Turkey Lentil Chili – 4 Ways to Cook It

I can tell by gazing out my kitchen window that winter has arrived on my little patch of heaven. I can see the East Fork river through the bare trees on the hill. Today the sun is throwing sparkling patches of light on the water. It puts me in the mood for a big pot of turkey lentil chili.  I have Eastside reader Mary Ann … Continue reading Turkey Lentil Chili – 4 Ways to Cook It

Heirloom Coffee Cake

There it was, buried in the bottom of our large bin where holiday decorations are stored. A Good Housekeeping magazine from November 1984. Now here’s the query: why was it there? It took me a few minutes to remember.  As a young mom, I was fascinated with holiday baking, and the cover photo, though faded, shows a beautifully decorated gingerbread house. “Make our cozy gingerbread … Continue reading Heirloom Coffee Cake

Symbolism of Magi Gifts and Mulled Cider

  This morning talking to Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio, was a fun and informative segment. We chatted about the gifts of the 3 Magi and to honor the shepherds, who couldn’t afford gifts for Baby Jesus, I’m sharing a recipe for mulled cider. Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh:  Matthew 2:11.  Gold, frankincense and myrrh were among the gifts to Jesus … Continue reading Symbolism of Magi Gifts and Mulled Cider

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

Rosie, Linda and Me Fox 19 Morning Show

I recorded a holiday gifts segment with my friends at Fox 19. Here’s my oldest & bestests friends from when I started on Fox a loooong while back. Rosie and Linda were there at the beginning, too! Lovely and talented ladies – they are the brains behind the scenes…. Continue reading Rosie, Linda and Me Fox 19 Morning Show

Victorian Jewel Fruitcakes, Traditional Fruitcake, Golden Light Fruitcake, Spice Fruitcake – a Fruitcake Bonanza!

I’ve been getting requests for fruitcakes. Traditional, mini, fruitcakes that start with a spice cake mix, even “golden” (lighter texture and taste) fruitcakes. I have to admit this makes me smile. Now I’m not crazy about fruitcake, but do like a small piece. My husband, Frank, loves fruitcake. The kids are somewhere in between. Apparently readers like Maureen Grady, a Park Hills, Ky. reader whose … Continue reading Victorian Jewel Fruitcakes, Traditional Fruitcake, Golden Light Fruitcake, Spice Fruitcake – a Fruitcake Bonanza!

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

Mr. Wilson’s Thanksgiving Forecast and Wish

From friend, colleague and garden expert, Ron Wilson. He shares this every year with his radio listeners and readers to his site. Check out his site for more fun musings on Thanksgiving, plus vintage ads that you’ll find amusing! HAPPY THANKSGIVING! THANKSGIVING FORECAST – Turkeys will thaw in the morning, then warm in the oven to an afternoon high near 190 degrees.  The kitchen will … Continue reading Mr. Wilson’s Thanksgiving Forecast and Wish

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