Ever gone out for Valentine’s Day only to be disappointed by the noise level of the restaurant, food that didn’t quite measure up, or felt rushed by the wait staff to move along for the their next seating? We have and more than once. Are you tempted to try something different, skip the crowded restaurants, [...]

Scampi-Style Steak & Scallops with Roasted Asparagus: 30-Minute Valentine Dinner

Crab Cakes with Mango-Lime Sauce: Easy Valentine Recipe
Super Bowl behind us, Valentine’s Day before us, there is always a reason to enjoy good food no matter what label is used. Valentine’s Day has become a favorite time for us, especially since we began making reservations for an intimate dinner at our own table. No crowds, no pressure, dress however you please (use [...]

Thanksgiving 301: The Act of Giving Thanks
According to Merriam-Webster, thanksgiving is: 1: the act of giving thanks 2: a prayer expressing gratitude 3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness I love to eat as much as I love to cook, so food-centric holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving are a real treat. My earlier posts, Thanksgiving 101 and Thanksgiving 201 addressed [...]
Thanksgiving 201: Keeping Traditions Interesting
As I mentioned in the previous post, Thanksgiving 101, we have been hosting Thanksgiving dinner for more than twenty years in our home. Granted this meal is served only once a year, but I still get an itch to make something different and new. My family is reluctant to let me scratch that itch too much, [...]
Thanksgiving 101: Hosting, Prepping, & Menu Basics
On Face Book, I asked the question: What are your most vexing issues when planning food for the holidays or having people over? (I did include the caveat other than dealing with in-laws in an attempt to stay on topic.) As much as I expected to address dry turkeys, soggy dressing, or avoiding the trap [...]
Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes 2-Ways: Gluten-Free & Lactose-Free
While planning the menu for the bridal shower I was hosting, I used a couple of different recipes to accommodate those gluten-free and lactose intolerant guests. (I am reluctant to describe guests by their food sensitivities, but using their names on-line is even less appealing.) Lemon Poppy Seed Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting anchored the [...]
Cheesecake Strawberries with Chocolate Accents
My first introduction to the concept of filling a strawberry with the flavors of cheesecake was featuring a post by Nutmeg Nanny many Fridays ago. When I finally got serious about making these little gems for a bridal shower, there were tweaks to the recipe I could not resist—lemon zest is a must in cheesecake—and [...]
Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries [via Nutmeg Nanny]: Feature Fridays
It is Fourth of July and folks will make some amazing patriotic themed foods this weekend. When this post from Nutmeg Nanny caught my eye last week, I quickly scooped up the recipe for a bridal shower, but then realized a single blueberry on top of this fruity, cheesecake goodness would make a fabulous red, [...]
Happy Father’s Day!
Plenty of Grilled Squash, Tomatoes, Sweet Onions, Garlic, and Bell Peppers What will your Father’s Day Menu include?
Ghirardelli Grand Fudge Cake with Coconut-Pecan and Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
German Chocolate is the favored cake of two in our household, but the least favored of two others. We do not indulge in dessert often, birthdays being the exception. In order to honor birthday wishes and still include everyone in a celebratory cake, this “halvsies” cake has become a standard that suits everyone. Ghirardelli Grand Fudge Cake [...]
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Restoring Heart Health
February 20, 2012
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Matters of the Heart: Causes of Heart Disease
February 16, 2012
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Scampi-Style Steak & Scallops with Roasted Asparagus: 30-Minute Valentine Dinner
February 13, 2012
- Hearts in Nature for Sweethearts: Feature Fridays February 9, 2012
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Crab Cakes with Mango-Lime Sauce: Easy Valentine Recipe
February 8, 2012
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Emeril’s Sizzling Skillets Giveaway: Enter To Win a Free Copy!
September 13, 2011
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Zak! Table Art 7-piece Flame-Shaped Serving Bowls: Enter to Win a Set!
September 27, 2011
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The Food52 Cookbook Giveaway: 5 Days, 2 Winners
December 8, 2011
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Pancetta-Gruyere Burger with Grilled Vidalia Onions
July 24, 2011
- Emeril’s Cajun Shrimp Stew: A Hearty One-Pot Wonder September 12, 2011
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Geni: You are awesome! I needed this post for many reaso...
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Linda: Very good tips Judy and I'm so glad for both of y...
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Caroline: Thanks for all the tips, Judy, cheers to a healthy...
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sportsglutton: Even this glutton's heart has told him that it ne...
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Jocelyn: I forgot to write this sooner, but the pita was wo...

