Lemon Blueberry Pie Recipe

Posted by Kathy on April 11, 2017

Spring! Here in Kansas City, we were teased with weather that felt like spring in January and February. Roller coaster weather with ups and downs kept us on our toes and made us long for one season or the other. Finally, this week, it looks like spring is really here to stay. I love celebrating Easter with a perfect dose of spring weather.

It is amazing how just a slight change in the weather makes our taste buds go through seismic shifts. Just a couple weeks ago, on a cold, rainy day, I made another batch of soup to chase away the chill. Finally, we can look forward to egg salad and deviled eggs from all those Easter Eggs, ham dinners, roasted asparagus, fresh salads and now, a luscious Lemon Blueberry Pie as a spectacular Easter dessert. [Read more…]

Jambalaya

Posted by Roxanne on March 27, 2017

We just returned from working the National Housewares Show in Chicago. It is bigger and better every year and the buzz in the aisles of McCormick Place is mind boggling. This year we had the pleasure of showcasing an air fryer, a triple slow cooker that allows you to serve both hot and chilled in the same 3 crock unit, Disney gummy treats, a pizza maker and the coolest copper skillet. We worked next to Dr. Dan the Pancake Man, yes that’s right….check him out here.

Copper seemed to be every where and is definitely “in”. We loved the 12-inch and 16-inch copper skillet that Select Brands introduced.

We served Jambalaya to the buyers and media who stopped by. While the skillets were beautiful, the smell of the jambalaya simmering was amazing. This is a quick go to dinner for any busy family. If you have those that don’t enjoy the spice omit the cayenne and pass the hot seasoning sauce at the table. This recipe is a great way to use leftover protein. Omit the sausage and substitute ham or whatever you have on hand that needs to be used. True confession, we ran out of chicken at the show and used deli turkey. No one knew the difference and it was still delicious! There is no excuse not to have dinner on the table in a flash. Start this recipe and while it is simmering away, toss a salad and heat a baguette. Voila! Dinner is served.

A side note on this recipe. Yes, we know jambalaya can be a lot more intense to prepare. We especially like Paul Prudhomme’s method, but when it comes to a quick, dinner on the table meal, this is our go to recipe.

Jambalaya

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced yellow onion
¾ cup sliced celery
1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can low sodium chicken broth
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
¾ cup water
¾ cup uncooked rice
1 cup diced smoked andouille sausage
1 cup chopped, cooked chicken
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoons dried thyme leaves
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Hot seasoning sauce to taste
Heat oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion, celery and green pepper. Cook until onion is soft. Add garlic and cook for a minute more. Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, water, rice, sausage, chicken, bay leaf, thyme, paprika, Worcestershire and cayenne. Bring mixture to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Simmer, covered, for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent rice from sticking. Season to taste with salt, pepper and hot seasoning sauce.
Makes about 4 servings

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Reuben Sandwiches

Posted by Kathy on March 14, 2017

St Patrick’s Day means it is time for Reuben’s. Gotta have it.

OK, so you may be having corned beef and cabbage on the day—but then, hallelujah, make way for the Reuben! [Read more…]

Meyer Lemon and Black Pepper Cookies

Posted by Kathy on February 28, 2017

Do you ever come across a recipe or you see something on the menu and your taste buds say, “Nope! Not for me?” It might sound a little odd, strange or just weird, and you don’t want to taste it.

And then, you finally taste it and absolutely love it!

That doesn’t happen to me often but it is true confession time. That really was me recently. [Read more…]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Posted by Roxanne on February 13, 2017

Happy Valentine’s Day!
I hope you can spend the day with those you love! At our home, special holidays like Valentine’s Day are usually celebrated in the quiet and comfort of home. While we love to go to restaurants and try new foods, we have learned over the years that this may not be the “best” holiday to venture out. The up side of this is that we always plan a fun and special dinner at home. Today is no exception. I can hardly wait to get out the pasta machine and try my hand at homemade pasta. Pair that with lobster, steak, great wine and I think our evening will be a winner. Dessert? Easy peasy—my sweetheart adores brownies and so does my daughter. Dessert will definitely be heart shaped brownie sundaes with homemade hot fudge. We are in for a treat! My special gift request is always and most likely always will be Christopher Elbow milk chocolate turtles. Turtles trump flowers any day. Life is good.