I have a new recipe! It's like a Broccoli Raisin Salad/Kale Salad mash up. It was inspired by a salad we had at a restaurant recently. This is my attempt to recreate it. Dave and I went to Chattanooga several weeks ago for an overnight getaway! (A very rare occurance!) I haven't been there in … Continue reading Sunshine Kale Salad
Do you ever have a recipe that you adore and make all the time, and then for some reason or another it fades out of your repertoire? And then one day you think of it, or see the recipe and say to yourself, “Why haven’t I made this lately? I love this dish!” And then … Continue reading Rice & Bean Salad
I remember the first weeks of college, having such fun getting to know great people from all over the country. Friends on my hall were from Chicago, Colorado, California, Michigan, rural Tennessee, and New Jersey. Being in Tennessee, my home-state, for college I had the opportunity to be part of introducing friends to some southern … Continue reading Cheese Grits
In 1991, the spring of my freshman year of college, I had a memorable encounter with onion rings and baby back ribs. I was thrilled to be asked out on dates with guys in college, as this dating thing was a new experience for me. I was invited to dinner by this guy that I had … Continue reading Crispy Baked Onion Rings
I have to be honest. There is no recipe for this dish. There's not even a name for it. It's that simple and that versatile, and hard to pin down. It's really a matter of opinion, and available ingredients and feel. There seem to be people who really prefer written recipes. They want a … Continue reading That Yummy Vegetable Pasta Thing
Sometimes simple really is best! No need for a fancy marinade or complex procedures...just some good seasonal vegetables, roasted, with some brown rice and you have a colorful, flavorful, healthy meal! Roasted Veggies. They are just so versatile, beautiful, simple, tasty and healthy! I love to roast a pan of summer vegetables. I almost always … Continue reading Bowl of Goodness: Roasted Veggies Over Rice
Last summer when I started blogging, I wasn't sure what it would be like. I didn't know if I would really enjoy it. I mean, I love food, taking photos, telling stories, and sharing tips from the kitchen and "philosophies" of life. However, I was hesitant about this whole blogging thing. Would it be fun? … Continue reading Kicky Chickpea Salad
The grass is growing, the trees are budding, flowers are blooming and the sun has been shining! Spring has come and we are so very thankful. My kids and I have had the same reaction: "Let’s have a picnic!", or as my 3 year old says, a “Pic-a-nic!” Yes, lets! What a fun event (especially … Continue reading Pack Your Picnic
Ina Garten is my favorite high profile cook. I trust her. She is real, down to earth, uses great ingredients (some that are far beyond my scope or wallet, but most not) and simple techniques. One of the best things I have learned from her, through the several Barefoot Contessa cookbooks I own, is roasting. … Continue reading Roasted Winter Vegetables
Years ago, when my friend Hannah had her baby Frances, I wanted to take her a tasty baked good and squeeze that little girl. I found a cranberry orange muffin recipe in a Martha Stewart cookbook, whipped them up, and took them over to her. Hannah is one of the most lovely gift recipients! She … Continue reading Cranberries are in…better stock up!
