Let's wrap up 2011 with a few odds and ends

We're rolling into 2012. Whenever a new year approaches, I always do a few things: I look back, I look forward, and then I look around at the mess of loose ends I haven't gotten around to telling you about.

So let the cleaning begin.

I managed to make a quick trip to the South Shore Sunday Market in Ruskin on Dec. 18. 

Pressed for time, because I was about to take family members to the airport, I had about 20 minutes to enjoy the live music while browsing aisles that included fresh produce, homemade breads, fudge, bear cakes and doggie treats. 

I didn't buy anything, but it was a gorgeous sunny morning and I'll definitely go back to take a more leisurely stroll to nibble on things like the frozen pumpkin pecan cheesecake by Whatever Pops.

The market is open the last Sunday of the month throughout the year at U.S. 41 and Shell Point Road at the former site of the Coffee Cup restaurant. Check it out.

If you're a fan of Tre Wilcox, the handsome, well-mannered "Top Chef" contestant, you'll want to catch his appearance at the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium in Brandon on Jan. 8 and 9. Tre will demonstrate a few of his signature dishes, like crab-stuffed diver sea scallops and pan-seared snapper with yellow curry sauce. To make a reservation, call the Rolling Pin at (813) 653-2418.

My mother-in-law, Barbara, recently sent me an email with the subject: Ideas to Make Life Easier. I guarantee you'll be uttering "Why didn't I think of that?" more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems. For instance, hull strawberries easily by using a straw; prevent cut apples from browning in your child's lunch box by wrapping the pieces together with a rubber band; or my personal favorite, microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. It's much healthier and cheaper than the packaged stuff.

Well, why didn't I think of that? You can find all 25 household clever ideas posted at http://www.thedailybuzz.com.au/2011/11/25-clever-ideas_household-tips_storage-ideas/.

My friend Sue Romeo served a fabulous four-ingredient appetizer several weeks ago at a party she hosted: kettle chips with an addictive contrast of drizzled sweet balsamic vinegar and crumbled blue cheese. I couldn't stop myself from shoveling them into my mouth. And I didn't leave without the basic recipe. 

There! House cleaning is done; 2012 is going to be a great year!