SOMETHING SPECIAL TO SERVE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

MIRO THE GECKO (2006) by Bonni Brown, ready for the holidays 

I've finally been dragged, kicking & screaming, partially into the Holiday Season. Sorry, but I need real snow, sleds, roaring fireplaces, tall live fir trees, hot chocolate to warm cold noses and special treats on the table. Sitting here in my shorts with the door open to the deck & listening to Barry Manilow's "The Classic Christmas Album" doesn't really do it for me. At least I have the company of  Miro the Gecko, who joyfully hangs on the wall of my TreeHouse. 

Today is also the 45th anniversary of my first marriage. It wasn't the most perfect pairing, although we thought so at the time. Together we had two wonderful kids and I learned a lot as I grew up & matured over the next ten years. 

December has always been a month of celebrations in my family. In addition to the usual suspects we also had numerous birthdays & anniversaries. This year I have a few GINGERBREAD ORNAMENTS left that I'll be giving away, one with each purchase, until they're gone. Originally baked as chubby cookies, they've morphed into painted ornaments that would love to hang on your tree this year & next.

Here are some unsolicited suggestions for making your personal celebration into a delicious & unique occasion. Guarantee your cheese tray sparkles when you serve the freshest local goat cheese around. Each Sunday at the Palma Sola Farmers Market Glenna Roberts & family bring a selection of their goat milk products including cheese, milk & yogurt. The footprint is so small that you can hang out with their wandering grazing goats Mosquito & Mitchell, plus the kid-friendly 22 lb pet turkey Mr Darcy.

                    

Because their products start with raw goat milk, they have to be "sold as pet food only" per state law, but we all know what that means. If you'd like to order something from Glenna & can't come out Sunday, I'll be happy to bring it back with me in a cooler and you can pick it up in The Village of the Arts. Here's a short list of what's usually available --

Chèvre 1/2 cup   $6
Plain with sea salt; Basil; Garlic Chive; Cranberry Cinnamon; Date Honey Walnut; Spiced Mango; Strawberry or Tuscan

Feta 1/2 cup   $7
Crumbled or Sliced In Brine Whey

Yogurt  $4.50/pint

Milk  $4/quart       $12/gallon

Or just call Glenna at  941 322-1014 

When my vegan brother Teddy stops by I like to have a big supply of my Minorcan Multi-Grain Bread handy for him to munch on. 

It's wonderful on its own; in a sandwich; as the perfect foil for spreads; a great side to soup and incredible when toasted. I've even been known to ship half a dozen loaves as a birthday present. ONLY AVAILABLE THIS WEEK BY SPECIAL ORDER, $4.50/loaf

If you're over-dosed on sickly sweet desserts and want a comforting partner to enjoy with an after-dinner beverage, let me suggest my New York City Classic Apple Cake

Once you've tasted it, you know how wonderful it is and Publix doesn't even try to replicate it. Lots of big cinnamon laced tart apple chunks embraced in an old fashioned, not-too-sweet cake. It would even make my Grandma (the family baker) smile, and that took a lot! Perfect as a snack or with a meal. ONLY AVAILABLE THIS WEEK BY SPECIAL ORDER, $4.50/8 oz

ALSO AVAILABLE ON MY MENU THIS WEEK:

HOMEMADE JAM & CHUTNEY (limited amounts)  $4/8 oz

Mango Strawberry Cardamom,  Strawberry Balsamic Black Pepper, Mango Meyer Lemon, Berry Basket, Meyer Lemon Bitter Marmalade, Keitt Mango Chutney, Ginger Pear Chutney.

KEITT MANGO BUTTER  $7.50/12 oz   There's ONLY ONE JAR LEFT

Pure Keitt mango concentrated down for hours with a little sugar & citrus

BREADSTIX  $4/pkg

Rosemary Parmigiano, Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese, A Mixed Bag (assorted)

MEGA MUFFINS  $2/each

Cranberry Orange

CHOCOLATE ORGASM COOKIES  $5/pkg

Mostly Belgium Dark Chocolate, chocolate chips & almonds

LARGE COOKIE  $1.50/each

Belgium Dark Chocolate Orange Walnut, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Belgium Dark Chocolate Lemon (no nuts), Classic Chocolate Chip (no nuts)

Last chance to order something in time for Christmas. Guarantee your order by placing it by 5pm Wednesday

call (941) 746-6647 or email bonnibakes@gmail.com

ARRANGE TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER AT MY HOME IN The Village of the Arts 

FRIDAY OR SATURDAY  2-5 (OR BY APPT)

OR SUNDAY AT PALMA SOLA FARMER'S MARKET 11-3

 PAY BY CASH OR LOCAL CHECK MADE OUT TO "BONNI BROWN"

Sunday 11-3 I'll be at the Palma Sola Farmer's Market held at Geraldson's Community Farm. Go to their FaceBook link facebook.com/palmasolafarmersmarket where you can get driving directions  & more information.

Twinkie, my dog, is waiting to welcome you...especially if you rub her tummy

Happy Holidays & Hugs from my kitchen,

Bonni