I love to bake cookies. Some cookies, I feel, are just for Christmas, like my gingerbread cookies, but there are a special few that I bake all year long. They are beautiful on a holiday tray and yet taste equally wonderful on a hot summer day with a big glass of iced tea. The red raspberry preserves in this recipe shines through so they look pretty on a Christmas tray, yet the raspberry flavor shouts summer. Raspberry Shortbread Bars are a favorite of mine and are great all year long. [Read more…]

Have you ever tried the Praline Cookies in the Cafe at Nordstrom’s? Oh, trust me, you would remember if you had experienced this treasure. My top two picks from the Nordstrom cafe are of course, the Tomato Basil Soup and the Praline Cookie. Picture the Nordstrom cookie—it is the size of a tea cup saucer—huge! You can indulge or share it 4 ways, either way you come out a winner. [Read more…]

You think you know someone. You know what I mean don’t you? You’ve been married more than 21 years, you think you know every little detail about that special someone, especially their likes and dislikes. Well, in case the years haven’t yet enlightened you, let me clear up a few things. You never really know all the details about your beloved…..yes that is right NEVER. This is how it is meant to be and this is what makes the journey the sweetest.

This is a silly little incident that brings this home clearly. Ever since those star struck dating years, I knew my husband did not like peanut butter. I mean I knew he detested peanut butter. It has been an inside family joke that he adores and even requests Reece’s Peanut Butter Cups® but he will not eat peanut butter. No quick lunches or picnics made up of PB & J’s for this family, no siree. In all these years, I never once baked peanut butter cookies. [Read more…]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You know it is coming and it must be getting closer. Are you ready? Apparently Kathy and I are ready and waiting. Spring is teasing us this year, isn’t it? One day sunny and even down right balmy, then the next day explodes with a swoosh, cool, bitter and freezing. Sun, rain, hail and snow….ahhhhh…..life is good in the Midwest. Wouldn’t change a thing. (Ok, that is a lie!) [Read more…]

Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited to a very special book signing. It was to honor my friend, “Q”, who is 95 years old and has enjoyed baking all of his life. Read about Q and his book signing at the Kansas City Star’s Chowtown Blog.

After writing about Q and his baking life, I reflected on my own life which involves baking almost every day. My mother loves to bake and she is a master baker. [Read more…]