With apologies to Chicago - it’s a hard habit to break. For some, almost bordering on the impossible. Caffeine. It’s what the majority of us start the day with; an cup of our favorite blend at the drive-through, an "energy" shot off and on throughout the day...and my personal problem - soda.. But it all comes at a cost; the most recent survey from Accounting Principles says that on the average half of us who work spend around $1,000 a year on those cups to go. Men spend about $25 per week. And guess who spends twice that...ladies, ladies.....

   Of course, the health considerations are most important. Caffeine can interact with some medications (check with your doctor and read those advisories that come with the prescription for a change). There’s a good article on Livestrong to check out for those wonderful side effects and withdrawal symptoms as well. The Mayo Clinic has this piece of advice when it comes to wondering if it’s time to just say no to the joe; they consider "heavy" caffeine use to be more than 500-600 mg a day. So if you’re indulging in four, or more, cups of coffee and you’re beginning to wonder just why you’re not sleeping well, or feeling like you’re about to jump right out of your clothes it might be time to start cutting back. But if you’d like to still enjoy a jolt now and then, check this chart from MedicineNet and see how much caffeine is in your favorite beverage. Bet you’d be surprised though at where some of that caffeine you’re getting is actually coming from. I think most of us know it’s in chocolate. I haven’t seen it on the market, but I’ve read that Butterfinger is marketing a caffeine-infused version called Butterfinger Buzz that was launched a few years ago. There’s gum with added caffeine, and supposedly the army is working on a jerky with caffeine; Perky Jerky is already out there for us. And who remembers No-Doz for all night cram sessions in college. I don’t want to!

   But what really caught my eye a few weeks back was a new product called AeroShot. Inhaled caffeine. I supposed it’s the next step up from those energy shots that we grab after filling up the tank at the convenience stores. Safety? FDA is taking a look at the request of a New York Senator.These are single use containers that contain up to six puffs each at around $2.99 per container, about the size of tube of lipstick. Too easy to use, to easy to overuse. More to come of this product for sure.

   Honestly, I think I’ve tried, and failed, about four times to knock off the morning sodas. Bad for my bones, stains the teeth, and not exactly great source of hydration. So tell you what. I’ll give it my best shot once again, and you’re more than welcome to ask how it’s going. A little peer pressure is never a bad thing.

   And remember to keep it right here for the latest on Chef Robert Irvine and Dinner:Impossible coming to the stage of Ruth Eckerd Hall April 13th!

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

In Seattle you haven't had enough coffee until you can thread a sewing machine while it's running. ~Jeff Bezos