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 December 31st, 2009 | Desserts, Recipes
We spent New Year's Eve the way we prefer- at home. We decided to make a menu of Mexican foods, as my husband had received a quesadilla maker in a work gift exchange. So, we began our evening with some fresh fruit, espinaca, guacamole, and chips and planned on making our main dish later.
Our evening progressed, and a few hours and many games of cards later, I considered whether to make quesadillas. However, I was still full from our munchies earlier. Of course, my appetite isn't always a good barometer for others, so I asked others, and the consensus was
by TT on December 30th, 2009 | Desserts, Recipes
What would Christmas be without a batch of sugar cookies? For me they are an important part of the holiday season. I made numerous batches with my mom when I was a child and now make batches with my children. I oversee a crew of four cookie makers, but luckily, everyone usually chooses to be harmonious during these times. However, I have learned to divide when needed, such as having the boys cut out there half of the cookie dough and then have the girls cut out theirs.
While they take a little more work to make than chocolate chip cookies
by TT on December 29th, 2009 | Appetizers, Recipes
Today's recipe is savory instead of sweet. However, when these spinach squares are served, they disappear as quickly as a plate of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies.
I received this recipe from my mom, who was given it by her dear friend Jean. Jean was quite the hostess who made wonderful dishes, and this recipe is no different.
The beautiful thing about this recipe is that it only requires one bowl for mixing and then bakes in a 13x9 pan. The hardest part about making this snack is waiting for the squares to cool enough to be cut for serving.
I made a
by TT on December 28th, 2009 | Desserts, Recipes
With the holiday season in full swing, it is the perfect time to make extra goodies. . .and give them to friends, teachers, etc. Of course, I always leave some extras for the kids to enjoy but prefer to give my share to others.
I have made fudge as a gift several times and have found that it can be tricky. Between watching the temperature and glossiness of the mixture for the exact moment at which it needs to be transferred from pot to pan, I have had a failed batch or two. Timing is of essence. A little too long
by TT on December 27th, 2009 | Desserts, Recipes
A trend has begun. This is another simple, yet tasty, recipe. Day 4's recipe has 50% more ingredients than Day 3. However, if you remember Day 3's recipe, it only had 2 ingredients, so this one is fairly easy on the shopping list.
Although this recipe only has 3 ingredients, it pleases my children every time I make these pretzels. The combination of salty pretzels and chocolate is addictive, and they often clamor for more.
While I made all of this batch with semi-sweet chocolate, white or milk chocolate can be used also. To make more festive snacks, the white chocolate pretzels
