STOP, SMELL THE ROSES...OR THE LEMONS

Look at this delicate flower on my Meyer Lemon tree. It's finally showing some activity for the first time since we moved it six months ago. And the aroma...oh my, to me it's heavenly. If you come to pick-up your order at my TreeHouse on Friday, take a moment to stop and inhale its intoxicating smell. I wish I could bottle it. And where there's a blossom, there should be a fruit soon.

My "Big Bertha" peppers suddenly started turning red a few days ago, and it's amazing how quickly the color intensifies each day. One little plant in an Earth Box has produced half a dozen huge fruits. I speak lovingly to them each day, encouraging their growth. Such fools, they don't realize I'm really the Wicked Witch who is only dreaming of eating them! Hold the breadcrumbs.

On the other hand, where is the broccoli? All I've seen are large healthy leaves but no sign of little florets inside. Almost as slow growing as the Brussels sprouts. Ah those brassicas, not only are they good for you, but they instill patience.

This week there were lovely heads of cauliflower available at the Palma Sola Farmers Market. I took advantage and made one of my favorite vegetarian dishes, "Roasted Cauliflower with Tomato & Cheese". To make it, break the head into golf ball sized chunks & place in an oven-proof dish; drizzle a little olive oil, salt, pepper & optional herbs of your choice over the top, and bake 10 minutes in a 400 degree oven. Remove from oven; spread drained contents of a 14 oz can of petite cut tomatoes (or halved fresh cherry tomatoes) over cauliflower, followed by grated cheese of your choice & Panko breadcrumbs. Dot the top with 1 TBL of cut-up butter. Return to oven & bake at 400 degrees for about 10-15 minutes until browned on top. The Market is open to the public Sundays 11-3 and you don't have to be a CSA member to buy fresh picked produce grown on the farm.

On a personal note, the time has come for me to sell my much loved Natuzzi leather cream colored 90" couch. I'm ready to follow my original inclination when I designed the TreeHouse, to create space for the 8' French oak dining table & chairs that Rea & I bought. The current living room space will become the dining room. Tomorrow the couch will be listed for sale on Craig's List for $500...it cost $2000. It's in great shape with no cuts or damage to the soft leather, which has been "broken in" over time with our butts. If you're interested, call me at (941) 746-6647.

Here's what I'm baking this week:

BREAKFAST CORN MUFFIN    $2

The soft texture of a non-greasy corn muffin is studded with sauteed scallions, cooked bacon and  lots of melted Cheddar cheese, especially on top. Satisfying, filling and even yummier when toasted.

OUTRAGEOUS BROWNIE     $2.50

These intensely chocolate brownies share their interior with large toasted walnuts for a marriage made in Heaven, but enjoyed here on Earth  by you with every bite.

HAZELNUT DARK CHOCOLATE BISCOTTI   $2.50/pkg

The perfect "dipping cookie" that tastes so good with a cup of coffee or espresso. Freshly roasted hazelnuts are enhanced by Frangelico liqueur & hunks of 70% Belgium Bittersweet Chocolate. Oh yah!

THE 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 & very little flour. Sold in packages because you must have more than one.

NYC ONION ROLLS      $3.50/pkg of 4

The same rolls my Dad brought back from the Jewish bakery on Sunday morning. Soft & light inside, with a thin crisp crust covered in sauteed onions & poppy seeds. Makes a great sandwich or just enjoy one slathered with butter and homemade jam. And now, I'm ready for the Sunday NY Times crossword.

CHALLAH LOAF  $4.50 

This traditional Jewish bread has a special place at the table on Friday nights. Its fluffy interior is perfect for making French Toast or Bread Pudding, if there's any left over.

CRACKED PEPPER PARMIGIANO BREADSTIX    $4/pkg

Just the thing to add a sharp crunch with that soup, salad or dip. Made with lots of imported Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, cracked multi-colored peppercorns and fresh oregano from my organic garden.

HOMEMADE  JAM  CHUTNEY & MARINADE     $4/jar

Cranberry Pear,  Blueberry Lemon, Mango Chutney, Ginger Pear Chutney and Tropical Tangerine Marinade.  Enjoy Plant City strawberries in my  Strawberry  Mango Cardamom  and Strawberry Balsamic Black Pepper (wonderful with sharp cheese as an appetizer).

MY GARDEN TOMATO TRIO      $3/pint      FINAL WEEK

A melange of "Juliet" (mini Roma), "Chocolate Cherry" (large full flavored) & "Lady Bug" (red cherry) PLUS a small appearance of the elusive round yellow ones whose name I've forgotten.

 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 AVAILABLE EITHER 

FRIDAY  12-4 in the Village of the Arts

at BONNI's TreeHouse 

932 12 St W (down the driveway thru the white wrought iron gate) 

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 
email  bonnibakes@gmail.com  

OR  
call me at (941) 746-6647 

   PAY BY CASH OR LOCAL CHECK TO BONNI BROWN  

 Hugs from my kitchen,
Bonni