Category Archives: Super Simple Is Key!

Not to be confused with a grilled cheese sandwich, cheese toast is a single slice of bread… topped with cheese and then baked or broiled to unleash the cheese’s melty mahhhhhvelousness.  Mom introduced me to this back in the 1950’s. … Continue reading →

Make them all real or no deal. For me, that means no substitute or fat-free fillers, and they’ve gotta be natural casing franks for this chick. My all-time faves are Schonland’s (now owned & packaged by Kayem).       … Continue reading →

Wiener Schnitzel is a treasured Austrian dish, which translates to Viennese cutlets. Believe it or not, by law the cutlets must be veal. Yes… you can turn pork and chick cutlets into schnitzel, too. Today, we’ll make the real deal. … Continue reading →

One of my Grandmother Gulumian’s favorite veggies to cook was acorn squash. She’d halve them, roast them, and then fill them with mixed veggies in a creamy alfredo sauce. Here’s my favorite recipe twist. Cranberry Apple Acorn Squash 2 small … Continue reading →

I guess I truly do not care how many days of the year get dedicated to the love of bacon. I am there! In celebration of several food favorites, I offer you: Bacon Cheddar Popcorn. 4-6 slices bacon, regular or … Continue reading →

On this day in history… 1961… Construction began on the Berlin Wall 1960… First 2-way telephonic conversation took place via satellite 1918… First woman enlisted in the Marines Birthdays today? 1926 Fidel Castro 1899 Alfred Hitchcock

August 5th celebrates the different species of bivalve mollusks that can be eaten. Hello, Oysters! Since Roman times there is evidence of oysters as a culinary treat. In the 19th century, NY harbor was the largest producer of oysters in … Continue reading →

Daiquiri is a great cocktail, but it is also the name of a beach and town on the southeastern tip of Cuba… and an iron mine near Santiago de Cuba. “They” say that the Daiquiri was invented in 1898 by … Continue reading →

Hubby is a huge fan of spinach… in salad, omelets, pasta, or whatever. His favorites are creamed or sauteed spinach. Skip frozen or canned spinach (sorry, Popeye). After preparing in traditional ways for years, we learned that we both prefer … Continue reading →

Roast them, caramelize them, or munch them raw, vegetables are colorful, flavorful, and full of health-boosting vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. At this time of year, grilling veggies is most popular. So, here’s a quick tip: If you marinate vegetables, do … Continue reading →

Whatever your favorite roses may be, the red rose has long been associated with romance, passion, and beauty. On National Red Rose Day grow your own roses or visit a rose garden. Sprinkle some rose petals on a loved one’s … Continue reading →

  In many areas, strawberries are not quite ripe yet. In others, the luscious berries have already been getting picked for several weeks. Regardless, every year on May 20th we recognize National Pick Strawberries Day. My sister and I recently … Continue reading →

National Walnut Day originated in 1949, thanks to the Walnut Marketing Board. It then received a presidential proclamation by President Dwight Eisenhower in 1958. So, go ahead… celebrate! High in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats, walnuts are not just for desserts. … Continue reading →

Lamb is a delightfully tender, moist, and flavorful meat… when prepared well. When people say that lamb’s flavor is too strong for them, they likely had mutton, not lamb. Or it was overcooked. Lamb is one of those meats that … Continue reading →

Each year on April 23, we celebrate National Picnic Day. Take some time to spread out a blanket anywhere and enjoy peace and tranquility or perhaps just listen to Nature or watch waves lapping a shore or catch an outdoor … Continue reading →

If the weather cooperates, great! If not, great! On National Look Up to the Sky Day, let’s take a moment to look up and appreciate our world from a different perspective. Look outward… no selfies!   Brilliant blue skies… stunning … Continue reading →

Sorry, but I did not realize this was not celebrated every day. Chips and Dips anchor nearly every Happy Hour we serve. Some are fancy. Some are sassy. Some are colorful. Some are hot. Some are cold. Some are cheesy. … Continue reading →

Soft tacos are fine, but today we celebrate the satisfying crunchy texture and fun of crispy tacos. Choose your fillings to suit your happy little taste buds! Go for traditional beef with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, diced avocados, sour cream, taco … Continue reading →

If you love peanut butter, it can become its own food group! Enjoy it creamy or chunky straight out of its jar. Or add it to smoothies, snacks, sandwiches, or Asian stir-fries. One of the first recipes I recall Mom … Continue reading →

Hubby is a huge fan of bananas. When he has a few bananas that did not get eaten before turning too soft, I turn them into banana bread for him. On this occasion, I made him 2 loaves… one plain … Continue reading →

  The classic margarita is shaken with ice and then served either on those “rocks” or straight up. Or it’s served “frozen” by blending it with the ice. The traditional glass is rimmed in salt and garnished with a lime … Continue reading →

Unwind today, National Drink Wine Day, with a glass of your favorite vino… with or without alcohol… with or without bubbles. My favorite is pinot grigio. Yup, the white one. And I only like the dry varietals, rather than fruity … Continue reading →

On the 15th day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar, Lantern Festival is celebrated. Usually falling in February, it signifies the last day of the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. Lanterns can be very simple or elegantly … Continue reading →