The Covid-19 Pandemic changed our world. The past year has been challenging for all, but devastating to many. It’s been a tragic year of loss. Many have lost friends and family to this horrible pandemic. And many of us have spent an entire year of our lives isolated and away from those we love. Hugs […]
Recipe Mistakes – From Disaster To Delicious
Mistakes are rarely something to crow about. But on Thanksgiving day I made one of the biggest mistakes in my more than fifty years of cooking in the kitchen. But luckily it turned out to be delicious! I love Chef Michael Symon. And I saw him prepare his “Pap’s” corn pudding recipe on TV. It […]
Balsamic Glaze – A Homemade Treat You’ll Love!
Inexpensive balsamic vinegar can easily be transformed into a magical condiment that tastes like a million bucks! I don’t know about all of you, but this pandemic is wearing on my nerves. And my taste buds too. I am struggling to come up with new ideas for our seven nights a week eating at home. […]
Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Bars – Only Four Ingredients!
A short list of common ingredients can make all the difference in whether or not to tackle a recipe. And these simple cookie bars couldn’t be easier. Just check out the four simple ingredients you may already have in your pantry and refrigerator. If you’re a regular reader of my blog you know about the […]
Watergate Cookies – Another Blast From The Past
Watergate. For me, that word conjures up more than a political firestorm. We’re talking salad and cake and…cookies! Back in the 1970’s Watergate dishes were all the rage. And our little boys never met a cookie they didn’t like. Take this photo, for instance. I sure wish I knew what little Nick was thinking at […]
Hamburger Chow Mein – Mom’s 1950’s Casserole
Hamburger Chow Mein Casserole. I was thumbing through Mom’s old recipe box the other day, and I stumbled onto this classic recipe. Mom was an incredible cook, and she was my best friend. She is still my inspiration in the kitchen. Dad used to tell her she could “make a silk purse out of a […]
Wing Dingers – An Old Recipe Rediscovered And Shared
Wing Dingers. I hadn’t thought about that recipe for at least thirty years! This Covid19 crisis keeps me searching for ways to stay connected. And one afternoon while chatting with a dear old pal (Her name is Marcia…but we call her “Marge”) I asked her what she was making for dinner. She said she was […]
Arancini – Leftover Risotto Gets Even Better
Arancini. I had never even heard of this amazing appetizer until several years ago. And that was about the same time I learned to make risotto. That was also when I began to realize that Italian cooks hate to waste anything. So when I ended up with leftover risotto I discovered that creamy, cheesy rice […]
Newman Singers – A Treasured Tropical Day In SoFlo
The University of Iowa Newman Singers will always hold a special place in my heart. I have enjoyed their music for years during Mass at The Newman Center near the University of Iowa campus. And I have served them breakfast on several occasions on Sunday mornings between those services. Those college “kids” are truly some […]
Baked Ricotta With Parsley And Oil Cured Olives
The next time you need a cheese course that will WOW your guests…this is it! Make this Baked Ricotta with Parsley and Oil Cured Olives. It will be the star of the evening! I discovered this ricotta cheese torta on a blog I follow called The Irreverent Kitchen. I love Alicia’s stories of her childhood […]