Mini Flourless Chocolate Tortes

By Nancy Smorch, Foodie Bitch

This is a great recipe I found on Baker Bettie’s site:  http://bakerbettie.com/2012/07/25/mini-flourless-chocolate-tortes/

Extra bonus:  it’s gluten free!  The whole family loved them!  This was the first time I made this recipe and I made a few “tweaks” (just ’cause I always like to do that).

Instead of 12 oz. semi sweet chocolate, I used 8 oz. semi sweet and 4 oz. milk chocolate

I added 1 tsp. of gluten free vanilla to the tortes

I also added about 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon to the half of the dough for a little spicier version

You can also add the cayenne pepper and cinnamon to the ganache recipe as well – just play around with it and have fun!!

 

The Grove Restaurant in Grand Rapids MI

By Nancy Smorch, Foodie Bitch

How did the Foodie Bitch not know about this????  The other day my husband and I decided to try out a newer restaurant in Eastown Grand Rapids, Michigan – The Grove.  I was attracted to it because it uses local farmers and artisans for much of their menu options.  After sitting down and looking over the menu, I just about started to cry.  The selection was amazing, creative, fresh, local, and something else that I can’t quite put my finger on at the moment.  The service was impeccable – perfect!  I recognized most of the farms that were listed as sources of the ingredients which made me feel confident as to the quality of the food and the care with which it was grown.  I have to say it was by far, one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.  The only drawback – I could only eat so much food – I would have to wait for another visit to The Grove to try something else!

Check out their website at www.groverestaurant.com.