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Memorial Day is coming up and I'm sure many are going to have the Beginning of the Season BBQs!Love a Great BBQ. For us, that starts the Watermelon season too! Last year I made a Watermelon Pie that was the Hit of the Season. Give it a try, it will MAKE your BBQ!WATERMELON PIEIngredients:2 Cups Crushed Graham Crackers1/2 stick Butter (melted)2 tbsp Granulated Sugar3 cups Heavy cream3 tbsp Conf Sug
This Mother's day weekend my Son was 1500 miles away he sent flowers but I had to cook :) So I decided I would make one of my absolute faves! I love Stuffed Cabbage. I updated the recipe to substitute tomato juice for tomato sauce and also included a Pictorial Tutorial to help with assembly.Hope this make it easier to pass it on! I would love it if you "Pinned" it as Tutorials are awesome on
The Portuguese have this wonderful little 'Piece of Fried Dough" that we look forward to on any special occasion. A Festa, a Holiday, a Family Party, maybe even just a Great Uncle visiting from Connecticut. Oh, how we looked forward to those visits as they always meant Malassadas.A Malassada is exactly as I described a delightful little piece of fried dough, but this is the most basic of descripti
**This was a staple in my house growing up. Whatever we had for Sunday dinner ended up in this mash-up. Whether it was Pot Roast, Roasted Chicken or Meatloaf it was in there. My Mom served it with baked beans and toast most often. But today I serve it for breakfast or Dinner so what goes along with it lends to the time of day. The only thing that is a mainstay is that it reminds me of how my Mom n
Did you have any Salsa Chicken leftover from Monday's Cinco deMayo Dinner? This is a Great way to use it. I make a Fantastic Chicken Club, but this one had Onions, Peppers & Avocado too! Wow!Ya know if you don't have leftover chicken, a Rotisserie Chicken would do just as well here.I pack these babies in my Bf's lunch and he is the talk of the Cafeteria! They are a handful, but boy are they ta
Easy Wednesday Dinner with a Sunday Dinner Feel. I love a Ham Steak! They aren't expensive and have all the feel of a Full Sunday Meal! They are so quick and easy that you can get this meal on the table in less than 30 minutes! I love those Dinners! Enjoy!!!Glazed Ham Steakswith Red Potatoes & Green Beans4 (4 oz) Ham Steaks½ cup Maple Syrup2 Tbsp Butter2 Tbsp Olive Oil1 lb Red Bliss Potatoes (
I know we are all itching for the BBQ Grill! But when we work all week, we sometimes don't have time to get out to the grill on a weeknight. What if I gave you a way to get that deep smokey flavor in a melt in your mouth Rib on a weeknight with little or no trouble at all??? Guess what? I DID !!!! These ribs can be done in the Crock Pot!!! When i tell you they are melt in your mouth, they literall
Salsa Chicken & Pasta4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts2 tbsp Olive Oil½ cup Diced Onion1 tbsp Garlic (chopped fine)1 Cup Mexican Salsa1 Cup Chicken Stock1 Cup Sour Cream1 Fresh Tomato (diced)Cilantro (as desired)Lime JuiceHeat a Saute Pan on High HeatAdd 2 tbsp Olive OilPlace chicken in Heated PanBrown Chicken on Both sides.Add Onion and Garlic.Saute until Onion is translucent.Add Sals
I am a rigid kind of person when it comes to Fridays. I love my Fish on Friday. It's just something I "need" to do. It had to have come from my upbringing, but now I rarely go a Friday without Fish of one type or another. Hey, it's good for my Brain!!! Let's go with that! Enjoy this one Guys! It's sooo good and soo easy! Have a Great Weekend!Citrus Crispy Shrimp1 lb Shrimp1 tsp Red Pepper Fl
I love a Breakfast for dinner night, don't you? It's an excuse to have something sweet, or something unctuous and by the way soooo easy to make, for Dinner! While you're winding down, helping with homework, throwing the last load of laundry in and cleaning up the after school mess, this baby bakes itself! You are hands free for 45 minutes! Now, That's my Favorite kind of Dinner! Enjoy!!!Breakfast
There is usually one night per week, that I deem a leftover night.Well tonight's the Night!Tonight we are making a Teriyaki Beef Lo-Mein. I love it when there is some Steak left over so a really nice leftover dish can be made. Some leftovers just don't get there, But when you still have some juicy steak leftover! Wooohooo! Now, if you don't have steak leftover this recipe is great for any type of
