Veal is the key to Traders’ moist meatloaf

Q. My husband loves the veal meatloaf from Traders Restaurant on Sanibel Island. Any chance you could get their recipe? — R. Hieronymus, Coral Springs

A. Joe and Gretchen Archambault have owned and operated Traders Gulf Coast Grill and Gifts (1551 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, 239-472-7242, traderssanibel.com) since 2004. Joe started at Traders in 1998 as food and beverage manager for former owners Marvin and Helene Gralnick, founders of Chico’s clothing chain who lived in Sanibel. When Gretchen isn’t helping out in the restaurant, you’ll find her next door in their quaint retail store where she does the buying for jewelry, clothing, accessories, gifts and souvenirs.

Chef Mike Patnode has been with Joe since the early days. “He started serving the veal meatloaf as a happy hour menu Claire’s tip of the week: While the cookies are baking for the birthday sundaes, another activity is making homemade whipped cream in a jar. There’s no mess to clean up from bowls and whisks, and it tastes much better than the canned stuff. Place a pint Mason jar in the freezer for 10 minutes. Add a cup of heavy cream, 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Take turns shaking the jar until soft, fluffy peaks form. Just be sure to stop before it turns to butter!

item seven years ago. It’s super moist, kids love it, everyone loves it. So we put it on our regular menu and it’s been popular ever since,” Archambault explained. If you’re planning on squeezing in a staycation before school starts and head to the west coast, you’ll want to include a visit to this neighborhood favorite. Traders consistently gets high marks for its American fare, signature cocktails, attentive service and live music.

Q. My 10-year-old daughter would like to have a baking-themed birthday party. Do you have any ideas or recipes that would work in a very small kitchen? Nothing too elaborate or complicated. — Janice Stewart, Coral Springs

A. Baking seems to be an activity most girls enjoy, which makes it a perfect party theme. All it takes is a little planning.

Since space is a concern, cookies can be prepared around the dining room table. Simplify it as much as your time and space dictates by using prepared cookie dough or make the dough in advance from scratch.

For these sundaes, I suggest a classic chocolate chip cookie, but other variations such as peanut butter cookies with chocolate ice cream, sugar cookies with strawberry ice cream or chocolate cookies with mint ice cream would work well, too. Add as many toppings as you like — sprinkles, mini M&Ms, mini marshmallows, caramel sauce or fresh berries.

What’s great about this activity is that it plays double duty for the birthday cake. Happy baking and happy birthday!