TANKUKAH... at last a holiday I KNOW how to celebrate!!

I don't know what the combo-word means, but it sounds like Swedish to me. So of course I'll be celebrating the combined holiday of Thanksgiving & Chanukah at IKEA on Thursday. 

Thanksgiving has evolved into a celebration of cooked turkey, unless you are one, like Mr. Darcy.

Mr Darcy enjoys his Sundays at the Farmers Market

We'll both be at the Palma Sola Farmers Market Sunday from 11-3, strutting around. Chanukah celebrates survival, which has somehow become immortalized by Potato Latkes frying in oil. This is a good example of why I'm not involved in organized religion.

However, I wouldn't pass up any excuse to make some of the Jewish bakery classics from my childhood. Happy Holidays!

Here's what I'm baking in my kitchen this week:

Handmade melt-in-your-mouth Rugelach

Bonni's Rugelach   $6/half a pound

It wouldn't be Chanukah without a beautiful platter of Rugelach for dessert. Made with the classic cream cheese dough and filled with (guess who's) jam, walnuts & raisins or jam, pecans & chocolate. They'll never last for 8 days & 8 nights!

Brooklyn Bialys (Vegan)   $3/pkg of 4
To me the perfect light breakfast after a multi-course celebration dinner is a simple toasted bialy...with a shmear of cream cheese and maybe a little nova. These are the babies that will get me through.

Cinnamon Sugar Snickerdoodle Cookie

Big Cookies   $1.50/each

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

Classic Jewish Apple Cake

Jewish Apple Cake  $3/slice

A light textured moist cake that embraces fresh apple chunks enrobed in cinnamon sugar. Some recipes never change and have the power to transport us back in time with one bite. This cake makes me recall people I loved & hugged from my childhood.

The answer to a chocoholic's prayers

Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg

My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds & chocolate chips. It's the holidays, time to share with others.

Crisp Seeded Flatbread  (Vegan)   $4/pkg

The perfect multi-tasking munchy addition to a holiday buffet. Flavorful thin shards look great snuggled next to a dip or bowl of hummus; served with a salad, or just enjoyed naked alongside a drink. Simple, classic & welcome everywhere.

Honoring Aunt Gert at BONNI BAKES Bakery/Cafe

Aunt Gert's Carrot Cake Muffin  $2

Each Christmas, for decades, Aunt Gert baked tons of her famous Carrot Cake so Uncle Irv could share it with employees of the manufacturing company he managed. I've treasured her hand-written recipe since the early 1960's, and it's still a winner!

Homemade Jam & Chutney   $4/ jar

Peach Mango Brandy, Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Blueberry Lime, Mango Chutney, Mango Meyer Lemon Lime, Pineapple Mango Rum, Peach Melba, Mixed Berry, Blueberry Lemon, Ginger Pear Chutney. Cranberry Pear coming soon.

 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

FRIDAY or SATURDAY 12-4 in Village of the Arts

at BONNI BAKES Gallery 

930 12 St W (just south of MLK)  

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

Congratulations Mrs Brown, you have a beautiful bouncing baby cucumber...

The 1st Baby Cuke is Delivered!!

If you've been following my progress, Mike & I decided to garden in six Earth Boxes this year. A few weeks ago we planted little seedlings grown from seed. Recently the tomatoes & cukes started expanding like crazy, and now I've harvested the first baby cukes. So far this variety exceeds any of my expectations. Not only is there a fruit behind every flower, but there's no sign of the dreaded powdery mildew (fingers crossed). The cute cukes are thin skinned kirbys with a small seed cavity, extremely crisp & down right delicious. I'll have some available for you during the next few weeks. Just .75 cents each.

Refrigerator Pickles ready to eat in a week

I'm putting together Pickle Kits, which include the handy jar (above), recipe & enough pickling spice to make a quart. This is a no-cook, no-brainer recipe that will have crunchy Kosher Dills on your table within a week.

Isn't that Glenna Roberts behind those goat teats?

We all learned something about milking goats last Sunday at Palma Sola Farmers Market. Maybe the goats were so cooperative because of the live music. In addition to just-picked organic produce & vendors like me, Geraldson Community Farm is located in a beautiful spot. Just across the road is Robinson Preserve, another peaceful retreat for birders, bikers, walkers & nature lovers. Come see us every Sunday 11-3.

Filling for my Veggie Calzone

I finalized something that I've been working on for a long time. My version of a hand-held vegetable pie. I want to thank those of you who were "taste testers" for the various versions. It's vegan (so I can share it with my brother), handy to eat like street food, with a delicious moist filling that packs a nutritrious wallop. 

Bonni Bakes Veggie Calzone

This filling is a mix of kale, squash, onion, apple, quinoa & seasonings wrapped in the same dough I used for my famous Bonni Bakes Thin Crust Pizza. They'll be available soon, along with other fillings.

With the amazing confluence of Thanksgiving & Chanukah this year on Nov 28th, let me know if you need something special for your celebration. Holiday cookies, cocktail knishes, sweet potato pie, kugel or savory bread. 

