Stuff I like: Starbucks Chile Mocha, iRepair KC, a crazy easy dessert

Here’s what Kathy Lu, assistant managing editor for features, is into right now:

Starbucks Chile Mocha

I’m a sucker for mocha. Espresso, chocolate, how could it be better? It turns out, a little spice makes it even more nice. The Starbucks Chile Mocha is topped with ancho and cayenne spices, which burn just a tiny bit as you sip. I opt for soy because of a lactose intolerance, but it also adds a nice nutty dimension.

iRepair Kansas City

Not long after I shattered my iPhone 6 touchscreen (horrors!), a friend told me about this repair shop at 5518 Troost Ave. He said he took three Samsung phones in and got them all fixed in about an hour. The owner, Scott Russell, just started the business after learning the trade in Columbia (where he’s from). He wanted to set up shop near a university as well, and it turns out lots of people shatter their phone screens. I walked in and was done in 15 minutes. Lucky for me and my phone, a repair comes with a screen protector for iPhones. Call or text Scott 24/7 at 816-888-9433.

Apple Delight

 

For a newsroom Halloween potluck, a colleague suggested I bring this dish, which is not only incredibly easy to make but also a party favorite. Here’s the recipe: diced Snickers bars, diced Granny Smith apples and a tub of Cool Whip. I used a bag of fun-sized Snickers and four apples. Just combine it all and you get something delightfully light, sweet and tasty.

Grill it! Indoor smokeless grill

 

At the Junior League Holiday Mart a few weeks ago, I was drawn to the demonstration of this indoor grill pan ($29.95) like a moth to a flame. Here was a man “grilling” chicken and zucchini — indoors! The device works like this: You fill a stainless steel ring with a liquid of your choice (I use water) and place the nonstick sloped grill pan on top. Put the ring over an electric or gas burner and cook away.

Fat drips into the ring of water through slots in the grill pan so it makes less smoke. The liquid also helps steam the food. I tried it with cauliflower, steaks and bacon and it really works. It takes a little longer than an outdoor grill, due to its size and heat level, but I am looking forward to the taste of grilled food in the winter. Bonus: The grill is dishwasher safe.

Another score at the Holiday Mart: a knitted white poncho. I recently read that ponchos are back big time this fall and, having never owned one, wanted to give it a try. I love it.

Trader Joe’s Asian stir fry vegetables

 

In the life hack category, this bag of frozen vegetables ($2.69) is a new favorite. Keep it in the freezer until you’re ready to stir-fry it with any protein (I’ve added chicken and smoked tofu). It comes with a bag of sauce that you can embellish with Sriracha or other hot sauce, or skip their sauce and make your own. It’s a nice mix of bite-sized veggies (snow peas, broccoli, water chestnuts, red pepper, baby corn) that would be a pain — and more expensive — to gather otherwise.

This story was originally published November 11, 2016 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Stuff I like: Starbucks Chile Mocha, iRepair KC, a crazy easy dessert."