“Stars and Stripes” Dessert … And “Over 21” Independence Day Jello-Shots**

“Stars and Stripes” Dessert … And “Over 21” Independence Day Jello-Shots**. Continue reading →

College Corned Beef Colcannon and Jamie’s Lemon Birthday Cake

Direct and to the point… What have you got? We came to teach them how to make a Corned Beef Colcannon and celebrate Jamie’s Birthday…  LET’S GO SHOPPING. RUSH back and get the pickling spices mixed with a bottle of beer and enough water to cover corned beef, fat side up. Bring to a boil … Continue reading →

2012 in review Sweet Fortune Cookie!

Thank you dear readers. May 2013 be filled with love, prosperity, good health and joy! The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog. Here’s an excerpt: 4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 51,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this … Continue reading →

Struffoli Balls Not From the Bakery For Anthony

This Strufolli recipe is for Anthony. Anthony commented on my Struffoi recipe…and gave me a great laugh. I ordered the Struffoli balls and didn’t make them… for Easter. Now it’s Christmas and time to make them again. Anthony’s Comment: “They look wonderful, but there’s no recipe! Go to an Italian bakery and BUY them? That’s … Continue reading →

Matisse Afternoon With Rosemary Parmesan Balsamic Chips

A Matisse week in May, kicked back, socializing, and Chef Craig Boroughf’s adaptation of a Chicago favorite! Ready and easy in minutes… What with Mother’s Day…et.all… Salty, sweet and snappy.  Just like  your mother! Matisse Chips *Recipe adaptation of West Town Tavern Potato Chips courtesy of Susan Goss, Executive Chef/Co-owner, West Town Tavern, Chicago, IL … Continue reading →

Eye Popping Popcorn On The Cob

The Green City Farmer’s Market in Chicago is full of surprises in early Spring…things I don’t notice other times of the year, when the colorful fruits and vegetables capture my eye and imagination. Popcorn on the cob? My young audience was incredulous. In the microwave? The hardest part is harnessing our impatience. The aroma extends … Continue reading →

Blue Moon Potatoes and Rock and Roll Chicken

“Help me help myself.” Maria Montessori’s quote is the inspiration for this recipe… and the Gluten-free Bisquick® box. How’s this for a contented look on a kid? Anthony, age eight, prepared this meal on his own with a little guidance and he also made the broccoli and cauliflower recipe posted earlier, but we snacked on … Continue reading →

Seafood Paella Ole

Olivia started it with a gift of a beautiful Spanish fan and a pair of fine leather Spanish gloves. A vial of Spanish saffron from Laura and Miguel with the promise of Miguel’s Paella recipe…. A red and black Spanish apron from Nancy and John with more polka-dots and ruffles than a Carmen Miranda movie! … Continue reading →

“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence.” Calvin Coolidge

Two more days. As some of you know through email, I entered the PAM Cooking Tips Contest. I’m a contender. In the top 19 this morning. I used the tip of using PAM to spray the pan and ice cube trays for easy release of the stars. From my blog: Stars and Stripes Desserts and … Continue reading →

Super Bowl Avocado Cream Chili Pot Pie

Nancy and John had a Chili and Cornbread Cook-Off. There were three categories, Chili, Vegetarian Chili, and Cornbread. What an aromatic… and filling. Fun and easy! After 4pm people started arriving with grins, boxes, pots, slow-cookers, beer, wine, and kids. A serious competition. This group is serious about their Chili. Pierre, The 2010 Rib Throwdown … Continue reading →