Ode to the Tomato – Bloody Mary Mix Recipe

Tomatoes

Is it a fruit or is it a vegetable?  While the controversy may continue (The US Supreme Court ruled that the tomato is a vegetable for culinary purposes) I know that this is one product that I couldn't live without.  I love tomato juice, fresh tomatoes in my salads, chopped tomatoes in my tacos, and just about everywhere you can add it to a meal.  Every year I try to grow tomatoes in pots that … [Read more...]


Ham and Peas Au Gratin & $50 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

Potatoes Au Gratin with Ham and peas

I love an easy recipe.  Being a busy mom, wife, and teacher can take its toll on dinner.  I love to cook, but sometimes after a long day at work I can use a little help.  Betty Crocker makes creating a delicious meal fast and easy.  With all the different options that Betty Crocker offers, there is a potato pouch perfect for most any meal.  This time I took a box of Potatoes Au Gratin and … [Read more...]


Southwestern Corn Chowder

Corn Chowder in Bread Bowl

As the days are getting colder, my husband and I like to warm our weekends up with homemade soups.  Last weekend I decided to make a corn chowder.  It turned out wonderful and rich and my husband loved the bread bowl! Ingredients: 1 Tbsp butter 1/2 large onion, chopped 2 14 oz cans chicken broth 2 red or white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces 1/2 tsp oregano 1/2 tsp … [Read more...]


Roasted Garlic Potato Croquettes & $50 Visa Card Giveaway

betty-crocker-instant-mashed-potatoes

I love creating new recipes.  I often use store bought ingredients to help out as I am a busy mom and have a limited amount of time on my hands. I love the challenge of mixing fresh ingredients with ready made ingredients and the result is a yummy dish of food for my family. I have always been fond of Betty Crocker products, but I hadn't tried their mashed potatoes before.  Seeing as how I am … [Read more...]


Peanut Butter Banana Bread

Peanut Butter Banana Bread

I found this recipe in my Penzey's spice catalog a few months ago and I knew I had to try it.  I love anything with peanut butter and I love banana bread.  What could go wrong? Ingredients 3 ripe bananas 2 eggs 1/2 cup plain yogurt or 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter 3 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup ground … [Read more...]


National Oscar Mayer Bacon Week

bacon wrapped sacllops

Bacon... is there a more delicious food out there?  I don't think so!  My brother-in-law loves bacon so much, that my sister bought him some chocolate covered bacon once.  I think he has had some bacon ice cream, and I wouldn't be surprised if he has some bacon cologne!  This week is National Oscar Mayer Bacon Week and to celebrate I am sharing with you one of my mother in-laws specialties, … [Read more...]


Spookamole: Avocado Cupcakes with Avocado Buttercream

Avocado Cupcakes

Halloween is just around the corner.  While we try to figure out a costume for TJ to wear (right now it is either Buzz, or a pirate) my mind always drifts off to what we are going to eat on the big day!  I love hosting parties and coming up with creative recipes so when I heard about the Spookamole contest from Avocados from Mexico, I knew I had to submit something.  Our family loves … [Read more...]


Lemon Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping

Lemon Cheesecake

My mother and I made this yummy cheesecake for my brother's wedding reception.  If you love lemon, you will love this recipe.  I actually liked it better without the sour  cream topping, but most people liked it this way better so I left the recipe alone.  Enjoy! Lemon Cheesecake with Sour Cream Topping Yields at least 12 Ingredients Unsalted Butter (for greasing pan) 1 graham cracker … [Read more...]


Aunt Jemima Breakfast Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

strawberry shortcake Pancakes

Summer is a busy time for most families, so finding quality meals that are quick and easy are especially important. My life has become even busier with Fifi staying with us this summer. Morning time isn’t as easy as it used to be now that it revolves around a ten month old. But recently I discovered Aunt Jemima’s breakfast products in the frozen food section at my grocery store. They offer a … [Read more...]


Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cupcakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Cupcake

The queen of fabulous fake outs is back again with another recipe.  I took a lot of help from the grocery store with this one, but it didn't make it any less fabulous or tasty.  I am constantly trying to find good chocolate and peanut butter recipes.  I love this combination and will eat it any chance I get.  I have seen a lot of recipes that have cookie dough inside of a cupcake and thought … [Read more...]