Have you ever wanted to try to create your own version of a dish, and didn’t know where to start? After researching many different recipes, I created my own version. Borracho beans, or bean soup is made “drunken” by the addition of beer.  Otherwise you’d have charro beans. Either way you like them, they are…

Have you ever read one of my recipes and been confused about an ingredient? Have you wondered where to find some of the ingredients? I’m here to help. Hopefully I will demystify these exotic ingredients and encourage you to taste them for yourself. 1. Preserved cabbage: salty, sour, pickled cabbage product. Used in Thai dishes…

Have you ever wanted to make a fun dish for a party and could not come up with an original idea? That is how this dish came to life. I wanted to make two Thai dishes to take to a party but wasn’t sure what to make to accompany the fried wontons I was planning…

Have you even discovered an appetizer at a restaurant that you absolutely love? My version of Houston’s original Carrabba’s was discovered purely by accident. I was making a different seafood dish and the sauce tasted so similar to the dish from the restaurant that my husband and I decided that I should try to make…

Have you ever craved a dish and knew you wanted to try to make it yourself? Curiosity to see if I could create my own chicken broth started me on my quest to create my version of chicken noodle soup. I remember it clearly, I threw it all together in my slow cooker and crossed…

I rarely make American classic, diner comfort foods. By when we moved to a state that has true seasons, I wanted to try my hand at something new. I researched a bunch of different recipes and I came across this one. What is not to love about Ree Drummond, aka The Pioneer Woman? I have…

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to write about tonight…then I started thinking about dinner.  I knew I was going to make a pork loin, but I wasn’t sure about the side dishes. I usually like to make two vegetables if possible with my dinners. I could revisit my standard, but I wanted something more…

Have you ever wanted to make a meal that you could eat for dinner then repurpose over the next few meals afterwards? Then this meal is for you! The pork loin makes a wonderfully tasty main protein for dinner and a great addition to hot sandwiches. My husband loves using this as the pork element…

Have you ever found a recipe that is just beautiful and easy to make? This roasted chicken recipe is really easy to make. The meat is tender and juicy; while the skin is crispy and sticky at the same time. I actually use Clive Berkman’s recipe, found in the cookbook, Celebrating Empty Table Moments. My…

Have you ever wanted to dress up breakfast but didn’t have a clue what to make? Hash browns are a great way to do that; not to mention potatoes are usually on hand, inexpensive, and tasty! You only need a little patience to make these. Once you do, you’ll probably want to make them all…