About Author: Steve

Website
https://www.stevenjshaw.com
Description
30 Year Old Male Bronx, NY Married Son

Posts by Steve

0

Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Cheesecake Square

I love the cooler weather (after it goes through the malaria stage) and the fall foods and the fall beers and the... okay, so basically just the weather and the food and beer. But still! Fall is great.

“Fall is here and all I have to say is f@%k fall. Fall. I hate the fall. What bullsh*t. Oh the leaves change color, they change color for 2 days! Then a big wind comes and all you got are nothing but sticks for the rest of the year. And then the weather is completely nonsense. You don’t even have a proper fall coat. Nothing you wear is right. You wake up its sunny out you put a coat on, you go out you’re sweating like a pig, you take it off and then its cold, its bullshit! Suns out you’re sweating but there’s a breeze so your freezing. It’s not weather its malaria!”

 – Lewis Black

I do love Lewis Black. His words are so true. And while the above is certainly true for Fall, I love it! I love the cooler weather (after it goes through the malaria stage) and the fall foods and the fall beers and the… okay, so basically just the weather and the food and beer. But still! Fall is great. And while we may be reaching a pumpkin tipping point, I will continue to enjoy each and every fall/pumpkin item that comes out. Which leads me to…

The Dunkin Donuts Pumpkin Cheesecake Square

IMG_3681

Just look at it. Bask in its golden, pumpkinny glory! Kneel! Kneel before… Sorry! I don’t know what happened. I was overcome with the pumpkin doughnut. It’s okay. I’m fine now.

IMG_3684

Well, let’s start with the basics. It’s a standard DD yeast based doughnut, think the glazed except square and filled with pumpkin cheesecake. Delicious. Pumpkin. Cheeseca… Sorry! I almost lost it again. The top is covered with an orange icing with a white decorative drizzle and streusel crumbs.

IMG_3682

When cut in half you can see some of the filling. Okay, it’s hard in this picture since the inside of the doughnut and the filling are nearly identical in color. Hold on…

IMG_3683

There we go. Before I go any further, can we talk about DD’s general lack of filling in doughnuts over time? I remember when I was a kid we would eat those vanilla and chocolate butter cream filled powdered doughnuts. Those things were STUFFED! You had to plan your bites, because as soon as you bit into it cream would just explode all over (we really need to talk about getting “phrasing” back in the rotation). I even remember my dad driving to a specific DD that was a little further from our house, because they had even more filling in them. Now, just look at it. Hardly fills half the doughnut. Shameful. Anyway…

I took a smell and didn’t really get anything other than doughnut. So I took a bite.

IMG_3685

WOOOOOOOOOOO!

Ric_Flair

Okay. So, I know that DD has done cheesecake squares a while back. I think they were Oreo. I didn’t have any of those, so I have no comparison, but let me say, this thing was delicious! The filling tasted like pumpkin and ginger and a little cinnamon. It was light and airy as if it had whipped cream folded into it. There was a little cheesecake tang on the back. Perfect!

IMG_3687

I tried a little of the filling by itself, and it is really good. I would eat it in a pie, or a cheesecake I guess would be more appropriate. I also tried a little of the top by itself. The icing is very sweet, but it doesn’t overpower the filling. It compliments it quite nicely. What I hadn’t realized, is that the cinnamon comes from the streusel topping. Lots of cinnamon and brown sugar in those little bits.

Anyway, I proceeded to jam the rest of the doughnut in my mouth and then wished I had a bought a dozen or two.


Tags:
0

Fatguy Food Blog Audition Review
Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies

I'm auditioning to be a be a food blogger at Fatguy Food Blog. This is my audition review...

I consider myself (myself… self… elf.. f..) to be the Modern Day Renaissance Man. When I’m not doing Project Management for an eDiscovery company, I’m blogging about parenting (LittleReadFatherhood.com), writing science fiction children’s books (Go buy Starflyer John JacksonBUY ME!) and officiating weddings (TheNYWeddingOfficiant.com). I’m also an avid reader of food blogs. I read everything from local NYC lunch blogs to classy Martha Stewart type stuff. My favorite food blogs, admittedly, are the ones that discuss and review junk food and fast food. This eventually lead me to the Fatguy Food Blog.

Last week the call went out, and the Fatguys were looking for food bloggers. I’ve blogged about parenting and other stuff, I have a decent sense of humor, I’m an above average writer (if I do say so myself) and I liked the site. Well, if I was looking for another feather in my cap, what better feather than one covered in bacon! The only problem… I didn’t have a food review to show them. That. Ends. Today!

Without further adieu, I give you my Fatguy Food Blog Audition Review – Pumpkin Spice Milano Cookies.

It’s Fall. Well, not really. Hell, it’s not ever Labor Day for goodness sakes. But as we progress as a people, the seasonal items start earlier and earlier. I have to assume that eventually the seasonal items will be so early, they will actually sync up with the proper season. Okay, I guess I can’t be too critical. I truthfully have NO idea when these cookies came out. I was wondering the local CVS on my lunch break and stumbled on these. And, let’s be honest, today is September.

GoT_Fall_is_Coming

Okay, enough about early seasonal items. Let’s get to the reason you all ultimately came here today. How does it taste? Well, okay, let’s start with the package itself. I see colored leaves. I see fall hues of yellow and orange. I see some cinnamon sticks. Oh, what’s that peaking in from behind? Is that? Is that a pumpkin?

Let’s recap: Fall. Milano Cookies. Cinnamon. Pumpkin. We have hit all the important motifs for a pumpkin spice flavored item. But what’s really inside?

PS_Milano_Ingredients

Hmmmmmmmmm… I’m not seeing any pumpkin, which is no surprise. Most times these types of foods are more pumpkin spice, than say, pumpkin pie, and to Pepperidge Farm’s credit, they do say it is a “pumpkin spice flavored” cookie. Let’s continue along; sugar, milk chocolate, eggs, salt, natural flavoring… That’s it! No cinnamon! No ginger! No nutmeg! No cloves! No allspice! I guess those things could be in “natural flavors” but even then it’s only “2 percent or less!”

Already I don’t have high hopes. Don’t get me wrong. I love a Milano cookie. Who doesn’t? But there is nothing like bad pumpkin spice to ruin a product. Okay, let’s open this bag up and see what’s what.

Kind of looks like the elevator in Die Hard, doesn’t it?

Die_Hard

I close my eyes and take a big sniff and smell… ummm… Milanos? Did someone pack this bag near a pumpkin spice scented candle or something? There is the slightest, and I mean slightest hint of pumpkin spice. It’s so slight, I can barely pick it up. Could be cinnamon. Maybe some ginger? Allspice, maybe? Potentially even some actual pumpkin? I definitely smell Milano. Maybe that’s the clever ruse that Pepperidge Farm has pulled over us all. Make the pumpkin spice so faint, that everyone will smell what they want. Kind of like a Rorschach Test for your nose.

I pull one out of the bag and give it a look. Like all things pumpkin, the cookies have an odd, orange-colored creme in them. It kind of oozes out the side of the cookie, making these cookies look like a bad clam.

PS_Milano_Cookie

I tried to pry one apart to get a look inside and found it to be much more difficult than pulling apart a Oreo. But I got some of the top cookie off. The creme is a very thin spread of orange that has the consistency of cake frosting.

PS_Milano_Half

Enough screwing around! Time to eat these warlocks.

PS_Milano_XSection

These won’t win any prizes. Truthfully, it kind of tasted like I ate a Milano cookie after eating something pumpkin flavored. I almost imagine the people at Pepperidge Farm making these cookies much in the way Churchill was said to make a martini – ice-cold gin and a bow in the direction of France. These are Milano cookies taste like they were made with a pumpkin in the room. In the end, it’s a Milano cookie with a hint of pumpkin spice. It’s not offensive, and truthfully, the more I eat them, the better they seem. Once again, all part of the Pepperidge Farm Master Plan…


Tags:
0

I Wrote a Book!

