France’s yellow split pea soup

This soup was made for my Soup & Sandwich Swap event, which you can read about HERE for more recipes and pictures.

France’s yellow split pea soup
1 lb dried yellow or green split peas1 lb cubed turkey ham diced (ham and ham bone can also be used)1 1/2 cup carrots peeled diced1 1/2 cup potatoes peeled [...]

Fresh Vegetable Pizza Squares

The following recipe was made for my guests during my Fall Snacks cooking class. You can read and view links to other recipes I made HERE.
Fresh Vegetable Pizza Squares
Recipe adapted from HERE
2 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened1/2 (1 ounce) package Ranch-style dressing mix2 carrots, finely chopped1 cup fresh [...]

Seafood Paella

The following recipe was made and shared at my Tapas party. You can read about the event and view links to the other recipes shared HERE.
Seafood Paellashared at the event by Joelenrecipe adapted from here
3 tablespoons organic extra virgin olive oil

1 large head garlic (or 12 cloves), peeled and chopped1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped1 [...]

Simple Roast Chicken

The following recipe was made and shared at my Chef Spotlight dinner, highlighting Julia Child. You can read and view links to the other recipes HERE.
Joelen’s Simple Roast Chickenrecipe from Food Network:
1 (3 1/2 to 4 pound) chicken1 small yellow onion, quartered1 lemon, thinly sliced1/2 cup celery leavesSalt and black pepperButter1 small onion, chopped1 carrot, [...]

Clean out the fridge… It’s time for Pot Roast!

Last night I defrosted what I thought were beef shanks. While on my way home, I decided to do an asian twist on a beef osso bucco. However when I went to get started, I realized I defrosted some beef chuck instead! It worked out great because it’s been awhile since I had made a [...]

Thai on a Gloomy Day

What’s a cuisine I haven’t had in a while? Thai! Rather than hitting up the nearest Thai restaurant (several are within walking distance from me) I decided to make some Thai Basil Beef Stir Fry . It allowed me to use up some veggies on hand and savor some favorite Thai flavors.Here’s my recipe for [...]

Braisin’ Beef

Tonight I was in the mood for a rich fall meal… and had some leftover port wine to use. So to hit the spot, I made braised beef shanks in a port wine sauce. Here’s my recipe for port braised beef shanks…
4 beef shankssalt, pepper, italian seasoning to tasteolive oil2 cloves garlic, mincedmiripoix: 1/2 cup [...]

Tex mex chopped salad

Tex mex chopped salad w/spicy roasted chicken
& cilantro lime vinaigrette…
Spicy Roasted Chicken:cut up chicken piecesolive oilSeasonings: 1 teaspoon of eachsaltblack peppercuminchili powderonion powdergarlic powderpaprikasazon seasoning w/cilantro
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Combine all seasonings in a small bowl and mix.Season chicken pieces with seasoning mix liberally.Place seasoned chicken in dutch oven.Pour olive oil over chicken.Bake in [...]

8 Layer Salad

8 Layer Salad
Combine your preferred amounts of the following building from bottom to top in a trifle bowl. Allow salad to chill at least 2 hours or even overnight before serving.
LettuceCarrotsTomatoesCornPeasShredded Cheddar CheeseSalad Dressing seasoned with garlic powderChopped Bacon

‘Mac It Up

Macaroni shouldn’t always be associated with cheese. In fact, in our house, it’s given fair treatment as other pastas we cook with. Tonight, I made my meaty macaroni that’s chock full of vegetables, italian sausage, ground beef and parmesan cheese. In fact, I used my previously made bolognese sauce (which I made & froze) and [...]