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October 10, 2021
Apple Harvest
We are in the midst of apple season in MN has some of the best orchards around! Prime apple picking is mid-to-late August through late October and makes for a wonderful family tradition! Our family went to a local apple orchard recently and it was a blast. We enjoyed some delicious apple treats, took a nice walk through the orchards, picked out a pumpkin to bring home, and just had an all-around good day. Most people have a favorite kind of apple but with so many varieties to choose from, I think it’s hard to pick. And different kinds work for different recipes, so you have the option to sample different flavors while you cook and try out new recipes. Not everyone has time to spend at an apple orchard or doesn’t have any locations close to home. In that case, you probably swing by your local grocery store to … Continue reading
October 5, 2021
It’s Pumpkin Spice Season
It’s that time of year…. fall…. or pumpkin spice season, as some like to call it. I did a little research on the fall phenomenon that is pumpkin spice and was quite intrigued by my findings. Did you know that pumpkin spice earned its name because it was originally used in cakes and pies that contained pumpkin? I didn’t but McCormick (the seasoning brand) started marketing the spice to save consumers the effort of having to make their own homemade version and could instead buy the spice at their local grocery store. Pretty cool, huh? The spice mix is generally a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and sometimes allspice. I admittedly have all these spices in my cabinet but understand that not everyone else does, so I can make homemade pumpkin spice if needed, but something the store-bought version is easier 🙂 I also learned that cravings for … Continue reading
August 31, 2020
Kentucky Derby Delights
The Kentucky Derby is an annual horse race held in, you guessed it, Kentucky. Typically, the race is scheduled on the first Saturday in May but thanks to COVID and the current pandemic status, it was rescheduled for September 5, 2020. I’ve never been to the Derby and would love to go someday but until that happens, I’m content staying home and watching it on TV. Like most other holidays or celebrations, there will be themed food. Did you expect anything else? 🙂 Our appetizer will be Pimento Cheese Spread with sliced baguette. Pimento Cheese Spread is essentially the caviar of the South. It’s very cheesy and tangy, and there is nothing quite like it. It’s a great comfort food…and super easy to make! The recipe can be found here. Start by softening the cream cheese. You can do this by letting the cream cheese sit on the counter for … Continue reading
July 4, 2019
Refreshing Mojitos
A Mojito is refreshing during any season, but I am partial to enjoying them during the hot summer months. If you haven’t had one, you’re in for a treat. Traditionally, a Mojito consists of white rum, sugar, lime juice, soda water, and mint. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and citrus with the wonderful aroma of fresh mint – very refreshing! I want to share with you 4 recipes today: Classic Fresh Mint Mojito Blackberry Mojito Blueberry Mojito Kiwi Blueberry Mojito Please note: Mojitos typically have a lower alcohol content, but the recipes can be adjusted to meet your individual taste. Classic Fresh Mint Mojito – It’s hard to beat the crisp, fresh taste of this traditional drink. Start by adding the mint leaves and lime juice to the bottom of 2 glasses. Use a muddler or wooden spoon to blend or mash the mint leaves in each glass. … Continue reading
March 3, 2019
Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day
If you are having a hard time deciding what to make for St Patrick’s Day, I can help! There are some really great recipes out there whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a quiet meal at home. I want to share my take on St Patrick’s Day and the menu I plan on serving. I’m sticking with a “green theme” for my menu and serving mostly food that is…green. The menu is not necessarily traditional Irish food but is fun and festive for the occasion! The menu consists of the following: Avocado Ranch Dip with Veggies Reuben Sandwich Rachel Sandwich Decorative Pretzel Rods Frozen Grasshopper, for the adults Mint Green Shake, for the kids The Avocado Ranch Dip is delicious! It’s light, tangy, and perfectly salted. You combine the ingredients in the food processor until smooth and serve with veggies. I only plated green veggies to keep … Continue reading
February 23, 2019
Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler
Laissez le bon temps rouler! Aka “let the good times roll” is frequently heard during Mardi Gras. It’s a celebration of music, parades, costumes, excitement, and most importantly, food. Typical food styles are Cajun and Creole. I have a few recipes to help you get into the spirit and feel like you are in the French Quarter of New Orleans. First up is Cajun Chicken Lazone Pasta. Chicken Lazone is a New Orleans favorite and is a combination of Cajun chicken and comfort food. You start by coating the chicken in a homemade rub. It’s pretty simple to make so don’t let this scare you. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl, dip the chicken into the mixture, and set aside. Next, you heat a skillet and cook the chicken until done. Then, make the sauce by adding the remaining mixture to the pan with some heavy cream and allowing … Continue reading
January 3, 2019
Bailey’s Banana Colada
While on vacation over Thanksgiving I had THE BEST drink at one of our favorite restaurants and have been talking about it ever since (seriously). I wanted to recreate the drink for a special occasion and thought New Year’s Eve would be the perfect time (although, I could drink this every day and not just on special occasions) … It’s called a Bailey’s Banana Colada and is the most amazing alcoholic shake-like beverage I’ve ever had. Be warned – there isn’t a lot of booze in this drink, so the alcohol flavors won’t be overpowering. It’s more like a chocolate banana shake. But it’s delicious. Here’s how you make it: Ingredients 2 Ripe Bananas, broken into chunks 6 fl oz Banana Liqueur 6 lf oz Bailey’s Irish Cream 6 fl oz Coconut Cream, room temperature 4 Cups Ice Directions Add the banana chunks and banana liqueur to a blender … Continue reading
December 6, 2018
Christmas Cocktails
Christmas Cocktails are needed to help get you through the holiday season. Well…they might not be “needed” but they definitely enhance the experience 🙂 And, cocktails should be as important as the food served at any party. A themed cocktail is fun for guests and creates another focal point of the night. I have three cocktails to warm you up when (baby it’s) cold outside. First is a Mistletoe Cocktail. This cocktail is appealing to the eye and something you (or your guests) can enjoy while socializing before dinner. The ginger beer (non-alcoholic) gives this drink a spicy flavor while the sugar rim adds a sweet aftertaste. I said non-alcoholic, but this drink does contain vodka. The ginger beer is what is non-alcoholic, so if you want to skip the vodka and perhaps add a splash of Sprite instead, you can serve this to your underage guests. The recipe can … Continue reading
June 9, 2018
Refreshing Summer Cocktails
Summer is the best time of year for a refreshing cocktail. Whether you are sitting on the deck enjoying the weather, hosting a BBQ, spending a day at the beach….you get the idea 😊…a festive cocktail can really help beat the heat. I’ve compiled a list of 4 of my favorite cocktails. They are fun, bright, and full of flavor. Blue Hawaiian Cocktail This cocktail is essentially a blue version of a Pina Colada and promises a little taste of tropical paradise. It’s designed to make you feel like summer no matter how bad the weather is outside. I chose to serve this drink “on the rocks” style by pouring over ice but you can also create a blended version of the cocktail by mixing all the ingredients with ice in a blender. It’s very easy to make – shake the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker, pour over ice, … Continue reading
May 2, 2018
Cinco de Mayo
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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