tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74610371777073641482024-03-12T22:22:44.787-04:00Mel's KitchenMel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-76562689327860663902014-03-26T20:18:00.001-04:002014-03-26T20:18:04.372-04:00Thank you Ina Chiarello & child ; ) Dinner's AWESOME! Or The Lemon
Sisters to the rescue ; )Thank you Google, really. This last minute lemon chicken was born from the fast skimming of Ina's, Michaels & one other site's Lemon Chicken recipes. A tad too much evoo but who's measuring ? I'll call it the Lemon Sisters! ; )<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PtLbw87wofY/UzNuN2zdWeI/AAAAAAAAAZU/mEBx2awFun8/s640/blogger-image--699058928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PtLbw87wofY/UzNuN2zdWeI/AAAAAAAAAZU/mEBx2awFun8/s640/blogger-image--699058928.jpg"></a></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-63588725447710476272013-08-05T11:51:00.001-04:002013-08-05T11:51:33.951-04:00Biscuits ! Bakers Dozen ; )<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PSHwdyNk9X4/Uf_KBEvkobI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Wgz9eU2x19M/s640/blogger-image-1904142122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PSHwdyNk9X4/Uf_KBEvkobI/AAAAAAAAAY4/Wgz9eU2x19M/s640/blogger-image-1904142122.jpg"></a></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-84806905305250931742013-08-03T14:01:00.001-04:002013-08-03T14:01:10.778-04:00Sunshine on command on an overcast Summer Saturday...Lemon Coolers!Lemon Coolers! My adaptation, of course; ) <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nmJVLTNuxVE/Uf1FXiFNNSI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gEkwa8uuhdE/s640/blogger-image--2093969008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-nmJVLTNuxVE/Uf1FXiFNNSI/AAAAAAAAAX4/gEkwa8uuhdE/s640/blogger-image--2093969008.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsoF0Ftkkvw/Uf1FTRes5OI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Rp_xlk0bU-4/s640/blogger-image-1802402384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsoF0Ftkkvw/Uf1FTRes5OI/AAAAAAAAAXo/Rp_xlk0bU-4/s640/blogger-image-1802402384.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1nFv3W-TpE/Uf1FRdCYFgI/AAAAAAAAAXg/6o1NIqLAh3k/s640/blogger-image-1726697742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A1nFv3W-TpE/Uf1FRdCYFgI/AAAAAAAAAXg/6o1NIqLAh3k/s640/blogger-image-1726697742.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-eFAqd5LiI/Uf1FVgkP4VI/AAAAAAAAAXw/WV8_PqkeWao/s640/blogger-image--1902857852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l-eFAqd5LiI/Uf1FVgkP4VI/AAAAAAAAAXw/WV8_PqkeWao/s640/blogger-image--1902857852.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7TTY8xjUonY/Uf1FCnUYqDI/AAAAAAAAAXY/Uf9UuSt_RN4/s640/blogger-image-1239941998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7TTY8xjUonY/Uf1FCnUYqDI/AAAAAAAAAXY/Uf9UuSt_RN4/s640/blogger-image-1239941998.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xCbjSKSY6YI/Uf1E-SASSbI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/rL5vPjr0RKE/s640/blogger-image-773300743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xCbjSKSY6YI/Uf1E-SASSbI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/rL5vPjr0RKE/s640/blogger-image-773300743.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DpHQUnAVI-o/Uf1FZYPn2lI/AAAAAAAAAYA/nkOTeZGGHO8/s640/blogger-image-1681412397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DpHQUnAVI-o/Uf1FZYPn2lI/AAAAAAAAAYA/nkOTeZGGHO8/s640/blogger-image-1681412397.jpg"></a></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-17395060693489475662013-08-01T19:50:00.001-04:002013-08-01T19:51:37.125-04:00Summer in the Kitchen... Blueberry Cobbler Heaven!I've not posted in some time but I never stop cooking! To be honest the disconnect between my (newer) computer & blogger made it such a hassle. But now I have the blogger app! Lets see if it helps as much as I hope & suspect. : D<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ebm2lXyCMr8/Ufr0Qo93kWI/AAAAAAAAAXA/WIXGucUPPAc/s640/blogger-image-1063407166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ebm2lXyCMr8/Ufr0Qo93kWI/AAAAAAAAAXA/WIXGucUPPAc/s640/blogger-image-1063407166.jpg"></a></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-71083361099645081402012-12-19T21:06:00.001-05:002012-12-19T21:06:45.606-05:00HAPPY HOLIDAYS...<br />
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<i>HAPPY HOLIDAYS!</i></div>
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EVERYONE WHO SIGNED UP FOR THIS YEAR'S COOKIE EXCHANGE HAS BEEN CONTACTED WITH CURRENT EVENT UPDATES...</div>
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WE WILL <u>NOT </u>BE MEETING ON FRIDAY AT ST. TIM'S</div>
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IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING SIMILAR EVENTS, OR WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST AN EVENT, PLEASE CONTACT ME!</div>
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OR BY PHONE:</div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS!</div>
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HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY NEW YEAR, ONE AND ALL.</div>
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Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-68659405106656288422012-12-14T12:07:00.001-05:002012-12-14T12:07:34.068-05:00'TIS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN! GOT COOKIES?<br />
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<i>Create a new tradition...</i></div>
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<i>Second Annual</i></div>
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GLUTEN FREE<span style="font: 24.0px Georgia;"> </span></div>
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ALLERGY FRIENDLY BAKE & TAKE COOKING CLASS!</div>
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<i>A HANDS ON </i><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><i>COOKIE EXCHANGE</i></span><i>, JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.</i></div>
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GLUTEN FREE, ALLERGY FRIENDLY, VEGAN, & <b>DELICIOUS</b>!</div>
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Demonstration, Discussion, & Hands on Instruction. Together, we will bake a variety of holiday treats that are Gluten Free, Allergy Friendly, & Vegan. You and your loved ones with special foods needs need not feel left out of the Holiday Cookie Exchange Tradition! Satisfy Seasonal Nostalgia AND a Sweet Tooth while Fostering Community. <span style="font: 14.0px Georgia;">JOIN US:</span></div>
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Friday, December 21st from 5 to 7pm </div>
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in the Church Kitchen of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church </div>
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432 Van Buren Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170</div>
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MATERIALS FEE $45</div>
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EVERYTHING WILL BE PROVIDED.</div>
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<b>IF THE WORLD DOESN'T END FRIDAY,YOUR'E GOING TO WISH YOU HAD THESE COOKIES ON SATURDAY!</b></div>
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<span style="color: #292929; font: 13.0px Georgia;"><b> </b></span><span style="color: #292929; font: 14.0px Georgia;"><b>MELS.KIT@GMAIL.COM </b></span><span style="color: #292929;"><b>|</b></span><span style="color: #292929; font: 14.0px Georgia;"><b> </b></span><b>http://melskit.blogspot.com</b></div>
Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-30626068158554909382012-06-23T08:52:00.004-04:002012-06-23T08:52:43.828-04:00Sufferin' Succotash! (No, Not really...!) Carb Conscious Succotash & the revival of the Summertime Chicken Patty. A la Sylvia's Soulful!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
With all the comfort foods of winter being both out of season and overplayed at our house, a request recently came in: </div>
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"Can we have Chicken Patties?" </div>
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And in our house that means, specifically, Ground Chicken Patties, "blackened" or pan fried with a generous dose of Sylvia's Soulful Seasoned Salt! But it took some time to track some down, after discovering that both my Pantry Shelf, Spice Cabinet and then even my local Grocer Shelves were devoid of the magic powder!</div>
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We usually serve this on top of crisp cool lettuce-- a perfect foil for the salt and touch of spice- though not quite heat, that the intense seasoning salt provides, and along side corn or summer squash. </div>
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However, I had a hankering for something else out of my more "distant past" (as ancient astronaut THEORISTS might believe!) ; P</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>SUCCOTASH!</b></span></div>
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Now, we are carb conscious. We eat corn off the cob as a side these days much less frequently. And one child won't eat lima beans or butter beans, the other CAN'T.</div>
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So what to make? My own version of Succotash: </div>
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Cauliflower Florets, Summer Squash, Diced Celery, a bit of Sweet Onion, dash of Dill, and just enough sweet crunchy Yellow Corn so as to be satisfying. A dash of Grapeseed oil. For body and brain. </div>
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Cold Fresh Washed Romaine, cut with a plastic knife, of course.</div>
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With all the individual needs and wants at our house, this meal is a hit all the ways I plate it!</div>
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I think next time, I'll par cook the veg elements separately to preserve color, integrity, and individual personality.</div>
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If you are inclined, a spoon of buttermilk dressing... a dash of Crystal Hot Sauce, would be most welcome on the plate, and add another layer of heat to cool contrast....</div>
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HAPPY SUMMER!</div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-91458701898322781352012-06-22T09:14:00.001-04:002012-06-22T09:14:55.525-04:00BISCUIT LOVE... Pumpkin Biscuits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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HERE, BELOW, ARE SOME OF THE BEST BISCUITS I'VE EVER MADE. GLUTEN OR NO GLUTEN! (Until recently that is. When my holy biscuit quest brought to some southern biscuit MASTERS... and I topped these too!) </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsBHcjA1RHg/T-Rqx5ltrPI/AAAAAAAAAU4/6FlOTtgcp90/s1600/photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GsBHcjA1RHg/T-Rqx5ltrPI/AAAAAAAAAU4/6FlOTtgcp90/s640/photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Look at that rise... ! And the flaky layers, which were moist inside, but not overly so.<br />
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Speaking of topping them--<br />
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When toasted on the second day, these unsweetened fragrant SWEET SMELLING biscuits give rise to new INSPIRATION.... Butter melting, maple syrup, powdered sugar, orange zest, or marmalade, even cream cheese. ANY AND ALL are welcome!<br />
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Actually, this is a batch from last November. It's taken me this long to show them! November is when my previous computer died... And when I purchased my beloved, although still somewhat alien to me, Mac. <br />
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And so, another quest of sorts is hopefully resolving-- Admittedly, I have not been able to easily or in many cases successfully post pictures from my Mac to this Blog! HENCE my pathetic seemingly apathetic absence.<br />
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So, anyone listening, THIS IS A TEST.<br />
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Hoping to BROADCAST MORE SOON!<br />
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As for right now, I'm finished with my Trader Joe's Columbian Coffee with Vanilla Almond Milk... and am beginning to be quite hungry...<br />
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Yesterday's <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><i>CHERRY CLAFOUTIS</i></span> is beckoning! Vegan, which does mean what it says-- dairy, and amazingly, EGG free as well! Gosh, I hope I can post a pic. Once I can find the folder from the blogger upload drop down, which isn't showing up currently. (mmmm... <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><b>currants</b></span>....! I <i>am hungry</i> after all!) <br />
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Any tips or helps welcome!<br />
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Happy Summer, all.<br />
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Hope to be with you more, soon.<br />
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: D<br />
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<br />Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-30059915428284545582012-01-03T18:53:00.002-05:002012-01-03T19:11:38.665-05:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFdpOokERYI/TwOYPwrUngI/AAAAAAAAARk/ms00iquUrUY/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFdpOokERYI/TwOYPwrUngI/AAAAAAAAARk/ms00iquUrUY/s400/IMG_0140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693561750458506754" /></a>THANK YOU, MS. KATHLEEN! For helping me be more fearless <b><i>aaand</i></b> more creative so as to find a way to be able to post PICTURES again! From my new Mac, that is. <div><br /></div><div><i>EXCELLENT....</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>let the blogging recommence!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">HERE'S WISHING ALL A VERY MERRY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663366;">XXXOOO</span></b></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-64639215628625421012011-12-18T23:21:00.002-05:002011-12-18T23:36:02.600-05:00AB FAB!!!WELL, the class was <i>ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS! </i> Everyone one of you was fantastic to meet! Each did a beautiful job on the cookies! And I feel we all learned a LOT from all the SUPER discussions we had! (In fact, happily, we gabbed much more than I ever would have dreamed! Beautiful!)<div><br /></div><div>All filled their adorable tins in their own gorgeous way... and I think we know the theme of the class now... flavor-wise at least! </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#663333;">Chocolate</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#ff6600;">ORANGE</span></b> ! </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Am I RIGHT?? And we'll not tell our secret ingredient, will we? ; D</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope to post more soon... (perhaps pictures from the class with your permission? I was too busy rolling to take many, but hope that A. will send me some to add to mine!)</div><div><br /></div><div>I should probably wait for a nod from each of you before giving you a mention... but I am pleased as PUNCH to have had each of you in my class!</div><div><br /></div><div>And could not have done it without you! (Especially my dear dear friend and assistant, S.!)</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">HAPPY HOLIDAYS! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">&</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy Cookies!</div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-16863372946772741522011-12-10T09:55:00.005-05:002011-12-10T10:14:52.083-05:00COOKIE EXCHANGE BAKE & TAKE UPDATE #1<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 21, 11); font-family:Georgia;font-size:48px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 21, 11); font-family:Georgia;font-size:48px;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 21, 11); font-family:Georgia;font-size:48px;">GLUTEN FREE HOLIDAY</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">It's not a holiday from being gluten free... but it SURE TASTES LIKE IT!</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 21, 11); font-family:Georgia;font-size:48px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">WELL, It's Getting Quite Heavenly Around Here...!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">As I'm revisiting my cookie recipes, some old favorites, some delightfully new, in REAL TIME... (REAL YUM, is more like it) I'm getting VERY EXCITED!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">One week and counting down! To cinnamon, chocolate, lemon, orange, ginger... SWEET HOLIDAY HEAVEN!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">I can't wait to share these cookies with all of you!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">Originally, to serve the broadest number of people, I was going to do all the varieties without nuts. However, that may not be necessary.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">If you are signed up to come, or plan to come (YES! THERE IS STILL ROOM AVAILABLE!) please let me know, by phone or here on the blog;</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">1. Do you (or the person you are baking for) need all your selections to be nut free?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">2. Seed free? (as in poppy seeds, sunflower seeds, etc.)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">3. Coconut free? If you can't have coconut, either milk or shredded, let me know!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;">I'm sorry-- I got distracted for a minute... it smells REALLY GOOD IN HERE! And now my testers are circling, a bit like sharks, to be honest. ;P </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:180%;color:#99150b;">STAY TUNED FOR MORE UPDATES!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:180%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:180%;color:#99150b;">AND PICTURES TO TEMPT YOU, TOO! :D</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia;font-size:100%;color:#99150b;"><br /></span></div></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-89146352880298598732011-12-07T10:00:00.006-05:002011-12-10T09:55:54.217-05:00GLUTEN FREE COOKIE CLASS - WHERE & WHEN ;D JOIN US!<span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:'Franklin Gothic Medium';"><div style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><div dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-family:'Franklin Gothic Medium';"><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /><div style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:13px;"><br /><div dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size: 12pt; font-family:Franklin Gothic Medium;font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-family:'Franklin Gothic Medium';"><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">Create a new tradition...</i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 48px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">GLUTEN FREE<span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; "> </span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">& </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">ALLERGY FRIENDLY BAKE & TAKE COOKING CLASS!</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">A HANDS ON </i><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; text-decoration: underline; "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">COOKIE EXCHANGE</i></span><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">, JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.</i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">GLUTEN FREE, ALLERGY FRIENDLY, VEGAN, & <b style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">DELICIOUS</b>!</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); min-height: 18px; "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;">Demonstration, Discussion, & Hands on Instruction. </span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;">Together, we will bake a BEAUTIFUL variety of holiday treats that are Gluten Free, Allergy Friendly, & Vegan. </span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;">You and your loved ones with special foods needs need not feel left out of the Holiday Cookie Exchange Tradition!</span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;"> Satisfy Seasonal Nostalgia AND a Sweet Tooth while Fostering Community. <span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; ">JOIN US:</span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;"><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; "><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;"> </span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 21px/normal Georgia; ">Saturday, December 17th from noon to 3pm </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">in the Church Kitchen of St. Timothy's Episcopal Church </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">432 Van Buren Street, Herndon, Virginia 20170</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">MATERIALS FEE $40</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">EVERYTHING WILL BE PROVIDED.</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); min-height: 16px; "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Times New Roman'; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); min-height: 16px; "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:130%;">Space is limited, so reserve your place today.</span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:100%;">703-283-8966</span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><span class="ecxApple-style-span" style="text-indent: 0px !important; font-size:100%;"><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; "> </span>MELS.KIT@GMAIL.COM</span><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; font-size:medium;"> </span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><span style="text-indent: 0px !important; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; "><br /></span></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); ">DON'T MISS OUT!</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 24px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(153, 21, 11); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); ">Check the blog for updates & more information.</p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); ">http://melskit.blogspot.com/ </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "> </p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><br /></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">~I'm a Gluten Free Baker and mother of children with (numerous) special foods needs. If you can make it, I'd love to have you attend my class!</i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">Feel free to pass this along to anyone else you think would benefit... It's a great opportunity!</i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">Sincerely,</i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></p><p style="text-indent: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px !important; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-bottom: 0px !important; margin-left: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; font-size: medium; text-align: center; font: normal normal normal 16px/normal Georgia; color: rgb(41, 41, 41); "><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; ">Melissa Druitt</i></p><div><i style="text-indent: 0px !important; "><br /></i></div></span></div></div></span></span></div></div></span>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-29584887412993494872011-12-01T12:13:00.001-05:002011-12-02T15:24:46.296-05:00COOKIE EXCHANGE BAKE & TAKE CLASSES!<div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">COMING SOON FOR THOSE NEAR ME...</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">GLUTEN FREE & ALLERGY FRIENDLY BAKE & TAKE COOKING CLASSES!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">A HANDS ON COOKIE EXCHANGE, JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">GLUTEN FREE, ALLERGY FRIENDLY, VEGAN & <b>DELICIOUS!</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:180%;color:#990000;">STAY CLOSE FOR MORE INFORMATION!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">QUESTIONS & COMMENTS WELCOME,</div><div style="text-align: center;">EITHER HERE, OR AT: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MELS.KIT@GMAIL.COM</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-44231382603968827522011-11-12T00:16:00.002-05:002011-11-12T00:31:34.893-05:00HELP!! Computer seemingly CAPUT!Well it seems my computer may have given up the ghost... This post serves as a test (as I'm attempting to post from my phone for the first time) AND a cry for help. Advice, really.<br /><br />I need to:<br /><br />1. Recover my data, if possible. Geek Squad is the only place I hear of that may be able to help... IS THERE A BETTER PLACE? And not like the " better place" where computers go when they die.<br /><br />2. Find my new computer! I've had 3 laptops (Dell PCs) in a row now. Should I go mac? Desktop ? Is there a perfect blend? Like compact tower with wireless everything, including ipad docking, that comes with an ipad? For a great price?<br /><br />As always, COMMENTS WELCOME!<br /><br />; DMel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-23589834391809187842011-11-03T10:09:00.001-04:002011-11-03T10:58:00.329-04:00At the Farmers' Market<u><span style="color:#0066cc;"></span></u><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BU4eL2GSvmU/TrKD14Dij9I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ucAbkoGFf2M/s1600/IMG_8301.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670739842416414674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BU4eL2GSvmU/TrKD14Dij9I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/ucAbkoGFf2M/s400/IMG_8301.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#cc0000;"><strong><span style="font-size:78%;">Rainbow Bevy of Peppers... an explosion of color rivaling fall's splendor</span>.<br /><br /></strong></span></span><br /><br /><div>Last week, I went to our Town Farmer's Market with my neighbor. Fewer stands were there than in high summer. And we arrived toward the very end. But different than in summer, the vendors were not rushing to pack up their wares as intently when noon approached as they had in previous months. The cool crisp air, wispy Simpson's clouds, golden sun contributed perhaps. But in further thought, I realize, there are only so many Markets left this season before winter. This was in essence the last full month, the final few weeks of the year. Perhaps they, like me, are trying to make it last. Are savoring this last moment before winter.</div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7m2XaCwSdM/TrKD3EHX3OI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/puVZp3C_QMU/s1600/IMG_8302.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670739862833585378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7m2XaCwSdM/TrKD3EHX3OI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/puVZp3C_QMU/s400/IMG_8302.jpg" border="0" /></a> Shallots, heirloom Bi-color Green Sausage Tomatoes.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ti25652exC4/TrKD2zXLKGI/AAAAAAAAAQo/oog2W7JeZ90/s1600/IMG_8300.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670739858336458850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ti25652exC4/TrKD2zXLKGI/AAAAAAAAAQo/oog2W7JeZ90/s400/IMG_8300.jpg" border="0" /></a> Mexican (or Lebanese?) Green Globe Squash, Sunburst Pattypans, bright yellow <a href="http://www.seedsavers.org/Details.aspx?itemNo=1345">Golden Zucchini... </a>among the last of the local "summers".<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670739845720045570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bi0JcC7ORyg/TrKD2EXL-AI/AAAAAAAAAQg/7p2PsQ37RSo/s400/IMG_8303.jpg" border="0" /> Both Black & Traditional Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Shallots....<br /><br />I made some purchases... let's see what I can make of them!Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-20287862555318781812011-10-31T19:45:00.000-04:002011-10-31T21:53:08.652-04:00HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Fear not the night of allergic treats! Homemade Candies for your Trick-or-Treat-ers.<div>There is a trick to making these, but they turn out a TREAT!<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw7tfno7BR0/Tq9Im5E94zI/AAAAAAAAAOc/OncbzgcRWaQ/s1600/IMG_8483.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669830288876626738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw7tfno7BR0/Tq9Im5E94zI/AAAAAAAAAOc/OncbzgcRWaQ/s400/IMG_8483.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Some years, rather than harvest candy, my kids collect for Unicef. Many years, they make trades with Mom & Dad of the candy they can't have for candies or prizes I've purchased for just the occasion.<br /><br />The past 2 years, it's been a bit different. Mom & Dad partake neither of sugar nor of gluten any longer! Last Halloween, a la the "innernet" we still plied our progeny with Halloween treats after their nighttime foray... we just didn't make "trades".<br /><br />This year, I'm trying something different. Instead of relying all the now tiresome sugarfree hard candies (which come in POUND size bags-- which I've not yet run out of from last year!), I'm giving homemade a try. Last minute, of course! Funny how of the two recipes, the one I thought would be a "sinch" turned out to be the tricky one...<br /><br />Tootsie Rolls & Almond Butter Cups. <div><br />Note on the Tootsies:<br />(reduced sugars & reduced carbs, dairy, peanut, & gluten free. corn syrup free. obviously not nut free. or grain free, or corn free. but could be the latter two! just leave out the rice milk powder.) </div><br />These Tootsie Rolls are not tested; I'm writing this as I go, this being Halloween afternoon! This recipe is inspired from but DOES NOT TRANSLATE WELL FROM many tootsie recipes on the internet. Splenda for baking does not easily replace Sugar for structure. So of course, Splenda based simple syrups for coffee neither can replace corn syrup. Vanilla Rice Milk powder is ok, and while somewhat of a subsitute for dairy milk powder, because of the flavor, is probably not something I'll use next time I try this recipe.<br /><br />Tootsie Rolls<br /><br />3 cups Splenda<br />1/2 cup Cocoa Powder, unsweetened<br />2 T Arrowroot Powder<br />*6 T Almond Flour (or experiment with flour/starch of your choice, starting with smaller amounts.)<br />3 T cup Rice Milk Powder (contains corn)<br /><br />3 T Butter Shortening<br />1/4 cup Vanilla or Chocolate Flavored Sugarfree Syrup (for coffee) such as Torani<br />1/4 Vanilla Almond Milk (or dairy free milk of choice)<br />1 t Vanilla<br /><br />Whisk together dry ingredients except almond meal in a bowl. Heat liquids, excepting Vanilla, but including butter shortening, in a pan on medium. When simmering, stir in *almond flour and reduce heat a bit, stirring frequently. Simmer watchfully for several minutes, until mixture is reduced by almost 1/2. Add Vanilla. Vigorously stir in remaining dry ingredients until combined. Reduce heat to LOW. Stir frequently scraping bottom well while continuing to cook and reduce, until mixture forms a ball. (This took more time than anticipated. I was anchored to the kitchen to a degree.)<br /><br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FOxoGAWL4U/Tq9InKHZmDI/AAAAAAAAAOs/vXgqKMz02PQ/s1600/IMG_8467.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669830293450233906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2FOxoGAWL4U/Tq9InKHZmDI/AAAAAAAAAOs/vXgqKMz02PQ/s400/IMG_8467.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />To test doneness, put a small dish in the freezer. When chilled, test a small amount of the dough on the little dish, even returning to freezer to bring temp down more quickly. When workable in to a ball with hands I say it's done. It will remain sticky. Remove from heat.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E6HWuR9G9Y/Tq9IoWU281I/AAAAAAAAAO0/g9Rr2BTbhmM/s1600/IMG_8469.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669830313907778386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5E6HWuR9G9Y/Tq9IoWU281I/AAAAAAAAAO0/g9Rr2BTbhmM/s400/IMG_8469.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />When cool completely, or enough to touch, remove to a clean work surface. Parchment works well. Knead "dough" a bit to make sure texture is conistent, soft, smooth, and firm. Roll into snakes or logs about 1/2 inches in diamenter, and cut into 1 inch pieces.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEI37CmwTyg/Tq9Iogm2IEI/AAAAAAAAAPE/fJU5EHvM6O0/s1600/IMG_8471.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669830316667576386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oEI37CmwTyg/Tq9Iogm2IEI/AAAAAAAAAPE/fJU5EHvM6O0/s400/IMG_8471.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Wrap in parchment or waxed paper cut into 3 inch squares, or in paper lined holiday foils from candy supply. Chilling the the wrapped cut pieces a bit helps when it comes to twisting the ends without squishing. (I used parchment; its both slick and thick!) Remember to twist with the direction of the overlap!<br /><br />Sport these in a spooky dish and enjoy!<br /><br />Almond Butter Cups<br /><br />4 Rice Milk Bars (Enjoy Life Brand) (just under 6 oz.)<br />1 Ghiradelli Baking Bar (4 oz.)<br />1 t Butter Shortening<br /><br />1/3 cup Salted Almond Butter (I used Trader Joe's)<br />1/3 cup Splenda for Baking<br />(2 t Almond Flour -- only if necessary and almond butter is not firm enough)<br />1 pinch salt<br /><div>(I had leftover almond butter mixture. Will save this for another use SOON!)<br /><br />Melt 3/4 of the chocolates together over double boiler, or in microwave stirring in between 25-30 second cooking times until melted. Add last quarter and stir until melted to temper, only adding back cooking if last addition does not melt after being allowed to sit with melted portion for several minutes.<br /><br />If already very stiff, you can warm almond butter in microwave briefly. This will help soften it and aid in stirring to come. Add dry ingredients and stir vigorously to incorportate. May be quite stiff. That's ok, as long as you can still mix it completely.<br /><br />Prepare mini baking cups/candy cups to a tray. Add melted chocolate just under 1/3 of the way up to several cups at a time, then about that amount of almond butter mixture on top. Top with chocolate. Chill briefly. The actual amounts depend on whatever different sized cups you may be using. I liked to work this several at a time to make sure I have enough chocolate. </div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eigV4KgIRM/Tq9OPDTrPhI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Ql5kA9WET7M/s1600/IMG_8488.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5669836476375580178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_eigV4KgIRM/Tq9OPDTrPhI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Ql5kA9WET7M/s400/IMG_8488.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#000000;">Mmmmmwaaaaahahahahaha!</span></em></strong></div></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-59110103125347285912011-10-17T12:41:00.000-04:002011-10-17T13:10:04.623-04:00From Fall's Harvest... Rustic Apple Tartlette<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdYeWnj9SQ8/TpxaDk00M1I/AAAAAAAAAL8/6viImBb7wzk/s1600/IMG_0339.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664501448796549970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UdYeWnj9SQ8/TpxaDk00M1I/AAAAAAAAAL8/6viImBb7wzk/s320/IMG_0339.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I wish you could smell this tart.... You wouldn't believe the heady intoxication it brings. The apples are just picked. They smell like you would imagine Winesaps would-- the exact reason they were likely named, but are just one small golden delicious, and one small Granny Smith. The flavors are the simplest; apples at their peak, a simple rustic crust, spicy cinnamon, a macy lacing of nutmeg.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR6CWtOcV8Q/TpxcAcoAkjI/AAAAAAAAAMo/4wEDsYiizJ4/s1600/IMG_0329.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664503594078999090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kR6CWtOcV8Q/TpxcAcoAkjI/AAAAAAAAAMo/4wEDsYiizJ4/s320/IMG_0329.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>The tartlette crust is inspired by <a href="http://www.livingwithout.com/issues/4_7/cooking_with_coconut_flour-1955-1.html">Living Without's coconut shortbread </a>recipe. I subbed Amaranth and Almond flour for the traditional Gluten Free Mix. I decreased the liquid by 2 Tablespoons (since I was using a combination of Splenda and Vanilla Simple Syrup instead of Honey), upped the salt a tad. The crust rolls out beautifully. Of COURSE you could use the sugar of your preference. There is so little in the recipe...<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z3-Y5pYq-U/TpxdY7VvJTI/AAAAAAAAANQ/pcCFazOMnOc/s1600/IMG_0332.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664505114152346930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3z3-Y5pYq-U/TpxdY7VvJTI/AAAAAAAAANQ/pcCFazOMnOc/s320/IMG_0332.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZiKaNwmxbo/TpxdZoICEbI/AAAAAAAAANo/fd1Kwh7VR10/s1600/IMG_0337.jpg"></a><br /><br />The apples take centre stage.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZiKaNwmxbo/TpxdZoICEbI/AAAAAAAAANo/fd1Kwh7VR10/s1600/IMG_0337.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664505126174462386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZiKaNwmxbo/TpxdZoICEbI/AAAAAAAAANo/fd1Kwh7VR10/s320/IMG_0337.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbKX4sDEHUI/TpxaDzGoY7I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Nt8HpJ66K68/s1600/IMG_0338.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664501452629369778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kbKX4sDEHUI/TpxaDzGoY7I/AAAAAAAAAMI/Nt8HpJ66K68/s320/IMG_0338.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Low carb, Gluten Free, Vegan.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#660000;"><em><strong>TRULY SPLENDID.</strong></em></span></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2y7aekK96A/TpxcBOTZPtI/AAAAAAAAANE/cqHDATYJd_s/s1600/IMG_0360.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664503607414308562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v2y7aekK96A/TpxcBOTZPtI/AAAAAAAAANE/cqHDATYJd_s/s320/IMG_0360.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><span style="color:#660000;">AND QUICKLY GONE!</span></strong> ;D<br /><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd4wqJWrO8Q/TpxcAml3sWI/AAAAAAAAAM4/mNUwHFJLZ2s/s1600/IMG_0366.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664503596754383202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wd4wqJWrO8Q/TpxcAml3sWI/AAAAAAAAAM4/mNUwHFJLZ2s/s320/IMG_0366.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>One quarter tartlette = 14.5 carbs, approximately.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Even better, some carbs are offset by the healthy portion of fiber these flours contain.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Pure enjoyment.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#993300;"><strong><em>Happy Fall, to All!</em></strong></span></div></div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EP4HSrlyVLM/TpxdZFL60OI/AAAAAAAAANg/clSaKmpC6JQ/s1600/IMG_0333.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664505116795523298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EP4HSrlyVLM/TpxdZFL60OI/AAAAAAAAANg/clSaKmpC6JQ/s320/IMG_0333.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-69451984703319551312011-08-17T15:24:00.000-04:002011-08-18T15:11:17.789-04:00Apricot Upside Down Cake... ! Healthy Decadence!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAj2WmYB9pA/Tk1fpgLYhMI/AAAAAAAAALc/9G_U3yV90BY/s1600/120.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642271074782053570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAj2WmYB9pA/Tk1fpgLYhMI/AAAAAAAAALc/9G_U3yV90BY/s320/120.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43Khdr4XAvE/Tk1dQeI45sI/AAAAAAAAALE/w91PKZHuT4k/s1600/072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642268445714736834" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-43Khdr4XAvE/Tk1dQeI45sI/AAAAAAAAALE/w91PKZHuT4k/s320/072.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br /><div>These apricots just JUMPED out at my daughter, and then me, at Trader Joe's! Gorgeous, from <a href="http://www.redjacketorchards.com/PDFs/post%20standard%20-%20july%202003.pdf">Red Jacket Farms</a>, I thought at first that <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Red Jacket</strong></span> was the type of apricot, so vibrant were their velvet coats!
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<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3-RYZzozko/Tk1dQ64W9_I/AAAAAAAAALM/ZMmdMv0OcLs/s1600/104.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642268453430032370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A3-RYZzozko/Tk1dQ64W9_I/AAAAAAAAALM/ZMmdMv0OcLs/s320/104.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Darling teen cannot have most fruits uncooked, so these ripened.... and ripened, as I got my act together to bake a treat in their (his and the apricots!) honor. (And darling tween and I made sure to keep running tabs on their deliciousness by sampling one every few days!)
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<br />I found a recipe for upside down cake using fresh apricots, and decided to make it, subbing out (most of) the ingredients for those I chose and needed to.
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<br />Almond Meal (whole "grain") makes up the bulk of the flour in this cake batter. Mostly because I am out of Almond Flour. Grinding my own for a previous recipe (Vegan Cherry "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Clafouti</span>", pictures coming soon!) <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">yielded</span> a delicious, yet almost sandy crunchy texture that I didn't feel like I wanted in my cake. And this version will make us FEEL like we are doing our bounden duty towards health! While reveling in summers glorious bounty.
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<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUwV5oY-sqE/Tk1dUdeBPKI/AAAAAAAAALU/VMCN2Kv_JU8/s1600/116.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642268514254404770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wUwV5oY-sqE/Tk1dUdeBPKI/AAAAAAAAALU/VMCN2Kv_JU8/s320/116.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br />The recipe came from Gourmet (now through <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Fresh-Apricot-Upside-Down-Cake-108370"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Epicurious</span></a>). I took the advice of the reviewers to use MUCH less butter. I did not want to cook mine in a skillet, however, and trying to "wing it" this time left me with a bunch of "butter" melted and surrounding what looks and tastes like reduced sugar dark caramel! Learn from every mistake, I say. But then it was time for dinner prep and the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">premeasured</span> dry ingredients needed to wait until I could re-do the butter/topping portion of the recipe the next day (today). Would the apricots hold up? They ARE DELICIOUS today! (or so my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tastebuds</span> and sweet little taste tester tween helper will attest.) But will they hold up to baking? We shall see, oh we can't WAIT to see!
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<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1cT4aZIrTo/Tk1fpwEpNbI/AAAAAAAAALk/wouhkDmOO70/s1600/124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5642271079048754610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X1cT4aZIrTo/Tk1fpwEpNbI/AAAAAAAAALk/wouhkDmOO70/s320/124.JPG" border="0" /></a>
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<br />Well... ? What do you think?</div></div></div>
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<br />(If you enjoy the aromatic thrall of choice apricot preserves over melting butter, and the flavor of delectible almond biscotti only in the form of delicate, moist, PERFECT cake, YOU WILL LOVE THIS! We did!) ; D
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<br />Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-84594563866444962972011-04-28T14:31:00.000-04:002011-04-29T00:00:36.716-04:00Millionaire Shortbread Custard Tartlettes... Inspired by the Royal Wedding! But made for my One in a Million Honor Roll Student.<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z71kR65z74/Tbo0L2gvmMI/AAAAAAAAAKw/1wkkFfPp15I/s1600/DSC00994.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600846464804690114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z71kR65z74/Tbo0L2gvmMI/AAAAAAAAAKw/1wkkFfPp15I/s320/DSC00994.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>These mini tarts were inspired by a trip to Food52.com last night... while perusing the (very tempting) link to 18 recipes for toasting the very shortly upcoming ROYAL WEDDING...</div><br /><br /><div>I used my version of coconut flour shortbread for the crusts/shells. I hadn't made it since November, so I'd forgotten how skimpy the amount was (I'd taken to doubling it, apparently!) But lucky me, it JUST made four shells! Perfect.</div><br /><br /><div>Chocolate custard pudding with a few bump ups, like vanilla... vanilla rice milk powder... a few scant <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Colombian</span> coffee granules... </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And my first, well, first SOMEWHAT <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">SUCCESSFUL</span>, caramel sauce. And (mostly) sugar free to boot! I used coconut milk, palm shortening, a mixture of half S<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">plenda</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">erythritol</span>, with just 1/4 tsp each maple flavored agave and molasses. </div><br /><br /><div>After my efforts toward sugarless peeps last weekend, I suspect the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">erythritol</span> <em>may</em> have actually been able to caramelize a bit on its own, (? ) without darker sweet stuffs helping it along, but I was in a big rush with no time to risk it! It looked FAB, and was cooling nicely, but as I mentioned I was in a BIG rush-- Which turned into mild panic; apparently in my attempt to cool it too quickly, I shocked the mixture, which caused the oil to separate. THANK GOOGLE for this site <a href="http://candy.about.com/od/carameltoffee/f/separate_faq.htm">http://candy.about.com/od/carameltoffee/f/separate_faq.htm</a> which, while it did not reassure me in specific, gave me hope. I added a splash of water, put it back on the heat on HIGH, added 2 tablespoons more <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Splenda</span>, stirring vigorously, WILLING it to come back together. I'm happy to say, my efforts were rewarded!</div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cptl-dXkU_g/Tbo0KRkULtI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Pfn27m6K85s/s1600/IMG_4371.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600846437707689682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cptl-dXkU_g/Tbo0KRkULtI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/Pfn27m6K85s/s320/IMG_4371.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>As it turned out, at first blush, the result was darker than I'd like. And I even forgot to add the vanilla!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>After pouring onto the chocolate custard, and allowing it to further cool and set, it looks a little paler, happily. :D</div><br /><br /><div>And my darling son, did he feel duly honored for his scholastic efforts and achievements? Well, I hope so. I know he loved the tarts, anyway!</div><br /><br /><div>Gluten Free, Carb Conscious, Dairy Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Vegan.<br /><br /><br /><div>But Fully Delectible!</div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPL1uzY817o/Tbo0-PKRsRI/AAAAAAAAAK4/eVvYNcacjPk/s1600/DSC00992.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600847330414801170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cPL1uzY817o/Tbo0-PKRsRI/AAAAAAAAAK4/eVvYNcacjPk/s320/DSC00992.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>Cheerio & Good Show!</div><br /><br /><div>(Mmmmm....)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Congratulations to the Adorable Royal Couple! <br /><div></div><br /><div>Huzzah!</div></div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-38358942689240187312011-04-23T13:43:00.000-04:002011-04-23T13:56:45.781-04:00Happy Easter & Happy Kitchen!Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Kitchen!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DS17YQXMETs/TbMQjIn02XI/AAAAAAAAAJw/hWpn1LK96P4/s1600/IMG_6619.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598836957547649394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DS17YQXMETs/TbMQjIn02XI/AAAAAAAAAJw/hWpn1LK96P4/s320/IMG_6619.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWJ0xY6H3tI/TbMRhhTqLEI/AAAAAAAAAKA/sPalqZXAkzQ/s1600/IMG_6688.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598838029325839426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWJ0xY6H3tI/TbMRhhTqLEI/AAAAAAAAAKA/sPalqZXAkzQ/s320/IMG_6688.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Toasted Coconut Chocolate Orange Nests. Gluten free, Dairy Free, Soy Free. NOT Sugar Free ! ;)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSQOYOiCGvI/TbMRhed7C1I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/rDnU_i-xF84/s1600/IMG_6612.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598838028563581778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aSQOYOiCGvI/TbMRhed7C1I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/rDnU_i-xF84/s320/IMG_6612.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB_rnAWICCA/TbMRh5-8YjI/AAAAAAAAAKI/nKTmshdbIXs/s1600/IMG_6614.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598838035949838898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sB_rnAWICCA/TbMRh5-8YjI/AAAAAAAAAKI/nKTmshdbIXs/s320/IMG_6614.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Homemade Chocolate Bunnies & Eggs, Gluten Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free, Corn Free. Also, not sugar free.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>I will be attempting Sugar Free Chocolate, and Sugar Free Peeps later today... Wish me luck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>I hope everyone's culinary delights, whether homemade or happened upon, give sweet pause to this lovely gentlest of seasons...</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>:D</div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-76835440260543129052011-01-19T12:21:00.000-05:002011-01-19T13:03:49.374-05:00A Cuppa to share with all of you... & Happy Birthday to Cezanne<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TTcelD57YUI/AAAAAAAAAJY/MnMLWcfcccI/s1600/IMG_1784.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563949486691803458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TTcelD57YUI/AAAAAAAAAJY/MnMLWcfcccI/s320/IMG_1784.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TTcek5aCRsI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/lioNd3_eDMQ/s1600/IMG_1777.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563949483873683138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TTcek5aCRsI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/lioNd3_eDMQ/s320/IMG_1777.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div>A pot of Red Rose, and Constant Comment... just what the doctor ordered on this, the day after an ice storm. A warm setting of jumbled parentage, out of season fruit and flower set in linen and perennial porcelain and its cousins, to bring life and color to aptly celebrate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cezanne's</span> birthday. (although, I snapped this before I knew!) A different cup for each; take your pick. Reproduction <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">transferware</span> Blue Calico, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Noritake</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Selika</span> Japanese Porcelain dating before WWII, or Fiesta Harlequin Riviera in my FAVORITE yellow of all time. My Hall's Superior French Flower teapot can handle it all!