Month: July 2014

Chocolate Oat ((Cookie Butter)) No-Bake Cookies.

Chocolate Oat ((Cookie Butter)) No-Bake Cookies.

I didn’t think it could be done. But this classic cookie just got an upgrade & WOW!! This may come as a surprise to you, so hold on to your hat…this reno is a winner. I only modified one ingredient…this cookie was already perfect, no 

Pecan & Parmesan Encrusted Hamburger Steaks topped with Warm Marinara

Pecan & Parmesan Encrusted Hamburger Steaks topped with Warm Marinara

Over the last few weeks, I have been playing a cooking game with myself. As dinnertime approaches, I begin taking inventory of my fridge, freezer, pantry & garden. Then I ask myself “What can I make in 1.5 hours without buying any additional ingredients and 

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake ((A cake that traditions are made of!!))

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake ((A cake that traditions are made of!!))

As far as food traditions go, this one ranks right up there! If there is a family gathering, a birthday, a reason to celebrate — or just because, chances are — this cake will be there. 

Braised Yellow Beans, Heirloom Tomato Chutney & Garlic Black Pepper Sausage ((How to Feed a Family of 6 for under $10!))

Braised Yellow Beans, Heirloom Tomato Chutney & Garlic Black Pepper Sausage ((How to Feed a Family of 6 for under $10!))

Did you catch the last part of the title of this post? “How to feed a family of 6 for under $10”. It is possible, it can be simple – but it takes a small bit of planning & a well stocked pantry and fridge. 

Cooking with Kiddos & Crayons in the Kitchen ((oh, and there is chocolate))

Cooking with Kiddos & Crayons in the Kitchen ((oh, and there is chocolate))

Every once in a while we have a sweet after dinner ((mostly when company is coming or we are celebrating)). I have 4 little sets of eyes that are keenly trained to detect the difference between dinner prep & dessert prep. All of the sudden, 

Tip of the Week! ((A how to for saving heirloom tomato seeds))

Tip of the Week! ((A how to for saving heirloom tomato seeds))

My tomato plants are beginning to produce a steady supply of tasty heirloom beauties – and they are delicious!

Fish Fillet Sandwich – A True Happy Meal!

Fish Fillet Sandwich – A True Happy Meal!

How many nights in your week are played like this? Fly in from hauling kiddos to piano lessons, the gas station, library & the grocery store No yummy smells from a pre-planned & cooked meal are greeting us as we come in the kitchen Kids 

Smoked Salmon and Green Heirloom Tomatoes in a Brown Butter Cream Sauce ((over Campanelle))

Smoked Salmon and Green Heirloom Tomatoes in a Brown Butter Cream Sauce ((over Campanelle))

I cannot express the full magnitude of deliciousness – but I will try to give you a sliver of an idea. The first bite stole the words right out of my mouth. The synapses in my brain stopped working for a minute. When they started 

Mexican-Style Cream Corn

Mexican-Style Cream Corn

Mexican night has been on our lake dinner menu for as long as I can remember – and it’s a pretty big deal for our clan.  Even though we love our Mexican food  – we are committed to keeping it simple, because food is not 

Tip of the Week

Tip of the Week

I have been silent most of this week. One reason for my little pause is simply because I had tricky wi-fi while on our week long vacay at the lake. But even as the wi-fi cooperated in spurts, a deep knot in my chest has 

Smoked Carnitas ((pork butt)) Tacos

Smoked Carnitas ((pork butt)) Tacos

Every year at this time, the clan heads to the lake. Our lake is Table Rock – we spend 51 weeks out of the year counting down to the one week we are ‘home’. There are 26 of us in total, well – this year 

White Texas Sheet Cake with Warm Almond Buttercream

White Texas Sheet Cake with Warm Almond Buttercream

As soon as I tasted this cake – I knew, I had to have the recipe, I had to share it on the blog – what the world needs now is this cake. One bite will start a chain reaction of all things good –