Mmmmm...the weekend, and an extra day off for so many. Nothing about that comes under the heading of bad things. Yes, I know how questionable the weather might become, so just in case you’d like to whip up a few items for breakfast and not go to a whole lot of work since you have other fun things to do, check out this All Recipes idea for a "breakfast pie." I love my muffin pans, since I use them so many ways to create single servings that I can freeze and have on hand. I’ve done everything from special oatmeal, the usual cupcakes and muffins, and plan on making a batch of these Breakfast Pies. Neat little single servings! Looking for a nice iced coffee to go with that? Might want to take a look at what those delicious icy beverages pack in the calorie category, courtesy of The Daily Meal. Kind of takes all the fun out of going with the extra whipped cream, doesn’t it? Ah well...we can go back on the diet when we go back to work on Tuesday. Right. Speaking of which, guess what we have in our lunchroom. Our very own Circle K beverage center, complete with the Cappuccino selections. Oh the temptation at 4 am. I’ve fallen in love with the Caramel Maciado, but I also know that too much of any good thing is a no-no. So we get creative with the 3/4 cup of instant, sugar free hot chocolate with just enough of the Caramel to give it a boost. I love it. I confess. So there.

   One item more of note for foodies; you might want to take a few days off and check this out from the Brandenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau; Bon Appétit Chef de Cuisine Mary Nolan comes to Lakewood Ranch for an exclusive hands-on cooking demonstration using fresh and simple ingredients. On her Food Network program Chic & Easy, Chef Nolan showcases simple meals and tips to impress guests without breaking the bank, making the process seem effortless even for those without formal cooking training. The $99 package for the event that runs June 8^th through the 10^th includes a meet and greet, luncheon, champagne Sunday reception and more. Nice deal, so better make those reservations To reserve your spot in the kitchen, call (941) 729-9177 Ext. 0.

  For me, this weekend is partially work at home and out with you! The sunroom is almost completely back in place after Floor and Decor did such a beautiful job completing the look of the kitchen transitioning into the sunroom. Whomever invented those furniture sliders deserves a medal. If you'd like to take a look at what I've invested in, and have a chance to win a $500 gift card from Floor and Decor, join me at the Clearwater store off 19 at Drew Monday from 11 am - 1 pm for a special sale. I'll have lots of special giveaways as well.

   What are you up to this weekend? Whatever it might be, please shake the hand of those that serve us, and say thank you.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself. -Joseph Campbell