Come One Come All

Now that the duldrums of Winter have set in it is time to have fun indoors. A annual event for our family is game night. Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents, brothers and sisters, we all come together. Everyone brings their favorite munchie and bottle of wine. The anticipation of this night by the entire family is mounting right about now. Emails are flying back and forth over who the family champ will be. We are practicing and honing our skills in preparation. The tension is in the air. Prep Prep Prep for a night of laughs, good food and good wine. Set a date, send an e-invite make it fun....the possibilities are endless. Wait until you see the fun you are going to have!!!

Inspiring Beauty Indoors

The winters here on the East Coast are so very gray and dark. Here in the Philadelphia area there is an inspirational place to visit. When it is time to recharge and feel uplifted the place to go is Longwood Gardens. In the winter months, when gardening is so far from my mind, simply visiting Longwood is like a breath of summer air. The holidays are particularly beautiful both inside and out. Indoors are many holiday displays strolling carolers dressed in old english attire,
and outdoors there are wonderful holiday lights and holiday music. Enjoy these beautiful photos taken by my Mom on her most recent trip this past December.

Party Party Party

The Holidays bring about a spirit of festive parties. My own personal theme this year has been less is
more. Believe me this is not easy for me. If hosting a holiday party stick with a few of you absolute
favorite things to make. Perhaps do just a dessert party and offer 2 or 3 different goodies with some Stilton Cheese and a glass of Port. You don't need an overwhelming amount of food. And always remember
the table setting always makes the food and drink taste better. An most important, don't make it so you
are overwhelmed before the party starts. You want to enjoy yourself as well!!!!

For someone who has everything

Every holiday season holds the task of finding that one gift....for that someone who has everything and believe me it can become overwhelming. I recently came across this find and had to share. For the woman who has everything...pencils with Swarovski Crystals......

Setting the Table

When you prepare an amazing meal, you must remember that setting the table is part of what makes the meal taste even better. Votive candles always offer an enchanting glow. Remember not to make the items on your table too tall. You want to see each other while you talk. And always remember less is more so don't over crowd your table.

Summertime

The summer has slipped through my fingers like sand. Plenty of activities and life changing events put my cooking on the back burner. Pardon the pun.
Becoming a grandmother has to be one of the most amazing experiences in my life. People tell you it is so special, but until you experience it for yourself you just can't understand what it feels like. My Lilly was welcomed into the world on August 6th and her Daddy did make it home from Afghanistan in time. Blessing all around.

Now as summer draws to a close and we are preparing for my daughter and granddaughter's move, I am back to thinking about cooking. After they leave I will have plenty of time on my hands. My first creation is going to be a cheesecake. Not just any cheesecake but one with a spice cookie crust. Been thinking about this for a while and ready to give it a go. Will post recipe very soon....

Time to play

During the lazy days of summer, create and try some new recipes. There is so much to try. I have been trying my hand at making homemade breads and am a bit surprised at how easy it is. Not only is it easy it is so inexpensive to make your own bread. Take a recipe and think outside the box. Use it as a blue print and think about what you really like and throw it in. I have posted the first successful bread recipe. Next I am going to add a bunch of different herbs and see how that goes. Then a puff pastry rolled like cinnamon buns. Oh the possibilites are endless. Let me know if you come up with something!!! I will be posting the recipes as I go ; )