HAPPY FEBRUARY

Welcome, February. Although we have a lot of snow and snow we are safe and warm. Not so our friends and/or family in KY and many other states.

In honor of Valentines Day I am giving away a copy of BakeWise by Shirley Corriher. Simply leave a comment between now and Feb. 13, 2008. One entry per person, please. On Feb. 14, 2009 I will draw the winner

Just to let you all know I am not kidding about the snow here is my puppy. Velcro, playing in 2 feet of the stuff.

Beginning tomorrow I will start posting the blogs of CCC members.

JUST TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW

Just to let you know that on February 1, 2009 I will be begin posting reviews of CCC member blogs.

Also, on 2/1 I will announce a new giveaway

FAMILY FRIENDLY FOOD

Hosted by Nurit, Family Friendly Food http://www.familyfriendlyfood.com/ is just that, a collection of recipes, in all categories, that are simple and made for the family.





At one time Nurit was a personal chef, creating meals, for a high-end family. Then she had a family of her own. In Family Friendly Food she combines the recipes she developed as a personal chef with everyday ingredients to create recipes that her, and your, family will enjoy.

BREADCRUMBY PUMPKIN RAVIOLI

NAMI-NAMI

All the way from Estonia, Pille hosts Nami-Nami http://nami-nami.blogspot.com/ This blog offers a nice, rounded selection of recipes.







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Hazelnut Rugala

APPLES AND BUTTER

Apples and Butter was just voted the Best New Food Blog of 2008.

Hosted by Jessica, Apples and Butter http://www.applesandbutter.com/ is a wonderful blend of healthy and not-so-healthy recipes. Her photographs are wonderful, too.

Beef Wellington

FOODDAY

Foodday is the food section of the Portland Oregonian http://www.oregonlive.com/foodday/ It ia, without a doubt, my favorite newspaper food section. For many years, before the paper had an online version, I subscribed to the Tuesday paper just so I could get the recipes. I still have a box full of clippings to "try".

Now, on Tuesday morning I sit at the computer with a cup of coffee and explore my weekly FOODDAY.

FRESH FROM THE OVEN

Fresh From the Oven http://novice-baker.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Mandy. Once known as the Novice Baker, Mandy has spent several years in culinary school in St. Louis where she lives with her husband. She is no longer a novice baker. I am sure you will enjoy her recipes.

Espresso Walnut Cake

THE PIONEER WOMAN

Hosted by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/ is a collection of wonderful recipes full of butter, whole milk, real sugar, cream, etc. So if you watch any or all of these ingredients Ree's recipes may not be your cup of tea.

Ree was a single girl living in LA. She met and married the Marberlo Man, rancher, and moved to his ranch in the middle of nowhere. Her recipes are basic, simple to make and use common ingredients.

Ree sometimes has contests with nifty prizes.

Italian Bacon Drumettes

PICNIK

For many, many years I struggled with Adobe Photoshop. I know it is the gold standard of photo editing programs. However, it is very expensive and not very user friendly. I even took two courses in photoshop. While I did learn to use the few features that were important to me, the majority of the program's features went unused.

I think most of you are like me in that we need photo editing to enhance our personal pictures and/or edit pictures for our blogs. Anna Ginsberg of Cookie Madness alerted me to a photo editing program that is perfect for most of us http://www.picnik.com/ The downloaded version of picnik is free. However, there is an enhanced version that is $25.00 per year. The enhanced version has, among other features, more fonts, more collage layouts and the ability to upload unlimited numbers of photos at one time. Think about it, the initial cost of Photoshop is $700+ and there are no upgrades. If they upgrade the program, you have to purchase an upgrade version. So I urge you, if you can afford it, purchase the enhanced version of Picnik.

I create the collges which make up my blog banner with Picnik. With the provided templets it only takes a few minutes,

CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS

Chocolate Shavings http://ourchocolateshavings.blogspot.com/ is an interesting blog from Canada. Don't be fooled by the name, not all the recipes contain chocolate.

Mushroom and Roquefort Tartlets

HALF BAKED

Half Baked http://half-bakedbaker.blogspot.com/ is hosted by a woman in Alabama. I could find no information about the blogger on the blog. If you are reading this please send me some bio information at cybercook@ameritech.net In any event, there is a nice collection of recipes on the blog.

BAKED BRIE WITH POMEGRNATE AND PPLE

THE KITCHEN SCRAPBOOK

Hosted by Kay, The Kitchen Scrapbook http://kitchenscrapbook.com/ offers a wide variety of healthy, wholesome and tasty recipes. Kay lives in a Mennonite community in Ohio with her husband and two children. Her husband does ALL the grilling.

Healthy Hamburger Soup

VEGAN YUMYUM

Hosted by Lolo in Boston, Vegan YumYum http://veganyumyum.com/ is another beautiful vegetarian food blog. Lolo is currently writing a cookbook.

Eggplant Lasagana

ZOE BAKES

Hosted by Zoe. Zoe Bakes http://zoebakes.com/ is a collection of mostly dessert recipes.

Zoe lives in Minneapolis with her husband and two sons. She attended the University of Vermont. In 1997 she taught baking at Cooks of Crocus Hill

VEGGIE BELLY

This is a vegatarian food blog.

Hosted by Cynthia who lives in Virginia Veggie Belly http://veggiebelly.blogspot.com/ is full of wonderful vegetarian recipes in many categories. This blog will show you that food can be healthy and good at the same time. While I do not plan to become a vegetarian I will be trying some of the recipes on Veggie Belly

BRR IT IS COLD OUTSIDE

Today is Saturday, January 17, 2009. The actual outside temperature is a balmy 5°F. Yesterday, the high temperature was -7° F. The dog is curled up taking a nap on the couch.

My computer room is actually a converted back porch. Three of the four walls are outside walls with lots of windows. Although the room is heated and with the portable electric heater the room gets very cold. I cannot stay in it for long periods at a time.

Since I am not going anywhere in this cold (my mama raised no fools) I will use this day to give you a few new blogs to explore. Since I can't stay in the computer room for too long, I willl post a message and go into the living room to warm my fingers up. Then I will come back into the computer room and write another post.

To all of you in cold and frigid temperatures, STAY WARM

NUTS ON LINE

If you shop online and need nuts, dried fruit and some chocolate try Nuts Online www.nutsonline.com

I have been dealing with them for several years and have never been unhappy with their products.

If nothing else call1-800-5586887 and order a copy of their print catalog.

THE LEFTOVER QUEEN

Jenn, the hostess of The LeftoverQueen http://www.leftoverqueen.com/ lives in St. Augustine, FL with her husband, cat and puppy. She prides herself in posting recipes that are both easy to prepare and delicious.

Nutella-Date Pudding Cupcakes

WHISK: A FOOD BLOG

Shan the hostess of Whisk:A Food Blog http://www.whiskblog.com/ hails for Ottawa, Canada where she is currently attending culinary school. She earns a living as a freelance writer.

Her recipes look super. I will be trying some soon.

GIVEAWAY

go to Veggie Belly http://veggiebelly.blogspot.com/ and you will find a giveaway in the January 9th post. I just found this blog and will reviw at a later date.

ARTISIAN SWEETS

Hosted by Ashley, Artisian Sweets http://artisansweets.wordpress.com/ puts forth a beautiful collection of recipes and photographs.



Ashley lives with her husband and two sons. At one time, Ashley worked with famed pastry chef Sherry Yard. One look at her recipes and photographs will show you why she had this job.

COOKING IS MEDICINE

Clair, the hostess of Cooking Is Medicine http://www.cookiedoc.blogspot.com/ is a girl of many talents. She is a MD with an advocation of cooking and baking. Most of her recipes are healthy.

Although she lives in the south Clair does not care for sweet tea

INN CUSINE

Inn Cusine http://inncuisine.com/ is a nice collection of recipes and other information grnered from nny of the nation's B&B's.

Ginger Snap Dip

Today is Sunday, January 10, 2009. We are in the midst of a nasty snow storm. So far we there is about 12 inches on the ground with more expected overnight. The temperature has not cracked 20 since Friday. It is a good home to stay home and make soup.

I have no choice. I can't find my car---much less start it.

A YANKEE IN A SOUTHERN KITCHEN

Hosted by Kim, A Yankee in a Southern Kitchen http://ayankeeinasouthernkitchen.com/ is a nice collection of Southern-style recipes. Kim is a young mother and grandmother living in Charleston.

