With New Year’s festivities over, I felt ready to stash the holiday decorations. But not before Twelfth Night; invitations to my annual King Cake Party were out.
Legend says the Wise Men, in search of baby Jesus, arrived in Bethlehem on the twelfth day after Christmas. They came to present gold, silver and myrrh. I offered my chosen guests a dinner party.
Continue reading A King Cake Party
Sea World, Orlando, Florida
Take a balmy New Year’s Day; Sea World in Orlando; two of my grandkids plus their parents—that’s a recipe for celebration.
Much has changed since 2001, when I last visited the park. The shows are more theatrical, featuring flamboyant costuming and vibrant lighting; performances resemble spectacular Cirque de Soleil acts.
The Shamu show highlights not just one, but five killer whales. And I found Shark Encounter- a 700,000 gallon aquarium containing a walk-through acrylic tunnel for viewing. Gulp.
Continue reading Sharks Underwater Grill: A Restaurant Review
“Do you say: care-a mel or kar-muhl,” asked the grocery store checker as she scanned my package of candy?
“Hmm, I say cara- mel.”
“No, no. It’s car-mel, just two syllables,” said the bagger, a hard-working high school student.
“Well, whatever…Don’t you just love them?” I asked.
“Oh my yes,” gushed the checker. “They are sooo good, but, you know, most people buy caramels at Halloween.”
“Well, I found a new cookie recipe (in Rachael Ray’s magazine) and I’m trying it for Christmas.” So, I went home and baked a batch.
Continue reading Sweet Surprise- A New Caramel Christmas Cookie