It has been more than 2 months since my last posting. These weeks have been filled with joy, grief, change, friends, excitement, loss, fun, adventure, family, and growth. It’s been a crazy ride, that’s for certain!
Crowd Pleaser
Apple Crisp with Bourbon Cider Reduction
This is probably the most incredible apple crisp you will ever taste, in my humble opinion. It is sweet, tart, chewy, buttery, and boasts a surprise with the sauce that looks like caramel, but has a fresh appley-citrusy-bourbony zing.
I have a couple different philosophies when it comes to dessert:
Chicken and Artichoke Lasagna with Bolognese Sauce
As a middle child, I tend to be a people pleaser. But at the same time, I don’t like to be boxed in. As important as rules can be, for the most part, they are simply guidelines.
Roasted Tomato and Garlic Bolognese Sauce
It is so much fun to see how Kristina has surpassed me – by light years – when it comes to cooking. She is creative and instinctive, and possesses the natural ability to invent adventurous (and wonderful!) culinary combinations.
Apple Blueberry Cabbage Salad
My mother was an elementary school teacher – back in the days when the ABC’s were more important than teaching political correctness. Her mother was also a teacher – before college degrees were required for educators.
Golden Borscht
While in Ukraine, we ate soup every day. Temperature over 90 degrees: soup for lunch. Humidity at the tropical level: soup for supper. Long days of teaching, playing, and chasing kids: soup for lunch AND supper. In fact, my Ukrainian interpreter (and friend) was stunned to learn that our family doesn’t eat soup for 4 or 5 months out of the year. But now I am converted to being a Summer Soup Supporter.
Lazy Day Cabbage Rolls – Kåldolmar
So, I’m totally NOT into labour-intensive food these days. Summertime is for playing, spending time outdoors, hanging out with friends, and traveling.
Refried Pinto Beans – Pressure Cooker
I may be late for Cinco de Mayo, but then again, I was at least one week late for Saint Patrick’s Day. No biggie! Great food can be served year ’round.
Easy Enchiladas
I recently saw a map of the U.S. showing the most commonly spoken languages besides English, and found that more Minnesotans speak Spanish and Hmong than any other foreign language.
It is only logical that states like Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont would have French as their most common foreign language, due to proximity to Quebec. It also makes sense that Ohio and North Dakota would have many German speakers because of immigration patterns and Amish population.
Ground Turkey and Fennel Chili
Is it pathetic that I’m not quite ready for warm weather? I haven’t gotten nearly enough indoor projects done, and I will always, always love soup season.
