No Show in Boulder!

Hi Everyone! Sorry, but the Sunflower Farmers Market is a no show!! They will be open and the local fair I believe is still on for Saturday the 19th. However, I will not be there. Until June, the calendar is on the web site, you can order there, or wait until the "real" farmers markets start and get your products from me. I am planning a August GF Picnic! More about that soon!
Leslie

Grand Opening of Sunflower Markets in Boulder, Co.

News flash! If you live in the Denver, Boulder Colorado area or even the State of Colorado, Sunflower Markets are having a Grand Opening Local Vendors Fair at their new store in Boulder. Co. on Saturday, April 19th 7-11am. Come and see this beautiful new store and visit me! Even though I currently do not sell in their store, I will be giving out samples and even being allowed to sell my products to raise money for my charity, mamocomo foundation! How sweet is that! I will have my new Spice Cake Mix and samples! Looking forward to seeing all of you, Leslie P.S. The picture is Dried Blueberry Coffee Cake made with my new Spice Cake Mix.

Gotta have the recipe, well its on the back of the bag! Come and get it!

Spring has Sprung!!

I just love the smell of spring in the air! It has sprung up on me early this year, with Easter just a few days away. My fingers are just iching to get into the dirt( still frozen here) and get that garden going. I am planting a fall garden this year, pumpkins, sunflowers, squash and corn. Until then, I guess I will start my taxes. I like to save this tast for one of those spring blizzards we always have in March or April. Put on a big pot of Beef Stew to warm the kitchen and the heart and dig in. I have a great tax tip for you all. This came from Howard J. Kass, CPA and was printed in the March issue of Taming of the Sprue, Denver Metro Chapter #17.

"The Cost difference between gluten containing food products and specialty gluten-free alternatives is tax deductible for celiac patients. The cost of other items, like xanthan gum, are completely deductible. The shipping cost for these items are also tax deductible. However, in order to qualify, you medical expenses must exceed the 7.5 percent of the patient's adjusted gross income." So keep you recipts and cancelled checks. Isn't that great!! Happy Easter! Leslie

2008 Gallo Awards

My Sour Cream and Walnut Pound Cake has been choosen as a finalist in the 2008 Gallo Family Vineyards Gold Metal Awards!! Since 2006, Gallo gives out awards to companys that offer products that adheres to tradtional artisanal methods. There is 7 different categories, mine being in the Outstanding Bread/Baked Good.

For me, this is the ultimate compliment! I could not be any more proud! Judging is March 26th in New York City.

Wish me luck!! Leslie

Best Fish Recipes Ever!

Thought you would never have battered fried shrimp again? Well guess what, you can! Take equal parts of CrazyQFarm Bakery's Gourmet Baking Flour and Club Soda. Add 1/2 tsp. salt per cup of flour. And of course feel free to add any spices that float your boat! We use Old Bay Seasoning when we want something a little spicy. Beat the flour and soda and salt together in a large bowl. Let stand at room temp. for about 15-20 minutes. Beat again until very smooth. Dip your shrimp in batter and shake off any excess and fry for just 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. I use Crisco Vegtable Shortening to fry with. Try Cod or other firm white fish.

Catfish and Oysters are great fried in the Cornbread Mix as a coating. Wash and dry fish or shellfish well before trying to coat or batter, it will stick better. Serve with your favorite dip.

Or how about, a sweet batter, dipped in coconut and fried? Serve with a fruit dip! Have Fun!

If its February, it must be Lent.

For some of us, Lent means alot of fish. I don't mind fish, fish frys are fun. Next time you are going to fry up some cod, instead of plain cornmeal, I want you to try my Cornbread mix. Just shift the mix well and coat and fry your fish as you would normally do. Feel free to add any spices to the mix. Try baking it. Use 1/2 a bag and use the other half for 6 corn muffins. The new and improved Cornbread Mix uses 2 fresh eggs. As many of you know, you put in the mix a small carton of yogert. I recommend Brown Cow GF yogert. It is very creamy and rich. Let me know what you think!!
While you all are enjoying your fish, I will be having my second and hopfully final leg sugrey. I have recovered nicely from the first one, thank you, so onward and upward. No orders will be shipped Feb. 25th through March 2nd. Thanks for understanding. See you soon! Leslie

Meeting Shauna and Danny Ahern!

I knew it was them the minute I saw them. Peeking out behind the bookshelves with nervous little giggles as they watched us settle in for our reading. It was a snowy and cold night in Denver, a blizzard in Parker. Mark and I picked up Bev and headed to town. Thank goodness the weather improved as we got closer in. The warmth of the Tattered Cover was comforting. I was apprehensive what the new building would feel like, only going to the Cherry Creek store my whole life. It was nice to see some of the old rickety chairs, that made it through the move, still there. I planted my butt in one and propped up the "leg" in another. I was ready.
Only having surgery 3 days ago in my left leg, left me groggy, so I only took 1/2 a pain pill so I could remember what Shauna had to say. I was in luck, she read several of my favorite passages from the book. Shauna is a cute, little Italian woman, louder in voice than I though she would be and Danny, more sensitive and shyer than I thought he would be. Both are wonderful, warm people. They let us know that there will be a second book coming and a second web site for info and tidbits. Great minds think alike!
I waited until everyone had their autographs and I hobbled up there and introduced myself.
I brought her a little basket of mixes for a gift, a thank you gift, for her wonderful book.
In parting, she signed my book, said our good byes, and feeling fully satisfied, like a great meal and a full stomach, we left to go home.
On the way home I gave my book to Bev to read, she said, " Are you sure you want me to read you autographed copy?" "Of course! this book is to be loved, cooked with and enjoyed, grease stains and all"