January is a great time to snuggle in. Build a fire, turn on the television, work on a puzzle or play a game and just enjoy family time.
Then, suddenly cabin fever hits and it seems it would be fun to plan a game night, movie night or watch a football game and invite some friends. (Yes, that super big football game will be here in a couple weeks and you have to plan something to serve while watching the game or critiquing the commercials.) [Read more…]
It’s cold. Really cold. The holiday rush is over, the decorations are stored away and I want to cocoon. When cold winds howl, who doesn’t want to stay in and keep warm? On some nights, for me, that means cooking from what I have on hand and not running to the grocery store. Do you ever feel that way?
Even though its super cold, I am excited about the New Year, for our new book, The Newlywed Cookbook, Cooking Happily Ever After is now on store shelves. (Roxanne announced it and popped the Champagne last week!) We are thrilled and are looking forward to cooking recipes from the book, teaching classes and sharing tips that help newlywed couples start a lifetime of great cooking. What to register for and how to use those items, plus recipes for quick dinners to special dishes that create wonderful meals together and build lifelong memories.
The recipe was a hit and the most requested recipe after my party. No, it wasn’t the appetizers or desserts, it was a salad. What a surprise!
My daughter enjoyed this Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad at a work gathering and shared the recipe with me. Sure enough, all who tasted it wanted the recipe. I am not sure who to credit for the original recipe, but I am sure happy it came my way and glad to share it with you. [Read more…]
‘Tis the season! I love everything the holidays has to offer—the sights, sounds, smells, and food combine with the joy, hope and love and make the season magical. But, let’s be real. All that joy creates a crazy, busy schedule. Yet no one wants to miss a holiday party or chance to catch up with old friends for the lack of an easy to prepare, fantastic appetizer.
This is one of my family’s favorite appetizers. This Southwest Appetizer Cheesecake is so easy, for you bake it in the slow cooker. (The moist even heat is ideal for a cheesecake.) The 7-inch size makes it just right for any party or gift. The creamy goodness and hint of jalapeno complements any menu yet hints at Mexican without overpowering. Accompany it with tortilla chips and set out a small spreader and let the feast begin. [Read more…]
My daughters will tell you I am not wired to sit on the couch and watch TV. One show, maybe, but after that, no. I laugh when people comment that my empty nest might be calm and that now I have free time. Not so much. I am busy. Constantly busy and this means that dinners must be easy, or better yet, I love dinners that I can make ahead and pop in the oven when needed.
It is true that meals for two must be smaller. A large casserole seems to last forever when there are just two of us. I am constantly making smaller dishes in a 1 or 2 quart casserole dish or an 8-inch pan. And truth be told, even if serving 4 or 5, a smaller casserole dish is often the ideal size. Do you agree? [Read more…]
