2014 Cooking List

Dear readers,

I do not make resolutions. If I want to change something, then I do. Simple. Anyway, I do however think of things that I would like to make for the upcoming year. Recipes are so wonderful, interesting and just plain fun.

Here is my 2014 list of things to cook :)

Steamed Pudding
Cannelloni
Tres Leches Cake
Rye Bread
Homemade Rolls
Layered Cake --chocolate or spice??
Homemade Cheese
Homemade Yogurt
Tacos: spy, refried beans with seasoning
Try a New Salad

Some of the things are so plain and simple, like the tacos. However, it almost never occurs to me to make them. So, I added them to the list for the year 2014. I have been reading the Cooks Country Cookbook and it is so wonderful.

Happy New Year to you all!

Cookbooks I am reading lately

Dear Readers,

I go to the library a lot. That i where I am inspired by all of the words, pictures and music. I have a few books at my table now that I thought I would share with you all.

bon Appetit!

Thanksgiving Food and Fun!

Dear Readers,

It has been awhile....I have been busy as a mom and professional working full time. Like most women. But it is great with all of the modern appliances and things to help out. So easy!

Anyway....Here are some pics from thanksgiving :)

So you can we had such a great time that I did not have time to take a lot of pictures. The menu this year was turkey, stuffing (sausage potato), steamed veggies, homemade rolls, gravy, mashed potatoes and cherry juice. WE watched football and commented on the game. Then we ate pumpkin and apple pie with whipped cream and vanilla ice cream. What a nice day.

Life Lately

Dear Readers,

Fall is here and that is my favorite time of year. It has been awhile since the last post.....we have been traveling and cooking and just having fun. My blog has been neglected!

Here are some pictures to catch you up on the happenings......

Cook book review: Smoke and Pickles

Dear Readers,

I have found a gem of a cookbook. If you like the story behind the recipe and learning about the chef's life.....this is the book for you! It is wonderful. (although I did find some inappropriate language...)

The recipes are creative and new. Some seem tasty, while others (like the lamb) I would not eat even if it were a great recipe. However, the ideas and thoughts behind the recipes are what draws you in.

Bon Appetit!

Vacation!

Dear readers,

We vacationed again in the north: cool weather, sunshine and water! Here are some pictures for you to see!

Cookbook Review: The Lebanese Kitchen by Salma Hage

Dear Readers,

Spring blossoms are out here in the north country. It is so beautiful! On a recent trip to my local library, I picked up the book The Lebanese Kitchen. If you go and find it, don't be put off by the plain cover, the details are inside and they are wonderful.

The first thing that struck me about the book was the detail on the sides of the book. It is cut as if by a pinking sheers. Very unique.

As for the layout of the book, the chapters are divided by types of foods: basic recipes, mezze and salad, soups, fish, meat, vegetables, breads and pastries, desserts, drinks, pickles and jams, guest chefs. There are photos almost every other page artfully done in a simple elegant manner. I think that one of the things that makes the book stand out is the red font. It adds to the visual nature of the cookbook. I love that.

The recipes are well thought out and well described and offer challenges for the beginner and the advanced home chef. Some that stood out include cream of lentils and rice and vermicelli.....yum!

Go now to your library and enjoy this book!

Bon Appetit!

Life Lately....

Dear Readers,

I have been so busy as of late...Spring is here and the birds are migrating.  I still do not like the heat that summer will bring. So, I am really enjoying the spring cool evenings and warm sun at noon.

Life again in pictures....