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Grilled Chicken Bruschetta Salad

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Is it a salad or an open-faced sandwich? No matter what you call it, Grilled Chicken Bruschetta is a tasty, easy dish—and we love it.

The Midwest has been through a terrible drought—so bad that gardens withered and the produce shriveled. Yet, some—like tomatoes and peaches– seem sweeter or at least, more precious. That juicy summer flavor shines in this dish!

It is one of those dishes that tastes so fresh and yet is easy, so it is perfect to serve on a busy evening. It is also ideal to serve on an evening when you feel you can catch your breath, pour a glass of wine and just enjoy. I am grateful for evenings like that! And, it is perfect for this time of year—when the tomatoes and basil are still thriving and the taste of summer lingers. [Read more…]

Chipotle Orange Chicken Wing Recipe

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Chipotle Orange Chicken Wing photo

This year, I am greeting Labor Day with joy for the weekend kicks off a change in the seasons. Football games. Cooler weather. Autumn is coming and I want to be done with the summer of 2012 and the intense heat and drought. I am among those that grill all year long—but this weekend I was longing for a change there too, and wanted to grill something different. It had to be easy and fun. For me, it was Chipotle Orange Chicken Wings.

Sticky, messy, finger licking good—everything a wing should be. It is just a natural to serve when gathering to watch the game on television or any evening when friends gather to linger outside and enjoy the cooler evenings.

Roxanne and I love to cook together—and always are sharing new recipes with each other. Yet, we giggle about our different taste preferences. I love sweeter, fruit based sauces on chicken or meat. This fits that description—and yet, I bet Roxanne will like it because it has a captivating spicy kick from the chipotle peppers. Sweet and spicy makes a winning combination.
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Milk Shake Trio

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The summer heat put the kibosh on so many of our summer plans. How about you? Finally, the heat seems to be breaking and there is still time for summer fun! My daughter is here for a brief respite—moving from a job in Topeka, Kansas to grad school near Washington, DC and that means family fun and special times. One night, a celebration seemed in order and we became fixated on milk shakes. They sounded cool, fun and comforting—all in one big gulp. [Read more…]

Pesto and Bruschetta Cheesecake

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Each summer I dream of casual gatherings—wine and appetizers aplenty, perfect weather, fireflies darting (but not bugs biting)—out on my patio. Reality check! This summer it is too hot to enjoy the outside. It is too hot to cook. Who wants to turn on the oven and heat up the house? OK–it’s time for me to stop complaining.  Slow cooker to the rescue and one of my very favorite appetizers. Pesto and Bruschetta Cheesecake is so good you just might forget about the intense heat! [Read more…]

Rustic Roasted Vegetable Tart Recipe

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I love farmer’s markets. I don’t just mean, I browse through them occasionally, I am addicted to them. Walking through the fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers, with all of the vibrant colors, fresh smells and flavor possibilities is truly a salve for my weary soul. It is my time to literally stop and smell the roses—-well more often, stop and smell the peaches, or basil or some other culinary delight—but you get the picture.My little corner of suburbia, Lee’s Summit, MO, has a small but first rate farmer’s market. It’s busy and vibrant, but not overwhelming. I walk by every vendor in just minutes, but then I go back and soak in the sights and smells, talk to the friendly folks at each booth and buy my treasures.We have been really busy and totally focused on a new project (and we will make an exciting announcement on it soon) but for now, it is fair to say that my walk in the market these last few weeks has been far too rushed and brief. This last weekend, I finally got to meander and savor it. Oh it is hard to limit my purchases to what I can honestly use in a few days—but I try. (Well, true confession, I browse farmer’s markets when I travel and can’t cook the produce—and love the memories of markets in Italy, France, and across the USA.) [Read more…]