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“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.

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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 :: 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.

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{Naughty Alert!} Cinnamon Swirl Bread

cinnamon swirl bread - with text

One of the things I love about our annual vacation in Idaho is that I can start each day at my own pace. And that usually means quietly enjoying a cup of black coffee and a piece of toast. {Contrary to popular opinion, I’m a  simple gal.}

This year though, the toast was anything but ordinary. I’ve already shared how generous some of my new girlfriends from the ranch are, having shared the fruits {well, vegetables} of their gardening labors.

Enter Tanya.

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Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Cilantro Oil

red pepper soup - 1

I may have been a little over-zealous at the farmers’ market when I saw how gorgeous and inexpensive the sweet peppers were this past weekend. I can’t recall my thought process, but apparently, I had in mind making stuffed peppers, Pad Thai, fajitas, AND some sort of slaw, in addition to eating them raw for a snack. It would be pepper-MANIA in our kitchen!

What was I thinking? I failed to take into account that we had company coming, and back-to-back events that gave me little time in the kitchen for the next several days. So there they sat.  Continue Reading →

{Saving Grace} Very Good Cookies

very good cookies

Does anybody say grace before a meal anymore?

Growing up, this was a ritual that occurred at our dinner table. Every. Single. Night.

I’m sure the intentions for starting this tradition were admirable, but by the time I was a teenager, singing grace at dinner {yes, there was a tune to ours} was a rote exercise. Continue Reading →

Ice, Ice Baby! {Amp up your summer beverages!}

flavored ice cubes

Summer means outdoor entertaining {finally!}.  I, for one, love to enjoy a tasty beverage on the deck – but too often it gets diluted from melting ice.  Add a little “zip” to your beverages with flavored ice cubes.

I’ve just experimented with a few combos today – but this is where you {and your kids} can have lots of fun.

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Mini-Reubens {These will make you very popular}

mini reubens

If you ever want to make a cook’s day, request a favorite dish of his or hers.  Speaking from experience, we’re so thrilled that we’ve had a “hit” we’ll gladly oblige!

For years, I hosted Husband’s annual office Christmas party at our house.  The guinea pigs (God bless ’em!), who attended year after year, apparently had their patience rewarded with a few memorable offerings. That, and there was plenty of beer and wine…

As a result of those “experiments,” the one thing I’ve had more requests for really isn’t a “dish” – it’s a sandwich.  And a mini-sandwich at that.

These Mini-Reuben Sandwiches are pretty much the perfect party food.  You can make them well in advance, they’re easy to eat, and they’re “guy friendly.” And I don’t just make them for parties.  For all the reasons above, if you stop by during football season, it’s a safe bet I’ll have some of these on hand.

This week, though, I learned that a friend’s wife (one of our frequent party guests) had undergone an emergency surgery, and I offered prayers and anything else that might help.  His response?  “Prayers are great!  As for food, I could never refuse Mini-Reubens.”  

Coming right up!

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