The Organized Life, December Paint Bucket

Do you cook more or less in December than any other month?  I want to really make an effort not to make things too complicated this month but still have plenty of exciting dishes coming from my kitchen~Here are the recipes I am going to use for inspiration on the busy December days ahead.  If … Continue reading

Happy Thanksgiving! Orange Roll Clouds

Happy Thanksgiving! I am sure you are up to your elbows in turkey and stuffing so I just wanted to share a quick dish you might want to make for a special holiday treat, mmmmm…Christmas or a New Year’s Brunch perhaps? The best way to describe these pillowy soft rolls is clouds They are like … Continue reading

Tablescapes, A Little Christmas Past

Thanksgiving is on the horizon but with Christmas just around the corner I couldn’t help thinking about last year…and I was reminded of the many things I have to be thankful for tomorrow… The delight on Super Boy’s face as we hung the advent calendar with its big pop of red Visions of sugar plums … Continue reading

Take-out Tuesday, Mustard Maple Pecan Chicken Thighs

Touted to be over the top fabulous and easy, I had to give this chicken dish a try~ I could tell just by reading the method and ingredients it was likely to be just that~ Now I realize with Thanksgiving only 2 days away you might not want poultry, but when all that turkey wears … Continue reading

Recipe Box, Butternut and Spinach Cannelloni with Brown Butter Sage

I wish this was my recipe…I would love to take all the credit… Are you ready? Creamy butternut squash and ricotta wrapped with fresh spinach in a fresh pasta sheet and drenched with a brown butter sage sauce~uh huh! It is so light, and different from so many pasta dishes. This little masterpiece is the … Continue reading

Home Decor, Fancy Fake Packages

I don’t know how long ago I wrapped these silver kleenex boxes, Was it Christmas 2009, where the boxes dotted the centerpiece of frosted glass snowmen running down the table? I can’t remember, but I know that I’ve had them a long time, and have used them tons of ways especially this year~ Last Christmas … Continue reading

Recipe Box, Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Salad with Maple Bacon

This can be a side dish or a meal~ sometimes I want a lighter dinner than HH so I made chicken for him,  and I just had this salad… This salad is so appealing for this time of year, it’s warm, yet light, and full of autumn flavors… sweet potatoes, maple, and any time is … Continue reading

Home Decor, 1 Week to Go!

Thanksgiving is only a week away!  Halloween seems like yesterday~ I just love pumpkins and I’ll keep them as long as I can~ What is your upcoming holiday plan? I keep things simple this time of year, and try not to stress out before all the holiday cheer Between the Halloween goblins and the Christmas … Continue reading

Gifts from the Kitchen, Everything Cocktail Cookies

I have been playing with Everything seasoning a lot lately and couldn’t resist trying it in a version of cheese straws. Traditional cheese straws get a kick from cayenne pepper and they are often too spicy hot for me. I know, I’m a whimp… These are flavorful without the heat, a savory tasty treat.  They … Continue reading

Take-out Tuesday, Secret Shortcuts and Oven BBQ Ribs

I must confess, sometimes I cheat a little… yep, I am not always cooking away… I do love to cook, but not when I’m rushed or exhausted… which is so common for this time of year… so I am going to share my favorite shortcut secrets with you shhh….. When you need a little motivation, … Continue reading