I have SO MANY ideas for this blog. But sometimes I just like to bake things just to try them out. Some are experiments I'm in the process of developing. Some are spur-of-the-moment baking inspiration I want to share from my kitchen. So, I am launching another section to my blog called “Just Cuz”. No lengthy stories. No detailed recipes. Just baking. Just 'cuz. I hope you all enjoy!
Happy Mardi Gras!
Posted on February 17, 2026:
For those who celebrate, today is Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. While I was in college, I looked forward to Mardi Gras. Besides being a welcomed break from classes, it was always a fun and exciting time to be in New Orleans. So many people ask me did I do any of the crazy stuff they’ve seen on television. And I always tell them that’s only ONE side of this holiday. Now trust and believe me I did see some CRAZY stuff. WHEW!! At the same time, I saw family and friends celebrating with each other. It was always great to see all sorts of people come together to have a great time.
King Cakes are just one of the traditional treats eaten during Mardi Gras. It’s not really a cake, it’s more like a sweet bread, like a cinnamon roll. I won’t go into the entire history behind this tradition, but I know I’ve eaten my share of them and I have made a few too. Usually, there’s some sort of trinket hidden inside one. In the past it may have been a coin or a pecan, but now you’ll usually find a small plastic baby. If you get the “prize” in your piece, you have to buy the King Cake for the next Mardi Gras! How cool is that! Today, this King Cake doesn’t have anything hidden in it, but it reminds me of those carefree times of celebrating this fun and amazing holiday!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted on February 14, 2026:
Happy Valentine’s Day to EVERYONE out there on the interwebs. I know there is a lot going on in the world. Sometimes it can be a lot to handle. But let’s make THIS Valentine’s Day about Love! The love we should have for each other as human beings. If we had more love and less hate, our world would be so much better. So, for this Valentine’s Day, show the people you care about, or even a perfect stranger, how much you care. Make them some cookies! Nothing says, I Love You more than a cookie. This trio of cookies really tells someone you love them. There is a strawberry and cream cookie drizzled in chocolate, a chocolate brownie cookie with toasted pecans and a red velvet cookie dipped in a cream cheese glaze. What could be better than these? I can’t think of anything! Happy Valentine’s Day!!!