Muesli is a popular breakfast meal based on uncooked rolled oats, fruit and nuts.  Muesli was introduced around 1900 by the Swiss physician Maximilian Bircher-Benner for patients in his hospital, where a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables was an essential part of therapy.  This doctor was in charge of the Zurich Sanitarium.  So…

Summer puddings are popular across the board in Eastern Europe, including Britain, not only for their flavor, but because they are a no-bake dessert.  They make good use of leftover bread and let ripe summer fruit take center stage. 1 pint fresh blueberries, washed and stemmed 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. water Pinch of salt…

If you have any of those Soy Sauce packets that come with your Chinese Take Out, here is a great way to use them up.  If I order Egg Foo Yung, it usually comes with a brown gravy that I still haven’t figured out what could be in it.  Making Egg Foo Yung is a…

There is nothing quite as sweet and juicy as chocolate covered strawberries.  It’s a special Valentine’s Day treat and can add a special touch to a romantic dinner for two. Its so easy to make this decadent delight. Things you will need: 1 lb. fresh strawberries 8 oz. Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips 6 oz.…

Kick up your deviled eggs with some spicy pickled jalapeños instead of the standard pickle relish. The celery adds a little crunch and makes for a great filling. 12 eggs 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise 3 Tbsp. sour cream 2 Tbsp. minced pickled jalapeños, plus more for garnish 2 tsp. yellow mustard 1 Tbsp. minced celery Kosher salt and freshly…

What is Chow-Chow Relish? This relish has long been a favorite on pinto beans in the South.  It originated from using end of the season vegetables in the garden.  It also has some roots from the Pennsylvania Dutch.  I remember my Mom making this growing up.  She would make quarts and quarts of the stuff…

I am very fortunate to have some great neighbors on my block!  All different cultures that come together!  My kids grew up with theirs, and now that they are grown we don’t get together like we used to.  We always helped each other in time of need and stop and chat we we see each…

If you want honest-to-goodness dill pickles, you have to do it the old-fashioned way. If the fermentation thing is not for you, don’t give up on making a great pickle.  Dill pickles are a lot like sauerkraut in that in that bacteria rather than yeast are responsible for the fermentation.  They will break apart the…

My two-week countdown to Thanksgiving helps you get organized, so that the day of the feast is easy and  relaxed. TWO WEEKS AHEAD Browse your recipe collection to work out a menu.  What are your favorites:  Where is there room for a little experimentation? Pick up some turkey wings in preparation for making and freezing…

Many people know that Wednesday is Prince Spaghetti Day.  Go back in time for a few moments, and watch the YouTube commercial. I have to have something Italian at least twice a week.  Love my macaroni! This is my Italian-American Meat Sauce 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, minced 1 medium…

Homemade comforting meals, soups and desserts prepared with love.  Italian favorites includes chicken parmigiana, lasagna, meatballs and sausage all prepared with my authentic slow simmered italian “gravy”. Family favorites include Savor Pot Roast slow-cooked to tender perfection in a classic dark kettle gravy.  Smothered Pork Chops under a sauce with plenty of browned onions and…

Pierogi are a traditional Polish noodle dumpling, filled with a variety of sweet and savory mixtures.  I grew up with my Polish Cioci making these for us.  My mom learned from her and so on down the line.  When my mom would make these, we would set up an assembly line.  She would roll out…

Salty-sweet browned butter turns this asparagus into a delicious side dish.  Very easy and quick.  This is going to be on my Holiday menu for sure! Ingredients:  l lb. asparagus spears, trimmed Cooking spray (I used olive oil spray) Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter 2 tsp. low-sodium soy sauce 1…

This is a great way to use zucs from the garden.  It’s an old Bisquick recipe my mom had.  You can bake it in a pie pan or serve as these great appetizers! 3 cups grated zucchini 1 cup Bisquick 1/2 cup finely chopped onion 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley…