Many home cooks are crazy about their electric slow cooker. Personally I am a bigger fan of braising in a Dutch oven. I just like the taste of food cooked slowly in the oven better than on a counter top. The meat and vegetables achieve a deeper flavor in the Dutch oven. Their tops and … Continue reading »
Growing up there were a few dishes that my grandma would make only for holiday meals or special family dinners. My sister and I looked forward to them and made sure to double check that they would be on the menu a week or so in advance of the meal. One of these recipes is … Continue reading »
Easter candy is my favorite of all the candies marketed specifically for holidays. I love the bright colors. I especially love the chocolate eggs with crispy candy shells, fruit flavored jelly beans, and larger pastel malted chocolate eggs. Next Sunday I am sure I will wind up consuming more than my fair share of sugar. I do … Continue reading »
I planned to take a break from making treats. I was going to focus on savory side dishes and warm-your-tummy dinner suggestions. I was going to make a bit more effort in presenting a reflection of how our family eats on a daily basis. Instead I made a cake. After sitting quietly in the back … Continue reading »
During my elementary school years people in Seattle dressed more formally for the office. My dad went to work wearing an pressed shirt, tie, and polished shoes that he covered with these funny waterproof over-shoes. He called them rubbers. That has nothing to do with the story but it makes me giggle. Every morning Dad … Continue reading »
The shortest day of the year is less than a month away. On days when the sun makes an appearance it will turn brassy by mid-afternoon. Children scamper home from school trailing long shadows the sidewalk. Our house is still adorned for fall. I can’t bring myself to shove all the lovely rusty colored decorations into … Continue reading »
This week there are thousands of people planning menus with sleek modern foods for Thanksgiving. I am not one of them. I like the cozy comfort of traditional favorites. However, honoring tradition doesn’t have to be done to the letter. Take these biscuits, for example. Mr. Second Helpings asked to have some form of bread … Continue reading »
I hesitate to call something the BEST EVER. Liking something is completely subjective and depends on many things but in this case I can say it with no reservations. This pie, this Crustless Pumpkin Pie, is officially, my BEST EVER Crustless Pumpkin Pie! Yes. I feel good about that. Now for the challenge, how do … Continue reading »
We have reached the peak of the summer produce season and it is time to indulge in one of my favorite treats – fresh corn eaten right off the cob. I spend the bulk of the year looking forward to the few weeks we have access to this guilt-free indulgence. I’ll take it … Continue reading »
Life in the Second Helpings household continues to be a whirlwind. Mr. Second Helpings and I are back from our grand adventure in New York City. We are both honored and grateful that Weight Watchers gave us the opportunity to be both in New York and featured as success stories for their website. I want to … Continue reading »