No-Peek Magic Bean & Ham Soup

No-Peek Magic Bean & Ham Soup

I have just fallen in love all over again with my giant cast iron enameled Dutch oven. For the longest time, my slow cooker was my go to dinnertime savior for those crazy days that start when it’s dark and end when it’s dark. You 

Moscato & Clementine Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hens ((Our New Year’s Family Tradition))

Moscato & Clementine Glazed Oven Roasted Cornish Hens ((Our New Year’s Family Tradition))

About five years ago, David and I began the tradition of having Cornish Hens on New Year’s Day. The kids just LOVE it and look forward to this meal all year long. The first time we made them, I was less than impressed. But again, the 

7-Minute DIY Salsa

7-Minute DIY Salsa

One of my favorite things to make in the kitchen is homemade restaurant style salsa. It is so quick, ultra simple and crazy good. Just a few ingredients & a whirl in the blender stand between you and one of the best things about Mexican 

101 Ways to Stuff a Mushroom…Starting with Blue Cheese & Bacon

101 Ways to Stuff a Mushroom…Starting with Blue Cheese & Bacon

It is hard to beat a stuffed mushroom. Wouldn’t you agree? They are so simple to make and the filling choices are limitless! Artichokes & chicken, olives & peppered cream cheese, pancetta & oregano, sausage & jalapeño, crab & ricotta, ham & swiss, sharp cheddar 

“We came, we saw, we ate”: The Napa Valley Bakery Tour ((N. Cali trip part 3))

“We came, we saw, we ate”: The Napa Valley Bakery Tour ((N. Cali trip part 3))

It all started with an idea, but ended up being one of the most fun things I have ever done. You are probably thinking “Napa Valley is for wine tours, not bakery tours!?” Well, I must admit, I am not a wine drinker. I love 

An Okie Girl’s take on Coconut Beef Curry ((this is gonna be good…))

An Okie Girl’s take on Coconut Beef Curry ((this is gonna be good…))

If you have been trained in authentic Asian cooking, you may scroll down, scan my recipe and proceed to laugh out loud. Hard. For all I know, the recipe I am about to share it so far from authentic, it should be put into a totally 

Oven Roasted Brussles + Bacon

Oven Roasted Brussles + Bacon

I just love this simple side dish – so much that the next time I make it, I plan to quadruple it and call it dinner! It is just.that.good. And speaking of sides – this really is the perfect simple side for your upcoming Thanksgiving 

Mom’s BEST (simple) Cranberry Salad

Mom’s BEST (simple) Cranberry Salad

Mom’s Best and Simple Cranberry Salad! A few handy ingredients and mom’s tips turn this recipe into a tradition!

Turkey & Potato Chili Verde

Turkey & Potato Chili Verde

Ahh, I love the change in seasons! I love the cold, I love gray skies, I love hearing the wind whistle through the trees and I love the possibility of snow!! I am sure many will disagree, but I LOVE it when weather shuts down 

Dear Alice, and a recipe for Orange Candied Walnuts

Dear Alice, and a recipe for Orange Candied Walnuts

Dear Alice, A little bit over four weeks ago we were making plans. Looking through all of your cookbooks and mapping out our treats for Perry Christmas. The bread pudding with almond paste and raspberry sauce has been one we have talked about for years, 

Spiced Buttercream — a simple recipe that changes everything.

Spiced Buttercream — a simple recipe that changes everything.

I am in the middle of making a cake, not just ANY cake  — but a Pumpkin Spiced Cake with Warm Cinnamon Chips. I will be sharing that recipe soon, and when I do I will add the link ((HERE — but I haven’t written 

Farmer’s Pie: a perfect way to use leftover roasted chicken!

Farmer’s Pie: a perfect way to use leftover roasted chicken!

Seems like it is easy to have leftover chicken, especially when we roast a whole chicken. I love having roasted chicken leftovers because it gives me a leg up ((haha get it?? LEG up?? — I crack myself up. Probably, I am the only one