A Farewell to 2012 & the Most Favorite, Most Pinned, Most Raved-About Recipe of the Year

2012 was a full year.... fun,,,, fast-paced.... and full of adventures ...................

Quinoa & Spinach Stuffed Portobellos Capri

Light, lean and .............. lick the plate clean ................

Baby Spinach Salad w/ Dates, Almonds, Oranges & Pomegranate

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a movie-star, fashion, and TV tortoise. I just don't do well keeping up with stuff like that ................ but I'm thinking I might just be a step ahead of you in one area ................

Christmas Greetings from Our Home to Yours

No new recipes today or culinary inspirations, just a few scenes from our Christmas table and heartfelt holiday wishes for you and your families ...................

Roasted Pear Salad w/ Dried Cranberries, Gorgonzola, Sweet 'n Smoky Pistachios & Champagne-Honey Vinaigrette

You're going to laugh when you read this (true) story, but I'm thinking some of you might be able to identify ................. there may be even a few who can top this .................

Sweet & Smokey Roasted Pistachios

Looking for a simple, fun, appetizer, snack, salad/soup topper or a sure-to-please gift? ...............

Perfect White Cupcakes (IN PINK) w/ Best-Ever Buttercream Icing (IN PINK!) for Lilly

Happy Birthday sweet Lilly! We can't believe you're three!! How did that happen so quickly? ..............

Remember the Victims, Pray for the Families .............

African Peanut Soup w/ Roasted Chicken & Jasmine Rice

There's been a lot of celebrating going on at The Café lately, with birthdays, reunions and all sorts of Christmas festivities ............. Oh, and of course lots of indulgent treats to go along with the parties.  A few days ago, I began to realize that my sweet tank* was quite full - in fact it was full to the brim! I was craving something healthy, flavorful and fun. Something unique and delicious that I could serve to guests, yet at the same time, use for quick, easy meals during this busy pre-Christmas week.

African Peanut Soup???? Yes, and you'll never guess where I found the inspiration for this delightful recipe .............

Chocolate Covered Oreos, a Quick, Easy & Fun Treat

"They disappeared like hot-cakes!" ...................

Chocolate Cupcakes with Peppermint-Cream Cheese Filling and Buttercream Icing - to Celebrate a Birthday & a Sweet Reunion

I did it again ................ yup, despite all my earnest efforts at sophistication, there I was again ...............

Seeded Whole Grain Parmesan Crackers - Making Gourmet Crackers at Home (for pennies!)

What could be better than a wedge of fine cheese and a pile of crisp, melt-in-your-mouth delicious crackers? Add a few apple or pear slices, a bunch of grapes or some quartered figs and you've got a appetizer worthy of royalty. But what if you upped the ante to a whole new level and ...................

Pesto-Swirled Brioche Dinner Rolls - the Five Minute Way!

I seem to be on a roll ................

Crinkly Crackly Toasted Pecan Ginger Cookies - Perfect for the Holidays or Any Day!

If you're looking for a fancy-dancy, decorated holiday cookie recipe and/or technique, you may just want to keep clicking your little mouse right on to another site, but ..............