Local Blogger Wants to Help You Make Something 'Seriously Delish'

Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats will release her cookbook this fall.

LOCAL BLOGGER PUTS TOGETHER COOKBOOK
Most locals know Jessica Merchant as the brains behind the eye-catching, drool-worthy How Sweet Eats posts. The self-taught cook has been blogging for a few years about her kitchen experiments. Merchant's forthcoming cookbook, "Seriously Delish," encompasses all parts of the meal — breakfast staples to mixed drinks — along with tips on making simple ingredients from scratch, including panko breadcrumbs.
(book available Sept. 2; howsweeteats.com; photo by Jessica Merchant)

THE HOT DOG GUYS KEEP THINGS SIMPLE
Hot dogs are quick, portable and, if prepared properly, delicious. The Hot Dog Guys serve their steak dogs out in Tarentum, offering an assortment of toppings. Though James and Paul Barton both run the business, James is "the master chef." The duo generally vends weekdays during lunchtime near the 366 expressway.

Keep posted on when @TheHotDogGuys will be out by following @PGHmagEAT.

LUX NAILS TOFFEE RECIPE
Trying to satisfy chocolate cravings? Try one of Shelby Ortz's creations. The former Eleven pastry chef co-established Lux Artisan Chocolates in 2012. The toffee, sold online and at Mon Aimee Chocolat, features buttery and nutty flavors; a layer of dark and milk chocolate sandwich the toffee itself, crowned with almond and pecan bits. It's rich enough that you'll be content with eating one square at a time, making the $6 price tag even more reasonable.
(luxartisanchocolates.com)