Even then Abe Lincoln thought the glass was half full...my kinda guy

I'm a traditionalist, born during a quaint era when birthdays were celebrated on the actual day they took place. In that vein, I plan to honor the birth of Abraham Lincoln and all he achieved & sacrificed for this nation on his true birthday, February 12th, not Monday February 17th as part of  a fictitious "Presidents' Day".

In researching how Abe & George wound up glommed together, sharing a cake the third Monday in February, I discovered this bizarre fact from the Center for Legislative Archives

George Washington was born in Virginia on February 11, 1731, according to the then-used Julian calendar. In 1752, however, Britain and all its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar which moved Washington's birthday a year and 11 days to February 22, 1732.

So, if that's the case, and I was born in a hospital mistakenly using an old Julian calendar (Brooklyn was not very sophisticated back then), then I too am probably a year & 11 days YOUNGER according to Gregorian Chant, et al. Who needs plastic surgery, I just need a Calendar Wonk. 

NOTE TO ABBY & ROB:
Sorry for the mistake & thanks for the celebration last Dec in Tulum but we'll be celebrating my 70th birthday again on Jan 10, 2015...start saving!!

This week was filled with the true birth days of many baby goats that Glenna brought to the Market Sunday. Unfortunately my video skills suck and I wasn't able to upload my video of almost a dozen adorable kids, less than a week old and a few less than 24 hours old!! 

That's what you miss when you don't come out to Palma Sola Farmers Market Sundays 11-3 at Geraldson's Community Farm in NW Bradenton. You'll find the freshest organic veggies just picked from their fields and vendors like me. You can order baked goods via email, then pick-up your baked items Sunday 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Market, then go across the street to explore Robinson Preserve. 

It's an amazing place that attracts wildlife with easy bike & walking trails; an opportunity to put your kayak or canoe in the water around the mangroves; a free observation tower to climb & watch the variety of birds, or just a chance to be in a natural setting without extraneous noise. A great way to spend a Sunday morning, even for a newly minted 30 year old Luke.

Here's what I'm baking this week:
CRANBERRY PECAN CORN MUFFIN  $2

If you enjoy the flavor of "butter pecan", you'll love this slightly sweet corn muffin studded with tart cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. Tastes perfect to me!

NYC RUGELACH  $4.50/pkg    [REQUESTED BY FRANCINE]

The quintessential Jewish pastry, made with a cream cheese dough and filled with walnuts, raisins, jam & cinnamon. Individually hand rolled; they'll melt in your mouth & leave you smiling.

CHOCOLATE ORGASM COOKIES   $5/pkg

My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds, chocolate chips & very little flour. Sold in packages because you must have more than one.

VEGGIE CALZONE   [VEGAN]   $4

Filled with a delicious combination of roasted butternut squash, sauteed onions, fresh spinach, herbs and quinoa,  & tucked inside my handmade pizza crust. Perfect to heat, grab & go.

MINORCAN MULTI-GRAIN BREAD  [VEGAN]  $4.50 

Inspired by a bread in Spain, this crusty loaf hides a soft interior flecked with almost a dozen types of grains and seeds. Toasting really brings out all of their complex flavors.

THE BIG COOKIE   $1.50

Individually wrapped & available in the following flavors:  Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Orange Belgium Dark Chocolate Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Snickerdoodle, Pecan Coconut Belgium Milk Chocolate

ROAST GARLIC BLUE CHEESE BREADSTIX   $4/pkg

Enjoy the subtle dance as warm roasted garlic plays against the sharp Gorgonzola in your mouth...and they're crunchy to boot! Perfect as a snack or alongside soup, salad or a drink. 

HOMEMADE JAMS & CHUTNEYS   $4/ jar

Cranberry Pear, Mango Meyer Lemon, Berry Basket,  Mango Chutney and Ginger Pear Chutney. AND THE RETURN OF Strawberry  Mango Cardamom and Strawberry Balsamic Black Pepper.

MY GARDEN TOMATO TRIO  $3/pint  [very limited availability]

A melange of "Juliet" (mini Roma), "Chocolate Cherry" (large full flavored) & "Lady Bug" (red cherry) and a small appearance of the elusive round yellow ones.

 Everything always hand-made in small batches with the best ingredients & locally sourced when possible. No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fake stuff EVER!!

ORDER BY 5pm WED.  PICK-UP AVAILABLE EITHER 

FRIDAY  12-4 in the Village of the Arts

at BONNI's TreeHouse 

932 12 St W (down the driveway thru the white wrought iron gate) 

OR

SUNDAY 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Market

  at Geraldson's Community Farm, directions at

facebook.com/palmasolafarmersmarket

All items in limited supply...first come, first served

TO PLACE AN ORDER 

call me at (941) 746-6647 

  or email  bonnibakes@gmail.com  

   PAY BY CASH OR LOCAL CHECK TO BONNI BROWN  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni

WHAT TO DO ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY ?

Even though Valentine's Day is almost 10 days away, you can start getting in the mood by visiting the February Sweethearts ArtWalk this Friday from 6-9:30pm and Saturday from 11-4 in the Village of the Arts. For the third year the Village will become a destination for lovers of all ages as galleries & restaurants help you celebrate LOVE.

Visit Divine Excess' Sweethearts Valentine Roses Tree, surrounded by red and pink vintage gowns from Retro Rosie. Hang a Love Lock on the fence at The Once Over Twice. Capture your love in the Big Red Photo Heart in front of The Dancing Crane. And of course, Bonni Bakes will increase your libido with a selection of Lingerie Cookies & Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles in the driveway of 932 12th St West.

CHOCOLATE ORGASMS, the cookies for chocoholics, are always welcome, and you may even get some crumbs to lick if you're lucky. $5/pkg

This week I'll also be creating some special treats as well. First are my CHOCOLATE HAZELNUT TRUFFLES, rolled in chopped nuts or cocoa. Each menage-a-trois is packaged in a Tiffany colored little Chinese take-out container. $5

Looking for something unique to give your Valentine? What could be more alluring than suggestive delectable cookies featuring edible underwear. Each 4" LINGERIE COOKIE comes packaged in a see-thru wrapper, of course. $3   Actual designs may vary. ORDER EARLY to guarantee availability for Valentine's Day. 

Here's what else I'm baking this week:

CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFIN  $2

The delicious combination of juicy red cranberries swimming through the body of an orange flavored muffin. Tart meets sweet and the result is heavenly.

NUTELLA SEA SALT SURPRISE  $1.50

This innocent looking cookie has a secret Nutella center that is revealed once you bite into it. If you prefer it to ooze, reheat very briefly in a microwave. Finger lickin' good.

CHALLAH LOAF  $4.50 

This traditional Jewish bread has a special place at the table on Friday nights. Its fluffy interior is perfect for making French Toast or Bread Pudding, if there's any left over.

THE BIG COOKIE   $1.50

Individually wrapped & available in the following flavors:  Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Orange Belgium Dark Chocolate Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Snickerdoodle, Pecan Coconut Belgium Milk Chocolate

Cinnamon sugar Snickerdoodle cookie

KALAMATA FETA BREADSTIX   $4/pkg

Sophisticated breadsticks, at home in any setting. Each hand rolled stick is flecked with fresh oregano from my organic garden, imported olives & chunks of Feta. Plus they stay crunchy down to their nibs.

HOMEMADE JAMS & CHUTNEYS   $4/ jar

Cranberry Pear, Mango Meyer Lemon, Berry Basket, Blueberry Lemon, Pineapple Mango Rum,  Mango Chutney and Ginger Pear Chutney.

MY GARDEN TOMATO TRIO  $3/pint  [very limited availability]

A melange of "Juliet" (mini Roma), "Chocolate Cherry" (large full flavored) & "Lady Bug" (red cherry).

 Everything always hand-made in small batches with the best ingredients & locally sourced when possible. No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fake stuff EVER!!

ORDER BY 5pm WED.  PICK-UP AVAILABLE EITHER 

FRIDAY  12-4 in the Village of the Arts

at BONNI's TreeHouse 

932 12 St W (down the driveway thru the white wrought iron gate) 

OR

SUNDAY 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Market

  at Geraldson's Community Farm, directions at

facebook.com/palmasolafarmersmarket

All items in limited supply...first come, first served

TO PLACE AN ORDER 

call me at (941) 746-6647 

  or email  bonnibakes@gmail.com  

   PAY BY CASH OR LOCAL CHECK TO BONNI BROWN  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni

I think I'm in charge of my life, but obviously still influenced by old tv shows

It's BABY GOAT SEASON, and not just in my back yard. 

