The Best Investment You Can Make

One of the best investments you can make with regard to food is an upright freezer. It may not be cheap initially but over many years it will save you time and money. The freezer makes it possible to buy in bulk. If a side of beef or lamb or pork, is too much you can by a hind or a forequarter. Or you can arrange with a relative or friends to share win the cost of a side and split it between you. For years when we had family at home, we found it an inexpensive way to have … Continue reading →

Easy Post-Holiday Recipes

How did you spend your Easter? Did you slave away cooking a holiday feast for an army of family and friends? If so, then you likely have no desire to spend a ton of time in the kitchen today. If you single handily put together a multi-course Easter extravaganza, then you shouldn’t have to break a sweat today. Instead, consider making the following super-easy recipes. They will allow you to put a homemade meal on the table without having to strap yourself back to the stove: CROCK POT BRATWURSTS Ingredients: 12 fresh bratwursts 2 tablespoons butter 1 red bell pepper, … Continue reading →

Simple Super Bowl Sides

A week from now millions will gather around their big screen and fill their faces while cheering on the combatants of Super Bowl XLIII – the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. The big game kicks off on February 1st and if you don’t already know what you will be serving up to your super hungry Super Bowl guests, you might consider the following super simple recipes: FETA AND ARTICHOKE DIP Ingredients: 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained, chopped 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped 1 … Continue reading →

Easy After Christmas Recipes

Christmas is over, but your houseguests haven’t left yet. When leftovers just won’t do, consider feeding the troops these super simple dishes. The recipes are ideal for large groups and hold up well in situations where not everyone can make it to the table at the same time. But, the best part is that you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen making this feast while the rest of the family is gathered around the TV. HEARTY BEEF DIP Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic (crushed and minced) 1 can (4 ounces) … Continue reading →

Creme Brulee Tart

Real men do cook. And some of them do so very well. My friend and former colleague Mike is one of them. Mike is a married father of three boys and is one of the only guys I know who would rather go to a gourmet cooking class than to a pro football game. In fact, he is probably the only man I know who has asked for (and received) a creme brulee torch for Father’s Day. (Forget power tools; give that man a device to caramelize sugar.) He’s a great guy and his cooking is even better. He broke … Continue reading →

Salads for Your Graduation Party

Are you throwing a big bash for your graduate? These salads are unique and have just the right amount of sophistication for your many guests that will come through your house wishing the graduate well. One nice thing about featuring salads at a graduation party is you can quickly pair them with some finger sandwiches or order pizza, a graduation cake of course, and then you’re done with the meal! Best of all, this can all be done in advance! Cucumber and Bleu Cheese Salad This salad has a hint of Mediterranean flavor. Although it’s not your typical green salad, … Continue reading →

Surprise Mom with a Strawberries and Cream Cake

Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Whether I like it or not, I’m getting a macaroni necklace and a paper ring to complete my ensemble. I am also guaranteed a mani-pedi performed by my trio of beautician experts: the 5 year old, and the two three year olds. I’m sure it will include the brightest nail polish that we own. (And yes, I’ll go to church this way.) But best of all, my son has offered to give me 15 minutes of playing time on his game boy–isn’t that sweet? Suffice it to say, I’m grateful my spouse is … Continue reading →

Kitchen Hints and Tips for May

I’m not sure what happened to April, or January through March for that matter but here we are in May already. May is a great month for loving your kitchen! There’s Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day to cook for. Then there’s the great Memorial Day grilling that will happen in a few weeks. For me, it’s also my anniversary (this is our 12th anniversary). Not to mention the fact that we start to see the bounty of summer produce! With that said–here are your tips for May: It’s Rhubarb Season At least around here, May is the best time … Continue reading →

Grilling Up a Mother’s Day Feast

While the rest of the world was dining out on Mother’s Day my dad consistently chose to use the occasion to unveil a new dish in honor of my mom. Since we lived in Hawaii the recipe typically involved my dad’s trusty grill and a few of his special spices. If your hubby is the family cook and grabs for the tongs instead of the telephone (to call in dinner reservations) on Mother’s Day then you might consider passing on these recipes to him. The first is a traditional baby back rib recipe (my mom loves ribs) that can easily … Continue reading →

More Tips On Using Your Crock Pot

I’ve mentioned before that I’m very attached to my crock pot. I actually have two to accommodate home cooked meals and our busy schedule. I admit that I don’t know why everyone doesn’t love and own a crock pot. If you’re not getting the full potential out of your crock pot perhaps you’re missing a few tips. Here are a few things to know about cooking in a crock pot that will make your meals not only easy but super delicious as well. 1. You can thicken crock pot juices by removing the lid for the last half hour of … Continue reading →