Monday, November 26, 2012

No joke, this week it's all MADE HERE




What a wonderful surprise I got when Jo-Ellen Gorris, resident clay artist at Clay in the Garden Gallery in the Village of the Arts, presented me with the "Mature Mermaid" I had commissioned. I love the whimsy that is always present in Jo-Ellen's work. In this case, she didn't realize my Mermaid bears a close family resemblance. I've even checked it with my brother Teddy & he agrees. Oh yeah, she's a playful & youthful version of Aunt Gert, Dad's younger sister. Her likeness also appeared on the front fence of Bonni Bakes Bakery/Cafe. Gert was the only person who shared a love of baking with me.


I'm happy to be chosen as one of the vendors for the unique craft show, MADE HERE, which takes place this Friday Nov 30 at the Palmetto Art Center from 11am - 9pm. It's gonna be a LONG day!!! This is the 3rd year and all of the items for sale have been made by local vendors, from Tampa to Sarasota, who will be hosting their own booths. Talk about a small footprint! Find details at: facebook.com/MadeHereCraftShow





I've spent the last week "jamming". My instruments of choice have been the stove & canning kettle, as I hummed "Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho It's Off To Work We Go". As imagined, none of the dwarfs showed up to help. I may have to stop taking Disney so literally. But my hard work did result in a wide selection of homemade jam, chutney and even a marmalade, now available to you.



Who would suspect that the new crop of plump Meyer lemons from my tree could transform into this glistening Meyer Lemon BITTER Marmalade. Not for the faint of heart, but for the person who loves tart & the pucker of lemon. Very limited amounts...$4 a jar. Faced with the dilema of which berry to blend with strawberry into a jam, I couldn't decide. I gave in ultimately by producing a manage a quatre I call "Berry Basket Jam". It's a blend of strawberry, raspberry, blueberry & blackberry. A great flavor mix that is equally delicious on French toast, a scone or matzoh brei. 



Can you believe that the above are a couple of organic Black Beauty eggplants talking up some radishes? When I saw these gorgeous scalloped globes all I could envision was cutting them into thick slices, rubbing olive oil all over, liberally sprinkling seasoning & grilling them. Alternately, I thought about making Caponata, the classic Italian dip that also incorporates tomato, garlic, onion & spices. Come out to the Palma Sola Farmer's Market this Sunday from 10-2 and I'll have samples of it to taste PLUS the recipe to take home. I'm assured there will be an ample supply of these purple beauties for you to purchase. Get the info at:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palma-Sola-Farmers-Market/494915553863783


It's time to start thinking  about decorating THE TREE. I have a bunch of handbaked gingerbread ornaments, NOT EDIBLE because they're painted, including wounded warriors, that will be available at MADE HERE.



There are non-military decorated ginger ornaments too. Limited amount. $2/each.

Because I'm feverishly preparing for MADE HERE by baking lots of Chocolate Orgasm CookiesBreadstix & Cookies, I don't have the time this week to indulge my quest of Jewish bakery items. Forgive me. HOWEVER (I'm channeling Zero Mostel here), because Chanukah is so early this year I'll definitely be baking Rugelach & Challah next week. This one's for you Margo!! If you want to order anything in time to pick-up for Chanukah, let me know.

AVAILABLE THIS WEEK:

Homemade Jam & Chutney  $4/8 oz
Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Mango Daiquiri, Strawberry Balsamic Black Pepper, Mango Meyer Lemon, Berry Basket, Meyer Lemon Bitter Marmalade, Keitt Mango Chutney, Ginger Pear Chutney

Keitt Mango Butter  $5/8 oz
Pure Keitt mango concentrated down for hours with a little sugar & citrus

Breadstix  $4/pkg
Rosemary Parmigiano, Roasted Garlic Blue Cheese, Kalamata & Feta

Mega Muffins  $2/each
Blueberry Lemon, Breakfast (Cheddar, bacon, scallions)

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)

TO ORDER: call me at (941) 746-6647 or email bonnibakes@gmail.com

that's my dog Twinkie (almost hidden behind the gate) waiting to welcome you

This week's pickup at my home in The Village of the Arts 
only on  Saturday between 2-5 (or by appt)
or Sunday at Palma Sola Farmer's Mkt 10-2

Pay by cash or local check made out to "Bonni Brown"

Happy Holiday & hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni

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