I never really liked chicken Parmesan. A thick dried out chicken breast smothered in a so-so sauce and topped with too much chewy mozzarella cheese. And loaded with calories to boot! Then I played with a freezer friendly recipe to cut down on excessive calories and boost the favor. Now I am in love. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do! I first cut those massive chicken … [Read more...]
Grilled Paninis
Oh my gosh? Dare I say it? Spring is right around the corner!! You know what this means, BBQ’s and camp fires! Flowers and swimming! Playing, playing, playing! (for the kids, of course) As long as we’re talking summer, we've got to talk grills.......that’s right, what a lead in...Have you ever thought about paninis on the grill? If you're looking for ideas other than … [Read more...]
College Cooking on a Budget – Reader Question
Chelsea asks... As a college student, our access to food is limited by our budget and even our supplies (I only have a mini fridge, microwave, hot pot and secret hot plate). We have our highlights outside of ramen and pizza but good food is hard to come by. So I was wondering if you have any suggestions for meal ideas for us? First off, I have to share the all-time best meal … [Read more...]
Rigatoni with Grilled Chicken and Dried Tomatoes
Seriously I have had enough. Winter started way too early this past November. And it continues to drag on, with a tease of warm weather here and there. In a feeble attempt to pretend that it may in fact be spring, or summer, I pulled out the tomatoes and basil that I dried, after having picked them from my garden last year. And for a few glorious minutes, I got to taste … [Read more...]
Food Allergies on a Budget – Part 3
It's time for part 3 of the Food Allergies on a Budget series! In case you missed the previous posts, here they are: Part 1 Part 2 This time we'll be taking a closer look at the practical things that need to happen in your kitchen when you have to start eliminating foods from your diet. Practical Approaches for Food Allergies Cross-contamination An … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Homemade Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese...a kid favorite for sure! But why can't it be an adult favorite?! With just a little sprucing up, it sure can be! I remember my mom making "the blue box" and mixing in peas and tuna. It was the "all-american meal" back in the 80s. That...and chicken cordon bleu's from the freezer. Two meals that I am both fond of, but somehow disgusted by. (I do … [Read more...]
How to Chop an Onion Without Crying
So this has happened to every last one of us. At least once I imagine! After just one slice into one of "those" onions, and we beeline it out of the kitchen hoping to keep the tears at bay. But alas, it's too late! That pesky onion juice has done it again and the waterworks are a-flowin'. With just one slice. How in THE world am I supposed to finish chopping that … [Read more...]
Pulled Pork with Red Onion
This recipe is featured in the 21 Freezer Cooking Recipes from Costco Meal Plan #5. Several weeks ago I purchased a large pork tenderloin. I used part of it to make Spanish Stew, sliced off a few pork chops, and then left the remaining portion whole to cook in the slow cooker. This is quite simple...I placed the roast fat side up in the slow cooker, topped it … [Read more...]
Angel Food Cake with Lime Glaze and Pistachios
(No. I did not forget about my "dessert of the month" promise. Yes. I do realize that it's the last day of the month. I work best on a tight deadline! Translation: I am one giant procrastinator.) A match made in food heaven... Lime. and. Pistachios! I made this earlier this month when we had some friends from church over for dinner. I made the angel food cake the night … [Read more...]
Italian Wedding Soup
Here is my version of Italian Wedding Soup. Simple. Delicious. So yeah. There's going to be a wedding this year. My sister's!!! I'm honored to stand beside her as the matron of honor, and I'm thrilled that Charlie gets to be a ring bearer! And there's going to be an Italian at the wedding. My sister's fiance is Italian. Dark headed, dark eyed with a last name that's … [Read more...]