Cooking from scratch: healthier, cheaper, and a great creative outlet
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
I find buying in bulk helpful when I find myself running out of an item I use a lot when a small amount of the item is really expensive (provided I can use a larger amount up) When I know I have a really hectic time period coming up when I know it will be … Continue reading 15 Things I Buy in Bulk
I love making bread - yeast breads in particular. And I love how the kitchen smells with a loaf of bread just pulled from the oven. I don't love cleaning up. The bowls that hold the mixing of or rising bread dough invariably have some sticky dough left inside. And while it's not that difficult … Continue reading Quick Tip for Cleaning Up Bread dough Bowls
Yesterday felt like a beautiful early fall day in the Adirondacks. Some acorns and hickory nuts are falling now.t was 34 degrees in the early am - and we had frost warnings. 3 September - just earlier than normal. I love fall - all of it. Crisp clear weather, cold rainy days that make me … Continue reading Caramel Apple Pie – Fall in the North Country
Seems like almost every magazine in the couple years features an article about bread made in 5 minute a day, rising slowly overnight, and baked the following day, often in a cast iron pot. I like making yeast breads . I like the calm repetitive motions of kneading bread dough, and the small of bread … Continue reading Making Cast Iron White Bread