to do in my career.  

I'm expecting Taylor Lautner to pick up a nomination for Worst Actor in Abduction, along with Nick Swardson's performance in Bucky Larson, and Adam Sandler in Jack and Jill.  It's been a bad year for Adam.  

As for Worst Actress, I'm expecting Jennifer Aniston in Just Go with It, Sarah Jessica Parker in I Don't Know How She Does It, and Kristen Stewart (as a dark horse) for Twilight.

I'm so excited to hear who will be honored with such a fabulous nomination.

The Perfect Cold, Rainy Day Chili

As another rainy day arrives in Heidelberg, I figured it would be the perfect time to make a big bowl of chili, better yet, chili by PAULA DEEN.  Though she's been receiving severe criticism for recently revealing she has Diabetes, the cooking star has not let me down in terms of taste or my own weight.  So Anthony Bourdain can just cool his jets.  So here's the recipe with a Candace twist:

Makes 8-10 servings

1 can kidney beans- drained

1 can black beans- drained

1 can pinto beans- drained

1 can corn- drained (Optional, I added)

1 tablespoon cumin

1 large can whole tomatoes- drained

1 package chili seasoning mix

1 1/2 cans diced tomatoes

1 diced green bell pepper

1 diced medium onion

1 lb ground beed

2 sausages sliced and put into quarters )(added)

hot sauce (added-as much as you want)

pinch garlic salt and pepper (added)

Cook the ground beef and sausage on medium-medium high heat.  While the meats are cooking begin to slice the onion and pepper.  Then add them to a large cooking pot with a small amount of oil.  Saute the onions and pepper while watching the meat.  Stir in the diced and whole tomatoes, while adding the Cumin and chili mix.  Cook until veggies are tender.  Now finally add the beans, corn, and meat.  Sprinkle in some garlic salt and pepper.  Partly cover and let simmer 3-4 hours.  

Now believe me, though it may lack Paula Deen's infamous amounts of butter, the flavors are amazing.  This is a perfect meal for a rainy day., and it can last a really long time in the fridge and freezer.  At last, serve it with some warm toasted bread and snuggle up and watch a movie.

Onto today's movie...Braveheart

I'll be honest here; I'm not sure I'll be a fan.  First of all, it seems like the epitome of a movie, men would play gearing up for some kind of fight or frat party.  However, the audience tonight, including many girls are just watching it for sheer THREE HOUR LONG entertainment.  Second of all, Mel Gibson is the star.  Every time I think of him now, an image of a sweaty, drunken man hitting on much younger girls pops into my head.  Hopefully, I can keep it out of my mind during the film.  However, the 1995 film one 5 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and it is quoted all the time.  I figure as a film major, I should probably stick around to watch it.  We'll see.

New Semester and New Contributions

I recently returned to Heidelberg and many are wondering why my blog completely (dramatically put) failed last semester.  My computer basically (dramatically put) exploded and all photos were deleted.  Nevertheless I am back and ready to start a continuous stream of blogging.  To start, the ground is absent of snow.  A sad surprise, but I am beginning to think it is a blessing.  I don't think I could successfully go a day without falling down our massive hill if even a trace of ice were on the ground.  However, we have all seen a lot more sun and the city is as beautiful as ever with clear cold nights, and bright mornings.

What was expected...

...and what was seen....

Next, awards season is on its way, and, being in Heidelberg, I must either stay up until the early hours of the morning watching them on sling box or find a way to watch them the next day.  Either way I am irritated because the thrill of watching these fabulous shows live on a big screen is out of the question.  Through looking at my daily sites (People, EW, rotten tomatoes, and CNN) I intensely studied all fashions and winners.  As unhappy as I was to hear Ricky Gervais was hosting the Golden Globes yet again, he wasn't too bad.  Now, onto my favorite part; the best look, and most disappointing.  

Let's start with the bad and end on a good note.

