I didn’t even like turkey before I discovered brining. Seriously. I thought turkey was over-rated and had no idea why millions of Americans made it each year. Then my brother-in-law Matt made a brined turkey for one Thanksgiving. I thought “well, this is a little better.” Then I found this recipe. We have turkey every year now. Before anything else,… Read More
Main Dishes
Shrimp Fried Rice & Homemade White Shrimp Sauce
We love Japanese hibachi (especially shrimp fried rice). And the white shrimp sauce. Oh, the white shrimp sauce is amazing! And we were lucky enough to be stationed near a good restaurant on our first two duty stations. Then we moved to Washington state. Washington has a lot going for it: year-round temperate weather, skiing, supermarkets filled with specialty items.... Read More
White Chicken Enchiladas
This is one of the most fabulous recipes in my cookbook. It took a lot of work to develop the recipe, and is a combination of suggestions from 4 different sites, which I then edited even further. But these 'White Chicken Enchiladas' are worth it. And despite the vegetables snuck into the filling, it's been kid-approved by my nephew and... Read More
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (even the noodles!)
Comfort-food wise, there are few things that can beat homemade chicken noodle soup. While the canned stuff works in a pinch, it’s not even close to the real thing. Not to mention that the entire house smells delicious after it’s been simmering a couple of hours. Another thing I like about this recipe? It freezes well. So I can make… Read More
Mexican Quinoa: Healthy, One-Pot Meal
This is probably our household’s new favorite (healthy) dish. I admit that I don’t think ANYTHING is ever going to beat my “Chicken and Wild Rice Soup,” so it would be a lie to say it’s our absolutely favorite dish. I like it because it’s a one-pot meal. (Less dishes!). And it’s healthy. Husband loves it because he can dump... Read More
Roasted Salmon with Bell Pepper & Tomato Vinaigrette
Does anyone else have a recipe that the family simply clamors for? Requests on such a regular basis you feel like throwing the cookbook at them and yelling “There are other options!” ? Roasted Salmon with Bell Pepper & Tomato Vinaigrette is one of those recipes in my household. My husband loves this. Love as in “asks for every other week”... Read More
Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken & Pork Kebabs
When I first found this concept, I said “mmmm…bacon on chicken...okay”. Then I said "bourbon?!" I decided “Why stop with chicken?” So I grabbed chicken, steak, and pork, and tried them all out. And we arrive at Bacon Bourbon BBQ Chicken, Pork, and Steak Kebabs. Verdict: I thought the chicken was best. Husband liked the pork best. The steak was... Read More
Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Pork Recipe
I love BBQ pulled pork. And it is hard to find good BBQ. We're military- so every time we move, the search for a great place starts again. And while smoking the meat is obviously the best method, I don't have a day to dedicate every time I want pulled pork. Plus I don't own a smoker. Then I saw... Read More
Smoked Sausage & Shrimp Jambalaya (made with authentic homemade seasoning)
I love, love, love this Smoked Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya. Though I have to admit to a fondness for spicy food. So Cajun food in general is something I love. I also love the things I learn while researching recipes and ingredients. Apparently there is this a difference between Cajun and Creole….and it seems that my jambalaya is actually “Creole” jambalaya.... Read More
Baked Tilapia Veracruz: Healthy, Easy, Delicious
Tilapia Veracruz is one of my household’s favorite. Healthy. Delicious. I can eat the entire dish for under 1,000 calories. (Not that anyone needs to eat an entire dish.) And it’s easy. I’ve been making this for years and it still gets requested on a regular basis! I eat just the fish and veggies. Husband prefers to eat it with... Read More