Holiday: Valentine’s Day

velveteen speakeasy

For Valentine’s Day this year we opted for a cozy speakeasy in Stillwater Minnesota called Velveteen. It was a gorgeous way to spend a cold winter day. The atmosphere, service, and drinks were outstanding. We shared the three (very strong) cocktails shown above and it was perfect. “LOOK…FOLLOW THE RABBIT…LISTEN…ONCE YOU WALK INTO THE LOBBY…

best waffles

This is the time of year when I like to make cozy weekend breakfasts. We turn on the fireplace, sip tea, listen to music, and relax. These waffles are perfect for a cozy breakfast. We like them with tofu scramble, Field Roast Apple Sage sausages, and hash browns. You can top these with whatever you…

celebrations ~ a scenes post

Over the last few months I’ve gone through a sort of renewal in my personal life that’s hard to explain. Like I’m waking up. Without getting to philosophical (and weird) I guess I’ll just say that it all started when I gave up meat. I swear I won’t get “preachy” about how much this has…

amish cherry cobblestone coffee cake

We’re experiencing LOTS of snowy weather here in Minnesota… today is day 2 of no school. I always enjoy snow days. I cook up a storm, light candles, sit in front of the fireplace and read (and sometimes I write.) Basically I just try to regroup and do what I want to do whether that…

101 romantic valentine’s day recipes & ideas

  I’m happy to present to you my collection of 101 Romantic Valentine’s Day Recipes & Ideas! Below you’ll find links to breakfasts, salads, appetizers, main courses, desserts, cocktails, crafts, and gift ideas! From my home to yours… HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! HEART SHAPED CINNAMON ROLLS ROSE PETAL CREAM SCONES {JUST LIKE RITZ CARLTON’S} MAUI MACADAMIA…

a scenes post

David Bowie happy hour at a local pub here in Red Wing Minnesota. More snow in the Mississippi River Valley, quickly followed by a dramatic rise in temperature. It’s sunny, and fresh outside and it seems spring is in the air. The foreboding forecast says differently. Although it’s 46 outside right now, it’s not supposed…

victoria’s cream cheese wedding mints

These little mints evoke so many memories for me. My grandma’s friend, Victoria, was a caterer for much of her life, and she actually catered my and Jeff’s wedding. (Read more about Vic in THIS post.) Throughout my childhood and teen years I attended other weddings that she catered, and she always made these pretty,…

valentine chocolate dipped fortune cookies

My daughter Andrea and I made these adorable, easy chocolate dipped fortune cookies with my grand girls this year. We provide step-by-step instructions over at Two Cuties in the Kitchen! The basic idea: Buy some fortune cookies, melt some dark and white chocolate in separate bowls, dip the fortune cookies in the chocolate and lay…

rose water cupcakes

I don’t make cupcakes very often because they’re so hard to resist. They’re definitely a treat I can’t have around the house all the time, but some occasions call for this adorable dessert. Rose water cupcakes are an elegant, more “adult” version of the children’s birthday party variety. I just had to make a batch…

fried babybel cheese

These adorable little fried cheese rounds make the perfect appetizer for a romantic celebration. I did a test run prior to Valentine’s Day so I could share this very special recipe with you. I’ve come up with a few tricks to help insure that the cheese doesn’t turn to greasy goo in the bottom of…