In memoriam of Sweet Annu, the best dog in the world

We lost our beloved Annu, the sheltie this weekend. She passed away on Saturday night just as we were going to have fun together, all four of us. She ate her food too fast and started having an epileptic seizure after that. She hasn't had those in a while, so we thought this will pass quickly, just like the other similar episodes she's experienced before. But she did not get better this time. She passed away on the way to the emergency room in my arms. The hardest thing in the world was to feel her lifeless body in my arms when I just knew that she was not with us anymore.
I guess we're going through the five stages of grief now, and I can't think of anything particularly insightful to say except that is it hurts so badly to know that she is not here with us. She was sweet, clumsy, strong headed and so loving towards us, her only family. our family grew around her and we are thankful that she has been with us for 11 years.
Sweet girl, sleep in peace. I hope up there in doggie heaven you are having all the grapes and chocolate and caramels that you want. Here, I'll still save one grape for you every time I eat them.
In the meanwile I'll cry my eyes out and hope that this too will pass.

We make caramels!

Recently we were honored to host Chicago reader journalist and food blogger Mike Sula in our manufacturing facility. Mike was there to witness the process of caramel making and interview me for the article. Check out his article here. As an additional treat, Mike also shot a video of us making the caramels. Enjoy!

Me, me, me!

Today I don't want to write about others, just me. Or as my new obsession, Happy Bunny might say "it's all about me!"
top 5... words I can live without
1. Kvetch, 2. Obviously, 3. Settle Down, 4. Brilliant 5. Exactly
one album I could never part with:MC Solaar/ Solar Pleur
My pet is...Annu- an obsessive, loud, loving sheltie
favorite night spot:In front of the Wrigley’ building looking back at the river.
odd superhero power:Sticking my foot in my mouth all the time!
ultimate goals in life:travel around the world and open a lama farm
favorite website:wall street journal.com (I know, I know how boring!)
favorite lunch foodSushi rice and nori liberally drizzled with soy sauce
pet peeve: People who use word “bucket” in an office setting
Cold water coming out of the showerhead
Onions floating in soup
most celebrated moment: Meeting my husband 10 years ago
i heart...Dhruba (husband), Rita (daughter).
if you wanted to buy me a drink it would be:Pinot Noir, A to Z, Gin (Bombay Sapphire) and Tonic
Favorite ice cream flavor: Star Anise and Lingonberry from Jeni’s Ice Cream
fantasy celebrity friend Uma Thurman (b/c she is my hero!)
one bad habit you can't shake: Taking books from the library and not reading them
the occupation of your alter ego?Celebrity chef who travels the world in search of the next awesome flavor

More snow

Heiress is hunting for a snack.

.. and finds nothing but healthy food

snow, snow everywhere. It seems that this winter is truly endless.

Snow day

Another snowstorm hit Chicago today. Not much was done: schools closed around 11am and heiress came home ravenous as always and consumed all snacks and other food. I worked a lot: reviewed new product concepts, took care of faxes and and followups and even ventured out to take a short trip to the post office (exactly 5 minutes away). Its hard to stay focused, so in between work I updated by Facebook profile (5 times), signed up to support Barack Obama (go Barack!) and wrote on this Facebook wall, and peeked at Chicago Tribune's website (3 times).

Here's my lastest YouTube find: another take on Adriano Celentano's timeless 80's hit "Suzanna" with a fun Morocco-meets-Bucharest take... Enjoy. Here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiJ_k2gvBc8

Hottest pepper

The weather is so dreary, it's time to cook some chili! and while at it try using the Worlds' Hottest Pepper:

The World's Hottest pepper is called bhut jolokia grows in the state of Assam, India and apparently during processing the workers have to wear masks and protective eye wear to avoid it's potent fumes. This got me wondering- should there ever be a caramel with hot pepper
These thumb-sized beauties are so potent that they can be used instead of pepperspray and have even been considered for a military (read weapon) uses.
Full article here

Caramel nation

This Christmas in a sudden wave of creativity I decided to create a custom Holiday card that we could send along with on-line orders. It turned out really cute!

So I was so excited about this newly hatched caramelini nation, that I created a few more characters.

Meet Jacques (below)

This Valentines Day I also created Arthur. He is still in sketch phase. The text under him will say "Je T'Aime".

Coming soon.... Impressionist Caramelini artist... and whomever else I come up with.