culinary adventures and occasional disasters
There is a new local restaurant in an area that desperately needs some good restaurants. One of their specials the first night I went was short rib ravioli, and it was amazing. I knew I needed to try to replicate it at home. I took a major shortcut and used sauce from Wegmans because I… Continue reading Short Rib Ravioli
I volunteer to cook at a local shelter once a month with a group from church. I've typically signed up for side dishes and desserts, but this time I signed up to make the main dish. After almost running out of time with my roasted potatoes last time, I wanted to make something that would… Continue reading Stuffed Peppers with Quinoa, Ground Beef, & Basil
I had a potluck with my horseback riding club on Friday. I made brownies to bring, but my bestie was leaving late from work and wasn't going to have something to bring... so I made guacamole for her to bring! I used my stand mixer for this because I don't own a molcajete anymore. The avocados… Continue reading Guacamole
I finally finished my kitchen! (OK, almost. I still have to paint the cabinets on my peninsula.) I painted the cabinets and did some re-decorating. I needed a new table for my very awkwardly-sized breakfast nook area. I finally found one on Wayfair, but this resulted in more re-decorating. Plus, my best friend got me… Continue reading Kitchen Update – Finally Finished!
I've posted before about hunger awareness/fighting to end hunger, and how that's a very important cause for me (you might recall the low-budget food challenge I failed miserably at the end of last year). I'm always looking for opportunities to help those facing hunger - whether it's giving out bags of food and water to… Continue reading Easter Food Baskets for Families in Need
I love gingerbread. Gingerbread cookies, gingerbread lattes, gingerbread everything - love it! I've been meaning to try to make gingerbread ice cream since around Christmas, but I kept putting it off and forgetting and then I decided to paint my kitchen cabinets, etc. So finally this weekend I decided to make it. It turned out… Continue reading Gingerbread Ice Cream
I've always been a huge fan of chicken tortilla soup. This recipe is really similar to the one I made before, but I like the new and improved version a lot better! I didn't have to troubleshoot this recipe at all for being too spicy or salty. This recipe makes a ton (6.75 quart dutch… Continue reading Chicken Tortilla Soup
