I have a new favorite ten minute meal. It's so good that I have eaten it twice this week. Baseball season and spring soccer has started which means every night is a crazy one. If there is no time to make dinner, I whip up these shrimp and toss them with spinach and a low […]
My Nana
Here is a tribute to my nana. She is the one who taught me to cook along with my mom. Love you nana always! This past weekend, my Nana passed away. She was 101 years old and lived a long full life. Her life wasn't always easy but she was a tough woman and always […]
The National Aquarium in Baltimore : One of the Best Aquariums I have visited!
One of the best aquariums, my family and I have visited is The National Aquarium in Baltimore. It's great for kids of all ages and adults love it too. This past weekend we took a quick trip to Baltimore. The weather was nice considering it is February and we walked around the Inner Harbor. Baltimore […]
Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins for Valentines Day
How about some Cinnamon Sugar Donut Muffins for Valentines day? This is an easy breakfast treat to share with family or friends. My son wanted to bring a treat to his class. He wanted me to make donuts but I only have one donut pan that makes six donuts at a time. Since I would […]
Red Gold Blogger Trip and Taste of the NFL
I am back to reality and finally caught up on everything after my exciting Red Gold Bloggers trip. This was a foodies dream as well as a weekend I will always remember. Red Gold couldn't have been any nicer and they made sure we were pampered and every detail was taken care of. I spent […]
Eggplant and Halloumi Cheese with Honey Harissa Sauce
This weekend I was back in my kitchen experimenting with flavors from McCormick’s 2012 Flavor Forecast. I was sent a whole box of goodies by McCormick including spices and ingredients with lots of global flavor. It was like being a kid in a candy shop or better yet, a kid in a candy shop that […]
Blueberry Cardamom Corn Muffins & The 2012 Flavor Forecast by McCormick
These muffins were the bomb! I wish I could have bottled up the smell in my kitchen while they were baking. The recipe came to me while I was experimenting with the new flavor combinations of McCormick's 2012 Flavor Forecast. So what is Flavor Forecast? Well, I'm so glad you asked. Last week I participated […]
Old Fashioned DIY Candy Dispenser
My father in law made this adorable DIY candy dispenser. It is perfect for keeping a jar of M&M's on hand for the kids. The adults love getting candy this way too! It's Friday the 13th and I am in a great mood. None of the superstitious stuff here! I have a few exciting things […]
Spicy Bloody Mary Recipe with Shrimp (Made in Shot Glasses!)
This Spicy Bloody Mary Recipe is perfect for parties, for serving with brunch, or for the perfect pairing with any seafood dinner! First Published December 2011; Updated September 2020 Spicy Bloody Mary Shrimp Shots Appetizers are always my favorite part of a meal. In fact, my weekend dinners often consist of all appetizers. Really, who […]
Spicy Tomato Soup
Spicy tomato soup is full of flavor that's warm and comforting. This easy tomato soup recipe is ready in about 20 minutes and pairs well with a sandwich for a satisfying lunch. This easy tomato soup recipe is made in about 20 minutes so it's perfect for meal prep. The leftovers can be heated in […]
Homemade Sweet Potato Gnocchi
Sweet potato gnocchi are tender and flavorful Italian dumplings made from sweet potatoes, egg and flour. Top with brown butter and sage or your favorite sauces for sweet potato gnocchi for the perfect meal that can be made using leftover potatoes. I always seem to have leftover sweet potatoes made in the air fryer around […]
Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels
Chocolate Peppermint Pretzels made with white or dark chocolate and peppermint candy canes are a sweet holiday treat that is oh, so easy to make. Peppermint bark pretzels are the perfect treat for gifting to friends, neighbors or anyone who deserves some appreciation during the Christmas season. Christmas is not too far away so let […]
Polish Butter Pretzel Cookies
Polish Butter Pretzel Cookies are soft and buttery, not overly sweet. They are the kind of cookie that everyone loves. Hard boiled egg yolk cookies may sound strange but these traditional Polish cookies deserve a place in your kitchen. Back when my son was in grade school, he had to do a cultural project for […]
Pie Party Live!
Last week I took a trip to New York City to eat pie. Over 70 food bloggers,cookbook authors, chefs, bakers and food writers gathered at The Rodeo Bar for Pie Party Live. Thanks to the wonderful planning by Ken of Hungry Rabbit NYC and Jackie of The Diva Who Ate New York, Pie Party Live was awesome. If I pictured […]
Meatball Madness hosted by Giada De Laurentiis
Two weeks ago I attended San Pellegrino's Meatball Madness presented by Buitoni. I was the lucky winner of two tickets thanks to Michelle from Taste as You Go and Buitoni. This event was part of the NYC Food and Wine Festival and it was hosted by the Giada De Laurentiis. Giada is just as lovely in […]
Make Your Own Flat Bread Pizzas
I have two kids and their tastes in food are not the same. My daughter is the high maintenance foodie type. She won't eat boxed mac and cheese, hot dogs or plain sandwiches. Nope. Her tastes include lobster, sushi and panini sandwiches. I don't blame her but at thirteen years old, she needs to get […]
Shot Glass Apple Parfaits
Shot Glass Apple Parfaits are great for breakfast or dessert. Make some and then decide when to eat them! Have you heard of Kitchen Play? Each month Kitchen Play hosts a unique progressive dinner party where six talented bloggers are assigned a course where they incorporate a product into a created recipe. This month the virtual […]
Best Oatmeal Recipe with Pears, Figs and Walnuts
This best oatmeal recipe is quick and easy and makes for a hot and hearty breakfast. Packed with flavor and nutrition, this oatmeal will become a fall staple! First Published September 2011; Updated July 2020 Best Oatmeal Recipe Backstory I have never been much of a breakfast person, until I tried this best oatmeal […]
Simple Side Dishes
It's another busy Monday and I am trying to plan ahead for our week night dinners. I usually have the main dish planned but I sometimes get stumped when it comes to side dishes. In my house, a bowl of potato chips is not considered a option. If you have just a few good pantry items and some veggies […]
Easy Gnocchi Recipe with Bolognese Sauce and Ground Turkey
This easy gnocchi recipe includes ground turkey and a Bolognese sauce, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make! Why I like this Easy Recipe If you like to wash pots and pans, please raise your hand? I don't see any hands raised. Okay, granted I can't visually see my readers but I am pretty […]
Fun at the Iowa Speedway Corn Indy 250!
I had so many fun adventures this past summer. Now that the kids are back in school, it is fun to reminisce and write about them. Back in June, my daughter and I were whisked off to Iowa to spend the weekend in Des Moines and attend the Iowa Speedway Corn Indy 250. We had never been […]
Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches
Smoked salmon tea sandwiches are an easy-to-make addition to any afternoon tea party, shower or served as a light lunch offering. Basic white bread is fancied up with salmon, cream cheese and thin slices of cucumber for a scrumptious yet simple afternoon tea sandwich. I have to say that I am not a dainty tea […]
Cheesy Veggie Panini with Balsamic Portobello Mushrooms and Roasted Peppers
I have a hearty meatless sandwich for you today. If you want a meatless lunch or dinner, this is the perfect meal. It includes carbs, veggies, dairy and protein. What more can you ask for? I have made this several times and it is always a winner in our house. I love cooking with balsamic […]
Saucy Salmon Sliders With Creamy Chipotle Slaw
Recently I was asked to enter the Saucy Mama "Fab with Five" blogger recipe contest. Saucy Mama is a company based out of Oregon that makes gourmet marinades, dressings and mustard. I was sent a package with their Santa Fe Creamy Chipotle Dressing, Pacific Rim Ginger Dressing, Sweet Heat Marinade, Dijon Mustard, Apricot-Ginger Mustard, and […]
Mini Easter Peeps Cakes
The other day I attempted to make donuts with my new Wilton donut pan. Instead we had a little mishap. The mishap resulted in a perfect way to make little Easter cakes. I filled the pan too much so one side looked like a giant cupcake and the other side looked like a giant cupcake […]
Ice Cream Sushi for a Birthday!
