Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly, and I can’t help but think that maybe there are some well-intending guys out there who would love to be able to pull together a romantic meal for their lovely lady. I am here to (hopefully) help. For Christmas this year, one of the ideas my husband had for...
Cooking
Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Stew with Red Wine and Mushrooms)
Boeuf Bourguignon is arguably Julia Child's most famous recipe, or at least near the top thanks to the movie Julie & Julia. The recipe itself is quite a masterpiece, but certainly not overly difficult or intimidating. I have nothing but love for dear Julia, but after making her version of the classic Beef Stew with Red...
Overnight Steel Cut Oatmeal
If I'm being perfectly honest with you all, it's that Steel Cut Oats took a little time to grow on me. My inner-child will always have a passionate love for packets of Quaker Strawberries & Cream oatmeal. The first few times that I prepared steel cut oats, they were very well received by my husband,...
Venison Goulash
American-style goulash made with venison might as well be called Michigan Goulash. Around here, November 15 marks the beginning of the guys' favorite weekend of the year, and a time affectionately referred to as Widow's Weekend complete with sales and promotions for the ladies who have the itch to shop while the boys go to deer...
Crispy Thin Crust Pizza
Our first meal when we arrived in Italy was pizza. Exhausted and jet-lagged, we were feeling hungry and groggy. We walked the route from our apartment along the main street of our little town to explore our new surroundings, and then picked up two pizzas to bring back with us for lunch (or dinner to...
Homemade Yogurt
Making your own yogurt at home is extremely easy, but more importantly, it’s so much better than store bought. While we were living in Italy, we ate a tremendous amount of yogurt. European grocery stores have more yogurt varieties than we could even comprehend! It was fun trying out so many different types and flavors....
Campfire Chicken and Dumplings
I don’t know about all of you, but I am thoroughly enjoying the New Year thus far. Michael and I have been having a splendidly relaxing time up north at our cabin for the last week or so. One of the highlights would definitely have to be cooking over the campfire. For Christmas, I was...
Don't Mess With The Sweet Potatoes {Sweet Potato Casserole with Toasted Marshmallows}
Crushed pineapple and toasted marshmallows put the “sweet” in this family-favorite Sweet Potato Casserole. Some things are better left untouched. I’m all for innovation and trying new things and being open to different foods and traditions most of the time. The ultimate exception to that rule is Sweet Potato Casserole on Thanksgiving. It’s a crime...
Balsamic Glazed Baby Carrots
Planning ahead can make Thanksgiving much less hassle and more laid back for all to enjoy. If you would like to get ahead of the game a bit, making as many things ahead of time as possible is the way to go. I will be doing a few things ahead of time this year, and...
Thriving in a Little Kitchen
When it comes to kitchens, especially on television and in magazines, “bigger is better” seems to be the general idea. I respectfully disagree. Although I do love the gigantic, glorious kitchens that could easily moonlight as the command center of a successful restaurant establishment, I find such things to be a completely unnecessary luxury. When...