Exotic Plumeria Kuleana is what this flower is-- from Hawaii; a brilliant fragrance, what Leis are made from that are worn and displayed-- given as a starter plant to me because of food cooked and baked for a military family who was stationed in Hawaii. They brought back starter plants to the States, gave me a start from theirs out of their … [Read more...]
Cranberry Jam w/Blackberry Brandy
Sweet-tart, rich color, vibrant taste... sums it up in this jam that is nicely preserved for any time of the season, not only at Thanksgiving. … [Read more...]
Banana Chocolate Rum Jam
Yum... is all I can say about this. It is dessert. It is decadent to have this over vanilla bean icecream or over the top of white cake that is simply elegant after this is added. And there is good grilled chocolate sandwiches with this darkeness in the center, slightly oozing out between the layers of French bread that is thinly, … [Read more...]
Chilled Creamed Coffee
Oh, just do it. It's hot outside, warm, whatever the reason-- coffee doesn't have to be brewed to drink hot, it's good this way, too. Maybe you need a little pick-me-up in the afternoon. I make it strong and dark so my half-and-half does not delute it more than I'd like it to be. Put in some sugar for sweetness along with the milk of choice. Fill … [Read more...]
Chocolate Won Ton Delights
I made these with my children, all three kids; one grown, two not yet 20. My oldest came by on a saturday, and the mom that I am, I keep something extra in the 'frig or cupboard saved for "that day." --that day on a saturday or a cold day, rainy day, just any day that I know I'm going to want some real-time with my kids when they can each be a part of the … [Read more...]
A Birthday to Remember–Every Year~
They could not visit their maternal grandmother on her birthday, so they opted for baking her a cake; going further, lighting 12 candles and singing the Happy Birthday song. Upon my daughter's request, I went outdoors with my little girl so she could cut pink fuchsia lillies to bring inside, rinse off well, and adorn the cake with no one's flowers but those of … [Read more...]
My Mother’s Lillies
Red Tomato Bacon Gravy over Mashed Potatoes
This is so simple, it doesn't even need a recipe; not even directions. Fry bacon pieces with minced onion, take out bacon after having been fried; make gravy-- adding water, not milk, for brown gravy-- salt & pepper, cayenne, too. Put in enough tomatoes, cut up... It is handy if you already have mashed potatoes left over from previous night/nights' supper … [Read more...]
Apricotrita
I like this really well; you might, too. It is refreshing and smells good in the kitchen, mid-day. -from the Best of Food & Wine-3 tablespoons tequila1 tablespoon apricot-flavored brandy1 tablespoon honey1 tablespoon fresh lime juice1 1/2 cups cracked iceBlend everything at medium speed; with machine still on, slowly add the ice and blend until smooth and … [Read more...]
Banana Muffins w/Walnuts and Black Corinth Table Grapes in the Filling
I love these grapes. They are sweeter and juicier than the typical grapes that you locate in the produce section of your supermarket. These little ones are great to have with a sandwich or garnish for a sunday dinner or in any kind of dessert that you want to put them in, just because you can. Black Corinth Table Grapes go in … [Read more...]