Fifteen years ago when I bought my bread machine all I knew how to do with it was a buy a boxed mix, dump it in and press start. The problem with that is that prepared mixes are pretty expensive and they're just not that easy to find anymore. These days we use it for all sorts of things like making pizza dough and cinnamon rolls, and for experimenting with different varieties … [Read more...]
5 Ways to Make Fruit Salad
I love me some fruit salad. It's rich in flavor. And good for you. There's no need to add artificial sugars, as the fruit is sweet enough. But there are still some fun ways to dress up a simple fruit salad. I love adding different toppings and spices to fruit salad. Plus, how about this easy, "no juice" storage idea! 5 Ways - The Fruit Salad Edition Crushed Pistachios … [Read more...]
Lemon Pasta with Ham and Peas
When I think of pasta and peas together, I think of blue box macaroni with a can of tuna and a can or bag of frozen peas. Well, that's what I thought about pasta and peas before I really learned how to cook. The fun of cooking comes with exploring with flavors, textures and tossing together new ingredients. I'm always on the hunt for new favorite recipes, especially for … [Read more...]
Strawberry Rhubarb Baked Oatmeal
Now that it's rhubarb season...and the start of berry season, I thought a strawberry rhubarb baked oatmeal was in order. I took the baked oatmeal recipe from my Breakfast and Lunch Cookbook and gave it a few twists. And this is what I got... 3 stalks rhubarb. plus about 3 cups diced strawberries (that I froze recently.) Toss the strawberries and rhubarb … [Read more...]
Baked Eggs Recipe with Spinach, Tomatoes and Garlic
A baked egg recipe, made on a bed of spinach, tomatoes and garlic. Sounds so fancy and gourmet!!! But it's EASY...and so affordable! First up is spinach. And yes, this is a fancy and somewhat gourmet way to use up your spinach from the garden. First saute it with some garlic. Add some diced (or fresh) tomatoes. And some minced onion. Cook … [Read more...]
Memorial Day Recipe Round-Up
Needing a little Memorial Day inspiration for that picnic or potluck you are attending or hosting this weekend?! Well I just might have some for you... Asian Spinach Salad with Soy-Sesame Vinaigrette Mango Raspberry Crumble Grilled Sweet Potato Fries Grilled Red Potato Salad Grilled Eggplant Panini with Garlic-Rosemary Aioli Beef … [Read more...]
Grilled Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon and Maple
So I was chatting with a friend the other day about sweet potatoes...how much Tyler loves them, different ways to cook them, how they grow. I said, "You know, I've never grilled them." She replied, "Me neither...but I'll let you figure it out and I'll wait for the post on the website." Naturally, I turned to grillmaster Bobby Flay for his help. Well, I didn't ask him … [Read more...]
Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free Pancakes
Making gluten free anything can be tricky...especially when baking or making pancakes or waffles. I have found that baking mini-muffins or mini-loaves when using gluten free flours works best. I have also found that many gluten free pancakes are quite flat. This batch was "medium flat." Not quite as fluffy as regular wheat flour pancakes, but not flat and rubbery like other … [Read more...]
Egg Salad BLT Sandwich
Back in January, I spent a lot of time traveling promoting my 2nd cookbook. I often stopped for meals at Subway...and during one of those stops, I was looking over the menu in hopes of finding a new sandwich to try. The BLT caught my eye and then it got me thinking about what else would work with a BLT. Tuna salad would work...especially with some melted Swiss on top. … [Read more...]
Maple Almond Scone Bites with Vanilla Bean Glaze
Ever since treating myself to one of the petite little scones at Starbucks on a recent publicity trip, I've been dying to make them. Because I know without a shadow of a doubt that I could make them for 90% less than what I paid for at the 'bucks. Before we get to the recipe, I'd like to have a pronunciation lesson. I have a friend who has lived in England and she told me … [Read more...]