When the weather is warm, a nice cool drink is just what you need! This Easy Strawberry Basil Lemonade is perfect for a backyard barbeque or a picnic. It’s lemonade with the dial turned all the way up. It is sure to become a favorite! Classic Combination- Basil and Strawberry go together like peanut butter … Read More about Easy Strawberry Basil Lemonade
Appetizers
Leek Scape Dip with Bacon and White Cheddar
It’s time for scapes! Leek Scapes are usually the first on the scene in the Spring, and if you have a Farmers Market nearby you have probably seen these and may have wondered what they are or how to use them. This Leek Scape Dip with Bacon and White Cheddar is an easy appetizer that … Read More about Leek Scape Dip with Bacon and White Cheddar
London Fog with Lilac Milk
Looking for a way to use lilacs? This London Fog with Lilac Milk is such a nice morning treat. The subtle floral note from the lilac is just perfect here. I have included a tutorial and recipe to make your own lilac infused milk for the tea. If you are a tea lover, this might … Read More about London Fog with Lilac Milk
Breakfast
Toasted Coconut and Lime Scones
Coconut and Lime are one of my favorite flavor combinations. Scones are a lovely breakfast treat, and these Toasted Coconut and Lime Scones have the freshness of coconut and lime, and they even have a graham cracker topping. They are perfect with your morning coffee and so easy to make! Coffeehouse At Home- I call … Read More about Toasted Coconut and Lime Scones
Vanilla Dutch Baby with Clementine Curd
Time for Clementines- There is something magical about the combination of vanilla and citrus. They are the perfect pairing in this Vanilla Dutch Baby with Clementine Curd. I love clementines! They are sweet but not cloying, and I think they have their own unique flavor. I wanted to do something a little different, and decided … Read More about Vanilla Dutch Baby with Clementine Curd
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oat Muffins
My Little Helper- My youngest has reached the age that he loves helping in the kitchen. These Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oat Muffins are the perfect recipe for him to assist with. Lately, whenever I head into the kitchen he is right behind me, pushing a dining room chair along with him to stand on. … Read More about Peanut Butter, Banana, and Oat Muffins
Desserts and Baking
Toasted Coconut and Lime Scones
Coconut and Lime are one of my favorite flavor combinations. Scones are a lovely breakfast treat, and these Toasted Coconut and Lime Scones have the freshness of coconut and lime, and they even have a graham cracker topping. They are perfect with your morning coffee and so easy to make! Coffeehouse At Home- I call … Read More about Toasted Coconut and Lime Scones
No Bake Mojito Cheesecakes in a Jar
These little cheesecakes are the PERFECT make ahead easy dessert! They are so simple and delicious, with all the cool and refreshing flavors of a Mojito. You’ll make these No Bake Mojito Cheesecakes in a Jar over and over again! Pack It In, Pack It Out- I live in a beautiful place that is rich … Read More about No Bake Mojito Cheesecakes in a Jar
Rhubarb and Apricot Hand Pies
This is the perfect dessert for a picnic, and they can be made in advance! Flaky all butter pie crust enrobes a slightly tart but sweet rose colored filling. These rhubarb and apricot hand pies are such a treat! A Day at The Beach- July. Summer is in full swing here, in spite of the … Read More about Rhubarb and Apricot Hand Pies
Main Dishes
Easy Beef and Rice Skillet with Fresh Guacamole
If you need a quick dinner, this easy beef and rice skillet with fresh guacamole is just the dish you’ve been looking for! It cooks in one pan and is on the table in no time. The guacamole is assembled while the beef and rice cook. Perfect for those hectic days! Dinner in a Flash- … Read More about Easy Beef and Rice Skillet with Fresh Guacamole
Slow Cooker Beef Tacos and Homemade Toppings
Taqueria at Home- Who doesn’t love tacos? The filling options and flavor combinations are almost endless, they make great leftovers (if you don’t eat them all) and they are so easy to make at home! These Slow Cooker Beef Tacos with Homemade Toppings are a terrific way to have a Taqueria experience without leaving your … Read More about Slow Cooker Beef Tacos and Homemade Toppings
Sopa de Lima
Recipe Exchange with a Friend- In the days before social media really took off, I used email to keep in touch with a friend from my Community College days. She was in Colorado, and I was in Nashville at the time. Over our many emails, we often traded recipes. Sopa de Lima was one of … Read More about Sopa de Lima
Salads and Sandwiches
White Balsamic and Basil Vinaigrette
This white balsamic and basil vinaigrette is so versatile! It’s especially terrific on salads with berries or other fruit. It has a bright fresh flavor that’s not too sweet. It’s so easy to make your own salad dressing, you might never go back to store bought! It’s Better Homemade- I say this a lot, but … Read More about White Balsamic and Basil Vinaigrette
Curried Chicken Salad with Coconut
Picnic Time- In our house, we love day trips! Out in the islands where we live, our favorite day trip involves going somewhere that requires a ferry ride. Why not take a cruise any chance you get? When we venture out, I will usually pack us a picnic to take along. Curried Chicken Salad with … Read More about Curried Chicken Salad with Coconut
Salad With Fried Goat Cheese
Out for A Walk- When it’s the right time of year, I can go just up the street from my house and pick wild Blackberries. It’s a favorite pastime of mine when the season is right. One thing I love doing with those little wild Blackberries is putting them in my Salad With Fried Goat … Read More about Salad With Fried Goat Cheese
