Kellys Bakery & Cafe

2012-01-22T13:11:00.000-06:00

This week’s menu (Monday night from 5-8pm!)

Soups:
Tomato Tortellini
Butternut Squash Bisque
Creamy Spinach & Artichoke
California Medley (cauliflower and broccoli with creamy cheese)

Salads:
Caprese
Candied Pecan
Shrimp Caesar

Breads:
Brioche
Challah
French Baguettes
Cucumber Salad Sandwiches

Dessert:
Caramel Apple Pie

2012 FIRST soup & Salad Night! 5-8pm Monday Night

2012-01-01T16:00:00.000-06:00

Soups:
Mushroom Brie
Lobster Bisque
Roasted Pumpkin with Bacon
Minestrone

Salads:
Candied Pecan
Cucumber/Tomato/Onion
Cobb (bacon, hardboiled egg, cuke, tomato, bleu cheese crumbles, cheddar)

Breads:
Brioche
Challah
Baguette
Cucumber salad Sandwiches

Dessert:
Snickers Pie

Soup & Salad Night 5-8pm 12/19/11

2011-12-19T06:46:00.000-06:00

Soups this week:
Lobster Bisque
Tomato Tortellini
Cream of Potato with Bacon
Cheeseburger Chowder

Salads:
Candied Pecan w/ Goat Cheese
Caesar
Tomato, Cucumber, Onion, red and yellow bell peppers, lemon juice, salt pepper, olive oil

Dessert:
Caramel Apple Pie or Merlot Wine Cake

Breads:
Brioche
Challah
Baguettes
Cucumber Salad Sandwiches

Ho Ho Ho

2011-12-15T09:37:00.002-06:00

50 degrees in December? Yep, we aren't feeling the "ready for the holidays" vibe either!

Good thing we're baking like we do....lots of decorated holiday cookies in the case for your pleasure! Lots of muffin baskets going out for client gifts, and even a few holiday parties thrown in there. Speaking of- we are closing the dining room at 5:30 today for a party....but to counteract that, we are doing take out orders until 8pm, instead of 7. It's all about compromise, baby!

Onto the good stuff..SOUP!
It's Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque Day- but we have chili, and butternut squash bisque, too!!

Nutella brownies have made their way back into our case; get them while you can!

Christmas Menu is HERE!

2011-12-01T07:02:00.003-06:00

11/28/11 Soup & Salad Menu

2011-11-27T16:39:00.001-06:00

Monday is soup and salad night!!!

Soups are

Loaded Baked Potato

Lobster Bisque

Cream of Chicken Wild Rice

Chipotle Sweet Potato (veghead)

Salads will be

Candied pecan with goat cheese

Greek

Asian Chicken

Breads will be

Challah

Brioche

Baguettes

And... Cucumber salad sandwiches!!

Dessert is Carrot Cake or Snickers Pie

Good Day Soup Lovers!

2011-11-05T07:59:00.003-05:00

I am sorry to say NO chicken noodle today....BUT we DO have:

Chicken Gumbo

Cream of Chicken Wild Rice

Veghead Chipotle Sweet Potato

And the case is loaded with all sorts of goodies!!

Open until 2pm!

Monday is soup and salad night!!!

2011-11-03T14:23:00.002-05:00

Soups are lobster bisque

Tomato tortellini

Chicken tortilla

Roasted pumpkin with bacon

Salads will be

Candied pecan with goat cheese

Caprese

Fresh veggies with homemade hummus

Breads will be

Challah

Brioche

Baguettes

Pitas

And... Cucumber salad sandwiches!!

Dessert is snickers pie!

Soup & Salad Night Menu 5-8pm tonight

2011-10-17T16:22:00.003-05:00

Soup and Salad Night Mondays from 5-8pm

Soups this week:
White Chicken Chili
Lobster bisque
Cream of Chicken Wild Rice
Baja Chicken Enchilada

Salads:
Candied Pecan w/ Goat Cheese
Pasta Salad
Chef Salad

Dessert:
Merlot Wine Cake
Coconut Cream Pie
Caramel Apple Pie

Breads (with an herbed goat cheese)
Brioche
Challah
Baguettes
cornbread

Soup & Salad Night is TONIGHT 5-8pm

2011-10-10T16:53:00.002-05:00

Soups:

Lobster Bisque

Tomato Tortellini

Cheeseburger Chowder

Roasted Pumpkin and Apple with Bacon

Salads:

Caprese

Candied Pecan w/ goat Cheese

Shrimp Caesar

Desserts:

New York Style Cheesecake, Turtle, or Oreo

Breads:

Cucumber Salad Sandwiches

Challah

Brioche

French Baguettes

Tonight from 5-8pm!

Hello Fall

2011-09-27T12:23:00.002-05:00

And you know what that means....soup & salad nights are back! Monday Nights from 5-8pm, we serve 4 soups, 3 salads, and breads galore. All for only $12/per person. This also includes a dessert and your choice of soda, coffee, or tea!

And, since you're such loyal blog readers (even when I don't post often!), you get a sneak peak of the menu!

Mushroom Brie Bisque (oh yes, it is BACK)

Chicken Noodle

Roasted Apple and Pumpkin w/ Bacon

Italian Wedding w/ Meatballs.

Check back tomorrow to find out the salads!

Meanwhile- today's soups:
Chicken & Dumplings
Butternut Squash Bisque!

F1rst Fr1days

2011-09-02T08:35:00.002-05:00

We're open until 8pm tonight! This month's theme is "Going Green." In an attempt to do our part, we are offering an amazing deal! 10 cents off your order when you bring in an egg carton...have lots? Bring in up to 50 and get $5 off! Local Egg Farmers will be singing your praises!

Also- it's LOBSTER Bisque day! Applesauce is MADE! Potato Salad is back anddddddddddddddddd Mexican Hot Chocolate Brownies. Hello September!

Things coming up this week

2011-09-01T12:20:00.001-05:00

The weekend is nearly here!

We are open tomorrow night until 8pm for F1rst Fr1days downtown! This month's theme is "Go Green", so in the spirit of going green, we are accepting Egg Cartons...and for each one you bring in, it's a dime off you meal...up to 50 ($5.00)

We have some egg keeping farms in the area that would LOVE to have them!

We will be CLOSED on Labor Day!

Hello Friday

2011-08-26T15:48:00.003-05:00

A wee bit late in posting, but late is better than never!!

What a week! I am back to school now, so posts on Facebook and Twitter may be a little off schedule!

We are in the heat of crazy summer garden season...and we've got some killer quiche coming out of the oven tomorrow (Saturday)....I am going to pick in my garden right after I type this post! Woot!

APPLES! We are out and we need more. Do you know a local farmer with some extras that they are willing to sell? If so, please have them email me (kelly@cookiesbykelly.com)

It's been way toooo long for a post

2011-08-03T09:30:00.005-05:00

So let's make it a good one, shall we?

It's here- the height of harvest season and we make the MOST of it.

Some things that you may, or may not know.

Chives- the chives we use on our Appled Ham Sandwiches, in our egg salad, and in our quiche come from my garden. We snip them just when we need them and in the spring, we even use the flowers!

