• Strawberry Cobbler

    I found myself in quite the situation yesterday…there were a ton of strawberries in my refrigerator that I had to use..  I had planned on making a strawberry dessert for Easter, but due to some family stuff I didn’t get too.  Now I had to figure out something yummy to make with them. Cobbler is was! Was craving cobbler… As the weather gets warmer, I do live in southeast Texas so we are warming up down here, all I want are fruit desserts and cobbler is always at the top of the list.  Growing up peach cobbler or blackberry cobbler were my favorites but once when I was in college…

  • a perfect late summer quinoa

    Quinoa is for sure one of my favorite sides.  I love it on its own, with chicken or fish, or mixed into a salad.  One of my latest creations is this Cilantro Lime Quinoa and I am OBSESSED with it!! A side for ANYTHING & ANYTIME!  I love sides that can be used for multiple meals.  For this quinoa I love it it beside some grilled chicken, but the next day I eat it cold for lunch with come chopped avocado & pico de gallo in it.   Yes you read that right, I eat it cold. One of my favorite ways to have quinoa is cold or in a…

  • a little added summer fun

    Are the kids bored yet?  Out of ideas to make this summer something to remember?  Too much data being used from iPads and iPhones? It is time to take this summer to next level. Give each day a FOCUS By giving each day a theme you can get everyone excited for something new each day.  It all starts with making it memorable and ends with fun for all and that sounds like a summer I could excited about. Each day…something new Monday starts the week off by making something that will last.  Maybe a music video, or a TV show.  Create a storybook with illustrations or family photos.  Create a…

  • Weeknight Grilling Goodness

    I am all about the grill in the summer.  I will do anything to not have the oven on heating up the house.  So whether it is pork, steak or chicken I want it cooked on the grill as often as possible.  I love it even more if the sides can be cooked on the grill as well. With this Grilled Veggie recipe, my kitchen may get a 3 month break. SO many options As I was walking through the farmers market a few weekends ago I was blown away by all the great produce.  There was summer squash, zucchini, baby eggplants, peppers, onions…and so much more.  I couldn’t pick…

  • Take advantage of all this summer has to offer!!

    Summer is definately in full swing and I know for me it started without me.  Even though it is almost July it is not too late to take full advantage of all it has to offer.  OK, maybe not everything but at least a lot of it. My Summer Bucket List I am defiantly a list person so making a bucket list was a must do for me.  After I started I have to say I got super excited for the next 2 months.   I am definately going to make a conscience effort to enjoy it as much as I can and not the busy over-take. Make the most…

  • no rollin here for these sugar cookies…

    Summer is here.  The kids are almost out of school (or maybe they already are) and that means it is time to BAKE!  What do you like to bake int he summer…how about cookies?  How about no roll sugar cookies?  OK perfect…lets start there!! I just love the light texture of the cookie with the sweet frosting that is colored in all the best summer colors…or any colors you want. No rolling here The one problem I have with frosted sugar cookies though is that most of them require you to refrigerate them, then roll them out, then bake them, let them cool then finally frost them.  Now I understand that they are totally…

  • Spring Brussels Sprouts everyone will LOVE

    I can’t believe Easter has already come and gone and that we are more than half way through April.  That means warmer temps, longer days & humidity in my part of the world.  It also means it is time to celebrate all spring flavors and one of my favorite is lemon. & Some Brussels Sprouts Too Not only do I love lemons in the Spring but I really love them with Brussels Sprouts….especially these roasted ones with a little parmesan cheese.  The char from the outside skins on the sprouts really pairs well with the brightness and tang from the lemon juice and zest. I also think it is really…

  • Valentines at home

    Valentines Day is almost here and I don’t know about you but I love to have a special dinner at home rather fighting the crowds…and this year it is all about steaks. Not your ordinary steak The Hubby loves steaks, and is always up to grilling his favorite cut of meat but this time it is going to be so much more than just a grilled steak…he just doesn’t know it yet. First off we need to season the steaks.  Most of the time I like to keep things simple with just a little salt & pepper but for this steak I want something a little different so I am going to add…

  • It’s still summer

    OK…I know.  It is September, Starbucks has pumpkin spice latte’s coming out go their ears and halloween candy is popping up at your stores…but guys it is still officially summer!!  Fall is does not start for another 15 days and that means we have just enough time for one more summer dessert (that I personally make year round). It’s all about the curd… SO I am a HUGE fan of lemon curd and always have some in my refrigerator,  I use it for everything from breakfast to desserts.  For me this is a staple year round, it is just so, so good! Now I know the idea of making curd…

  • 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…