These girls lead the glamorous life, I tell you – days of bon-bons, cocktails, and devastatingly tall men. Before you know it they’re gone, whisked to the night, and you’re left sweeping crumbs and dimming lights.  All you can do is hope – just hope – that you showed them a good time.

Thank you, blogging sister-starlets!  Mi casa es su pastry buffet.

*the Simmer legal dept. would like to note that in truth, Rechelle & April exhibited no diva-like behavior, and both they and their entourage were perfectly charming at all times.  They were delightful guests, and by all accounts appeared to enjoy their cupcakes and vodka punch.

Loved having you, ladies.  Come back soon!

“the meaning of Rechelle”

Whoa.  I get many searches related to The Country Doctor’s Wife, but until now, none had been looking for answers.  Let’s face it – asking for the meaning of Rechelle is kind of like saying “How do you solve a problem like Maria?”

Rechelle was one of my earliest readers.  She was a staunch supporter, nudging Simmer along when there were still drywall buckets on the floor and my new kitchen was just operational enough to bake her some take-home scones.  We’ll never know who was searching for the meaning of Rechelle, (maybe the Country Doctor himself) and though certainly she seems like a complicated person – how do you catch a cloud and pin it down, anyhow? – maybe it’s simply all about the scones.  Happy Birthday, Rechelle!

These Toffee-Cinnamon Scones are a heady combination of buttery, crunchy, sticky and slightly sweet. You won’t find meaning, but you’ll certainly find scone heaven.

1. Start by making my basic scone recipe, minus the orange zest and chocolate chips.
2  Instead, mix in approximately 1 1/2 cups milk chocolate toffee bits and 1 tablespoon cinnamon.
3. Follow the basic recipe’s instructions to form the scones. Sprinkle with sugar, bake as directed, and serve.