• Quick and easy lunch with some pesto love

    Summer is in full swing and that means quick and easy lunches are a must.  Something that is yummy, delicious and perfect for a quick bite in between swimming and a trip to the park…I love summer! Just a few ingredients Chicken salad is a favorite of mine.  I love the traditional version with mayo, mustard and celery.  I also love a fancier version with apple,  cranberries and walnuts… but my favorite chicken salad is this Pesto Chicken Salad.   It is light but still full of flavor.  I use pulled rotisserie chicken.  I love how easy it is but also the flavor.  Even better at my local grocery store…

  • A steakhouse night at home in no time

    It is no secret that I love going to a nice steakhouse for a wonderful dinner, but it is even better when you can everything you love at home.  ANYTIME you want!!   Bringing the steak home To cook a nice steak dinner at home I like to go with a nice strip steak or a filet.  I am a no bone steak kinda girl…but my rancher brother (& the other one too) is all about a bone in ribs eye.  It is all up to you, just adjust cooking time as needed for thickness and desired doneness. To be rare or not? How do you like your steak cooked?…

  • A tart to brighten your day

    Summer is here and that means it is time for everything lemon.  Yes…you will see lemons in a ton of recipes over the next few months.  I cannot get enough lemon in my life…especially in the summer! A tart … yes a tart Ok now I know these like bars and you can call them that for sure, but they are made in a tart pan so a tart they will be.   Can I just tell you how much I love my tart pan.  It makes the most beautiful desserts (like this berry tart) and it is so easy to clean, which is always a plus.   Check out…

  • Potatoes kissed with butter & garlic = AMAZING

    Potatoes are a staple side in my family and I am always on a mission to make them fun and delicious.  These Garlic Butter Potatoes are not only delicious but they are so easy, they are perfect for dinner tonight!! A side to remember Ok, Ok I know that skillet roasted potatoes are nothing too special…that is until you add in the garlic, butter and thyme.     For a little extra fun I used triple color baby potatoes.  I just love the combo of the red, yellow and purple (yes I said purple) potatoes.  There is a great mix of texture and color making this side dish feel a…

  • Pesto + Risotto = LOVE

    Risotto is one of my most favorite sides and ever since I made this Arugula Pesto last week I have been trying out new ways to use it in all sorts of dishes, and this one is my favorite so far. Oh how I love Risotto I am a big, big fan of risotto.  I love it simply done with a little parmesan or something more exotic such as with truffles, but this pesto version is pretty good too.  Not only is it delicious but it is also pretty easy to make, making this a perfect side for dinner tonight. Yes, you can make it tonight…a weeknight.  You will be surprised…

  • Homemade Oreo Whoopie Pies…YES please

    So I am sucker for Oreo Cookies.  There is usually a package of them in my pantry at all times.  I have tried almost every variety but the classic is still my favorite.  What is your favorite? Why make them yourself? I ask, why not?  First, look how cute they are.   Two little pillowy cakes with a  creamy center…I’m in love.  Second, they are DELICIOUS!!  Third, they are SO EASY. Yes, they really are easy.  I know I was surprised too but trust me they are really are so easy. Let’s talk cake The beauty of whoopee pies is that they are a cake and cupcake that had a…

  • Spinach & Cheese Stuffed Chicken

    Have you ever just stared into your freezer and wondered how in the world you are going to make something yummy for dinner with what you have?  Well, that was me not too long ago and then it hit me…I am going to stuff some chicken.   I mean who doesn’t love a little stuffed chicken every now and then? What to stuff it with… Now that I decided to stuff chicken breasts what was I going to stuff them with?  Off to the fridge I went and discovered spinach, garlic (I always have minced garlic), cream cheese and goat cheese.     I don’t know about you but that…

  • a little lemon to brighten up broccolini a bit

    Broccolini is one of my most favorite veggies.  When I say favorite I mean FAVORITE, and this Lemon Garlic version is my MOST FAVORITE! Quick & Easy I don’t know about you but sometimes side dishes can get super boring.  I can get into a rut and make the same thing over and over. For me I make the same sides because they are easy and they come together quick and they are easy. Sometimes though, I like a change. Just because we are going to change it up that doesn’t mean it can’t be quick and easy.  This side is not only quick but it is also easy and…

  • Celebrate with this berry trifle

    The first long weekend of the summer is here.  School is getting out.  The days are getting longer and it is time to enjoy it all with family & friends.  Trust me this berry trifle is a perfect way to enjoy it all! Berrylicious Everything  Walking through the produce section of my local grocery stores and farmers markets I am overwhelmed with all the beautiful berries. With the long Holiday weekend here I want to highlight them in this amazing triple berry trifle.   Even better it is  red, white and blue making it perfect for Memorial Day (& the 4th of July too).  Ok really it is perfect for any summer party…