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    Italian Home Fries

    Best Hash Browns ever!

    We came across this recipe several years ago and over the years it has morphed many times.  Herbs changed – bell peppers changed, added ans subtracted. Usually based on what was in the fridge at the time.  This is a great recipe for cleaning out the freezer or vegetable drawer.  I always save little bits of peppers etc in the freezer and since there are only two of us, the bag of potatoes is always too large so I boil them and then cube, cool and freeze. This combo works for these hash browns, roasty potatoes and vegies , soups and stews but I have even reheated the potatoes and mashed. read more

    Beef Burgundy ( Beef Bourguignon)

    Ok so not the soup/stew time of year but I came across my recipes in my word docs and had to add…

    Used this for a Soup, Stew and Brew golf club event. I know it was a touch ‘extra’ for this type of cook off but we were in the mood for something just plain extra.  This has been my go to entertaining dish, comfort food dish and have also used as a tail-gate dish from time to time. When I am cooking for us or fam and friends I use a chuck roast , eye of the round roast etc. In other words what is on sale beef. But I do spend the extra buck or two for a better red wine. If you wouldn’t drink it you should not cook with it.   So I have to admit I was being a touch of a snob and used a the better cut of meat as well a much better wine. read more

    Christmas Crack

    The crunchy, sweet and salty goody that I need during these strange ‘shelter in place’ times.

    I have made these for years as an addition to a cookie tray and have also started putting out a goody tray for guests. I am not the best of bakers so I  stick with a few recipes like this and add store bought snacks that are on sale at the time.  I keep it flexible.

    The step that takes the longest time is the final “bring to room temp and refrigerate” step. So I try to use the largest sheet plan that will fit in the fridge so that I am not juggling multiple trays and you know one will end up on the floor.  Using nonstick foil or parchment or both on the sheet plan makes clean up a breeze. Dis-lodging caramel is not my idea of fun. read more

    Candied Pecans for all Seasons & Reasons

    These nuts are addictive. Whether you use pecans or walnuts or a mixture they will be gone before you know it!

    We have used these as a grab and go snacks and  also on pretty much any dessert that screams for an ‘extra’.

    Being stuck in the house for this long has moved my brain ( and snacking taste buds) into holiday mode. Holiday mode meaning snacking and also sharing.  These make great gifts.   Either way be sure to store in tight fitting containers. This is most important in the South where it is humid all of the time it seems.   For this past holiday I gave/stored in parchment lined tins. That was not tight enough. This week or this giving season I will store and give in zip closing bags ( holiday appropriate of course straight from the dollar store) then put in tins, or clamp type jars. I am hoping to also find maybe small mason jars or other containers at the Goodwill and thrift stores.  These make receiving a but more special. read more

    Chicken Poblano Tortilla Soup

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    Since moving to Florida I have gotten away from one of my most favorite things – soups. Soups of any shape and form. Hot – cold does not matter to me. But I saw this recipe in a Keto magazine and had to come up with a version of my own.  From my first cooking lesson I found I was just not good at follow a recipe exactly as they are given to me. I think that is my am a sad, sad baker. Do not get me started on those stories.  But I promise I am going to try really had to be a better baker. read more

    Time for Tomato Pie!

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    It is time for a repost of one of my favorite recipes. Just need to savor what might be the last of the really great fresh tomatoes until next year. Thought you might need a nudge in that direction as well.

    Opened the mail box to find a spectacular Tomato Pie on the cover of July issue of Southern Living.  Oh dear, need one now please! The only problem was we have started Keto and the crust is a big no! Now it is only a brush with Keto not a marriage at this point. We have commitment issues when it comes to diet interfering with good eating so something had to change and the pie crust used in the recipe was the winner in the had to change category. Man does not live by all-purpose flour and sugar alone and you have to pick your battles as I see it. Plus, it didn’t require a rolling pin..since moving I have not found my full size one. But I know it is here and refuse to buy a new one. What is the use of down sizing if you buy 2 (or 3) of everything? read more

    Christmas In July

    Alright already. It is way too early for this train of thought but there it is..right i our faces the holidays are a comin’.

    We moved to Florida and I have not been able to back to show you all I have been up to. It is alot at least for me because I am a list make from way way back and I haven’t been keeping up. I have recipes scribbled on everything and some actually make to my recipe books. But none have made it to these pages.

    I am ready to start and two things now stand in my way. Learning a new recipe plugin.. yikes just got ok with the one I had. The second curve ball is that entertaining down here is different from what I am so very used to. read more

    Sheet Pans- My most useful kitchen item

     

    If asked what is the item in your kitchen/pantry that you use the most or can’t do without.  Two things are on that list:  My sheet pans, mostly the 1/4 sheet ( currently have 9) but I have 6 -1/2 sheets ( with and without the grate) and 1 full with a grate ( only one because it doesn’t fit in my oven but makes a fantastic cooling place for cookies or when I am making tons ( well maybe only 100’s) of appetizers. The second is my dutch ovens but they MUST have the funny little lines or funny little pointy things on the lids. (* another post for this one coming with photos of these funny lid appendages.