This is what I'll be making in my kitchen this week; ordering details below:

Bonni's Challah Loaf

Challah Loaf    $4.50

The quintessential Jewish bread, which is always part of welcoming the Sabbath. My Challah is ready to welcome anything you have in mind, including turning it into the famous Brasserie Orange French Toast. Pick up the recipe along with your bread.

Blueberry Lemon Scone   $2.50

Another fabulous way to enjoy the deep richness of juicy blueberries played against the tang of fresh lemon. These moist decadent scones are not for the faint-of-heart or butter haters.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip

Big Cookies   $1.50/each

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

The answer to a chocoholic's prayers

Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg

My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds & chocolate chips. Available in a plain brown bag if you don't intend to share with others.

Rosemary Parmigiano Breadstix   $4/pkg

One of the most popular flavors, probably because the combo of subtle fresh rosemary & rich Reggiano-Parmigiano cheese create a great background for anything you pair it with. Besides the wonderful flavor, they stand up to humidity & stay crunchy down to the nibs.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin  $2

If you thought Peanut Butter & Jelly is a natural, wait until you taste bananas & chocolate. Each moist muffin is loaded with lots of ooey gooey chocolate chips. I want one now!!!

My Pesticide-Free Haas Avocados  $2  

POSSIBLY THE LAST WEEK FOR THESE

These yummy avocados are from the tree that my TreeHouse is built around. Their very creamy interior is delicious in a salad or sandwich, filled with shrimp salad or starring in guacamole. A limited number available for a very short time.

Ginger Pear Chutney

Homemade Jam & Chutney   $4/ jar

Peach Mango Brandy, Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Blueberry Lime, Mango Chutney, Mango Meyer Lemon Lime, Pineapple Mango Rum, Peach Melba, Mixed Berry, Blueberry Lemon, Ginger Pear Chutney.

 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

FRIDAY or SATURDAY 12-4 in Village of the Arts

at BONNI BAKES Gallery 

930 12 St W (just south of MLK)  

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

Veterans, Avocados and Yummy Stuff

Today is Veteran's Day, so naturally my thoughts turn to my former husbands, both WWII veterans. Because they were 17 years older than me, they fought to protect my freedom, even as I lay in diapers in my crib. It worked.

Rea spent the first part of WWII in Newfoundland, where he wrote the camp newspaper. Submissions were slim so he penned a few under pseudonyms. To keep the conversation going he wrote & published opposing views and editorials under other fake names. Not so easy since he didn't suffer from multiple personality disorder. Later, in France, he learned important life lessons and was able to pursue his art career through the GI Bill. Living a bohemian life in Provence was appealing, but Rea ultimately felt compelled to return to the US where he became an art director & creative director for a NYC advertising agency. Even though he created this campaign in the 1960's, people are still asking "Who's that behind those Foster Grants?"

His father, an injured WWI soldier recovering in a French hospital, met a young American woman with the YMCA. After returning to combat, and several fortuitous encounters, they fell in love. Back home Elizabeth & Robert Brown chose to be married on November 11th, Veteran's Day. Years later their daughter Betty beautifully framed his Purple Heart, the accompanying certificate and related items. It will be part of an upcoming exhibit honoring veterans at the South Florida Museum.

My Dad, defending Kings Highway in Brooklyn

On the other hand, my Dad wasn't conscripted into the military. The first time around he was the parent of an infant, and in the next round he had aged out. He showed his patriotism in other ways. A Tommy Gun, given to him as a war souvenir, once was prominently displayed in the front window of his drug store. It was carefully positioned pointing up where it appeared to be shooting out a series of Ex-Lax boxes. He wasn't military...just funny. And yes, one day the Feds arrived in tan raincoats and confiscated his Tommy Gun.

Since the holidays are almost here, YIKES, next week I'll offer some special baked items that make wonderful gifts to share. You'll be able to order in advance & pick-up before Thursday Nov. 28, when Thanksgiving & the first night of Chanukah begin. I'll also have some special surprises coming for the December Village of the arts ArtWalk on Dec 6 & 7, including yummy dog treats. Sorry Twinkie, nothing special for you this week. Stay tuned.

Here's what I'm happily baking in my kitchen this week:

Cheddar Mini Boule    $2.50

These small breads are filled with lots of fresh sharp Cheddar, which tends to erupt in the oven like a volcano. Not to worry, there's still plenty of that yumminess inside.

Oatmeal Raisin Walnut cookie

Big Cookies   $1.50/each

Individually wrapped & available in the following flavors:

Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Orange Belgium Dark Chocolate Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Pecan Coconut Belgium Milk Chocolate, Classic Snickerdoodle, (NEW) Pumpkin Oat White Chocolate Cranberry    

The answer to a chocoholic's prayers

Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg

My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds & chocolate chips. Available in a plain brown bag if you don't intend to share with others.

Roast Garlic Blue Cheese Breadstix   $4/pkg

This was the original product that launched my baking career. Developed for my husband Rea after two years of experimentation. Great flavor from fresh ingredients and they stay crunchy despite humidity. Perfect partner for a cocktail, soup or dip.

