Food, Family, Faith, and Fun — all wrapped up in one!
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
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
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
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
I have never enjoyed baking — too much measuring, math and accuracy is required, and it feels a little restrictive to me. Cooking is more free-form, while baking requires that I follow the rules in order to be successful. That’s where my rebellious nature kicks in:
“Don’t tell me what to do!”
One of the first gardens I planted was filled with every black flower I could find. This was somewhat of a fad during the Victorian era, which I find intriguing. Can you imagine elegant women in long, floofy dresses tending gardens? That might be as difficult as imagining ME working in flowerbeds. But I tried.
Have you ever been surprised by how prolific certain garden plants can be? In my flowerbeds, bleeding hearts and lilies of the valley have become borderline-invasive perennials. In my raised garden beds, tomato plants easily grow 8 feet tall (I need to learn the art of pruning!), and pepper plants can supply the needs of … Read more Habanero-Maple Pork Shoulder for Crockpot
