What now???

OK.. so this week has been a killer..really it has! See this hole in my kitchen. Yes, this used to house a fridge. Now, it is a hole that has no fridge. No butter, no eggs, no milk, no fun!!! So I am taking a week off before we get a new fridge'o'fun. Believe me it will be fun.. crazy "circus" fun...

 Crazy like my dog's feet. By the way, she is a goof.

Crazy like sleeping on the couch and farting....yes she does that!
I hope that your week is less hectic and manic as mine. See ya in in a bit.

Whole Wheat Walnut Cake

As much as this blog is about baking and eating and just smiling. I have to tell you about this new book I got. Many of you may have it or have heard of Melissa Clark . I am literally obsessed with her and her book and the stories behind her recipes.

The best part is that each recipe has a story about it  letting you into her life and now I pretty much want to be her best friend...I know weird...right?

Well, the whole wheat walnut bread she has in her book is something really special. I made mine into a sandwich and added some whipped cream cheese and ate it with a giant smile. The same smile I get when reading Melissa's book! You have to love the stories and joy that comes from food...Smile!

Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

Really a treat!!! The process and pairing could not be more perfect

Just look at all of these goodies.

Fresh raspberries, lemon, and buttermilk makes for a happy day!

A day of mixers and flour and...

Vanilla and sugar!!!

And one sleepy dog... (can I tell you, her life is good!)

Cake meets raspberries

Raspberries meets cake.

And they are ready to rock! How cute do they look. It is like swimming in a buttermilk pool.

This is where the fork meets my mouth. All I can say is thank god for cake and the ones that you love, because that is all that really matters..right??

Pumpkin Pecan Muffins

Fall I hear you calling...the mornings are darker, baseball playoffs are looming, and have to put a jacket on when I am getting ready for work.  I love fall, not only because football season starts, and it will be my son's first birthday, but also because here in Santa Cruz fall tends to bring the best weather of the year...(shhh I was not suppose to let out that secret). I also love what fall brings to the table...cinnamon, pumpkin and oh oh oh pecans.... especially when they are candied. Don't get me wrong, summer rocks.. I mean there are BBQs, beers, ice cream, sunburns, and tan lines... I can go on and on.  But, in my heart there is something special about the arrival of fall.  I might be a bit premature, call me crazy.. really you can!!!

I turned this loaf bread recipe into mini muffins... cause I love me a mini! Added some extra cinnamon and then topped with some smashed crunchy candied peans.

You gotta love pecans... really you have to!!!

Fresh Pickled Beets, Fig and Tomato Grilled Pizza

I know what you are thinking...What????

                                             There is not much I can say!

My husband created this mixture on a whim during our Saturday night BBQ. 

The combination, of tart, sweet and salty all oozing together perfectly..will put a smile on your face. Grilled the pizza with some mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

The combinations are endless....just how I wish the weekend was.

Labor day weekend in Seattle with my sister and her husband was too much of a good thing... food, drink and monkeys who could ask for anything more.