My grandparents came to stay with my three younger siblings and 11-year-old me while our parents were out of town for a few days on business. Weren’t we surprised when my grandma announced that we were having Porcupine Meatballs for dinner! Wow, with a name like that, what kid wouldn’t be intrigued! Dinner, of course, …
In February, we’re turning to the kitchen to find out what special treats we can bake our sweetheart for Valentine’s Day. This year, my thoughts turn to Cherry Crisp, cherries nestled in a butter-crunch crust, one of Tom’s favorites. Tom first made this dessert for me from the well-worn recipe card typed by his …
Beans are a great food: full of protein, rich in nutrients, a good source of fiber and they act as natural chelators. They are also an economical food…which sometimes get them a bad rap and are dubbed a “poor man’s food”. More unfortunate than that, is many people don’t know how to cook beans. …
Sitting around the table enjoying a piece of pie, often brings up the question: What is your favorite kind of pie? There is never any one answer…from anyone. Answers go something like this: Cherry…and peach, and banana cream. Or: Peach, then cherry. Or: Apple… and sweet potato, then berry. As the baker, I’m quickly satisfied …
Although Cranberry Orange Bread always sounded good, my former attempts at making it yielded the same, less than pleasant taste I remember as a child. It was rather bitter and had a hot, burnt taste. Still every year the idea of cranberries and orange flavors mingling together in a bread filled me with intrigue. …
Some cookies are buttery, sweet delicacies that melt in your mouth. A lavish dessert, in a bite or two. Cowboy cookies are something different. Ingredients such as oats, coconut and pecans pack in nutritional value and elevate these cookies to good snacking…getting you back in the saddle. Of course, that’s only one way to …
A nip in the air and Fall arrives reminding us of warm baked goods wafting a cinnamon-spice aroma.. such as these Apple Muffins! “Oh, do you know the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man…” I used to sing that little song to my kids when they were young. Once I even awoke in …
The garden is bursting with fruit and someone is going to be singing the words of Guy Clark’s chorus, “Only two things money can’t buy; That’s true love and homegrown tomatoes.” We’re grateful for the modern supermarket and the convenience in obtaining many good quality fruits and vegetables year-round. Still there is nothing quite like …
Food, family and friends make a great recipe, no matter what the season. There’s something about grilling and outdoor cooking that adds intrigue and draws people together. At our place, grilling is often a group effort. I prep for the grilling, and then I look for someone else to do the honors. Tom does …
Recipe: 1/3 cup sugar 1 Tbsp cornstarch zest of one lemon ¼ cup lemon juice ¼ cup butter 2 beaten eggs In a medium saucepan combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in lemon juice and cook, stirring constantly, until thick and bubbly. Slowly whisk mixture into two beaten eggs. Return to pan, add lemon zest …
If you’re a trifle aficionado, please don’t laugh at me…I just discovered trifles last year! If you’re not familiar with trifles, there’s a whole new world out there! Trifles are traditionally made with cake, fruit, pudding and/or whipped cream and fruit, layered in a trifle bowl as shown. With a list of ingredients like that …
Mexican cuisine is my absolute favorite. Is there a week that goes by without our family eating something from this cuisine? If there was, I fear it would be a very sad week. Whether it’s enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, beans, rice, tortillas, soups, guacamole, salsas, even tamales, something “Mexican” is usually found to be in …
