Bee's

Bee Berrie is a 'moonlight baker' 

The Scottish medical microbiologist & self-taught baker cleverly updates vintage recipes to create her delicious sweets. Homemade jammie dodgers are available in a variety of flavors, including ginger (spicy gingerbread with dark chocolate ganache) & choccie (dark or white), and can be customized with up to four letters of your choice.

This Christmas, she's introducing an Italian three-wheeled van from which she'll be selling her treats at various UK markets throughout December.  In addition to her dodgers, a fabulous variety of desserts will be available, including amazing Clementine & Almond Cakes and Lavender & Rose Shortbreads {hand-crafted with Iranian rose essence}.

Watch Bee's website for details about the travelling Italian van, or place an order directly via e-mail {bee@beesbakery.co.uk}

How Much Do I Love Anderson Cooper?

Enough to stay up well past midnight to watch the ball drop with him on CNN. But we'll start with bubbles & Party Treats & Diana Krall around 9-ish, because some things just can't wait.

Party Treats

2 boxes Trader Joe's Vegetable Bird's Nests (julienned veggies formed into tempura-enhanced nests) 

4 oz. smoked salmon
Crème fraîche
Fresh chives or dill

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place Nests on a baking sheet and, reducing oven to 350, bake for about 10 minutes on each side until crispy and golden.  Remove & let cool slightly.  Layer with salmon and a dollop of crème fraîche, then top with finely chopped chives or dill and serve.  Makes 16 bite-sized morsels.  (Also yummy when ossetra caviar is substituted for salmon & layered on top of the crème fraîche.)

Happy 2009!