Did you know that the first pies were often made from pastry that was intentionally barely edible?  Pastry was used as a method of keeping meats and fillings moist during cooking and also to seal the filling to keep it from spoiling. YUM.   Many believe the term “pie” has its beginnings from “magpie”, a bird…

Swedish Meatballs were very popular in the 50’s and 60’s, but they are still one of my comfort food favorites.  My grandfather was Swedish and I hope he would be proud of my version of Swedish Meatballs. 2 slices white bread, torn into small pieces 1/4 cup milk 1 lb. ground beef 1/2 lb. ground…

Everyone loves Chicken Parm!  This is a make-ahead recipe that is quick, easy and soooo good! I have included a recipe for a quick marinara, but you can easily use a good store bought sauce.  I use Victoria Brand Marinara sauce.  It’s one of the best sauces I have found on the market.  America’s Test…

This is an easy recipe for delicious pickled beets and onions.  I happen to love beets.  I grew up on them.  Polish and Slovak cuisine include many beet dishes (borscht – beet soup, pickled beets and Red Beets with Horseradish Relish )  These are great on a salad or as a side dish. This recipe isn’t processed…

This makes the house smell like apple pie baking.. 5 cinnamon sticks, broken 1 apple, sliced 1 lemon, sliced 1 orange, sliced 1/2 cup whole cloves 1 Tb nutmeg 1 Tb bay leaf pieces Combine ingredients and add water to simmer on stovetop.  This can also be done in a slow-cooker on low setting.

Lentils in themselves can be bland, but they have a marvelous quality of absorbing the flavors of supporting foods cooked with them.  Lentils are full of vitamin B.  This soup is deliciously spicy, completely vegetarian, has no cholesterol, and is high in protein and fiber. Ingredients: 2 onions, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp.…

This week’s Sunday Supper is all about Dishes in Five Ingredients or less and is hosted by #SundaySupper Contributor Amber from Mama’s Blissful Bites. You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something delicious!  Some of the best meals come out of what is in the pantry and “what’s left in the fridge!” Did you…

The Holiday Season is upon us.  Time to get together with family and friends and celebrate!  Grab your glass  and enjoy!   Let us all count our blessings at this time of year and every day for the love of family and friends. Hot Spinach Parmesan Dip This is my version of that great dip…

I must confess that this is my favorite recipe for holiday cookies.  The original recipe…just changed slightly to satisfy my craving for salty/sweet.  With a crisp, buttery, cream cheese pastry and pecans coated in cinnamon caramel – touched with a hint of sea salt – these little pies are heaven sent.   Pastry: 1 cup…

I have tried many a recipe for Black Bean Burgers – all of them did not measure up.  Filled with ingredients like oats, quinoa, you name it, all of them were mushy or fell apart when cooking.  I think America’s Test Kitchen really found the secret to a great Black Bean Burger.  The secret is…

These cookies were always made each year by Grandma “B”. 1 (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened 12 ounces (3 sticks) butter, softened 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 (14-ounce) cans fillings of choice (apricot, prune, raspberry, etc.) Confectioners’ sugar Mix cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add flour 1 cup at a time and mix…

This is a fun way to serve stuffed french toast. You can fill these with just about anything! I’m thinking these could also be a dessert! Ingredients 6 slices white or wheat bread Nutella, Strawberry Cream Cheese or any preserves 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 1 egg 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 tsp.…

Qdoba is a small Mexican restaurant chain that has the best burritos – EVER!  It’s not a hop, skip and a jump from here, so I’m trying to duplicate these magnifico burritos at home. (Photo courtesy of Qdoba) The Marinade 2 lbs. chicken tenders* Juice from one fresh orange and one fresh lime 2 Tbsp.…

Quick pickling is a fast way to have tangy, crispy and crunchy pickles in as little as an hour without any special equipment.  Besides eating pickles straight from the jar as a snack, serve with sandwiches or cheese and meat trays.  I do a lot of pickling during the summer months and take advantage of…