"We're getting to the short rows now." ............. Huh? ....... I worked, what they called "the graveyard shift" (7p.m.-7a.m.), for what seems like a zillion years (actually 30). I was (am) a mother-baby nurse and chose to work the night shift in order to be at home as much as possible with my children. The children grew up, but I loved the people I worked with and the more relaxed pace of ...
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5-Star Festive Desserts
Are you in charge of dessert for an upcoming special event? Maybe you're responsible for the whole meal, including dessert (bravo, bravo to you!). Have you decided what you'll make for a festive grand finale? I'm always looking for the ultimate celebration dessert and since I've got quite a few culinary-smitten years under my belt, I've come up with a collection of winners. I thought I'd share ...
Read More →Winter White Velvet Soup
Sometimes I do things just a bit backwards ... but you've probably already noticed this, if you're a regular here at The Café the process of creating this soup is the perfect example; I came up with the name before I actually came up with the recipe. Our furnace went out last weekend. That wouldn't normally be such a big deal here in North Carolina as usually our climate is quite mild. But it ...
Read More →Cranberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta
This bright, fresh healthy Cranberry and Pomegranate Bruschetta makes a delightful appetizer but there are tons of other delicious ways to use the topping - check it out!
I heard a little birdie say you were looking for something exciting for your appetizer collection. If I was listening correctly, the fine-feathered friend said, you wanted something seasonal, festive, fabulously ...Read More →Peppermint Bark Shortbread and 10 Other Fabulous Gifts from the Kitchen
I figured you'd want to know, that I've got every i dotted, every t crossed, every detail completed when it comes to Christmas and all the upcoming holiday events. You don't believe that? Well, if you saw me, you'd certainly believe one thing. For sure. How fast my nose is growing. Why it's already way ........... longer than Pinocchio's! Seriously, I'm working fast and furiously to complete ...
Read More →Ombré Butter Mints
We'll be heading to England in ten days to spend the holidays with family....... but that hasn't kept me out of the kitchen! I thought I'd share a technique and festive recipe I created recently for old-fashioned butter mints ........... with a new-fangled twist. Instead of rolling the mints into small round balls and flattening them with a fork (how these mints are traditionally made), I ...
Read More →Orange, Pomegranate and Roasted Beet Salad
You may have noticed that I don't do a lot of sponsored posts on this blog. Food bloggers get tons of offers every week from here, there and everywhere, requesting a bit of publicity on their site. It's not so much that I mind (occasionally) promoting products, but more that I want The Café to remain a recipe blog; a place you can come to for inspiration, fresh ideas, cooking tips and ways to ...
Read More →Peppermint Bark Candy Cutouts
It's been so fun to see these Peppermint Bark Candy Cutouts "evolve" because I've been dreaming about them for over a year now. I know that sounds sort of crazy but it's true. Last year, about this time, I saw these really fun, really gorgeous peppermint bark snowflakes on Pinterest. They were all over the place and I could hardly stand it. Check them out - I bet you'll flip over them ...
Read More →Decoupaged Brioche Rolls
When I was growing up, we always had a special new outfit for Christmas. Most of the time, my grandmother made this holiday apparel. It wasn't until I became an adult, that I realized ................ .............. what an amazing seamstress she was, and how much love she poured into everything she did. We, (my sister's and I) would lay on the floor and peruse, painstakingly, through the ...
Read More →5 Fun, Fab Recipes for Turkey Leftovers
Did you have turkey yesterday? Do you want to have some fun with the leftovers? Well, you definitely came to the right place! I'm totally all about "traditional" when it comes to our annual Thanksgiving meal. For us it's always the same. I know traditional varies from one region of the country to another and each family has their own special "must haves". For us, it's turkey, stuffing, ...
Read More →Thanksgiving Greetings!
Scott and I just wanted to let you know that when we count our blessings, you, our wonderful readers, followers, fellow cooks and blogging friends are definitely on the list. We love what we do and, without you, The Café would not be in existence. Thank you so much for your friendship, encouragement and support. You're the best!
And, for those of your living in the U.S. (or celebrating ...
Parsley and Pomegranate Decoupage Brioche Rolls
If these rolls could talk they'd, for sure, be telling you how festive and special occasion-worthy they are and that they love their new clothes. Of course they'd share how they hear everyone talking about how moist, tender and very delicious they are too. And they'd be sure to let you know that they're common fare in France, as they're quite proud of their heritage. I've been making these ...
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