I'm a planner. It's as simple as that. When we found out we would be moving to Italy, I immediately began a categorized packing list, arranged according to priority, and size. The more time I spend thinking about what I want to bring with me, or what I feel like I NEED to bring, I...
Cooking
Slow-Roasted Filet of Beef with Basil Parmesan Mayonnaise
Of all the recipes I planned to try this week from my Cookbook of the Week: Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten, I think I was most looking forward to this one. It had nothing but delicious written all over it: filet of beef, fresh basil, homemade mayonnaise, "slow-roasted". I was salivating just reading about...
Smoked Salmon with Fresh Dill Sauce
This recipe uses a charcoal grill and hickory wood chips to smoke the salmon, and the results are splendid. No fancy smoker needed, and the smoky flavor is just strong enough to shine through without being too overpowering for the salmon. The fresh dill sauce was a hit at our house, and I'll surely find...
Double-Glazed Pumpkin Spice Scones
I know I've mentioned before that I have a love for scones, and I usually make them with loads of fresh fruit in them. Well, it's a crazy gorgeous Fall day in northern Michigan today, and I got in the mood for some scones. This time I was determined to have a successful batch of...
Birthday Menu-Planning and Bucket-List Recipes
My husband seems to be unusually excited about my birthday this year. Don't get me wrong, he ALWAYS gets excited about my birthday, but it's still a week away and he has mentioned his excitement a multitude of times. I'm one of those lucky wives who doesn't have some story about how he totally dropped...
Lobster Macaroni & Cheese
Nobody is ever too old to enjoy a good bowl of mac & cheese. It's especially "grown-up" in this version which includes freshly steamed lobster. I love Gruyere (from Switzerland- Sorry, Wisconsin!) and combined with extra-sharp cheddar, this is a fabulous homemade macaroni and cheese that I will no doubt be making again soon. Lobster...
Triple Coconut Cream Pie
Ever since I made a few things from The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook when it was my Cookbook of the Week, I've been dying to try out their Triple Coconut Cream Pie. Last night while folding laundry, I could resist the temptation no longer. Oh My. Staying up baking until 11:30 at night on a Sunday...
Coconut Pastry Dough
Coconut Pastry Dough (for Triple Coconut Cream Pie) Credit: The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook by Tom Douglas and Shelley Lance Ingredients: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose lour ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into ½-inch cubes 2 teaspoons sugar ¼ teaspoon kosher salt ⅓ cup ice-cold water, or...
Jambalaya
I feel as though it is my duty to warn you...this recipe makes SO MUCH FOOD! Invite some hungry friends over. Or have a hungry Hubby who now has lunch for the entire week covered. There are two main types of Jambalaya: Creole and Cajun. This recipe is more of a Creole Jambalaya, also called...
Winter Minestrone & Garlic Bruschetta
This was the first of what I'm sure will be many times that I will make this soup. Or maybe I should call it a stew... Either way, it's hearty and delicious, and packed with veggies. Don't be discouraged by the long list of ingredients. It isn't difficult at all to prepare, and combined with...