Shortbread Cookies with Maraschino Cherries Recipe

I’m heartsick about bazaars being cancelled this year. Damn you, COVID-19. Where will I get my cabbage rolls? Where will I buy my next tea cozy? Where will I flirt with women named Bea across a knit table?

RecipesBrian FrancisNovember 1, 2020BazaarsComment

Best and Worst Sugar Cereal

Sugar cereals have always had a bad rap. But I think it’s undeserved. Often, a heaping bowl of sugar, corn syrup and high monounsaturated canola oil is the best way to start your day.

Taste TestsBrian FrancisAugust 16, 2020Food Comments

Beanie-Weenie Bake Recipe

Every year since the dawn of time (or so it seems), I host an annual Caker Christmas party. I invite Italians to make – and eat – caker dishes. At the end of the night, I ask them to vote for the night’s best-tasting dish.

FoodBrian FrancisMay 12, 2020Recipes Comment

Tortilla Pizza Recipe

With everyone self-isolating, many parents are dealing with kids at home 24/7. And parenting is a lot harder than when I was growing up in the '70s.

Brian FrancisApril 26, 2020Comment

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

When it comes to times of stress and hardship, few things provide comfort like the combination of cheese and potatoes.

FoodBrian FrancisApril 17, 2020RecipesComment

JELL-O Pudding Easter Eggs Recipe

I used to have a food blog called Caker Cooking. In 2014, I shut it down. But tough time calls for good eating. And given the state of the world right now, who couldn’t use some comfort food? So, for a limited time, I’m bringing Caker Cooking back.

FoodBrian FrancisApril 7, 2020RecipesComment

Caker Christmas 2019

I can’t think of a better way to send off the decade than with a hot, steaming casserole. So I was happy to host my annual Caker Christmas party the other night.

FoodBrian FrancisDecember 22, 2019 Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 4

Well, I’ve put on 12 pounds worth of Mars Bars Slices and Peanut Butter Porcupines – and just in time for the holiday season! That can only mean one thing. Bazaar-o-Rama is coming to a close for another year.

CraftsBrian FrancisDecember 1, 2019Bazaars Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 3

Another week, another round-up of church bazaar treasures! What did I find this past Saturday on my travels? Read on, dear reader.

CraftsBrian FrancisNovember 24, 2019Bazaars Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 2

It’s been another exciting bazaar adventure of shopping, eating and making new senior friends. Here’s what I scored this week.

CraftsBrian FrancisNovember 17, 2019Bazaars Comments

Bazaar-o-Rama Week 1

I’ve put on five pounds worth of leftover Tootsie Rolls and it’s dark by 2pm. That can only mean it’s November and time for Bazaar-o-Rama, my annual tour of holiday church bazaars.

CraftsBrian FrancisNovember 10, 2019Bazaars Comments

Best and Worst Pasta Sauce

I’ve been partnered with an Italian for over 23 years. And in those 23 years, I’ve learned there are some things that Italians hold sacred: a clean house, designer sunglasses and disco singing sensation, Raffaella Carrà.

Taste TestsBrian FrancisNovember 4, 2019Food Comments