Whenever our dinner group hosts pick the theme for the evening’s meal, I look forward to what will be prepared in my kitchen as well as the host’s kitchen. Since our dinner group is pot-luck style, the host chooses the meal, prepares the entrée, and the other members bring appetizers, salad, and dessert. At our… Continue reading Dinner Group Does Bon Appetit
Tag: home cook
Homemade Pesto
Every September, I make pesto for our family to enjoy all year long. Once September rolls around and the kids are back in school, I can find a good chunk of time to spend in the kitchen. I used to do this project alone and it took all day long. Now, with two friends to… Continue reading Homemade Pesto
Corn and Black Bean Salad
Slow Food USA recently had a $5 challenge. From their website: “The goal is to take back the ‘value meal’ – because slow food shouldn’t have to cost more than fast food. We’re asking people to share what they do in their kitchens and with their families to cook fresh, healthy food on a budget.… Continue reading Corn and Black Bean Salad
Betsy’s Best Brownies
We had to get rid of one our chickens this week. This was not an easy decision as we have come to love our backyard chickens. They’re our pets and we’ve named them all, even though many experts say not to. You don’t want to get too attached to your hens. Betsy Ross was part… Continue reading Betsy’s Best Brownies
How to Hard Boil Eggs
This “Ask Sara” question comes from my sister, Mary. She asks, “What are the tricks to hard boiled eggs? I boil them for about 20 minutes, dunk them in cold water and peel, and always some egg gets left on the shell. Any suggestions?” Why, Mary, yes I have some very simple steps for you… Continue reading How to Hard Boil Eggs
Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
There’s always something baking at our house. These cookies get baked regularly. I love anything with oatmeal, peanut-butter, and chocolate chips. Whole-wheat flour, flax seeds, wheat germ, and using non-fat yogurt in place of too much butter all make these cookies “healthier” than your typical homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe. I’ve also found that adding… Continue reading Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies
Slow Food Gets Prepared by Slow Families
Meal planning and cooking most of your meals at home is a great way to save money. It’s also a much healthier way to eat. Cooking at home does take time. Planning, shopping, cooking, and cleaning up all take time. Slow food requires you to slow down a bit, think about your meals, and do… Continue reading Slow Food Gets Prepared by Slow Families
Could You Give Up Fast Food for One Year?
During the summer, when my kids were much younger (and still wanted to go to the swimming pool with me) we’d leave the pool feeling hungry and ready for a snack. I’d get the full-court-press on picking up fast food. After sunshine and swimming, we were starving. Our neighborhood public pool is located down the… Continue reading Could You Give Up Fast Food for One Year?
Meal Planning Made Simple
Meal planning is the biggest saver in the kitchen. You can save money, time, and resources by meal planning. Money is saved by purchasing only what you need. Time is saved by not running to the grocery store everyday. Resources are saved because you know what you need for the week so food won’t be… Continue reading Meal Planning Made Simple
Delicious Everyday Cake with Fruit
This is my favorite, go-to cake recipe. Why do I love it? Simple, easy ingredients that I always have on hand. After dinner as a dessert, or at a coffee-klatch in the morning with friends, it’s always a hit. My kids call it “breakfast dessert” and they love it, too. The best part is that… Continue reading Delicious Everyday Cake with Fruit
Go Gingham 