Recipes

  • Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash casserole
    Recipes

    Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole

    If you’re looking for a guilt-free way to enjoy the yummy taste of buffalo chicken, this spaghetti squash casserole will hit the spot! Some links in this article are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase through them. Just want to print the recipe and go? Click here to jump to the printable recipe! This casserole comes together quickly. It’s such a family favorite that even my picky 14yo requests this in her lunchbox thermos for school! It’s a great use for leftover roast chicken. My favorite grocery store also sells pulled roast chicken in the deli section in 1-pound containers, and that’s more than plenty for…

  • image of shepherd's pie in a bowl
    Recipes

    Shepherd’s Pie Is My Favorite Comfort Food

    This Shepherd’s Pie reminds both kids of the time we lived in Wales. When I cooked the minced lamb (that’s ground lamb to you and me), the dog would sit outside, salivating and staring at the exhaust vent where it exited the kitchen over the patio. We ALL loved it. I think you will too, and if you aren’t a fan of lamb, sub out lean ground beef. If there’s a story with a recipe here, it’s because I’m a storyteller, and that’s how it fits my “brand”. Or whatever that’s what they tell me. If you’re thinking “Enough with the story, get to the damn recipe”, click here and…

  • Cover image for How to cook spaghetti squash in the instant pot
    Recipes

    How To Cook Spaghetti Squash in the Instant Pot

    We love spaghetti squash here. I am also very disorganized and am typically rushing to get dinner on the table. (Probably because I’ve got my nose in a book OR because I was actually writing. Or because I’m disorganized. I’ll be honest about it.) Preparing spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot is one of my favorite shortcuts. (I LOVE shortcuts.) It’s quick and easy – let me show you how I do it! In a hurry? Ahem. You can jump to the printable recipe by clicking here. Here’s how I cook spaghetti squash in the Instant Pot! Rinse off a 2-3 pound spaghetti squash, then cut in half lengthwise. The…

  • Cheese-stuffed-tots
    Recipes

    Cheese-stuffed Spiced Bacon Tots, Oh My!

    This was originally a sponsored post for Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, but all opinions are mine alone. This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a commission if you purchase through them. Confession time:  I really love cheese. LOVE. IT. It’s one of my favorite snack foods and it goes with everything.  (Or very nearly.) Sliced with apples, alone on crackers, melted over anything – it’s an easy snack and a perfect appetizer. No time for the whole post? You can jump straight to the recipe by clicking here!!! I used to cringe when I had to bring appetizers to a party – give me a dessert and I…

  • pumpkin cake
    Recipes

    Aunt Jeanne’s Pumpkin Cake

    It’s fall, and certainly, that means all-you-can pumpkin. I love pumpkin so much that when fall comes around, I question why I don’t ever bake anything pumpkin the rest of the year!  And while this whole pumpkin spice business is getting a bit out of hand (and by the taste of it, “pumpkin spice” refers more to the spice than the squash) – I’ve seen pumpkin spice tortilla chips, PopTarts, pudding, cookies, non-dairy creamer, ice cream, English muffins – you name it, they’ve pumpkined it!  But forget about all that. You NEED to taste THIS pumpkin cake. It’s one of my go-to recipes when I want pumpkin cake but I’m…

  • watermelon-granita
    Recipes

    Watermelon Granita

    This morning I’m dreaming of the Outer Banks, fresh watermelons, and the watermelon granita I’d make because we were always overoptimistic about watermelons. (They are pretty irresistible.) Click here if you are impatient and need to jump straight to the recipe (and possibly miss out on my helpful commentary and humor). Every year as arrive in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, we stop at Morris Farm Market in Barco, grab a cart, and buy more fruit than we can comfortably fit around our feet and suitcases in the car. A giant watermelon, three cantaloupes, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and the family favorite, local peaches, along with a jug of strawberry cider for the…

  • Books,  Recipes

    Cookbook Review: 20 Recipes Kids Should Know

    I must confess, while I’m always happy to see book mail, my equally bookish daughter is tickled when books aimed at her demographic land at my front door. When I received my copy of 20 Recipes Kids Should Know from the authors’ publicists for review*, she quickly snatched it up and was marking recipes she’d like us to try together. *As always, all opinions are my own; this post also includes affiliate links. More on 20 Recipes Kids Should Know The Review 20 Recipes Kids Should Know is a large format cookbook laden with pretty, full-color photos, colorful headings and clear, easy-to-follow steps. 12-year-old author/chef Esme Washburn has broken down…

  • Double-toffee-banoffee-pie
    Recipes

    Double Toffee Banoffee Pie

    My family can be sentimental and we’re not ashamed of it. Whenever we see something that reminds us of a favorite place or event, it doesn’t take much to put us in full longing mode. This also usually involves food. For instance, a movie set in London will prompt memories of our time in the UK…which eventually brought us around to the lane on which we lived, then food, talk of fish and chips, and our favorite British “puddings”. Mine was banoffee pie. A crumbly crust made with biscuits and pecans, smooth caramel, ripe bananas, freshly whipped cream with just a hint of coffee – what is there not to love? Honestly, the pie…

  • mummy molasses bars
    Recipes

    Mummy Molasses Bars

    It’s always time for dessert – and these molasses bars are the perfect sweet-but-not-too-sweet fall treat. Some links in this post are affiliate links that earn me a commission if you purchase from them. Fall has arrived in Texas with temperatures dipping into…the eighties. The neighborhood is decorated with skeletons and tombstones, and the candy bowl – the one ready for trick-or-treaters – already needs to be restocked. But sometimes I need something more substantial – I need molasses bars. And since it’s nearly Halloween, a creative application with the icing will make it look like a cute mummy! If you are ready for a break from pumpkin anything (not…

  • turkey burger
    Recipes

    Asian Turkey Burgers with Sriracha Mayo & Broccoli Slaw

    Looking for something different? These slider-sized burgers are absolutely delicious and healthy to boot. What I love about these is that typically have most of the ingredients on hand so it’s a snap to throw them together. Asian Turkey Burgers with Quick Slaw: 1 pkg prepared broccoli slaw (approx 4 cups)* 1 red bell pepper, julienne cut 2 tbsp rice vinegar 2 tbsp chopped cilantro 1.5 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp reduced sodium soy sauce, divided 2 tbsp dark sesame oil, divided 1 pound ground turkey 2 tbsp hoisin sauce 1 scallion chopped 1 tsp fresh ground ginger 3 Tbsp mayonnaise (I like Avocado Oil Mayo) 1 Tbsp Sriracha sauce…