*&%$#@! Silicone Pans

I swore I would never use or buy silicone bakeware.

Now I just swear at silicone bakeware.

Am I alone?

I gave in to those flexible silicone pans because of the promise of muffins and madelines and cakes that would never stick. No more…

Black Santa Figurines Gather in Czech Republic

I don’t remember how many years it’s been since I first tucked a resin black Santa figurine in my kids’ Christmas stockings. I bought them at Morrison’s Discount Warehouse each December for something like 87 cents. After Morrison’s closed about a year ago, the black Santas became even that…

‘Dear Mom: Need Chicken & Dumpling Recipe, ASAP’

All three of my adult kids are excellent cooks. It makes sense because from the time they were babies they hung out in kitchen, either with me or their dad, who’s also a good cook.

First they sat in infant seats on the kitchen counter. Later they grew into…

‘Goodbye and Thank You, California’ - From Pavel

Pavel Navrátil, my Czech daughter-in-law’s younger brother who stayed with Bruce and me for five weeks, returned to his home in the Czech Republic one month ago.

While he was here he created his first slide show of his California trip.

He…

Czech Out Pavel’s Beer Chicken

Many of you met Pavel the other day here on anewscafe. He left for his home in the Czech Republic after visiting us for five weeks.

I guess the best way to describe my relationship to him is he’s the younger brother…

Czech Daughter-in-law Checks Out North State

I abandoned my post for a few days, but for good reason. Son Joe and his wife Marie arrived from their home in the Czech Republic. We’ve been busy showing Marie around. Thank you for all the great suggestions, some of which you’ll recognize in…

Christmastime Czech* List

A wise friend Kelly suggested I wait to write about son Joe and his wife, Marie’s, visit to the United States until they’d actually touched down upon U.S. soil.

Just in case.

Better safe than you know what.

I’d hate for something I’d written…