Food, Family, Faith, and Fun — all wrapped up in one!
Carlotta 
Some times difficult situations bring wonderful surprises. After two heart surgeries within one week, friends and family showed up in droves to bless me with food, help with chores around the house and yard, rides here and there, and even more food. I love having so many friends who are excellent cooks! One favorite meal … Read more Kielbasa, Cabbage, and Radish Stew for Pressure Cooker
As you may know by now, I am not a fan of baking — too much accurate measuring. I don’t really like pie, and cake isn’t my favorite. Cookie dough is WAY better than baked cookies in my mind. But I still like dessert! Chocolate dessert. With a cup of coffee! And that is where … Read more Frozen Mocha Toffee Dessert
Yep. That title is a fun alliteration! But skagenröra is even MORE fun to eat! Basically every time I visit Sweden or Norway, I order an open-face skagenröra sandwich. From my favorite bakery in Stockholm, to a deli in Umeå, or a restaurant by the ski jump in Oslo, this creamy shrimp salad on roasted … Read more Skagenröra — Swedish Shrimp Salad
Yes, that is an odd name for eggs, but until you sample sous vide eggs, you will never understand just how dainty these little cup-shaped morsels are. Yet they are loaded with protein and will leave you surprisingly satisfied. Now that I have used as many descriptive words as my brain can process right now, … Read more Delicate and Delectable Sous Vide Egg Bites
Some people travel for work. I work, so that I can travel. So far, I have managed to see about 30 countries on four continents. But of course, some countries get visited over, and over, and over again. Sweden, I am talking to you! 😊 I try to not travel like a tourist, but prefer … Read more Icelandic Cioppino – a hearty international seafood chowder
My mom was the master of frugality. We lived on a shoestring during the year so that we could travel during the summer. We had amazing adventures on school teacher savings! Even though Mom did not enjoy cooking, and I grew up during the 60’s and 70’s when processed foods were pushed on families, we … Read more Mint Chip Meringues
Some times using recipes from generations ago result in simple delights. I have often heard that sugar cookies are the most uncomplicated and basic cookie, but I’ve only made them from scratch once. They were an epic failure — dry, crumbly, tasteless, and basically unappetizing. And using gluten free flour just made the disaster more … Read more Gluten Free Toffee Bars
This past summer my Swedish parents both turned 90 years old. They had “adopted” me 40 years ago while I was living in Sweden and attending graduate school. I return almost yearly to visit them, and count it a huge honor to be part of their family. In preparation for their birthday celebration, I was … Read more Lemon Curd
Living alone has it’s perks — — — the house is easier to keep clean, there is more freedom to travel and visit friends and family, the entire bed is mine, I have sole control over the remote, I can play piano any time of the day (or night), and I don’t have to serve … Read more Savory Sous Vide Egg Bites
There is something so comforting about a rich, simple, satisfying bowl of soup. Soup season could last year ’round in my mind, but I don’t always have time to watch over a pot on the stove. With a little morning prep time, this soup is perfect for family suppers, parties, and company. Since I eat … Read more Gluten Free Chicken & Wild Rice Soup
