RECIPES

Panna Cotta

Panna Cotta

This delicious recipe is an original from Chef Giuseppina from Certaldo Italy.  My family and I were so blessed to attend one of her cooking classes while we were in Italy this summer and this was the delicious dessert she taught us how to make. Pannacotta Ingredients...

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Corn

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Corn

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Corn Ingredients: 4 ears of corn, shucked and kernels removed 2 Tablespoons cumin 2 Tablespoons dried fennel seeds 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tsp. Kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 4 cloves...

Sweet and Spicy Salmon

Sweet and Spicy Salmon

Sweet and Spicy Salmon Ingredients 2  8 oz. salmon fillets 2 tsp. maple syrup 2 tsp. low sodium soy sauce 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. garlic powder 1/2 tsp. red pepper flakes salt and pepper Directions Preheat  oven to 375 degrees Whisk together maple syrup, soy...

Strawberry Pie

Strawberry Pie

Strawberry Pie Ingredients: Pie Crust - I use a Pillsbury Ready To Bake crust -  Bake according to package directions and allow it to completely cool.  You can also make homemade crust if you prefer. For the Pie Filling-  2 pounds fresh strawberries ⅓ cup granulated...

Cranberry – Pineapple Sangria Mocktail

Cranberry – Pineapple Sangria Mocktail

Cranberry - Pineapple  Sangria Mocktail Ingredients 1 cup ice cubes 1/4 c. pineapple chunks 1/2 small orange, thinly sliced, cut into wedges 1 lime, sliced thin 2 cups diet cranberry/pineapple juice 2 cups ginger beer Mix all ingredients in a large pitcher, chill in...

Chicken Parmesan Skillet Meal

Chicken Parmesan Skillet Meal

Chicken Parmesan Skillet Meal Ingredients 8 ounces Barilla Protein Plus Rigatoni ( or pasta of your choice) 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into small bite size pieces 1/2 tablespoon Italian Seasoning 2 cups of your...

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake

Hummingbird Cake Cake Layers: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for pans 2 cups granulated sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 (8-oz.) can crushed pineapple in...

Lemon and Dill Chicken Pasta

Lemon and Dill Chicken Pasta

Lemon and Dill Chicken Pasta Ingredients 4 cups chicken broth 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. onion powder 1 tsp. dried oregano ¾ pound fusilli pasta 1 bunch of asparagus tips 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus juice of one...

Ginger Cookies

Ginger Cookies

Ginger Cookies Ingredients 3/4 c. butter 1 c. sugar 1 egg beaten 1/4 c. molasses extra sugar for rolling the dough Sift together - 2 1/2 c. all purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon cloves 1 teaspoon ginger Blend the butter, sugar , egg...

Turkey and Rice Soup

Turkey and Rice Soup

Turkey and Rice Soup Ingredients 6 cups chicken stock 1 Tablespoon of Better Than Bouillon - turkey base 1 left over turkey carcass, cut into small pieces and two turkey wings 2 bay leaves 2 sprigs of fresh thyme 2  tsp. poultry seasoning 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley...

Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies

Butter Pecan Cookies Ingredients 2 1/2 c. all purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 C. unsalted butter, softened 1 C. dark brown sugar 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1 box ( 3.4 oz )  Jello French Vanilla Pudding mix ( dry ) 2 eggs 1 tsp. pure vanilla 2 C....

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients for Bars 1 15 oz. can of pumpkin puree 1 2/3 c. sugar 1 c. vegetable oil 4 large eggs 2 c. all purpose flour 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice 2 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. salt Ingredients for Frosting...

Yummy Veggie Soup

Yummy Veggie Soup

Veggie Soup Ingredients 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 medium yellow onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, pressed 3 medium carrots, chopped 4 medium potatoes, chopped 1 small sweet potato, chopped 1 small zucchini, chopped 1 14.5 oz can of diced fire roasted tomatoes...

Crock Pot Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Crock Pot Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Crock Pot Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Ingredients 3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 4 boneless chicken breasts 1 lb. baby red potatoes, quartered 2 tbsp. butter, softened 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 tbsp. freshly chopped thyme 1 tbsp. oregano, dried Freshly...

Watermelon Lemonade

Watermelon Lemonade

Watermelon Lemonade Ingredients 6 c. cubed seedless watermelon, chilled 4 c. cold water ( You can also use sparkling water ) 3/4 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice  2/3 c. granulated sugar Ice Fresh mint leaves Instructions: In a blender, blend watermelon chunks until...

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad

Watermelon Salad Ingredients Watermelon - 1 small melon or 1/2 of a large melon (cubed into bite size pieces) 1 English cucumber, sliced 1 shallot - chopped finely 1/2 c. fresh mint leaves 1/2 c. fresh basil leaves 1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese Dressing 1/2 c. nonfat...

Strawberry Crunch Cake

Strawberry Crunch Cake

When I was a little girl, my grandma would make what she called a “Poke Cake”  She usually made it for her girlfriends when they were coming over to play bridge or for a Sunday dinner after church.  She always used Cool Whip, but I prefer real whipping cream - you...

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa Ingredients: 2 mangoes, peeled and chopped into small pieces 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped finely 1/2 red onion, chopped 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro 3 tbsp. lime juice...

Lemon – Raspberry Bundt Cake

Lemon – Raspberry Bundt Cake

Lemon - Raspberry Bundt Cake Ingredients for the cake 2 1/2 c. all purpose flour ( plus 3 Tablespoons for raspberry prep ) 2 tsp. baking powder 2 sticks of unsalted butter ( room temperature ) 1/2 tsp. salt 8 oz. cream cheese ( room temperature ) 2 c. sugar 4 large...

Greek Inspired Chicken

Greek Inspired Chicken

Greek Inspired Chicken On a recent trip to Greece, I asked several women I met, what was their favorite chicken marinade. I took some notes and here is what I came up with when I got home.  I used boneless/skinless chicken breasts and grilled the chicken. Marinade 1/4...

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Lemon Crinkle Cookies Ingredients - Cookie Dough 2 c. butter, softened 1 c. powdered sugar 3 1/2 c. all purpose flour 1/2 c. cornstarch 2 Tablespoons lemon zest 1 Tablespoon vanilla Instructions -  Using a mixer, beat the butter and the powdered sugar together until...

Sweet/Tart Arugula Salad

Sweet/Tart Arugula Salad

Sweet/Tart Arugula Salad Salad 5 oz. baby arugula  2/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted 1/2 cup dried cranberries (sweetened variety) 1/2 c. Pomegranate Seeds 1/2 cup shaved parmesan Dressing 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp honey Salt and...

Honey Glazed Salmon

Honey Glazed Salmon

Honey Glazed Salmon Ingredients - 4 salmon fillets 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 1/4 c. light sodium soy sauce 2 Tablespoons honey 1 clove garlic, minced salt and pepper to taste One lemon, sliced thinly In a small bowl, mix together - soy sauce, honey and garlic Drizzle...

Snow Flake Pie

Snow Flake Pie

Snowflake Pie Ingredients 4 pie crusts ( I use the Pilsbury refrigerated Pie Crust) 2 cans Oregon pitted cherries in water ( Red Tart ) 2 cans whole cranberries 2 large Honey Crisp apples, peeled and diced into small pieces 3 Tablespoons flour 3/4 c. sugar 1 tsp....

Veggie Egg Dish

Veggie Egg Dish

Veggie Egg Dish 1 dozen eggs 1/2 c. Half and Half 1 1/2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese ( save 1/2 c. to top) 1 can original Rotel tomatoes 4 sweet small peppers, diced 1 small can diced green chilies 1 bunch green onions, diced salsa to top Whisk the above ingredients...

Festive Drinks for Thanksgiving

Festive Drinks for Thanksgiving

Non - Alcoholic Pear Punch 3 cups Pear Nectar 2 cups Ginger Beer Juice of 1 lemon Mix all ingredients together in a large pitcher and serve over ice. Add cranberries, sliced pears and rosemary for garnish. Sparkling Pear Punch (non alcoholic) 4 - 5 Anjou pears, cubed,...

Pumpkin Muffins

Pumpkin Muffins

So Easy, so delicious, so fall! Pumpkin Muffins Ingredients 4 eggs 1 1/2 c. sugar 1  c. vegetable oil 2 c. flour 1/2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. baking soda 1 15 oz. canned pumpkin chopped walnuts ( optional ) Preheat oven - 350 degrees In a  large mixing bowl,...

Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken and Vegetables

Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken and Vegetables

Honey Balsamic Autumn Chicken and Vegetables Ingredients 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts 1 large pear 3 c. butternut squash, diced into small cubes 4 chicken breasts 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black...

Zucchini Cookies

Zucchini Cookies

Zucchini Cookies   3/4 c. softened unsalted butter 1 1/2 c. sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 c. grated zucchini 2 1/2 c. unbleached flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. salt 1 c. chopped walnuts Mix all ingredients together.  Bake at 350 degrees on a...

