Ideas for Lent

For many people Ash Wednesday signifies the beginning of Lent, a 40 day period in which fasting, prayer, repentance and restraint are practiced before Easter.  Traditionally, beef, pork and many other rich foods are avoided during this time.  Here are just a few recipe ideas for Lent observance.

Apple Salad

During Lent, it can be challenging to come up with simple but tasty recipes to feed your family.  Try new recipes to keep things interesting.  Focus on using fruits, vegetables, lentils, fish and chicken if you or your family want to observe a more modest menu during this time.

Chicken in Walnut Sauce

Chicken truly is the great equalizer, as it can be prepared quick and simple or used to create more complex and savory dishes.  During lent, you may want to keep it simple by choosing chicken recipes that are basic in preparation but still flavorful enough to tempt you and your family.

Mediterranean Vegetables

If you are ready to make a more permanent change in your eating habits or dietary lifestyle, Lent is a great time to begin.  Again, focus on employing more vegetables and lentils as main courses and investigate new methods to prepare your veggies to keep things interesting.

Enjoy!  Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Mardi Gras Madness!

Happy Mardi Gras Y'all!  Whether you plan to whoop it up next week on Tuesday, or prefer a more subdued celebration, I've put together some colorful dishes to help you pass the time!  Share them with a crowd or keep them to yourself.  Either way I think you will enjoy my "Fat Tuesday" contributions.

BLT Pasta Salad

It's colorful and has bacon and pasta in it!  What could be more enjoyable for lunch or a light dinner on Mardi Gras than a BLT Pasta Salad?  (Just don't use it as an excuse to party too hard!)

Chicken Cacciatore

According to my research, Jumbalaya and Gumbo are traditional Mardi Gras fair, but I am sure the Italians won't mind me serving up some cacciatore on Fat Tuesday just for a little fun!

Ham & Cheese Stuffed Potatoes

And if you are a down home American traditionalist foodie, you will appreciate this delicious carb concoction come Tuesday.  It's an all in one American grass-roots salute to Mardi Gras!  Yeehaw!

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos!

Unique Home-made Valentines!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought it would be nice to give you some home-made gift ideas for the hard to shop for sweetheart in your life.  How about baking something special to show them how much you care?

Caramel Pecan Fudge

Some of us are caramel lovers!  What can I say?  This caramel pecan fudge looks delicious, and could be adapted to make use of peanuts or walnuts too.  Whatever your favorite nut, your valentine will go nuts over this chocolate concoction.

Chocolate Mousse Crepes

Personally, I could live on crepes.  Yes, I would be the size of the Eiffel Tower, but I would be happy.  This crepe takes the cake for bringing a whole new level of chocolate to the table.  Leave it to the French to think of the most naughty crepe combination possible.

Chocolate Trifle

I am not exactly sure why they call it a trifle, but surely your valentine won't be able to "stifle" their trifle adoration after sampling such a winning blend of chocolate, cream, and...more chocolate!  I am thinking of making this for my valentine...(he's a chocolate lover too!)

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos!

Savory Super Bowl Fixins!

In honor of Super Bowl XLVI, I have put together some dishes I think you will enjoy not just on Sunday, but anytime!  Whether you are entertaining a crowd during the game or just want to make something a little different, these recipes will not disappoint.

Crock Pot Cafe Rio Beef

Doesn't that Cafe Rio Beef in the tortilla look tasty?  Add some fresh tomatoes, salad greens, and maybe a little bit of guacamole and you have a touchdown taco!

Fiesta Dip

And don't forget the chips and salsa...wait I mean Fiesta Dip!  Why settle for the same salsa, when you can adventure out and explore a new chip dip with Fiesta flair?

PB and Chocolate Jumbo Rice Krispie Treats

Okay so this one breaks off from the Mexican Food theme we had going, but can you blame me?  I had to leave you with something sweet and delicious to complete your Super Bowl Sunday Spread!

Enjoy! Remember, we love feedback and photos!