Tag Archives | freeze

“Heavenly” Applesauce Cake

This recipe was actually published over a year ago, but I’m sharing it again for three reasons:

First, I’ve made it 3 times in the past week – for several families in various types of distress… one of my dearest friend’s dad just passed away, another friend is waiting for a heart transplant, and yet another is waiting on test results from specialists. Whether accompanying a meal or delivered on its own, this cake has been a hit every time. And it’s so easy, I thought you might like it in your repertoire as well. Continue Reading →

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.

Continue Reading →

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 →

{Saving Grace} Very Good Cookies

Does anybody say grace before a meal anymore?

Growing up, this was a ritual that occurred at our dinner table. Every. Single. Night.

I’m sure the intentions for starting this tradition were admirable, but by the time I was a teenager, singing grace at dinner {yes, there was a tune to ours} was a rote exercise. Continue Reading →

{Trick Your Children!} Healthier Macaroni & Cheese

Moms the world over have devised some very creative ways to get their kids (or husbands) to eat more vegetables. Today’s adaptation is one of my all-time favorites.

Years ago I discovered a couple of Diane Seed’s wonderful cookbooks. The recipes are simple and straightforward, but unique. And the illustrations are delightful. When I got rid of my cookbook collection this is one I couldn’t part with. One of the first recipes I tried was her “Tagliolini with Creamed Carrots.” Besides being delicious (and a little bit naughty) it struck me how much this tasted like homemade mac and cheese, and had that out-of-the-box orange color. Hmmm, what if I used elbow macaroni instead of tagliolini? Might kids fall for this sneaky way of eating more vegetables?!

Since I forgot to have children (where did those years GO!?) I needed to borrow my “victims.” So I experimented on my niece and nephew. While they didn’t believe for one minute that this was mac n’ cheese out-of-a-box, they loved it. Continue Reading →

Zucchini-Pecan Flaxseed Bread

Now would be a good time for global warming to make an appearance. Enough already with the cold and snow! I don’t know about you, but I’m so over the big pots of stew, and ready to hit the farmers’ market for lighter, fresher, warm-weather fare!

Right now, I’m planning a “turtleneck burning” party.

In the meantime though, my kitchen is still cranking out comfort food…
Continue Reading →

Let the cleanse begin!

We’ve put it off as long as we could… that post-holidays, post-vacation resolution to shock the system back to healthier habits.

Last year, Husband and I did the 2-week, Bon Appetit Food Lovers’ Cleanse. It was great — a LOT of work, but we found some new favorite dishes, which we continue to make. We were never hungry – much to our surprise.

This year, we’re trying the Whole Living Action Plan, a 3-week program that detoxes your organs, by eliminating all the naughty stuff (dang!) and starting with a simple base of lentils, fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds. If we survive that, we get to add in fish and gluten-free grains.

Let me say right up front, there WILL be some modifications to this plan… Continue Reading →

Stock Up :: Turkey Meatballs

I probably make 1000 of these each winter. They’re really easy to make, and they freeze well. It’s one of those recipes that you might as well make in big batches, because it doesn’t take that much more time or effort to double or triple the recipe.

This is one of the first recipes I posted on BigOven, and to date, it’s received rave reviews — and 343 “Favorite” clicks! I know you’ll love them too. Continue Reading →

It’s beginning to taste a lot like Christmas…

I don’t remember a Christmas morning without one of these Cinnamon Twist Coffee Cakes baking while we opened our gifts. With two older brothers, it was pretty much devoured within minutes of coming out of the oven. Several years ago, I started making these for a few neighborhood friends. Since a recipe makes 4 cakes, I’d double it to ensure that Husband and I had 2 left for ourselves — one for Christmas morning, and one for New Year’s morning. Continue Reading →

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