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Christmas Goodies {& Sonos Giveaway!}

Sonos Giveaway

I’ve just unloaded groceries, and they consist of record amounts of butter, yeast, flour and sugar. I’m getting ready for my annual marathon baking session, which, depending on how ambitious I am, will yield 16-24 Cinnamon Twist Coffee Cakes for delivery to neighbors and friends.

If you love spending time in the kitchen, do you always have a “soundtrack” going? I do! Especially during these “marathon” sessions… Right now I’ve got a strange, but great mix of Christmas music – Michael Bublé, Chris Tomlin, Dean Martin, Willie Nelson & Kelly Clarkson, just to name a few. Continue Reading →

“Alfredo” Pasta with Chicken, Snap Peas & Peppers

alfredo pasta chicken snap peas pepper

This “Alfredo” Pasta with Chicken, Snap Peas & Peppers never would have made it to the table if I hadn’t over-estimated my family’s affection for raw-vegetables-as-an-appetizer.

One of my only responsibilities for Thanksgiving this year was providing some healthy stuff to snack on while waiting for the big meal. Because I knew there’d be plenty of carbs and fats in our delicious dinner, I opted to go the “purist” route for my assignment.

I’m not sure that Husband, niece and nephew appreciated the beautiful sculpture I made from raw veggies… cauliflower, red and orange bell pepper, cucumber, sugar snap peas and jicama. {C’mon!  We could have played Jenga with that masterpiece!} What they DID have a taste for was the Prima Donna cheese I served. {$$$.} Those kids have great taste, I must say. Continue Reading →

Barbecued Chicken Stew {…and a good idea gone bad}

barbecued chicken stew

I had bragged one too many times about my marathon cooking sessions, after which I’d have a totally stocked freezer, full of meals and side dishes to feed Husband and I for a month. My girlfriends loved the concept, but couldn’t see themselves doing it. So the idea for a meal-swap party was launched.

The plan was for each of us to make a single meal, in bulk. We’d make enough so that the other six friends would each receive a main dish that serves 4. All of us would have half a dozen new dishes to try – ready to freeze, reheat and serve.

Continue Reading →

Turkey & Artichoke Stuffed Shells with Arrabbiata Sauce

turkey and artichoke stuffed shells

Somehow, a recent discussion with neighbors turned toward disaster-preparedness. I think it started because we were admiring “G.’s” immense wine collection, and figured he would be in charge of “taking the edge off” the stress that comes with such an event. It was determined that “B.” would supply guns and ammo – oh, and he’s got connections to a private plane in a hangar about 2 miles down the road, should we need to get out of Dodge. Continue Reading →

Indian Dinner :: Peas Pulao

indian dinner - peas pulao 600x400 Indian food isn’t Indian food without rice. I get that. But I’ve tried to move away from white food {rice, potatoes, bread}…. you get the picture. Quinoa has proved a great substitute for my starchy favorites. So I played with my beloved Peas Pulao {typically made with white basmati rice} to come up with an acceptable substitute. Oh, yum! Continue Reading →

Indian Dinner :: Chicken Tikka Masala

indian dinner - meal copy

When it comes to picking a place to celebrate a special occasion, my go-to is “Indian food!”  I fully realize that I’ll be wearing elastic pants for the following week, but I also know that the Chicken Tikka Masala, Peas Pulao and Onion Kulcha I order will be worth every bite. Continue Reading →

Grilled Pizza Crusts

pizza - trio

{Note: I wrote this post while on vacation – and promptly forgot to share it! Today, I’m making a big batch of these Grilled Pizza Crusts for an upcoming party, which jarred my memory. Enjoy!}

Greetings from my happy place! Husband and I are in the middle of our annual western vacation in Idaho. And by vacation, I mean long days which usually end with us filthy, sweaty, sore and exhausted. We love it.

Continue Reading →

Cheetos in the Temple

cheetos

{Today’s post is a bit different than normal. I wrote an article for Faith Radio that I thought you might be interested in. We’ll get back to our “regularly scheduled programming” later this week, with Grilled Pizza Crusts!} 

 You are given the choice of a bowl of Cheetos or a bowl of carrot sticks.  Which would you choose?

The answer most people give to that question isn’t anecdotal… it’s proven. Most would pick Cheetos. What about a handful of M&Ms vs. a serving of broccoli? DING DING DING! M&Ms! And that’s no accident – it’s by design. Continue Reading →

Endive w/ Blue Cheese, Orange & Walnuts

endive blue cheese orange walnuts

It’s a salad you can eat with your hands. My mom calls these “little boats.” I call them a perfect party food. Bursting with fresh flavor, Endive with Blue Cheese, Orange & Walnuts makes a perfect addition to a cocktail or dinner party. Besides offering a lighter option to the usual cheese and crackers, it’s a great way to serve the salad to guests while you’re still working on dinner.

Fresh orange, honey-toasted walnuts and blue cheese sit on a Belgian endive leaf, drizzled with a balsamic-orange reduction and sprinkled with fresh chives and salt and pepper. Continue Reading →

Spaghetti Squash w/ Parmesan & Fresh Herbs

spaghetti squash with parmesan and fresh herbs - plated

I can’t say enough about this humble vegetable. I love pasta, but this squash is a delicious {and nutritious} substitute for noodles in a lot of dishes – including spaghetti and meatballs. And, it easily stands alone as a side dish with little more than some sautéed shallots and seasoning. This Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs is a great example.

If you’re trying to cut back on carbs, or if you just want to have some healthy alternatives to your typical side dishes, you won’t find a more versatile vegetable. Continue Reading →