Meet Nina (a/k/a Molly)

In honor of our dear Annie- we have rescued young Nina (to be renamed Molly). She was living in a home nearby where life changes made it difficult for her to receive the love and attention she deserves. Meet Nina (Molly):





Tortellini with a Twist


This is a recipe I found on a website called The Smitten Kitchen.  I was looking for something special for our daughter and son-in-law when they returned from a trip to Paris. 

It's always a slight challenge to prepare a single meal to satisfy everyone when one is a vegetarian!  This fills the bill.  Along with that, it takes only about 20 minutes to prepare!


3-4 thin slices prosciutto
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 10-14 oz. package cheese tortellini
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/3 cup water
6 oz. creme fraiche
Freshly grated parmigiana
Few drops fresh lemon juice

View the video:



Betty's Hibachi Birthday!


Late January,  we celebrated my birthday with a hibachi lunch at a wonderful local Japanese restaurant: Domo 7 in Chester, New Jersey. 

Attending... was our group of ten who celebrate individual birthdays together...the birthday 'boy or girl' pays! 


Here is the video Rick produced:






Coconut Shortbread Cookies -Valentine Special

Mom, sister Ruth , Me (light dress) Gran
The first thing I learned to bake was Scottish shortbread - not surprising since I grew up in Scotland!  My mother's recipe was 1 lb. flour, 1/2 lb. butter, 1/4 lb. sugar.  We made it entirely by hand, having no mixers or food processors in those days.

Because it seemed that the shortbread was different in every household, it was said that it was the temperature of the baker's hands that caused the difference.  It more likely had to do with the fact that people experimented!

I've been adding lots of things to my basic recipe - ground nuts, orange zest, espresso powder, so when I discovered coconut flour at our remodeled supermarket it immediately said "Shortbread" to me.  Some toasted coconut would add more flavor and texture, and a little chocolate couldn't hurt!

And that is the genesis of this recipe. Enjoy!

1/2 lb. butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup flaked coconut, lightly toasted
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup coconut flour


View the video: