OO- La La! - Beignets!!

I sort of fell in love with New Orleans, back in 1978 to be exact.

The plane I was on had a layover at the New Orleans airport.

I had time on my hands.

I decided to venture into the Big Easy- by myself.

This was back when a young person could do this by themselves,

and really not have to worry about much danger, as long

as you were aware of your surroundings.

I got a cab - I went.

I walked the cobbled narrow sidewalks,

walked past the baudy music,

heard the sights and sounds.

It was fascinating.

I ate at a little French restaurant on a side street.

I could only afford a salad, and it had anchovies in it. 

I didn't even know what they were, so I bit into one and oh

it was awful.

But in those few hours, I was enamored of the city, in all

its sinfulness.

Since then, I've visited the city, never for Mardi Gras, and seem more of what it had to offer.

The raised crypts in the graveyards, the Hurricanes (drink),

the wonderful food, and the river delta.  So much fun!

And I fell in love with Beignets.

Since I can't visit there, I can at least love what I ate there,

and even make it myself.  I made them for the first time over this

past cold weekend.  OH MAN-- they were SOOOO GOOOD!

and so so easy to make.

I kept saying to myself, if people knew how easy they are to make,

they'd make them!!

I tried someone else's recipe, so I have to tweak it and make it mine, and

once I have my own recipe,

I'll share it with you.

By the Way, I am watching my weight.  I've lost a pound so far and

have been able to keep it off for two weeks.  And I've still been able to

eat Beignets and drink my Chicory coffee!

Love ya- will write again soon, hopefully with the recipe and

instructions for you!

I Have a Confession to Make.....

I don’t mind being

Fat.

I like eating good food.

I spend a lot of time thinking about food.

I collect cookbooks.

I spent most of my life in a job where I had to worry about my weight.  I was always a little bit “chubby” in middle school and high school, until I turned 17.  Then miraculously,  with no effort, I slimmed down and was actually kind of beautiful. 

Now, my feet hurt if I walk too far, my hips hurt if I sit too long, and I can’t find too many clothes that will make me look beautiful. 

I've been struggling with middle age, hot flashes, menopause.

I’ve tried to lose some fat, but before that can happen I have to SEVERELY cut down what I eat in order for any fat to come off, which means I have to practically eat NOTHING. 

It’s not worth it.

I can’t see the point of making myself miserable just so I can be skinny and wear “hot pants” (short shorts). 

I have found some clothes that cover my fat, they’re not too tight. I don’t wear dresses.   I wear athletic shoes.  I am comfortable. 

Something drastic would have to happen  for me to stop eating.  In the meantime, while I’m waiting for that dramatic moment,  I will visit, and you must visit NOW

The Pioneer Woman’s website— Ree Drummond—I love that woman!

Hurry, hurry—GO NOW!   Eat, eat, Little Bird!

XXOO,  BB

Let's Talk Food - Namely Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks!

Gooseberry patch website

Gooseberry Patch Blog

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First of all, I must say I DO NOT get paid to endorse any products mentioned on this blog.  I find things I like and simply share them with YOU- so that you can join in on the fun!

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Secondly, I have to say I love, love, love Gooseberry Patch products.  Even if you are a beginning cook, you simply can not go wrong with the recipes in these cookbooks.  You will probably not be able to limit yourself to owning just one- they're addicting!!

They've also been featured in the latest issue of Mary Jane's Farm magazine.

They've been in business a long time, and have gotten better and better.  I can't resist their graphics- I love anything with a tiny gingham print!

The recipes I've made have ALL come out good!  Like I said, you won't go wrong.  Just make sure you use all the ingredients called for in the recipes.  I have found with using ANYONE'S cookbooks, that it is essential to use what is called for to get the results you want.  Substitutions don't work, unless there is a substitution mentioned in the recipe.

The best-est Carrot Cake EVER-- and I've been around a while, guys and dolls!! I made these this past summer and OH MAN!!  It was the best I've ever had-- and easy to make.    I did use Paula Deen's recipe for the cream cheese frosting:   (Click on Paula Deen to go to the website for her recipe.)  I made a full recipe because I made two cakes, which is a lot of frosting-- and I had some leftover to frost an 8 x 8 pan of brownies too.)

I give these cookbooks a 10-10-10 rating:

East to follow, don't use unusual, hard to find ingredients, pictures are great, there's little interesting notes and stories, and the food is GOOD!

My Therapy Card

On A Lighter Note Today:

Here's a card I keep pinned on the wall

in front of my sewing machine:

Here's what it says on the inside:

Here's the back of the card:

And here's where you can get them: (Click on the words)

The Greeting Place

 Happy Sunday!