What Christmas means to me~

Great memories, loving family near and far, old and new friends, loving Molly, smiles of my kids, smiles from my Mom, kind and loving husband, good health, kindness to others, a warm home, feeling of joy, good life..blessing from God that I am loved....

Eat!!! aly

What a fantasitc new find in the city..New York is known for all types of culinary wonders and now the new Mario Batali concept,Eataly, is one you cannot miss!
My daughter and I ate there for the first time on a recent visit and got to explore the enitre place. It is a wonderful collection of foods, restaurants,wine,espresso and dessert bars not to be missed. We ate at the vegetarian counter and had a terrifc lentil soup. The gift boxes for the holidays and numerous new food items make this a fun, classy way to feel a touch of Italy!!!Ciao!

Merry Christmas!!!

Counting the days filled with love,baking and visitors to our home.

Her pies~

Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends. I am so fortunate for the love I feel everyday. What a great gift,the most treasured in my life...From my wonderful husband, my Mark, Sarah and Shawn, to the sweet smile I still receive from my Mom, to all my friends and loved ones. Thankful today and will continue to pray for each one of you in my life. The famous "Kay" pies turned out beautifully. I was so thrilled to see they looked exactly like my Mom's...The smell and taste of them is one of my most comforting memories. We know each day with her is limited but realize we have had more than most people get when their loved one is ill or passing on. The life my Mom lived and the gratutide in my heart is overwhelming. Her pies today will remind me of all she baked,tirelessly and all the joy she filled my heart with always and forever...I love you,Mom!!

Wonderful Butternut Squash Soup

2 butternut squash,halved and remove seeds, roast face down in a 400 oven for 30 mins..cool
1 can,14 oz chicken broth
1 tsp curry powder
1 tsp sage,optional
2 tbsp marsala wine

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend to smooth and add to a soup pot...Add s and p for taste and heat through!!!Top with graham cracker crumbs.

Each morning I say....

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Psalm 51:12

Home, Sweet, Home

Basic Mulling Spices Recipe
•6 cinnamon sticks
•1 small whole nutmeg
•1/2 cup whole cloves
•1/2 cup whole allspice
•Grated peel of one whole orange
Mix together on top of stove in a heavy duty pan, over low heat in 3 cups of water or part apple cider...Also may be bagged,tied with a ribbon and given as a nice holiday gift.

Breast Cancer Bake Sale

The Shore Memorial Bake Sale was a huge hit once again this year. So many delicious items for sale and I was happy to assist my Sister in Law and put my creativity with baking to work...Supporting such a wonderful cause this month was great!

Remember this~~

Be yourself....Because the people who matter don't mind and the people who mind don't matter...~~

He is back!

After months of recovering from a broken hand, my son is back to his life, the way it was. Gratitude and prayer that he will be fine, enjoy the waves and work. He needs to stay busy and the journey this summer has taught us alot. We enjoy being together, we can get through anything and the support and love from his brother, sister,family and friends have helped us tremendously. Blessings...

Broadway craving!

Every few months I long for a play. The perfect seat, company and show are all I need to round out a great day. My son and I recently saw "Million Dollar Quartet".It was a true story based on the 4 famous guys, Elvis, Carl, Jerry Lee and Johnny. The talent was phenomenal, music was spectacular and being with my boy-the best...Enjoy this wonderful show and loads of talent with someone you love.

Sweet Summer Sauce

3 cans (28 oz) Italian brand whole,peeled plum tomatoes.
3 tbsp. butter
1 onion,chopped fine
3 cloves garlic,minced
2 tbsp. dried basil or chopped fresh
s and p to taste
3 tsp. sugar


In a large pot,melt butter, add onion and cook till soft over med heat...Toss in garlic and cook 2 mins more..Add cans of tomatoes and juice. Add basil,s and p and sugar...Simmer on low for 1-2 hours stirring occassionally...Serve over pasta...Can freeze in containers...Yummy

Margo Morrison

I love jewelry. Good jewelry and funky. When I find a piece I want, I treasure it,wear it and even will share it. This designer has a wonderful semi-precious stone collection on her site. I found exactly what I have been searching for last month while on the boardwalk with my gfriend..We both had fun trying on,giving advice on the items and eventually went home happy!!! Check out Margo Morrison.

Sweet

"When I was a little girl, I always wanted to be in the kitchen, because it was warm, and that's where my mother was."

~Dolly Parton~

The Annual Luncheon

Forty years of friendship,six growing kids and 2 dogs between us and very busy lives..How do we manage to look the same,laugh the same and spend the afternoon just enjoying each other?...Oh yes,that is a true friend!! Thanks for another great get together!!

"THE" Jewelry Store

For a child some of the best memories are between you and a grandparent. MY children's certainly are with my Mom. My daughter used to sleep over, go to Mass with Nana and always played jewelry store using Nana's jewel box..Oh! The costume jewelry wonders that were in that box. Now that box sits here in our house still filled with those beauties from the 50's and 60's. I recently thought my nieces, who live across the country, should own one of these special pieces that brought so much fun to my girl! I selected 2 pendants,one with a mosaic seashore theme and one with two Hummel children on it surrounded by gold..I sent them out to find they both loved them..Not so much for their value but the fact that they belonged to Nana and she loved them. My youngest niece quickly found a chain for hers and selected her clothing for 1st grade that day to go with her necklace...This brought tears to my eyes knowing she opened her package and loved it enough to wear to school. She and her sister are treasures to me and Nana will smile her special smile when I tell her they loved them. Our family is so blessed!!!

Eat. Pray. Love this.....

One of my favorite sites to browse is Etsy,a vast and creative place to sell, buy and just gaze at gorgoeus handmades and handcrafts. The nicest thing about Etsy is the people. All creative, hardworking and a pleasure for me to deal with. I recently bought a print to send my daughter but have ordered several gifts and many can be customized. I just found A Modern Philosopy while reading the book,"Eat, Pray, Love"...It struck me as I checked out their beautiful bracelets that these would make great personal gifts from the heart...I ordered them today and since they are crafted in Hawaii,I love them even more...Enjoy!

Kiva International

I saw the founders of this great organization,Kiva, on Oprah several years back. It is ordinary people, like myself,who can go on this secured site and look up small businesses and entrepreneurs and send them loans to get their dream going. It can be whatever amount you can afford. Interesting to watch the businesses grown and loans repaid. I have been repaid and reinvested four times already and the stories of these hardworking people in other lands are inspiring. Check out the site and maybe find it in your heart to help another.

Southern Corn Pudding~

2 eggs
1- 16 oz. each, cream corn and fresh or whole kernels,drained
1 cup fat free sour cream
1 package Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese,grated
1/4 cup fresh chives

Preheat oven to 350. Mix wet in ingredients and then add dry. Pout into a 9 x 13 pan and bake for 30 mins...Cut into squares to serve.

She is happy and so I am...

Congratulations on your new career, beautiful apartment and new area...We are proud of you and wish you all the blessings you deserve. The path laid out before you has only just begun.

Felt Food

What a great craft idea for kids and gifts for kids...If you love to sew or want to try an easy,inexpensive craft,this is a great one! Go to Lilly Bean site for some ideas and get started..I think little ones would love this for Chritmas..My niece,Katie, more precious than words is the queen of pretend kitchen and she needs some Lilly felt food:)

I was born today~

Today I turn 55. What is so good about gettng older. Everything for me..I celebrate with my family who loves me. My husband and children are heathy and show me everyday that I am important in their lives. My Mother doesn't have her memory but I have enough memories with her for a lifetime. They fill my heart with joy!!! Friends and special people in my life who are an everyday gift to me...Molly, my adorable pup,who makes life just even more precious...I love early mornings and thank God for another one today. My birthday is filled with gratitude for the gifts I have been given. The gifts of love and friendship...

The Opposite of A La Mode

Here is a fun summer cake~

1 box white cake mix
1 pint Hagan Dazs coffee ice cream,or any flavor you like,softened
3 eggs

Combine all ingredients and beat for 2 minutes. Turn into a grreased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350 for 45 mins. When cool flip onto a cake dish and top with a drizzle icing or plain. Delicious!!

uwishunu

So many fun blogs and pictures! Philly from the inside out! This is a great way to navigate thru the many happening in the city and I especially enjoy the talented writers..Aubre, thanks for the beautiful pics and information tucked in with some great humor!!

Congratulations!

..to my niece,who is a wonderful, young woman and heading to college in the fall. She wanted a chocolate cake with white icing so I was honored to bake and decorate her cake for her party...Even though this is only my second since my classes ended,I felt pretty good about it and so did she...My best to her as always~!!!

Flee bags

On my recent trip to Beaufort,I packed all my belongings for my trip in my terrific,new bag made by a company based in Boston. Flee bags,as they are known,come in all sizes and prints. They are heavy duty oilcloth and can hold up. Best thing is you don't have to check a bag and they are classy!

Strawberry Dream

A great,summer dessert~

2 packages strawberries,washed and sliced
1 container strawberry glaze,found in produce section
1 package,8 oz,cream cheese, can be no fat
1/2 cup sugar
1 large tub Cool Whip,can be no fat
1 premade Angel Food cake,torn into pieces

Combine berries and glaze and set aside. In a large bowl beat cream cheese,sugar and fold in Cool Whip. Toss in cake pieces..Pour into a 9x13 pan and cover with berry mixture...Chill until ready to serve...Heavenly!!!

Symphony Brownies

I have a friend who is a dessert queen,always giving me new,quick recipes so I am sharing one that is easy and decadent.

1 box any type brownie mix

2 Symphony toffee bars,large

Follow brownie recipe and pour half the batter into an 8x8 pan sprayed with Pam. Lay 2 chocolate bars side by side and pour rest of batter over top. Bake at 350 for 55 mins..Cool completely and cut inot small squares...Can top with vanilla ice cream for a delicious summer treat!!

Happy Memorial Day

Remembering my Cousin's hubbie, Uncles and Poppop among all the other wonderful guys who served and are serving our country. The greatest place to live on earth,thanks to their sacrifice. God Bless America~!!!!

Longwood Gardens

Nice when a place you frequented and loved as a kid and with your kids when young, is still around and as beautiful as ever. Both my son and I love nature, flowers and the changing of the seasons. Although this past winter season was more than any of us asked for,we did experience history with a record breaking snow fall. Well that's behind us and we are going to visit Longwood Gardens right after Mother's Day. What a perfect way to spend a day. The place is breathtaking for all ages and has a wonderful restaurant as well. Can't wait to enjoy this beauty with my boy!

Melissa and Doug

Who are they? Well, they are one of the best toy companies I have found. There puzzles, learning toys and kitchen play items are the best. Mostly wooden and can be found in any store and sometimes discount stores. I love to give them as gifts. They are creative, unique and lasting. Create a few memories in a little one you know with a surprise. I am about to with the little girl next door,the wooden bear dress up! So cute,I can play with it!

There's No Place Like Home

As Dorothy so touchingly said it in one of the most famous movies of all time, when you love your home, family and friends it is the most special place on earth. No matter where we travel or what our experiences are, home defines who we are and will always give us that special place to reconnect in good and tough times. I guess all I can ask for is that my grown children still find home the central spot in their hearts and when we gather it is priceless. Thanks to my daughter I have a small reminder on my refrig each morning of all that home means to her:)

Strong as the Tree

A tree to me represents beauty, strength, growth and protection. It is always changing yet remains sturdy and constant. Friends are like that when you find the good ones, true ones, solid ones. We all have friends who face hard times,illness or sadness. To support and be a friend is to in turn have a friend. Recently a friend has been going through some difficulty and I realize to give that person your compassion and kindness is what I have always received from my friends. The gift of friendship is like the gift of a tree. They are all different in size, color, personality but the roots and branches reach out,embrace and protect.I wish to send this out to my friend today for she needs The Maple Tree and it needs her.

Words to Live By

As Matthew 6:33-34 reminds us, " 'But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' " If we keep our eyes on Him, it seems that everything else falls into place.

Easy Easter Coconut Cake

1 package yellow cake mix
1 can Eagle brand condensed milk
1 pint heavy cream, whipped stiff
1/2 cup flaked coconut

Bake cake according to directions in a 9 x 13 pan. When done poke holes in cake and pour can of milk over all. Let cool completely. Spread whipped cream over cake and top with coconut..Refrigerate till ready to serve. Can be made a day ahead...Delicious!

Just love them

They define Easter candy for most of us. It seems in the passed years a cult following of "Peeps" has come about...Blogs and everything from Peep decor to Peep sushi...Crazy but fun! Happy Easter, family and friends..I am so blessed!

Amish Country

The Lancaster area is one I visited as a child and so did my children. We love it there. I can't think of a calmer,more peaceful place to drive and explore for a day or two. We just returned from seeing an Aunt of ours and taking her to lunch. Although the area gets a bad rap when it comes to eating healthy, I think it's more about what you choose when you get there. We went to Oregon Dairy for the first time and it was wonderful. Besides being a lovely family restaurant, they have a terrifc supermarket full of fresh items. It is a fun, family place and I will go back. Spring is the best time to vist as the grounds and tress begin to bloom and the grazing cows are glad winter is over.

Palm Sunday

Today is always a reflective day for me. Memories of being in church with my Mom, waiting for those few strands of palm she would place behind our pictures on the wall and making sure when my children were little they would have a palm of their own. Today when I read the scriptures and the true meaning of the suffering during Holy Week, I need to remember how precious my life truly is and what my family and friends mean to me. I am blessed.

I Graduated...

...not from college, that was ages ago. No, this was more fun, delicious and I am so excited. I finished my cake decorating class, course one. Yesterday we made a cake of choice and decorated it. Mine was covered with roses which I seem to have mastered. I will probably be giving all those I know a cake it the next few months. Can't eat it all myself. I will post my creations from time to time if print worthy. I just found out a dear friend of mine has the talent and had created beautiful cakes for years for her family, social and church events and I know I could learn a few tips from her. Nice to know we have this in common as well. I think this course taught me mostly to try something I've always wanted to do and I am good at it:)

Pillow Pets

This is the cutest gift I have found yet for kids ,college age (my niece) or grown ups. The pillow pets are soft,adorable and hard to resist. I love the fact you can ship, they come in 2 sizes and almost every animal. I just sent a certain girl in my life one and hope she likes her new cuddley "pet"!!

Family Style Baked Alaska

Our dessert last night to celebrate my husband's birthday. We have had a few ups and downs this year so celebrating him was especially heartwarming and wonderful for me. Surrounded by the kids we had a fabulous dinner at Butcher and Singer on 15th and Walnut.The room holds special memories of other family events when it was known by another name. This experience,the ambiance, decor and waitstaff were superb. Having 2 desserts,one being the Baked Alaska to share, was a delicious end to a beautiful evening.

Having So Much Fun!

I have always wanted to work in icing. The kind you find in a bakery. Since we are a bakery family and I was raised on visiting them ,this has been a dream. Not a big dream but one I knew eventually I could fulfill. I recently enrolled in a basic cake decorating course. There are 4 of us, all beginners and I am having a great time. Our instructor, Tonya, a talented, professional in the business is patient and wonderful. Her knowledge, tips and help have set me on a path of dreaming of buttercream. My first cake, a hit with my family, turned out well and I am looking forward to next week where we make clown cupcakes. Sounds simple you may think:). I look at it like this. If you have a small or large passion and you are busy in your life, sooner or later you can do it..My Mom's cakes were always my favorite.She didn't have the time to decorate them but they will always be the best to me..gotta run and get a batch of buttercream going..

Live Life....

...one cupcake at a time:)...Seems fitting to me.

