Waste Not Want Not and Give Alms

It’s interesting that in observing Lent, those of us who are Catholic, remember that this is also the time to give alms – donate to our church community if we can. Here’s some fun recipes that you can make at home and are perfect for Lent. By using some leftovers you can create another, tasty meal, and hopefully give what you save. Check out the … Continue reading Waste Not Want Not and Give Alms

Small Batch Broccoli Souffle Casserole

It’s happening to us, and most likely you, too. A smaller gathering for Thanksgiving. So here’s a small batch recipe of our favorite broccoli casserole. The bonus is that it can be frozen and baked, covered for some of the time, and baked a little longer than if you’re making it fresh. This is the casserole I chatted with Annie Mitchell on Sacred Heart Radio/Sonrise … Continue reading Small Batch Broccoli Souffle Casserole

Totable Orzo Salad with Herbs and Veggies

Today on the Sonrise Morning Show, Matt Swaim and I chatted about not wasting ingredients or food that may be slightly past its prime. We talked about using storage onions that sprout (yes, the sprout can be used for green onions), garlic that sprouts (I’ll still use the garlic but some cooks won’t – you can pot up the sprouted garlic and it will grow … Continue reading Totable Orzo Salad with Herbs and Veggies

High Roasted Chicken with Green Beans, Tomatoes and Olives

I was hoping to share a recipe I’ve been wanting to try for New England maple mustard roasted chicken. That isn’t happening. It’s not because I don’t have chicken and mustard. It’s the maple syrup not anywhere to be found on my little patch of heaven.  I was hoping for enough sap from our maple tree to boil into homemade syrup. We tapped it weeks … Continue reading High Roasted Chicken with Green Beans, Tomatoes and Olives

Rosemary, Trendy “Bible” Herb and Ina’s Potatoes

I enjoy chatting with Matt Swaim on the Sunrise Morning Show/Sacred Heart radio on Thursday mornings. Today we talked about a favorite herb: rosemary. If you bought a rosemary “tree” during the holidays, check out my tip for keeping it healthy, below. HERBS ASSOCIATED WITH BIBLE TIMES BUT NOT MENTIONED SPECIFICALLY IN THE BIBLE: ROSEMARY Rosemary is an herb associated with Bible times but not mentioned specifically in … Continue reading Rosemary, Trendy “Bible” Herb and Ina’s Potatoes

Can you prep Mac & cheese a day ahead?

  This question from reader Dave R. Yes, you can prep the mac & cheese the day before. But here’s a couple tips I’ve learned along the way: Undercook your macaroni just a bit, drain, and then rinse off, drain with cold water. (I know this is counter intuitive but it not only stops the cooking but rinses away some of the starch so that … Continue reading Can you prep Mac & cheese a day ahead?

Holiday Beef Tenderloin with Latin Rub and the Secret to Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Rare beef tenderloin Just the mention of beef tenderloin in my recent column brought about requests for roasting. I can understand that, since choice tenderloin is expensive but so appropriate for the holidays and easy to roast. Plus it can be made ahead. If you’re serving this as part of a buffet, roasted asparagus sprinkled with Parmesan right when it comes out of the oven … Continue reading Holiday Beef Tenderloin with Latin Rub and the Secret to Extra Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Snickerdoodles and Orzo w Spinach and Balsamic are Holiday Faves

Snickerdoodles and a “nice, decadent side dish to serve with beef tenderloin”. These 2 recipe requests popped up this week.  Snickerdoodles are a family favorite from daughter-in-law, Jessie. Such a popular holiday cookie, and homemade is much better than store bought. That’s what Terry, a “loyal” reader said when she asked for a from scratch recipe. The reader who wanted the side dish for beef … Continue reading Snickerdoodles and Orzo w Spinach and Balsamic are Holiday Faves

My own Hummus and Tabouleh

I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve made these 2 Middle Eastern specialties. I grew up with tabouleh and hummus has been a standard on my table for decades.  For Penny Thompson, an Anderson Township, Cincinnati, reader, who wanted to make both of these. As I always say, go to taste – nothing was measured back in the day…. Rita’s Family’s Hummus … Continue reading My own Hummus and Tabouleh

It’s the Berries – Cranberries, that is!

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without cranberries. And did you know how to tell if they’re ripe? Drop one on the counter – if it bounces, you’re good to go! Here are some treasured cranberry recipes. The first one, baked cranberries, is for Debbie. The others are for those of you who asked for them. And remember this little saying: CONTENTMENT: Is not the fulfillment of … Continue reading It’s the Berries – Cranberries, that is!