by TT on February 1st, 2012 | Desserts, Recipes
While it may seem silly to be planning your Valentine's Day menu so much in advance of the day, there are some definite benefits. First, there's no need for last minute panic and shopping. Second, you have the opportunity to try the recipe before the actual day, so that you are able to perfect it. Third, if you make a sample round of the dessert, you get to eat an extra dessert!
This week's dessert idea is a wonderful combination of wine, pears, almonds, and mascarpone. Not only is it a delicious dessert, but it also has a beautiful presentation.
by TT on January 30th, 2012 | Soups & Stews
Having one person that is vegetarian in our house doesn't make meal planning difficult, usually. When there are four or more of us for dinner, I simply substitute the meat item with a non-meat protein, and everyone is happy. In fact, quite often I make two of the non-meat protein, as I enjoy a good number of vegetarian items.
The tricky times are when there are only three of us dining. It feels more cumbersome to make two different entrées for a party that small. Our of deference to our vegetarian, I make a meal that is vegetarian and (hopefully)
by TT on January 18th, 2012 | Desserts, Recipes
If I asked you what food you think of when I say Valentine's Day, I would be willing to guess that most people would respond, "Chocolate." Although I am not an adoring fan of that addictive treat, I appreciate that most people, such as my children, are. So, what better way would there be to continue our Valentine's Day series than with a second chocolate treat?
This week's recipe comes to us courtesy of
Chef Greg DeMichiel, who has been featured on WE TV's
My Fair Wedding and VH1's
Famous Food. With his recipe for Flourless Chocolate Cake you will
by TT on January 16th, 2012 | Breakfast Dishes, Recipes
My husband and I went to a fabulous winter farmer's market this past Saturday. Both the quantity and quality of products available were amazing. In addition to typical items, such as chicken eggs and root vegetables, there were veal, lamb, goat, ducks, pâté, lobsters, mushrooms, and greens. Being a bigger market, there were more cheeses and baked goods available than usual.
Obviously, visiting this farmer's market was quite a treat for us. Not only did we get to make some great purchases and sample some yummy tidbits, but we also found sources for illusive items, such as homemade sausage and
by TT on June 30th, 2009 | Breakfast Dishes, Recipes
Although the most frequently requested breakfast in our house is a batch of
scones, the schedule of my mornings doesn't allow for that on weekdays or busy weekends. However, I always have time to make homemade pancakes.
This pancake recipe is so simple you never will need to buy boxed pancake mix again. With only seven ingredients that are baking staples, they are quite simple to make. The pancakes have a delicious vanilla flavor, and the batter can be made thicker or thinner depending on your preference.
To make this breakfast more appealing to all eaters, add-ins can be incorporated after
by TT on June 23rd, 2009 | Appetizers, Recipes
I have to admit I'm a little behind in posting this recipe. Smoky & Swiss Fondue was my husband and my late night Monday dinner. . .last week. However, it's been one of those weeks that seems extra long. Let's just say that what was supposed to be two separate weeks of business travel for my husband became one two-week trip due to a cancelled flight caused by rainstorms at O'Hare last Friday. So, with many end of the year school activities and four kids missing said husband over the weekend, I had other things occupying my time that were
by TT on June 19th, 2009 | Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
When we had coconut shrimp for dinner the other night, the kids and I debated what we could serve with it. Steamed broccoli or grilled squash didn't seem to make good pairings. So, we decided to go with a stirfry.
I have learned that in order for a stirfry to sell itself, it should have at least one ingredient that is preferred by each of the kids. If each knows that a favorite vegetable is in the stirfry, typically he or she will "suffer" through the other undesirable parts of it. Of course, it still requires some compromise, as not all
by TT on June 17th, 2009 | Main Dishes, Recipes
Sometimes a weekend can provide a nice assortment of enjoyable moments. Take this past Saturday for example. With only one child at home in the morning, we started the day by getting a few small work projects done, while our daughter proudly made breakfast. After retrieving our son from an overnight stay, we headed to the mall for some shopping. The next stop was the grocery store, at which the four of us planned that night's dinner. During the afternoon the kids hung out with friends while my husband and I took a walk and worked on dinner. An enjoyable
by TT on June 15th, 2009 | Appetizers, Healthy Cooking, Recipes, Side Dishes
Our 11 year old daughter and my husband have been working together on a small container garden. Most of the plants are herbs and have been growing slowly. However, this weekend our daughter noticed that the cilantro was getting quite big and could be used for cooking.
This prompted the big question, "What can we make with cilantro?" After explaining that cilantro is a common ingredient in Mexican or Spanish dishes, she and I decided to make sort sort of homemade salsa.
In an attempt to make this dish more appealing for her, so that she would get to sample the fruits