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><div>Wishing all a warm and wonderful week...</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-62865141186526388232010-12-27T16:57:00.000-05:002010-12-27T18:04:27.072-05:00On the Fourth Day of Christmas...Merry Christmas, one and all!<br /><br />It's still Christmas, after all! I always count on the fact that there ARE Twelve Days of Christmas... After all the work, planning, preparation, I'm for one thing NEVER ready completely, nor secondly, ready for it to be over so quickly!<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TRkL3H0BGzI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Y_ENMZdwFXA/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555484656956152626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TRkL3H0BGzI/AAAAAAAAAI0/Y_ENMZdwFXA/s320/IMG_1363.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />These are some wonderful Gingerbread cookies I made, using Buckwheat, Almond Meal & Tapioca flours... For Sweetening, I used <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Splenda</span> mixed with one Tablespoon Molasses per cup, and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Truvia</span>. They are frosted using traditional powdered sugar glaze-- such a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">teensy</span> bit, why not? They are wonderful in and of themselves, whether lower <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">carb</span> or not! They are also wonderful compared to my <em>first attempt</em>.<br /><br />In my relatively new quest for lower <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">carb</span>, significantly reduced sugar, baking, which BEGINS by first and foremost being Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Egg Free, Oat Free, Garbanzo Free and more, I have been wishing to try some new flours. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Quinoa</span>, I thought. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hmm</span>. I like the whole grain <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">itself</span>. So many love it. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Highly</span> nutritious. I MUST try it!<br /><br />I did. Well, I can without reservation say to you: <strong>don't</strong>. I have 2 very <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">accommodating</span> children. Who will try ANYTHING I bake. Will strive to make it work if at all possible. I'm not dissing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Quinoa</span>. But this just DID NOT work. AT ALL. . . "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">hMMM</span>....!!! Ugh!" "Uh, sort of can taste the ginger-- but it tastes like asparagus." "Well, after baking them longer/darker they sort of taste more like green beans, instead of just asparagus." "They're good..... oh-uh-- <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">huhgggg-<em>ghhhhh</em></span><em>!??</em> What IS that?" Were some of the comments. And I only used 20%. So a "no go". To say the least.<br /><br />Below, is a picture of another success: Some almond meal based cookies whose dough was versatile enough that I planned to make several types of Christmas cookies with it! Sadly, we lost our beloved bag of dough.... When I inadvertently threw it out in a huff, thinking it was the DESPISED <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Quinoa</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">aberration</span>. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Shoulda</span> used my big Fat Sharpie on the Bags!)<br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TRkMXWatAPI/AAAAAAAAAI8/s_GYjozq_8A/s1600/IMG_1223.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555485210632323314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TRkMXWatAPI/AAAAAAAAAI8/s_GYjozq_8A/s320/IMG_1223.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />That's <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">ok</span>; we can remake it. We can make it better than it was.... (insert 6 Million Dollar Man theme music here.) </p><p>These recipes aren't really tested, but I wanted to share with you. Our Joys & Successes. As well as our Cautionary Tales. </p><p>I really hope you ALL have a blessed, cozy, festive & JOYOUS holiday season!</p><p></p><p><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">xo</span> </p>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-21551290815850818022010-11-26T12:03:00.000-05:002010-11-26T20:16:32.463-05:00HAPPY THANKSGIVING... (& for me, HURRY UP FOR ROUND TWO!) oh and HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_yfz7vYoI/AAAAAAAAAHw/oMJJ7pFpbsM/s1600/IMG_0824.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916294647014018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_yfz7vYoI/AAAAAAAAAHw/oMJJ7pFpbsM/s320/IMG_0824.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>HAPPY THANKSGIVING WISHES TO ALL !</div><br /><br /><div></div><div>A most wonderful thanksgiving was hosted by my sister, who with her family, IS NOW GLUTEN FREE! </div><div></div><br /><div>So the rolls and desserts I brought-- had the potential to be appreciated ALL THE MORE BY more of our family than before... </div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_ygvT8b1I/AAAAAAAAAH4/U0jm97Y3dsE/s1600/IMG_0819.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916310586224466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_ygvT8b1I/AAAAAAAAAH4/U0jm97Y3dsE/s320/IMG_0819.jpg" border="0" /></a> Gluten Free, Vegan, Low <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Carb</span> dinner rolls, with Almond & Amaranth.<br /><br /><br />And so wonderfully, so many MANY wonderful things were available for us to eat! That I didn't need to make myself! It was almost like the old days, when, even though my kids had food allergies, my sister and I could both each eat anything we wanted-- we could share that adventuresome FOODIE SPIRIT. Without reservation.<br /></div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_zGieQc0I/AAAAAAAAAIY/dOnBOHuG4Ik/s1600/IMG_0840.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916959974847298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_zGieQc0I/AAAAAAAAAIY/dOnBOHuG4Ik/s320/IMG_0840.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pear & Plum Tart with Almond Cream <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/johns-pear-and-almond-cream-tart">(Adapted from John's Pear & Almond Cream Tart/Martha Stewart Recipes.)<br /><br /></a><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_yhDkaAcI/AAAAAAAAAIA/WecM_KiReBM/s1600/IMG_0832.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916316023980482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_yhDkaAcI/AAAAAAAAAIA/WecM_KiReBM/s320/IMG_0832.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Roasted Brussels Sprouts w/<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Applewood</span> Smoked Bacon, Cranberries & Pecans.With Cider Vinegar & <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Pomegranate</span> Molasses.</div><div>(Inspired by several recipes, especially: <a href="http://www.kentuckyliving.com/cooking/printdisplayrecipe.asp?id=828">Kentucky Living ... )<br /><br /></a><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_yhRfvHYI/AAAAAAAAAII/60wSGccVsT8/s1600/IMG_0834.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916319762488706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_yhRfvHYI/AAAAAAAAAII/60wSGccVsT8/s320/IMG_0834.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>And my beautiful, gracious, loving giving sister IS A CLASSICALLY TRAINED CHEF. Need I say more? The Turkey was SUCULENT, the potatoes both round in flavor and light as air. The GF Cornbread stuffing-aromatic. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MMMMMMMMmmmm</span>!<br /></div><div>It's a testament to a good time for me that I for the most part forget to take pictures. And such was the case here. The people who joined our family were such easy and enjoyable company, they feel like family now. We feel truly blessed to have shared the time with them. And the ones who couldn't be with us this year were a poignant pang in our hearts, which in reminding us just how much we love and appreciate them, were still an addition and clarification to our silent thanks.<br /></div><div>Posted are some pictures of the the things I brought as our contribution to the meal. Oddly, I'm not stuffed, but hungrier than usual today!</div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_zGxAPwRI/AAAAAAAAAIg/PUjKhIbNjXE/s1600/IMG_0839.