Basil- the basil we use in all of our spreads is also grown in my garden. We pick it as we need it and blend it with lots of goodies to make it as fresh as possible

Onions- they are red and we get them from two places- DeSchepper Farms out of Rockford, or O'Rourke Farms right here in McLean County. We always use reds!

Pita Veggies- most of the veggies here come from Apple Ridge Produce out of Gridley. Zucchini, Squash, and Bell Peppers that is. Sometimes there is Patty Pan Squash and Chinese Eggplant and Red onion added, all from DeSchepper Farms!

Applesauce- I will say that I get my apples from whomever can keep up! This most recent batch came from Curtis Orchard in Champaign. The next round, I would be, will be from Henry Brockman's sister, Teresa. Apple Ridge usually keeps me well stocked, too. All of the apples vary, so sometimes the flavors do, too! The honey we use to sweeten our sauce USUALLY comes from Mr. Merrick out of Danvers! Honey Pimp Apiaries are already SOLD out for the season, so we can't try their goodness!

Eggs- we get all of our eggs from Annie's Eggs, also here in McLean County. YUM

Tomatoes- the mother of all vegetables. Currently, no farm is providing us with our slicing tomatoes- no one is ready. HOWEVER, Brown's Produce will most likely keep up in tomatoes starting this week. Our baby tomatoes for salads and quiche come from a variety of places...my garden, DeSchepper Farms, or Apple Ridge Produce. They are always different, which I LOVE!

Stuffed Tomato, tomatoes are currently coming from my own garden. They are all different, so you may not get the same kind twice...right now there are Old Germans, some Brandywines, and Lemon Boys...plus some cross pollinated goodies! Picked each morning and afternoon by yours truly :)

Coffee- YES, Coffee Nation has been keeping us in coffee ALL THIS TIME. They had closed their retail location, but they were still roasting. They are still roasting and we still get their locally roasted beans every week!

Blueberries- Jamie and I go and pick these bad boys in South Haven, MI every year. We freeze a bunch and pull them out when we need them!

Strawberries- there is ONLY one place...and that's Braffet Farms in Carlock...and yes, I pick them all myself!

Raspberries- these come from a couple of places....right now, it's AppleRidge Produce, but Jamie and I went and picked them in South Haven last year, too. And we froze them. And you get to eat them :)

and I think that's it. Whew...that was a lot. We compost our waste with Apple Ridge Produce each week...we fill out 5 gallon pickle buckets and they take it to their farm and let nature do it's work...plus they get the buckets and more plastic stays out of the recycling bins/landfills.

We recyle EVERYDAY. All of our boxes. All of our glass, metal, plastic...etc. We use our ice water bath for side dishes at lunch to water our plants. We use unbleached paper towels and deli papers for baskets...we use real silverware and cups and baskets. It's our job! Take care of the planet while we have one!

Anyway- that's my update...in case you forgot or just didn't know. Oh, and the pictures? Yep, my garden and tomatoes being served this very day! And our little wagon of apples we got at Curtis on Sunday for applesauce!

Asparagus Season

2011-05-05T13:48:00.002-05:00

Muffin, anyone?

It's upon us! Apple Ridge Produce is keeping us well stocked!!

Asparagus and goat cheese quiche to show for it!

May 14 is FARMERS' MARKET 730am! SO excited.

We rent our dining room!

2011-04-07T10:41:00.001-05:00

Todays soups: Chili or Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

Friday April 1st is First Fridays

2011-03-24T06:51:00.001-05:00

Kelly's will be open from 5-8pm and featuring some art from Raquel, Ariel, and Tanya.

Hope to see you there!

St. Patty's Day!

2011-03-16T12:10:00.002-05:00

Cookies we designed for "Hairspray"- the 2011 BHS Musical this last weekend!

And you know what that means! Corned Beef and cabbage with herbed butter potatoes and a slice of rye bread! $8 and until it's gone!!

Friday night is the Sugarland Concert at the Coliseum, so we will be staying open until 7:30 and serving dinner!!

Soup & Salad Night TONIGHT

2011-03-07T16:28:00.002-06:00

Soups are:
Mushroom brie bisque
Tuscan Sausage & Bean
Corn Chowder
Wisconsin Cheese

Salads are:
Candied Pecan w/ Goat Cheese
Caprese
Cucumber Tomato Salad

Breads are:
Brioche
Challah
French Baguettes
-served with butter or an herbed goat cheese

Desserts:
Pecan Pie

BAD blogger

2011-02-20T15:06:00.002-06:00

Valentine's Day is done, but we are still on a decorated cookie roll!!

more than 10 days since a post....ugh! Back on the wagon, now!

It's a fresh week- and President's Day...and that means I am working lunch! woot!

Soups tomorrow shall be chicken noodle and cream of broccoli

Quiche are Ham/Apple/Gouda or Buffalo Chicken/provolone

Stout cupcakes are going to be in the case again (thanks, Flinger's!)

2011-02-10T10:12:00.001-06:00

Chocolate Stout cupcakes....a la Flinger's Chocolate Stout on tap!!
Soups today are: Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

Chicken Dumpling

Tomato Tortellini

Brownies GALORE- including the return of cookie bottom brownies!

Tour de Chocolat

2011-02-05T17:41:00.002-06:00

ahhh....a success. Thanks to all those who made it out!!!! This was a picture from my entry from last year...I didn't even get out of the store this year, so I am hoping someone got a picture!

Have a GREAT Superbowl Weekend!

HELLO chocolate lovers

2011-02-04T13:49:00.002-06:00

It's that time again! TOUR de CHOCOLAT...and Kelly's is serving Chocolate Soup! From 5-8pm, downtown businesses are serving lots of free chocolate goodies!!

Mavidea, Jamie's business, has Jamie-made chocolate goodies...Chocolate Stout cupcakes(shown above) were a success and are at Flingers! Specs has smores and Commerce Bank has Curious George and chocolate dipped bananas!!

AND, as promised, we're serving dinner until 8 AND we have lobster bisque! So, when you are ready for a small break from the sweet stuff, we're there!

Hope to see many of you out, shaking off your cabin fever!!

Tour de Chocolat

2011-02-03T10:35:00.004-06:00

and for the FIRST time, we will have featured artists! Three of our employees will be featuring their jewelry, postcards, and intricate fabric flowers!

Friday night 5-8 and we are serving free chocolate soup! We will be also serving dinner until 8pm!

Today (Thursday), we are open until 2, due to super cold conditions. We are serving Chicken & Dumpling, Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque, or Tomato Florentine soups...Tanya just made 3 quiche, too!!

Hello Tuesday

2011-02-01T06:00:00.001-06:00

With the impeeding snow, we may close early...we will post on Twitter and Facebook if we do! DRIVE safely!!

It's Chicken Dumpling Day! As well as Shrimp & Corn Chowder or Tomato Tortellini...and Tuesday is all about trying Tanya's brioche or challah when you just get a cup/bowl of soup (and we promise- it will be SUPER fast!)

FRIDAY is F1rst Fr1days...and it's February- so that means CHOCOLATE SOUP...and all kinds of chocolate goodies! Curious George is going to be at Commerce Bank giving away dipped bananas!!

