Category: FOOD

TREATS of Maine located in Wiscasset. It’s a tradition!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD2 Comments

Oh boy do we ever love this place! TREATS is the perfect blend of, well treats, wonderful desserts, coffee, tea, sandwiches, homemade soups that are unusual and out of this world. We are never disappointed with what we order! When we visit Maine, we land, get in the car and head straight to Treats. If you’re in the area, stop by, say hello and pick up a treat and a coffee. It’s all good! They also have bread, wine, cheese and assortment of other goods. Can’t wait to get back, hmmm, wonder what i’ll order, hee.

Treats is a wonderful place to sit and talk to both locals and tourists, we’ve met some fascinating people!

One of our sandwiches…

Catch you back here tomorrow!

39 Rue de Jean, a fabulous Charleston restaurant!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD3 Comments

My birthday was back in August… it fell on a Sunday this year, so Fred and I went to Rue de Jean for brunch. Let me tell you. WE. WERE. IMPRESSED. The service, the atmosphere, the food, the experience, it was all fabulous. We had the BEST coffee, wonderful food, and they brought me a dessert with a candle for my birthday! Oh, not any ole dessert, this was so special I can’t get it off of my mind, ha ha… POTS DE CRÈME AU CHOCOLAT  – when you go, order it! Trust me, you will have a big smile on your face! I mean LOOK at this! Pure delight in every way!

Even the simple things had that classy French twist…

A glimpse into the restaurant… they also have an upstairs. Check out their website, and their MENUS! I know where you’ll be soon!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Delicious lunch – Slightly North of Broad (S.N.O.B) – Charleston, SC

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD4 Comments

THE DECISION…

Slightly North of Broad is a wonderful restaurant located in Charleston’s Historic District, located on East Bay Street, they are located in a convenient place for both locals and visitors alike. It has a great atmosphere and friendly people working. It can be busy, so be patient. A few weeks ago Fred and I had a delicious lunch at Slightly North of Broad, (also known as S.N.O.B. ha ha, brilliant) – I was there years and years ago. They have something called an EXPRESS LUNCH, (changes daily) which is an entree, soup or house salad and coffee or tea. A $10.95 lunch at a higher end restaurant proves to be quite a deal. However, that day we both saw something else on the menu that grabbed our attention… After much consideration, Fred ordered a Pastrami Sandwich… it wasn’t any old pastrami sandwich, their menu changes daily so I don’t have the specifics, (Google Slightly North of Broad Pastrami, ha ha… no kidding! People love the stuff!), he ordered potato salad as his side. I had a bite, it wasn’t ordinary potato salad, it was very very nice. Now this was no Dr. Oz approved lunch, however, I did the best I could! The restaurant didn’t make a mistake in the photo below, I asked for only 1/2 sandwich, and they kindly obliged.  I love restaurants who realize not everyone likes a large portion. I ordered homemade potato chips with my sandwich- THE BEST EVER! I haven’t had a reuben since I was a kid and it was SO GOOD. I had a big ole smile on my face! (Click HERE for MENU).

I cannot believe we don’t have a photo of dessert!  I think we were so excited we ate it before we thought of it! We had BOSTON CREAM PIE.

Oh heavens. Let me go eat a Quinoa Puff for lunch now… whoopie!

I can’t wait to go back! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Island Inn… Monhegan Island, Maine!

On By Barbara StroudIn ART, FOOD, THOUGHTS, TRAVEL3 Comments

How grand does the Island Inn look sitting atop the hill keeping watch over the entire island? Pretty darn grand! I love this place… WE love this place. The people are like family. The rooms are clean and oh so comfortable. The bonus are all the wonderful people you meet, the people that keep you coming back to catch up! There seems to be a small group of us that goes to the island about the same time every year. It’s like a family reunion, ha ha… I think this photo is from 2009… but it shows the parts that I love… Arriving with the Island Inn truck there to help schlep your bags to your room, the Barnacle (on the left), a wonderful place to play cards if its slow, or to have a hot chocolate or coffee and definitely a nice lunch! Trek up the hill to the inn, and then off to your room, how exciting! Ahhh what great memories! When you come to the island it’s an adventure… the art is spectacular and you’re likely to see artists scattered everywhere. The food… extraordinary! The views, the island itself… absolute stunning beauty!

Hey, if you want to visit the Island Inn, check out their website, it’s fabulous! I still dream about the fabulous dinners there, oh boy!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

What’s for dinner? Greek Salad with Grilled Chicken – quick and delicious!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe2 Comments

Just seeing this salad makes my mouth water… It. Was. That. Good. Super healthy with a high tasty factor built in. Did I mention how quick it is to whip together? An added bonus for sure. Like all salads you can add whatever toppings you like. I kept mine simple. Tomato, Cucumber, Olives, Grilled Chicken and Feta. Period. OHMYGOSH. That hot grilled chicken makes the feta a little soft and to-die-for… There really isn’t a recipe per say, just tossing ingredients together… this is what I did:

Coat the skinless boneless chicken breasts (or whatever parts appeal to you) with olive oil. Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper. Once the grill is hot, toss it on and cook like you normally would. Make sure it’s completely cooked.

Meanwhile, assemble the salads, if you finish before the chicken is done, place them in the fridge and keep them cold…

Place the salad in bowls, this time I used FRESH EXPRESS TRIPLE HEARTS which was really nice, it’s a combination of Romaine, Green Leaf and Butter lettuce.

Cut up a Tomato and a Cucumber and add to the salad. Toss on some Olives and sprinkle (I like copious amounts) of Feta, this is what makes it special!

Drizzle a little olive oil and a little rice wine vinegar (very mild, or another vinegar if you prefer)… add a light sprinkle of Salt and Pepper. You can add a small sprig of fresh Thyme if you like, I didn’t… it truly doesn’t need it!

Once the chicken is done, cut it into bite size pieces and place on top of the salad… you can serve with a baggette if you like. We didn’t and it was plenty of food for dinner!

This salad is so refreshing on a hot day! I hope you enjoy!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Charleston Restaurant… Hot Tip: Zia Taqueria!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

ZIA

Have you been to Zia Taqueria, on Maybank Highway, right next to the Terrace Theater (James Island) in Charleston? They have outstanding food in a relaxed atmosphere. When possible we usually eat outside, it’s so nice! On Monday’s they feature fish tacos (grilled or baja – pictured above) for only $2.50. They are TASTY! You also get a basket of chips and some to-die-for-salsa at your table. It makes for a nice relaxing day! Here’s a link to their MENU so you too can dream!

Tasty, right? I’m not even a big fish lover, but owie! THESE are good! It’s that “special sauce” that does make you drink your required amount of water for the day, an added benefit, ha ha…

On a more somber note… it’s 9/11… a day in our history when so many lost their lives September 11, 2001. Please take a moment to reflect, to think of those who’s lives were lost in such a horrible way, as well as for all those who lost their loved ones. Keep all who fought to help to save, to rebuild and to keep our country safe in the midst of such terror in your thoughts and prayers. For more, this is a great website 911Memorial.org

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Coffee Shops… as American as apple pie!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, THOUGHTS, TRAVELLeave a comment

Logo for FUEL AMERICA

Places to stop in for a cup of coffee, a snack, some company… to visit or to sit quietly and read a book. I cherish places like this… and I’d like to hear about your favorites… here are a few of mine sprinkled in a few different states…

FUEL AMERICA – Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA.

Fuel America has left no stone unturned… This cleverly designed coffee house in Brighton, MASS is just what America needs… It is the perfect combination of great coffee, delicious food and healthy options?  Their marketing plan…brilliant!

From the tags on the merchandise to the menu board, everything has that retro hard working American feel to it… The classy chairs with chrome, the bookcase that soon will be full of books, the wood on the walls and most importantly… Good coffee AND good food together in one place, now THAT my friends is a rare combination. Combine that with the fact that they have healthier options and you have the PERFECT place!

One of the owners, Jeff Bonasia, a very talented artist and marketing professional took a year off from painting and along with his partners has opened FUEL AMERICA.

This place is tops on my list to visit one day. We met Jeff Bonasia, the managing partner years ago while vacationing in Maine. Jeff was part of a group of very cool artists renting a cottage down the street from ours. It was quite a treat to see their paintings! Hard workers every single one of them.

How lucky the people of Brighton, Mass are! Check out their website (link above) or their Facebook Page!

THE GROVE – Filmore Street, San Francisco, CA

The Grove on Fillmore Street in San Francisco… oooh, haven’t been there in years, but it is firmly etched in my mind. Fabulous homemade granola/bananas/yogurt, soups and salads, a roll-your-eyes-in-the-back-of-your-head macaroni and cheese, a beautiful (yes! beautiful!) chicken pot pie, delicious coffee and TO DIE FOR fruit pies… They don’t have a website that I can find, but I did see a menu on MenuPages.com. We didn’t stay anywhere near this place, yet we made the trek day after day, because the food just couldn’t be beat! The place has atmosphere, and a ton of it! Transit: Filmore St & Pine St

ROCK CITY COFFEE – Rockland, ME
This was a cool coffee shop in Rockland, Maine. What I loved about it was the fact that it was a coffee shop and a second hand book store all in one, so you could read and buy books while drinking your coffee. I will have to check it out this year when we visit… they’ve moved next door and a former employee bought the book portion of the business. It will be a bit different… I will report back! I’m sure it will be good, it was sooo good before!
ZOOT COFFEE – Camden, ME
This is a very neat coffee shop located in Camden, Maine. I remember sitting on a bench outside drinking a fabulous latte! It’s nice they use organic fruit, etc… check them out! Zoot really makes an effort to be part of the neighborhood, not just a bystander in the community.
Catch you back here tomorrow… In the meantime REFUEL… Hee…

Charleston Restaurant Week September 5- 16, 2012!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOODLeave a comment

Charleston Restaurant Week is here! Beginning today (September 5, 2012) through September 16, 2012 find out what all the hoopla is about! This is a time that both visitors and locals look forward to.  A chance to dine at the fabulous restaurants in Charleston while getting a deal at the same time! Those of us who live in Charleston, SC are so fortunate to have the cream of the crop, the top notch, the very, very best restaurants all around us! NOW is your chance to visit them! Charleston Restaurant Association has a great website. The link shows the list of participating restaurants (there are many!), along with their menu and their website. Click HERE to check it out!

Hey, if you go, let me know how you enjoyed it! Do you live here, or did you make vacation plans around restaurant week? I’m telling you now is the time to get out and visit area restaurants. That’s what Fred and I did when he took off for a staycation… it was fabulous. We went to restaurants we don’t normally frequent, and we had the best time! These restaurants have some mouth watering options… and it all starts TODAY! Check out that above link!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

MONZA… quite possibly the best pizza on earth?

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD2 Comments

Have you been to Monza? Located in Charleston, SC it’s quite possibly the best pizza you’ll ever taste! Here’s a general blip about their pizza from their website:

Hundreds of thousands have been making the pilgrimage to Monza since 1922. They go to witness greatness and glory. Sometimes horror. Sitting in the stands, some hanging in trees, they watch Ferrari, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lotus run wild along 6.25 miles of sexy twists and turns. Monza is an Italian super speedway forever etched in racing history. Catapulting drivers into heroes. From La Pista Magica – the magic track – comes our Neapolitan style pizza. 

Our dough is made using imported San Felice wheat flour, natural Neapolitan yeast, filtered and pH balanced water then kneaded with a mixer imported from Naples. Our pizza is baked in a wood fired oven at 1000 degrees resulting in a thin crispy crust, topped with fiore di latte mozzarella, and fresh local and regional ingredients whenever possible. Rev it up for Monza.

