They are life models and mentors to us in their devotion to each other, their family, and their faith. They were travelling to an event that supports the Holy Land - evidence of their devotion to our Catholic roots - of course, the event includes many social events and connections with old and new friends. Judy and Tonia are the bookends of their family - though opposites physically (Judy is petite, Tonia is tall) - their hearts and spirits are bonded.

 Those of you who know us well know that food was part of our time together. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Crescendo's in Albert Lea. As always Bob Tewes and his team did an outstanding job making us feel special as well as serving wonderful food. The filet, a standing menu item, never fails to please. Thursday was no exception. Both Bob & Paul thought the steaks to  be done to perfection and exceptionally tasty.  The grilled pork with black beans and rice and the lobster were equally satisfying and unique features on the menu. Darcy went out of her way to serve us.  Bob T. capped the evening by sharing his musical talents on the piano. Paul was so impressed that he immediately came home and put a comment in Trip Advisor. No doubt Bob Tewes and his staff appreciate the kudos. Check out Crescendo's latest menu at www.crescendofinedining.com

Friday morning Tonia enjoyed the experience of preparing a meal to send everyone on their separate ways with the energy needed to greet the weekend. Breakast included some favorites as well as an item certain to be a favorite going forward.  

Fruit & Yogurt cup - pretty easy to put together by layering blueberries, strawberries, canteloup and yogurt

Chiquita Oatmeal Banana Bread  - http://www.chiquitabananas.com/Banana-Recipes/oatmeal-banana-loaf-recipe.aspx

Tonia has modified the recipe to make a slightly healthier version by using coconut oil and replacing the sugar with a mixture of chopped dates (about 7 whole dates chopped) and 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup.

Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cake - a recipe clipped from the newspaper more than 30 years ago  unfortunately without a source noted so included below - it' a fall favorite ...

Apple preparation & mixture:

- Chop 4 cups of apples, unpeeled

- Beat 2 eggs, add to apples and stir to cover

- Add 1/2 c of oil (coconut oil is fine oil to use)

- 1/2 c of brown sugar, 1/2 c of white sugar (sugar reduced in half from original recipe)

Dry Ingredients:

- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour and 1 cup of regular oatmeal

- 2 teaspoons of baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon

-  1 teaspoon of vanilla

Mix well. Grease and flour a 9x13 baking dish. Bake for 1 hour at 325 degrees.

Egg & Bacon Cups  - gotta have bacon to start the weekend. This will definitely  be added to our regular repertoire of breakfast/brunch items. 

Serving Size: 2 per person

- Pre-cook 8 slices of bacon in the oven on a rack at 375 degrees just until transparent. Remove excess grease with a paper-towel.

- Place pre-cooked strips of bacon (one each) into a non-stick regular sized muffin pan forming a circle in the individual cups

- Crack one egg into the center of each bacon lined muffin cup. 

- Top with freshly cracked pepper and crumbled goat cheese

- Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes - adjust to your preference for egg doneness

These should pop right out of the muffin pan and be ready for serving immediately.

We enjoyed our gift of family this week and as always look forward to every time in the future.