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916963875504402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_zGxAPwRI/AAAAAAAAAIg/PUjKhIbNjXE/s320/IMG_0839.jpg" border="0" /></a> Rustic Apple Tart</div><div><br />Both tarts were made using the same Coconut Shortbread recipe which I use as a Pate <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Brisee</span>... one which I've been meaning to post about. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Mmmmm</span>. <div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_zGM7ADII/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Lng1w9jTdO4/s1600/IMG_0835.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543916954189827202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_GX-pUR01-kw/TO_zGM7ADII/AAAAAAAAAIQ/Lng1w9jTdO4/s320/IMG_0835.jpg" border="0" /></a> Whipped Cauliflower, poached in Chicken Stock, Whole Garlic, & Celery Root<br /><br /></div><div>I was awake past 3am... after cleaning up our kitchen in preparation for today, where we will join my husband's side of the family for a <strong>second Thanksgiving Celebration</strong>. So, of course, I didn't hear my alarm. And overslept. And they stuff their turkey the traditional (gluten stuffing) way. So when I realized I had slept 2HOURS LATER than I'd meant to, I had to HURRY HURRY HURRY, or as close to it as I could muster, to get that turkey breast which I intended to make for us (we basically bring our own meal to this Thanksgiving) into the oven so we could leave on time.</div><div></div><br /><div>IT'S STILL IN THERE! I started it at 500 on convection for 40 minutes, adding root veggies & celery as they were ready (Celery, Celery Root, Turnip, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rutabaga</span>, Golden Beet, Butternut Squash & Yellow Onion. This makes a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">demi</span>-gloss-like reduction which is HEAVEN...) I've since tented it and turned it down to 400. Hope it's ready in time!<br /></div><div>I hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday, and that today, if you celebrate THIS day, all your shopping wishes come true! ;)</div></div></div></div>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-47630270043575993272010-10-11T15:59:00.000-04:002010-10-11T20:25:07.401-04:00Back in... the Kitchen...Again...!<object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/o6dx8AfTmQk/hqdefault.jpg)" height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6dx8AfTmQk?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><br /><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o6dx8AfTmQk?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(to the tune of Gene <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Autry</span>... Back in the Saddle Again.)<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#990000;"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Back in... the Kitchen... Again...<br /><br /></span></em></strong>Back in the saddle baby! ;)<br /><br />I have hopes for some new flours I have on order....<br /><br />I am making progress towards my goal of a great tasting, well risen,<strong> low <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">carb</span></strong>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">GF</span>, Vegan, Soy free loaf...<br /><br />Had great success in making- LOW <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">CARB</span> CRACKERS... </span><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><br />Had my gorgeous children make me a TRULY <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">DELECTABLE</span> -<strong>LOW <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">CARB</span></strong> CHOCOLATE BIRTHDAY PIE!<br /><br /><strong><em>SO</em></strong> not so dire, these days. My next new goal; homemade marshmallows. (Halloween's Coming! I need treats for these awesome kids!) I'll be using gelatin, so, not vegan, with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Splenda</span> (the easiest to work with), but if that works out well, may dabble in agar agar, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Xylitol</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Erythritol</span>...<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Gidday-yup!</em></strong></span>Mel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7461037177707364148.post-39380086519396131252010-05-19T11:20:00.000-04:002010-07-03T10:54:41.897-04:00Starting Over....? Lyme's, Low Carb, and More.I've been rather unable to post these past months; dealing with illness, compounding illness. For myself, and then my teen son. This update was written months ago, in a rare strong moment. They are coming more frequently now, so hope and creativity are sparking again, and may hopefully ignite! Soon!<br /><br /><br /><br />Official <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">diagnosis</span>-- I had been battling a chronic yet debilitating sinus infection, which did not present in the usual way. (From Jan 4- until early March! I now wonder was this really the case? Given the later diagnosis?)<br /><br />Then, we both were brought down by Strep-- unusual for us!<br /><br />Official diagnosis-- he has been out of school since mid-March with Mono, and at that time a complication of the spleen.<br /><br />I took us the 1-2 hours drive to our very skilled & specialized <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Acupuncture</span> NAET <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">practitioner</span>, to help dear boy boost his immune system and fight this severe Mono that had him down. I would, I decided at last minute, get a treatment, too, as I knew that there was a point after/beyond which I could not accelerate or excel, and would need to improve my health in order to meet my goals and dreams...<br /><br />After our practitioner on his own detected the past strep with no info from us, confirmed that, yes, there is Mono that he's been fighting, showed us it's not the thing that's bringing him so low.<br /><br />UNOFFICIAL (ie, not from our GP) diagnosis? For BOTH of us?<br /><br />LYME'S DISEASE.<br /><br />And I had recently had a positive test result, which when "resubmitted" showed negative. What's that mean? I asked my doctor. Don't worry about it was the answer.<br /><br />Long story short, we have been on an extremely low <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">carb</span>, no nightshades diet for WEEKS NOW. (Hoping that it needn't be forever...) But as I want us to BEAT this thing, OBLITERATE IT, we are both as compliant as we can manage. For now. For this moment & this fight. Which makes it extra hard for us on several counts.<br /><br />1. We are already Gluten Free!<br /><br />2. My kids have numerous food allergies, as well, which means I cannot bake with any of the "helps" that many others can, such as soy, milk, eggs, etc.<br /><br />3. Knocking out Tomatoes, Potatoes, Peppers, Eggplant, Paprika/Chili, makes this already LIMITED DIET SUPER LIMITED and difficult. Inspiration is an exercise in mental wrestling.<br /><br />4. And to top it all off, the most emotionally crushing (especially with few <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">carbs</span> to help me make <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Serotonin</span>!) is the loss. I dream of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">having</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">GF</span> Vegan Allergy Sensitive Establishment. I study. I develop recipes. And lately I HAD BEEN SUCCEEDING! The Pita bread recipe I'd just developed is SO <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">DELICIOUS</span> AND INSPIRING I'D BEEN MAKING IT 5 TIMES A WEEK! ON REQUEST! TO GREAT CHEERS! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">SOUVLAKI</span> ANYONE? PERSONAL PIZZA NIGHT ANYONE? HEY HONEY, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">HOW 'BOUT</span> SOME PITA TO DIP IN YOUR <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">FAV</span> HUMMUS?<br /><br />This outshone even my Dutch Oven Bread for FEEL GOOD ACCOMPLISHMENT & INSPIRATION!<br /><br />And now. I feel I'm starting all over again. With almond meal. And maybe Coconut Flour. (Did I mention Husband HATES Coconut?)<br /><br />And these two options, while we may be able to tolerate, are not FANTASTIC. Not yet anyway. And where would they leave me in an ALLERGY FRIENDLY COMMERCIAL VENTURE? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Carb</span> conscious, yes, but where do they fit in in terms of my Best Practices? ______<br /><br />WELL... that's the update. Written a few MONTHS AGO... Anyone out there reading- well this posting is a good sign; that there will be an UPDATED update. Hopefully very soon!<br /><br />Health and Happiness to all...<br /><br />xoMel's Kitchenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08791604572873306489noreply@blogger.com0