Yesterday my little food blog turned three years old. It's hard to believe that I have been blogging for over three years now. I look back and reflect on how much I have learned. I am in awe of the friends I have made and how supportive the food blog community is. It's been a […]
The South Philly Pork Sandwich
Philadelphia is known for their cheese steaks but you can also get a mean pork sandwich too. If you go into South Philly for a pork sandwich expect it to be served with broccoli rabe. Can you tell I'm on a broccoli rabe kick? If you don't live near Philadelphia, you can always make your […]
White Chocolate Covered Clementines
In our house, clementines are like gold. I can't buy them fast enough. In fact, I buy two boxes or bags at a time. If my windows are open, my neighbors will occasionally hear me scream to my kids and husband, "Don't hog the clementines!" Well guess what? I made the problem worse. Those sweet […]
Grilled Balsamic Portobello & Provolone Cheese Sandwiches
This sandwich was the bomb! The other day I bought some Portobello mushrooms and thought what a perfect match they would be for some sliced provolone cheese I had in the fridge. I sauteed them in a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil. They were ready to be paired in a sandwich. I promise you […]
Seared Tuna With Artichoke Puttanesca Sauce
One of my New Year resolutions was to eat better and exercise more. In other words, I want to lose a few pounds especially since I have a high school reunion coming up this year. It is now the middle of January and I have been happily filling my belly with muffins, mini lasagnas, football […]
Potato Leek Soup with Crispy Kielbasa
In the winter, I crave comfort foods such as soup, stews and bread. It's hard to eat light when you want something hearty. Even though this soup isn't low calorie diet food, there are no heavy creams or butter involved. It contains "good for you" ingredients such as olive oil and leeks. I put my […]
Spicy Spinach Crab Cups
If you need a quick and easy New Year's party appetizer, you have come to the right place. A few weeks ago, I was sent a nice package from Nasoya. Nasoya makes various products including tofu, Asian style noodles and wraps, and a soy based sandwich spread. The first thing I decided to try was […]
Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies with Toffee
Coconut Oil Chocolate Chip Cookies with Toffee are thick and chewy and taste just like bakery style chocolate chip cookies. This coconut oil cookie recipe will be your new favorite! I typically only make cookies around the holidays. But my son is coming home from college soon there is no better way to welcome him […]
Stuffed Iowa Pork Chops with Leek, Cremini Mushroom & Roasted Corn Risotto
Is your mouth watering, yet? Back in October, I went to Iowa for the Cornucopia tour. On our last day there, I was lucky enough to cook with six other bloggers in a professional kitchen. We cooked at Country Club Market where we were led by Chef Terrie Kohl. One of the dishes we made […]
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
There are so many good recipes in Tate's Bake Shop cookbook that I had a hard time picking which to make. Luckily the holidays are right around the corner so I will be making many more. I decided on the banana chocolate chip muffins and I have to say these were the best banana muffins […]
How to Make Homemade Butter
Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, my two kids made a little video on making butter. It was a fun family activity and I loved having fresh butter for our bread. As you can see, you can also get some exercise while doing it. Enjoy!
Part 2 of Iowa Corn Tour : Nutritional facts and Information
Last month I was lucky to participate in The Iowa CORNucopia Tour. You can read about my itinerary on the tour HERE. As I mentioned before, this trip was fully paid for and hosted by the Iowa Corn Growers Association. On day two of our trip, we had a nutritional question and answer session with […]
Oven Baked Sausage and Peppers with Potatoes
Sausage and peppers in the oven are simple to make yet full of flavor. This easy weeknight dinner requires almost no prep time and is ready in just 40 minutes. Easily double or triple the recipe to feed a crowd. You will love this sausage sheet pan dinner. Today I wanted to share an easy, […]
Smoky Lentil Florentine Soup
Once the weather gets colder, I get on a soup kick. Yes, it is that time of year! I could eat a hearty soup every night for dinner. It is a nice meal that can be made in advance and kept on the stove so that everyone gets a hot meal depending on their activity […]
Recipes Every Man Should Know
Recipes Every Man Should Know is an adorable little black book that is packed with easy recipes which will impress the ladies. This is the perfect gift for a husband, boyfriend, son or any male that you need a good gift for. Recipes Every Man Should Know is the perfect gift! Do you need the […]