Sauces and Condiments
Pineapple and Jalapeno Barbeque Sauce
Why buy Barbeque sauce when you can make your own? This simple Pineapple and Jalapeno Barbeque Sauce is so easy to make, and it is slightly sweet with just a hint of spice. A few ingredients and a little time on the stove is all you need! Sauce From Scratch- There are so many barbeque … Read More about Pineapple and Jalapeno Barbeque Sauce
White Balsamic and Basil Vinaigrette
This white balsamic and basil vinaigrette is so versatile! It’s especially terrific on salads with berries or other fruit. It has a bright fresh flavor that’s not too sweet. It’s so easy to make your own salad dressing, you might never go back to store bought! It’s Better Homemade- I say this a lot, but … Read More about White Balsamic and Basil Vinaigrette
Sheet Pan Salsa Verde
Busy Week- I know they say to live in the moment, and not dwell on the past or worry too much about the future, but there are times when you really do have to plan ahead, and I think meal prep is a great way to make life easier. This Sheet Pan Salsa Verde is … Read More about Sheet Pan Salsa Verde
Side Dishes
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto
The Whole Carrot- I love finding ways to reduce kitchen waste, and use all of something rather than throwing half of it away. Whether you grow your own carrots or buy them with the tops on, if you have thrown the tops away in the past, this is the time to stop doing that! With … Read More about Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto
Salad With Fried Goat Cheese
Out for A Walk- When it’s the right time of year, I can go just up the street from my house and pick wild Blackberries. It’s a favorite pastime of mine when the season is right. One thing I love doing with those little wild Blackberries is putting them in my Salad With Fried Goat … Read More about Salad With Fried Goat Cheese
Potato Salad with Leek Scapes and Herbs
Farmers Market Finds- It’s Farmers Market season again, and the creative side of me is so happy! Every Saturday morning is like a new adventure, wondering what is in store. I can’t get enough of the sights, smells, and sounds. The wood fired pizza sold out of an Airstream trailer, the artisan bread stand and … Read More about Potato Salad with Leek Scapes and Herbs
Simple Weeknight Dinners
Chicken and Pineapple Stir Fry with Bamboo Rice
Why call and order out? Make this fresh and easy Chicken and Pineapple Stir Fry with Bamboo Rice instead! It’s quick, healthy, and colorful. You’ll definitely add this to your short list of easy dinners! Make Your Own Takeout- I am always looking for ways to take dishes I would normally order as takeout and … Read More about Chicken and Pineapple Stir Fry with Bamboo Rice
Easy Beef and Rice Skillet with Fresh Guacamole
If you need a quick dinner, this easy beef and rice skillet with fresh guacamole is just the dish you’ve been looking for! It cooks in one pan and is on the table in no time. The guacamole is assembled while the beef and rice cook. Perfect for those hectic days! Dinner in a Flash- … Read More about Easy Beef and Rice Skillet with Fresh Guacamole
Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus with Orzo
Dinner on a Sheet Pan- If your life is as busy as mine can be, I am sure you need a rotation of easy dinners that you can whip up in no time. The kind that prevent you from calling the list of takeout restaurants we all have saved to our cell phone contacts. That’s … Read More about Sheet Pan Salmon and Asparagus with Orzo
Soups, Stews, and Broths
Sopa de Lima
Recipe Exchange with a Friend- In the days before social media really took off, I used email to keep in touch with a friend from my Community College days. She was in Colorado, and I was in Nashville at the time. Over our many emails, we often traded recipes. Sopa de Lima was one of … Read More about Sopa de Lima
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Winter is Over- For me, there are not many things that usher in the arrival of Spring quite like fresh asparagus. It’s debut this year was most welcome, after an unusually cold winter. I have always loved Cream of Asparagus Soup, and this seemed like as good a time as any to make some! I … Read More about Cream of Asparagus Soup
Vegetable Soup
Second Day of Fall- As of yesterday it is officially Fall, according to the calendar and the weather. It’s gray and windy out, and I have soup on my mind. Not just any soup, though. This one is special to me. It is one of the first things I learned how to cook in my … Read More about Vegetable Soup
Vegetarian
Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto
The Whole Carrot- I love finding ways to reduce kitchen waste, and use all of something rather than throwing half of it away. Whether you grow your own carrots or buy them with the tops on, if you have thrown the tops away in the past, this is the time to stop doing that! With … Read More about Roasted Rainbow Carrots with Carrot Top Pesto
Salad With Fried Goat Cheese
Out for A Walk- When it’s the right time of year, I can go just up the street from my house and pick wild Blackberries. It’s a favorite pastime of mine when the season is right. One thing I love doing with those little wild Blackberries is putting them in my Salad With Fried Goat … Read More about Salad With Fried Goat Cheese
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Winter is Over- For me, there are not many things that usher in the arrival of Spring quite like fresh asparagus. It’s debut this year was most welcome, after an unusually cold winter. I have always loved Cream of Asparagus Soup, and this seemed like as good a time as any to make some! I … Read More about Cream of Asparagus Soup