FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD

We have 13 apple trees in the backyard of different varieties.  It's been fun to try them out.  We inherited these very old trees and Tom has been babying them.  Not sure how much longer they will last, but we are enjoying them meantime. Made four little loaves rather than the larger Bundt cake. Great for sharing!

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake

Exported from MasterCook                        

Recipe By: Suzie Wilkinson

Streusel Topping and Filling

 1/3      cup  packed light brown sugar

  2         tablespoons sugar

  1          cup chopped pecans or walnuts

  1-1/2    tablespoons  cinnamon

  1/2       cup cake flour

  1/4       cup unsalted butter -- softened

  1/2       teaspoon vanilla

Cake

  4          egg yolks

  2/3      cup  sour cream -- divided

  1-1/2    teaspoons vanilla

  2           cups sifted cake flour

  1           cup sugar

  1/2      teaspoon baking powder

  1/2      teaspoon baking soda

  1/4      teaspoon salt

  3/4      cup unsalted butter -- softened

  1           large  Granny Smith apple -- peeled, cored, sliced 1/4" thick

  2          teaspoons  fresh lemon juice -- sprinkle over apples

Preheat oven to 350-degrees.  Grease and lightly flour a 9" springform pan.

Streusel Topping: Place sugars, nuts and cinnamon in a bowl; mix well.  Reserve 3/4 cup for filling.  Add flour, butter and vanilla to remaining sugar mixture, blending well until the topping forms a coarse, crumbly texture.

Cake:  Combine yolks, 1/4 of the sour cream and vanilla.  Set egg mixture aside.  Mix together dry ingredients in large bowl.  Add butter and remaining sour cream.  Mix well. Gradually add egg mixture in three batches, beating well after each addition.  Reserve 1/3 of the batter.  Spread remaining batter into prepared pan.  Sprinkle with Streusel Filling.  Top with apple slices. Drop remaining batter over fruit.  Sprinkle with the Streusel Topping. 

Bake until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 55 to 65 minutes.  Remove from oven, cool on wire rack.

by Suzie Wilkinson

Vichino’s Café and Wine Bar opened in late January 2022, right across from the North gate in the mall anchored by Figs and the tax collector!!

As reviewed in Floirda Weekly, “Vichino’s is a family-owned coffee shop and wine bar boasting locally roasted coffee, a diverse wine selection set in a modern café and fresh baked goods made in-house. The new local venue features an espresso bar, frozen coffee drinks, frozen and iced coffee drinks, hot and iced teas, flavored sparkling water, Italian ice, craft beer and mimosas.” 

A big hit has been the Large Pretzel Twist served as a Charcuterie appetizer. The pretzel is fresh homemade filled with delicious cheeses, meats and olives.

“The all-day café will shift into night mode as a wine bar with themed evenings and live entertainment, said owner Kevin Vichinsky. Vichino’s casual setting includes a cozy lounge area, bar seating and coffee counter service.”

Vichino’s, 25987 S. Tamiami Trail, Unit 100, is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The new business is in Bonita Commons retail center, which is anchored by Figs Grille and Pickleball & Tennis US. Call 239-317-2146 or go to Vichinos.com. or on FaceBook @vichinos