 That crust they speak of… pure heaven in your mouth. It’s thin, but not like most thin/cardboard pizza. This is so good you just won’t believe it. Everything was exquisite. The mozzarella, the crust, the fresh sauce, oh boy, did we have a great lunch! We love their butter beans. A weird thing to love, but their butter beans taste like nothing you’ve ever tasted. They’re in a word… lovely! After the beans we had pizza… the first one was VON TRIPS it has house made Italian Sausage and seasonal greens. When I asked the waitress about the seasonal greens, she said that day it was kale… they sauté the kale and put it on top of the pizza and bake it. Kale is a nutritional powerhouse… whoa, that turns this into a super healthy food, kinda… Let me say, there was the perfect amount of italian sausage on the pizza, not smothered with it, just a little here and there, it added the perfect flavor without a ton of fat. The second pizza was the Materassi, with the fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil… we split both and came home with enough for lunch! They have great music playing, which adds to the ambiance. The space itself is very cool, someone spent time figuring it out and making it really quite nice. I love the orange glass tiles on the wall. If you’re in the area, I highly suggest you stop by… Here’s a link to their MENU!

Hope to see you there!

Location: 451 King Street, Charleston, SC

843.720-8787 | info@monzapizza.com

Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm

Friday & Saturday 11am-11pm

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bowens Island Restaurant Menu – as of August 2012…

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD4 Comments

Bowens Island is a fabulous restaurant to visit. Here’s an update to my Bowens Island Menu post… a slightly new menu, so here is the latest as of August 2012!  The prices are still a deal. This restaurant has atmosphere like you won’t believe. It was fun to watch people walk in and say “WOOOOWWWW” mouths open, eyes wide. For all the notoriety it receives you would think it would be fancy (thank goodness it’s not!). The new menu has a photo of the old Bowens Island restaurant, this is what it looks like today… this place has a view that simply cannot be beat! We got there early (couldn’t wait!), but if you can hold out, the sunsets are magnificent!

Fred and I visited Bowens Island last week and had the best time as always! Fried shrimp that is so fresh and delicious it will put a smile on your face! So check out the menu, and pop on over for a quick bite, or lounge on the outside deck. It’s not health food, but if you splurge once in a while it truly is a treat!

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich that is HEALTHY? Whoa!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, Recipe3 Comments

Are you looking for something quick and easy, tasty and delicious, that will keep you feeling full longer? Look no further… after reading a blip out of the THE LEAN BELLY PRESCRIPTION book by Travis Stork, MD, this was one of his suggestions for breafast… Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day. It’s the meal that should be the biggest, lunch a bit smaller and dinner the lightest meal of the day. Not easy in this society, but worth trying when you can!

His suggestion (one of so many great ones): a fried egg on a toasted English muffin, with a slice of Canadian bacon and a slice of swiss cheese.

My version… I used a whole wheat english muffin (called “British Muffins” at Trader Joe’s, thank you TJ for carrying products without soy!! THE ONLY ENGLISH MUFFIN I CAN FIND WITHOUT IT!), one fried egg, 2% extra sharp grated (if you grate it you don’t use as much, but any low fat cheese would be great). I forgot to get Canadian bacon, so I used one slice of (Trader Joe’s nitrate free) bacon.

Toast the English muffin, while bacon and egg cook. Have cheese grated. When egg and bacon are done, get the hot English muffin out of the toaster, slap the egg on one half, top with a sprinkle of cheese, one slice of Canadian bacon or/bacon broken in half, and the top of the English muffin.

YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW GOOD IT IS! I have a feeling you’re going to be thanking me… sending me cards, flowers, chocolate, WAIT… chocolates? Hmmmm…. ahhhh the pressure!

This is an awesome book, I highly suggest it! It’s easy reading and explains the WHY behind eating well for your health. Click HERE to see it on Amazon.com where you can click to see inside…

HERE is a great review of the book from WEBMD.com, it sums it up.

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Recipe for Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes and Basil… You’re going to thank me!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, HEALTH, RecipeLeave a comment

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes and Basil

Recipe/Image from Cooking Light Magazine and www.myrecipes.com

Ok, I’m going to be a real friend to you right now… I’m going to pass on a recipe that is so good, I’m telling you that your eyes WILL roll into the back of your head when you taste it. You won’t be able to help it. You are going to thank me. Seriously, this recipe is out of this world, and for all the whining that you may do because you have to stir for 20 minutes or so… just know… IT. IS. WORTH. IT! You will be rewarded with the most scrumptious dinner ever. This is nice paired with a simple salad and maybe a baggette. The ONLY thing that I change is that I use about twice as much balsamic vinegar, mine seems to disappear after it’s reduced. And truly try to give it the time to cook until it’s a little thicker. You will not believe how sweet this is, and how much it adds to the dish! I find that when I boil the balsamic viniagrette  in the beginning (as the recipe calls for) it seems to almost evaporate, so I cook it closer to the time I serve… OK folks, this recipe comes from Cooking Light magazine (see, it’s not even bad for you), I hope you enjoy as much as we do! Check out the http://www.myrecipes.com website when you get a chance, always great recipes from some of your favorite magazines (Cooking Light, Southern Living, Coastal Living, Food & Wine, Health etc.).

Risotto with Fresh Mozzarella, Grape Tomatoes, and Basil

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 4 1/2 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil, divided
  • 2 cups chopped leek
  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice or other medium-grain rice
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 5 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, finely diced

Preparation

  1. Place vinegar in a small, heavy saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly syrupy and reduced to 1 tablespoon (about 4 minutes). Set aside. (Barbara note: this is the step that I do closer to when the risotto is ready to serve).
  2. Bring broth to a simmer in a medium saucepan (do not boil). Keep warm.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add leek to pan; sauté 3 minutes or until tender. Add rice; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, and cook 1 minute or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Stir in 1 cup broth; cook 5 minutes or until liquid is nearly absorbed, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly until each portion of broth is absorbed before adding the next (about 25 minutes total). Stir in half-and-half, salt, and pepper; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in tomatoes, basil, and cheese. Place about 1 cup risotto into each of 6 shallow serving bowls; drizzle each serving with 1/2 teaspoon balsamic syrup and 1/2 teaspoon oil.

Mary Alayne Long, Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Cooking Light
SEPTEMBER 2007

Bon Appetit! Catch you back here tomorrow!

Red’s Eats, Wiscasset, Maine… a great “lobstah” roll!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, TRAVEL2 Comments

There is always a line at Red’s Eats. Voted one of the “10 great places to eat regionally, eat well” by USA Today, people are WILD about Red’s lobster rolls… Have you tried a lobster roll before? If so, where is YOUR favorite place to stop? The location of Red’s doesn’t hurt… nestled nicely in Wiscasset, Maine (known as the Prettiest Little Village in Maine). Wiscasset is a wonderful city filled with great art galleries, restaurants, wine and cheese shop (with desserts, sandwiches and soups as well), and antiques! If you find yourself anywhere near Wiscasset, take a ride through, see the wonderful shops, and perhaps stop for a lobster roll!

Click HERE to see how to make the perfect lobster roll… just like Red’s Eats!

Here’s an interesting tidbit about Wiscasset, Maine from the Budget Travel website:

“Prettiest Little Village in Maine”

Wiscasset is a quaint Historic Village on Route One with several Historic homes and buildings from the early 1800’s.  Beautiful waterfront dock on the deepest river in Maine, The Sheepscot River.  It used to be the largest shipping port North of Boston.  Thousands of tourists visit each year to drive up the coast on Route One and walk to the several fabulous Antique Shops and Art Galleries in Wiscasset and neighboring towns. The famous “Reds Eats” voted top 10 places to eat in USA Today,  is on the corner of Water St. and Rt. 1 known for their lobster rolls. People line the streets all summer long to experience this lobster shack.  Boothbay Harbor  and Damariscotta are also wonderful popular spots North of town and not too far off of Route One.  If you continue North on Route 1 to Rockland, ME, home of the popular Atlantic Blues Festival and Lobster Fest each summer.  Plenty to do in this lovely area of Maine not to mention the perfect summer weather from June to September and fabulous leaf peeping in October. 

