Cottonwood Fundraiser

Help -- my hair is a wreck!

Cottonwood's Dona Dollar always comes to my rescue.

Dona is the hairstylist who goes out of her way to fit you in -- (8 AM on Friday because that's what works for you? No problem.) She the gal who'll spend a full 30 minutes working on my boys' hair, because they are so darned particular about it. Dona makes you feel beautiful -- takes the time to style your hair just right.

But at the moment, Dona is dealing with some serious health issues, and some Cottonwood businesses have stepped up to help. This Saturday at the Holiday Market Center on Gas Point Road, Jake's Take and Bake and The Elegant Bean will host a barbecue and raffle to raise money for Dona. She is well-loved in Cottonwood, and the fundraiser the weekend is an opportunity to help a lady who does so much to help others.

The Fundraiser for Dona

August 21, 11-2

20633 Gas Point Rd

Cottonwood

Tri Tip Sandwich BBQ Saturday August 21st, 11:00-2:00.

Raffle ongoing great prizes listed at both business -- tickets too.

To purchase raffle tickets stop by Jake's Take and Bake or The Elegant Bean - for more information call:

347-5090.

Oh, Baby!

There's a darling new arrival on Hilltop Drive -- Miss Bella's Boutique -- next to Wrap-N-Pack.

It's chock full of goodies -- beautifully crafted new items (fairy wings! soft little shoes!) and gently used adorableness. Lots of bright colors, cool geometric patterns - the whole place is a delight.

Owner Kori Isabella has obviously had a grand time decorating her space and collecting an impressive array of everything that every cool baby needs.

Mon - Friday: 10:30 - 5

Saturday 11-4

2217 Hilltop Dr (next to Wrap-N-Pack)

530-221-baby

Find the shop on Facebook (Bella Isabella) and stop in for some oohs-and-ahhs.

Now Being Served in the Pool: Hot Fudge Sundaes

We visited with my sister Nora and her husband JB a couple of weeks ago. They may be the cutest couple ever:

Nora's best thing is spoiling her guests, so while the gang was splashing in the pool, we assembled Hot Fudge Sundaes in the kitchen and she delivered them to a happy, grateful, drippy crowd.

This is the Never-Fail Recipe I use for luscious, creamy hot fudge:

Hot Fudge Sauce from epicurious

Enjoy either in the pool or safe on dry land, with:

ice cream

brownies

nuts

whipped cream

Grilling tonight? Try Mark's Bread

Mark is married to my sister Katie -- he's a fire captain and an amazing chef who's used to whipping up hearty meals for hungry firefighters. We love going down to Mark and Katie's Simi Valley home because we get to enjoy a feast and we don't even have to fight fires to get it.

Last time we were there, Mark grilled garlic bread for us - it was simple and astoundingly delicious. We call it "Mark's Bread" -- we have a whole boatload of recipes like that -- "Mark's Potstickers," "Mark's Coq au Vin," "Mark's Potatoes." But for now, Mark's Bread:

Start with an unsliced loaf of good sourdough or Italian bread. Slice it into 1-inch thick pieces.

Lay the pieces in a dish and drench it in good olive oil. I mean REALLY soak it, dip it, saturate it -- it's the olive oil that makes it amazing. You'll use about 1 - 2 cups, depending on the size of the loaf of bread.

Grill the bread over medium heat until lightly toasted. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Slice a fresh garlic clove (or 2 or 3) and rub the garlic on the surface of each slice. Sink you teeth in and enjoy.