Happy almost New Year, everyone. I’m back! It was a truly foodie Christmas for Ann Kelly! I landed in Cleveland in a snowstorm, left in the rain. Lovely this time of year.  But here’s what Santa Chef brought me and what Santa Ann bought herself…

THE RECIPE ROCK: Thanks to my friend Len, who also loves to download new and interesting recipes, but also like me hates trying to prop up the paper in the kitchen. This handy little orb will hold up to eight pages, a magazine, or those good old recipe cards. Nice and compact with a permanent place in Kelly’s Kitchen. Thanks Len!

NEOPRENE PUPPET MITTS: Thanks to my sister Tricia, brother in law Sal and nephews Christopher and Sal I can finally throw those old nasty hot pads out and really get a grip on things. These oven mitts have a heat resistant grip, nice soft flannel lining, and the best part of all-they extend well up the arm. Yep, they’re washable and about to get a test drive this weekend.

CHOCOLATE-DECADENT AND DELICIOUS HOMEMADE TREATS: Also from the family.  The chocolaty goodness of the cover alone is enough to make any chocoholic say hallelujah! Where to start!? I think the chapter called “Chocolate Heaven” is a perfect place. I’ll let you know what I decide to start with when I figure it out myself.

And what did I decide to buy for myself with those lovely Amazon.com gift cards? I just couldn’t resist the Whoopie Pies cookbook and pan (can you ever have enough of those lovely cream filled confections?), along with what looks like a fantastic book called “Flour-Spectacular Recipes from Boston’s Flour Bakery and Café, and one more called “Baked Explorations, Classic American Desserts Reinvented.” So there you are. I am in heaven, cuddled up with new books to explore, new gadgets to play with and a staff here happy that I will be bringing in my homework for them to taste. It’s a good end to one year, and a wonderful start to a new one! 

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN: 

“THAT PIE RECIPE IS A PIECE OF CAKE.”  - My little sister Tricia, sharing her most decadent recipe for a creamy pie that I’ll share with you soon.