And just like that, it’s December. A blog I subscribe to had a post the other day about baking and writing and how similar they are. I enjoy both, so I started thinking. In both writing and baking, you mix ingredients in various ways and come out with a product. I love to bake. I…
You may not know it, but you need this Raspberry Streusel muffin recipe I have for you today. There’s not much better than a cup of coffee, something yummy, and a good book. This recipe comes together quickly. If you don’t like raspberries (?!) you can substitute with any other berry. The raspberries won’t be…
Have you had any success finding middle-grade novels featuring Hanukkah? Well, today, I don’t have any books to talk about because sometimes, you just gotta make a tart. Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. When I was a kid, my mother would have prepared a special dinner of brisket and a salad (everything…
Americans observe Hispanic Heritage month from September 15 to October 15 each year to celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Spain. This year, President Joe Biden issued this statement: “During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we reaffirm that diversity is one of…
Do you remember these lines: “You like my special chocolate cake, don’t you, Bogtrotter? It’s rich and delicious, isn’t it, Bogtrotter?” They are from Matilda by Roald Dahl. It’s the scene where Miss Trunchbull summons poor Bruce Bogtrotter to the stage in the school auditorium so she can humiliate him for eating her chocolate cake….
Hello Friends, In honor of the last days of National Ice Cream Month, I have an EASY no-churn ice cream recipe for you. Did you know: In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared July National Ice Cream Month. Sunday, the 17th was National Ice Cream Day. What a cool president—haha. (Fun fact: He pretty much put…
It’s Independence Day! Hello! Hope you’re having a safe and sane holiday. I want to acknowledge the day but with a nod to the “independence” part. Have you noticed how pretty much every main character in a middle grade novel is asserting their independence? Independence from controlling relatives (Harry Potter). Independence from the ideas of…
Back in the day—even way before my day—bakers made hand pies with savory meat or vegetable fillings or with sweet jammy fruit fillings. The whole purpose of a hand pie is to allow someone to shovel food into his or her mouth while walking or painting fences or ploughing fields. Such a great idea. I…
Hi there! I hope you’re feeling on-top-of-the-world. We actually have some rain this morning. It’s glisteny, shimmery, Winnie-the-Pooh blustery. I’m generally not an I-LOVE-the-rain person. But we so desperately need it. And since I was able to sneak my dog out for a walk early before the rain, I say “bring it on!” (As long…
Hi there! Hope you’re having a good day. Happy Spring! I just finished reading a fun book called A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher, and I really wanted to bake something. Usually, I bake cookies. But today, I felt like scones. Spoiler alert: They are not gorgeous. I wasn’t going to post…
