after Christmas

hi all
sorry I havent been on for a very long time.
Not sure what there is to give or say at this time of year.
We have lots of things to do, and we plan and plan..
then in 20 minutes its all buried in a mound of paper, boxes and bags..
I said a few years back that I would not spend the money and time on presents,
and such..
Its hard, because you want to give, but at the same time, you dont want to get
sucked up in the commerical end of it all.
My grandchildren are at the age that I have no idea how to buy
for them. So generally they get 50.00 each and maybe it will come in
a bag with perfume, a new razor that viberates, slippers or just some chocolate..
this year I bought a ton of popcorn from the boy scouts, and hot chocolate from st cinnamon.
every person I wanted to just say peace and be happy, they received that..

I have no new recipes, it has been a crazy semester for me, lots has been going on..
one of these days, I will tell you about it.

One last thing, I want to acknowledge at this time
one of the boys in my cooking class at camp menesetung...
Brendon, his mom told me he cooked a meall for 30 people
on his own.. many blessings kiddo..that made me proud..
His mom said he just pulled it off like he was a pro..
she thanks me.. all I can say is that he had it in him, I just happened to be
there when he was bringing it to the surface..
great job Brendon..
until next time,

tonight for supper a co op we made
turkey meat loaf, and veggie chic pea loaf..
mm,
we had mash potaotes, roasted beets, and we thought we would
also roast the carrots..
as always they pulled it off.. there was nothing left
we did have a few potatoes left..
to make things simple, we put sun dried tomatoe dressing
in with the turkey meat, chopped a few onions and peppers
and made a ball and placed them into the muffin pans..
they made a nice single serving..
We cut the beets and carrots n large chunks, coated them both with olive
oil..
the beets had balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar and orange zest,
toss the beets in this.. salt and pepper, cover and put in the oven
for 1, 1 1/2 hours..
The carrots, we coated them in olive oil, salt and pepper and a bit of maple sryup..
roast them for about an hour..
add a few salads.. there you go.. dinner is served..
we sauted mushrooms to put on the turkey loaf, and potatoes..
nice touch kids..
until next time..

hi there,
just thought I would drop in and see how things are going
round here..
I have a few recipes, for you today, and maybe a story or two.
I work full time at co op this year,
It has a good side to it, and a bad side.
Just like anything in life.. but here the good out weigh
the bad..
I cant tell you all how much the co op means to me.
I have spent about 7yrs there.. and wouldnt trade it for nothing..
The students there, ar elike my chidren.. they live in our houses,
for 4 or 5 years, sometimes for 7 or even 8 years..
I get to know them, know what they like to eat, how they keep there rooms
do there laundry, fold there clothes..wash there dishes and so on.
You hear there love stories, there happy days , and the bad days..
you hug them, tell them its going to be fine.
We laugh and tell stories in the kitchen, some will never be revealed.

I treat the kids like they are my own.
I cater to them, what they want, or need,
I do what I can to give them..
Im not the head of the kitchen or anything, I just give  100%
to them and the co op..
I love that place, its my dream job.. its no big executive job, I definetly
dont get paid top dollar.. but its not always about the money.
I speak to people all the time, some hate what they do.. some do it because of the money..

I was laughed at and told it was a habit..
because when we serve ice cream, I stay out there and scoop it for them..
I like to serve them dessert..
I was thanked by the students for doing it.. because they felt like there mom or gramma
was here doing it..
Priceless...............
I dont think I can ever say how this place makes me feel..
The students are my time away from the real world..
I tank them for that..
until next time..

while Im on this thing..
the first reform church is having a
fund raiser for the nightlight.
roast beef dinner, $12.00, Oct 19th
I will let you how it went..

now we are back at it,
I've traded my bnb hat in for
the fall one I ususally wear..
this is a tough time for us,
trying to train the students
for there jobs, they do for the next few months.
I also have not been very good at keeping the blog going..

