Desserts | Recipes

Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

I know. I know. Peanuts have become a bit of a public enemy in the past decade; however, if you are the part of the 99% of the world whose throat does not start closing up at the mere sight of the picture above, then stay with me. Nothing quite says America like a classic […]

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Desserts | Recipes

Carrot Cake

I am actually not big on desserts but I am a huge fan of celebrations and nothing says celebration more than a decadent labor-of-love dessert so I happen to have a few solid signature cake recipes in my back pocket. Big Country’s all-time favorite is carrot cake. He is always on the lookout for a […]

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healthy | Recipes | Salads

Warm Salad with Chicken Cutlets and Goat Cheese

Salads are kinda my thing. I love thinking up creative versions that include veggies, a touch of fruit, a flavorful protein, nuts, something crunchy and tossed with some sort of vinaigrette dressing. I try to keep them light and nutritious. And when the colder months come around, I crave combos that are a little heavier […]

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Casserole | Recipes

Shepherd’s Pie

I don’t know what your family considers comfort food but when my family thinks of winter comfort food, this Shepherd’s Pie recipe is at the top of the list. It’s a stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal that does not leave much room for dessert. My mom made her Shepherd’s Pie with Campbell Tomato soup as a […]

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healthy | Recipes | Soups | Vegan

Pumpkin Black Bean Soup

I know I’m not alone in loving the cooler weather and warmer flavors and colors of fall. Many people don’t realize that the Midwest has some of the most extreme weather–ridiculously hot summer days and bitterly cold winter days. Add in the element of incessant wind and our weather can be downright inhospitable. So, when […]

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Desserts | Recipes

Simply Tiramisu

I was out of town shopping with my girls last week and came across a package of ladyfingers which reminded me that it was my sister-in-law’s birthday and so I picked them up and came home and made her one of her all-time favorites–tiramisu. I delivered another plate of tiramisu deliciousness to my friend Carol […]

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Appetizers | Recipes

Refried Bean Dip

I don’t know about you but I am one of those people who like most versions of bean dip. It might be a recipe based on pintos or garbanzos or black beans or another type of bean. Its origins might be Middle Eastern or Mediterranean or South American but no matter, I will probably enjoy […]

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