• in honor of all their hard work

    Are you watching the Olympics?  I am pretty sure I have watched more rowing and beach volleyball in the last 2 days than I have ever seen in all my life.  Of course I have also watched a ton of gymnastics and swimming.  I just love the swimming. I have to tell you though, I get tired just watching them.  Yes, just watching them on TV I feel as if I swam a 800 fly.  Yes that was me speaking swim. Honoring them… I love hearing all the stories about how the athletes got where they are now.  Some started at such a young age while others jumped into their sport…

  • stack it up

    It is Monday!!  Where did the weekend go?  Also, did you know that simmer is also over?  Yay…it is crazy school starts in 2 weeks. Monday needs easy…EVERYTHING When Monday rolls around I know I love it when I can feed my peeps something yummy and EASY…because lets be real who wants to slave away for hours in the kitchen on Monday. When I was growing up my mom loved making casseroles…and now I love them so much.  They are perfect for a family, as they can feed a lot.  They make great leftovers…meaning you can have meals for a couple of days (always a plus) and you can usually…

  • Grill the weekend away…

    What are your plans this weekend?  Are you taking a little time away?  Hanging out with friends and family?  Are you grilling?  In my house we will be grilling for sure…and who knows what else. Whats on the grill? Are you doing burgers (like these sliders)?   How about those fries I posted yesterday?  Maybe some BBQ chicken or fish?  The possibilities are really endless, including the beginning of a delicious dessert like these grilled pineapples. This last week The Hubby branched out a bit and threw some veggies and sausage links on the grill…and it was AMAZING!! Sausage? The Hubby and I love Costco.  We get everything from meat…

  • The more spicy… the more better

    Are you a sauce person?  I am a HUGE sauce person.    I like sauces on everything from pasta to  dessert, but with fries is a must. Sauce, why? Ok, I understand that not everyone is a fan of sauce with their fries, but I urge you to just try it. There is just something so yummy about a creamy sauce paired with a crispy fry (like these grilled ones).  It just that makes the experience so much better. Spicing things up For fries I like a spicy sauce.  You could use jalapeño peppers, green chilies or black pepper but for this time around I used sriracha.  Lately I have become…

  • Fries without any frying…

    yep…you read that right.  I give you fries all done with any frying, even better they are primarily done on the grill. Fries any way, anytime… I love potatoes any way you give them to me, but I really, really love fries.  I mean is there anything better then a hot batch of fast food fries?  Maybe the non-fast food version…but still fries. I am that girl that will actually crave them, and The Hubby is that amazing guy who will actually go get them when I want them…he is so awesome. As much as I love fries I am not picky about the variety of fry…I love the original version and…

  • simple, grilled salmon that is so good

    Simple is sometimes so, so good.  You know like an apple on a hot day, or just a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream…sometimes simple really is best. Salmon can be simple? Sure it can be, but it is a special simple.  This salmon is seasoned with a favorite little blend, giving it a ton of flavor while still letting the fish be the star.    You could definitely use some fresh herbs or additional spices if you wish, but this is a favorite blend for us. Grilled?  Why? Why not? I mean it’s summer here in SE Texas and that is grilling weather.  Anytime we can cook outside and…

  • Cheesecake in bars + another favorite

    If you were to ask The Hubby what dessert he would want he would say chocolate chip cookies or cheesecake.  If you were to ask me I would say anything chocolate…yes ANYTHING chocolate.  So last week when I was craving something sweet I decided to bring together two favorites into one…Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars. Two in one? Yes…cheesecake and chocolate chip cookies all in one bar for a dessert everyone will love. The cookie batter is a perfect balance of semi sweet chips and dark chocolate chips.  I use both as I think the balance is perfect with the richness of the cream cheese filling.  If you do not care for…

  • Welcoming the week with blueberry LOVE

    Hello Monday!  Oh my, where did the weekend go?  I don’t know about you but I could use a long weekend. Well since we are not going to get an extra day let’s at least start the week off right with these muffins! Lemon & Blueberry, yes please First of all I love lemon and I love blueberries but I really love the two when they are put together.    I especially LOVE this combo in the summer. The lemon is just so fresh and the berries add a sweet little burst, making these muffins AMAZING!! Muffins make me smile There is just something so fun about a muffin.  I…

  • I need this Chocolate Pie…NOW

    I think I could eat pie everyday, given the opportunity.  I love a good creamy filling topped with more yumminess all wrapped in a flaky crust.  Doesn’t it just sound so good?  Well, if you love pie too you have to try this Chocolate Cream Pie…it is a must make for sure!! Chocolate, please… My favorite pie of all time is definitely a chocolate cream pie.  I just love the deep dark chocolate filling paired with a fully whipped cream topping, making each bite  OH SO GOOD! For this pie I used bittersweet chocolate.  The sis-in-law and I prefer a dark more bitter taste. If you wanted a lighter chocolate you…

  • Easy Peasy Pie Crust

    Do you make your own pie crust?  Did you just look at me (thru the computer) like I am a crazy person?  I know, I know, why make your own crust when you can buy it?  Well, the short answer is…it is so much better and its easy!! It’s easy? YES!!  You throw everything into a food processor and voila your done.  I mean you still have to roll it out but pretty much it’s done. I love this because you don’t really have to worry about over working the dough and it has come out perfect each time I have made this version.  Plus I am little crazy and anytime…