the other day we made a great breakfast sandwich
for the croud, we grilled homemade french bread,
through some scrambled eggs, and we made a brushette
put that on top of the eggs,then a bit of cheese,
put it in the oven to melt the cheese..
it was a hit.. serve it with soup.. great for a cold morning..

while Im here, I should let you know that we did our coffee break for
the alzheimers society again on the street corner..
we raised a few hundred dollars and my company I
work for always match what I make..
It was a fun time as always.. maybe I should write a book on how to avoid
a person asking for change to raise money for a good cause.. that effects 1 in 5
its a good laugh..
I want to thank Gillian, our right arm.. to most of us in that place.
as always, students were out to give us a hand..
thank you to Mcdonalds, who gave us the coffee for the fund raiser..
thanks for listening..

In honour of our new and the old.. we had a speed mixer
last night. Once again, Gillian and I pulled it off..
We had finger foods, punch of both kinds, beer
and of course a dining hall full of eager beavers..
It was a huge hit..thanks gilly you rock..
We had the tables turned to resemble a horse shoe..
the chairs were around the table.. the inside people
didnt move around the table.. but the outside people did.. on each table
there was a stack of papers with questions on them..
to get everyone started..
everyone had a name tag.. so it was clear who you were talking to..
except for me..gillian decided she wanted everyone to call me ronnie
by the end of the night.. I removed the name tag, sorry gilly,
I have way to many names now..
until next time..

summer fun

Hi everyone..
I have been neglecting this blog for a while..
I need to be a little more strict about writing
my thoughts, and the great storiesI have accumulated
during my new summer job.. I had a great time doing the BnB
for Co op, as I write I will tell you some of the great people I met,
some were new to the BnB, and some had ben coming since it opened
I learned alot about people, about myself, and things are not how they look..
Anyway, I have a great recipe for you guys..
anyone out there like french toast?
Wel this weekend I had my cooking crew, do up some stuffed french toast.
It was a hit !
First you mix up eggs , milk, cinnamon, nutmeg,maple syrup
and slice apples, and appricots, or cranberries,
and put the apples, appricot, cranberries in a fry pan and simmer..
until the apples are crunchy soft..
mean while, take the egg mixture and place it in a shallow pan or cookie sheet.
take stale bread, and soak it in the mixture..
the thicker the bread the better.. but not neccessary..
place the soaked bread on a hot gridde,( soak both sides ) or grill, fry pan..
and cook both sides,then take your apples and lay them on one slice of bread,
put the other grilled bread on top of the other..
cut in half and enjoy..
this is really good...
a short story of my summer job.. a couple of american guys biked from detroit t boston,
thru canada.. they were awesome guys.. we took pictures, and they had breakast and headed on their way.. they also have a blog..
king brothers hammer canada..if your thinking of biking anywhere, I suggest you give this a read..
they also met som great characters along the way..
until next time..

all packed up

It s Brock st. BnB for th e season..
It was exausting, but rewarding.. I have learned so much
the good the bad and the ugly..
it was a real treat working with miss gillian..
aka the little kuhuna.. we were a great team..
it was well worth the long hours, the tossed bagels, the old friends
and new I met along the way..
I appreciate co op giving me the chance to work at the BnB
I loved every minute,
I have so many stories to tell.
my favourite is a couple came in by chance, to stay the night..
I chatted them up, as I did all my guests..
and found out that she (donna) was a lead singer in the band hostage
that used to play at a bar in the 80's here in kingston..
the big purple building on yonge st. the manor
it was amazing to see her here after all these years..
we talked a nd laughed, and she sent me a cd of her new single
donna o thank you for the memories.. it was fun..
here's wishing you well..see you next year..
there was the lady how told me she paid for a full breakfast, and wanted her bagels toasted..
I said sorry, but nobody gets a full breakfast.. it is continental for all..
she through her bagels at me and said she was complaining to the office..
I said to her well come in, the office is open..
people that have been coming to kingston for 20 + years.. had so many stories for me..
some, had stayed at brock bnb for the last 6 yrs..
it was a grand summer..
Even though, I missed camp, it was a great summer.. and I thank
the cyclist, bikers, from france, germany, uk, greece, and all over canada
thank you for making my summer
many blessings
I cant forget the future quest camp that camp to eat there meals in the dining hall
for 2 weeks.. I found new friendships...
I made breakfast for  them, and listened to there great camp songs...
I am blessed.. thank you future quest.. you are amazing..

well here it is july,
my goodness where has the time gone..
the BnB has been very busy.. each week we seem to be getting more people
traveling through..
I love this
I have always wanted to own a BnB
but everyone that has one says you need to have a full time job to keep things going.
So maybe for now this is the best solution..
The co op maintenance crew has been a great group this year..
they work together rather good, a good team..
I also have a cleaning crew added to the mix.. it all seems to be
running well..
until next time..
I hope you all are having an enjoyable summer..

and so the summer begins......

hi everyone,

sorry i have been really bad at keeping you up to date
with the goings on here at the brock street bed and breakfast.
well all is well, it was quite busy, at first..
oh my, I was starting to think I had made a mistake
leaving camp...
I will miss the fun we had, the camp family, I will miss them
dearly..
but its time to move on..
I want to have some new challenges, and start some new things..
I need to be close to home for now..
so this was the perfect answer to what I was ready to do..

I will miss everyone,
I do want you all to keep in touch with me, and let me know
how things are going with all...
I have met the new cook, and I think she is great..
she will love you like I do..
 until next time..
many hugs to you ..

the brock st b n b

well for the last 4 weeks, I have been working to get the bed and breakfast up and running..
we also have been cleaning the houses the students live in all school year..
so needless to say, I have been busy,
sorry I havent been writing, but you cant do everything..
my cleaning crew and I have worked very hard to get the houses back to a good
condition, for the students in the fall..
Im preparing to make fresh breads and muffins, scones and cinnamon buns..
we are hoping it does well this year..
cross your fingers folks, here goes nothing...
I promise to get back to some recipes
as soon as my assistant gets back from cuba
then I wont be working as much regular hours..

I hope you ll have a great weekend..
and maybe you can find your way to the brock st. b n b
night all...
until next time..

today was the last day at co op kitchen..
the students had there last meal til September.
It is a sad day, but on the other hand,
its exciting to see them, prepare for the next
adventure.
We as staff, are feeling the same way..
we are excited to end the duties and start the summer
with our adventures for the few months.
But, the sadness of the students leaving for the summer,
some we wont see for a long time..if ever again.

Its a bitter sweet feeling, but its time for change,
winter is gone, spring has sprung and summer is on its way.
We will prepare for the next new group, and some oldies, that have shared
the same walls for the last 4 or 5 yrs...

I always love to play the song by leanne womack:
I hope you dance..
It describes how I feel, and how I hope for the future
for our kids that have closed the door for this year..
God Bless all of them..
they will never know, how much I love being there with
them, the hugs, the giggles, the sad, and just being there..
all the birthday songs we have shared together...

Have a great life, enjoy every moment..
then facebook me and let me know how you fair..

until next time...

nightlight dinner

hi everyone,
I just came back from the nightlight dinner for easter weekend..
It was packed full of people..
we had a great turn out..
the young and the old had a great time played some board games, ate some food,
and then had some dessert..
pies,
all kinds of pies.. pumpkin, apple, crumble, strawberry, cherry,
jello, fruit cocktail.. was a grand feast for all..
Chris made the turkey on the bbq, and if you ever ge the chance to have turkey on the bbq..
do it..
it was so good.. and it was different, no heat in the kitchen, nice..
roasted potatoes, mixed veggies, peppers, onions, peas and corn..
coffee, tea and lots and lots of juice..

Just a reminder, the nightlight is a non profit organization
thats is in downtown Kingston..
Its a place you can go, with no judgements, there is always someone there to
talk to.. have a coffee, and tell your story
or maybe even listen..

they opened there doors Jnaurary 12th.
Ben Platz is the director, and he has huge dreams for this place..
God Bless him, I know he will do it..

until next time..

gnocchi

this is an easy thing to make and it tastes pretty good..
first you pronounce it:
n o key
this is from scratch, you can buy it..but its easy to make..
and think of the moment when you say,
its from scatch!!
people love to hear that...
anyway, here it is..
1 1/2 lbs peeled potatoes
2eggs
1egg yolk
1tbsp butter
1 1/4 cups flour,sifted
you can try the gluten free flours..that works to
ice water for refreshing
now the best way to get less moistour in your potatoe
is to microwave them, until tender
put the potatoes thru a ricer or a food mill
season with salt and pepperand nutmeg
add the egg yolk and the eggs, mix together
add 3/4 of the flour, mix
use your judgement on how much flour to use
if you use to much they will be heavy and hard
to little and the mixtureis sticky,then it falls apart
it will take a lot of practice
when its right, pipe out into dime size cylinder(long tube like shape)
cut into 1" pieces
turn a fork upside down on a surface, take the 1' pieces
and half roll them over the upside down prongs of the fork
they will look like a half moon shape..
then toss in boiling water.
when the gnocchi is floating to the top.
then put into cold water
then drain from the cold water
and saute with butter and seasoning
they look so nice, and are very tastey..

NOW the sauce for the gnocchi:

4 strips of bcon chopped small
3 leeks
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 1/2 cups 35% whipping cream
2 tbsp crumbled blue cheese or parmesn cheese

cook bacon til crispy, drain
add wine,add cream simmer stir often until thick

serve with gnocchi, sprinkle cheese on top and toss..

enjoy..
until next time..

nightlight

Some of the students were I work have introduced me to
a gentlemen by the name of Ben..
Ben has started a place thats safe for those of
you who need companionship, someone to here
what you have to say.. a place to build meaningful relationships
I"ve spoken to him a few times,
he's a great person, and is honestly concerned for these people..
dont get me wrong..these people are not neccessarily homeless..
they are like some of us, that dont have enough money at the end of the month..
the people who volunteer there are kind and generous..
the clients make you laugh ,make you cry..
they are from all walks of life..
why I'm telling you this, is because they are in need of
some help..
they are looking for a griddle to make sandwiches, some food items,
they have a fridge and freezer. So anything would do..
The people who work there bring things in
soups, and breads, cheese, granola bars..
if there is anyone out there willing to give a hand..please contact me..
or even if you have some ideas of fund raisers,
please contact me..
thanks for listening..

until next time...

my class

Hi there everybody..
to date the classes at liason college is going well..
I like the people, the chef is great..so far so good..
we have done a lot of meals, and appetizers..
some I will share with you later on..

one of the recipes I did was potatoe roses..
these things look very nice on a plate, your guests
will be wowed..
first you wash and slice potatoes thin,
grease a muffin pan,turn oven onto 350degrees
melt butter in a bowl, dip each potatoe slice in the butter
and arrange them like a rose.. salt and pepper them
bake for about 20 to 30 minutes
depending on your oven..
just keep an eye on them..they should be golden in the middle
and dark around the edge of the petal..
they are tasty..a cool way of showing a potatoe
you could even put a dalup of sour cream in the middle, and sprinkle with chives..

great weather we,  in kingston are having..we had some snow yesterday,
It felt and looked like we were getting an bunch..but
it was mushy and there isnt much to talk about today(25th)
I do hope you all are having  a great weekend and do have some
time to just reflect on the week past.. learn from the mistakes you may have made.
be joyful.. no matter the curcumstance.. its easier to get thru it..
you can be pittiful and you can be powerful..
but you cant be both...

until next time..

to caesar

caesar dressing..
this will knock your socks off
6 roasted garlic cloves

now you can do these in the oven, wrapped in tin foil
or if you have a gas stove, put them on the flame..let them get a bit dark remove..
the oven is less watching..its up to you.

