Cold weather means it’s time to make soup
A couple of weeks ago I got a great deal on Roma tomatoes at the local produce stand – $.69/lb. – and I bought ten pounds without having a clear idea how I was going to use them. About the same time, I...
View ArticleCooking with Dan and squash soup
When people ask me what I got out of culinary school, there are two things that stick out: I now make killer gravy, and I made some awesome friendships with my fellow students. Yes, there are a few...
View ArticleChocolate lover’s paradise – Johnson Candy Company
It always amazes me that I have lived in the Puget Sound area for over 30 years and am still stumbling on hidden gems that I later find out my friends have “known about for years.” Such is the case...
View ArticleQuick holiday appetizers –“Easy Spiced Nuts”
One of my newer holiday traditions has become the email I receive from my friend Aileen the week before Thanksgiving with the question, “What am I taking to my Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s...
View ArticleChristmas cookie time
I always plan on doing a ton of baking this time of year, but it usually ends up that I only get a couple of things done. So when my niece Nicole called last week and asked if I had time to do any...
View ArticleCheesy Corn to the rescue
I’ve been on a cooking holiday, as evidenced by my complete lack of posts in the last couple months. I have been much more motivated to eat other people’s cooking than to come up with something new and...
View ArticleA spring cleaning-inspired pasta salad
My spring cleaning tends to be haphazard. I’m easily distracted from the project I set out on as I discover other things that are easier to clean, sort, organize, throw away, etc. I try to break it...
View ArticleDelicious AND moist gluten-free brownies!
When it comes to baked goods, I’ve always thought that “gluten-free” and “delicious” was somebody’s fantasy. This is probably because every gluten-free goodie I’d ever tried was like a flavorless, dry...
View ArticleIt’s all about the (BBQ) sides…..
Although I’ve been using my grill now for the past several weeks, I always think of Memorial Day Weekend as the “Opening Day” of the BBQ/Grilling Season. Even if the weather isn’t cooperating, I still...
View ArticleBourbon or Whisky? I say YES!
June 1st is not normally one of my favorite days, but June 1, 2012, made me happy because when I went to the grocery store, I was able to buy a bottle of whisky while I was shopping and not have to...
View ArticlePicnic Perfect –“Cheater” Cole Slaw
My big family reunion is this weekend, but I’ve got a crazy work schedule for the next few days that really limits how much time I have to put together something for the picnic – well that and it’s...
View ArticlePicnic Perfect –“Faux-tato Salad”
If you are a diabetic, cook for/live with a diabetic, or you just watch your carb intake, you know how frustrating it can be to attend a company picnic or family reunion where the table is loaded with...
View ArticleDelicious Jobs – Apple Pie Judge at the Puyallup Fair!
If you’ve read my blogs before, you know I’m crazy for attending the Puyallup Fair. Part nostalgia, part fun and a whole lot of food make it part of my end-of-summer ritual. This year was no exception...
View ArticleClams – they’re not just for chowder!
Looks as if this will be the last razor clam dig of the season out on the coast, and it should be a great one with the glorious weather forecast and the minus tides. Grab a license, a bucket, a clam...
View ArticleA new spin on the Coney Island hot dog
All of this recent sun has me thinking about summer and the beach. And even though I’ve never been there, I always think the place to spend part of the summer has got to be Coney Island. It just...
View ArticleFood Contests at the Fair!
Well the Washington State Fair is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for us to get ready for FOOD COMPETITIONS! If you’re a bit confused, it’s because we used to call this awesome event...
View ArticleIn a Jam, and it’s delicious!
You know how much I love the State Fair, and when I get to judge a food contest at it, it’s just about a perfect day for me. The week before last I got to judge the Brown & Haley Baking...
View ArticleEasy Cranberry Upside Down Cake
I had lunch with my mom a few weeks back and she couldn’t wait to share a new recipe with me. “My friend Paula made it for the Cranberry Festival and it won the blue ribbon!” she said. My family has a...
View ArticleBacon Stuffed Mushroom Appetizer – Yum!
A couple of weeks before Thanksgiving, my friend Aileen usually calls me and asks, “So what do you have for me to take to my holiday parties this year?” A self-professed “HORRIBLE cook”, her request...
View ArticleHoney Lime Glazed Carrots
This time of year I want to make warm comfort food but I also want less of the heavy holiday food I’ve been consuming. So a good place to begin is vegetables. The idea for this recipe started because I...
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