Well, guess what turned up at my back kitchen door yesterday? Fresh sugar snap pea salad, that’s what. Our friends, Bob and Bert Villing, who live in an old farmhouse down the road and grow long rows of snow, sugar snap and English peas, brought us a bowl of Bob’s sugar snap pea salad. Simple and sensational – fresh sugar snaps in a cream dressing of … Continue reading Sugar Snap Pea Salad
Our friends, Bob and Bert Villing, live in an 1800’s farmhouse down the road from us. Bob grows asparagus, and lots of it. We were the happy recipients of several pounds of this springtime vegetable. We’ve eaten the asparagus raw, out of hand (if you’ve never eaten raw asparagus, you’re in for a treat) and grilled just until crisp tender with a sprinkling of lemon … Continue reading Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus
What is Skirt Steak? Skirt steak is a long and thin cut of beef that comes from the underside of the cow, near the diaphragm, and is known for its rich flavor and chewy texture. Skirt steak is often used in Mexican and other Latin American cuisines to make dishes like fajitas, tacos, and carne asada. Skirt steak is also popularly used in Asian cuisine, … Continue reading Carne Asada in honor of Pope Leo XIIV
A couple of days ago I mixed up a chili and smoked paprika rub for pork tenderloin. That made supper an easy choice, since all I had to do was trim the tenderloins, get them seasoned and cooked in a hot oven. We had roasted garlic lemon potato wedges as a side, but next time I’ll make a pot of rice and add a shake … Continue reading Pork Tenderloin with Chili and Smoked Paprika Rub
There are so many chores outside this time of year on our little patch of heaven: readying the gardens for the planting of produce and herbs, caring for our little flock of chickens, mowing grass on a regular basis and hanging clothes out on the line, weather permitting. I honestly love the busyness of spring and the good appetites that come with it. What doesn’t … Continue reading Speed Scratch Stuffed Bells
Today, Matt Swaim and I chatted about fish on the Sonrise Morning Show, Sacred Heart Radio. Here’s where it’s listed in the Bible: Matthew 15:34-36: The story of the loaves and fishes, when Jesus took seven loaves of bread and a fee small fish and miraculously fed 4,000 men, plus women and children, with leftovers. When you consider the geography, the Sea of Gallilee, the … Continue reading Baja Fish Tacos
Oh my this is a good one for a holiday gathering. Everything you love about loaded twice baked potatoes but in a casserole for easy serving. Thank you for reading this column, as always, and as I tell you every year, a blessed new year ahead is what I pray for you and yours to have. Loaded stuffed mashed potato casserole Ingredients 4 pounds russet … Continue reading Loaded Stuffed Baked Potato Casserole
Are you ready for simple food after you finish the holiday feasting? How about a pot of well seasoned black bean soup? That’s what I made this morning and it does smell good – onions, garlic, peppers, cumin all melding together with black beans, celery, bell pepper and a pinch of thyme. With a plop of sour cream and a squeeze of citrus, I’m talking … Continue reading Simple Black Bean Soup and a Panera Taste-a-Like
During the holidays around here, we focus a good amount of time on food gifts from the kitchen. Like the limoncello, nut brittle and quick bread recipes I’ve shared with you. So why today am I excited to give you a recipe, for, of all things, ham salad? Well, ham is ubiquitous on many a holiday table, including mine, and that means leftover ham. I’ve … Continue reading Ham Salad: Plain & Fancy
I’ve been hungry lately for a real substantial salad. Not the ones like we’ve been eating all summer with light textured greens, tomatoes, cucumbers and the like with a simple garlic lemon dressing. What made my tummy happy was a salad with crisp dark greens, apples or pears, toasted nuts, a few pumpkin seeds, bacon, cheese and dried fruit. How does that sound to you? … Continue reading Apple Cider Vinegar Salad Dressing for Fall Salads
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