Flowering basket courtesy of Cultivate Catskill

It's been a very hectic week for me. It was the first time I posted my Bonni Bakes menu online and took orders. Of course, I've done this for several years in Florida after closing my bakery/cafe, but this was the first time I reached out to my new community in Catskill. I'm grateful and overwhelmed by the very warm welcome & encouragement I've received, including 294 likes on the Catskill Community Board FaceBook page...and I'm not even sure how FaceBook works. Duh!

It was also First Friday in Catskill Village and a great time to meander up & down Main Street meeting friends, enjoying music, viewing new art & shopping like a local in so many unique shops. I live above Citiot and was enchanted by the siren call of strumming ukuleles and singing by an exuberant group of players. Their joy was infectious and I went down to experience it in person. Everyone watching was smiling and tapping their feet. It was a delightful surprise!! You can find out more at http://ukulelecatskill.com/

I also had the opportunity of meeting members of Cultivate Catskill. They're the magical folks who plant local public areas with flowering urns & cascading overhead baskets that we all love on Main Street;  surprising season-long flowers on those hidden side streets & the bridge; make sure the trees on Main St are well maintained, and gave us Catskill's Winter Solstice Stroll. My personal welcome took place the day after I moved here 12/20/23, when their Winter Stroll happened, and I was able to meld in with my family enjoying some toasted marshmallows. They're a very special group of volunteers. Last Friday they had a raffle for a gorgeous blooming basket pictured above and I WON IT!! But I want to share my luck with you, so I'll have it with me when I'm at the next Catskill Farmers Market on July 14th. I'll be happy to raffle it off FOR YOU and help these volunteers fundraise in order to continue the amazing work they do. More info at CultivateCatskill@gmail.com

This weekend is my grandson Levi's 8th birthday. I know I'm disappointing him by not making yet another rainbow birthday cake but it's time for something new and it involves swords (no sharp points). He'll just have to wait and see.

 HERE'S WHAT I'M BAKING THIS WEEK

RUGELACH   $5/pkg 4 oz

The classic real deal, individually handmade with cream cheese dough that bakes into a super flaky pastry. Filled with plump raisins, toasted walnuts, Saigon cinnamon and apricot jam that melts in your mouth. Because they're baked fresh, you can freeze them too.

BIG COOKIES   $3 each or 4 for $10

CHOCOLATE ORGASMS 

My signature cookie that I've been making since 1999. They're a chocoholic's fantasy come true...melted Belgium bittersweet chocolate surrounding chunks of more chocolate, toasted almonds and just enough flour to hold them together. Too satisfying to share...maybe.

OATMEAL RAISIN WALNUT

A classic that was my husband's favorite cookie...the toasty warmth of hearty oatmeal embellished with juicy raisins and crunchy toasted walnuts is filling, but you can always find room for another.

SALTED CHOCOLATE CHUNK

America's favorite cookie, palm sized & filled with large chunks of dark chocolate with a sprinkle of Maldon salt to top it off. Perfect!

CATSKILL CATS

These whimsical multi-colored felines are sugar cookies who love to honor their home town of Catskill in a delicious way...meow

BANANA CHOC CHIP MUFFINS

 Texas size $3 each  or  4/pkg mini muffins $5

A banana walked into a bar and bumped into a bunch of melty chocolate chips...HAZAAH, this muffin was born! Available in two sizes in case you need to share.

ALMOND MANDELBROT 

 $3 each or 4 for $10

Before I learned about biscotti, I was loving my Grandmother's classic double baked cookies that were crunchy, scented, speckled with toasted almonds and delicious dipped in tea...coffee for her 💖

If you'd like to join my mailing list and receive my blog each week, send your email address to me at bonnibakescatskill@gmail.com 

I will never share your personal information. If you have a request or question, drop me a note. I do special orders too. Next Sunday July 14th from 10-2 I'll be at the Catskill Farmers Market on Water St. 

Have a wonderful week and bon appetit!  Bonni

Hello from my home bakery kitchen.

My daughter & I were about to drive back home to NYC after celebrating Thanksgiving with my son & grandson in Catskill Village but I wanted to stop and look at an apartment that was for rent.  I loved the apartment, signed the lease and moved in three weeks later. It seemed like an impulsive move, but it really wasn't.

Twenty five years earlier my husband & I set out from NY on an adventure that brought us to eastern North Carolina, and then the west coast of Florida. In 2003, after becoming a widow, I needed to make all decisions on my own. I continued to run the boutique bakery/cafe BONNI BAKES I had created in 1999 and went on to design & build a house in 2007. I decided to move back to Brooklyn in 2015 to be closer to my kids, and became a first time Grandmother there. Things started to change after Covid and for quite a while I had been thinking it was time to move out of Brooklyn. Then I did.

I love to bake but particularly enjoy re-creating the wonderful things we used to buy at the local Jewish bakeries when I was a kid. The melt-in-your-mouth rugelach, onion rolls, bialys, hamantaschen, challah, pletzl, cheese danish, apple cake, babka, Ratner's onion pockets and my Grandmother's strudel cookies. All things I've baked during my 16 years at BONNI BAKES and I still make them today.

