Pebbly beach fruit squares - and a lovely friend

I’ve “met” great people since starting this blog back in 2006, and there are a few that became part of my days, despite the fact that in some cases we’re half a planet apart. :)

I know that she lives miles and miles away from here, but I would certainly love having the lovely Susan as my neighbor: I absolutely adore her (even though we haven’t met personally), I crave the yummy food she makes

Chocolate-chunk oatmeal cookies with pecans and cranberries

Just so you know it, these cookies – from Tara’s gorgeous blog – are delicious. And if you do not believe me, here’s the dialogue I had with one of my friends from work (the ones I shared the cookies with):

- You know, L., oats are really good for you, good for your heart.
- Well, those cookies were so delicious I would have eaten them even if they were bad for me.

I rest my case. ;)

Orange cranberry slice-and-bake cookies and an appeal for Bri

You must have already read on other food blogs that the sweet Bri is battling cancer once again. She’s shown us her strength and will power through these hard times and I’m sure she’s in everyone’s prayers.Bee and Jai of Jugalbandi are coordinating a fundraiser for Bri. The goal is to raise $12,000 to help her pay for her treatments (for a year). Click here to find out more about it and also to

Cranberry white chocolate chip oatmeal cookies

I first tried cranberries (the dried ones) a while ago when the lovely JB – thank you, sweetie!! – sent me some by mail. I loved how tart they were. Delicious! I ate several right out of the bag and kept the rest to use in a special recipe. My thoughts were to try JB’s wonderful scones but at the same time I wanted to make something that would last longer, so I could enjoy it more. Like cookies.