Stop by the Palma Sola Farmers Market Sundays from 11-3 and you're apt to enjoy the antics of 5 week old triplet kids who are excited to explore their new world. They love to run, jump and munch on anything that looks yummy. 

The ribbons on my sign attracted them, but in the end they preferred chewing wood chips. Bring the family & even young children can gently hug a baby goat. They're very friendly and Glenna can answer all of your questions & fix you up with goat cheese and milk from their Myakka farm. Come early to get the best selection of organic veggies grown right here at the farm.

Aren't these radishes beautiful...& you'll also find Daikons to pair with incredibly sweet carrots & turn into pickles for your Bahn Mi sandwich. Ryan is particularly proud of his wall of lettuces. Everything is just picked...can you say that Publix?

Remember the classic "Seinfeld" episode that had Elaine baking muffins and just selling the tops? Last Sunday I decided to bake Cranberry Corn Muffin Tops, which have been on my radar for a long time. Of course, as a New Yorker & dedicated "Seinfeld" fan, that episode kept playing in my head as I baked. As opposed to Elaine's great dilemma of trying to get rid of all her muffin stumps, I used muffin top pans, so there was nothing extra to dispose of. That proved to be a great disappointment for my dog Twinkie. I loved eating them well toasted with homemade jam slathered on top. This week I'm making a batch featuring fresh blueberries. Details below.

Here's what I'm baking this week:

Morning Glory Muffin  $2

The delicious combination of whole wheat, carrots, nuts, coconut, pineapple, apple and orange in a single muffin. Whole grain + fruit + veggie = perfect & filling for breakfast or a snack anytime.

Created in the 70's, they've become a classic

Blueberry Corn Muffin Tops  $3/pkg

The perfect partner to a quick breakfast alongside cereal, eggs or coffee. Toast it until the outside is crunchy for best flavor. Two muffin tops per package so you can share or not.

Toasted Muffin Top with Cranberry Pear Jam...yummy

Florentine Stromboli  $20  [special order only]     SOLD OUT
Thanks to extraordinary bassist Libby Blatt for sharing this recipe. Bless the musicians, artists & social workers for helping us all cope! My handmade dough encases a wonderful filling of spinach, tomato, onion, garlic, olives and several cheeses. Fully baked, just reheat & serve. Feeds 6 as a meal, or cut thinner for a crowd. Bonni Bakes Pizza Sauce available for $5.

Florentine StrombolI

Big Cookie   $1.50

Individually wrapped & available in the following flavors:  Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Orange Belgium Dark Chocolate Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Snickerdoodle, Pecan Coconut Belgium Milk Chocolate

Cinnamon sugar Snickerdoodle cookie

Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg

My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds, chocolate chips & very little flour. Sold in packages because you must have more than one.

Rosemary Parmigiano Breadstix   $4/pkg

Sophisticated breadsticks, at home in any setting including your Super Bowl buffet table. Fresh herbs from my organic garden & Italian Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Plus they stay crunchy down to their nibs.

Decadent Brownie w/Nuts  $2.50

From your first bite into this intensely chocolate brownie, you'll fall in love. How can something so innocent looking taste so sinfully good. And those toasted walnuts tucked here & there. Oh my!!

Homemade Jams & Chutneys   $4/ jar

Cranberry Pear, Mango Meyer Lemon, Berry Basket, Blueberry Lemon, Pineapple Mango Rum,  Mango Chutney and Ginger Pear Chutney .

Fresh Keitt mango, pineapple and lime waiting to turn into jam

My Garden Tomato Trio  $3/pint [very limited availability]

A melange of "Juliet" (mini Roma), "Chocolate Cherry" (large full flavored) & "Lady Bug" (red cherry)

 Everything always hand-made in small batches with the best ingredients & locally sourced when possible. No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fake stuff EVER!!

ORDER BY 5pm WED.  PICK-UP AVAILABLE EITHER 

FRIDAY  12-4 in the Village of the Arts

at BONNI's TreeHouse 

932 12 St W (down the driveway thru the white wrought iron gate) 

OR

SUNDAY 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Market

  at Geraldson's Community Farm, directions at

facebook.com/palmasolafarmersmarket

All items in limited supply...first come, first served

TO PLACE AN ORDER 

call me at (941) 746-6647 

  or email  bonnibakes@gmail.com  

   PAY BY CASH OR LOCAL CHECK TO BONNI BROWN  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni