On Abraham Lincoln, the top hat imbued honesty into his every word. On Fred Astaire, the hat conveys every movement as beauty and grace. Even Mr. Peanut wears a top hat when he’s steppin’ out in style. So, how does that tie in with cupcakes?

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“Some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it’s much more serious than that.”

–Bill Shankly

Whether you see football as a sport, hobby, religion, or societal bane, you have to admit the association between football and good eatin’ is a big plus. Any sport where planning the tailgating menu is as important as knowing the players is A-OK in my book.

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Fancy – it doesn’t HAVE to be fussy…

The following blog comment was posted by “Angela,” in response to a post on linzer cookies:

“Another favorite trick of mine to use with any mini cookie cutter. Bake a dozen each of 2 different types of cookies (ex.: sugar and snickerdoodle, or chocolate fudge). Then while they’re still warm, cut the centers out and swap them out! As the cookies cool the pieces stick together and you get, for instance, a sugar cookie with a cinnamon heart in the center.”

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“PJ, you need to decorate some fancy cupcakes for a Valentine’s blog post.”

ARGHHHH! Those two little words I (don’t) long to hear–

“Decorate.” “Fancy.”

I immediately go into whine mode.

“Can’t MaryJane do it? She’s SUCH an artist, so good at all that… stuff.”

All that picky, intricate, delicate, SUPREMELY IRRITATING DECORATING STUFF.

For which I have all the patience of a 4-year-old at a birthday party…

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Don’t you love it when you find a recipe that does just exactly what you want it to?

I was looking for a good bake sale recipe recently. You know, something fast and easy, something “grab & go” (no wrapping required); something tasty, relatively inexpensive to make… and chocolate.

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From the surprise endings of movies like The Sixth Sense and The Usual Suspects; to crullers, martinis, and – of course – Chubby Checker, some things are just better with a twist. After all, who doesn’t love…

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Is it time for the annual January thaw yet?

Not quite… but we’re getting close.

I’ve lived in northern New England for 35 years. Before that, I lived in southern New England. I guess, culturally speaking, that’s akin to saying I live in the Deep South, and before that I lived in the South.

It’s all below the Mason-Dixon line. Just as all of New England is in the North.

In fact, New England, for those of you a bit, shall we say, “geographically challenged,” is that jumble of little states in the upper right corner of the United State map.

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“Mom, can I have cookies for breakfast?”

I know we’ve all heard it at some point in time getting the kids ready for school, or (insert early morning sport) practice, or even just on a lazy Sunday morning when they think they can catch you off guard. Well, how’d you like to be able to say  “Yes?”  Wouldn’t that just beat all, and leave your offspring thinking you’ve finally gone over the edge? Not really…

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I’ve always loved Parker House rolls.

I mean, what’s not to like about these soft white rolls? Mild, very slightly sweet flavor. Tender, melt-in-your mouth texture.

And butter. Lots and lots of butter.

The one thing I’ve never liked: how you make them. (more…)

Jan Brett, a wonderful writer and incredible artist, has been delighting families with her internationally famous books for years. Featuring magical tales of children and animals, and intricate, beautifully painted pictures, Jan’s books are the source of many a bedtime story.

We were thrilled to find out recently that Jan is a baker, too. And that she’s developed a recipe for a delicious whole-grain bread – using all kinds of our King Arthur flours and grains.

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