I love a good Old Fashioned Shepard's Pie. It warms the soul. It tempts ya with a crisp topped layer of homemade mashed potatoes and then you get to the smooth of the potatoes where they meat the Beefy gravy! Just heavenly! I eat this in any kind of weather, it just comforts me. Lets me know all is right with the world even if it's just for now in this bowl of Shepard's Pie! Enjoy!Old Fashio
This week I start out with a Simple but oh so flavorful meal. It's lighter than usual with no carbs...but the Freshness of the Salad will knock it out of the park for you! This is a Spring / Summer Must have!It will be great for company or for just the two of you! Enjoy!Ribeye withArugula, Fennel & Apple Salad4 (4oz) Ribeye Steaks2 tbsp Olive Oil1 tbsp Garlic (chopped)1 tbsp Salt2 tsp Black Pe
I'm spicing up the Friday Seafood Menu! An Orange Ginger Tilapia! Love the Sweet of the Orange against the nip of the ginger. When you add in the Ragout's red pepper bite you will love this meal!Orange Ginger Fishw/ Kale & White Bean RagoutIngredients:1 lb Sturdy Fish (Haddock, Tilapia, Mahi etc)1 Cup Orange / Ginger Marinade (store bought dressing)1 large Orange4 cups Fresh Kale1 can White Be
What a Great Thursday it's been! We have a Brand New idea for you tonight!Have you ever has a Calzone? Essentially a folded over pizza, right? It's Pizza with all of the Pizza fixins rolled up inside of it. Well tonight is a Sausage and Pepper Sandwich rolled up in a light and Flaky Pastry!I had my doubts when trying it at first, but once I bit into it, and tasted the Parmesan Cheese flavored Cris
How great has this week been? Awesome Weather, Brighter Skies...and a Delicious Menu!Tonight's Easy Dinner is a Vegetarian's delight but so fulfilling every one in the family will love it!Stuffed Eggplant CaponataIngredients:2 Medium Eggplants(serves 4)1 cup diced Yellow Onion1/2 cup sliced Bell Pepper1/2 cup sliced Roasted Red Pepper2 cloves Garlic diced2 cups cubed Bread(I used day old french br
BBQ Rub Bacon Wrapped ChickenIngredients:1 - 1.5 cup Brown Sugar1/4 cup Chili Powder2-4 Chicken Breasts or 4-6 Chicken Thighs (skinless)3 slices of Smoked Bacon for each piece of Chicken.2 tbsp Olive OilDirections:Preheat oven to 400°Combine Brown Sugar and Chili powder.Dredge Chicken in Rub mixture.Wrap each piece of chicken with Bacon SlicesPour 2 tbsp olive oil into bottom of baking dish to coa
Spicy Beef & Italian Sausage Ravioliw/ Sweet Potato Cream SauceIngredientsPre-Packaged Ravioli(I used a Refrigerator “fresh” prepared Ravioli)1 Sweet Potato (oven roasted)1/2 cup Chicken Stock4 tbsp Butter1 cup Cream or Half & Half1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice1 tsp Red Pepper FlakeSalt & Pepper to tasteDirections:Preheat oven to 400° f.Split 1 Sweet Potato in half, douse with olive oil and p
Skillet Fish Fry1 lb Sturdy Fish (Haddock, Tilapia, Mahi etc)1 cup Milk2 cups Seasoned Bread Crumbs2 tbsp Complete Seasoning or Mrs Dash1 tsp Lemon PepperDash of Cayenne or Hot sauce if desiredSalt and Pepper to taste.In a Shallow Bowl Place MilkIn a zip top bag, place Bread Crumbs & Seasonings.Place Fish Piece by piece into the milk and then into the Bread Crumb Mixture.Lay Flat on a Parchmen
I am tired!! The News and the reports of the tragedies is exhausting. My mind is buzzing. Comfort Food just lets me sigh a little and know that no matter what comes at me or at us or at all of us, we will remain strong. Food brings me back to a safe place. Home and Family that's all we need. With a fall apart, melt in your mouth Short Rib and Creamy texture of a Polenta or Mash. How can you g
Do you love Leftover Recipes? I certainly do. It's like a Mini Chopped Challenge! You have a bunch of ingredients and you need to figure out how to meld them together for a Flavorful cohesive meal.Well this recipe works on so many levels and in so many different ways. It's a good basic recipe that can be used for lots of different ingredients! Start with a good Tortilla and some really flavorful c
It's Tuesday and we are well on our way to a Delicious Week! Continuing with our Meal Planning ideas, here is a Really Flavorful Burger you can make ahead and just throw on the Grill when you're ready! I serve it with Sweet Potato Fries made in the oven, so I had hands available for other things like homework, housework, pouring a glass of wine. ;)Hawaiian Turkey Burger1 lb. gr
