This is how we chill it, Minnesota style--out in a snowbank in sub degree temps!! We are having a cozy New Year's, in this year. We are thinking about our friends far and wide, friends that we have rung in many a more festive New Years with...but, we are content and cozy in our home awaiting our crack into this very nice sparkling wine. Kristin & Devon are celebrating in their home with a couple of our other dear friends and at some point we will ching our glasses to the receiver of the telephone like we have for quite a … [Read more...]
Archives for December 2008
Jamie Oliver and other British Wonders
By on December 30, 2008 with
My brother married a wonderful English lass! She's creative, beautiful and in touch with our slight obsession for all things food. Every year, we exchange names amongst the siblings and their spouses. This year my brother had my name. But, as my (newly added) sister in law discovered, it is still the wife's job to round out the gifts (and sign all the Christmas cards!). So, I opened a beautiful scarf from Scotland that my brother had chosen all by himself. He really nailed it! It's gorgeous! The next two gifts were … [Read more...]
Holiday Sangria for Peace of “Mine”
By on December 28, 2008 with
My sister-n-law, Kim, made a fantastic and festive punch this Christmas that we all enjoyed with appetizers before each feast. She reminded me of a time I had forgotten, a slice of "peace" sandwiched between, shopping, wrapping, and holiday meals come and gone. A couple of years ago, Kim and I had managed to escape the craziness of the holiday madness going on in my home-- think six kids cooped in, tired and wired on sugar and excitement. We had asked our husbands to take over the mayhem while we escaped for some peace of … [Read more...]
New Year Mantra
By on December 18, 2008 with
The humor will come. That's what I keep telling myself.... There are certain bloggers out there that are witty and clever. Very witty and clever. And I'm happy for them. Really. It's just that-- do they have four to five kids, dishes to do, shoes to pick up, piles of laundry, cakes to bake, beds to make, school parties to attend, baths to be drawn and so on? I think not! I think these clever witty food bloggers are lounging around in their pjs today, sipping tea, and reforming their paragraphs at leisure, updating their … [Read more...]
Piedigrotta in Baltimore
By on December 15, 2008 with
There are no words to describe the pastries, pies and cookies at Piedigrotta Bakery! One taste of their fig bread and I knew I had entered another time, place and era. I have yet to find a bakery in Baltimore that has the quality and depth of an old world bakery! There are no short steps here! If you haven't made a visit to this bakery on Bank...you are missing a true gem! … [Read more...]
I thought I’d never!
By on December 10, 2008 with
I didn't know if I even wanted to admit this. I've been agonizing over whether to share this with you or not. But, it's about honesty, right? Being transparent in this blog...right? Ok, on Thanksgiving morning, a bunch of us handed out "love feasts" all over Baltimore city. Different people donated turkeys, potatoes and baked goods. Then about 50 of us gathered Thanksgiving morning to distribute 200 plates of food to homeless, shut ins and anyone else we met. It was a beautiful morning! But, as you can see, I was asked to … [Read more...]
Roasted Gems
By on December 9, 2008 with
Just had to add a quick blip...roasted gems...I personally think should be added to every Thanksgiving Menu! Cut golden beets, red beets, parsnips, turnips, carrots in large chunks. Toss together with a little olive oil, salt and pepper and roast on 375 F, covered with foil until soft. Can take up to one hour or longer depending on the size of the cut. Let them cool a bit, then toss and watch the gems glisten!! … [Read more...]
Red Canoe Muffin Run
By on December 3, 2008 with
We make muffin runs to the Red Canoe! The muffins at this local joint is the unique element that sets the Red Canoe apart. We have hunted high and low for just the right muffin in Baltimore. They are usually too sweet or over processed. Not at the Red Canoe! My personal favorite has chunks of mango holding the muffin together...moist and fresh...best slightly heated up and enjoyed with a black cup of Zeke's coffee! … [Read more...]
The Baby
By on December 2, 2008 with
He walked in with the baby. It looked like it was at least 30 lbs. It was round and plump and it quickly took me back to another place and time. Italy in 2007. It was night and we wound our way around the twisty Florence roads (it was somewhere near the Piazzale Michelangelo). On the right we noticed a sign. It looked quaint and tucked away. We pulled in and parked the car. As we descended down the steps, an Eden of a back yard unfolded before our eyes! There were maybe eight tables set up and set aglow by candlelight. … [Read more...]
