Good Things by David

I was surprised by a recent gift that I received from a dear friend and reader.   Kenn's legendary biscuits , which were shared last month, have become the stuff of legend here on the blog and it was because of that write up, that my friend decided to send me a few goodies.  I had been told by Kenn that he was going to share some 'items' with me which he felt would be of interest to my tastes.  With my curiosity piqued I knew that whatever Kenn was sending would be marvelous. When the care package of good things arrived at my doorstep and I opened it, I literally gasped at what was inside.  Kenn's generosity was immediately felt and his attention to detail in the packaging was something which made me smile with tears.  I'm not sure when I became teary-eyed, but it must have been when I read his personal note saying how much he appreciated what I was doing here on Good Things by David . Kindred spirits.  Plain & simple. Kenn said to me that his...

I often get asked how I maintain an adequate weight being surrounded by the things I post and write about every single month.  Although I must admit that cookies, cakes and other sweets are things I enjoy, I eat them in moderation and share the rest.  Having a good diet is essential for my well-being.  However, exercise also plays an important part in my effort to sustain overall health and wellness, with walking being my favorite thing to do.  The trails that surround our home provide a nice workout in the afternoons and I try to walk them every single day.   Jennifer, who is a dear reader of the blog and a writer in her spare time, compiled some vital information to help us think about exercise, nutrition and overall wellness. Note: consult your own physician before starting any exercise routine.   Author : Jennifer Curtis  Exercise and Nutrition for Health and Wellness Regular exercise and  good nutrition  go hand-in-hand t...

Those stovestop espresso makers that are found throughout Italy have long been on my list of kitchen items to buy, and that's just what I did a few days ago.  I love an invigorating cappuccino or latte in the afternoons if I happen to be near a good cafe when I'm out and about.  As much as I like a barista taking care of my coffee drink and making it to my specifications, creating one at home shouldn't be something to stop us from enjoying a good brew in our very own abode.  After weighing the costs, manufacturers and ease of operation, I finally settled on the iconic Bialetti brand of espresso makers for my Pennsylvania kitchen.  I just had to see what it was like. With several capacities available from this particular brand, I decided to go for the middle-tiered 6 cup version.  Keep in mind that when talking about espresso, a cup of this brew equals to 3 ounces to be exact.  That is a 'shot' in espresso parlance.  A 6 cup stove top espresso maker ...

I thought it was time to bake a cookie that was tender, soft, sweet and full of coconut flavor.  As much as I like having coconut cupcakes to satisfy my craving for that flavor, it isn't often I come across a coconut cookie that meets such a need.  Yes, we do have coconut macaroons that are very popular with a lot of people (plain or dunked in chocolate), but why not have a coconut cookie that's more like a soft sugar cookie topped with some icing?  I'm all for trying out a new recipe in the kitchen to make something that is suited to one's tastes.     The iced coconut cookies that I came up with are just the thing to make on the days when only coconut will do.  What's nice about this recipe, other than the flavor and texture of the baked cookie, is the coconut-flavored icing that drips down so beautifully on each cookie.  I've always been captivated by icing on baked goods, whether it's a dark chocolate ganache, a colored frosting or a pris...

Now that it's September, I can honestly say that I see change everywhere I look.  Over the Labor Day weekend on my regular walks around our trails and the meadow, I noticed several trees that were already turning.  I don't know why this makes me a bit sad, but it does every single year.  As much as I like autumn and winter, I think about the beautiful landscape the way it is now and the way it will look like in the coming months.  Being surrounded by lush foliage, shrubs and plants is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes, so when it all disappears and becomes a barren landscape, it gives me a sense of longing for spring's renewal. Where has the time gone?  I feel as if events, birthdays and holidays are coming much too quickly, and yet there is still a lot to do.  Having said that, my month was filled with a lot of wonderful recipes and ideas here on the blog.  It always amazes me whenever I get a message from a reader thanking me for having writt...