Biscuits and Gravy

Whip up a plate of comfort food. Flaky, buttery biscuits topped with creamy, sausage gravy—delicious!  Food historians have differing opinions about the origin of Biscuits and Gravy, but many trace this favorite breakfast back to the late 1800s and Southern Appalachia. At that time, many working class men made a living in sawmills, and they…

Chicken Tortilla Soup – Some Like it Hot!

There is a crispness in the air, trees are beginning to display their autumn splendor, and days are getting coolers. This time of year, there is nothing more satisfying than a soothing bowl of warm soup. For me, the weather isn’t cold enough for a heavy soup. I much prefer serving Chicken Tortilla Soup during…

I am excited to announce my next book, “Grocery Shopping Secrets.”

I am excited to announce that my next book, “Grocery Shopping Secrets”, is in the final stages of production. It has been several years in the making and is an exhaustive reference filled with grocery-insider wisdom on how to select the freshest perishable products as well as advice on proper storage, ensuring perishable foods stay…

Obatzda – an Oktoberfest Favorite!

My husband and I recently traveled to the Bavarian region of Germany. Obatzda was on the menu of nearly every biergarten and restaurant we visited. We absolutely fell in love with this delicious cheese spread. It’s time for Oktoberfest—the perfect time to make Obatzda. The Germans make Obatzda with soft cheeses like Camembert or Brie,…

Creamy Tuscan Chicken

On a trip to the Tuscany region of Italy my husband and I enjoyed Creamy Tuscan Chicken. It was so delicious I still remember it—sautéed chicken simmering in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce and flavored with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, earthy mushrooms, and spinach. Most food historians believe this dish originated in Tuscany, but we found…

Carol Ann’s Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

We love eating at Bonefish Grill and are crazy about their Bang Bang Shrimp. When served as an appetizer, Bonefish Grill nestles their shrimp in a bed of lettuce. They, also, serve it as an entrée in tacos. My husband loves Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, so I have been re-creating and perfecting this recipe. While…

My Favorite Picnic Beans Perfect for Your Labor Day Barbecue

Are you planning a cookout or barbecue this Labor Day weekend? We love serving baked beans at our barbecues. My recipe for baked beans is to die for. If you make it, I recommend using Bush’s® Best “Original Baked Beans”.   I grew up as a “taste tester”. My father founded a small family-owned grocery…

Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken with a Basil Pesto Ricotta Stuffing in a Sage-Butter Sauce

Looking for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner? Try my Prosciutto-Wrapped Chicken Breasts. I stuff my chicken breasts with basil pesto and ricotta cheese. I like making pesto this time of year because the basil in my herb garden is at its peak. If you are in a real rush or don’t grow basil, you can…

Luau Chicken Salad

The heartbreaking tragedy that occurred in Maui has been all over the news. I mourn, like the rest of the country, the loss of lives, homes, businesses, and historic landmarks. It seems almost impossible that nearly the entire town of Lahaina has been destroyed. We have traveled to Maui several times, staying at the Hyatt…

Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches Made in an Instant Pot

Are you a big Instant Pot fan? This appliance is the modern version of pressure cookers. When I first started cooking, I had a pressure cooker; but I must admit, it hissed at me, which was unnerving, and I was always terrified it would explode. I received an Instant Pot as a gift. It has…