A February Visit

Last week, my daughter Melissa escaped the Michigan cold for a long weekend in Florida.  The weather was sunny, but changeable; warm a couple of days and quite cold a couple of days.  We still managed to fit in some pool time (with the heat turned up) and enjoyed a beach day that was absolutely perfect.

I find that even with so many great restaurants, my daughters love for me to cook when they come here, so I did a lot of that, including an appetizer spread for the Super Bowl.  We did go out to two of our favorite waterfront restaurants and also found a coffee shop/breakfast restaurant in downtown Sarasota that is a new favorite.  

It’s funny when you have company and the weather is chilly.  Most Floridians treat cooler temps like the dead of winter in the north and bundle up.  Visitors from the north just want to be outside, no matter if it is uncomfortable.  Needless to say, we had the outside tables all to ourselves and asked for the standing heaters to be turned on.  But, as usual, it was about being together, catching up and enjoying precious time in each others company.  Adult daughters are the best.

Valentine’s Breakfast - Orange Ricotta Dutch Baby Pancake

 

This recipe  is one I found on Pinterest when searching for ways to use up some Ricotta cheese.  I was expecting to find Italian dishes or desserts, but this breakfast idea sounded even more delicious and something I have not tried before.  I love sweet versus savory when it comes to breakfast and you can always substitute Truvia (for baking) if you are watching your sugar intake (as a diabetic I always do this).

The orange flavor was subtle and the ricotta gave the pancake a slightly custard like texture which was absolutely delicious.  I did not use syrup - just fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.  A quick strawberry compote (heat strawberries, sugar and water until thickened) would also be delicious.  Also, it took minutes to put together and get in the oven, so that is a win as well if your mornings are busy.

Wouldn’t this be a pretty breakfast to serve on Valentine’s weekend?  

Happy Monday!

A Chilly Day for a Bridal Shower

 

When I was told that the bridal shower I was helping to host in Michigan (for my nephew’s fiancé) was rescheduled from October to the end of January, it was without a doubt going to be cold and snowy.  I would normally avoid leaving Florida for Michigan in January, but couldn’t miss this, so I packed my warmest cost, gloves and scarf and braved the below zero temperatures.  It was the coldest it had been there this winter, but while I was reminded why I moved to Florida, it was all lovely and fun and I was so happy to be there.

I ended up flying to Megan in Pittsburgh and helped her drive to Michigan both ways.  It’s not a long road trip at all and we had great conversations in the car.  We met Melissa for dinner on Friday at a great sushi restaurant and I couldn’t have been happier to be with them.

Saturday was busy and fun with bridal shower set up and the shower itself.  The location was the former lobby of a historic opera house with brick walls and wood floors, which fit the boho theme perfectly.  There were many beautiful details, the food was delicious and the bride to be (from Texas) was happy, so a great day.  My sister hosted an engagement mingle (delayed previously  by Covid of course) on Saturday night and it was really nice to catch up with friends and family.  The plan was to have a bonfire going outside, but it was too cold for that, even for hardy Michiganders.  

It’s important to me to attend these kind of family events even though it means a plane trip and I never regret it when I do.