Memories of Julia…Italian Beef Stew

Beef Stew, a quintessential Winter dish, has as many variations as there are cooks. It is a comfort food that can be simple and satisfying or elegant and complex. The process is time-consuming, but the results are worth it. I have so many memories of my mother’s cooking, but there isn’t a single one of… Continue reading Memories of Julia…Italian Beef Stew

Pulled Chicken, Cookbook Memories and Bacon Cornbread

In case anyone is keeping score Winter seems to be winning by a snow mound, a really big snow mound…at the end of my driveway. With so much time spent indoors, I find myself strolling down memory lane. Memories can make us more enlightened to what we’re doing in the present. I also have lots… Continue reading Pulled Chicken, Cookbook Memories and Bacon Cornbread

Memories of Good Cakes… and a Memorable Marble Poundcake

When it comes to baking the possible Undisputed Queen of the Oven is Cake. Cookies and breads, muffins and pies, all are wonderful in their own right, but cake is something bigger. Baking a cake is kitchen chemistry at it’s finest. Cakes have been around since man discovered flour, Check out this brief but entertaining  History… Continue reading Memories of Good Cakes… and a Memorable Marble Poundcake

Summer Memories in Winter’s Chill and Balsamic Marinated Chicken

Winter…Mother Nature’s sick joke. As most Midwesterners and from what ! hear on the news, 75 – 80 percent of the rest of the country know, Mother Nature has some kind of crazy bug up her bustle. Insane low temperatures, more snow than anyone knows what to do with, and winds that blow that snow… Continue reading Summer Memories in Winter’s Chill and Balsamic Marinated Chicken

Ale and Cheddar Cheese Soup with a Noble Cause

I love making soup. It is my go to winter dinner. Since we’ve had more than our fair share of winter this year, I’ve been making a lot of soup. It somehow never gets old, and there is such a wealth of soups to be made and re-imagined. I also love helping my husband make… Continue reading Ale and Cheddar Cheese Soup with a Noble Cause