Tonight is the first night of our Week 1 Menu Planning Newsletter.If you received your Newsletter, you already have all 5 days for this week!If you'd like to sign up please click here: Newsletter Sign UpChicken Cacciatore Olive Oil for Dutch Oven (Pasta Pan)Whole Chicken Cut-up : You can use whatever chicken parts you like or have on hand. The recipe works well with Chicken Thighs b
This is the Easiest Chicken Recipe I have ever passed along!Hands down the most flavorful and the easiest I have ever made.First take a look.....Is that the prettiest piece of chicken you have ever seen?So succulent, so tangy, so smoky, so Flavorful...You will wonder why you never thought of it!So here it is: BBQ R
The Food is Love Menu Plan Newsletter is Out and in your inbox! Have you signed up? Click on the photo and complete the form to be on Next Week's List! Every Friday we'll have a 5 day Meal plan with Grocery List and Coupons for the following week.This
Don't ya just love Special "Food Holidays"?Today is Peanut Butter and Jelly Day!!! These are Perfect for a PB&j Day Celebration!!!Enjoy!Peanut Butter and Jelly Granola BarsIngredients:4 cups Oats¾ cup Peanut Butter (melted)½ cup Honey½ cup Peanuts (or whatever nut you'd like to use)¾ cup Raspberry JamInstructions:Prepare a 13 x 9 x 2 with vegetable spray or butterPre-Heat oven to 350°fIn
Yesterday afternoon I thought alot about how I was going to implement the Newsletter I mentioned on the Facebook page. It seems that receiving recipes in Your email so that you never miss one is important to you. I was thinking how can I make it vital? How can I make it *hit*? What kind of information would really give you the most inspiration to Make Dinner at Home? How can I make it as easy as p
Inspired by the Reality based Food Network Cooking Show, Food is Love is hosting aChopped Challenge!!!How Exciting is that???On Monday April 8th at 6:00PM est I will post a Video Blogpost with the opening of the Chopped Basket. This will start "Round One" of the Challenge.The ingredients of that Basket will have to be used in an Appetizer for Round 1.The Deadline for a Recipe and Blogpost incorpor
This is a page from the Grandmother's Unwritten Cookbook. Readers you will be tasting my heritage and genuine spirit in this dish.When preparing it, I thought about how different it is when looking at my normal "Comfort Food" Dishes. While I truly love this dish, I know there are readers who will question the ability of the ingredients to meld into a true Entree.Please believe me when I say it doe
As many of you know I am Portuguese and in my home growing up we observed Lent.This, to us, meant we didn't eat Meat on Wednesday and Friday. During the year, we didn't eat meat on Friday. I have to say if you ask me now, why I don't eat meat on Friday during Lent I'd have to say it's habit. It's a nice break. It's a nice tradition. (If anyone tells my Grandmother I'd deny it!) It's ok she passed
So is Spring escaping you? Is it not "Spring-like" at your house? Well, it's ok. Have a bite of this 3 layered, fresh, light, moist, creamy cake and you will be transported to a Beautifully sunny place! The reason this is called a "Magic" Cake is because you make 1 batter and the cake magically transforms into a 3 layered cake. The top has a light airy spongecake -like- layer. The middle a fresh f
Ralph decided he needed to do some big box shopping and asked if I wanted anything. I have been dying for some scallops. So i said hey, if they have some Scallops and they aren't toooo expensive I'd love some!. To my pleasant surprise he brought home a trough of the most Beautiful Scallops I've seen in a LONG time! I was thrilled! I split up the package and froze half of them and I was
Friday's of my childhood were always Fish Fridays. Well into my adulthood I kept with the tradition. I love Fish on Fridays for whatever reason. Maybe because it's what I'm used to but if it's Friday and I'm not eating fish, it's just doesn't seem like Friday.Portuguese Codfish StewIngredients:1lb to 1.5 lb Salted Cod *I used the boxed kind, but your Seafood guy may have something else. Now,
Hey Everyone! Here's the Asparagus Pasta Salad I promised!So Easy.. it's ready 1-2-3 !Cook whatever Pasta you'd like(I used Penne).Prep Fresh Asparagus(break off woody ends and chop in thirds.)Blanch the Fresh Asparagus in boiling water with salt and lemon.(They are plentiful in the market right now.)Blanch for 3-5 minutes,(whenever they become bright green.)Drop them in an ice cold bath to shock.