Soup & Salad Night Menu

2011-01-30T10:44:00.001-06:00

The winning entry from last year's Tour de Chocolat seen above. It's FRIDAY night from 5-8pm

Soups this week are:
Smokey Poblano Cheddar
Cactus Chili
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Tomato Tortellini

Salads this week:
Candied Pecan with Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Greek

Breads this week:
Ham & Gruyere Croissants
Brioche
Challah
French Baguettes

Desserts this week:
Assorted Pies!

We Rent our Dining room

2011-01-27T08:07:00.001-06:00

Late afternoons on Saturdays and anytime on Sundays....weeknights after 6pm!

A late Wednesday post

2011-01-26T12:09:00.003-06:00

We love cupcakes!

This is a late lunch post...soups today are Cream of Chicken Wild Rice, Chili, or Chicken Tortilla

There are sour cream coffeecakes in the case today! WOOT!

Tour de Chocolat is COMING. Friday February 4...5-8pm and you KNOW we're serving chocolate soup again!! SUPER yum!

The Chocolate Challenge Bake Off is being judged at the Mclean County Center for the Arts (the little building directly east of the BCPA) at 7pm!

Soup & Salad Night Menu

2011-01-24T15:33:00.000-06:00

Soup & Salad Night…Monday nights from 5-8pm- All you care to eat soups & salads, with homemade breads and a dessert. $12/per person

Soups this week are:
Lobster Bisque
Cheeseburger Chowder
Mushroom Brie Bisque
Minestrone

Salads this week:
Candied Pecan with Goat Cheese & Raspberry Vinaigrette
Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Turkey Cobb with your choice of dressing

Breads this week:
Ham & Gruyere Croissants
Brioche
Challah
French Baguettes

Desserts this week:
Carrot Cake
Or
Chocolate Merlot Cake (a first for soup & Salad night!)

Wedding Show is today!

2011-01-20T08:34:00.003-06:00

It may be a few months...but it's coming!

The Wedding Show is ut at the Parke Hotel...doors open at 5pm!! We will have a booth with lots of samples and fun stuff!

As for the store- today's soups are chili, Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque, or Chicken Chili

Chili Wednesday

2011-01-19T06:46:00.000-06:00

Our meaty chili is BACK...along with New England Clam Chowder, and Potato Au Gratin

Getting Married? Well, we will be at the Wedding Show tomorrow! At the Parke Hotel...doors open at 5pm!

Hello Chicken Dumpling Day

2011-01-18T05:47:00.002-06:00

Taffy Apple Pie! Available for order anytime!!

Sounds like ALL week is going to be soup friendly weather!

Today's Soups:

Chicken & Dumplings

White Chicken Chili

Cream of Broccoli

And, if you just get a soup (cup or bowl), we will be including brioche or challah!!

Join us Thursday at the Parke Hotel for the local wedding show....plan on getting married soon? THIS is the place to be.

Soup & Salad Menu- TONIGHT

2011-01-17T17:43:00.003-06:00

5-8pm

Ham & Gruyere Corissants, Brioche, Challah or French Baguettes

Soups:
Potato au Gratin
White Chicken Chili
New England Clam Chowder
Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque

Salads:
Baby Spinach with egg/bacon and a mustard vinaigrette
Candied Pecan w/ Goat cheese
Greek

Desserts:
Strawberry Cream Pie
Lemon Crumble Pie

Illinois Shakespeare Festival

2011-01-17T06:17:00.000-06:00

And Kelly's is doing Boxed dinners again this year!! More information to follow, but It's June and July, so keep some nights open!

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! I will be working all day, so come and visit :)

Soup & Salad Menu to be posted soon!

In house soups today are Cream of Broccoli and Chicken Noodle, as well as Potato Au Gratin!

2011-01-15T06:19:00.001-06:00

We make cupcakes....lots and lots of cupcakes! Our icing is made with 100% butter...no margarine, no shortening....good ol' butter!

Happy Saturday! It's Chicken Noodle Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Friday means LOBSTER bisque

2011-01-14T06:36:00.001-06:00

We rent out of dining room for private parties and our book really is beginning to fill up. Shown below was for a baby shower...mini chicken salad croissants, individual quiche, and a lovely seasonal fruit tray! Please email kelly@cookiesbykelly.com for more information

Lobster Bisque Day and we make 2 pots now!!

Vegheads Unite

2011-01-13T06:33:00.001-06:00

Cupcakes are just cakes in mini form!

Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque today...and Chili or Cheeseburger Chowder!!

We carry a full line of Republic of Tea choices for these super cold days...24, to be precise. Feel free to try them all (I really like the cinnamon vanilla!)

Mavis has cinnamon coffeecakes in the case!!!

Wednesday is CHILI Day

2011-01-12T06:30:00.002-06:00

Oh, I said we do cakes, right? (Even cheesecakes!)

and today we have 2 kinds...our regular chili or a smoother pub chili!

and just to throw in some more meat, our other soup is Cheeseburger Chowder (veghead friendly soups tomorrow, promise!)

On a roll with the blogging, wouldn't you say?

Tuesday is DUMPLIN' day

2011-01-11T06:21:00.003-06:00

Did I say earlier that we do cakes? Yep, we do!It's quite chilly out, and maybe even a little snowy- but we can warm you up!

Chicken Dumpling
Cheeseburger Chowder
Roasted Chicken Meatball

And we have BISCOTTI! Mavis has been working on new creations!

No plans a week from Thursday? Come and see us at the WEDDING SHOW at the Doubletree. We will have gobs and gobs of little cookies!

We do cakes

2011-01-10T06:53:00.000-06:00

The one pictured is a 3 layer carrot cake I made for Jamie last year :) Happy Monday!

Today's soups are Cream of Broccoli and Chicken Noodle
Tonight is Soup & Salad Night (see Saturday's post for the menu)

Mavis's coffee cakes are back in the case, as well as CINNAMON rolls. That makes 3 days in a row :)

Now, onto some good news. I am teaching 2 cooking classes at Vrooman this spring
3/8/11 is Appetizers and the link http://tinyurl.com/appetizerclass

I shall post the second class link, tomorrow :)

Soup & Salad Night Menu- Week 15

2011-01-08T21:28:00.002-06:00

Pub Chili

Roasted Chicken Meatball

Cheeseburger Chowder

Lobster Bisque

Salads: Caprese

Candied Pecan w/ Goat Cheese

Cucumber Salad

Desserts are carrot cake or apple pie

Breads are brioche, challah, cornbread muffins, french baguettes, or Ham & gruyere croissants

Monday Night from 5-8pm

Lobster Bisque Day

2011-01-07T07:14:00.001-06:00

Today's picture is of some cookies I did for the Farm Bureau class Jamie taught late last summer!

And you know, we make 2 pots on Fridays, so chances of running out are less!!

Fridays are a busy day, to say the least...we really try to get the bakery case loaded so you have lots of choices! Brownies are always a hit, so we have them today!!

And as for coffee- we're set. For now, we only serve regular and decaf....roasted from Coffee Nation. BUT, we have a variety of syrups that you can add to make it a bit more personal. I know we have said it before, but we really are thinking of adding specialty drinks...we just need the space!!

Happy Thursday

2011-01-06T07:04:00.001-06:00

Today's photo is of one of the Artezen t-shirt designs...for sale, always at the store :)

BACK to school...Tanya, our manager extraordinaire, is back on deck :)

It's quite chilly out, so stay warm!! Mavis is back at it with her individual coffee cakes...so good.

