Last Chance Cafe

Don't be Afraid

My grandfather lived through the 1918 pandemic in Norway. His mother was a widow with 6 children. Needless to say, they were poor.

When the flu arrived in Stavanger my grandfather said they prepared as best as they could. He told me his mother would tell them everyday not to be afraid. Even when they contracted the flu, she continued to tell them not to be afraid. My grandmother's calming faith helped her children survive this sad time.

It's another trying time for the world, but I awaken every morning remembering my great-grandmother's words- You must not be afraid.

Vinegar for Dishwasher Rinse Agent

I'm using white, cheap vinegar instead of expensive rinse agents It works great!

Here is more information about using vinegar in your laundry, cleaning and housekeeping.

Pin the Tail on the Donkey Quilt

I absolutely love this sweet looking Quilted Pin the Tail on the Donkey Game. It has a list of materials and step by step instructions needed to make this favorite game.I like that you can use simple materials, such as a place mat and felt to make this game.

No Snow for Halloween

It is supposed to be fairly warm for Halloween, we usually have our first good snowstorm October 31st. I have my goodies ready, fake bugs, pretzels and tootsie pops. I loved Halloween as a kid, it was fun to dress up as my favorite character and get lots of goodies to eat. It's nice for kids to have their own little holiday!

Last of the Summer Lettuce

It's snowing today! I picked the last of my lettuce and basil from my little greenhouse. I made a salad with lettuce, fresh basil and yellow cherry tomatoes. It was a little celebration of the last of my summer produce. The lettuce was so sweet tasting that I'm hoping to start another crop, weather permitting!

It's My B-B-Birthday!

I'm happy to celebrate another birthday, 58 in all! I'm going out to lunch with my 83 year old mom. She's always up for a good time, so it will be so nice to be with her.
Wishing everyone out there a wonderful birthday this year, and next!

Hot Cocoa

I make my hot cocoa with hot water, stevia and cinnamon. I know it sounds strange, but it is so good! Pour hot water into a mug that contains 2 teaspoons of unsweetened, powdered cocoa and two or three little scoops of stevia. Stir and sprinkle with a good amount of cinnamon.

This drink is low in calories and fat. It also has the great health benefits of dark chocolate and cinnamon.

I like this hot drink better than coffee. My Swedish grandmother used to make this "get happy" drink when we were cranky. It really helps you feel better.

Spearmint Tea

Sipping on spearmint tea today. I've really enjoyed using fresh spearmint and peppermint leaves from my garden to make a mellow tasting herbal tea. It's so flavorful compared to dried mint leaves and it's less bitter tasting. You can make tea from other fresh items, such as ginger and lemon slices, raspberries, cinnamon and orange slices, the list is endless.  Here's to tea!

Happy Birthday Chocolate Cake

I'm making a nice rich chocolate cake with fudge frosting for my husband's 59th birthday. I use unsweetened cocoa powder, chocolate syrup, chocolate soy milk and chocolate chips in th cake batter. The fudge frosting tops it off perfectly for a chocolate lover's day. Happy Birthday!

Going to Miss the Tomatoes

I'm going to miss all the tomatoes from my pots this year. I put my tomato plants in big pots with only my homemade composted dirt. I've had a bumper crop this year. Tonight I'm making sauce with tomatoes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, lots of onions and garlic lightly sauteed in olive oil garnished with 1/4 cup fresh basil. We've been eating this marinara sauce with spaghetti squash this summer. It's so easy and tasty!

The fire roasted peppers are at the farmers market so I'll be making homemade salsa too. I have over 40 tomatoes sitting on the kitchen ledge. Time to start cooking.