Old Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Tart

Old Fashioned Strawberry Pretzel Tart

INGREDIENTS FOR THE PRETZEL CRUST 2 c. crushed pretzels 1/2 c. chopped walnuts 3/4 c. (1 1/2 stick) melted butter 1/4 c. granulated sugar FOR THE CHEESECAKE LAYER 1 (8-oz.) block cream cheese, softened 3/4 c. granulated sugar 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract 1 C. heavy...

Lemon Pepper Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta

Lemon Pepper Shrimp with Angel Hair Pasta

8 ounces Angel Hair Pasta 1 pound medium shrimp, cut into bite size pieces 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 6 Tablespoons Butter 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning 3/4  cup  Fresh Parmesan Cheese...

Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken

Sweet and Spicy Orange Chicken Ingredients 6 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 Tablespoons toasted sesame oil Sauce 1 1/2 c. orange juice - pulp free 1/2 c. chicken stock 1/4 c. coconut aminos 3 Tablespoons honey 2 Tablespoons garlic-chili sauce 1 tsp. garlic...

Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Banana Bread Ingredients 1 stick softened butter 1 c. sugar 2 large eggs 1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas 1/2 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped walnuts...

Spicy Fish Tacos with Corn and Radish Salsa

Spicy Fish Tacos with Corn and Radish Salsa

Spicy Fish Tacos with Corn and Radish Salsa Ingredients for Salsa 2 cups cooked corn kernels 1/2 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced radishes 1/2 cup diced green pepper 1 c. fresh cilantro leaves, chopped fine 1 Tablespoon olive oil Juice and zest of one lime 1 tsp....

Easy Chicken Pesto and Linguine

Easy Chicken Pesto and Linguine

Easy Chicken Pesto and Linguine Preheat oven to 400˚F  Place chicken breasts in a baking dish, Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste Drizzle with olive oil Spread pesto on each chicken breast *( see blog for fresh basil pesto recipe) Layer sliced Roma tomatoes...

Fresh Basil Pesto

Fresh Basil Pesto

Pesto Ingredients : 3 c. fresh basil leaves 1/3 c. pine nuts 1/3 c. grated parmesan cheese 3 cloves garlic, pressed 1/2 c. olive oil fresh lemon juice ( 1/2 lemon, squeezed) 1 tsp. Italian seasoning salt and pepper to taste Directions: In food processor or blender...

Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler

PEACH COBBLER Ingredients: 5 peaches , peeled, cored and sliced (about 4 cups) 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 Tablespoon lemon juice For the Cobbler batter: 6 Tablespoons of unsalted butter 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoon baking...

Peach Salsa

Peach Salsa

Peach Salsa 1 16 oz. can diced tomatoes 1 bell pepper, seeded and chopped into small pieces 1 medium yellow onion, chopped 2 jalapenos, seeded and chopped  1 1/2 pounds of peaches, peeled and diced 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice 1 tsp....

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken An easy and flavorful chicken recipe.  Prepare the Rosemary and Garlic Rub first. Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons fresh chopped Rosemary 2 Tablespoons - Greek plain yogurt 1 teaspoon lemon zest 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice 1...

Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna

Ingredients 1 1/2  pounds lean ground beef 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, chopped 4 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups chunky salsa 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce 1 can (4 ounces) chopped mild green chilies 1 package...

Mixed Berry Muffins

Mixed Berry Muffins

In my latest blog post I talk about sharing your story. This recipe was given to me by a neighbor when I lived in Indiana. She brought them to my house as a " welcome to the neighborhood " gift. They were delicious and just what I needed to feel like I could begin a...

Easy Holiday Punch

Easy Holiday Punch

2 Qt Cranberry/Mango Juice 2 Qt. Pulp Free Orange Juice 2 Liter 7 Up For Garnish 2 Mandarin Oranges 2 Limes 1/2 c. Pomegranate seeds 1/2 c. Fresh Cranberries Fresh Rosemary Sprigs In large punch bowl combine juices and 7 Up.  Add ice Then slice oranges and...

Cranberry Salad

Cranberry Salad

Cranberry Salad Dissolve :  1 Large box of orange jello in 1/2 c. boiling water Add:  1/2 c. orange juice - pulp free Let cool Then add: 1 lb. of cranberries, finely chopped ( use a blender or food processor) 1 1/2 c. pineapple tidbits , drained 1c. chopped...

Cheesy Brussel Sprouts

Cheesy Brussel Sprouts

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Ingredients: 4 slices of Bacon 1 Large Yellow Onion, chopped  1 clove Garlic, minced 2 lbs. Fresh Brussel Sprouts, cut in half 1 1/2 c. Whole Milk 1 c. Chicken Broth 4 Tablespoons of Unsalted Butter 5 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour 3/4 c....

Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Stir Fry

Chicken Stir Fry 4 boneless chicken breasts cut into strips 2 c. chopped broccoli 2 c. sliced mushrooms 2 c. yellow squash 2 c. chopped carrots 1 red pepper, cut into small pieces 1 small red onion sliced Cook chicken in one tablespoon of oil until cooked.  Add...

Summer Salad

Summer Salad

8 oz. of baby spinach 8 oz of red leaf lettuce 1 c. sliced strawberries 1/2 c. blueberries 1/2 c. mandarin oranges 1/2 c. pecans or 1/2 c. almonds 3 oz. goat cheese crumbled 1 bunch green onions 1 avocado, peeled and diced Dressing 1 c. vegetable oil 3/4 c. sugar 1/2...

Summertime Lemonade

Summertime Lemonade

This easy old fashioned recipe is my favorite. 1 3/4 c. white sugar 8 c. water 1 1/2 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and...

Blueberry Crumble

Blueberry Crumble

Blueberry Crumble For the Crust 2 Sticks of unsalted butter 1/2 c. sugar 2 1/2 c. flour 1/2 tsp. salt For the Filling 2 blocks of cream cheese ( room temperature ) 1/2 c. sugar 1 large egg ( room temperature) 1/ 2 c. sour cream 1 tsp. vanilla 1 Tbsp. lemon zest juice...

Our Favorite Christmas Cookies

Our Favorite Christmas Cookies

I have tried to make other cookies at Christmas time, but my family won't cooperate.  🙂   This is our recipe given to me over 20 years ago by my friend Angela.  Have fun making them with your family. Obviously, this recipe is not low calorie but it does make...

Fall Treats – Just in Time for Trick or Treat

Fall Treats – Just in Time for Trick or Treat

Simple recipes are the best.  My Grandma Swenson lived in Minnesota and my family would travel each summer to visit her along with the rest of my Dad's family who lived simply on farms and in small towns.  I remember the wonderful home cooked meals served by my...

Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen

It is peach season here in Colorado and our Palisade peaches are unbelievably yummy! I want to share two recipes with you.  One is a peach cobbler that my grandma used to make and the other is a peach salsa recipe.  Both are super easy and a great way to enjoy peaches...

Yummy Fruit Salad

Yummy Fruit Salad

  YUMMY FRUIT SALAD   I love having people over in the summer to enjoy the garden and a back yard BBQ. I like to keep the menu simple so there is more time to visit with our guests and enjoy the music, conversation and lawn games.  A trip to the farmers...

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

Fresh Strawberry Muffins

Fresh Strawberry Muffins I love these fresh strawberry muffins.  They remind me of when my kiddos were little.  My friend Mary, who lived across the street from me, gave me this recipe.  Actually she brought them over to my house one summer morning with a small...

Cajun Chicken with Veggies

Cajun Chicken with Veggies

Cajun Chicken with Veggies Ingredients 4 Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts 1 Large Zucchini 1 Large Yellow Squash 2 C. Broccoli Florets 1 Small Red Onion 1 Green Peppers 1 Red Pepper 2 Cloves garlic, pressed 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil 1 Tsp. EACH, garlic powder, Italian...

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed Peppers Ingredients: 6 Bell Peppers ( any color) 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, pressed 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 2 15 oz. can of Italian diced tomatoes 1 8 oz. package of sliced mushrooms 1 c. uncooked rice 1 c. water salt and...

A Taste of Fall

A Taste of Fall

  Every season has its special beauty and autumn is no exception. Watching the trees turn from a uniform green to all the varieties of gold, yellow, orange and red is always breathtaking. In Colorado the changing of the Aspen trees draws visitors from all around...

Brunch

Brunch

  Brunch is my favorite meal to host in our home. The recipes are simple and easy to make. Sitting around the table lingering over a steaming hot cup of fresh brewed coffee sets the tone for elongated conversations and connection. Here is a sample menu and 2 egg...

Grilled Chicken Summer Salad

Grilled Chicken Summer Salad

Grilled Chicken Summer Salad 4 chicken breasts olive oil garlic powder salt and pepper 2 tsp. McCormick Montreal Chicken seasoning 1 head of red romaine lettuce 1 small bag of baby spinach 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved 5 small...

White Chocolate Berry Pie

White Chocolate Berry Pie

White Chocolate Berry Pie YOU WILL NEED: One Pie Crust - Baked and cooled ( I like to use the Pillsbury crust that you roll out and bake) 5 squares of Baker’s White Chocolate 2 Tablespoons of Milk 4 oz. Cream Cheese, softened 1/3 C. Powdered Sugar 1 Teaspoon Grated...