Grilling is a favorite summertime activity. Sometimes grilling factors surprise us with unpredicted delays, which means eating times get pushed out. Hopefully, your guests don’t grumble but tummies will be rumbling. Appetizers to the rescue! Bruschetta is a great appetizer with crusty bread and fresh tomatoes and basil. Bruschetta traditionally would have you busy working …
Mexican food is our family’s favorite cuisine. And fajitas are a favorite dinner at our house. Sometimes we serve these strips of meat, onions, and bell peppers sautéed together and seasoned with Mexican seasoning alongside rice and beans. But most often we fold them into a tortilla and add our favorite toppings: lettuce, salsa, sour …
In the world of Key Lime Pies, there is mystery and division over where the pie originated. From on board ships, to the Florida Keys to New York. Not only is the history of the pie itself in question, but the very origin of the limes is surprising. Though cultivated in the Florida Keys, they …
Afew years ago, Tom was asked to speak to a group in Florida. While dining out during that trip, I was served chimichurri sauce alongside a steak. The sauce was a fabulous accompaniment to the steak, so I knew I had to find a recipe to make the sauce at home. Meeting with success, I …
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. And while that may not be completely true, potato salad at my house makes a strong argument that it might be. Making homemade potato salad isn’t a quick task. Potatoes and eggs must be boiled, peeled, and chopped…not to mention the chopping of …
There’s nothing like a bowl of soup to warm you up on a cold, winter day. Working from home like we do, I often prep the soup I’m serving for lunch, right after breakfast. Then I set the time on my phone to when it’s time to turn on the heat. If I was going …
Making jam is a summertime tradition. But last year my sister mentioned making Christmas Jam at the Holiday time to give as gifts. Never having heard of Christmas Jam, my interest was piqued. I quickly looked up recipes and gave it a go. The jam contains strawberries, cranberries, oranges and spices. It was especially enjoyed …
Temperatures inevitably turn crisp and chilly this time of year, trees lose their leaves, and we find ourselves drawn to the warm spices of Autumn, bringing a comfort to our senses as we exchange seasons. Some call it the season of “Pumpkin Spice”. But pumpkin doesn’t always attend these spices, as this recipe for Pecan …
Pumpkin Spice season is here. The warm spices of fall baking are always welcome! And this bread with its combination of spices and the inclusion of pumpkin (or sweet potato, as I use), apples and carrots is a winner. It’s super moist and flavorful…and it’s good for you too. I love to bake this bread …
For not liking peanuts or peanut butter, my daughter (Eva) makes fabulous Peanut Butter Ganache Bars. She is also known for making peanut butter pie, but that’s for another day. Peanut butter and chocolate are famous companions. In this recipe the graham crackers contribute a stable texture and crunch, perfect for the velvety smooth layer …
What is the best thing to put in a pie? Your teeth. But some people think it’s cherries…including Tom, who just so happens to have a birthday this month and has been known to request cherry pie for the occasion. Tart cherries make especially good pies, but sweet cherries work too, and you can use …
In the Pacific Northwest, I equated hot summer nights in July with making fresh berry jams. With the box fan in the back screen door, I spent hours over steaming hot pots, stirring down the bubbling jam. The hot, sticky job filled the air with a pleasingly, fragrant intensity. The benefits of air conditioning don’t …
