Dessert for Salon du Chocolat week had to be something special. I looked through my pantry for inspiration and saw candied chili mangoes and a gluten-free brownie mix. Mangos and chili are friends with dark chocolate...
Monthly Archive: October 2014
A Taste of Chocolate and Soho
Main Salon at Kirkwood Center
Salon du Chocolat extravaganzas of deliciousness are being held this week in Paris, New York City and twenty other metropolitan locations around the world. None are near us (heavy sigh) but not to worry. We enjoyed lovely chocolate...
Taste of Fall Cookies
Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies
Have you noticed how food cravings change with the seasons? Suddenly soups are appealing and my desserts of choice contain spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves. I purchased a jar of sorghum at the St....
Jewel on the Upper Iowa River
The Upper Iowa River flows through the southwest edge of the Driftless Area. Limestone bluffs that wall the river provide beautiful scenery for canoers. Check rivers level before your canoe trip or you might carry your...
Baked Pears with Almond Sauce
Baked Pears with Almond Sauce
Fall in Iowa does have benefits beyond gorgeous leaf colors. Fresh and locally grown pears are available and at peak flavor. We think a perfectly ripe Bartlett pear is dessert all on its own. Still,...
Great River Road South
Mississippi River at Lock and Dam 12 in Bellevue
Perfect weather on one of the last calendar summer Saturdays just had to be honored with a road trip. We headed south on the Great River Road through some of the most beautiful Mississippi River terrain...
Gluten-Free Apple Fritter Bites
Annalisa developed a recipe for gluten-free apple fritter bites that rival any fritter or doughnut we’ve eaten. It is a perfect Saturday morning treat. Friends and family had no clue the fritters were gluten-free and enjoyed them to the last...
Last Launch
sunset on the water - photo by Dave O
The end of any season causes us to sigh with a bit of nostalgia. As leaves turn to crimson and gold, we realize that in our part of the country, both growing and boating seasons...
Light as a Breeze Almond Meringues for the Tea Tray
Light as a Breeze Almond Meringues
Beyond the tent strung with its twinkling lights and tables decorated with rustic bouquets, George and Elizabeth Burden’s White House glowed in the falling light. I thought of all the many happy events held on the lawn...
Four Mounds with Million Dollar Views and Hearts to Match
Four Mounds truck
When you visit Four Mounds, and I hope you do, serenity will sweep over you as soon as you enter the winding drive. The gentleman’s farm estate was established by the George A. and Viola...