Pasta · Poultry

Book Club Pasta

Looking for a recipe that serves a large group and looks pretty?  I love this one with all my heart.  It comes from my friend Irene (an amazing cook), but I think Tracy holds the record for making it.  The mixture of asparagus, basil, and walnuts make this a bite of heaven.   Debone the roasted… Continue reading Book Club Pasta

Breakfast · Salty

Chili Egg Puff Breakfast Casserole

We would not steer you wrong.  Egg casseroles are a dime a dozen, and this is a clear winner.  I think it is from my friend Sandy in Portland, but it's been so long, who knows now. I follow the directions, except that sometimes I add some good diced ham for another all-in-one meal. If… Continue reading Chili Egg Puff Breakfast Casserole

Poultry

Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie

The Superstorms of 2011 brought out comfort food at its best. Thanks to the Super Bowl, we have a cute name for a week of ice and snow. I love a good pot pie. I make this and also add a half of a cubed potato. I used smoked turkey that was left over from… Continue reading Homestyle Chicken Pot Pie

Vegetarian/General

Butternut Squash Lasagna

I'm crazy about butternut squash, especially when I find it already peeled and cubed. This recipe isn't exactly quick, but it makes 2 pretty big ones, so  you have an extra for the freezer or for a friend. It's another Cooking Light recipe, with only 254 calories per portion. But don't hold this against it.… Continue reading Butternut Squash Lasagna

Breakfast · Sweet

The Best Spiced Pumpkin Bread

This is my go-to pumpkin bread recipe, from Epicurious - originally appearing in Bon Appetit. It makes two smallish loaves, perfect to freeze one. Or up your organization game by making 4 small loaves. Then you can give the illusion of being a great hostess by popping them out of the freezer anytime! They're great… Continue reading The Best Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Poultry

The World’s Best Chili

It's cold in Texas, and I am in the mood for chili! I have made this recipe for years since having it at my Portland neighbor Stacy's house. It's flexible! My neighbor served it over rice, but in our house, we opt for Fritos. I usually use turkey, but you can use beef. And although… Continue reading The World’s Best Chili

Pick-Em-Ups

Bacon Wrapped Apricot Almond

Parties and bacon go together like,  well.....bacon goes with everything.   We love people like Caren that bring the new and different.   These can be assembled the night before which is an added bonus!   Bacon Wrapped Apricot Almond1 pkg of dried apricots 1/2 c. whole almonds 1 lb of bacon 1/4 c. plum/apple jelly for sayce… Continue reading Bacon Wrapped Apricot Almond

Vegetarian/General

Garlic-Mushroom Saute with Fontina Pizza

This is another great pizza topping from my Portland wine tasting group. Simple, delicious and a bit fancy, depending on the mushrooms you use. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 wild mushrooms, sliced 4 t. chives, chopped fine 4 t. parsley, chopped fine Fresh ground pepper, to taste 1/4 Parmesan cheese… Continue reading Garlic-Mushroom Saute with Fontina Pizza

Vegetarian/General

Gorgonzola, Pear & Almond Pizza

This pizza is so unique, you won't believe it. It is for serious pizza lovers and foodies only. If you have a pizza party, serve it last, since it has that sweet/salty/crunchy texture that would be a perfect finish. Just make sure you leave room; it's definitely rich! The toppings are for a 12" pizza;… Continue reading Gorgonzola, Pear & Almond Pizza

Vegetarian/General

Fioravanti Pizza Sauce

My friend Kara is Italian and a great cook. Here's the pizza sauce she uses. Easy and yummy. 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 can tomato paste 1 can peeled tomatoees Put in pan and saute for 5 minutes or much longer. Blend. Freeze extra if you like.