I am a popcorn monster. During the cold winter months in northern Minnesota when it gets dark early, there’s nothing like curling up in front of the fire with a bowl of popcorn. I don’t eat the popcorn from a bag that is prepared in the microwave — too much sodium. The kind I eat is prepared the old-fashioned way in a pot on the stove, then drizzled with just the right amount of melted butter and sprinkled with salt. Napkins are a must.
Years ago, I had a generous neighbor who would make batches of Honey Peanut Butter Popcorn, always sharing a big bowl of it with us. It would usually be during the summer time. We’d sit out on my front porch munching and visiting, and suddenly, the bowl would be empty. The snack that my neighbor had intended for my family was gone.
I hadn’t thought of that sweet, chewy treat in such a long time. But the other night, as I was sitting on the couch with my big bowl of buttered popcorn, watching The Biggest Loser, that popcorn treat popped right into my mind.
I am a morning person. Regardless if one is a morning person or not, getting 5 people ready in the morning and out of the house on time can be a bit chaotic. Thank goodness I am organized. By the time my eldest wakes at 6:00 a.m., lunches are packed, I have read the latest news on the Huffington, and have had my first and only cup of coffee.
Panna Cotta is one of those great desserts that you can make ahead of time. It's so quick and easy and can be served in any pretty glass. When I make this recipe, I always have some mixture left over and I pour the extra into small ramekins. You can also pour this into coffee cups or espresso cups for a really fun presentation. 
I like to wake up early, while the house is really, really quiet and have a little “me” time. Generally, I make myself a cup of tea, read the NY Times and the LA Times food and life style section (on line), read my emails and check out my favorite blogs. I love that 1 hour in the a.m. right before all the turmoil and chatter begins.
A grilled cheese sandwich is as American as American gets. But other countries have their favorite form of cheese sandwich. The Swiss have the tradition of eating melted Raclette cheese spread on toasted bread.
The French have the cafe favorite, the Croque-monsieur, a hot ham and
cheese sandwich. The English have Welsh rarebit, which features slices
of toast doused in a savory cheese sauce. And of course, the Americans
have processed cheese product melted between two pieces of cardboard
white bread. It's what most kids grow up on, even me. But I think it's
time for a more mature grilled cheese sandwich.