Nothing fancy here, just a plain ole Pepper & Egg Sandwich….   I’ll bet you haven’t thought of this in a while have you? Fry up some peppers and onions, toss in and scramble the eggs.  If you want an exact recipe…. 2 green or red peppers washed, seeded and sliced 1/2 large Vidalia or…

Since my boys were little, every year when we put up the Christmas Tree – before any decorations could be put on it….i gave each of my boys a snowflake ornament (a sticky ball really) and they had to fling it on the tree..wherever it landed, that’s where it stayed.  Kind of like the first…

This quick side dish of potatoes goes great with anything!  An additional step of boiling the potatoes for a short time first, cuts the cooking time and the potatoes soak in that roasted garlic flavor. 1/4 cup olive oil 4-5 garlic cloves, smashed 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary (optional) 2 lbs. Yukon Gold and/or red…

This is one of the best Minestrone I have made.  I wish it made a bigger pot! 1/4 lb. pancetta, diced 6 cups chicken stock 6 medium garlic cloves, sliced 2 cups finely chopped onion 1 cup diced celery 1 cup diced carrots 1 Tbsp. finely chopped rosemary 1 (14-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained (or…

If you have never tried your hand at making homemade jams or jellies, this is an easy, quick recipe to get you started.  Capture the flavor of fresh strawberries (with a hint of fresh basil) in a soft set jam that you can freeze and have all year long.  Nothing beats the taste of fresh…

What comes to mind when you think of German Cuisine?  Sauerkraut and bratwurst, German Chocolate Cake and beer, lots and lots of German beer. German peasants and the poor made do with their homemade beer and filled their stomachs with kraut and bacon, firm, dark breads and light dumplings. This is a complete, satisfying cold…

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…

Nothing says Americana like a good ole can of Pork ‘n’ Beans.  This is a little different twist to the traditional beans that you remember from your childhood.  I could eat them hot or cold.  But what about that little piece of pork fat at the top of the can?  Does that really make them…

Gifts from the kitchen (and your heart) will be even sweeter because they were made by you! Just a few food gift packaging ideas: Paper Bags – Line the bag with tissue paper.  Poke holes or make slits in the bag.  Lace ribbon, string, greenery or jingle bells through the bags. Bottle or Jar – Tie…

Tired of the same old mac & cheese?  Crisp applewood smoked bacon and chopped spinach really adds another dimension to our comfort food favorite. 1 lb medium shell macaroni 1 10 oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed  4 thick slices applewood smoked bacon 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter 4 tbsp. flour 4 cups milk 4 cups…

This is the best sauerkraut ever!  My mother always made it this way.  My best memories were always going to the stove and tasting while it was simmering…then the piece d’resistance…the sauerkraut sandwich! Ingredients: 2 lb. bag sauerkraut, drained – Never buy sauerkraut in a can!!! 1- 3″ cube salt pork, finely cubed (can be…

I can’t tell you the last time I went to McDonald’s.  I really try to stay away from fast food.   Once in a while, you still get a craving for two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce……………you know the song.  Here’s how to make a fresh Big Mac at home with ingredients you most…

I just planted some radishes and beets in my garden and wanted to share a quick tip.  Wrap the seed packets in plastic wrap and thread bamboo skewers through the packet and stick it back in the ground.  A quick marker to let you know what is growing where.  The plastic wrap will protect the…

Double the time-saving power of your CrockPot by transforming leftovers into a totally different meal! This brisket is cooked with beef broth and loads of onions that melt down into a luscious gravy. NIGHT #1 4 lbs. beef brisket 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided 2 large onions, sliced thin 3 cloves garlic, minced…