"STORY" TIME and a FAVORITE RECIPE

As many of may know.. my store Robyn Story Designs and Boutique sells gourmet nibbles.  Everything from Stonewall Jams and Chutney's, to USF, UCF and Florida State Peanuts.  Yes, those were Ellen's idea to carry and boy are they ever successful.  They're a GREAT gift for the sports fan, alumni or students and they're also tasty so it's a win-win!!

Aside from selling wonderful gourmet products we always have a buffet of homemade appetizers and nibbles every day.   I hope that when people come into our store that they check their problems at the door and come in and just enjoy a visit with us.  That always includes Starbucks coffee, latte's, cappuccino's, soda, water as well as many little treats throughout the store.  It's important to my staff and myself that our customers know that they can just forget about the outside world when they come.. a place where you can just let go... My goal has always been to captivate all of your senses once you walk through our doors. 

I am also so fortunate to have great reps for our food lines as well.  They are fantastic and always offer to come to our OPEN HOUSES and serve some of their delectable products.  One of the most delicious and versatile ones that they always bring this time of year is Earth and Vine's Mandarin Pumpkin Marmalade.  If you've been to my store, chances are you've sampled it and bought a jar or two - if not more!  If you haven't I really think you might want to try it.  It's fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving all bottled up in this little treat!

Lori went online and found a recipe using a jar of Mandarin Pumpkin Marmalade to make the most moist Pumpkin Bread I have ever eaten.  Ellen also went online and found a recipe for a baked Mandarin Pumpkin Marmalade Cheesecake.  Can you say "slices of heaven".  We were all stuck in the kitchen eating both of them, barely leaving enough for our guests!!  You can go online at www.earthandvine.com to read all about their products.  If you can't find this marmalade anywhere, as always I'm happy to send it out.  It's definitely something you'll want to try and I've ordered several cases of it since it sells out so quickly!

Since I'm sharing some yummies with you, here's one of the most requested recipes, we have several and I'll eventually share them all with you - they're all WINNERS!  But here's one that I've been serving at my store, in my home and often bring to events.  It's my husband, Steve's Salsa and it is FANTASTIC!!  It makes A LOT so plan on having some friends over when you make it!  Let me know when you try it, I'm certain you'll be hooked just like many of my customers.

Steve and Louie!!

STEVE’S FAMOUS SALSA

1 can sweet niblet corn, drained

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

1 can black eyed peas rinsed and drained

1 onion chopped

1 red pepper chopped

1 green or yellow pepper chopped

1 cup Wishbone Zesty Italian Dressing

1 tomato chopped

1 handful of fresh cilantro chopped

Toss all together, let marinate in frig a few hours or overnight.  Serve with Tortilla chips or pita wedges.

Of course, for those that like it HOT, chop up a small jalapeno and add in.