Speculoos - A Funny Name for a Fabulous Cookie!

Did I say in the blog title that these are fabulous? Well, in all honesty I have to tell you that they are also quite ADDICTIVE! Let me tell you how my friendship with these dangerous cookies began.................

A Special Guest Blogger with a Delicious Steak Chili

I just arrived back on good old U.S. soil yesterday after a wonderful visit with our daughter and her family in London.  I figured I might be a bit jet-lagged today so when my sweet daughter-in-law, Lindsay, offered to do a guest blog I was thrilled........

Olive Oil Crackers with Sea Salt and Herbs

Before arriving in London two weeks ago I had read about this incredible deli/café called Ottolenghi. I shared a bit about it in this post the day after we arrived. My eyes just about bugged out of my head when we walked in and beheld...........

Quiche in a Jar #2 - With a Pastry Crust

I posted a fun recipe yesterday for Quiche in a Jar.....

A Postcard from London and Quiche ..........in a Jar!

We've had a sweet time in London, enjoying our family and taking in some fun highlights. Our favorite thing, by far though, is..................

Taking a Break.....

We're taking a bit of time off as my brother, Tom, passed away a few days ago after a lengthy, but valiant battle with cancer. Tom was a brother, husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by all.

He was a Northwest Airlines pilot for over forty years and truly "a jack of all trades".  Tom was always full of energy and talented beyond comparison with his hands; he could fix anything and everything. It seemed there was no challenge too big for Tom. If he didn't know how to do something, it wouldn't take long and he would have figured it out! From rebuilding and restoring airplanes to building a new home from the ground up, Tom seemed to pull it off almost effortlessly. I was always in awe of his talents and creativity and thought of him as simply brilliant.

Tom was also "father" to all five of his siblings. My dad died when I was nine years old and Tom, the eldest son, immediately jumped in to give my mom support in raising the whole rambunctious family. We're all so grateful for his efforts and input that helped to fill the void.

The extended family will never be the same without "big brother" and his death leaves a huge gap for his sweet wife, Diane along with his daughters, son and their families. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of them as we travel through these sad days.

Scott and Chris

Sugar Cookie Pops and a Fun Day in London

I've been sharing some fun recipes this week from a wedding shower we hosted last weekend and I tempted you yesterday with pictures of these delicious Sugar Cookie Pops.

Headed to London to Visit the Queen, oops! I Mean the Princesses!

We're about beside ourselves as we sit at the airport headed to London to visit our daughter, son-in-law and three sweet little princesses (granddaughters).

Herbed Israeli Couscous Salad

You may not be familiar with Israeli Couscous but if it's not a staple in your kitchen you will be sure to add it once you try this delicious salad. Along with being quite tasty it has a very interesting history...............

Pie Pops, A Yummy Sweet Treat in a Small Parcel

I'm sharing recipes this week from a wedding shower we had on Sunday. One of the desserts that everyone enjoyed were these delicious pie pops.

A Pops Party! Cake Pops coming right up!

We had a party over the weekend, actually a wedding shower party; a friend's daughter is getting married and a few of us teamed together to throw a shower. It was great fun.........but then again, everything is more fun when you do it with friends!

Raspberry Almond Shortbreads

My husband says that I can never leave "well enough alone".  He frequently says something like this; "Chris, these bla-bla-bla (fill in the blank) are wonderful, so why would you want to do something different with the recipe?" I guess it's the renegade in me........

Mari's Marvelous Brioche Buns with Fresh Rosemary

Last week when I saw these amazing looking Brioche Buns on Once Upon a Plate, a beautiful blog by Mari, I knew it would just be a matter of time before the fragrance of buttery, delicious brioche would be permeating my kitchen.......

No Fuss, Lots of Gush, Best Ever, Yellow Cake

I know, I know there are some pretty decent cake mixes out there. They've improved greatly over the years and many people swear by them. I personally just don't like that slightly artificial taste that still persists and.......... did you ever look at the ingredient label?...............

Not Your Mama's Pizza!

Not Your Mama's Pizza! - this may not be your run of the mill, everyday, ordinary mama's pizza but it is my mama's pizza................. well, kind of.............

Some Fun Labor Day Ideas......... And the Winner Is...............

The Café celebrated one hundred followers this past week by featuring a free giveaway ! We did a random drawing last night to choose the winner and the reader who is the recipient of a year's supply of fabulous Maldon Sea Salt is......................

Tequila Citrus Chicken with Grilled Peach & Raspberry Salad

I'm trying to really savor the last vestiges of summer..........the delicious colorful fresh fruits, abundant fabulous seasonal veggies and a beau coup of fresh herbs that I would give my eye tooth for on a dreary January day..........

Tequila Citrus Grilled Chicken

Are you tired of dry, tough grilled chicken? Well put all that behind you - you're going to just love this chicken!! It's one of my favorites; simple to prepare, always moist and delicious......................