Haven't been out to catch the Food Trucks in some time. Was a little disillusioned with the scene end of last year as it seemed to be teamed with everyone doing the same thing.Well, what a difference a season makes!Last night was the Once Monthly Wynwood Street Food Fest in Miami.Wynwood is usually my choice of the ongoing Food Truck gatherings, because the trucks are all encased in a fenced in ar
I am currently Beta testing a new Website called: "Happify". If you haven't heard of it, stop on by and take a look around! It's awesome! It's an interactive way of pointing out what you really do have in your life that makes you Happy. It then monopolizes on the key things you tell it and encourages you to find more ways to focus and hone in on that happiness in other things and in other ways.I a
I know it's hard to imagine but it's chilly in South Florida Again! How dare Mother Nature! LOL Two Cold snaps in a row??? Unheard of... (tongue in cheek). OK enough of the sarcasm. Well what does a cook do when it's cold outside? Make something to warm you up, of course. :)During my grocery trip Gnocchi were on sale. I bought two packages. I knew one would be made sweet (recipe for another day) a
I love an Easy Saturday Night Supper.Throw some marinated chicken breast on the grill and you're half way there!While at the grocery yesterday I had no idea what I wanted for dinner tonight, so I threw some components of possibility in my cart to give me the more than a good chance to decide later. Broccoli was on sale 2 bunches for 4 bucks. Great Deal! Picked those up, blanched them off and froze
Hey All! It's 40 degrees in South Florida today~!!! When we heard the chill was coming we ran straight to the grocery and grabbed the ingredients for Portuguese Soup! A pot of that on the stove warms ya to the bone!! It's warming, soothing comfort food at it's best. So grab a loaf of crusty bread and join me in the kitchen. We're making Soupa!!!My VoVo's Portuguese SoupIngredients1 - 1 1/2 lbs Bee
What a wonderful weekend. It was sunny, bright and crisp this weekend in Sunny South Florida. A great time to get things in the oven! I kept thinking of an inspiration I saw this week. A "Chicken Roulade" I saw from a Friend's Blog Posting (Mia's Domain) Please stop by and let her inspire you! She is Fabulous!I was inspired by her use of "chorizo" with chicken. Portuguese people do this all the ti
Happy New Year Everyone!! This is my First post of 2013 and it is a wonderful belly warming Comfort Dish you are going to love!!!O-M-G is it good! Over the last year I have been a little in the weeds regarding Food Blogging. I guess because I saw a flood in the blogging community of people just taking others recipes, linking to them and calling their blog a "Food Blog". I kept thinking why am
Hey Everyone.... As I said on my Facebook page It is time to get out the "Cookie Binder"!My Cookie Binder is chock full of Cookie Recipes, ideas, and the like. I used to only do Cookies.That's how I became a food blogger. I wrote cookie recipes , decorated cookies & make cookie baskets....But having that many cookies in my house wasn't good for the family waistline.Now I save them for the
The weather is crisping up in South Florida. It does this in November, December and January. our temps take a dip into the 50s and 60s and we get to feel the change of "seasons". When it does this I love to make Comfort food. When it's 88 degrees and heavy warm ya to the bones kinda meal just misses me.But with cool in the air, I got a hankering for some Good Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese. Seeing i
I'm making an Old Fashioned Favorite!! Stuffed Cabbage!! I love a good old fashioned Dinner sometimes!!It's just warms me up from the inside out. Good old Comfort Food!Yum!!!Stuffed Cabbage Recipe
Last year we decided to grab a *New* Waffle Iron. We had gone away for my birthday and had wonderful Belgian Waffles at the hotel for breakfast and we were hooked!I use this recipe for a quick and easy waffle breakfast! The batter is even good when made ahead and refrigerated. So many times we make it the night before and just pour right into the warm Waffle Maker for a really quick breakfast! Yum
Happy Strawberries and Cream Day! Can't pass up an opportunity to showcase one of my favorite abundant fruits! Strawberry season is one of my favorite seasons of the year. I dried Strawberries in the oven, I make frozen strawberry compote and jam. And of course, these Strawberry Napoleons are a staple on my dessert list all season long! Enjoy!!Strawberry NapoleonsIngredients:1 sheet Prepared Puff
I know you all are saying, Oh my gosh...Did she say Bomb? Oh I don't know about that...sounds like a combobulation of too many ideas put into one dessert. How that in itself could be a bad thing I'm still trying to figure out. But anyway...When you think of a "bomb" you think of ice cream and many layers...and lots of time. As many of you know I am not a "lots of time" kinda cook. Keep it simple a
Good Morning!!! I wanted to share a little inspirational story from my trip to Rhode Island with you.On one of the many mornings I had breakfast with my Wonderful Cousin Dottie, we decide on one of her favorite breakfast places "Green Eggs" Their Menu is fantastic! Filled with Fresh Items sure to please everyone! It is an open kitchen little local place where you can watch your breakfast being mad
Last year at this time a Blogging Mentor of mine Kristen @ Confessions of a Cookbook Queen came up with a decadent treat that I had to try. I made it my Every Year Grown-up Easter Basket Candy / Treat!You are going to love it!Almond Joy Brownie Bites(my interpretation)Ingredients1 box Entenmann's Brownie Bites(if you want to make brownies, please do. Just cut then in bite size pieces.)1 Can Sweete
Happy P.B. & J Day!! Gotta love "Special" Food Days! Especially ones that can really hit home!I have a Fantastic little recipe that is from my Cookbook "5 Ingredient Solutions" that you are going to Love!Sometimes you just don't have time to stop and grab Breakfast at the table, so why not take one with you?I know making your own Granola Bars can seem daunting, but I promise, this one is
