From the Kitchen: November 2003 Archives

Each year at this time the women of my family have had a tradition of baking together for the holidays. We have had as many as six of us in the kitchen at a time, making dough, washing dishes, taking hot cookies out of the oven. We share what we have made and everyone goes home with more variety than they might have made on their own in one day.

This year schedules are so tight that we are foregoing the larger get together. One of my nieces joined me today, and another will cook with me next Sunday.

Have you ever been to New Orleans?

One of the famous places to visit is Cafe du Monde. There are several of them scattered around the city, but I managed to get to the one in the Market in the French Quarter. Cafe Du Monde is famous for coffee with chicory, and beignets, which are made as you watch.

Hot, puffy little pillows of dough dusted with confectioner's sugar. They are best eaten when they have cooled enough so that you don't burn your fingers or your tongue. Yum!

You can order a gift package of the coffee, a box of beignet mix and a cup for $11.50 plus shipping. While I'd MUCH rather take a trip to N'awlins and have the real thing, this might tide me over. And it seems like a great gift for a snowbound friend.

To order, call 800/772-2927.

Not just any blue cheese, but MAYTAG blue cheese. For sixty two years, this cheese has been made by hand on the same dairy farm in Newton, Iowa.

My mother raves about this cheese, and she recalls my grandfather (who lived in Iowa) serving it.

I think I've found an unusual Christmas gift for my mother. A two pound wheel of this cheese is available for $23 plus $5.00 in shipping and handling. That doesn't seem like too much to pay for what is considered the "definitive" American blue cheese. Besides, each bite will bring back memories for her.

If you're interested in trying this cheese, you can call 800/247-2458 to order.