Soups are no longer appealing as dinnertime choices since the weather in the midwest has been unseasonable warm and dry. The northeast part of the U.S. is preparing for the biggest snow storm ever and the midwest hasn’t received enough moisture to moisten a postage stamp. Soups, stews and braising aren’t as appealing when the temps are in the 60s and the dinner menu is becoming monotonous week by week.

Yes, even though we cook and develop recipes on a daily basis, there are still days when I just can’t figure out “What’s for Dinner” and nothing really sounds good. [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…]