Culinary Adventures with Camilla

I'll admit it: I ordered this book based on the cover alone. The Puma Years: A Memoir by Laura Coleman.* Isn't it stunning? On the Page image from amazon.com This is a memoir, plain and simple. It's Laura Coleman's journey from a rudderless young woman to a driven, dedicated activist who works with rescued animals. What started as a volunteer stint in the Amazon blossomed into a full-blown love affair with the work of rehabilitating animals, especially a puma named Wayra. But there is also a parade of animal characters that include Faustino and Coco, howler monkeys; Panchia, a semi-wild peccary; Lorenzo, a blue and yellow macaw; Sama, a jaguar; and Matt Damon, a rescued rhea. This isn't a treatise or prescription about animal rescue. It's simply Coleman's experience. And it's beautifully executed. I think there are certain years in your life when adventures and time away from your usual life leave an indelible mark. The Amazon permeated her very being...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Torani  and may contain affiliate links.  All opinions are mine alone. I received a bottle of a brand-new product from Torani* - one of their puremade syrups. I've long been a fan of Torani and used their syrups in my  Hot Caramel Apple Cider ,  Lavender Panna Cotta ,  Guava Gin Fizz , and more. So, drinks and desserts were my go-to. But I rarely used those syrups in any kind of savories. Then I noticed that a friend had used a syrup in a vinaigrette and I thought to myself: Why not? Sometimes you put honey or maple syrup in a vinaigrette. Done! As I mentioned, this Puremade Syrup from Torani is a brand-new product; it will be available to customers shortly. But I  love  that Torani Puremade Syrups contain: no artificial preservatives; no artificial colors; no artificial flavors; and no GMOs! I whipped up this batch of Puremade Vanilla Bean Vinaigrette and drizzled it on an entree sa...

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Torani  and may contain affiliate links.  All opinions are mine alone. I recently received a bottle of a brand-new product from Torani* - one of their puremade syrups. I've long been a fan of Torani and used their syrups in my Hot Caramel Apple Cider , Lavender Panna Cotta , Guava Gin Fizz , and more. As I mentioned, this Puremade Syrup from Torani is a brand-new product; it will be available to customers shortly. But I love that Torani Puremade Syrups contain: no artificial preservatives; no artificial colors; no artificial flavors; and no GMOs!  I decided to let the boys decide who they wanted to use it. 'Hot Vanilla!' resounded around the dining table. "We love Hot Vanillas, Mom!" they hollered. I know. I know. When they were younger, we went to a breakfast spot and I always let them order - and share - one hot vanilla. Now we don't eat out as much, so we make these at home. You could also c...

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #AppleWeek. I received complimentary product from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #AppleWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone. Well, this year's #AppleWeek may be over, but I still have some recipes to share. When you have an entire parade of amazing sponsors, it definitely takes more than five days of recipes for me to fit them all in. So, you will be getting a few bonus recipes. And, as far as recipes went, two dozen bloggers brought you over ninety recipes to bring apples to your Autumn table. I hope you'll check them out. Also, there is still time to read my introductory post, peruse the prize packages from our event sponsors, and enter the giveaway:  here . You won't want to miss out. Really. I received some gluten-free oat grahams from one of the event sponsors - Nairn's - and loved the stem ginger ones. Well, they were all delicious. But the stem ginger ones needed to be paired wi...

 This post is sponsored in conjunction with #AppleWeek. I received complimentary product from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #AppleWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone. Here we are at Day Six of this year's #AppleWeek! It's the last day!! You can read my introductory post, peruse the prize packages from our event sponsors, and enter the giveaway:  here . You won't want to miss out. Really. As far as recipes go, two dozen bloggers have been working hard to bring you over ninety recipes to bring apples to your Autumn table. Here are the Saturday offerings for you. #AppleWeek Day Six Recipes Apple Cider Tea Latte by Who Needs A Cape? Cheddar Apple Biscuits by Simple and Savory Chicken Normandy by A Day in the Life on the Farm Hard Cider Iced Tea by The Baking Fairy Spiced Caramel Apple Cake with Vanilla-Flecked Buttercream by Culinary Adventures with Camilla Spiced Caramel Apple Cake  with Vanilla-Flecked Buttercream I...