I wouldn't say this was the worst dress of the night, but it was the biggest wardrobe disappointment.  Everyone was anxiously awaiting the A-listers appearance, only to be let down with this unflattering Versace gown that washed out her skin.  Known for the deep towns and flowing gowns Jolie wears, she daringly switched it up, and was unsuccessful.  The off-kilter red neck-line threw off the look.  If the neckline was more like a V-neck and true to the major color, the look would seem vastly better with the clutch and a pair of red shoes.

Last year, the fashion "It-girl" was Mila Kunis, but Emma Stone has given the Black Swan star a run for her money.  Stone truly blew everyone away with her belted Lanvin gown.  The deep reds flatter her peachy skin color and the shoulders and belt provide an edgy vibe to the feminine V-neck dress.  With the specific neckline and shoulders, the ideal choice was a simplistic updo.  She also went for something new; a belt instead of jewelry that perfectly completed the look.  Well done!

Best Win and Worst of the Night

Just from watching the Pilot of American Horror Story, anyone can see Jessica Lange presented an eerily fabulous performance as a Southern Belle with evil secrets.  Her characterization and acting was truly incredible, having her lead the series.  I was so happy to see her win, and felt she deserved it most.  After all, she made the series, and helped create such a complex character that kept surprising.

I hate to say it but I was disappointed to see Meryl Streep winning once again for best actress.  Honestly, it should have gone to Viola Davis for The Help.  Yes Meryl Streep portrayed one of the most important female figures, but The Iron Lady keeps receiving mixed reviews and The Help's co-star won as a supporting actress.  I was expecting Viola Davis.  She was inspiring and is in every single movie she is in.  I hope when Oscar-time rolls around, the Academy will catch side of this.

Next up is the London Film Critics circle awards...and some more recipes by me :)

Fried Chicken and a Rainy Weekend (Recipe Included)

I cannot remember the last time I was able to sleep in at the house, better yet anywhere this whole month...so I took the opportunity with Tex to make some home made fried chicken, Paula Deen style (recipe included)...

I woke up cozy in my bed to the sound of rain hitting the window pane...

Although it was 45 degrees I trekked down the hill and got some glorious groceries (and coffee) with my shopping buddy

It was time to fry some chickens...recipe is as follows

• 3 eggs\
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 2 chicken breasts + 4 chicken leg/thighs
• Paula Deen's "House Seasoning" recipe
• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• oil-- we used Sunflower Oil
• 
  

Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a skillet. Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil.

In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs.  Add 1 cup of buttermilk.  Season the chicken with the House Seasoning.  Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg, and then coat well in the flour.  Place the chicken in the preheated oil and fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp.  Dark meat takes longer than white meat.  Approximate cooking time is 13 to 14 minutes for dark meat and 8 to 10 minutes for white meat.

If it looks like this, it will probably be the best thing you have ever tasted...

And Finally a small patch of sunshine before bed

However, because of the excess amount of rain this weekend I could do very little filming :(

I wish weather would have cooperated....just a small delay!

Guten Essen!

Done Being Homesick

It's time to get up, look around, and begin shooting this beautiful city; not just in pictures but in video...I've taken time to settle in and it's time to start something.  This weekend I will be shooting around Heidelberg, and showing you the house we live in.  After exploring...

Mannheim

Munich- Oktoberfest of Course

Berlin

I realized I've taken much to much time on taking pictures and not enough time to make a short about the town I live in.  By early next week a film should be up and this blog should actually get started.

Sorry for the long delay:  #1 rule in Germany, never delay

Be prepared for an epic video

Tag Nummer eins- Day Number One

The feeling after a 9 hour hour flight is not a good one; your stomach is churning, your head feels like its been stuffed with C4 and jammed into a pressure cooker, and your eyes can barely stay open.  I can honestly say, I have never felt worse, but I have also never taking a flight longer than four hours...maybe I'm a baby...you decide. However, it all faded away once I saw the view from the house...

And So It Begins

With three days left until departure, the packing begins...this is going to be a long few days...