Meet Jonas

One of the things that I’ve enjoyed with both of my shops is when a customer purchases something from me as a gift.  It can be a bib or blanket, a Christmas, birthday or baby shower gift.  Whatever the event it just makes me happy to be in on the occasion.
My first earlybirdcafe customer, a dear [...]

How do you do, Granola?

Yogurt is how I do granola. I had been using the Activia but decided to buy a tub of Dannon All Natural Vanilla and think I have a new fav. An easy lunch to take to work, the yogurt goes in the bowl first then I add some frozen blueberries. In a separate Glad container [...]

Early Bird Cafe’s first month

It’s been one month since I started selling in my new shop, earlybirdcafe.etsy.com.  Last week I was one of a dozen other women who participated in a Networking Open House.  All of us had various businesses, everything from dog walking, to jewelry, handbags to monogramming, custom window designs, a day spa and cooking classes.  Paula Wardlaw opened her [...]

Adding some cookies to the menu

Today was a day spent in the kitchen baking.  I had a chance to experiment with some new recipes to offer on my newest etsy website, earlybirdcafe.etsy.com.  In addition, I had 3 new sales today for both granolas and the Fig & Walnut Bars.  Got those made, packaged, shipped!  Good Day! 

I did get these Cowboy [...]

Chicken Salad Supreme

Chicken Salad Supreme

 INGREDIENTS:
2 C cooked chicken, cubed
1 C seedless grapes, halved
½ C pineapple tidbits, well-drained
½ C Swiss cheese, shredded
½ C celery, sliced
2      tablespoons   green onions — sliced
½ C sour cream
¼ C mayonnaise (I like Dukes the best)
¼ C almonds, toasted  (or pecans)
Season to taste – Beau Monde or celery salt, pepper and or lemon pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
 Mix [...]

Chicken Piccata

I don’t fry!  It was in our wedding vows, I’m sure but I do occasionally make this dish that’s a bit easier.  
Chicken Piccata
INGREDIENTS:
4 chicken breasts, skinned and de-boned*
1 egg
3 T lemon juice
1/8 t each; garlic powder and paprika
¼ C butter or margarine
1 chicken-flavored bouillon cube
½ C water
3/4 C Vermoth or a dry white wine
1 lemon, juiced
INSTRUCTIONS:
Beat [...]

Margarita Pie

A great dessert for a Southwestern dinner. I always love when a dish can be made ahead and this one fits the bill.

Margarita Pie

1/2 cup margarine
1 1/4 cups finely crushed pretzels
1/4 cup brown sugar
14 oz. Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lime juice
2-4 Tbls. tequilla
2 Tbls. Triple Sec
1 cup whipped cream

A Warm and Hearty Dinner – Beef Burgandy

Tired of turkey and ham leftovers…again!  Beef.  It’s what’s for dinner.  This hearty recipe is easy, delicious and makes great leftovers for taking to work the next day.  Serve with egg noodles or rice, a nice bread or rolls, salad or vegetable.
Beef Burgandy
INGREDIENTS:
2 lb lean beef, cut into cubes
2 T bacon drippings or oil
1 medium [...]

Apple Crisp Recipe

I wish I could send you the awesome smell that fills the house while this is baking! Use this topping for other crisps such as pear or peach, even a combination of fruits. Adjust the amount of sugar depending or the tartness of your fruits and the spices as to your family’s tastes.

Pickled Green Tomatoes & Peach Preserves

My favorite helper & favorite hen; Jonathan & Lucy!

A new batch of peach preserves.
Pickled Green Tomatoes Recipe from Michael Symon

Trying new recipes is always fun but today’s new kitchen adventure was special, pickling for the first time since I was a kid with 10 year old son. The tomatoes came from my garden, [...]