Vacation Qualms and Jamaican Johnny Cakes. Before we moved to the mountains, we used to vacation in the mountains. Now that we live in the lush rolling slopes of North Carolina, we travel elsewhere to vacate. … [Read more...]
Zucchini Nutella Swirl Muffins
June 27, 2011 By 102 Comments
Baking Drama produces Zucchini Muffins with Nutella Swirl. Life and baking are one and the same. There are firm rules and other areas that offer plenty of room for interpretation. There are moments of triumph and toothsome rewards. There are devastating failures that you can't fully grasp the depths of until the very end. Baking, like life, is a delicate balance of methodology and creative out-pour. Dangerous, yet sweet. … [Read more...]
Strawberry Rhubarb Yogurt Muffins
June 9, 2011 By 59 Comments
Before there were cupcakes, there were muffins... Strawberry Rhubarb Yogurt Muffins. … [Read more...]
Okie Dokies Smokehouse’s Jalapeno Hushpuppies & Red Slaw
March 23, 2011 By 54 Comments
Or better titled Love in the Smokehouse. *wink* Sometimes you get the chance to walk into a person's life at a divinely appointed moment, and witness something truly wonderful. That characterizes my encounter with friends Jody and Steve Dunning, owners of Okie Dokies Smokehouse in Swannanoa, NC. … [Read more...]
Roasted Veggie Flat Bread
February 27, 2011 By 87 Comments
Have you ever noticed that when someone offends you, every conversation, every encounter with that person, is skewed? They walk by and say, "Hi" but you are certain the inflection in their voice was really saying,"@#*&#%!" That person drops a document off at your desk and you are SURE they only came by to spy on you! Yet in most cases, that person never even knows you're upset with them. When you finally let go of your offense, all those little incidents you had built up in your mind seem like no big deal. Probably because they weren't. I consider myself a pretty forgiving person. I … [Read more...]
Amazing Apple Challah Yeast Bread
October 25, 2010 By 88 Comments
Hey Friends, I'm a ball of SHEER EXCITEMENT about the three topics I want to discuss in this post. Bubbling with feverish bliss, Gleefully Ecstatic, overcome with ELATION...happy. This jubilation can only be celebrated with something as amazing as Apple Challah Yeast Bread. A GIVEAWAY! The kind people at CSN Stores have offered a $35 prize to be used in one of their online stores for one lucky reader! CSN has many stores with everything from cookware to barstools. Their prices are extremely competitive and they offer free shipping on just about everything! Check it out for more great … [Read more...]
Spicy Uighur Street Meat and Buttered Naan
October 4, 2010 By 45 Comments
REAL Chinese Fusion Food~ As a mom, I look back on all the travel I experienced--apart from my family--before ever graduating from high school, and wonder if I'll be as brave as my parents to entrust my children in the hands of a non-profit organization in some developing nation? Hmmm... No, my parents were not inattentive loons. They were always watchful and wise. This is how it all went down. At age 14, I asked my parents if I could go on a trip overseas. I had all the information ready to hand them, and large pleading eyes fixed on their faces. They looked over the pamphlets. After … [Read more...]
Fresh Focaccia Loaves
June 28, 2010 By 53 Comments
The Virtues of Bread~ You can buy decent focaccia at the bakery, but NOTHING beats homemade bread! Yet, there's that one little ingredient we so often don't keep around the house...patience. The lesson of bread-making is always 'good things come to those who wait'. Bread is not difficult to make, especially if you have an electric mixer with a bread hook. IT JUST TAKES TIME! I like to make bread, as a signal to myself, when I'm feeling restless in other areas of life. It doesn't really matter the reason--kids and family, work, finances...diligence and good ol' patience are most always … [Read more...]
Ginger-Wheat Mulberry Muffins
June 21, 2010 By 37 Comments
The Best Things In Life... Ginger Wheat Mulberry Muffins Last Saturday I woke up early. The plan was to head straight to the farmer's market...alone. It's fun to go with the family, but I usually try to leave before anyone else in my house is awake--so I can have a little me time and pursue the farmer's market at my leisure. This time, my little guy Carson, woke up before I had a chance to sneak out and quickly got dressed to go with me. The two of us roamed the market in search of unusual veggies, fresh local goat cheese, berries, and smoked trout. We came to one vendor that had a table … [Read more...]
Maple-Bacon Corn Muffins
May 11, 2010 By 23 Comments
The Makings Of A Rebel~ Maple-Bacon Corn Muffins I have been a good girl most of my life... always a rule-follower. Growing up as the middle child, I was the watcher. I watched my older brother make mistakes in his teen years, and suffer the consequences. I watched my care-free little sister make even worse mistakes, and I watched my parents stress over the whole ordeal! I remember several specific moments when I wanted to be a little reckless, but thought to myself, "Poor mom and dad, I'll just be good and save them the headache!" This didn't come without resentment from the edgier … [Read more...]
