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 

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. 

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 

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 

Amazing Salsa Queso ((lentil)) Burritos, prepare to be shocked!

Amazing Salsa Queso ((lentil)) Burritos, prepare to be shocked!

I love lentils – they can take on any flavor profile perfectly. They can be served cold or warm. They are simple to prepare, inexpensive, heart healthy, vitamin rich & filling. The key to working with lentils is to  pay attention to the texture changes 

Open-face Salami Melts

Open-face Salami Melts

Nothing takes me back to 1985 faster than the first bite of a salami melt ((well, maybe watching Back to the Future, or the Cosby Show, to The Neverending Story, or ‘you take the good, you take the bad – you take them both and 

Stuffed Rainbow Chard Rolls with a Simple Garden Veggie & Tomato Sauce ((with a BONUS extra meal))

Stuffed Rainbow Chard Rolls with a Simple Garden Veggie & Tomato Sauce ((with a BONUS extra meal))

One of my favorite things is to use my garden harvest in meal-making for the family. My rainbow chard has been growing like CRAZY this year… causing me to have daydreams of chard recipes. This recipe is a result of one of those daydreams!

Thyme Blossom-Brined, Chinese Five Spice & Buttermilk Deep Fried Chicken

Thyme Blossom-Brined, Chinese Five Spice & Buttermilk Deep Fried Chicken

About 3 weeks ago, hubby hinted at his Father’s Day wish list. It was short – very short. He said, “you know what I want for Father’s Day??” Now, at this point, my ears perked! I have a hard time coming up with gift ideas 

It’s all about DAD! ((and meat!!)) My Top 10 meat recipes for the #1 Dad in your life!

It’s all about DAD! ((and meat!!)) My Top 10 meat recipes for the #1 Dad in your life!

We are closing in on Father’s Day and it’s time to start thinking about food, right? They say a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, so let’s show all the dads in our lives how much they mean to us! Here are