3tbsp lime or lemon juice
2tbsp dijon mustard
1 egg
1 cup veggie oil
some salt and pepper to taste
romaine lettuce
bacon bits
parmesan cheese
croutons
mix together, wash and cut the romaine,
add the rest toss and enjoy...
 untuil next time...

delicious gluten free crust

oh not only are the gluten free gonna love this, but all of you will
enjoy this crust..
ok so here we go:

crust:
3 1/3 cups unsweet shredded coconut
3 large egg whites
1 1/2 cups icing sugar
3/4 tsp vanilla

mix all together, butter a 9in pan or
you can butter muffin tins (12)
lightly press mixture against sides and bottom of pan
or cups..
bake 375 until bottom is tanned and sides are golden
brown..10 mins

filling:

3 eggs beaten
3/4 cup sugar
5 tbsp orange juice
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp grated orange rind
1/4 cup butter
combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and cook at just
below a boil, mixture will thicken
and coat a spoon(15 minutes)
pour into cooled crust then refridgerate

let harden and enjoy....

this is so good, but rich tasting..

tomorrow is Valentines day..
happy day to those who have a partener that will spoil them..
and to the rest of us...
Is it all hype..
lol
no matter how your doing it, have a good day
after all its a good reason to eat chocolate

until next time.....

usually when your making biscuits to have with soup..
you should have a small biscuit..so when
your making these biscuits cut them small
they will bake up nicely...

feeling a bit stale

I've decided to go back to school,
Cooking school that is!
It was great, I had a really fun time..
Its nice to watch someone else working away in the kitchen.
How they use their tools, knives, and so on..
last week we made soup..
we made mushroom leek, potatoe, and boston clam chowder..
and biscuits..which were so fluffy..
I will pass on all the recipes for you all to enjoy..
lets start with the biscuits, and the mushroom soup..

2 cups flour
4tsp baking powder
1tsp salt
1/2 cup shortening
1/4 cup milk
in a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt
cut in shortening. add milk all at once, stiring only enough to mix it togehter
to much playing with the dough will make them tough
use a rolling pin and roll out
and you can use a cookie cutter, or just score them,
(divide the dough into sections, then triangle them,
using a knife..
bake at 425 for 20-25 minutes..

now the soup..
3tbsp butter
1 large leek white part only
1lb mushrooms
2 stems thyme
2 garlic cloves
2 celery stalk
3 tbsp flour or (cormstarch)
8 cups chicken stock
1 cup 35% cream
salt and pepper to taste

melt butter, and sweat the leeks, garlic and celery
with thyme,, garlic until tender..
now sweating means you cook them in the butter for a couple of minutes.
They shouldnt get brown..
add mushrooms and continue sweating,
add stock, and simmer till veggies are cooked.
Season with salt and pepper
simmer means that it should slightly boil...
not heavy boil.
slight bubbles..
this is so good..
everyone will love it..

now its time to get back to work..

now we have had fun for the season,
its time to get back to work..
I have been pretty slow at getting my recipes and chatting going
on this blog..
there has been lots going on, so I will do my best to
keep things rolling along..
I wanted you all to know that I have taken a job in Kingston..
I will be running the bed and breakfast at sci 44..
the place I work in the fall..I am very excited about this, for many reasons..
I will be closer to home for sure..
and it will be a fun and interesting challenge..
so if any of you are thinking of coming to Kingston for
a visit, please check us out..science 44 co op b n b...
we are on brock street in kingston..
nice and close to the downtown core..
I would like to say, that I will miss the Camp I worked at for 5yrs...
But its time to move on, and get to to it..
It definetly was a hard decission, but it is time to move on...
until next time,