helping you cook better, smarter, faster
While chips are often a dangerously addictive snack, there are times when I just really need a good crisp crunch. No, carrots don’t cut it…though English cucumbers come close. I don’t care for water chestnuts (pretty much no taste) or jicama raw (a strange, sweet flavor that’s not my thing). Imagine my excitement when my daughter shared an Instagram video from @blogilates on how to make the ultimate “chips” yourself!
Continue reading “Make the ultimate chips yourself”
I’m sure you’ve seen these gorgeous “buffet on a board” creations in magazines and on social media. Meat and cheese (and more) artistically arranged to be appealing to the eye as well as the tastebuds. Perhaps cooking isn’t an area you feel is creative. What’s creative about following someone else’s recipe? Well then here’s your answer…anyone can get creative with a charcuterie board!
Continue reading “Get creative with a charcuterie board!”
My 21-year-old daughter got a special look Saturday afternoon when I brought in groceries, and she saw a baguette. “Does that mean…?” she asked. “Yes, it does,” I replied, and she just about jumped for joy. How could baguettes bring her so much joy you ask?
Continue reading “Baguettes bring joy to my family!”
As a child, I didn’t like mashed potatoes. Weird, right? But I LOVED what came from their leftovers. In fact, I was willing to eat the plain mashed potatoes (my grandmother made them but no gravy) just because I knew what we’d have the next day…my childhood favorite – mashed potato pancakes!
Continue reading “My childhood favorite – mashed potato pancakes”
Ever wish you could have a little taste of Thanksgiving whenever? I love the taste of stuffing, gravy, and cranberries…these are some favorites from my childhood that together conjure memories of special family times. Finally, I decided those flavors could come together any time in a Thanksgiving Nut Mix!
Continue reading “Thanksgiving Nut Mix – savor the flavor of the holiday!”
The hardest part about our first Whole30 was trying ALL new recipes…recipes we’d never had before, which meant not only did we NOT know if we would like what I cooked, it also meant a LOT more work for me (’cause new is harder than something you’ve made over and over). Eventually, I mastered what I call “recipe renovation” – changing many of our favorite recipes to be Whole30 compliant…family favorites like Jamaican Macaroni.
Continue reading “Recipe Renovation: Jamaican Macaroni”
This squash is nothing short of miraculous. Honestly, a vegetable that turns into spaghetti once it’s cooked? I reluctantly gave this a try a few years back, and now I’m hooked on the amazing spaghetti squash.
Continue reading “The AMAZING Spaghetti Squash”
My dad taught me two important lessons about food that I still live by. One, your plate should be colorful. It says you’ve got the variety of vitamins your body needs. And two, always try a new food or at least a new restaurant when you travel.
Continue reading “Food Adventures: Trying Ramen”
Have you noticed? The summer heat has retreated just a bit and that means APPLES!!! Fall is prime apple time…loads of varieties, great sale prices…move over pumpkin spice, it’s time for 9 amazing and appetizing uses for apples!
Continue reading “9 Amazing and appetizing uses for apples”
I’m always up for a snack…crunchy and savory things are the best. When I had my frozen shoulder, corn was keeping me inflamed – so no more popcorn. When I went Whole 30 and found that grains cause me trouble, goodbye crackers and pretzels. How would I feed that savory snack craving? That’s when I learned about nut mixes.
Continue reading “Mix up nuts for your savory snacking”