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Pasta Fagioli Soup
My husband and I were recently out for lunch….WITHOUT THE KIDDOS!!! That alone was a privilege:) We went out to eat at the Olive Garden and I usually order the soup, salad, and bread (with the addition of couple wines) and my husband ordered some pasta dish. He decided to order soup and he tried the pasta fagioli soup (It’s an Italian soup which means a soup made with beans and pasta in English.) He usually doesn’t rave about much so I was startled at how much he loved the soup. I tried it and I really liked it as well and as a cook my new mission was set…I’m…
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Shredded Brussel and Fig Breakfast Salad
I’m kind of obsessed with the idea of a breakfast salad. But, if you are like me it can get a little boring eating lettuce all the time. I know there are many options to chose from and yes I have tried them all but there is something about a warm salad that always feels more satisfying/comforting to me. This idea came about because I started thinly slicing brussel sprouts and sauteing them with bacon and onions to serve as a side at dinner (there is only so many times I can serve green beans and corn!) The light went off and I thought to myself this would be awesome…
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Turkey Brine
To brine or not to brine…..that is the question???? Well I’ll make this question for you easy…BRINE! I know it gets confusing on how to cook the best turkey, but hey it’s the centerpiece that has to be done to perfection (we all have seen the scene out of Christmas Vacation!) And this my friend is the perfect example of why to brine. It does come with a bit of science so I will do my best to impart some science into my explanation. Turkey is a lean meat with not a lot of fat to help keep the meat moist. When you brine, the turkey will absorbs some extra…
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Beef Burgundy
Without a doubt this dish always makes me happy and I thoroughly enjoy making it. The amazing smells that come from your kitchen today will be heavenly. It’s that kind of smell when everyone is asking when dinner will be ready. Beef Burgundy or if you want to get fancy Beef Bourguignon; is a traditional french dish which originated in Burgundy France. My version of the dish is a riff off of Julia Child’s Beef Bourguignon but less complex and bit simpler for your novice cook such as myself. I will say though I have made Julia’s version and it’s fantastic…just be prepared to spend the day in the kitchen!…
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Shepherd’s Pie
It’s snowing today in Wisconsin and I can’t think of a better comfort food than Shepherd’s Pie. Shepherd’s pie originated in England and is made with lamb, here in the states and in my house I make it with beef. Technically because it’s made with beef I probably should be calling it Cottage Pie…but at this point must we split hairs???? Personally you could call it garbage pie and this dish would still be a hit at this house! It’s everything you need on a cold day and more. I have had some practice the last few weeks as this is my sisters favorite meal and it’s her yearly birthday dinner…
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Bone Broth
I had to jump into to the bone broth craze. After reading on all the benefits including, gut health, reducing inflammation, highly concentrate of vitamins and minerals, and not to mention supposedly good for weight loss I just new I had to give it the “old college try!” I was confused though what the heck is the difference between broth, stock, and bone broth? From what I have read here is a quick synopsis of the differences: Broth is a simmer of roasted vegetables and meat cooked for short time Stock is cooked longer with vegetables, herbs, and bones for a moderate amount of time Bone broth which is similar…
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Marinated Mozzarella Balls
This is such a quick easy appetizer to make that screams summer and satisfies my love for basil, garlic, and cheese. I mean hey…what’s not to like! My 12 year old son loves it too so typically when I make it where fighting over the last few bites. This dish is very easy and honestly takes less than 15 minutes to make. I do recommend letting it stand for at least a half hour before serving to let everything meld but other than that it’s easy peasy. I also have served this on top of grilled chicken breasts which is equally as yummy. Ingredients: 8 oz of mozzarella pearls (if…
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Less than 5 minute Restaurant Style Salsa
Ok, I have to say I am all about most things that can take less than 5 minutes (ladies you know what I’m talking about!!) This salsa was inspired by my future brother in law Jason whose seriously is addicted to a chain store salsa. He can only get this brand of salsa at a store in a neighboring town and when he goes… let me tell you he stocks up!! Being a cook and somewhat of a competitive person I have made it my mission to duplicate this salsa and let me tell you my version is pretty damn close. My first 5 minute salsa turned out chunkier than…
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Less than 5 minute Chunky Salsa
This is a super fast salsa, that is great when you have literally no time to whip something up or you’re low on funds. My 16 oz food chopper does all the dirty work. Everyone always compliments me on this salsa and it’s just so easy… I honestly feel a little guilty and cheap;/ Nonetheless, I promise this will be your go to as well. The key ingredients in this is the fresh cilantro and lime juice. You may want to add more cilantro or lime juice but I would start with my recipe and add to your liking. Ingredients: 1/2 of a small onion cut into quarters 1 Tbs…
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Cucumber Mango Salsa
I love making this salsa, it’s good to serve with pita chips or on top of chicken, pork or fish. The combination is a delicate balance of sweet and savory. This is a fun salsa to make because besides the mango’s I have virtually everything else in my garden. The color is also appealing and is always a show stopper when I bring to a party. Anytime I make this I always double this recipe to serve on top of any grilled meat cooked throughout the week or on my favorite fish tacos! Ingredients: 2 mango’s pitted and diced 1/2 of an English cucumber diced 2 Tbs of finely chopped…