Blog
Susan’s Chicken Salad
Sporadic Spring: sun, showers, cloudy, windy...we are indeed ready for warmer summer days here!Joyfully, Spring flocks of birds have been amazing each day...let me introduce you to three of our garden guests. We have probably had Lazuli Buntings in our garden all winter, but in the Spring, breading males turn a bright turquoise. We have…
Margarita Cake with Mango Cream
The 1st week of June has always been an especially happy week for me. My mother was born on her mother's birthday, June 6th. Our oldest child, Jefferson, was born on June 2nd, my in-law's wedding anniversary...extra joyful for all! Then again on June 6th our youngest daughter, Krista, was born. I remember how thrilled…
Top 5 Hits
#1 A fabulously fun Summer is ahead for the Hebert Family at A Very Blessed Nest who came up with a rockin' idea for their new slip n sliiiiiiiiiiiiide! You'll want to make your own too!!! #2 Party Planner & Event Coordinator, Heather at Dragonfly Designs createdPink Lemonade Cupcakes for a baby girl shower. I'm…
Fiesta Brunch Casserole
Traditional breakfast? Rarely for this girl..But I sure do like brunch fare or even better brinner!If you tried my Tuscan Brunch Casserole with Creamy Pesto Sauce then here's another quick version I love, love, love year round. Fiesta Brunch Casserole it's got a Mexican twist and can be served in a myriad of ways!Last night's…
Stars and Stripes Cake
We live in the most wonderful country on earth...I value our freedomand honor those who have given their very lives, because freedom isn't free.I love OLD GLORY and thrill each time I see it...long may it wave!For our Memorial Day Barbecue on Monday, I made thisStars and Stripes Cake...and you can too! Here's how.Begin by…
Curried Artichoke Rice Salad
As promised, it's time to share a favorite salad that is perfect for picnics and barbecues. It's a delicious change from potato and pasta salads. I've taken it to many potlucks and have never had any left to take home! It's that good...and so to our friends in Astoria, NYC who have asked for this…
Cinnamon Apple Pie Muffins
Love and marriage, brings new babies...ups and downs, and challenges, yet in the end our families bring us the greatest joy. Kim is expecting her second child, (our 15th grandchild) and he is due July 20th. The week before Mother's Day he started putting pressure on his Mom, trying to make a too early entrance…
Top 5 Hits
#1 Just recently my daughter and I were talking about these absolutely adorable Mary Jane baby socks. At How Does She?, Shelley shares all of the inside scoop of how to create her show stopping Flower Toes...too cute, for your next baby girl shower gift! #2 Not only will these taste terrific, but they will…
Earthquake Cake
If you like German Chocolate Cake, it's time to shake it up a bit. This cake has some serious magnitude!Sprinkle 1 cup of coconut and 1 cup chopped nuts on the bottom of a 13x9 greased pan.Mix a German Chocolate Cake Mix according to package instructions.Pour the batter into the pan over the coconut and…
Tallerini Casserole
What's in a name? My mom made "Johnny Marzetti," and my MIL made, "Tallerini!" Whatever you call it, through the years Tallerini Casserole has been a tasty, easy, inexpensive, dish, that both sides of our family have enjoyed. I like to make it for a large gathering, and it freezes well, but most especially, it's…
Top 5 Hits
#1 Ok, so what is not to love here? Jenny Garland gives a full tutorial, and I've got 5 of these to make soon for my grand-girls! #2 Too adorable to eat, Louise is on-point with her ballet cookies with satin ribbons, at Cake Journal. #3 Miraculous redo, from this $5.00 garage sale find... to…
Buttermilk Pound Cake
You never know when unexpected guests will drop by. No worries! Trust me, our favorite family tried and true Buttermilk Pound Cake is one you will absolutely want to make over and over. It's delicious all on it's own or sublime topped with fresh fruit, sauces, pudding, ice cream, and cream. With just a few…
Grilled Pinwheel Steaks with Mango Salsa
Memories of Mom flooded back this past week. She liked to visit her special butcher shop and pick up their Pinwheel Steaks. She served them on occasion for Sunday dinner. I decided I would try to replicate them with a new twist, Grilled Pinwheel Steaks with Mango Salsa, for our Mother's Day dinner. A girlhood…
Mexican Appetizer Cheesecake
Do you adore Mexican food as much as I do? If so it's time to...whirl and twirl... pull out your pinata...dust off your maracas...and bake a Mexican Cheesecake! With a mixer, combine softened cream cheese, instant chicken bouillon, chili powder, hot pepper sauce, and mix until smooth. Add the eggs, hot water, and mix well. Stir in…
Maypole Cupcakes
It's almost May Day. Are you frantic for a fun new treat? Well, these cuties will take the cake! (more…)
Tuscan Brunch Casserole
Ahhh...a Spring weekend. It's time to kick-back and enjoy a little extra rest and relaxation! But when it comes to brunch, it's a lazy morning for everyone but the cook. Here's my answer for that dilemma, Tuscan Brunch Casserole with Creamy Pesto Parmesan SauceGo ahead, make it the day before! Slip it in the oven…
Fruited Pork Chops
Who doesn't love sweet and sour chicken or pork? Wooh...I always have to stop and think! Then I remind myself that traditional sweet and sour dishes are generally deep-fat fried, in a sweet sauce, and served over sticky rice. It is loaded with sugar, fat and carbs. So This Little Piggy...is Better! Fruited Pork Chops…
Strawberry Spinach Salad with Tangy Citrus Dressing
Usually we think of fresh berries as something to eat for breakfast or dessert, but here they make an elegant addition to a savory salad of baby spinach, pecans, green onions, and oranges. Strawberry Spinach Salad withTangy Citrus Dressing is fruity and sweet. The dressing enhances the flavor of the berries and brings all of…
Baked Coconut Shrimp with Mango Sauce
Our youngest daughter and granddaughter are visiting this week. She is a better organizer than her mother, helping me clean closets. Actually, we are Spring cleaning and getting our home ready to sell. She enjoys cooking and trying new things. She shared this Baked Coconut Shrimp with Mango Sauce with us. I had never heard…
Bunny Button Easter Treats
Hey all you Bunnies! Do you rememberthese little gems?(click above for a complete tutorial)They are my favorite little holiday treat...Add to these mini-fill and thrill eggs...and you'll be already for your Easter Egg Hunt! I can hardly wait...
We're Alison and Renée, and we're so glad you've joined us! Our kitchens are our happy place, where we're whipping up memories. Get comfy and check things out. We hope you find inspiring dishes and ways to better your life. Feeling optimistic, trying new things and sharing with those we love brings joy in all we do. It's time to cook, create and celebrate. CHEERS! 