And as for soup, well It's Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque Day!! AND, good old fashined chicken noodle. As for the third, well that's a surprise, don't you know!

Impressed with the constant daily blogging? Yes, me too!!

Remember, tomorrow is F1rst Fr1days...and that means we are open late! AND we have applesauce, what more can you ask for?

Quiche is ready this morning- check us out on Twitter for daily soup/quiche updates without all of the text (and probably straight from your phone!) www.twitter.com/kellysbakery

Happy Wednesday

2011-01-05T07:58:00.001-06:00

Today's Picture comes from our 2010 Build Your Own Gingerbread House night...always the first Saturday in December...reservations only!

AND that means that I am working all day...YEP, Tanya is working Saturday, and today...well, you get me! SO, plan on super fast sandwiches.

And the Buffalo Chicken Ranch Panini is back (for a bit)...buffalo chicken, bacon, tomato, pepperjack cheese, and ranch dressing on Italian bread and grilled to perfection. YUM!

And, we will have applesauce on Thursday! It's been out for about a week, but we still have local apples squirreled away in our freezer and Mr. Merrick's Local Honey...so make your New Year's Resolution ring true with the NATURALLY fat free side...it's truly just three ingredients....apples/honey/cinnamon. So, technically it's sugar free...processed sugar, at least!!

And for soup...we are serving CHILI, Cream of Chicken Noodle, or Smokey Poblano Cheese today!!

Brrrrr....it's cold

2011-01-04T10:55:00.003-06:00

Here is one of the pictures from the spread of the 5 year anniversary party...pictures make blogs more interesting, so I am going to try and add those, too!!

but sunny, so the squirrels are out in force....drive safely to avoid hitting them! Oh, and reminder to fill your bird feeders, too. When the ground is FROZEN, as it is today, their food sources dry up very quickly...nutrient rich suet is a VERY good choice.

Onto the good stuff...soup. Today it is Cream of Broccoli, Chicken Dumpling, or Tomato Tortellini.

There are white chocolate macademia nut cookies in the case, too!!

Soup & Salad Menu- Week 14

2011-01-01T19:08:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! 2011 is starting out with a bang!
Monday Night 5-8pm (1/4/11)

This Week’s Menu:
Chicken Noodle
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Cream of Chicken Noodle
Tomato Tortellini

Candied Pecan w/ goat cheese Salad
Caprese
Chef’s Choice

Breads are: Challah, French Baguettes, Brioche and Ham & Gruyere Croissants (served with butter or an herbed goat cheese)

Dessert shall be: Chocolate Cake or Tiramisu
This includes the beverage of your choice J

New Years Resolution

2011-01-01T15:44:00.002-06:00

And it's this blog...when I first started Blogging, I knew nothing of Twitter and I was very anti-facebook. And as a result, I blogged nearly every day. I don't know how many people actually read this blog, but I have fun doing it.

So, for 2011, I am going to try and blog every other day. Reasonable goal, I think :)

Well, we are working towards 6 years in business- so thank you 2010 for a great anniversary.

So- what is there to look forward to? Well, we are bringing back the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Panini in January; starting Tuesday!! AND, we have three soups, everyday.

We are always planning new things, and our next big one is the Valentine's Day dinner...it was such a hit last year, I think we're going to do it again...menu coming soon.

Mavis, whom is helping with the baking, is a coffee cake pro, so plan on seeing those in the case multiple times per week.

We're still using local eggs...but I worry production at Kirkpatrick is down with this cold cold weather...so now we will depend on PrairiErth exclusively...we PROMISE to use the local eggs as long as we can get them.

2011 Farmers' Market is still on the horizon...before soon, it will be here!

We are also going to be planting vegetables and herbs in our community garden plot, exclusive to the bakery...everything grown there is coming to the bakery in form of quiche, soup, or anything we can think of....I will do a better job of taking progress pictures. We have a box of crushed egg shells that we are saving to help enrich the soil (and the soil needs A LOT of enrichment)

I will be posting the "official" soup & salad night menu later or tomorrow, but I will tell you that Tomato Tortellini is going to be on the menu...and Shrimp & Corn Chowder!

Until then, have a great New Years Weekend!
k

Soup & Salad Night Menu-Week 12

2010-12-18T07:50:00.001-06:00

This Week’s Menu:
Sausage & Pepper Stew
Smokey Poblano Cheese
Roasted Chicken Barley
Tomato

Candied Pecan w/ goat cheese Salad
Chinese Noodle Slaw
Turkey Taco

Breads are: Challah, French Baguettes, Greek Feta Biscuits and Ham & Gruyere Croissants

Dessert shall be: Taffy Apple Pie or Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Soup & Salad Week 11 Menu

2010-12-12T20:06:00.003-06:00

Soups:
Creamy Chicken Noodle
Chili
Wisconsin Cheddar w/ Bacon
Tomato Florentine

Salads:
Caprese
Candied Pecan w/ Goat Cheese
Caesar

Desserts:
Carrot Cake or Pecan Pie

Breads:
Corn Muffins, Challah, Baguettes, or Ham & Gruyere Croissants

5-8pm Monday Night

Soup & Salad Night Menu- Week 8

2010-11-21T20:30:00.002-06:00

Soups are:
Beef Barley
Cheeseburger Chowder
Butternut Squash Bisque
Cream of Chicken Wild Rice

Salads are:
Candied Pecan
Vegetable
Garden with your choice of dressing

French Baguettes and Challah with an herbed goat cheese

pies are:
Pumpkin with Whipped Cream
or
Cherry
or
Peanut Butter

5-8pm Monday nights!

Thank you!

2010-11-17T08:29:00.002-06:00

Thank you to everyone who made it out for our 5th Anniversary celebration and ribbon cutting. It has been an amazing week and we really appreciate all who made it out to celebrate with us! HOPEFULLY none of you left hungry!!

And as for today, well is 5% off your entire order, in honor of this event!!

We also have
Chili
Potato Au Gratin
Mushroom Briw Bisque as our soups today!

OH- and tonight, at the Coliseum, we are sponsoring our first ever pie eating contest! Winner gets one free pie a month for 6 months!

Soup & Salad Night Menu- Week 7

2010-11-14T17:06:00.001-06:00

Soups are:
Lobster Bisque (yep- it’s true)
Potato Au Gratin
Vegetarian Mushroom Brie Bisque
Pumpkin & Roasted Apple with Bacon

Salads are:
Candied Pecan with Goat cheese/raspberry vinaigrette
Greek
Garden

Desserts are:
Lemon Streusel pie
Or
Dutch Apple Pie

Breads are:
French Baguettes
Challah with a homemade herbed goat cheese

Happy Thursday- it's so nice out

2010-11-11T08:51:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Festival of Trees! We are so happy you're downtown!!

Today we are enjoying this gorgeous weather...our sidewalk cafe furniture is still out!

We have Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque, Chili, and Chicken & Dumpling Soup today!!

Homemade applesauce, of course!
The case has lovely walnut brownies, de Rachel!

Have a super day!

Soup & Salad Night Menu- Week 6

2010-11-07T20:39:00.002-06:00

Soups are:

Clam Chowder

White Chicken Chili

Tomato & Beef

Creamy Chicken Noodle

Salads are:

Candied Pecan w/ Goat Cheese

Bacon & Bleu Cheese with Walnuts

Garden

Serving Challah, cornbread, and Frnech Baguettes

Desserts are:

Strawberry Cream Pie

Blackberry Raspberry Pie

or

Cookies & Cream Pie

Kelly's is turning 5!!

2010-11-03T08:09:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? We can't either!

So- we've got lots of fun planned!

Most importantly, we're having a bid ol' party on the 16th. At 4, we are having our ribbon cutting, followed by free give a ways and lotsa food!

Here's the line up for the rest of the week:
Monday- free piece of birthday cake with any purchase (limit one per customer)

Tuesday- 5% off your entire order, all day! (it's the "official" day we turn 5)

Wednesday- 5 cent mini cookies

Thursday-every 5th customer ordering lunch gets their food 50% off

Friday-5 cent sodas/iced teas during lunch (11-2)

THANK YOU to everyone who has made this possible!!!!

Today's soups: Asiago Cheese Bisque
Chili
Stuffed Pepper

Soup & Salad Night Menu- Week 5

2010-10-26T13:39:00.002-05:00

so, those of you who are reading this get an EXTRA EARLY sneek peak into next week's menu! LUCKY YOU!!

Soups are:
Asiago Cheese Soup
Cream of Potato
Italian Wedding
Creamy Chicken Noodle

Salads are:
Caprese (this week, we PROMISE!)
Candied Pecan
Chef's Choice!

Whoops, I missed a week!

2010-10-26T13:37:00.001-05:00

But, I promise, I will post this up and coming week ASAP.

Wednesday we will be having chili and Butternut Squash Bisque soup!

Today, there is pumpkin and raspberry pie in the case...soups are Corn Chowder, French Onion, and Chicken Dumpling!!!!

Soup & Salad Night Week 3

2010-10-16T09:56:00.003-05:00

Jim Beam Bourbon Steak Chili
Mushroom Brie Bisque (Vegetarian)
Baja Chicken Enchilada
Gumbolaya
are the soups being served!

Salads are:
Salmon Caesar
Candied Pecan with Goat Cheese
Tomato & Green Pepper Salad

Breads are:
French Baguettes
Corn Bread
Challah with butter or an herbed goat cheese

Desserts are:
Bluberry Pie
or
Dutch Apple Pie

5-8pm Monday night!

Soup & Salad Night...Week 2

2010-10-10T08:30:00.002-05:00

What can you expect tomorrow from 5-8? Well, let me tell you!
Cheeseburger Chowder
Tomato Tortellini
Cream of Chicken Wild Rice
Stuffed Pepper

Salads are:
Candied Pecan w/ goat cheese
Garden
Asian Chicken

Dessert is Strawberry Rhubarb pie or a slice of pumpkin roll

We will also have French Baguettes and challah...served with butter or an herbed goat cheese

AND, the case will be loaded with decorated cookies and all sorts of fun fall goodies!

Soup & Salad Night Starts TOMORROW!

2010-10-03T17:54:00.003-05:00

Some new pics from Tanya

And I am ammending my earlier posts about soup variety...it's going to be:

Cactus Chili

Chicken Noodle

Butternut Squash Bisque

Shrimp & Corn Chowder

Salads are:

Candied Pecan w/ Goat cheese

Oliveada Pasta Salad with fresh mozzarella

Greek

And dessert is Apple Pie!!

Tomorrow is Cream of Broccoli Day and I will be whipping up some quiche in the morning!

7 years as Kathy Mathy

2010-09-13T07:53:00.002-05:00

So, 7 years ago, Jamie and I were married. I relinquished the name Cosentino, which was often mispronounced, and well, spelling was a joke. But now, now it's better. I am a Mathy. I am quite often Kathy Mathy instead of Kelly. You just can't win :)

It's the season of anniversaries...Kelly's, the location, turns five in less than 2 months- can you believe it? Me neither!

I told Jamie that I constantly feel like I smell like soup...well, that's 5 years of smelling like soup, and cinnamon rolls and brownies and cookies. I could go on and on.

BUT, today, the case is loaded with some staff favs. Rachel, our ever changing red head, I mean blonde, I mean brunette is happy to declare that homemade peanut butter cups are back. As are pumpkin bars and strawberry kiwi fiesta squares. I made marshmallow brownies, sand grahams, for something a little sticky :)

Soups are chicken noodle and cream of broccoli!

It's Lobster Bisque day

2010-09-10T07:54:00.003-05:00

I wonder how many times I have said this....it's Lobster Bisque day. Well, nearly 5 years worth of Fridays, for sure!

The case is LOADED. Pumpkin bars, 3 types of cuppiecakes, S'mores brownies, heath fudge, apple cakes, wine cakes, muffins galore, filled cookies, orange rolls!

We are still going strong at market....730am-12 every Saturday, downtown!!

Short week?

2010-09-08T12:21:00.001-05:00

Aye yi yi...it's Wednesday already! That means chili!!

There are decorated cookies in the case....and peanut butter explosion brownies.

As for quiche- three cheese....bacon/tomato/cheddar...roasted red pepper/goat cheese

Have a SUPER night

K

Happy Friday!

2010-09-03T12:40:00.002-05:00

It's Lobster Bisque day and we've made 2 pots!! No running out, at least not until later!

It's First Fridays and that means we're open until 8 tonight. Come and see Chelsa, Paige, and Rachel for some trivia with prizes from Kelly's and Commerce Bank!

The case is LOADED! Butter Pecan cupcakes, pumpkin bars, s'mores brownies, filled cookies and MORE!

Three cheese quiche, orrrrrrrrrrrr Ham Apple Gouda, orrrrrrrrrrrrr Turkey Ham Provolone Tomato!

Have a super weekend, and remember, we're closed on Monday.

ANOTHER post? Yep, you betcha!

2010-09-02T08:32:00.003-05:00

Happy rainy Thursday!

We are serving Fire Roasted Red Pepper Bisque today! Yum!

The case has chocolate chip muffins...we havent had these in FOREVER, so welcome back.

just a reminder that tomorrow is First Fridays and we're open until 8pm. Coincidentally, we are also going to be closed on Monday for Labor Day.

Quiche didn't get made this morning, so we only have 3 cheese. MANY quiche tomorrow, promise!

Happy Tuesday- late!

2010-08-31T13:22:00.001-05:00

Good afternoon!
It's already been a busy week, and it's just starting!

Just a heads up that we will be CLOSED for Labor Day!

Also, it's First Fridays, so we are open until 8 on Friday night!!

The tomatoes in the salads this week are being picked daily at the West Side Community Garden. Jamie and I started seeds in our basement this year and they took off. We realized that we planted nearly all small cherry or pear tomatoes. Our mix up is to your benefit; lots of lovely sweet tomatoes in your salads :)

Have a super day!
K

Good Monday Morning

2010-08-30T08:48:00.002-05:00

We had SUCH a busy weekend. We hope all enjoyed the carrot cake and applesauce at the Press Release on Saturday. Digging carrots at the West Side Community Gardens was interesting...but we made a LOT of batter, so carrot cakes are in the case today!!!!

September is nearly here and that means APPLES APPLES APPLES...and lotsa applesauce. We've been peeling and coring away, so it's always available as a side option. We also sell it by the pound $6# and it freezes well :)

Just a heads up that I will NOT be in during afternoon working hours due to Open House at school. Hence I will not be returning calls or emails, either!

Today is Cream Of Broccoli & Chicken Noodle

Quiche are:
turkey & Swiss
3 cheese
Feta, artichoke, black olive

Business Before Hours

2010-08-25T08:32:00.001-05:00

It was nice to see so many at the Before Hours this morning at Hartweg, Turner, & Wood!!

The bakery case has PUMPKIN BARS today....nothing says fall like pumpkin goodies!

We also have a raspberry & goat cheese quiche that Tanya made this morning, as well as a green pepper/tomato/cheddar one!

We have chili and Chicken Dumpling today, too!!

Fire Roasted Red Pepper Soup today

2010-08-23T11:26:00.002-05:00

and the case is loaded! Cheesecake brownies...triple chocolate AND caramel ones, too!

I am back to school, so the blog posting may be late (as in today during my lunch!)

We have GOBS AND GOBS of applesauce...we are peeling away!

Lots of new faces here at Kelly's. We hope that you get to know each of them!

BIG news in the fact that we celebrate our 5 year anniversary on November 16! Can you BELIEVE it? Me neither!!

More details to follow!

Well HELLO apple season!

2010-08-03T09:53:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Teresa Santiago and Curtis Orchard, we have started our applesauce season almost and entire month early!! I can HAPPILY say that 4 bushels of apples shall grace our doorstep tonight, so as long and we're peeling away, we will be offering applesauce until apple season is well over! We DO sell it by the pound! We sell a lot of things by the pound :)

Applesauce $6/# (apples, Merrick Farms honey, cinnamon!)
Chicken Salad $6.50/#
Tuna Salad $6.25/#
Potato Salad $4.25/#

We prefer call aheads for these, as all of you know, lunch gets pretty busy!

Lots of new faces at Kelly's. Tanya is our new manager and she is super sweet! Thank you to everyone for your patience during the training process.

I am cooking an herb cooking class tonight!! I think there may still be time to sign up :) Heartland Community College Community Ed website.

Well, that's about all for now...I am working lunch, so perhaps I shall see you!

It's Chicken Dumpling Day!

Coffee

2010-07-22T14:35:00.002-05:00

Every morning, my day starts out by brewing 3 pots of coffee...2 regular and 1 decaf. And every morning, we have our "regulars" who come in for their cup and are on their way. I never really post about coffee, so I thought it was about time.

We use compostable cups/lids/clutches/stirrers. SO, when you're done- throw it in your compost pile. OR, better yet, bring in your own cup and get 50% off. YEP, 50.

We get our coffee from Coffee Nation, here in town. They roast it for us weekly. Dan, the coffeeman, delivers it right to our counter. So, in essence, it's two small businesses, in one :)

We have free syrups. Yes, a cup of coffee is $1.75, but we use real cream, and offer syrups. We do have only one size and it's help yourself.

We have Turbinado sugar and regular cane sugar. We get the turbinado sugar from Katha down at Common Ground, so there you go again, two small businesses supported in one.

We open at 7 and stay open until 6, serving coffee the whole time
:)

Good morning, Sunshine

2010-07-19T07:31:00.002-05:00

It's Monday, yet again!

We are in the heat of cucumber season; so enjoy! They are directly from my garden. For those who don't know the story, here goes. Jamie and I planted a lot of seedlings this late winter in jiffy cups....to be transplanted into the ground in the spring, which we did. Well, the cukes were being bug bitten, so I pulled out the leftover seed packet, and put some seeds into the ground. Well, I then left that seed packet out by the grill, and what happened? RAIN. So, we planted all of the seeds, and they ALL germinated. And they are ALL growing....like mad. So, we are thick into the cucumber supply!

It's cream of broccoli day!!

You'll be seeing some new faces

2010-07-14T17:54:00.003-05:00

Summer is coming to an end (in school year terms) and we have some new staff members starting at Kelly's in the next couple of weeks. We are working our hardest to get them trained and ready for all of the lunches coming our way, so we appreciate your patience!!

Speaking of summer, we are PATIENTLY awaiting Mr. Merrick's tomatoes...we will let you know as soon as we get them!
Some things you may not know- we now get all of our chives and basil from Aqua Ranch (and romaine when it's not too hot!) We get all of our eggs from PrairiErth farms. We get our cream and milk from Kilgus Dairy. Some of the veggies for the pitas are local, and some are not :) The ones that are in season, well, those are the local ones- we <3 Apple Ridge Produce and their squash/zucchini!!

I wish I could be more diligent in my blog posts, but I plum forget sometimes. I am GREAT about our Twitter and Facebook updates, though!

One more snippit- Thursdays are now fire roasted red pepper bisque, not minestrone!

We're open this Sunday 8-2

2010-06-29T11:14:00.002-05:00

It's 4th of July, and we'll be open (next Sunday, too!)

This case is loaded with goodies, including Fourth of July decorated cookies!!

Soup today is Chicken & Dumpling
Quiche are: Baby Yellow Tomato & Goat cheese or Three Cheese!

We will be using LOCALLY grown cukes later this week....straight from....OUR GARDEN. I absentmindedly left a cucumber seed packet out this spring, and well, it rained. So, what did I do? I planted them...all! AND they ALL germinated. So, thanks to Jamie, and his ordering of a corner wooden trellis, it's LOADED with vines, blooms, and cukes!

It's 3rd Sunday Market time

2010-06-20T08:38:00.002-05:00

And that means A Gridley Antiques on Front Street is open from 10-4 today. AND, Kelly's supplied the muffins, so enjoy. It's one of my favorite places in all of downtown Bloomington and their flowers look amazing!

Speaking of flowers, the pots at Kelly's are LOVING all of this rain. The hanging baksets are from Casey's Flower Shop and are bigger than ever. It makes me so happy to see things in bloom!

We are closed today, for Father's Day, but we are open with regular hours the rest of the week.

Our 2nd Local Flavors dinner of 2010 is on Saturday- Vegetarian Style in Central IL. 6:30 seating, reservations only, $25/pp BYOB

Iced Chai tea is something we are making a permanent menu item- always available and made with Kilgus Dairy milk- GO LOCAL!

It's June and we're busy!

2010-06-09T11:39:00.000-05:00

And I am back working at the store through more lunches...I will be sandwich queen Thursday and Friday this week, so be prepared for lightening fast service ;-)

Farmers' Market is in full swing and so many things are making their way into the booths!! Plan on seeing strawberries again this week, which is FANTASTIC! Speaking of, we have strawberries as a side option today...freshly picked out at Apple Ridge Produce in Gridley and delivered this morning!

Chelsa made some darling barn decorated cookies, for those needing their sugar fix!

My niece and nephew are in town for a visit on Friday and Saturday, so we'll be scooting down around market! VERY excited.

And as we speak, the kitchen is being finished up. ONLY one wall sconce to search for this summer and it's 100% done. LOVE LOVE LOVE it and have been cooking a lot more because of it!

Busy Weekend, again :-)

2010-06-03T06:36:00.002-05:00

Friday night is the West Side Revitalization Project Fundraiser dinner. I can't believe it got here so quickly!

Saturday is Farmers' Market...730-12 AND we will have Pistachio muffins!

We just hired 2 new fellas....Shea and Gareth. Two taller people to reach the stuff on the top shelves...woo hoo!

Sorry for such a short post, I am in Chicago for the day and will be back tonight!

So much going on!

2010-05-26T08:39:00.002-05:00

Just 2 tables remain for the Local Flavors dinner on Friday!! Call 820-1200 for reservations!

Apple Ridge Spinach salad with fresh strawberries, walnuts, goat cheese and Aqua Ranch Farms Basil Vinaigrette

Vermilion Valley Steak Kabobs, with roasted Apple Ridge Asparagus, and Basil's Harvest baked Macaroni & Cheese

Apple Ridge Strawberries with Shortcakes made with PrairiErth eggs and topped with Kilgus cream!

Farmers' Market in the morning

2010-05-21T15:39:00.002-05:00

2010-05-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

Quiche ready NOW

2010-05-20T08:29:00.001-05:00

Apple Ridge Asparagus & goat cheese (seems to be a staple lately!)

Cheddar & Chive

3 cheese

Soup today is minestrone

We are already getting reservations for our Local Flavors dinner!! VERY exciting!

Farmers' Market- Saturday 7:30-noon!

Friday Local Flavors May 28th

2010-05-19T14:51:00.003-05:00

We're just trying to squeeze as much as humanly possible into May :-)

We will be having our 2nd Local Flavors dinner! Reservations only, $25 per person. 6pm

It's a 3 course dinner, featuring all local foods (well, as many as possible!)

Spinach Salad from Apple Ridge Produce and Aqua Ranch's Sweet Basil Vinaigrette

Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Basil's Harvest Pasta and Ropp cheese
Roasted Asparagus from Apple Ridge Produce
Beef Kabobs from Vermilion Valley Meats

Strawberry Shortcakes- Eggs for the cakes from PrairiErth Farms...Strawberries from Braffet Farms of Carlock and Whipped Cream made from Kilgus Dairy cream (and I am picking the berries!) In the case that the berries are unavailable with Braffet, we will be using another local berry vendor :-)

We will have homemade challah served with an herbed butter as well.

Please call 309-820-1200 to make your reservation.

Thank you for supporting all things local!!

Our West Sid eCommunity Garden Plot

2010-05-18T07:55:00.001-05:00

Mind you, this picture was taken over a month ago...it looks SO much better now! Corn and asparagus are up. Radishes are almost ready to be harvested...carrots are going crazy. Arugula is everywhere and the green onions have pop pop popped.

We are growing some chives and basil here for the store :) Not yet, mind you, but hopefully soon. Doesn't get more local than 2 blocks away!!

Thank you to all who came out for the first Farmers' Market. (and it is Farmers' with the apostrophe after the s- there are multiple farmers)...sorry- pet peeve and the English teaching side of me.

We will PROMISE to have more Cranberry Walnut muffins this weekend...and pistachio- they were a hit, with a capital H. We sold 8 quiche this weekend, so we are planning on making more. Apple Ridge has keep us in asparagus- we were smarties and took all they had, cut it up, and froze it!

Today's roasted veggies do, indeed have asparagus (and portabellas) in with the mix. Just a FYI.

Today's soup is Chicken Dumpling and the quiche are ready in about 30 minutes (Apple Ridge Asparagus/goat cheese, 3 cheese, or bacon/tomato/cheddar)

It's LOBSTER BISQUE Day!

2010-05-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

And quiche ready now:

Bacon Tomato Cheddar

Cheddar Feta Chive

Apple Ridge Asparagus Goat cheese

Farmers' Market is tomorrow! 730am BABY

Oye, it's almost here!

2010-05-13T10:07:00.001-05:00

Farmers' Market is COMING!

We will have muffins and scones, croissants and cookies, cinnamon rolls and granola, coffee and bottled drinks (please recycle) 7:30 until noon!!

Oh, and quiche- lots and lots of quiche!

Today we have chili and minestrone and the case is LOADED!

Hey, Wednesday

2010-05-12T10:28:00.002-05:00

And we made the front page of the Pantagraph again! WOOT! More importantly, the importance of using local produce made the front page!

Speaking of, that local milk and eggs- we used them to make each of the 4 quiche:

Apple Ridge Asparagus and Goat Cheese

3 cheese

Yellow Cherry tomato, chive, cheddar

Lorraine

PrairiErth eggs rock!

Soups today are Chicken Dumpling and Chili!

Happy Monday

2010-05-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

Quiche were a hit this weekend!! Two more in the oven about now- will post when they are done!

It's cream of broccoli day!

The case is loaded with all sorts of goodies, including Avon cookies. VERY soon, my walk will be here! Thank you to all who have supported me in the past. This will be my 7th walk.

Cookies are $2 and ALL of the money goes to the Avon Foundation.

Saturday is FARMERS' MARKET! 7:30-12 and the first one is ALWAYS a doozy, so come early! Kelly's will be loaded with muffins and scones and croissants and pie slices! SUPER yum! We're gearing up now and have a plan in place, so here we come!

We are back into swing with local produce, as it gets closer to summer! Keith at Apple Ridge is keeping us well stocked in Asparagus! Kilgus has the cream and milk flowing! PrairiErth is getting us eggs, and so is Epiphany Farms. Basil's Harvest for our hummus and kraut. And Aqua Ranch for our Sweet Basil Vinaigrette and basil!

We're open until EIGHT tonight

2010-05-07T10:41:00.000-05:00

First Fridays, baby!

Asparagus out our ears

2010-05-06T08:27:00.002-05:00

and I LOVE it! AppleRidge Produce made a delivery this morning! Soooooooooo- we have asparagus and cheddar quiche

as well as a SPECIAL SIDE! Roasted Asparagus, feta, grape tomato, chive, lemon juice and olive oil! Talk about Spring!!

Yesterday, apparently MTV was in house, recording people for a show called True Life? I have never seen the show and really know nothing about it! If anyone has any clues, email me!

It's Minestrone Day!!

Sun, Sunny Day!

2010-05-04T08:16:00.002-05:00

Happy Tuesday!

School is winding down and I feel like May ends up being the busiest month of all!

Tonight and tomorrow are my Spring Into Brunch cooking classes!! There is still space (and I give out door prizes!) contact dana.alvarez@heartland.edu

Today is Chicken Dumpling Day!

There is a caramel apple pie coming out of the oven, just. about. now.

AquaRanch is now providing us with basil again (and as of today, we will have the Sweet Basil Vinaigrette again! So exciting!

If anyone has a copy of the May/June Midwest Living that they are going to recycle- we would love to have it! We are in this issue!

T- Minus 12 Days

2010-05-03T07:37:00.002-05:00

and Farmers' Market will be here! We are preparing and HOPEFULLY ready to go when the day gets here! You'll be seeing some new faces at the market. Jim and Brent will be manning our booth of happiness, bright and shiny, early in the morning!!

Tonight marks our very last Soup & Salad Night until Fall!

Soups will be:
Smokey Poblano Cheese
Tomato Tortellini
Southwest Chicken Tortilla

Salads will be:
Pasta Salad with AppleRidge Farms roasted asparagus, lemon, and fresh chive (FROM my garden!)
Caprese
Candied Pecan with Goat Cheese

Desserts are lemon, cherry, or red raspberry pie (maybe rhubarb too)

Jess is making Parker House Rolls and Challah- served with an herbed goat cheese (again- herbs from my garden!)

Kelly's will be the exclusive caterer for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival this year! We are so excited to be part of an amazing tradition in central Illinois.

There is still time to sign up for a cooking class! I am teaching at Vrooman Mansion Tuesday and Wednesday Night of this week!! Spring Brunch. Contact dana.alvarez@heartland.edu to get signed up!

It's Friday

2010-04-30T08:10:00.009-05:00

So, many of you have heard me post about the kitchen...it's getting soooooooo much closer! Jamie has been diligent in taking pictures of the process, so here you go!

It's Lobster Bisque Day!

Quiche are: Vermillion Valley Sausage/3 cheese....turkey/tomato/gouda...or tomato/mozzarella!

The Countdown has begun!

2010-04-29T08:11:00.003-05:00

May 15th, folks, and the market is HERE. It's unbelievable that winter is done and already we're up for getting fresh produce. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Lots going on in the house of Mathy in the next couple of weeks (and Kelly's Bakery & Cafe, for that matter)!

Our kitchen is nearly done- we are awaiting some rogue pieces from random places, but all should be set next week. I tell you what, we put in radiant floors and WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Highly recommended.

Corine's last day was Wednesday. She is off to new adventures, away from the flatlands of Illinois! Pally, Jamie's mom, will be starting on Tuesday!

Monday marks the last Soup & Salad night until Fall. I havent decided on soups/salads, yet, but caprese for sure!

Apple Ridge Farms is bringing us asparagus! So, plan on some quiche and perhaps a lovely side dish!

May 4th and 5th are still open for my cooking classes at Vrooman. I also have 2 dates this summer. I will publish those when registration opens up!

We're in The Vidette, albeit misquoted and mislocated. www.dailyvidette.com and look for the Foursquare Feature. We are in Downtown Bloomington :)

It's Wednesday!

2010-04-28T08:26:00.003-05:00

and...Avon Breast Cancer Awareness cookies are in the case again! $2 each and ALL of the money goes towards my walk for breast cancer in June!

Quiche ready about now- 3 cheese, Vermillion Valley Sausage/Mozzarella, or Yellow cherry tomato/goat cheese!

It's Chili Day, too!

The case is loaded with LOTSA goodies, including Jess's LEMON CREAM COOKIES!

Feeling brainy? Join Prairie State Legal Services on May 14 for a night of trivia! You can register ONLINE! Try to get that trophy of glory from us...but we're putting up a fight!!!! www.surkeymonkey.com/JM8KBJY

It's Earth Day, part II

2010-04-23T08:36:00.003-05:00

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T10:15:00.003-05:00

Quiche today are:
4 cheese
Roasted Red Pepper & Feta
Sausage & Mozzarella

Tick Tock, Tick Tock...the Farmers' Market is less than a month away!! CJ and Jim will be manning our station, a complete shift in paradigm! May 15th, baby! Mark your Calendar!

Tehre are orange rolls in the case today...an experiment! So far, people LOVE them!

May 4th and May 5th are both open for Cooking Classes at Vrooman. One filled, so they opened a second one...and people moved over to the new date. Contact Heartland Community College to attend. Classes are $39 and it includes your meal. I ALWAYS give away prizes!

Slacking in posting

2010-04-15T10:04:00.002-05:00

Ugh- Spring is finding itself to be quite busy!

Many things have been happening. Michelle is now settled into her new job in Chicago. She likes it a lot and is very happy. We miss her, but are happy for her!

We are probably going to be hiring 2 more people in the next 5 weeks or so. Please keep you eyes peeled to our Twitter feed or Craigslist to see what is coming about.

Our Sidewalk Cafe is out and in use! I love the sunshine during the day. Flowers are yet to be planted, as we are waiting just a SMIDGEN longer to confirm the nice weather. I am so excited to bring out the window boxes and get our tree wells filled with flowers (and herbs!)

Jamie and I have diligently been working on our West Side Community Garden plot. We have many things in the ground right now. If you are in need of rocks, we have plenty! Our plot was where an old driveway used to be, so we have spent a lot of time pulling out rocks and old bricks!

The 4square Mayor of Kelly's still gets a free drink with purchase, so if you don't foursquare yet, maybe consider it ;-)

Our kitchen is soooooooo close to being complete. Of course, there are the last minute things here and there to be completed, but I think counters may be going in soon!!!!

I taught my first cooking class at Vrooman Mansion on Monday. There is one in May that has a waiting list, so if we get a few more people, we will open another session. There are 2 more classes coming up this summer; yeast breads and herb garden specialities. I really enjoy teaching these classes and the staff at Vrooman are just great!

The case is loaded today with oh, so many goodies. Reese's cup cookies looked very very tempting!

We're in the Paper

2010-03-31T09:36:00.002-05:00

As one of my students asked why I was making such a funny face in the paper. Nice.

But really, we are Foursquaring away and the mayorship is up for grabs...free drink for you if you're the mayor!

Other exciting news today- I claimed my West Side Community Garden Plot! SUPER excited!! Thanks to Val for showing me...big plans, including growing the bakery's summer basil and chive harvest (without depleting my home stash)...so if you have some extra seedlings that you would like me to plant, let me know!

Today's quiche- spinach and swiss or 3 cheese....

it's chili day!

Happy Monday

2010-03-22T08:37:00.002-05:00

A picture if the double yolk from our egg lady :) I love double yolk days

Just a reminder that it is Soup & Salad Night!! 5-8pm. Smokey Poblano Cheese, Tomato Tortellini, Shrimp & Corn Chowder, and Baja Chicken Enchilada.

In terms of salads....why, yes, it's Candied Pecan with Goat Cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette

A shrimp Caesar

Jaysica is making challah and I will be making pretzels for tonight! Buttered ones and cinnamon sugar. Super yum! An of course, and herbed goat cheese

And......It's applesauce time. Yep- we were clever this year and stashed some peeled apples in the freezer for just this occassion....applesauce is back. Merrick Farms honey, cinnamon and apples...that's it. Doesn't get any healthier (or better) than this!

The Appetizer for Any Party cooking class on 4/12/10 is full, but they are creating a waiting list, and if we hit 15, they will add another session. Email community.education@heartland.edu to get added.

Spring Into Brunch cooking class on 5/5/10 is also full. Same deal- if we hit 15, we will add a 2nd class community.education@heartland.edu

I am also teaching 2 cooking classes this summer...as soon as the information is finalized, I will let you know the dates!

And it's with a very sad heart that we will be saying good bye to Meeshell. She is moving back to Chicago and her last day with us is Monday. She has been with us nearly 4 years. She has been our baking queen and manager extraordinaire. I can not tell everyone how much I will miss her. We are very happy for her, in starting a new chapter in her life, but sad to lose such a close and cherished person in our lives. So, if you see her this week, wish her well.