Cranberry Orange Muffin  $2

Always a favorite at BONNI BAKES Bakery/Cafe. The perfect balance between fresh tart cranberries & sweet Florida oranges. Toasting just intensifies the flavor.

My Pesticide-Free Haas Avocados  $2

These yummy avocados are from the tree that my TreeHouse is built around. Their very creamy interior is delicious in a salad or sandwich, filled with shrimp salad or starring in guacamole. A limited number available for a very short time.

Homemade Jam & Chutney   $4/8 oz jar

Peach Mango Brandy, Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Blueberry Lime, Mango Chutney, Mango Meyer Lemon Lime, Pineapple Mango Rum, Peach Melba, Mixed Berry, Blueberry Lemon, Ginger Pear Chutney.

 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 AT

FRIDAY or SATURDAY 11-4 in Village of the Arts

at BONNI BAKES Gallery 

930 12 St W (just south of MLK)  

OR

SUNDAY 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Mkt

  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 MADE OUT TO BONNI BROWN  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni

Good-bye Daylight Savings...Hello Darkness

I'm glad we've turned the corner to a new week. This past weekend was over-flowing with activity & good vibes. The Village November ArtWalk's Festival of the Skeletons was celebrated Friday & Saturday and I had to get my shrine ready.

My Dia de los Muertos Shrine honoring people & pets I've loved & lost

Then Sunday opened the season of the Palma Sola Farmers Market from 11-3pm. It was a stretch to get myself physically & mentally in vendor mode. I realized I wasn't quite there yet when the wind started blowing & I didn't have weights to secure my tent. All's well that ends well because it didn't huff & puff & blow my tent down. I should be more organized this Sunday ;-) I'll be there every Sunday & hope you stop by to see me, the goats, the veggies, the vendors & our local organic farm.

My first Kirby cucumber baby

This year I'm doing most of my gardening in Earth Boxes along my driveway, where the sun is strongest. Last week I discovered the first baby cuke. This is what the plant looks like this week:

there are more than a dozen little cukes, mostly hidden from view under the lush leaves. The veggie roots have settled in and now the growth is explosive. The various cherry tomato plants are flowering too. Can't wait until harvest begins. If I have extras, I'll make them available for you to enjoy too.

Pineapple top being stripped of excess leaves

I'm also starting a few pineapple plants, which is a great way to recycle the tops of fresh pineapples. Cut a few inches below the top leaves and remove the fleshy fruit around the solid core. That will expose a round core surrounded by the attached upper leaves. Pull some off, following the natural order, and it exposes root-like structures circling (see above). Take a jar, fill with water high enough to allow the core to be submerged. Change the water every few days so no yucky stuff accumulates. In a few weeks thin white roots will appear; then plant outside in the sun. It takes a long time for new fruit to start growing, but the plants self multiply. How patient are you?

Here's what I'm happily baking in my kitchen this week:

Whole Wheat Raisin Walnut Loaf

Whole Wheat Raisin Walnut Bread    $5/loaf

It took me years to come up with this recipe that is reminiscent of those delicious Chock Full 'O Nuts Cheese Sandwiches of my childhood. A mix of whole wheat & white flour, with plump raisins & toasted walnuts. Fabulous toasted with a schmear of cream cheese. Who am I to re-invent a classic.

Pecan Coconut Belgium Milk Chocolate Cookie

Big Cookies   $1.50/each

Individually wrapped & available in the following flavors:

Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Orange Belgium Dark Chocolate Walnut, Oatmeal Raisin Walnut, Pecan Coconut Belgium Milk Chocolate, Classic Snickerdoodle, (NEW) Pumpkin Oat White Chocolate Cranberry    

The answer to a chocoholic's prayers

Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg

My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds & chocolate chips. Available in a plain brown bag if you don't intend to share with others.

Kalamata Feta Breadstix   $4/pkg

Flavors of the Mediterranean (Kalamata olives, capers, Feta, oregano & olive oil) in a crisp breadstick that won't fade in the Florida humidity. Great on their own or the perfect partner with soup, salad or dip.

A filling meal in your hand when you're on the run

Bonni's Breakfast Muffin   $2

Satisfy your breakfast cravings with a gentle fine grained corn muffin studded with crisp cooked bacon, sauteed scallions and melted Cheddar cheese. Mighty filling & mighty fine.

You'll know why they're OUTRAGEOUS as soon as you take a bite

Outrageous Walnut Brownies  $2.50

The moist deep chocolate interior is a nice counterpoint to the shiny thin crust that holds in the cake and  toasted walnuts. If you like cake brownies, these are NOT for you.

The classic combo of peach, raspberry & vanilla

Homemade Jam & Chutney   $4/8 oz jar

Peach Mango Brandy, Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Blueberry Lime, Mango Chutney, Mango Meyer Lemon Lime, Pineapple Mango Rum, Peach Melba, Mixed Berry, Blueberry Lemon, Ginger Pear Chutney.

 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 AT

FRIDAY or SATURDAY 11-4 in Village of the Arts

at BONNI BAKES Gallery 

930 12 St W (just south of MLK)  

OR

SUNDAY 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Mkt

  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 MADE OUT TO BONNI BROWN  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni