Thursday, December 31, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Link Party!


Last Minute New Years Eve Appetizers

Happy New Years to you! I don't know what your plans are for tonight. Maybe you are staying home with family or maybe you are hosting a party, or going to one. No matter what your plans, these Last Minute Appetizers might be able to help you out! They are quick to make and your family and guests will love them!

tortellini caprese bite, chicken fajita bites, cowboy pockets, festive shrimp bites, mini cheeseball bites, chicken fajita pockets, mini meatball appetizers, buffalo wings flatbread

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Homemade Chicken and Vegetable Egg Rolls

These  Homemade Chicken and Vegetable Egg Rolls are a fun and tasty party food for your New Years Eve celebration! They take some time to make, but most of the time spent is on prep, cutting and dicing, so they can be rolled earlier in the day, or even the day before and fried up before guests arrive. They stay hot for quite a while, and even at room temperature they are fantastic! I have also made these for vegetarian guests, and they were a hit. Just leave out the chicken!

Homemade Chicken and Vegetable Egg Rolls

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Parfait / #FLStrawberry / #SundaySupper

Strawberries in the winter! Can you believe it? As a little girl growing up, we seldom had fresh fruit in the winter. It was unheard of. When I would have a craving for strawberries and there was snow on the ground in Ohio, I was told to "wait for summer"! Ugh, do you know how long that is when you are 8 years old? F-o-r-e-v-e-r!  But now I am an adult and one of the things I am loving~Fresh from Florida Strawberries! And I mean FRESH!, and in the winter! I can enjoy A Taste of Summer All Winter Long! These strawberries are amazing. I tasted them and I immediately had to make this Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Parfait. It is such a great way to start your day. This recipe contains 8 strawberries, which just so happens to be enough to fullfill your Vitamin C requirements for the day, and they are only 50 calories! You can find out more about Florida Strawberries from Strawberry Sue!


This post is sponsored by the Florida Strawberry Growers Association in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.


Fresh Strawberry Breakfast Parfait

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Tortellini Caprese Bites/#SundaySupper

If you are looking for a new and tasty appetizer for this years holiday festivities, you have found it! These Tortellini Caprese Bites are quick to put together, making them a welcome addition to any party menu. This week at #SundaySupper we are sharing Last Minute Holiday Recipes, and these Tortellini Caprese Bites definitely qualify! The recipe consists of seven ingredients, with about 40 minutes of hands on time. You could purchase the vinaigrette instead of making it, making your prep time even less.
tortellini, tomatoes, fresh basil, mozzarella bites, vinaigrette
Tortellini Caprese Bites

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Peppermint Candy Cane Bundt Cake/#BundtBakers

This month for the Bundt Bakers group the theme is "Naughty or Nice". Isn't that cute? I was tempted to do a naughty cake just for fun, but I baked a "nice" cake because I already had everything! Yes, sometimes I am that boring and practical! This Peppermint Candy Cane Bundt Cake is fun and tasty and cute, so I think it hits all the marks for something you would enjoy!

peppermint, cake, bundt cake, candy cane
I found this plate at Target and I thought it was cute, and so perfect for this bundt cake theme!
bundt cake, crushed candy canes, white drizzle frosting
Peppermint Candy Cane Bundt Cake

Mittens and Hats Sugar Cookies/ #FBCookieSwap

I love Christmas cookies, so when it comes time for the Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap every holiday season, I am definitely in! This year I sent my three secret bloggers my Mittens and Hats Sugar Cookies. This sugar cookie recipe is one of my favorites! It is not difficult to make, but the decorating does take some time. If you are looking for a special sugar cookie recipe, this is the one!

The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap is more than just a cookie swap. We raise money to donate to Cookies for Kids Cancer, and we work with some wonderful sponsors. This year our sponsors are Dixie Crystals, Land 'O Lakes, and OXO! Isn't that a great list?! Thank you to all of the wonderful sponsors!
sugar cookie, decorated cookie, holiday cookie, winter cookie
 Mittens and Hats Sugar Cookies

Sunday, December 13, 2015

Cranberry Panna Cotta/#SundaySupper


 This year's Annual Holiday Bash menu is set. The dishes have been taken down from the high shelves and washed, the silverware has been polished and is looking shiny and new, the linens have been pressed, the wine glasses have been washed and the invitations have been delivered. I have decorated the tree, strung some lights, and put a wreath on the door. Every year, I plan a menu with at least one new entrée or dessert for my guests to enjoy. This year the menu includes this Cranberry Panna Cotta for dessert, and I will be serving it with two Gallo Family Vineyards wines: a crisp Moscato and a tasty Pinot Grigio. The Cranberry Panna Cotta with the light bodied, refreshing Moscato and the citrus flavor of the Pinot Grigio are the perfect pairing for the big bash.

cranberry, panna cotta, dessert, wine pairing, moscato, pinot grigio

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Link Party!


Homemade Ravioli and Ragu Pasta Sauce

I love the holidays, and the food that goes along with it! This year that includes Homemade Ravioli and Ragu Pasta Sauce. Like a lot of people, I am a pasta lover. But I am not a pasta lover just for the pasta. My true love is the sauce! I can remember going to my grandmother's house every year during the holidays, and there was always sauce simmering away on the stove. Oooh, it was amazing! That deep aroma wafting through the house; when I opened grandmas front door, it put a smile on my face that never left. It smelled like home! I got that same warm, happy, comfort feeling when I prepared these homemade ravioli with Ragu Pasta Sauce for my family. The smells came wafting past me, and for a second I was sitting in Grandma's kitchen again.
Pasta Sauce, ravioli, cheese

These ravioli's were fun and easy to make. My goal for the next time I make these is to make the dough thinner.  It has always been a holiday tradition to serve pasta in our house on Christmas Eve, and I have been continuing the tradition for many years, but ravioli's are a new addition to our special tradition. The Ragu Pasta Sauce makes this recipe taste authentic, just like when Assunta Cantisano came to America with the recipe for this special tomato sauce. She was an amazing woman, who, against all odds, made Ragu Pasta Sauces a success! Ragu: Crafted with Passion. Simmered in Tradition! To read more about Assunta Cantisano, her incredible story, and her amazing sauce, click here to go to the Ragu Landing Page. Did you know that Ragu Pasta Sauce has no artificial flavors, no  artificial colors, and no high fructose corn syrup? It is amazing!



Ravioli Filling

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Portobello Stack/#SundaySupper

I love chicken, and I can (and do) eat it pretty much everyday. So, when I discovered that we would be creating "Veggies as a Main Dish" today for #SundaySupper, I was at somewhat of a loss on what to make. Then I remembered something that helped me come up with this Portobello Stack. I used to run a kitchen in southern Utah, where the restaurant was in a hotel, and the manager of the hotel was vegetarian. However, our most popular dishes were Prime Rib and Pork Ribs! The manager was always asking me to make her some type of vegetarian dish, so I became familiar with creating dishes that made her feel full and happy, but were vegetarian. This Portobello Stack is one of those dishes. If you like mushrooms, this is definitely for you! It is full of four different kinds, and it has peppers, green onions, and tomatoes added for a wonderful robust flavor! Plus, I think you will really enjoy the sauce that is drizzled over the top!
mushrooms, portobellos, peppers, drizzled with sauce, green onion, avocado
Portobello Stack

Friday, November 27, 2015

Pizzelles/#Cookielicious Exchange Party!

I am so excited to be participating in this Cookielicious Exchange Party! What could be more fun than sharing cookies with some of my favorite people, during my favorite time of the year! I brought my Holiday Pizzelles today! If you have never had pizzelles you are missing out! You will need a pizzelle iron to make them. They are festive and tasty with the flavor of anise, plus they are quick and easy to make. They usually don't have chocolate and crushed candy canes around the edge, but, it is the holiday season!

I learned to make pizzelles when I was about eight years old. I grew up in a very small town about 40 minutes outside Cincinnati, a city with a lot of German heritage. One cold winter day in early December, the lady who lived across the street from us asked my mother if I could come over to her house and make cookies with her. I never did know why she asked me to help her out. She spoke with a thick german accent, was always so nice and sweet, and I was thrilled to go. For 2 whole days I helped her mix batter, and stack the cooled pizzelles, and count them. She ran the pizzelle iron! By the end of our cookie marathon we had pizzelles stacked high on every available space in her kitchen, including her huge kitchen table. I don't remember what she was doing with all of them. I assume they were gifts to the many people she and her family knew. I do know that she made me feel special and important. I am the oldest of six children, and little did she know what welcome relief it was to escape the craziness, if only for a couple days. Or, maybe she did know, and it was her Christmas gift to me. Regardless, of why she invited me, I am so glad she did.
These are for you, Mrs. Mihalovich!

Holiday Pizzelles, chocolate, cookies, candy cane, holidays, Christmas
 Holiday Pizzelles

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Pumpkin Tiramisu

If you are looking for a wonderful and tasty fall or Thanksgiving dessert, I have one for you! Actually, this Pumpkin Tiramisu is delectable anytime! They are made in individual dishes for ease of serving, and they can be made ahead of time, for the most part, for all around dessert easiness! You will love these!


Pumpkin Tiramisu

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Party!


Pumpkin Apple Harvest Parfait

This Pumpkin Apple Harvest Parfait takes the best flavors of fall and puts them together in a way that celebrates each taste on it's own, yet brings the house down with the flavor combination! They really are the perfect pairing! The spicy flavor of the pumpkin roll and the tart, but sweet flavor of the sauteed apples makes this parfait the perfect ending to your fall meals!

As we are getting closer and closer to Thanksgiving and the holidays, our thoughts turn to family dinners, neighborhood parties, and spending special time with special people. These parfaits are an easy, make ahead desserts your family and guests will love.

I used small 12 ounce jars to serve these parfaits. I bought the Pumpkin Spice Biscuits from the refrigerated section of the grocery where they sell biscuits. If you can't find the pumpkin biscuits, you could substitute cinnamon rolls, or even caramel rolls.They will be just as yummy!



pumpkin, apple, rolls, whipped cream, pumpkin spice
Pumpkin Apple Harvest Parfait

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Chicken Enchiladas/#SundaySupper

Today, I am joining the #SundaySupper family in celebrating budget friendly meals. There are so many wonderful meals that can be made on a budget, and it is not difficult to do, but it does require planning. In the area where I live, I have many choices as to where I can shop, but it is essential to read ads, know where produce is a good deal, and where meat is a good quality with a price I can live with. It is also important to meal plan so that nothing gets wasted.
These chicken enchiladas were very inexpensive to make, costing only $4.65 for three. What's also  important to note is that they are very tasty, full of flavor and quick to make. You will feel like you are splurging!


Friday, November 13, 2015

Mini Meatball Appetizers w/ Bertolli Reserva Marinara

With the holiday season approaching, I want to share these fun and festive Mini Meatball Appetizers! If you are like me, I love to give holiday parties, and celebrate the season, and unique and yummy appetizers are my favorite things to serve. I made these appetizers using Bertolli Reserva Marinara with Parmigiano Reggiano and YUM! This year marks Bertolli's 150th Anniversary! Help us celebrate 150 years of Bertolli's authentic, delicious flavors and the launch of Bertolli® Riserva sauces! If you would like to celebrate with $1.50 off coupon, click on the above link and then click on products!

Did I mention that I like "easy to make" appetizers? You have found the perfect one!






 Mini Meatball Appetizers

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Southern Fried Pickles / #FoodieExtravaganza

This is the time of year when I start thinking about appetizers and party foods to serve during the holidays. I always enjoy coming up with new and different ideas that I think my guests will love. This season, these Southern Fried Pickle Bites are sure to be on the menu. I used no sugar added, Bread and Butter slices, a homemade batter, and a special, slightly hot dipping sauce that makes this appetizer something all your guests will love.
bread and butter pickles, battered, dipping sauce

Southern Fried Pickles

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Festive Shrimp Bites / #SundaySupper

As the holiday season approaches, my thoughts wander to recipes and parties and fabulous foods. Of course, as a cook, and lover of any party, these are some of my favorites things. Today we are celebrating Easy Holiday Entertaining and these Festive Shrimp Bites are a perfect example. The shrimp can be boiled the day before, and the bites come together quickly on the day of your event.
shrimp, crackers, chilli sauce, cream cheese, cheese, green onions
Festive Shrimp Bites

Saturday, October 24, 2015

Apple Pear Crisp /#SundaySupper

One of my favorite fall desserts is Apple Pear Crisp. The apples and pears are a perfect combination that just say "autumn" to me. There is nothing quite as wonderful as enjoying a warm from the oven Apple Pear Crisp on the back porch, while watching the woods behind the house transform from evening to night. Sometimes I pop a scoop of ice cream on the top too!
This Apple Pear Crisp is topped with some oats and brown sugar. I like mine pretty wet, like I made this, but if you want a little drier topping, just mix in additional flour. These crisps would also be so incredible with cranberries added as a third fruit. One nice feature of this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time. Once you get to the topping you can refrigerate the crisps until you want to enjoy them, then just pop it in the oven! Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas when  things can get a little hectic!
Today for #SundaySupper we are all about warming trends. What do you like to eat or indulge in when the weather gets a little chilly?

Apple Pear Crisp, #SundaySupper, apples, pears, baked

Apple Pear Crisp

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Outdoor Halloween House Tour and Blog Link Party

Happy Halloween! Today I am participating in an Outdoor Halloween House Tour and Blog Link Party! I have decorated my yard and outside of the house for the big event, and I can't wait to show it to you! At the end of this post you can link up your Halloween Home Decor to share! We would love to see it!
We don't have any trick or treaters in our house anymore, but we do get quite a few on trick or treat night, and they are mostly quite young, so I didn't want to make the yard too scary, but I did want to add a little creepiness, just for fun!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

An Autumn Side Dish of Sauteed Apples

If you love apples, you will love this recipe: An Autumn Side Dish of Sauteed Apples. They are one of my favorites, and I can't eat them without recalling some great memories from when I was a little girl.  Many years ago, back in the 60's, my Dad worked late on Friday nights. This was so much fun for my sister and brother and I because it was a special night at home also. During the grocery shopping earlier that week, we each got to pick out a TV dinner to have on Friday night. Then afterwards we would have root beer or red cream soda floats and watch tv on the pull out sofa. It was fun with a capitol F! My TV dinner was always the one with the meatloaf and the brownie and the sauteed apples! And that began my love affair with sauteed apples!
I hope you will try this recipe. It is simple and easy to make and it makes a wonderful side dish for Thanksgiving or any special occasion!

apples, cinnamon, butter, dark brown sugar, granny smiths
An Autumn Side Dish of Sauteed Apples

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Party!


Apple Cider Bundt Cake w/ Carmelized Apples/#BundtBakers

 I don't think fall would be the same without apples, do you? I know this bundt cake wouldn't be! This Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Carmelized Apples is the taste of the season in a mini cake! With cider in the cake and apples in the topping how can you go wrong!

Apple Cider Bundt Cake w/ Carmelized Apple Topping

Monday, October 12, 2015

Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Oat Topping

Fall is here! Fall is here!
There is definitely that fall chill in the air this morning. The sun is shining, the leaves are waving goodbye as they gracefully dance to the ground, and the sweet aroma of Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel Oat Topping is in the air!  It's a beautiful day!
 Pumpkin Muffins with a Streusel Oat Topping

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Pork Meatball Mini Sub/#FoodieExtravaganza

Every fall when football season rolls around, I try to make at least one new sandwich or appetizer that we haven't served in the past. This year our special sandwich is this Pork Meatball Mini Sub! This mini sub is a made up of ground pork with a little ground chuck mixed in, some seasoning and parmesan cheese, and they are served on the cutest little buns ever! They look great and taste even better, making them perfect for friends and family!

Today for #FoodieExtravaganza, everyone is cooking with pork. Once you have checked out my recipe, keep scrolling down the page to see what the rest of the #FoodieExtravaganza family created.


Pork Meatball Mini Sub

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Yummy Mummy/#PopcornBoxParty2015/Giveaway!

Welcome to the Yummy Mummy/#Popcorn Box Party 2015 and Giveaway!  Today I am joining with a bunch of bloggers, and Laura from Laura Kelly Designs for some Halloween fun! We each designed and made a popcorn box for Halloween. The box can be scary, cute, sweet, comical, horrifying, or  any way you want to design it. They can be party centerpieces, trick or treat candy holders, holiday decorations, whatever you want it to be, or like mine, it can hold Halloween Popcorn!

Yummy Mummy Popcorn Box w/I See You Popcorn!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Link Party!


Hi and Thank you for stopping by to celebrate with us!
 I am so happy you are here!

Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Chipotle Chicken Strips and Onion Rings

A while back I was craving what I have always called "bar food".
But I wanted to step it up a notch and but some zing in to it. That is
how these Chipotle Chicken Strips and Onion Rings came to be!
chipotle, chicken strips, onion rings, bar food at home, seasoning

Sunday, September 27, 2015

Caramel Apple Pie Bundles/#SundaySupper

It is time for #SundaySupper and this week we are celebrating fall and all the wonderful flavors of the season. For me, that means apples and caramel and Caramel Apple Pie Bundles!

Like many people, fall is my favorite time of year, and what's not to love? The crisp, cooler weather to wake up to, beautiful leaves tripping across the yard, breathtaking sunsets, less crowded beaches, Friday night football, roaring fire pits in the evenings, and food flavors that I look forward to from the end of fall until it starts all over again. There is nothing like food to evoke wonderful memories and  I hope these Caramel Apple Pie Bundles bring some to you.


Caramel Apple Pie Bundles

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Caramel Apple Bread

Welcome Fall! It's beginning to feel a little like fall here in North Carolina, so I knew it was time for this moist and yummy Caramel Apple Bread!  I used Granny Smith apples for this recipe  because I just love their slightly tart flavor, and especially when they are combined with sweet caramel. You could add nuts to this recipe if you would like. Chopped pecans would be tasty! This bread can be made ahead of time, and if you wanted you could drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving, even if you made the bread earlier in the day!

caramel, apples, bread, fall, treats

Caramel Apple Bread

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Celebrate It! Blog Link Party!


Autumn Bundt Cake/#BundtBakers

Is your weather starting to cool off a little bit where you are? Then it may be time for an Autumn Bundt Cake! We finally are getting some milder, fall~ish type days here in North Carolina, and not a moment to soon for me. I am a true lover of all things fall, the weather being the #1 reason, but also because of all the gorgeous colors, the fall hikes to see the leaves, dining outside on the back porch, and campfires. Backyard campfires are such fun! Of course with campfires, there must be s'mores. And when I learned that the #BundtBakers theme this month was S'mores, well, it's just a natural pairing, autumn and s'mores! I hope you like this Autumn Bundt Cake!


Autumn Bundt Cake

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Banana Split Cheesecake Bars

There is just something about a bar dessert that I love. They are less time consuming to make, they are easy to serve, and they present themselves as just a little bit fancier than a cookie. I had been throwing around an idea in my head of a banana split type bar for some time, but I kept getting stuck on what to use for the base. I couldn't use ice cream. (But as I am writing this, I am asking myself, why not?)  So I kept thinking about it. I usually think about my ideas for a time before I bring them to fruition, or toss them.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie/#SundaySupper

Today at #SundaySupper we are honoring our grandparents by celebrating Grandparent's Day!
My grandmother passed away many years ago, but she was a wonderful cook, and I always remember her making Lemon Meringue Pie. I don't have the recipe that my Grandma used to make her creamy, luscious pie, but I found one that taste very close, and just a bite of one piece sent me back in time to another life! I love how food brings wonderful memories flooding back.  I think Grandma would like this pie!

Grandma's Lemon Meringue Pie

Friday, September 11, 2015

Chicken Fingers Italiano/PublixFlavorExcursion2015

I have been a self titled aficionado of the chicken finger for quite some time. As a matter of fact, while most of my friends were craving ice cream or chocolate when they were pregnant, I craved chicken fingers. And not just any chicken fingers, but the kind served in bars, where they are deep fried and come with ranch and french fries. Fast forward almost 27 years, and my eating habits have improved, and these Chicken Fingers Italiano are what you will find on my kitchen table today!