Disco+ball+from+the+70s

Beyond Suzette

My first introduction to crepes was at one of the old “Magic Pan” restaurants in the ’70’s.  If I am not mistaken, I’m pretty sure the first one I tried was a chicken divan crepe.  At the time, three French items invaded the American palate – crepes, fondue, and quiche- and quickly became the “in” foods of […]

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From Naples to your Kitchen

Baseball Hall of Famer Yogi Berra was once asked if he wanted his favorite whole pizza cut into four or eight slices, to which he replied, “Four; I don’t think I can eat eight.”  Another lover of pizza, actor and comedian Jackie Gleason would order two large pizzas every time he dined at his favorite […]

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Pasta-and-Pizza-Palooza Giveaways!

Pasta and pizza are great anytime, but they seem to be even better when there is a chill in the air.  My giveaways for this week will be all these great pasta and pizza books.  Williams-Sonoma always offers outstanding cookbooks.  The pizza books and other pasta booklets are full of good ideas, too.  If you […]

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A Warm and Comforting Apple Cake

Yesterday the apple recipe was for the kids – now it’s time for the grown-ups!  How about a spicy, warm, apple cake with Calvados? (apple brandy)  Warm Apple-Raisin Cake with Calvados 3/4 cup packed light brown sugarGrated zest and juice of 1 lemon6 Tablespoons Calvados or applejack2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1/3 cup golden raisins1/2 cup heavy […]

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The Apples are Coming!

Many varieties of apples are starting to show up at Farmer’s Markets and grocery stores.  We are fortunate to have a beautiful orchard nearby where you can pick your own.  There are endless recipes using apples, but for today, here is one that kids love – fried apple pies!  They are shaped like turnovers, with […]

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The+Big+Book+of+Soups+and+Stews

The Comfort of Soup is Like a Hug in a Bowl!

I am so excited.  Today is the official first day of autumn!  And you know what that means – hearty stick-to-the-ribs cooking can begin.  Soups, stews, breads, warm apple desserts, and pumpkin everything.  After the long hot summer, I am ready to bring on the big pots and simmer something on the stove all day long.  […]

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Surprise One Day Giveaway for Today!

Since today is the first day of autumn, here are 2 great Pillsbury booklets to win.  This is a spur-of-the-moment giveaway that I decided to do just because it’s officially autumn!  The deadline to enter is tonight, just like my usual weekly giveaway, which this week is a great bread book.  If you want to […]

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Tacos+Mark+Miller+egg+dish1

How to Build a Taco

Raise your hand if you have ever made tacos for dinner.  Or eaten tacos in a restaurant.  It would be safe to say that there are probably few people who could answer “never”.  Tacos can be beef, chicken, pork, vegetarian, and everything in between.  But it might be safe to say you never had a […]

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