Hot as a pistol, but cool inside.

The Eagle have landed and the fans are going going Guilty.   Watch out NFL. These birds are in the playoffs and looking for victory.  The NFC East Champions have come to kick ass.  Nickie9 is one cool customer and he is going to surprise a lot people on Saturday night.  The Saints should be worried.

Rooting for Chip with a Guiltiful Feast.

There's a big Eagles game tonight and the town is stoked to the max. Win at midnight and the Eagles are in the playoffs. "Chip rules!"  Lose and the fans are devastated. "Chip choked!!" What a dramatic situation. 

We believe in Chip and his innovative game plans.  It's a Big Time moment in a town more than ready for the Big time spotlight.  Can you imagine what the Superbowl is going to be like with an army of Eagle fans a mere 90 miles away? OMG!!! 

Of course down in front, the Guilty Pleasures Club prepares for either outcome with many decadent delights. For the early games, our spread needs to match the passion of the fans tailgating all day in the stadium. parking lot.  Even though the game is in Dallas and even though the weather is miserable.  From the Blackberry Chevre stuffed French Toast with a Pecan encrusted Spiral Ham for breakfast to Kowaloneks' fresh Kielbasa and Juniper Berry Sauerkraut for a pre-game lunch, our GPC team sets the Game Day table for success.  "How delicious does that sound?"  

At 4 pm it's blanched vegetables with a Tzatziki sauce as we put the finishing touches on a  pre-game feast that features the Coho Salmon that we caught this past summer in Oregon . "We miss daybreak in Astoria.  Salmon fishing the at the mouth of the Olympia River is strictly front row. It just doesn't get any better than that." Grazing all day on fantastic food is our Guilty Football Feast .

With Philadelphia's beloved Eagles looking to clinch first place, playoff positioning has begun to take shape. My gut instinct tells me this is the year that the Birds quiet their critics and win the Super Bowl.

You have to pace yourself on Guilty Street. Stuffing yourself is frowned upon while grazing throughout the day is the Guilty Way. "Go Chip Go!!!"

Getting lost in the sauce or finding Culinary Nirvana.

May I please have another ladle of that spicy Rancho Nuevo sauce please on my breakfast. "Don't be chincy.  I am watching you."  As you may have guessed, I like my South of the Border eggs to be swimming in a canyon of  hot sauce. It's called the Guilty Gulch. OMG!!!  It's awesome.  My Culinary Nirvana is reached when the Saucier kicks it into high gear.  It's their deft touch and refined cooking skills that make our Guilty Town cuisine explode with flavor.

Hail to the Saucier and their magic touch,

Cooking Styles among the Guilty. Recipe or not.

Guilty can really cook.  He just cannot follow a recipe.  Everything I cook, I taste in my head before an egg is cracked or a red coconut curry sauce is created.  The great part of my winging it strategy is my food is really innovative and delicious.   Today I am making a Beef Emancee.  Over the next three or four days I will redefine this peasant stew.  This Provincial classic begins as a Day One masterpiece and then morphs into a Day Four Pièce de résistance .  I love that epicurian evolution. 

Are you ready to fly solo in the kitchen?  Excellent! For this culinary challenge we are going to need a full pantry with lots of fresh ingredients.  I know exactly where to go. There is a new International market in Guiltytown.  That's where all the flavor and spice hang out. Going global in the garden is a big time Guilty Pleasure.  I love buying fruits and vegetables that are exotic. Daring and dicey works well at my cutting board.      

Here's an article from food expert Phillip Dundas on cooking without a recipe.  His insight and suggestions will help you prepare for better results. The Guilty may be impulsive, but but not foolish. Take some time this Holiday and have fun in the kitchen.  Nothing is better than making yourself the best omelet ever and reading the New York Times or Bon Appetit 

Dreaming of Festivus Dinner while making a Big Time Holiday Breakfast. Guilty Pleasure x 2 . .

My lofty station as the Patriarch of a remarkable family makes everyday special. Nothing is more rewarding than being a Dad and that's especially true on a Holiday morning.  Everyone sleeps in and Guilty has the house to himself.  I can do a lot of damage before 7 am with a skillet and a dream. My gourmet breakfast will feature Chevre/blackberry stuffed French toast, eggs over easy and spiral ham from the best Ham recipe in the world.  Check it out. Preparing breakfast for the Guilty Gang with our dog on the assist, is a great way to start any day.

I went to bed last evening looking forward to a very Guilty holiday. Great Cinema, Great food and Great company.  AWESOME!!!  After seeing American Hustle, we will be hosting friends and family for a scrumptious Festivus Dinner.  And for all of you keeping scoring, Junior Mint and the Shifster are in charge of board games.  There is always a Scrabble controversy brewing when generations compete.  Love it!
We've asked Shiffie to roll 'dem magic bones first and pass on the knowledge.  No grudges allowed.

This year's feast will be our best secular celebration ever. Some people are Merry once a year. Other people share joy everyday.  We like that second approach to life much better. No exceptions are allowed!  When you start showing up in the front row, you must celebrate Living Well everyday. It's the Guilty Dogma and it's more than just mere words.  Invest in your key relationships and marvel at the results.  Sharing a Primo moment is always a Game Changer.  But don't forget, receiving a Guiltorious present from the family is even better.

It's great to be Dad.

Dapper sheets. Luxury linens make nap time Guiltorious

Wrapping presents?  It's still not too late to add one more gift to that heaping pile. Everyone should be given new bed ware for the Holidays.  It's so important, this gift should mandated by the Guilty Tribunal. And why not?  It's a Guilty factoid that luxury linens make everyone happier. There is no greater Guilty Pleasure than slipping into those cool sheets after a festive night of full plates, second helpings and frosty libations.

It's been ages since the Guilty have set the pace.  2014 is our moment to lead, inspire and rejuvenate. GPC members must rise up and play it forward.  Seize the day and treat yourself to an amazing nap.  Leadership should always be well rested.  It all starts with those dapper sheets.

Dazzling Dinner Parties are back in 2014. Adding an extra course or two is always a Guilty Pleasure.

Now that the holidays are in full swing, it's time to start planning an extravagant dinner party for next year that features a certified Guilty Pleasure or two on the menu? And why not?  You certainly deserve it!  Hosting this well-earned milestone celebration with your best friends is probably long overdue.

LEMON CURD PAVLOVA    With fresh berries and a caramel cage.   

With an improving economy, the timing is perfect for a more opulent approach to intimate celebrations.  Let's start your evening with the pleasure of enjoying pared wines with each course and a slower-paced meal with the people who matter the most.  When your sitting in the front row as you often do, why not dine elegantly with an extra course or two? Having a fourth or fifth course at the ready, is the only way to dazzle in 2014.  There are just too many incredible gastronomic delights to enjoy and for this fabulous feast, you should not forgo any of them.  I ask that you consider last evening's Fourth Course, Chef Ameerah and Thin Mint's incredible dessert.....

I want mine, you got yours

The event calendar has slowed to a crawl with several elegant Holiday dinners going out the door.  As the kitchen begins to exhale, the chefs don their Elf costumes, reroute the sled and shop like it's judgement day. So many gifts to purchase and so much traffic to avoid.  It's like appearing in an episode of Survivor. Making up for lost time is easier said than done, but we do it deftly.  And we do it with love. We have some very dedicated employees with joyous families.  Putting your family first is the greatest Guilty Pleasure of all.  But so is taking care of yourself.  The magic of shopping for others only works if you spoil yourself as well.

Sometimes it's procuring a rare Brazilian Rum like Leblon Cachaca.  That Amazon firewater works for me. If you have not stoked the embers with that Guilty Pleasure, you are missing a special moment. Other times it's a timeless fashion like Thin Mint's hand sewn boots from Portland Oregon.  The quality of her new leather boots is magnificent and the look is sublime. This ability to balance the beam between giving and receiving will always enrich to your good character.  Do not miss out on the opportunity to play it forward.  It's so worth it!

One domain where Guilty definitely knows his good fortune, is the catering kitchen. I may be in charge in the Executive Suite, but once I walk through the commissary doors, everything changes. Thin Mint is the Boss and she's the BOMB .  With a refined pallet and extensive knowledge base, Thin Mint is the keeper of the flame. She is remarkable on so many levels.  Just ask any of our staff or discerning clentele.  With a warm smile or cool refrain, our Executive Chef can teach, motivate, delegate and inspire.

Our staff is always learning new techniques and our clients benefit from that evolution. The need for menu development never stops and our staff knows that innovation can happen 24/7. For a Guilty Soul like me, it's always fun in the kitchen.  It's hard not to be gleeful when there's sweet and savory to explore.  Like a New Year's Day parade, an impromptu Guilty Pleasure moment is always worthy of the front row.  Here's a photo from Thursday's dessert sampling.  It's good to be Guilty.  Every Day!!!

Living Well 24/7 in Malaysia is a Guilty Path

Interest in the Guilty Pleasures Club has never been higher and everyone in the commissary can feel the buzz. We are one humorous article away from stardom and our Guilty vision will not be denied.  The GPC has developed a loyal following that spans the globe and our readership increases everyday. There have been countless requests for online interviews and Podcasts.  And why not, our club members have great self-esteem, big time dreams and excellent taste. It's an awesome vibe to inspire so many overachievers. Guilty may trumpet the message, but the credit goes to our culinary team and event staff.  We have touched a very hot topic.  Living Well 24/7 is our Guilty Mission.

One of the first things you learn in a Guilty Neighborhood is that there are many benefits to having a bountiful pantry and then celebrating your full plate.  However, it's the sharing of your good fortune that really illuminates your Guilty Path to enlightenment. The beacons of light that you exchange along the journey become the jewels you cherish the most.

Nowhere is the passion for Guilty Pleasures more popular than in the island country of Malaysia. With it's British heritage, Malaysia is more of a regional empire than a country. Take a left at Singapore, cross the South China Sea and you have arrived in one of the worlds most incredible nations. Malaysia a booming economy, incredible cities, beautiful beaches, rain forests and lots of Guilty Pleasures Aficionado's looking to share their favorites with Guilty, Thin Mint and the gang. How great is that?


The food in Malaysia looks incredible and so fresh.  The open air markets capture your pallet and enrich your epicurean experience.  Planning our trip is a 2014 project.  We cannot wait spend weeks exploring Malaysia and savoring the many Guilty Pleasures in the Far East.  We love all adventures, but especially tropical adventures.  It looks like Guilty has found his beach.

Traveling globally and then dining locally makes for a wonderful trek.  We are so there!

Food as an aphrodisiac. Guilty Pleasure facts and fantasy....

Many of our club members have encouraged us to discuss food as an aphrodisiac. Of course you get extra credit for creating Sexy Food.  Thin Mint and myself eagerly accepted the challenge of exploring the history, the myths, the secrets and the truth about the connection between food and increased sexual enjoyment. For example, melted Chocolats Valrhona has many life enriching qualities.

Since winter is the perfect to time to rev up your romance, the experts on Guilty Street will be sampling secret love potions, fresh fruit fantasies, spicy concoctions and sexy souffles. Over the next few weeks we will focus on the history of aphrodisiacs, the myths, the facts and the wishful thinking.

We invite personal reflections, creative suggestions and fiery stories. When it comes to researching the mysteries of Amore, who says trial and error is a bad thing.

Winter Chills and Hot Chocolate Dreams

Without much warning, winter has arrived in Philadelphia with a bad attitude.  BAM!! Breakout the Kashmir sweater and fur lined slippers because the bitter cold has made itself quite comfy in our daily forecast. As we mature nothing gets old quicker than the piercing cold weather. The nose runs, the legs ache, and the shivering persist. Nothing becomes more of a Guilty Pleasure than steaming hot cocoa in my favorite holiday mug... but don't forget the marshmallows!  Chef Ameerah makes our own.  There is no better way to combat the chattering teeth, numb toes, and frost bitten fingers than a comforting mug of Thin Mint's hot cocoa.  She is a hot beverage Aficionado who knows that hot loves hot.    

Why not go beyond the powder and packets this year.  Living Well in Winter means savoring homemade hot cocoa and marshmallows.  It's always an awe inspiring Guilty Pleasure moment.  

Guilty's Kryptonite

Guilty's Kryptonite

I am so blessed.  Great kids, amazing wife and talented employees who are passionate about their careers. You might say Guilty has arrived. With readership of our blog really exploding, my role is changing.  Everyday I have new Guilty Pleasures to review, sample  and enjoy.  It never stops.  Woohoooooo!!!

Whether it's tasting a skillfully prepared delicacy in the catering commissary or  cooking an adventurous meal at home with Thin Mint, we know how to nosh and review.  Along the way, we have our favorites.  These epicurean treasures and not so secret relaxation techniques bring much personal pleasure to my self-indulgent lifestyle. However, only a few precious menu items make the final cut when it's time make a list of Guilty's Kryptonite.  Over the next few weeks we will examine those Guilty delights   It's  a rare and special occasion when we find a new item to add to Guilty's secret list.  Let's look into the belly of the Wok.  

Leading off for the Captain of the Guilties is Pork Fried Rice from Brooklyn NY or Boston's Chinatown.  OMG!  I could eat this delicious rice dish at least once a day, There's a hole in the wall hut on Flatbush Ave in Brooklyn that has the best Pork Fried Rice on the planet.  Their rice dish is not too greasy and it comes with a heaping amount of eggs, scalllions, crunchy bean sprouts  and tender roast pork.  The smokey flavor is unlike any other pork fried rice I have ever eaten.  And I have eaten a lot!  Some with MSG and most without.  The pork fried rice at this local treasure tastes incredible and I always wander off of the Belt Parkway looking for blissful salvation.  This takeout masterpiece really hits the spot and makes me Gleefully Guilty.  

Boston's Chinatown is gritty and cold. Located in the furniture district, the area lacks warmth and streets can get a little seedy.  However you did not take Orange Line to see the architecture and wander about. You came for the Asian Taste Off.  You came for great conversation and yet you savored spices that made your mouth numb. Oh the irony of it all.  

The pork fried rice in Boston has a darker color than other Chinatown's. The flavor definitely took some getting used to. That's because most places on Washington Street used too much soy sauce. Fortunately, Guilty found several Chinese Cafe's that got it right. I have been known to daydream about enjoying a heaping portion of their stir fried magic. There are several great restaurants on my Chinatown list. You must go have a dumpling feast at the Gourmet Dumpling House  The dumplings are amazing and definitely worth the long wait.  

I especially love the menu at  the Best Little Restaurant on Hudson Street.  Their pork fried rice has great flavor and the huge portions are impressive. I always top off Guilty's gigantic bowl of rice with several scoops of a pork-laden Lobster sauce that makes me weak in the knees. Nothing beats pork on top of pork when the Guilty come marching in.  

Then I devour this bowl of Guilty Heaven with buckets of hot Chinese mustard.  Your sinuses will be dancing as your tummy sings out a different tune.  Look out Stagger Lee.  This staple from my college years is one of bedrocks of my personal pleasures.    

Teddy Roosevelt was a Guilty visionary, Ben was a Guilty Inventor and Bardot was a Guilty Prize.

Teddy Roosevelt was a Guilty visionary, Ben was a Guilty Inventor and Bardot was a Guilty Prize.

There has been much rumored-speculation and lively debate that the Guilty Pleasures Club was founded in 1899 by future United States President Theodore Roosevelt after leading a small regiment in Cuba known as the Rough Riders, earning himself the Medal of Honor.

Upon his return from the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt embarked upon an ambitious crusade to establish a national park system and protect our natural resources for coming generations. The visionary conservationist reportedly served as an Ambassador of Guilty Pleasures when Teddy developed the famed "Take Three" as he sipped fine French Cognac , dined on freshly caught rainbow trout and smoked a top secret Cuban blend in the Wyoming wilderness while surveying Yellowstone National Park.  We have no doubt that our youngest American President experienced first hand the mystical rejuvenating powers of Guilty Pleasure pursuits.

His love of Bratwurst, hunting, the outdoors, an occasional decanter of Rum and a desire to "speak softly, but carry a big stick," gave him worldwide credibility and prominence. As as the 26th US President, Roosevelt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War .

Guilty Pleasure historians have long debated whether the GPC was founded in 1899 by this native New Yorker.  However, it's been reported that recently discovered manuscripts found hidden in a wine cellar in the Bordeaux region of France indicate that approximately 110 years earlier, a visiting Dr. Benjamin Franklin and a local Skinny Chick, Elana Bardot, created the Guilty Pleasures Club to celebrate their love of aged French Red Wines, silk pajamas, hot mineral bathes and the epicurean delicacies from the legendary chefs at the Palace of Versailles.

The French passion for rich sauces, duck fat and beautiful women made Paris the perfect location for Dr. Franklin's opulent desires. The Great Statesmen  from Philadelphia understood that the correlation between the French diet and their surprising good health was because they embraced their dicey desires at mealtime and especially at breakfast.  Ben was impressed.  Besides his role in the Continental Congress, Ben was also a Founding Father of the Guilty Pleasures lifestyle.  More than a Statesman, the decadent Dr. Franklin was a great innovator, inventor and Social commentator. 

The Franklin stove was not his only lasting lifestyle invention. Apparently while in France, Franklin's pen name changed from Silence Dogood to Murmur Feelgood. Did the Guilty Pleasures Club bear his signature lust for the good life?

Those skinny Bardot Babes were quite influential when it came to enjoying Guilty Pleasures. There is a reason Dr. Franklin lived such a long and eventful guiltorius life. Who would want leave a young Bardot?

Premium Taste: ALWAYS...Shop online:FAITHFULLY...Guilty Pleasure Club member: ABSOLUTELY

The Guilty Pleasures Club has very exciting news. The readership of our lifestyle blog has increased more than tenfold in the past sixty days and we are looking for luxury advertisers looking to market premium products.  We now have an avid worldwide audience that's wants learn more about the Guilty Pleasure Club and the self-indulgent lifestyle that we champion.  They window shop online and enjoy the premier products we savor as well.  "Do you take credit cards?"  Oh yes we do!

Based on the rave reviews and high web traffic we are receiving, our club members are affluent consumers who want to purchase luxury goods and services online.  Any businesses looking to reach our readership should email us at info@provencecatering.com. Banner ad space is available.  The GPC has a very passionate, successful and loyal club membership.  They are the epitome of New Luxury and only want to experience life in the first person.

From Philadelphia to Malaysia to the Ukraine we have adventurous club members who want their pursuit of Living Well to include all of their favorite Guilty Pleasures These key decision makers have strong character, high disposable incomes and love to shop.  Guilty Pleasure aficionados know their thrilling journey will be a winding road that requires a boundless spirit and insatiable appetite.  Of course, club members wouldn't want it any other way. Welcome to better days ahead Living Well on Guilty side of life.

Dancing poolside at Bluefields Bay is always a Guilty Pleasure.

Wow it's really bitter cold outside, especially for early December.  Unfortunately, the weather on the East Coast is about to get considerably worse this weekend. Remember last year when everyone was complaining that it was too hot for the Holidays. Too hot??  Were they serious?  It my world it's never too hot for the Holidays unless it's 90 degrees and I am dancing poolside with Thin Mint in Bluefields Bay, Jamaica.  But that's a different kind of hot, now isn't it?  Smokin' hot of course.

What could be better than chillin' underneath an Almond tree on December 25th, especially with an Ultimate Mudslide or two in hand?  And don't forget those tantalizing tropical breezes!  There is no greater Guilty Pleasure anywhere than being at these amazing Villas in Jamaica for Christmas and New Years.  The Moncure Family and their staff can anticipate all of your Guilty Pleasures. Their six pristine properties provide world class service and hospitality.  The delicious food at each Villa is a five star dining experience. Renting a Villa from the Moncure's is very similar to an opulent stay at the Ritz Carlton, but it's much more private and Guiltorious. Honeymooners should take notice of the Cottonwood Cottage. It's the perfect location for a very luxurious, active and romantic week in the Caribbean.  After 24 years, it's time to plan our return trip.

Remarking that it was too warm in December was last year's bellyache.  This year it's the other side of coin in the City of Brotherly Love and we need to be proactive. So lets light the fireplace on Pine Street, pass the steaming hot cocoa in Berwyn and share the Dancing Bear blanket in Trooper. Mercy me, we still have over three months to Springtime.

We definitely both need a vacation intervention by the Lords of Guilt.  Now wouldn't that be miraculous!!!

It's Here! It's Here!! The Hump Day Hurrah has arrived!!!

Giving anytime of year, especially to those less fortunate at the Holidays, is always a pleasure.  Guilty or not, we applaud this act of kindness. Today's Hump Day Hurrah from Provence Catering is a recognition of two outstanding organizations working together to help families in crisis.


The first Hurrah recognizes The Laurel House of Norristown.  We have long supported the tireless and amazing work of this local charity.  They have rescued countless abused women from domestic violence and set them on a path of putting their life in order.    Charitable donations, job opportunities and clothing are always welcome.

Villanova University for their continued generosity to local charities and families in need. From the President's office to the classroom, Villanova is all about world class education and helping others.  As is the case at many of the region's premier universities, Provence Catering is honored to make them an exceptional host when it matters the most.  Great job Father Pete and Team Villanova!

Together along with Provence Catering, these two outstanding local institutions made a lot of people smile at the at The Laurel House
with a delicious Holiday meal.

Hump Day Hurrah is coming and lets plan your 2014 Guilty Pleasures Party

Hump Day at Provence Catering is coming and you know that means....You know what that means. Tomorrow is our Hump Day Hurrah and we have rock stars in the community to recognize.

Come cheer us on and like us on Facebook.  You also visit us at www.provencecatering.com.   I hope your hungry because it's time plan your Guilty Pleasures Party.  We would love to spoil you and your guests in 2014.  

The House of Happy returns. Guilty habits rule the day!!! Thankfully Provence Catering's event calendar is empty today so no parties are impacted by the weather. Working at home is always productive during a mid-week snow storm.(okay, it's really a snow dusting.) Thanks to a dire weather forecast, the entire mid-Atlantic region seems to be shut in. Many members of the Guilty Pleasures Club have seized upon the fury of Mother Nature to begin the 12 Nights of Holiday Guilt a few days earlier. We love innovation in all forms, particularly among the Guilty. A true Guilty historian knows that many great Guilty Pleasures have been borne out of successfully coping with extreme weather conditions. The Great Blizzards of 1995 and 2009 were the inspiration for the famed "House of Happy" and the feeling of contentment that follows. This sense of wintertime fulfillment was reportedly the motivation behind the highly-acclaimed episode of the Sopranos where Paulie and Christopher are desperately running through the snowy forests of the Jersey Pinelands. Haven't we all been lost and famished in the snow before? Maybe without the bloody wounds of course. Here's how Happy happened in 1995 and the remarkable relounging results were quite by accident: Before heading to the streets of Saddlebrook, NJ to recover my aging Audi from five feet of snow, I put a tray full of marinated Turkey Drumsticks and thighs into our convection oven to slowwwwwww cook. Preparing Sunday dinner at 9 am seemed like the perfect way to start the day. Turkey, especially the dark meat has always been one of my all-time Guilty Pleasures. I love the comforting smell and rejoice in the flavor. From the Thanksgiving drumstick to my award winning dark meat turkey salad to tender cheeks, the moist and flavorful dark meat of Tom Turkey is constantly calling my name. Shoveling out of blizzard conditions that day was a painful and grueling experience. The strain of digging out from sixty inches of snow caused shear exhaustion and an urgent need for Guiltorious rejuvenation. After two hours of FEMA-like duties, I trudged through the snow and crawled up the stairs to our loft apartment looking for a miracle. I must be delusional to expect a game changer. Then Happy happened! Upon entering into our toasty abode, I was overcome by the incredibly delicious aroma of a slow-cooked Gobbler. Since I had forgotten about my bird in the oven, the enticing smell of the roasted turkey really made me smile. My entire disposition and energy level changed. Suddenly I felt happy. The house smelled happy. As you know, scrumptious food aromas have that magical uplifting power. Think chocolate chunk cookies or a reincarnation of Holiday dinner. The anticipation of devouring a mammoth drumstick made me the Guilty creator of the "House of Happy."

The House of Happy returns.  Guilty habits rule the day!!!

Thankfully Provence Catering's event calendar is empty today so no parties are impacted by the weather. Working at home is always productive during a mid-week snow storm.(okay, it's really a snow dusting.)  Thanks to a dire weather forecast, the entire mid-Atlantic region seems to be shut in.  Many members of the Guilty Pleasures Club have seized upon the fury of Mother Nature to begin the 12 Nights of Holiday Guilt a few days earlier. We love innovation in all forms, particularly among  the Guilty.  

A true Guilty historian knows that many great Guilty Pleasures have been borne out of successfully coping with extreme weather conditions. The Great Blizzards of 1995 and 2009 were the inspiration for the famed "House of Happy" and the feeling of contentment that follows. This sense of wintertime fulfillment was reportedly the motivation behind the highly-acclaimed episode of the Sopranos where Paulie and Christopher are desperately running through the snowy forests of the Jersey Pinelands. Haven't we all been lost and famished in the snow before?  Maybe without the bloody wounds of course.  

Here's how Happy happened in 1995 and the remarkable relounging results were quite by accident:

Before heading to the streets of Saddlebrook, NJ to recover my aging Audi from five feet of snow, I put a tray full of marinated Turkey Drumsticks and thighs into our convection oven to slowwwwwww cook. Preparing Sunday dinner at 9 am seemed like the perfect way to start the day. Turkey, especially the dark meat has always been one of my all-time Guilty Pleasures. I love the comforting smell and rejoice in the flavor.  From the Thanksgiving drumstick to my award winning dark meat turkey salad to tender cheeks, the moist and flavorful dark meat of Tom Turkey is constantly calling my name.

Shoveling out of blizzard conditions that day was a painful and grueling experience. The strain of digging out from sixty inches of snow caused shear exhaustion and an urgent need for Guiltorious rejuvenation. After two hours of FEMA-like duties, I trudged through the snow and crawled up the stairs to our loft apartment looking for a miracle.  I must be delusional to expect a game changer.  

Then Happy happened! 

Upon entering into our toasty abode, I was overcome by the incredibly delicious aroma of a slow-cooked Gobbler. Since I had forgotten about my bird in the oven, the enticing smell of the roasted turkey really made me smile. My entire disposition and energy level changed. Suddenly I felt happy. The house smelled happy. As you know, scrumptious food aromas have that magical uplifting power. Think chocolate chunk cookies or a reincarnation of Holiday dinner.  The anticipation of devouring a mammoth drumstick made me the Guilty creator of the "House of Happy."

Snowy Day. Guilty Day. Chipper Day.......

When it comes to the weather, the new normal is pretty freaky.  Yesterday's fantastically fun snowstorm was only magical because it was Sunday and most of us were lounging at home by a roaring fire, safe and Guilty.  Is that the best or what? If it was on a Monday, it would have been a disaster.

We took full advantage of yesterday's blizzard-like conditions in Philadelphia and went totally Guilty.  We camped out in front of our massive HDTV to watch the Eagles kick butt.  While we cheer for another team to the north, we are big Chip Kelly fans.  The Eagles have been amazing under the new Head Coach and it seems like they are just getting started.  Coach Kelly must be a lifelong member of the Guilty Pleasures Club. (we will investigate further) Can't you just sense Chip's passion for the finest Guilty Pleasures when it comes to socializing and dining?  There are too many decadent delights in Oregon to ignore and even the healthy farm to table cuisine in the Northwest can definitely inspire the Guilty. You know he's living well and so are the Eagles.

And thankfully, so are we!!!  Guilty and Thin Mint capped off a relaxing Sunday with a sensational family dinner.  Everyone enjoyed:

Five Spice marinated Lamb Burgers on freshly baked Pretzel rolls with a Yogurt Red Chili dressing
Miniature Red Bliss Potatoes stuffed with New York Cheddar, Applewood Bacon and Green Scallions.
Charred Green Beans
Green Leaf Lettuce with Hothouse Tomatoes, Strawberries and stuff.  
Warm Pear Cobbler with Vanilla Almond Hagen Daz.  

The weather turns, the ice cometh and the Lobster Corn Chowder soup boils....December has arrived in Guiltytown.

Soaring temperatures plummeted this weekend as a ginormous ice storm has engulfed the entire country.  It's definitely affected the weekend plans for many Hobbits and Hobbyists. From Dallas to Las Vegas to Portland to Boston to Middle Earth, members of the Guilty Pleasures are fighting back against the Shivers with a time-tested array of personalized remedies.  As you know, nothing warms your soul or lifts your spirits more than trip to the Guilty side of life.

Deep in my hard drive I have developed many positive protocols for Living Well(okay, so my hard drive is really my cranium.  Thankfully my grey matter is still dedicated to proposition that Living Well is the only way to live). I have an endless list of top secret pleasures to rely upon for attitude adjustment.  In this case, when the weather's nasty, I conquer the cold with an incredibly flavorful soup. Not Campbell's, Lipton or Progresso mind you, but a delicious homemade concoction that makes your toes toasty and your smile bright.  No soup does it better in early December than Chef Greg's famous Lobster and Corn Chowder.  The rich creamy broth is made with love and chocked full of fresh Maine Lobster.  It's the best cold fighter ever. Especially when you share it by the fireplace with Thin Mint.

Not matter what you have planned today, you must take the time to curl up on the couch with a steaming bowl of Guilty Goodness.  Make sure you use a very large bowl.  No wimpy cereal bowls please. Size definitely matters when it comes to keeping warm and staying Guilty. Please make sure you share your Guilty Goodness with the Thin Mint of your dreams.

Too much Turkey for the Holidays? How about a change of pace with a Dim Sum Family Feast in Chinatown?

As always, our traditional Thanksgiving Dinner was wonderful and delicious. We celebrated the holiday on Wednesday because one of the founding members of the GPC had to be in Europe at the World Court on Thursday for a conference at The Hague. Our first cousin, aka Not Guilty, has been known to defend a War Criminal or two from the Eastern Block before a United Nations Tribunal.  To quote a wise man,"Even the worst of humanity needs great legal representation."

We decided to not have a second a Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday.  Too much stuffing and mashed potatoes can be one of Guilty's Holiday dieting dilemmas. So we decided to go rogue and meet in Chinatown for a Dim Sum family feast. Not that countless handmade dumplings and noodles are better for Guilty's never-ending diet, but they are awesome. 

When we arrived at 11:30 am, Chinatown was packed with people and Thanksgiving was nowhere to be found. With Shiffie leading the way, family members both young and not so young, sauntered into the Dim Sum Garden on Race Street for a celebration of our many blessings. We were practically the only Caucasians in the restaurant when we settled around the largest table in the place. It was Chinatown at it's finest.  Having just beaten the lunchtime crowd, we were fortunate to be there on so many levels. The service was great, the food was incredible and the company around the table was even better.  Everyone ordered two dishes each(Guilty ordered three dishes just to be safe) and sharing was required.  It was wonderful experience and we can't wait to do it again next year.  

It sounds like Dim Sum is going to be an After Thanksgiving Holiday Tradition!  Besides, you haven't lived until you seen Guilty use chopsticks!  OMG!!!

The best Holiday Hairdo ever is today's Hump Day Hurrah.

Today's Hump Day Hurrah is an appreciation of Holiday Hairdos around the globe. While there are some spectacular choices in Hollywood, we found his Holiness to be in first place.  Nothing beats Pope Benedict's stylish crop of snow white hair for the Holidays.  The former Pope makes an excellent point with his index finger to enjoy the Holidays this year


In this rare instance, I am taking the Pontiff's advice. That's because I am possessed with the concept of Living Well and enjoying life's many Guilty Pleasures.  It's true. Rumor has it that the Papal College has me on their High-Caloric Watch List. Somehow I have avoided their considerable scrutiny so far.

It does not matter, as my Guilt as been long established and well-documented.  I am doomed. Doomed I tell you! Not in a damnation sort of way, but in a "What's wrong with having Plugra butter on everything?  Isn't extra flavor a good thing?"

I cannot go an hour without daydreaming about some decadent red coconut curry sauce or pining for an overflowing bowl of Banana's Foster with Herrell's Brown Butter Ice Cream. It might be the best ice cream on the planet. It leaves me speechless, but blissful.  

My legendary life is one constant quest for the Guiltorious goods that make us marvel in the moment like a finely aged-liqueur and a chocolate souffle. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and there is so much to savor with family and friends.  With my new Brandy sniffer in hand, a well-worn leather chair makes the perfect perch to watch the Cowboys stumble and fall.

I am doomed to marvel and explore. Doomed I tell you.

It's time to enjoy self-serving moments of Guiltorious pursuit

It's time to enjoy self-serving moments of Guiltorious pursuit

There have been many times where the Guilty Pleasures Club has been asked "What is the definition of a genuinely Guilty Act?"  Not criminal endeavors of course, but self-serving pursuits of pleasure in a "Moi" sort of way. Everyone has their own Guilty Pleasures and I have too many to count.

I have to ask myself, when and how did it all start.  Was it falling in love with the word Smorgasbord on vacation or could have been when I sneaked an ample sip of my dad's Crown Royal on a cruise ship to the Caribbean?  Looking back, the High School years offered many innocent and indulging moments of self-serving guilt.
When I am at work I have Guilty Pleasure moments all day.  Today's guilty pursuit might be looking for Thanksgiving treats in the pastry department while everyone is in a staff meeting?  The answer to that question is easy, "Guilty as charged." It's fairly well known that I have a PhD in sneaking food guilt. Besides, I make much more sense after eating two pieces of Chef Ameerah's outrageously delicious sour cream coffee cake. When it's still warm, there's a third piece calling my name.

I have been known to find personal satisfaction with an occasional case of "First in line Guilt."  When I am traveling, especially with family, my guiltorious behavior might include sneaking to the front of check-in line when you have only 20 minutes to catch a flight to Portland to go Salmon fishing in Astoria  And why not take drastic measures...the security line at Philadelphia International can be longer than a football field? "Me first" guilt never gets old. Anyway, missing that flight to Oregon was not an option. We both know that!

Then there is Summertime Guilt. Imagine stopping by a Wawa on a scorching July afternoon where the asphalt is 900 degrees and all that can cool you down is a ice cold milk shake or two? There's no time to drive to Ray's Drive-in for a fix. You need that liquid ice cream rush now! Heat salvation is always free pass anywhere on Planet Guilty.

Self preservation is a Guilty-filled experience. Accept the truth and join the club!

     Thanksgiving is blessed with so many Guilty Pleasures.

That’s because everyone has a special treasure chest filled with priceless Turkey Day memories. No matter what your age, eating well on Thanksgiving is always a wonderful Guilty Pleasure. This uniquely American celebration is the best of all family holidays and its prominent role in our culture can never be overstated.  No presents. No grudges. No calories. It's an exalted Epicurean journey.

I have always had a very strong connection to the last Thursday in November. Maybe it's because no portion control is permitted. It's the one day of the year where over-indulging is encouraged. In fact, there are bonus points for having three helpings of everything. There is no voice of moderation saying, "Do you really need another serving of Fennel au Gratin or Grilled Corn Pudding?"

Overeating is the norm and more importantly, so is slowing down. The leisurely pace of the meal is perfect for dining with great friends and family. There are so many incredible foods and guests to enjoy, so hurrying through your meal is never acceptable. The number one rule on Guilty Way is that you should savor the laughter more than the heavy cream. And that is high praise for good humor, because we really love the dairy aisle.

I particularly like the many enticing smells that engulf our home while preparing Thanksgiving Dinner. Each scent is gloriously distinct and the cooking process quickly becomes an all-day nostril conference. The unforgettable aroma of an Herbed Turkey and my legendary Veal-Almond stuffing slow-roasting in the oven, is always a defining holiday moment.

But my all time favorite Thanksgiving bouquet is the baking of the pies. Of course, this has become my guilty dilemma. There are so many pies to chose from and I want enjoy all of them.

“Leave no pie behind,” is my motto. Let’s analyze the magnitude of that Guilty-laden philosophy.

Why stop at Apple Crumb?  Why put down your fork at Pumpkin? Why wipe your chin after Coconut Custard? How can you eat Blueberry Pie and forgo the Peach Cobbler? The sampling of five or six home-baked pies has become one of my favorite Guilty Pleasure goals. I want to enjoy a variety much more than a full portion.

Fortunately, I have solved this Turkey Day dilemma. Our talented Pastry Chef Ameerah is a Thanksgiving Expert. She has created a wide selection of holiday desserts that look beautiful and taste incredible. Chef Ameerah baked beautiful large, extra large and nano Apple Crumb, Key Lime, Chocolate Pecan, Strawberry Cream and Pumpkin Pies. Her handwork was miraculous.

Her desserts are made with lots of love and it shows.  Ameerah's Thanksgiving pies are scrumptious and nothing less than Guilty gone Gobble Gobble.