Monday, December 23, 2013

HAPPY HAPPY EVERYTHING TO YOU

It's the last week of the year and I'm getting tired of hearing all of the "round-up" broadcasts...the year's best of this & that. Funny, but when you're just living through each day at a time, it doesn't seem like they're each competing for "day of the year".



I was brought down to earth today when I had to stop my car for at least a minute while this determined, yet slow, turtle crossed the street. It helped put things into perspective for me. 



THANKS to so many of you who contacted me with suggestions of who might be able to babysit Twinkie while I'm gone, and especially the very beautiful (inside & out) Carol , who will be hosting her during this trip. It's amazing what a loving community we've become!

I've just finished decorating a batch of Holiday Moose Cookies








and I want to wish you the happiest holiday season & the best New Year. 

As you probably know I'm off to share an amazing week with my kids & their loved ones in Tulum, Mexico. Hopefully the five years of Spanish language instruction I received in NYC schools & college, & time spent in Spain, will come in handy. Hola!! The only time I was in Mexico was Jan 1968 for my honeymoon. He warned me not to eat any street food (could be puppy dogs) or tap water (aughh). So for a week I lived on fresh pineapple, snapper caught & grilled on the beach, and boring consomme. I returned to NYC 10 lbs lighter and smiling, but VERY HUNGRY!!

Thought I'd be smart and check with the TSA about what's currently allowed to be brought on board. Very interesting, and it will certainly influence my packing.


Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces (approximately tennis ball size) will be permitted if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the same one clear, plastic, quart-sized, re-sealable bag, as the passenger’s other liquids, such as shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics. YEA

Parachutes, Security officers will not unpack a parachute without the owner present to provide assistance. If we cannot locate the parachute owner, the uncleared parachute will not be transported on the flight. DAMN Have to leave my WWII Japanese parachute at home.

Knitting needles are permitted in your carry-on baggage or checked baggage with the exception of circular thread cutters,whatever they are. DAMN

Most important for me, is the fact that people are working hard to protect my security. Well, that's not really true since my identity was stolen last year...but I've bought someone else's identity since, so who cares. Here's what the folks guarding us have to say:


Privacy Overview
We care about privacy and are fully committed to the appropriate handling of individual information entrusted to us. Our primary mission is to protect the security of the nation's transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Our relationship with you is one of our most fundamental assets and we will do our best to respect and protect the privacy of individuals affected by our transportation security activities.
We do this by collecting, maintaining and disclosing information about you in accordance with Federal privacy laws and regulations.

Travelers can now begin the application online for TSA Pre✓and make an appointment to visit an enrollment center to finish the process. The first enrollment center will be located in Indianapolis International Airport. TSA plans to open additional enrollment centers in the New York City area, the Washington, D.C. metro area and in Los Angeles. By the spring of 2014, the TSA plans to have more than 300 enrollment centers open around the country. Check the Transportation Security Administration website for details. The cost will be $85 for five years. Don’t you love being treated like a VIP? 

I'll be back posting on January 6, 2014 about what I'll be baking that week. Who knows, it could have a Mexican flare?
Hugs from my 2013 kitchen,
Bonni

Monday, December 16, 2013

Happy Yummy Holidays from Bonni Bakes


This is the last week in 2013 that I'll be baking for you. Growing up, December was filled with multiple birthdays & anniversaries for my family. December 22 would have been my Dad's 108th birthday. Thinking about him makes me smile because he had the best sense of humor I've ever known. When he & his brother whispered dirty jokes over the phone, each one roared uncontrollably for five minutes. I don't think it had anything to do with whether it was funny or not. They just loved telling each other jokes. Here's what I'm baking in his honor.


Brooklyn Pletzl   $4/pkg
A Sunday morning favorite, this classic Jewish flatbread from Flatbush is a stretched dough sprinkled with salt, sauteed onion & poppy seeds. Softer at the edges, crackling in the center. Schmear with butter, cream cheese or memories. 

With Christmas almost around the corner, I'm creating hand decorated 7" sugar cookie versions of Santa's reindeer (well, maybe they look like a moose without your reading glasses). Each one is inspired by the whimsical colorful reindeer my son Rob created in Larchmont, the year the hurricane hit & we three were snowbound. Of course, I like his painted version better.


Santa's 7" Reindeer/Moose Cookie   $4/in holiday bag
Who says size doesn't matter? If you order in advance, I can "write" someone's name on your reindeer/moose to personalize it. Otherwise, they'll be available for pick-up sans name.



Toasted Sesame Cheddar Loaf    $5
This bread makes the BEST grilled cheese sandwich you've ever  had. With tons of toasted sesame seeds throughout, and a healthy dose of Cheddar cheese, this soft flavorful loaf is fabulous toasted.

Big Cookie   $1.50
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


Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg
My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds & chocolate chips. It's holiday time, so order early before they disappear.


Kalamata Olive & Feta Breadstix   $4/pkg
The perfect sidekick to nibble alongside your favorite beverage, salad, soup or dip. Enhance whatever you're eating with the Mediterranean flavors of Greek olives, Feta cheese and organic oregano from my garden. Crunchy down to their nibs.


Cranberry Pecan Corn Muffin  $2
Enjoy the blend of a slightly sweet corn muffin studded with tart cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. Sounds perfect to me!


Homemade Jams & Chutneys   $4/ jar
Cranberry Pear (new), Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Blueberry Lime, Mango Chutney, Pineapple Mango Rum, Peach Melba, Berry Basket, Blueberry Lemon, Ginger Pear Chutney.


My very cute 4 year old Maltese/mix dog Twinkie is looking for someone to host her for the week Dec 27-Jan3, when her mommy (me) goes off to Mexico to celebrate surviving 70 years on this planet with my wonderful human kids.

Because Twinkie was adopted from Animal Services two years ago, she doesn't want to spend a week in a cage. Do you know someone who could doggie sit or a very responsible person who would like to spend a week at our house in Bradenton over New Year's? Not looking for freebees. Email bonnibakes@gmail.com if you have suggestions. Thanks!!

 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

Monday, December 9, 2013

Welcome to my favorite month of the year

A personal note from Twinkie:


My Mommy Bonni and her children (from a prior marriage) are all planning to abandon me. Imagine picking them over me when I'm so cute & furry and just 3 1/2 years old. I'd call Child Services but I don't have an oppossible thumb and licking a touch pad has proved useless. 

In the past when she left I stayed with her lovely friends. But now everyone is going away or can't help. I was adopted from Animal Services two years ago, but still remember the short time I spent in a cage and wouldn't like to do that again. I'm a people person...dog.

So, I'm hoping that you, or someone you know, might be willing to take me home from Dec 26 - Jan 3. There's even a chance I can convince Mom to let you have a week long sleep-over with me at our house in the Village of the Arts. I love everyone, especially guys & kids, and get along with friendly dogs & cats. When I first meet someone I get SO EXCITED I jump up (whoops) but within a short time I'm relaxed and would love to snuggle in your lap. I can also stay at home by myself all day. Call or email if you can help me.
Puppy hugs, Twinkie
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now that we've dipped our toes into December, I'm really getting into the celebratory mode. Back in the day, my family was programmed to party because it was the month when 6 of us celebrated birthdays, 4 had anniversaries plus Chanukah & Christmas (though marriages). December in New York City also meant cold weather & possible snow...I loved it.

Now I'm here in the tropics, growing out-of-season tomatoes & bitching about 80 degree temperatures...still. Next week I'll have adorable hand decorated sugar cookies ready-to-gift in Christmas mini bags. Okay, I don't really know the difference between a reindeer & moose, but imagine the cookie cutter is a decorated Christmas creature...how cute is this.


I can "write" someone's name on the moosey body to personalize it. Sorry I don't have a sample picture to show (it's been a hectic weekend), but if you'd like to order some they're just $5 each.

Here's what else I'm cooking up in the kitchen this week:


Christmas  Gingerbread Ornament  [edible]   $2
A happy gingerbread kid, gift wrapped & ready to hang from your tree, or nibble, or both. A classic symbol of the holidays...don't let this one run away.



Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Loaf    $5
Just take a look at the picture above and you can imagine how it tastes! Lots of sweet cinnamon throughout & on top, plus half a pound of plump raisins in each loaf.


Blueberry Lemon Scone   $2.50
A fabulous way to enjoy the 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. very limited amount


Big Cookie   $1.50
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


Chocolate Orgasm Cookies   $5/pkg
My legendary chocolate delivery system made from melted Belgium Bittersweet chocolate, toasted fresh almonds & chocolate chips. It's holiday time, so order early before they disappear.


Kalamata Olive & Feta Breadstix   $4/pkg
The perfect sidekick to nibble alongside your favorite beverage, salad, soup or dip. Enhance whatever you're eating with the Mediterranean flavors of Greek olives, Feta cheese and organic oregano from my garden. Crunchy down to their nibs.



Breakfast Muffin  $2
It's a meal and a muffin all in one, right in the palm of your hand. The delicious melding of ground corn, melted Cheddar cheese, crisp bacon and sauteed scallions. Yum!

Holiday blend of cranberry, mandarin & Licor 43
Homemade Jam & Chutney   $4/ jar
Christmas Jam (new), Cranberry Pear (new), Mango Strawberry Cardamom, Blueberry Lime, Mango Chutney, Mango Meyer Lemon Lime, Pineapple Mango Rum, Peach Melba, Berry Basket, 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

Monday, December 2, 2013

If Thanksgiving & Chanukah were last week...Christmas must be this week

At least in the Village of the Arts. Festivities start at 6pm Friday with the lighting of the Village during the December ArtWalk. Stroll the Village & enjoy a barbershop quartet, Santa, carolers, special events at the galleries & tons of twinkling lights!  


At BONNI BAKES it's all about yummy stuff. Find an array of holiday baked goods (including decorated cookies) that you can order & pick-up closer to Dec 25th. Pick from a dozen unique jams & chutney, all made in small batches with cane sugar. Free handmade gingerbread ornament to the first 50 customers. Look for brightly lit tents in front of BONNI BAKES at 930 12th St West. I'll be joined by Cyndy Custis and her latest jewelry designs; and Karen Jennis showing her unique wind chimes, bookmarks, etc. The right size & price...and perfect for gift giving. Friday 6-9:30pm, Saturday from 11-4pm.

Because I'll be making holiday related things this week, I can't offer a set menu or pre-ordering. But you're sure to find bags of Breadstix
               




  Chocolate Orgasm Cookies
  and lots of cookies

Find me Sunday 11-3 at Palma Sola Farmers Market at Geraldson's Community Farm & buy the freshest organic produce (picked right there on the farm), local goat milk products, honey and fresh fish. 
directions at  facebook.com/palmasolafarmersmarket

 Everything handmade in small batches with the best ingredients & locally sourced when possible. No artificial flavors, colors, preservatives or fake stuff EVER!!


BONNI BAKES Gallery 
in the Village of the Arts
930 12 St W (just south of MLK)  

(941) 746-6647 
  bonnibakes@gmail.com  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni