Birthday Food

Red velvet cupcakes were cute, bars were scrumptious but the main attractions were Estelle's tea sandwiches-lox & bagels, pbj, tuna, and salami and cheese. Fit for the queen of the day!

Happy 10th Birthday Anna!

Friends and family gathered at Madison and Co. boutique to celebrate Anna's 10th Birthday and to make funky, inspirational scarves.

Chicken Fajitas

No fuss, delicious cooking. Minimum effort with maximum taste from ingredients like oregano, cumin, lime juice, and peppers. I'm still learning about the power of spices and how a little can boost the taste of a simple dish.

Nigella's Cupcake

I don't mean to sound like a snob but after you've tasted cupcakes from so many bakeries, my opinion is jaded. But Anna just loved it and begged me to make more. It was so attractive even my husband ate the last few which were reserved for someone else. Not too sweet, nor moist but obviously a cupcakes that hold its own.

Italian Cookie

These cookies transport me back to Venice, light, buttery, and so chic with the cherry glace. I think I've found my cookie for the next swap!

Dense Chocolate Loaf Cake

The cake may look plain but the damp, aromatic denseness is just lovely. One of the best chocolate cake I've ever eaten, even with out frosting. Nigella's How to Be a Domestic Goddess makes me want to rush home every afternoon to whip up her sexy desserts.

Eastern European Chickpea Soup

Hearty from the spinach and garbanzo beans and chunky from the potatoes and sausage. Soup received a thumbs up from husband and daughter.