So, yeah, I wrote a children’s book. And I’m finally doing something about it! I’m just getting started so I don’t have much to share, but Like us on FB and Follow us on Twitter. There will be a lot of information to come. Like us on Facebook – facebook.com/StarflyerJohnJackson […]
Starflyer Cast

Starflyer Cast

So, yeah, I wrote a children’s book. And I’m finally doing something about it! I’m just getting started so I don’t have much to share, but Like us on FB and Follow us on Twitter. There will be a lot of information to come.

Like us on Facebook – facebook.com/StarflyerJohnJackson

Follow us on Twitter – @StevenJamesShaw

Tags: ,
0

Let ME Officiate YOUR Wedding

Hey everybody… what? who is this? oh, right, its been almost a year since I posted… *AHEM* Hi, it’s me, Steve.  You may remember me from such posts as the Philly/Camden Trip and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I like to post about me and my kids. I have become a […]

Hey everybody… what? who is this? oh, right, its been almost a year since I posted…

*AHEM*

Hi, it’s me, Steve.  You may remember me from such posts as the Philly/Camden Trip and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I like to post about me and my kids.

I have become a licensed Minister with the Universal Life Church and can perform wedding ceremonies. I have even registered with the City of New York to be able to perform ceremonies in NYC.

Recently, some friends of mine asked me if I would perform their wedding ceremony. I immediately jumped at their offer. Their reasoning was sincere, and their invitation was humbling.

After doing some research, and getting my Minister’s license, I put together a simple ceremony for them. The day of the ceremony I was very nervous. But everything went off without a hitch and I received so many compliments that I decided to try my hand at this for others.

Really, it was my wife’s idea, but I did all the legwork!

And with that, I am please to announce the official site for The NY Wedding Officiant…

www.theNYweddingofficiant.com

Also on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/theNYweddingofficiant

And Twitter:

www.twitter.com/theNYofficiant

Check it out and keep me in mind for ALL your wedding officiating needs!

—–

0

Weekend in Philly… and Camden

In a rarely seen phenomenon, we had an entire weekend with no plans. Nada. Nothing. Zip. Zero. It was shocking. Rather than sit around and stare at each other, we decided to do an overnight in Philadelphia. We had two things in mind that we wanted to do (three if […]

In a rarely seen phenomenon, we had an entire weekend with no plans. Nada. Nothing. Zip. Zero. It was shocking. Rather than sit around and stare at each other, we decided to do an overnight in Philadelphia.

We had two things in mind that we wanted to do (three if you include me getting a cheesesteak from Pat’s, which, incidentally didn’t happen, and four if you include seeing the Liberty Bell, which you will read about shortly); go to the Please Touch Museum and the Adventure Aquarium (which is not in Philly as we had originally thought, but across the river in Camden, hence the title of this post).

The Please Touch Museum is AMAZING. I have been to a few children’s museums. We are actually members at a museum in CT. And for those of you who have never been to one, but “museum” I mean area where kids can run around and play with stuff in themed settings. So, one area might be a supermarket theme and kids can shop, or work a register, or stock shelves or whatever. Another area might be all water activities. One might be animals. The Please Touch Museum is like a children’s museum on steroids. It is HUGE. My wife and I were very impressed.

That night I mentioned that I wanted to see the Liberty Bell. I mean, I’m in Philly, I should see the Liberty Bell. My wife was tired from walking around and from being 7 months pregnant. So, I asked my son if he wanted to take a walk. We set off to find the Bell. It is not outside, as I thought, and the building that houses it closes at 7pm. I got there at 7:09. So, I was able to peer through a dirty window, from about 25 feet away and see the Bell.

Our next stop was the Adventure Aquarium. Again, a home run. Great aquarium. Lots to see. A couple of interactive areas for kids. Just a great day overall. We missed the Hippo feedings, but other than that we saw everything we wanted to see.

I would definitely recommend either of these places to anyone looking for a good day trip (or weekend) who is within comfortable driving distance to the Philadelphia area. I also hear the Zoo is nice. And I still need to get back for my cheesesteak!

—–

0

First Last Day of School

One of the great things about being a parent is seeing firsts. First steps, first words, first day of school… and first last day of school. Jack’s preschool held a party for the parents to celebrate the last day of school. They had prepared a few songs to sing and […]

One of the great things about being a parent is seeing firsts. First steps, first words, first day of school… and first last day of school.

Jack’s preschool held a party for the parents to celebrate the last day of school. They had prepared a few songs to sing and then we would have some snacks and say goodbye. It was a lot of fun.

The kids didn’t really sing (except for Jack who sang all of Twinkle Twinkle). They were all acting shy. But it was still fun. Everyone had a great time. I was glad that his first school experience was a good one.

We’re already signed up for next year… this time he does 3 half days!

—–

0

Ten Year Reunion

My God… has it been 10 years already? TEN?!?!?! I’m OLD! Okay. Now that I’m done with that. A few weeks ago the Shaw clan headed up to Loudonville, NY — a suburb of Albany — to attend our 10 Year Reunion at Siena College. We had a lot of fun. The […]

My God… has it been 10 years already? TEN?!?!?! I’m OLD!

Okay. Now that I’m done with that. A few weeks ago the Shaw clan headed up to Loudonville, NY — a suburb of Albany — to attend our 10 Year Reunion at Siena College.

We had a lot of fun. The family picnic was great. Jack was able to run around and play in a bouncy house while we caught up with some old friends. It seemed like we never left. Except for the whole kid and ten years older thing.

Jack kept telling us he was going to go there for college. I hope he does. We had such a great time there.

—–

0

The FiveFingers of… Vibram!

"Barefoot" running in Vibram FiveFingers.  Thoughts and observations of running in foot gloves.

Background

A few weeks ago I found an online ad for a pair of Vibram FiveFingers.  They were $60.  I had read about these shoes, and about how great they were supposed to be.  For $60, I figured I would give it a shot.

The first thing I needed to do was measure my feet.  Then, based on the measurements you find your size.  I was extremely nervous about this.  I felt the measurement was so precise, since the shoe was basically a foot glove, that I was going to mess it up.  But, the measurements were in 1/4 inch increments, so I figured I had a pretty solid chance of getting it right.

Then, they came.  I took them out of the box and they looked so small.  I am so used to seeing a regular running shoe, that looking at these looked all wrong.  Again, I figured it had to be right, so I tried to put them on.  They were tight.  I was certain I had them wrong.  It was time to do a little internet research.

I read on many sites that the FiveFingers are very tight when you first get them and that they will stretch with use.  If they feel tight when you first get them, chances are they are right.  I also read that the big toe discomfort I was feeling would also go away.  One thing I didn’t find was little toe discomfort.  I think I have odd shaped little toes so they weren’t exactly fitting right.  However, after fiddling around with them for a while, I got my little toes in their spot.

After wearing them around the house for a few days they started to feel better.  The toe pain went away and the shoes seemed to stretch and fit better on my feet.  I took a big step and wore them out of the house just to run some errands.  I still was a little hesitant about running on them.

Then, finally, I took the leap of faith.  This morning I ran in them.  I’m a little unsure about some of my observations since I haven’t run in a while, but I could definitely feel a difference.

Observations

The first thing I noticed (which I had read about) is that you will adjust your gate and running style when you start.  Most people are heel strikers.  You really can’t do that in the Vibram FiveFingers.  After about the first 1/4 mile I noticed my running style change.  I was landing more on the middle to the ball of my foot rather than on my heel.

Next I noticed that my knees and my ankles were hurting a little.  Again, this might be due to the fact that I hadn’t run in a while, but it felt different.  I was sure it had to do with the change in style.  Sure enough, after about the first mile I started feeling better.

