Sunday night dinners with my sister and her kids are a fun tradition for us, though they’re less frequent now that Niece is off to college {she’s a Nebraska Cornhusker like me!} and Nephew is in high school. Continue Reading →
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Barbecued Chicken Stew {…and a good idea gone bad}
I had bragged one too many times about my marathon cooking sessions, after which I’d have a totally stocked freezer, full of meals and side dishes to feed Husband and I for a month. My girlfriends loved the concept, but couldn’t see themselves doing it. So the idea for a meal-swap party was launched.
The plan was for each of us to make a single meal, in bulk. We’d make enough so that the other six friends would each receive a main dish that serves 4. All of us would have half a dozen new dishes to try – ready to freeze, reheat and serve.
Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce
Somehow, a recent discussion with neighbors turned toward disaster-preparedness. I think it started because we were admiring “G.’s” immense wine collection, and figured he would be in charge of “taking the edge off” the stress that comes with such an event. It was determined that “B.” would supply guns and ammo – oh, and he’s got connections to a private plane in a hangar about 2 miles down the road, should we need to get out of Dodge. Continue Reading →
Indian Dinner :: Chicken Tikka Masala
When it comes to picking a place to celebrate a special occasion, my go-to is “Indian food!” I fully realize that I’ll be wearing elastic pants for the following week, but I also know that the Chicken Tikka Masala, Peas Pulao and Onion Kulcha I order will be worth every bite. Continue Reading →
Grilled Pizza Crusts
{Note: I wrote this post while on vacation – and promptly forgot to share it! Today, I’m making a big batch of these Grilled Pizza Crusts for an upcoming party, which jarred my memory. Enjoy!}
Greetings from my happy place! Husband and I are in the middle of our annual western vacation in Idaho. And by vacation, I mean long days which usually end with us filthy, sweaty, sore and exhausted. We love it.
Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Cilantro Oil
I may have been a little over-zealous at the farmers’ market when I saw how gorgeous and inexpensive the sweet peppers were this past weekend. I can’t recall my thought process, but apparently, I had in mind making stuffed peppers, Pad Thai, fajitas, AND some sort of slaw, in addition to eating them raw for a snack. It would be pepper-MANIA in our kitchen!
What was I thinking? I failed to take into account that we had company coming, and back-to-back events that gave me little time in the kitchen for the next several days. So there they sat. Continue Reading →
Summer Squash & Red Quinoa Salad :: Picnic Perfect!
When my friend Kasey served this Summer Squash & Red Quinoa Salad, it was a “get out the cell phone and take a picture” moment. Besides that, it was delicious!
I don’t know about you, but by this time in the summer, I’ve had enough potato- or 7-layer salad to last me awhile. I want something different! Mix it up a little! And how about something that’s healthy, fairly simple to throw together, and gorgeous? Is that too much to ask?
Chicken-Wild Rice Burrito with Mango-Habanero Sauce
For years, Husband and I had a Saturday night ritual. We’d go to the 5:15 service at church, sit in our “usual” spot, then head to Tejas, our then-favorite restaurant, for dinner. Francois * always got us a great table. Friends knew exactly where to find us, and we often ended up with a group of 6 or 8. Without exception, I always ordered the “Grilled Chicken-Wild Rice Burrito with Mango-Habanero Sauce.”
Sadly, Tejas closed a few years back. Talk about throwing us for a loop!
Chocolate Bark {Daily Indulgence!}
Last year, when Husband and I did a post-holiday, post-vacation cleanse, we were surprised to see that we wouldn’t have to go without a little indulgence for the duration. This Chocolate Bark was on the recipe list, and it’s become our nightly treat.
Bulgur Salad
This bulgur salad is a great addition to your summer repertoire! I’ll make it on Monday morning, and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch, or as a great salad/side dish for dinner. And it travels well – say, to the office or a picnic. Continue Reading →
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