Happy Valentine's Day

I am blessed to have so many Valentines in my life. From my husband, daughter and sons, to my most precious Mom,my first Valentine, I am sending out a big thank you to them and all my wonderful family and friends for making me the happiest person today!

A Perfect Cup~~~

Many years ago I was given a set of Julep cups for my housewarming. I used them for years along with my children's silver baby cups for many table arrangements. The silver always added a nice touch and the size came in handy. I have noticed how classy they look at weddings for flowers, favors and also in magazine pictures. I have pulled mine out and have started to use them again. Even though they are a tradition from the south, we love all things southern in the north! Enjoy getting creative with these adorable accents or giving a monogrammed set for a gift.

True

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company… a church… a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past… we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our Attitudes.

Cookie Time~

I bought a few boxes of Girl Scout cookies today...$3.50 a box for all the old favorites. I was a Girl Scout, later a leader and watched my daughter go through Daisies and Brownies. The times I remember most were all the fun selling those cookies back then at .50 cents a box. Where I lived in Ocean City, during the winter months,there were not many houses on each block. After school my Dad would drive me, wait till I walked up to a home and made my sale, then head to another street. This went on for many evenings till one year I was the top seller!! Such a fond memory of being with my Dad and having him as enthused with my sales as me...If you see a GS out there remember you are helping her create a memory of her days as a Scout!

Happy Kitchen!

Check ou this site. Rosanna has the most wonderful kitchen and gift items.I especially love the cupcake pedestals. Something for everyone and with the bridal shower season kicking in ,lots of fresh,new ideas.

The Menu

I think every person who hosts a Christmas buffet, whether it is brunch, cocktails or a full dinner, goes over the menu, makes changes, finds a few new ideas and finally brings it altogether for a festive, fun event. This year I had seen the smoked salmon display in William Sonoma catalog and knew I could duplicate it and add my own touches. It proved to be a winner and we had plenty to indulge in the next day! I think WS has some beautiful pictures and food ideas but I like the challenge to do it for alot less. With the salmon displayed on a Boos chopping block I added paper thin cucumbers, capers,cream cheese, red onion, crackers and sliced pumpernickel bagels.

Miss you, Sassy~

Coffee Table Books

We all received a special book for Christmas from our son. Each one is full of illustrations, information and browsing through each one has been enjoyable. The New Yorker, years of covers and cartoons, is especially great and most of them are hilarious! I went on the site and have ordered the notecards and saw what other fun items they sell. I have my favorites...

Naan Pizza-simple and yummy!

1 package Naan flat bread,contains 2
1 package herbed goat cheese,crumbled
2 tomatoes,sliced thin
basil leaves,chopped
Balsamic syrup
s and p to taste


Place both flatbreads on a baking sheet. Top with cheese, tomatoes, basil and sprinkle with syrup.Bake for 10 mins till bubbly. Cut into serving sizes.

Heading South

Jupiter Fla. is famous for more than Tiger Woods. It is for us a wealth of memories with our kids growing up and spending vacations there. We love the place, the beaches, boating, food, shopping and haven't been back in years. Although this trip would be just the two of us, we are nonetheless anxious to go, enjoy, exercise, eat fresh grouper and spend some time alone together. The temperatures should be good and after spending alot of the holiday walking the subzero temperatures of the city ,this will feel so good...

Go Ganache~

The best cupcakes I was turned on to from my daughter are in the small town of Fraser,Pa. Cupcakes Gourmet sells regular as well as mini. They deliver and sell online. They are not only delicious but the ganache gives you that extra burst of sweetness. If you love cupcakes and search for the best remember Sprinkles, Georgetown Cupcakes, Magnolia Bakery, ButterLane, Brown Betty, Sassy Cupcakes,Peter Pan from when I was a kid with my girlfriend and the best of Philly for 2008. Cupcakes Gourmet!!

January-Happy New Year and more~

The New Year has arrived. Wish everyone I love a great one. The best part of January for me is celebrating the birthdays of the most special and loved family and friends in my life. To them on the 5th, 20th, 24th and 26th and 29th a very happy one and know how much I love you..Happy Birthday!!!