Getting your grocery list ready for Sunday? If you want to be the favorite child, make this Strawberry and Goat Cheese Bruschetta for Mom. It takes about 20-30 minutes to throw together and will make you look like a pro in the kitchen. Not that you need help in that area. I made this… Read More
Appetizers
Baked Jalapeño Dip
What goes best with the Superbowl? Not beer. FOOD! Your favorite Neanderthal will love this Baked Jalapeño Dip. Trust me. I have loads of experience in this area. Print Baked Jalapeño Dip Author adapted from Simply Gourmet Ingredients 2 8- oz packages of cream cheese softened, 16 oz total 1 cup of mayonnaise regular or… Read More
Sheri’s Pomegranate Avocado Salsa
We love Sheri’s Pomegranate Avocado Salsa. Made with pomegranates and avocados, it not only has great flavor combinations, but looks really festive for the holidays. It takes about 5 minutes to put together (if you buy the pomegranates seeded, thank you Costco). I made this twice last week and it was a hit both times…. Read More
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
It’s the last weekend of summer. I know, summer is not officially over until September 22nd(Melinda reminded me of this on our morning walk), but it feels like it’s over when the kids go back to school.With the end of summer, comes the end of local fruits and veggies. It was a hot summer here,… Read More
Limeade Slush
Last night my friends Mel and Jo put on a party for 60 ladies in our neighborhood. They served Southwest Salad with Cilantro Honey Lime Dressing,ChickenTaquitos, chips and salsa to go with the Mexican Fiesta theme. We read Mexican sayings/quotes: La suerte no es como la preñez, que dura nueve meses translated- Luck is not… Read More
French Onion Soup Stuffed Mushrooms
This weekend is Grant’s birthday, again 🙂 It always falls close to the Super Bowl, so I have a little birthday/SB dinner. We were a little bummed the 49ers didn’t get into the big game. What was up with that? We have a thing for Alex Smith, since he played at the U of U… Read More
Salsa de Pina – Pineapple Salsa
I Pinned this recipe for Salsa de Pina – Pineapple Salsa months ago, and have made it a few times since. Love it. We usually eat it up so quickly, I forget to take a photo. Perfect with fish tacos, enchiladas, or tortilla chips. It’s simple and fresh, and everyone loves it. Everyone except one… Read More
Goat Cheese, Blackberry and Pear Bites
Christmas is over. When Brookie was about 18 months old, we were driving through a neighborhood in Seattle, and the Christmas lights that once lit up the houses were few and far between. I said something about missing the lights and about Christmas being “over”. All of a sudden, a little voice from the back… Read More
Pico de Gallo
Cafe Rio Pico is quick and easy and tastes just like the pico added to almost every menu item at Cafe Rio! Another recipe to add to ABK’s “Cafe Rio Style“collection of recipes. Why is this called Pico de Gallo (pronounced GUY-OH)? In Spanish, Pico means spicy or beak. And gallo means rooster. So Pico… Read More
Pepperoni Pizza Puffs
Every Friday night for years, my parents played cards with the next door neighbors, the Snow’s. During those years(late 1960’s), we established a ritual where the parents played cards at one house, and the kids would hang out at the other house, eat treats and watch “Nightmare Theater”- a local Seattle weekend show hosted… Read More
Southwest Chicken Rollups
I’ve had this recipe for Tessa’s Southwest Chicken Rollups in my files for years. Every once in a while I pull it out and make a batch. They usually disappear about as quickly as they come out of the oven. This week, I served them with Sheri’s Simple Salsa. Great mid-week meal, with chips and… Read More
Guacamole Taquero (Taco-Shop Guac)
Found this recipe for Guacamole Taquero (Taco-Shop Guac) last months issue of Saveur magazine. I altered it a bit. LOVE it. Perfect as a stand alone dip, or with tacos, or on top of enchiladas, taco salad, etc. Tonight we had it with some Southwest Chicken Roll ups, which I’ll post soon. Guacamole Taquero takes about… Read More
Beef Empanadas with Black Bean Dipping Sauce
One of my favorite features in Bon Appetit is R.S.V.P. Readers Favorite Restaurant Recipes. Here’s how it works- readers write in and ask BA to get recipes for them from their favorite restaurants. After acquiring the requested recipe, the magazine publishes the request along with the coveted recipe. I’ve found loads of great recipes over… Read More
Sheri’s Super Simple Salsa
Sheri’s Super Simple Salsa is our family go-to salsa.It’s made with canned, crushed tomatoes so you can make it year round. It’s as good in December as it is in July. In July, just add some fresh cut tomatoes to freshen it up a bit. It takes about 5 minutes to throw together, and it’s… Read More
Roasted Pepper and Goat Cheese appetizer
When we stayed at River’s Run last fall, Miss Lisa served up these delicious Roasted Pepper and Goat Cheese appetizer before dinner one evening. My boys (including Grant) usually steer clear of anything involving a red pepper. They loved this dish. I made these last week and loved the soft red pepper, creamy goat cheese,… Read More
Veggie Lover’s Quesadilla
Super Bowl XLV. Our menu: Chili with Brats and beans with toppings, Mexican Salad with lime- basil and honey dressing, mini taco tartlets with guac, fresh salsa, corn and avocado salsa, cheesy jalapeno dip, fresh fruit, little smokies in cinnamon-clove BBQ sauce, crab and shrimp spread, bruchetta, sausage and cheese stuffed mushrooms, roast beef sliders,… Read More