Catch you back here tomorrow!

Every Celebration Deserves a Great Cake! Italian Cream Cake from Cooking Light magazine!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD, Recipe, THOUGHTSLeave a comment

Don’t you agree? Every celebration deserves a great cake! Well let me tell you from experience, this one is a doozy! I originally made this many many years ago when we had a surprise birthday party for our next door neighbor. She was surprised and delighted with the cake. And owie, that cream cheese frosting is too good! This recipe received rave reviews. We have also had this cake on a cruise that we took out of Charleston on the Norwegian Cruise Line… it’s nice that they offered Cooking Light options that were heavenly! I have subscribed to Cooking Light magazine shortly after they first came on the market… Great recipes! If you need a new magazine to check out, I love this one! (Cooking Light recipes may be found on the MyRecipes.com website). Now… for the recipe… then a special Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary message at the end…!

From the MyRecipes.com website:

Italian Cream Cake

This layered Italian Cream Cake is the perfect dessert for a birthday or dinner party because it is moist and full of flavor from the chopped pecans and cream cheese frosting. The stunning 5-star dessert continues to get rave reviews every time!

Cake Ingredients

  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup light butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 cup low-fat buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 teaspoon butter extract
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 egg whites (at room temperature)
  • Sugared kumquats (optional)
  • Orange rind strips (optional)
  • Kumquat leaves (optional)

Preparation

  1. Prepare Cream Cheese Icing; cover and chill.
  2. Coat bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray (do not coat sides of pans); line bottoms of pans with wax paper. Coat wax paper with cooking spray, and dust with flour; set aside.
  3. Combine sugar and butter in a large bowl; beat at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine 2 cups flour and baking soda; stir well. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Stir in pecans and extracts.
  4. Beat egg whites at high speed of a mixer until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat). Fold egg whites into batter; pour batter into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 23 minutes. Let cool in pans 5 minutes on a wire rack. Loosen cake layers from sides of pans using a narrow metal spatula, and turn out onto wire racks. Peel off wax paper, and let cool completely.
  5. Place 1 cake layer on a plate, and spread with 2/3 cup Cream Cheese Icing; top with another cake layer. Repeat with 2/3 cup icing and remaining layer, ending with cake. Spread remaining icing over cake. Garnish with kumquats, orange rind, and kumquat leaves, if desired.
  6. Note: To make sugared kumquats, dip kumquats into lightly beaten egg whites, and drain; roll in sugar.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon light butter
  • 1 (8-ounce) package Neufchâtel cheese
  • 1 (1-pound) package powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

  1. Cream butter and cheese at high speed of a mixer until fluffy. Add sugar; beat at low speed until well-blended. Add vanilla; beat well.

Cooking Light
NOVEMBER 1995

Recipe and photo from MyRecipes.com website; Photo by: HOWARD L. PUCKETT

*********************************************************************************************

There are several celebrations happening today … My parents 54th wedding anniversary, my sister Bridget and brother-in-law, Bill both had birthdays (a day apart) over the past few days… ! The place has GOT to be festive!

Mom and dad, you are the best and I wish you another 54 happy years together!

Bridget and Bill… H A P P Y   B I R T H D  A Y ! Hope it’s the best ever!  I have no doubt that you will all celebrate well! Love you! xoxo me

Catch you back here tomorrow!

A quick and tasty dessert for a hot blistery day!

On By Barbara StroudIn FOOD2 Comments

How is this for a nice tasty dessert on a day that is so hot and steamy? The temperatures are brutal throughout the country… so once in a while you need a little treat… something quick and easy, and SOOO good!

I bought some fabulous ice cream cones at EarthFare, they’re organic, I bought these because I didn’t want all the other unpronounceable ingredients… these had REAL ingredients, and they are C H E A P, no sugar and barely a calorie!

That along with some good ice cream and WELLA! A treat that can’t be beat! Sometimes a little cone just makes the day even better! This is a fast and fun dessert that will make your tastebuds smile!

Enjoy!  Catch you back here tomorrow!