BUTTERMILK BACON PRALINES

CHICAGO JEWISH NEWS

Don't be fooled by the blog's name, the recipes from the Chicago Jewish News http://www.chicagojewishnews.com/stories.htm?sid=6 can be enjoyed by Jews and non Jews alike.

Although all of the recipes are posted to observe Jewish dietary laws you are free to adapt them in any way you wish. For instance, the mashed potato recipes, listed in this weeks recipes, would be great with chopped bacon nd/or ham (both forbidden in Jewish recipes).

BAKING OBSESSION

Another blog from our neighbors to the north.

Hosted by Vera in Vancouver, British Columbia Baking Obsession http://www.bakingobsession.com/ is a nice collection of recipes and other useful information. Vera is a dentest who longs to be a pastry chef. Don't be fooled by the name of her blog, not all the recipes require baking.

The photo is of fig cookies.

JUST TO LET EVERYBODY KNOW

In the month of February I will review the blogs of CCC members.

Even if you hve sent your blog information before could you please resend it so I can assign the blog a review date.

Send to cybercook@ameritech.net

Thanks in advance

BLEEDING ESPRESSO

Hosted by Michelle, Bleeding Espresso, http://bleedingespresso.com/ is a vast selection of Italian Recipes. Michelle is a young American woman living in Calabrea Italy. In addition to being an excellent cook Michelle is a freelance writer and non-practicing attorney.





I am sure you will enjoy her recipes.

HAM AND CABBAGE SOUP

ELL'S NEW ENGLAND KITCHEN

Hosted by Elle in New Hampshire Ells'New England Kitchen http://ellesnewenglandkitchen.blogspot.com/ is chuck full of many types of recipes. Peruse the archives for some great recipes.

FLANBOYANT EATS

Hosted by Ben, a Cuban girl living in Atlanta, Flamboyanteats http://www.flanboyanteats.com is full of interesting Latin and general recipes.

If you hurry, you have until the end of this week to enter her contest for 5 nice gifts. Simply leave a comment with a cookbook suggestion.

BAKING HISTORY

Hosted by Alexis from somwhere(could not find out where Baking History http://bakinghistory.wordpress.com/ searches cyberspace for OLDER recipes. If you are looking for something from days-gone-by look here

DINNER AND DESSERT

Hosted by Erin in South Carolina Dinner and Dessert http://dinneranddessert.wordpress.com/ is a food blog which has both sweet and savory recipes. Erin participates in both TWD and Daring Bakers. If you check out her recipes and photos you will find that she is very creative in the kitchen.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy New Year everyone. Hope each of you had a happy and joyous holiday season. On the first night of Chanukah Alvin gave me the 7-quart Viking Professional Mixer. On each subsequent night of Chanukah I got nother attachment for the mixer including an extra bowl and a pouring shield. So my KitchAid has been boxed and stored in the attic.

I am a coffee snob. I love gourmey coffees and teas. My current favorite is Southern Pecan. When I am alone I use pre ground coffee in my single cup brewer. When I need a full pot I use whole beans in my Malita grind and brew. I purchase my coffee from Fasigs www.fasigs.com

They have a lare variety of coffee divided into mild, medium and bold strengths. There is also a section of flavored coffeess. All coffees are available in ground and whole bean.

In the warm weather I use rasberry or mango flavored tea to make iced tea. Have also used and enjoy Passion Fruit tea.

If you get adventuresome you can mix flavors or coffee or tea to mke your signature pot of coffee or tea.

If you buy from Fasigs let me know how you like it.

AND THE WINNER IS...........

I know I said I would post the winner on 1/03/09 but it is 12:10 A.M. on 01/01/09. We just watched thw ball drop so I thought I would post the winner early. Al drew the name while Velcro served as head judge. Ok, slide to the edge of your chair and scroll down










Did you hear the one about.........

Ok, enough of my bad humor

The winner of Baking From My Home to Yours is Debbie R.

Debbie please send your full name and mailing address to me at cybercook@ameritech.net The book is wrapped and just needs to be addressed. It will go out on Monday, 01/05/09

CONGRATULATIONS, DEDDIE. I HOPE YOU LIKE THE BOOK AS MUCH AS I DO.