sick of summer
The large majority of followers of this page live in the Phoenix metro area. So I know that you are as sick of summer as I am, especially this year.
Today, Saturday, July 29, marks the 30th straight day of 110° plus days. Tomorrow, 109° is predicted but we shall see. To give some perspective, the 1974 record of 18 straight days of 110° or above was broken in mid-July. And seven of these last 30 days were 118° or 119°, so yeah, we’ve had enough!
All that being said, there is one good thing about summer and that is summer squash, zucchini to be exact. One of the most versatile veggies out there. My favorite thing to do with zucchini is to make zucchini nut bread, but it’s too damn hot to turn on the oven, so pasta will be just fine.
[Read more →]July 29, 2023 3 Comments
buttery shrimp
In the yummy recipe below, I call for U/15 shrimp. This informs you as to the size of shrimp you are shopping for. Shrimp sizes are denoted in numbers, such as U/15 or 21/25. When you see a “U” in the count, it means that there are “under” that number of shrimp in a pound. The slash between numbers denotes a range of shrimp in a pound.
HERE you will find a helpful chart of shrimp sizes.
July 25, 2023 No Comments
Who or Whom?
Sometimes I find writing blog posts a little difficult, especially when I don’t always know the proper rules of language, writing, or even speaking for that matter. So when I find a little trick that can help me along my way, I pounce on it. For example, I’ve never known the correct times to use who or whom. So when I found a trick to help me figure it out … hallelujah!
So much easier! This should also make you appreciate that you get to read my typed words instead of my handwritten (chicken scratch) words!
July 18, 2023 12 Comments
Fixed!!
Good morning! Happy Day! Sunny Sunday! All the good vibes have arrived!
I’ve been struggling with this website for many months. It’s been extremely difficult to create a post on my end because the site was being uncooperative and dropping content, photos, etc. And I know that on your end the site was taking FOREVER to load. Not just for you, but for me. When I needed to search for an old post, it would take up to five minutes for the search bar to appear. I’d nearly given up … but it’s all fixed! I hope you notice an immediate difference.
In celebration, let’s make some decadent lobster tacos!
July 16, 2023 10 Comments
quick and yummy
Here is the final recipe from my April trip to Chicago. It comes, once again, from Half Baked Harvest, and as usual, slightly altered to use what is available.
May 22, 2023 No Comments
pasta, please
Here is another recipe I made while visiting Max and his parents in Chicago last month. (less than 2 weeks until I go back for his 1st birthday!)
I’ve laid out the list of ingredients slightly differently on this one than I usually do. Generally, I will list the full amount of, let’s say smoked paprika, and if the paprika is used in two different parts of the recipe, I’ll write “divided” after the ingredient. That seemed more confusing than helpful in this case. So the point is, don’t put away those spices right away, you’re going to need them again.
Also, as sometimes happens, this is a do as I say, not as I do recipe. I sautéed everything in a large skillet and then had to transfer it all to a large pot to add the pasta and complete the recipe. Better to simply sauté in the large pot from the get-go.
[Read more →]May 18, 2023 No Comments
More recipes tried in Chicago
I was visiting Max and his parents in Chicago at the end of last month and tried a few new recipes for Mom and Dad, aka Marissa & Jeff.
This first one was from the Half Baked Harvest blog. It could not have been quicker or easier. Also, delicious, so I’ll be making it again and adding in diced chicken breast or thighs for added protein.
Oh, and May the 4th be with you!
[Read more →]May 4, 2023 No Comments
My new favorite recipe
One thing about me, with the exception of holidays, I rarely make a recipe twice, let alone 3 times in the span of a few weeks! This recipe is now a family favorite. I don’t know exactly what it is. Maybe it’s the fact that I don’t often use ground chicken. Ground turkey, all the time, so I may be a bit sick of ground turkey. Ground chicken seems to taste milder to me. It carries other flavors better. I don’t know, I’m just all about ground chicken right now. Then there’s the richness of the dish; cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, pesto; all the good stuff! Give this a try and let me know if it becomes a part of your meal rotation.
[Read more →]March 28, 2023 2 Comments
The final Christmas Potluck Recipe 13
This last recipe was made by Cheryl. Cheryl is a true Hostess with the Mostess, who chooses to not select one of the recipes I email out to the group but to be a rebel and make one of her own. Something I absolutely love about her!
February 6, 2023 No Comments
Fun & Festive Cocktails
Along with the ornament shots on the indoor breakfast table, I had a bar set up outside on the patio. Out of the photo is an ice chest filled with beer and flavored sparkling waters.
To the left, you can see a large basket tub filled with sparkling wine, non-alcoholic sparkling beverages, and wine. I love to add greens to the tub., such an easy and festive touch to every winter party.
A large glass dispenser filled with water, infused with lemon and cucumber slices. Making water available this way is not only more visually pleasing but reduces plastic.
[Read more →]February 3, 2023 No Comments