Heavenly Hot Chocolate
I love these cups. I picked them up at a Thrift shop in Port Townsend, WA for about $3 each. The cup with pink flowers says “Made in occupied Japan” underneath. Three months ago, I was sitting in Paris, sipping hot chocolate. Brookie, my second oldest, was living in Spain for three months as an… Read More
Brie and Fresh Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms
For some unknown reason during holiday time, I feel the need to buy every specialty food item that comes within 20 feet of my grocery cart. Cheese, fruit, spreads, crackers, chocolate. You name it, I buy it. That huge wheel of Brie in Costco gets me every time. I love Brie. Brie on apples, crackers,… Read More
Three Cheese Pimiento Spread & Miss- Final Chapter
Before we get to the recipe, a few more travel notes… The Canton Flea Market. Heard about it on our way to the farm/lodge. Thought I would drop by and check it out. Had to stop along the way to read markers: And take pics of abandoned churches: and trees in fields: Little did… Read More
Artichoke and Oven Dried Tomato Foccacia
Fall is in the air and I love it. Fall=more baking and cooking. Love that. This Artichoke and Oven Dried Tomato Foccacia is a delish side for a salad or main dish. You can top it with as little or much as you want. I had a can of artichokes in my pantry and… Read More
Cowboy Salsa
Last week, we spent 4 days with 380 kids (age 14-18) and adults (acting as Ma’s and Pa’s and support crew) on the plains just outside of Evanston Wy-O. Dressed in pioneer garb- bonnets, hats, long skirts, aprons, pantaloons, suspenders, cowboy hats, etc. No cell phones, computers, ipods or electronic games. Kids pulling handcarts in… Read More
Sweet and Spicy Asian Hot Wings
Years ago, Grant’s sis Sheri invited us to go to Lake Powell on a boating trip. Four fun filled days of houseboat, camping, water sports, and of course eating. You know how people always say food is so good on a camping trip? I never share that feeling, because camping + me= don’t go together…. Read More
Sweet and Sour Meatballs
It’s that time again. The Superbowl is just around the corner. Superbowl= supersnacks. Unfortunately, Grant’s all time favorite pro football team, the Vikings, lost last night in overtime to the Saints. Looking back, Grant has come a loooong way since we were first married. This is the team he latched onto as a 10 year… Read More
Sweet Fresh Cranberry Salsa
I love sweet-spicy salsa. Sara brought Sweet Fresh Cranberry Salsa over the other night, and it was love at first bite. This recipe came from Sara’s friend, Joy, who just released a cookbook called “Bliss” (order it here). This Salsa can be served with tortilla chips over a block of cream cheese, or on it’s… Read More
Autumn Brie in Braided Bread Ring
I love this Brie appetizer. It is topped with all things fall. Apples, dried cranberries, golden raisins, candied spiced pecans. A beautiful item for a holiday dinner party. The bread ring is made out of frozen dough, so it’s really simple. Note: The bread is suppose to be a garnish. 1gar·nish Pronunciation: ˈgär-nish 1 a… Read More
Smoky Grilled Corn Salsa
Two lessons I have learned as a cook: 1. Read the recipe. Twice. How many times have I made a recipe and not had all of the ingredients, or botched the assembly? Yearly lesson: Jam making. How it should be- Gather all of the ingredients. Check the list. Twice. Read the instructions. Twice. Follow the… Read More
Spiced Pear Flatbreads with Goat Cheese and Mustard Cream
Spiced Pear Flatbreads with Goat Cheese and Mustard Cream are one of my favorite quick and easy appetizers! I often use purchased Naan Bread instead of making my own flatbread when I’m in a hurry. Start to finish it takes less than 30 minutes. Perfect recipe for any type of gathering, any time of the… Read More
Avocado Corn Confetti Salsa
Have you tried the corn this year?? It’s unbelievable. I love, I mean LOVE fresh corn. I could eat fresh corn on the cob for dinner. All by its lonesome. Tonight I had to come up with a quick appetizer to share at a church dinner, so I ran to the grocery, and picked up… Read More
Hot Wing Dip
Scrumptious. The essentials. I’m all out of guy food after this post. It’s just not my speciality. When I tried this Hot Wing Dip at a dinner in December, I thought – Grant and the boys will LOVE this. My friend Diane made this, and believe me, she knows all about guy food. She is… Read More
Oprah’s Crostini with Wild Mushrooms and Mozzarella
I love mushrooms. And mozzarella. And spinach. And Oprah. Oprah’s Crostini with Wild Mushrooms and Mozzarella is adapted from a recipe in the “Oprah Magazine Cookbook”. I added a little fresh spinach, because I thought it was a little bland looking. Make sure to use fresh mozzarella, or it won’t ooze over the sides of… Read More
Charlene’s Grapefruit-Cranberry Christmas Punch
Charlene is one of my Recipe Club friends. I have known her for about 10 years now. She’s kind of like Martha in the style and decorating department, only WAY more beautiful, and (a lot) more friendly. Her home looks like something out of “House Beautiful” and this time of year it’s seriously decked with… Read More
Kimberly’s Famous Eggnog
yummy icky I still remember the first time I tasted homemade eggnog. It was in Portland in the mid 80’s. I remember thinking- “This is eggnog???” Then, what was that liquid yuck my parents served me while I was growing up?? Back to the party-This REAL DEAL eggnog was served out of a HUGE silver… Read More