Time With Friends And Lots Of Laughs
What could be better than spending time with friends where you finish each others sentences? What a gift it is to have friends that are like family (ok, better than family).
We are off for a short adventure to Florida including a little time in the Keys. Driving from South Carolina to Florida is not the most picturesque drive, but so nice to be able to drive a short distance to enjoy some sun and fun.
Cocktails, Conversation And Great Hospitality
So, our friend is an amazing cook and always pulls out all of the stops when we visit. Upon arrival, a pitcher of chilled Cosmos were waiting for us. Sitting out on the patio and sipping a cold libation was the perfect “touch” after our 8 hour drive.
Winner, Winner, Braciole Dinner…
And then, there is dinner all ready for us to enjoy when we finish our cocktail hour. The freshly made pasta with a delicious gravy (sauce) was incredible. If that was not enough, there was also Braciole! Add a little garlic bread and you have got an amazing feast.
Stay tuned for the Braciole recipe…the most delicious stuffed pork tenderloin that is simmered to perfection in the delicious gravy.
A Little Background Story
Both the hubs and I grew up in Michigan. Since my family immigrated from the UK and most of our family were still there, we “acquired” friends that were considered to be our relatives. Aunt Connie and Uncle Bob and their family were special in our lives and we grew up with their kids and now get to meet their Grandkids and Great Grandkids. Like a lot of families, most of them moved to Florida to escape the cold Michigan winters. We now stay with our cousin and his wife when we are in the area (just like family) – such fun!
After a great night of reminiscing, we decided to visit our special Aunt Connie the following day. Aunt Connie fixed up my hubs and I on a blind date over 40 years ago. Aunt Connie is the hubs cousin and somehow she thought we would be a good pair. Well, we are still together and in touch with her and thankful that she was successful in bringing us together. She even wore cupid wings and carried a bow and arrow at our wedding.
And The Fun Continues – A Foodie Paradise!
Not only was dinner amazing the night we arrived, but brunch was waiting for us when we got up the next morning and was incredible! Just a little something….Western Omelette Souffle, Smoky Bacon, Sausage and an AMAZING Raspberry Coffee Cake Crumble. Somehow, our friends make it look so easy and make us feel so welcome when we visit.
After brunch we will stop by for a visit with our special Aunt Connie. So happy to be able to get to see her!
I could not resist sharing the recipe for the Coffee Cake. Trust me, this will become one of your “go to” recipes for any time, especially when you have overnight guests.
Raspberry Coffee Cake Crumble
- April 4, 2024
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Ingredients
- Crumb Topping
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut in to small pieces
- Coffee Cake
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (1 stick)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (this make it so moist)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional and can add more to taste)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 cups frozen raspberries or mixed berries (do not thaw)
Directions
- Step 1
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
- Step 2
- Grease a 9 inch spring form pan (suggest wrapping the bottom with foil to prevent leaks and place on a baking sheet)
- Step 3
- Mix the streusel together in a small bowl using your fingertips to combine the butter, flour and sugar evenly (the mixture should be crumbly – or you can pulse in your food processor)
- Step 4
- Cream the butter and sugar together for a couple of minutes until light and fluffy (use a stand or hand mixer in a large bowl)
- Step 5
- Beat the egg until completely incorporated
- Step 6
- Then, beat the buttermilk and vanilla extract
- Step 7
- Blend in the baking powder, salt, lemon zest and flour
- Step 8
- Fold in the frozen raspberries stirring just enough to get them evenly distributed
- Step 9
- Pour batter into prepared pan (grease and flour) and smooth out evenly
- Step 10
- Sprinkle the crumble/streusel over the top
- Step 11
- Bake for 55-60 minutes or until beginning to turn golden
- Step 12
- Insert a toothpick into the center and if it comes out without wet batter, it’s perfect!
- Step 13
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan and gently remove sides of pan
- Step 14
- This is yummy with a cup of coffee either warm or room temperature
My name is Kim and my passion is surrounding myself, family, and friends in a life of luxury. Each week, I’ll share with you new tips and recipes to create a luxurious life .