Each Monday I'll post a blog on bonnibakes.com describing what I'm baking this week. It's all handmade to order in small batches. I use fresh ingredients, local when possible, with no preservatives or anything artificial. If you'd like to order something, email bonnibakescatskill@gmail.com by Wednesday at 5pm, limited quantities so first come first served. Pick-up is Friday in Catskill Village. Cash or Venmo. I'll also be at the Catskill Farmers Market Sunday July 14 from 10-2.

 HERE'S WHAT I'M BAKING THIS WEEK

RUGELACH   $5/pkg 4 oz

The classic real deal, individually handmade with cream cheese dough that bakes into a super flaky pastry. Filled with golden raisins, toasted walnuts, Saigon cinnamon and apricot jam that melts in your mouth. Because they're baked fresh, you can freeze them too.

BIG COOKIES   $3 each or 4/$10

CHOCOLATE ORGASMS 

My signature cookie that I've been making since 1999. They're a chocoholic's fantasy come true...melted Belgium bittersweet chocolate surrounding chunks of more chocolate, toasted almonds and just enough flour to hold them together. Too satisfying to share...maybe.

OATMEAL RAISIN WALNUT

This was my husband's favorite cookie...the toasty warmth of hearty oatmeal embellished with juicy raisins and crunchy toasted walnuts.

SALTED CHOCOLATE CHUNK

America's favorite cookie, palm sized & filled with large chunks of dark chocolate with a sprinkle of Maldon salt to top it off. Perfect!

CATSKILL CATS

These whimsical multi-colored felines are sugar cookies who love to honor their home town of Catskill in a delicious way. 

CRANBERRY ORANGE MUFFINS

 Texas size $3 each  or  4/pkg mini muffins $5

A totally filling muffin, handmade with fresh oranges and chock full of plump cranberries. Available in two sizes.

CHOCOLATE PARADISO BISCOTTI  $3 each or 4/$10

Large dark chocolate chunks & toasty almonds join this orange scented biscotti. Crunchy, but not too hard to bite, just delicious!

If you'd like to join my mailing list and receive my blog each week, send your email address to me at bonnibakescatskill@gmail.com 

I will never share your personal information. If you have a request or question, drop me a note. I do special orders too.

Have a wonderful week and bon appetit!   Bonni

Hi, I'm Bonni Brown, and in 1997 I started my home bakery. In 1999 I opened BONNI BAKES, a bakery cafe in the Village of the Arts in Bradenton, FL. I moved back to NYC in 2015 to be closer to family, and have followed them now to Catskill Village, NY. I particularly enjoy baking classics found in the old Jewish bakeries of my Brooklyn childhood like rugelach, onion rolls, pletzel and black/white cookies.

Starting July 1st I will be writing a weekly blog here about what I'm baking. If you'd like to order something, email me by Wednesday at 5pm, first come first served. It's all handmade to order in small batches. I use fresh ingredients, local when possible, with no preservatives or artificial stuff. Pick-up Friday in Catskill Village.

If you'd like to join the email list and receive a notice each time I post, please send your name and email address to bonnibakescatskill@gmail.com. I will never share your information with anyone.

I look forward to sharing some yummy baked goods with you soon. I'll also be at the Catskill Farmers Market on Sunday July 14th.

Hugs from my kitchen,

Bonni

SEE YOU AT THE CATSKILL FARMERS MARKET THIS SUNDAY

It's official...BONNI BAKES will be debuting at the first Catskill Farmers Market of the season this Sunday May 26, 2024. I'm excited to be a participant in what I hear is a wonderful local friendly market. Since I only moved to Catskill in December, I haven't had the opportunity to visit one in person. 

Catskill NY has an on-going community art project where local artists have designed and embellished oversized cat sculptures. Suddenly this week they magically appeared on pedestals up and down Main Street in Catskill Village, where they'll stay on display until a fundraising auction in September. I've participated in a similar project "Gecko Fest", sponsored by the Village of the Arts in Bradenton, FL where our canvas was a 6' fiberglass gecko. I thought I'd add my two cents with my Catskill Cats. 

They're scrumptious sugar cookies in the shape of cats, with attitude. You can also find them at Citiot this weekend. In addition I'll have delicious cookies, including my famous Chocolate Orgasms, Biscotti To Die For, Banana Chocolate Chip muffins, and of course, my grandmother's classic Rugelach. Nothing artificial, just the best ingredients, made in small batches with years of caring experience. Please stop by because I'd love to meet you. Hugs, Bonni

I have left Brooklyn and moved upstate New York to a small village in the Catskills. Now that I'm getting settled, and Winter is winding down, I'm preparing to revive BONNIBAKES in my new location. Stay tuned for the details.

REPORTING FROM THE BLIZZARD OF 2016

One of the reasons I wanted to return to NYC was because I missed the change of seasons. I was fortunate enough to enjoy a beautiful mild Fall that extended through Christmas Day, when it was in the 60's. This weekend my dream of a picturesque Winter came true in spades. We were blanketed by 24" of snow in 24 hours, which turned dull gray streets into a glorious winter wonderland. 

Normally unnoticed details on buildings, like handrails & finials, now look like 21st century sculptures.

Today's bright blue sky and sun have already begun to melt away yesterday's magic.

I don't think I'll be seeing my car for at least a week. The snow plows managed to bank it in pretty well and the drifting snow on the sidewalk comes up to my thighs. Here's the view from in front of my brownstone looking up & down 8th Street:

                                                          All day yesterday CBS-TV had a crew reporting live from 7th Ave around the corner. That street was repeatedly plowed...guess it helps to have Methodist Hospital just a block away.

The path to my front door  gives you an idea of how deep the snow is.

Don't think I'll be eating in the back garden anytime soon.

This was Twink's first encounter with snow and it turns out that she's a Floridian after all. One look at the pile of snow confronting her at the front door and she ran back in. 

When her
usual view out the window was blocked by snow, she gave up trying to see outside. Then it was time for jammies.

We were very lucky to experience minimal power outages & injuries. All vehicles were banned from driving on City streets after 2:30pm yesterday. New Yorkers took advantage of the empty streets by cross country skiing, sledding, having snow ball fights and walking around & down the middle of normally busy avenues. Of course, staying in was a good excuse for me to read the New Yorker, watch movies & bake some goodies. 

It may be cold outside, but it's beautiful, and I'm glad to be home.

Love from the Big (White) Apple,
Bonni & DaTwink

bonnibakes@gmail.com
(941) 746-6647

381 8th St., Apt 1    Brooklyn, NY  11215

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM BROOKLYN

I live on this tree lined street in Park Slope, Brooklyn

During December New York is a magical place where street trees are decorated with twinkling white lights and bold swaths of color transform large buildings. On Christmas Day I was walking down W 23rd Street on the way to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It was a gray day which morphed into an evening of thick fog that embraced & obscured everything. As I turned around I suddenly saw the lights on the Empire State Building shining through the mist. Smiling, I had to stop and take this photo with my iPhone. By the way, I loved the movie so much that I saw it again five days later in the 3-D version. May the Force be with you in 2016. 

It's been 100 days since my transition from Floridian to New Yorker began. I now have a NY driver's license & plates for my car, down jacket, boots, mostly black wardrobe, subscription to The New Yorker, personal Metro Card, membership in Park Slope Food Coop, Brooklyn Library card and I'm working on getting my accent back. 

Twinkie, known on Brooklyn streets as DaTwink, has become a fashionista. Once happy to go au-natural in Bradenton, she now regularly sports sweaters, pajamas, a winter coat & rain slicker. I drew the line at a Halloween costume, although she seemed to be the only dog in the neighborhood without one. 
We're living in Park Slope, Brooklyn which is a very family friendly neighborhood where I can find most things within walking distance. Luckily I only have to move my car once a week for alternate side parking. Restaurants, subways, buses, shops & fresh food options (including handmade mozzarella) are within a few blocks.

Some of my neighbors go all out for Halloween. I stood in front of my brownstone with bowls of candy as over 100 costumed trick-or-treaters stopped by. My favorite group was the 5 member family of assorted penguins. Lots of creativity around here. 


Christmas & Chanukah displays

weren't far behind. In addition to the classic plastic Santas and glittery trees, a few houses had awesome setups, like these bigger than life nutcrackers. Not to be overlooked, many Jews display electric menorahs in their window for eight days. I was surprised to see a few cars driving around with a menorah strapped to their roof & a sign flashing "Happy Chanukah!" 

Here are a few pictures of my new environment:

The back garden of my brownstone apartment

Random mural on a building

A store that JUST sells breast pumps?

Cutting boards & rolling pin handmade by my Grandpa in the 1930s

Thanksgiving leftovers became my Turkey Pot Pies

I haven't been baking for the local community as I did for the past 4 years in Bradenton because NYC doesn't have a Cottage Food Law. I'm restless so it's time to look for the next challenge that I can throw my creativity & energy into. I'm sure I'll stumble over it in 2016. Of course I have been baking for family & friends.

Whole Wheat Rye Cranberry Pecan Loaf

Living in the same city as my kids for the first time in 25 years is just fabulous because we can do so many things spontaneously.

Abby, Rainer, Bonni, Rob, Molly @ Abby's Tree Trimming

And Twink loves having sleepovers & hanging out with her furry cousins, who are founding members of the notorious Greenpoint Glass Gang.

Best wishes, good health & tons of happiness in 2016. 

I haven't done a very good job of staying in touch these past few months. Now that the craziness surrounding my BIG MOVE is over I hope to do better. I miss seeing & talking with you & appreciate all the support and friendship you've given me over the years. My email address & phone number are the same, in case you want to get in touch. I hope you do.

Hugs from my Brooklyn kitchen,
Bonni & DaTwink

It was mid 60's around Christmas, what's her problem?

bonnibakes@gmail.com
(941) 746-6647

381 8th St., Apt 1    Brooklyn, NY  11215