Cooking from scratch: healthier, cheaper, and a great creative outlet
I just recently bought some silicone baking cup liners. Not only do they come in such happy colors, but like any other silicone product - think silicone baking mats - they work! I know, they've been around quite a while now, but I had never used them. I usually use paper cupcake liners. I find some … Continue reading You must try silicone baking cups!
Buying dried beans in bulk is usually a whole lot cheaper than a single 15 ounce can. At the local big box store I can get 4 pound bags of a few varieties of dried beans and lentils. The only problem I have is that when I decide to make something, I have to cook … Continue reading How to keep Dried Beans Ready to Use
Who doesn't love a comfort food like mac and cheese, especially now that the autumn weather is really setting in. My mac and cheese has some smoked cheese and bacon to add a lovely depth of flavor. I love about any smoked food anyway. Fox Pines Ultimate Mac and Cheese ½ c butter ½ … Continue reading Fox Pines Ultimate Mac and Cheese
I have a meat spice rub that I use almost exclusively. It's such favorite that I use it on anything - beef, pork, chicken, even fish, especially salmon. I love it most on a prime rib roast. And it smells just heavenly! Fox Pines Sweet Spice Rub Makes 1.25 cup ¼ c sweet or smoked … Continue reading Fox Pines Sweet & Spice meat Rub
Things to make with left over rice - isn't there always left over white rice from a Chinese take out, or you made a big batch on the weekend, intending to use it throughout the week? Since my goal is to use all left overs, here are some ideas I have come up with. Although … Continue reading A Dozen Ways to Use Leftover Rice
Today is damp and heavy rain and high winds predicted for later this afternoon. time for another comfort food that just makes me feel warm inside. Custard is one of those old fashioned desserts that people seldom seem make anymore. I mean, when was the last time you saw custard on a restaurant menu (other … Continue reading Another Fall Comfort food – Baked Custard
Autumn is perfect soup weather. The hot and humid summer days have fallen off to cool nights and breezy , sunny, but cooler, days. Colored leaves are swirling to the ground. Just cold enough so I need something to take the chill off when I come inside. Soups, stew and other comfort foods just fit … Continue reading It’s Autumn – Time for White Bean Soup!
In our busy lives, it can seem hard to find time to do something for others. Returning favors, and doing something "just because" is an important way to lift our own spirits, as well as those of the recipient. It never fails to make me feel better. I have always found a way to give … Continue reading How & Why to Give Back – with Lasagna!
Don't you just hate it when you need mayo - and open the pantry or refrigerator only to find there isn't any? Happened to me, and what I decided to do was make a batch of my own, because it was just too much to run to the store for only one thing. And what … Continue reading Easy Homemade Mayonnaise – in the blender!
Who doesn't love a good grilled cheese sandwich? Delicious melting gooey cheese, and crispy bread. But it can be so much more! This cool, frosty morning I made grilled ham and cheese for breakfast (we eat BLT's for breakfast too - I know, it's strange!). Here's some tips and ideas to make your next grilled … Continue reading How to Elevate Your Next Grilled Cheese Sandwich