Husband and I have started naming our different bike routes. Last weekend, our 15 mile ride took us along the Mississippi River and through downtown St. Paul. The last leg involved a 3/4 mile trek over the Mendota Bridge. Not a big deal, unless you’re afraid of heights and 4 lanes of traffic whizzing by at 65 miles an hour. Oops. Continue Reading →
A recent weekend found both Husband and me feeling a bit under the weather – coupled with a few of those gray days where the only thing that sounds good is a big blanket, a good book, and the occasional movie. And of course, Chicken Noodle Soup.
One of the many benefits of having a well-stocked – and well-organized, freezer {more on that soon!} is that you can pull together a healthy dinner quickly, without having to rely on pre-packaged foods that most likely aren’t as tasty or good-for-you as you can make yourself. And thanks to a little extra effort most every time I’m in the kitchen, I had everything I needed to make a great tasting soup, without bundling up and dragging myself to the store. Continue Reading →
This “Alfredo” Pasta with Chicken, Snap Peas & Peppers never would have made it to the table if I hadn’t over-estimated my family’s affection for raw-vegetables-as-an-appetizer.
One of my only responsibilities for Thanksgiving this year was providing some healthy stuff to snack on while waiting for the big meal. Because I knew there’d be plenty of carbs and fats in our delicious dinner, I opted to go the “purist” route for my assignment.
I’m not sure that Husband, niece and nephew appreciated the beautiful sculpture I made from raw veggies… cauliflower, red and orange bell pepper, cucumber, sugar snap peas and jicama. {C’mon! We could have played Jenga with that masterpiece!} What they DID have a taste for was the Prima Donna cheese I served. {$$$.} Those kids have great taste, I must say. Continue Reading →
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.
One of my goals is to try at least one new recipe each week. And not just to stave off meal-time boredom. I figure it also justifies the growing list of food magazines I subscribe to! Sometimes these experiments fall flat, but sometimes they’re a hit on the first try. Like last night’s Chicken Piccata…
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!
I had an amazing group of women over last night for a networking/happy hour of sorts. Since almost all of the guests were folks I’d never met, I decided to stick with some of my tried-and-true apped’ouevres. This one is pretty much a slam-dunk every time…
It’s an adaptation of a recipe that a caterer traded with me after a party years ago. It’s great because it’s super easy to throw together the day before, it freezes well (before it’s baked) and you can lighten it up a little if you like.
I meant to post this earlier… but there was a power outage during the Superbowl. *
Anyhoo… I’m sure a disproportionate number of households prepared game-day feasts that included Velveeta, tortilla chips, wings, and any number of dips that aren’t exactly artery or waistline friendly.
At the Wood house, we’re about to launch a (modified) cleanse, and didn’t feel like taking ten steps backward before we’d even started. So I pulled out one of my most tried-and-true dishes that is super easy and super healthy — perfect for this Superbowl Sunday. Continue Reading →
I'm glad you stopped by ... pull up a stool, grab your favorite beverage, and let's make something delicious!