With the change in running style, I also noticed I was running more upright.  I have a bad habit of hunching over when I run and it KILLS my lower back.  I normally have to make a conscious effort to stand up straight.  With the Vibrams, I felt I didn’t need to focus on it; my body just did it naturally.

An interesting observation is that you feel EVERYTHING.  Every crack in the road, every pebble, every twig… every puddle!  It’s a strange feeling, but not in a bad way.  Just in a I’m-not-used-to-this kind of way.

I only ran 2 miles, but I definitely felt good.  I was actually running about a minute faster than I had been when I was running regularly.  Again, this may be that I was fresh and was a little faster, but there is a chance it could be the shoes.  I’m going to say it was the shoes.

The last thing is that I noticed, which I didn’t notice until a few hours later, is that my legs feel like I was running on the beach.  My calves are starting to feel sore in places I don’t normally feel pain.  It definitely reminds me of when I ran on the beach in Maui.

Conclusion

I like them.  I’m looking forward to running in them again.  Hopefully, this will be the spark I need to get back into running regularly since I have taken over 2 moths off since I ran the Half Marathon.

 


Ignore the Hobbit feet...


—–

0

Happy Birthday, Jack!

I am the worst father… ever.  Its been three weeks since Jack’s third birthday and I haven’t yet posted anything. Terrible.  Terrible, terrible, terrible.  So, without further ado… I can’t believe our little Jack turned 3!  Three!  Tres!  Unbelievable!  It seems like only yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital. […]

I am the worst father… ever.  Its been three weeks since Jack’s third birthday and I haven’t yet posted anything. Terrible.  Terrible, terrible, terrible.  So, without further ado…

I can’t believe our little Jack turned 3!  Three!  Tres!  Unbelievable!  It seems like only yesterday we were bringing him home from the hospital.  Now he’s like a regular person.  Well, a ridiculous person is more like it.

This year Jack’s birthday fell on a Saturday.  It was nice.  Since he is older — and now has little friends from School and Gymboree and home — we decided to have a little kid’s party.  We had it Gymboree.  First, let me just say that it was amazing.  The people at Gymboree were EXCELLENT!  The party was a huge success and it was all in thanks to the staff at Gymboree.  I didn’t have to do a thing.  It was so nice to just be able to enjoy the party… and take a lot of pictures.

Jack had a good time too… It was so much fun.  To any parent out there reading this, Gymboree (or a place like it) is the way to go.  It was especially nice since Jack is a member so the woman who did the party was his regular teacher and he had kids from his class there.  I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

We also had a small party for Jack with my in laws at Aunt Christy’s new apartment (the second set of photos).  Jack got some great gifts and spent time with his family and friends.

 

 

—–

0

Easter 2011

It was a full Easter this year.  Jen and Jack spent the weekend before with Jen’s grandparents and parents while I was away.  Then the Saturday before Easter Jen’s parent’s came over to give Jack his Easter basket and do a little babysitting while we went out to dinner.  Lastly, […]

It was a full Easter this year.  Jen and Jack spent the weekend before with Jen’s grandparents and parents while I was away.  Then the Saturday before Easter Jen’s parent’s came over to give Jack his Easter basket and do a little babysitting while we went out to dinner.  Lastly, Easter Sunday we celebrated at home, then went to my Dad’s and then went to my Mom’s.

Of course, it was this day that Jack chose to wake up before 5am, then not eat or nap all day.  He was a bit of a maniac towards the end of the day.  We hit traffic on the way home so Jack slept almost the whole way and then we had to wake him up to get him in the bath and then off to bed. He was exhausted, so he basically cried the whole bath and then fell right to sleep.

All in all it was a great day.  He was exhausted and goofy, but he had a great time and think all the family did too. Hopefully he will nap next holiday… or at least not wake up at 5am.

 

—–

%d bloggers like this: