Category Archives: Holidays

There is nothing like a juicy burger hot off the grill, chilled cocktail in hand, and warm weather to cure those winter blues.  I want to share some of my favorite chicken/turkey burger recipes with you now that it’s starting to feel like summer!  These are all a nice break from typical hamburgers and healthier for you (well, maybe not once you add all the toppings).  I think they are very flavorful, simple to make, and delicious to eat.  The first recipe I want to share is for Buffalo Chicken Burgers.  These are ¼ pound burgers that taste just like buffalo wings but without the mess.  Who wouldn’t want that?  I like to top my burger with extra buffalo sauce and a little ranch dressing, then add a small amount of each onto my plate for extra dipping sauce.  This burger would also pair well with blue cheese.  The recipe … Continue reading

Posted in 4th of July, Labor Day Weekend, Memorial Day Weekend, Poultry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off on (Chicken) Burger Bar

Black Bean Burgers are all the rage…in my life 😊 I know, I know…why would you want to eat a bland black bean burger when you could eat a juicy beef burger, you ask? Because they are quick and easy to make, packed with flavor, and a delicious (meatless) option.  I dare you to give them a try!  Plus, these are a great alternative to the frozen kind and will make you never want to eat a frozen burger again.   The recipe can be found here. The recipe involves mixing all the ingredients in a food processor, forming into patties, refrigerating, frying, and enjoying – all in 15 minutes!  Forming the patties can be slightly sticky so I recommend coating your hands with oil and forming the mixture into 4 balls, then flattening into patties.  Allow the patties to cool for at least 1 hour but keep them in the … Continue reading

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How much Mexican food do I plan to eat this Cinco de Mayo, you ask? That’s nacho business! Break out the margaritas!  Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious food and refreshing cocktails.  I have a handful of recipes that are full of flavor and easy to throw together for a last-minute party.  Here’s what’s on the menu: Chunky Guacamole with Tortilla Chips White Queso Dip with Tortilla Chips Mexican Corn Tostadas Chicken Taquitos Mexican Pasta Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing Cubano Style Tacos Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars Tequila Sunrise     Not only are these great recipes for Cinco de Mayo, but they are light and refreshing options for any summer dinner.  Plus, you can make them as mild or spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of seasoning you add.  First up is Chunky Guacamole.  This is … Continue reading

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Well we’re back to that time of year again, Mardi Gras.  Unfortunate timing this year that Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day are backed up so close together, but we couldn’t resist doing some fun New Orleans recipes for you. First up, let’s get our cocktail game started.  We made our very own Hurricanes.  We simplified some of the more detailed recipes usually found.  All you need is mango passion fruit juice, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, white rum and dark rum.  These are strong drinks, fit for anyone ready to party Mardi Gras style! Starting with our appetizers we decided to do scallops with a sweet chili sauce.  A very simple dish, you thaw the scallops and simply dry with paper toweling, sear both sides, then serve with sweet chili sauce. Our main course was Jambalaya, though instead of Andouille Sausage, we used Festival’s Cheddar Chicken Fajita Brats.  It’s … Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Menu, Party, Seafood, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Fat Tuesday

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I’m feeling the love.  Our house is decorated with everything red and pink, I’ve picked out the perfect Valentine for my sweethearts (yes, I’m including the dog 😊), and we have a wonderful menu planned.  A lot of people like to go out to eat on Valentine’s Day and there is nothing wrong with that, but we usually opt to stay in and prepare a nice meal together.  It takes away from the rushed atmosphere you often feel at a restaurant on a busy day and allows you to really spend time together and do something fun together.  We both love to cook so it’s the perfect option for us!    The menu we prepared has a few new items, but everything is easy to make.  We’ll start with a Caprese Salad appetizer and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make the … Continue reading

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Christmas is my favorite holiday to host.  I think it’s due to my love of Christmas lights and decorations, so our house is always over the top!  Plus, there are so many festive serveware options available that you can change up your table display as often as you like.  (New Christmas plates…hint hint, Andrew 😊) Sometimes I like to go all out with appetizers and the main course but there isn’t anything wrong with keeping it simple if you prefer.  I truly enjoy cooking for others and putting on a big spread but also want to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.  So, I decided to keep my menu simple this year.  I’ll be serving a few appetizers with some of the drinks from my Christmas Cocktails blog post. The first appetizer I’m going to make is Ricotta and Prosciutto Crackers.  This is a light appetizer because it’s not … Continue reading

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The holidays are upon us and Christmas is fast approaching.  It’s a busy time of year for most; decorating the house, buying a tree, wrapping gifts, finalizing plans with family, etc. so I want to offer a few drink options you can serve at your get-togethers this year.  I have 4 recipes below, 2 are adults only (sorry kids) and 2 can be for either adults or kids, so there is something for everyone.  I mean, it is the most wonderful (and booziest) time of year! Grinch Punch 2 – 13oz. Packets Unsweetened Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid 2 Cups Sugar 1 – 12oz. Can Pineapple Juice 1 – 12oz. Frozen Lemonade Concentrate, thawed 1 – 2 Liter Sprite Ice Red Rim Sugar, add red food coloring to white sugar and mix together in a bowl   Pour 2 quarts of water in a 2-gallon pitcher. Add the Kool-Aid packets and sugar, and … Continue reading

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Decadent Holiday Treats I have a huge sweet tooth and love to bake.  I often refer to myself as a “Cookie Connoisseur” because that’s how much I love a good cookie.  The holidays are a great time for baking because the options are endless.  And I think people judge the amount of sweets you consume a bit less around the holidays because they also get to enjoy the sugary goodness 😊 Below I have four recipes I think you’ll want to try this year. Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars “Well, in Whoville they say – that the Grinch’s small heart grew three sizes that day” -Dr Seuss 1 – 17.5 oz. Pouch Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Mix, plus the ingredients needed to make the packet Whipped Vanilla Frosting (or homemade) Green Food Coloring Red Frosting or Red Heart Sprinkles   Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking … Continue reading

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Hello there! I have a secret:  I love cheese.  I didn’t say it was a good secret, but it’s one of the few things I cannot go without.  Cheese makes just about everything taste better.  Lucky for me (and you) it’s the Holiday Season and we’ve got our Big Cheese Sale going on now through Christmas and New Year’s!  Click through to our ad wrap (12/6/17 through 1/3/17) to check out over 300 varieties of cheese for cooking, sharing and simply enjoying!  Below I will go over some fun recipes using cheese a major ingredient.  Warning:  You may get very hungry reading this blog.   Our Beer Battered Cheese Curd Recipe using Ellsworth Creamery® Fresh Bulk Cheese Curds.  Perfection combination with another of my favorite things: Beer.  We’ve even talked about these before in our Small Bites Blog Post Tickler Bacon Burger with delicious Tickler English Cheddar Cheese.   Baked Brie with Hot … Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Party, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Say Cheese!

I look forward to Thanksgiving every year.  Not just for the delicious feast, but because it’s a time to get together with family and friends.  For some it’s also about football and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which I too enjoy.  I’ve put together a handful of my favorite recipes and ideas you can use to host the perfect Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving.   What’s a party without some appetizers?  Two of my favorite appetizers for Thanksgiving are Cranberry Crescent Bites and Brie and Apple Crostinis.  I think they are sweet and savory but also a little salty.  Both fit the holiday theme, are easy to make, and can feed a crowd.  The recipes can be found below. Cranberry Crescent Bites               Brie and Apple Crostini   I’m a huge fan of sangria so I like to make a big batch of Cranberry Sangria to … Continue reading

Posted in Holidays, Poultry, Thanksgiving, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on A Thanksgiving Feast