Ready for something a tad more advanced?  It takes time to make, but it is SO worth it. I fell in love with croissant making a few semesters ago in my Laminated Dough class.  Bread making is among my favorite things to do in the kitchen, but making laminated doughs (doughs with butter sandwiched between the layers) tops that.  It takes time to make laminated dough and the process has taught me a lot about being patient in the kitchen.  Some things can’t be rushed. Making croissants at... Read Full Story

Make no mistake, I adore macaroni and cheese. I have posted a recipe here before and it is sublime. It is one of my favorite things to eat, and I love to tinker with my original recipe and see what new variations I can come up with.   This new recipe combines macaroni and cheese with another of my culinary loves,  Tex-Mex food.  Trust me, this recipe really, really works!  How do I know this?  Well, aside from my own judgment in the matter, my husband ate a whole bowl.  A whole bowl people! ... Read Full Story

Growing up we would go to Houston for Thanksgiving and spend it with my mom’s family. We would always have Thanksgiving dinner at my Aunt Ruby’s house, because she had the largest dining room, and the food was always spectacular. Of course, as a child all I was only interested in stuffing, rolls, macaroni and cheese, and pie. Yes, I have always been a carb addict! My Aunt Ruby’s pecan pie is the stuff of family legend. For the longest time she was the only one who had ... Read Full Story

Braising is one of my favorite ways to prepare tough cuts of meat. This slow method of cooking breaks down the connective tissues and fat making otherwise tough cuts of meat tender, juicy, and very flavorful.  I almost feel bad for people who have no idea how wonderful cheap cuts can be.  Of the cheap cuts short ribs have quickly become my favorite.   They have so much beef flavor, they are tender and buttery if prepared properly, and they are always a crowd pleaser.  These short ribs make a... Read Full Story

I don’t know about you but after a long day at work, or a busy day out and about, the last thing I want is dinner that takes any kind of effort to prepare.  This is about as easy as they come. That is why I love, and adore, chicken legs!  They make dinner so easy.  They require little attention, cook within 45 minutes, and they are admired and loved by young and old alike.  I also love that you can eat them with your hands! Of course, this recipe is also good for whole chickens and tu... Read Full Story

Looking for a fun pumpkin dessert to take to a Thanksgiving pot-luck, neighborhood party, or office shindig that isn’t a pie? Then look no further!  These fun little cupcakes combine the tradition of pumpkin, the quintessential Thanksgiving dessert squash, with the fun of cupcakes – and, really, who doesn’t love a cupcake?  They are the perfect size after a large meal, they are very portable, and they keep on the counter for up to two days making them a great make ahead it... Read Full Story

Warning, this is a photo heavy post!  Why?? This weekend was the First Annual FoodBuzz Blogger Festival!     I arrived to a somewhat gloomy, and slightly damp, afternoon in San Francisco.  Our flight, which was blessedly smooth, was on time and we arrived at our hotel just after lunch.    Thanks to Bertolli my hotel, air and transportation to and from the airport was taken care of because I was one of the lucky scholarship winners.  I also got to meet the other winners at a champagne toast th... Read Full Story

Warning, this is a photo heavy post!  Why?? This weekend was the First Annual FoodBuzz Blogger Festival!     I arrived to a somewhat gloomy, and slightly damp, afternoon in San Francisco.  Our flight, which was blessedly smooth, was on time and we arrived at our hotel just after lunch.    Thanks to Bertolli my hotel, air and transportation to and from the airport was taken care of because I was one of the lucky scholarship winners.  I also got to meet the other winners at a champagne toast th... Read Full Story

I’ve established that I used to be in a potato rut.  No longer, I am happy to report, and this recipe proves it. Potato soup is something I love to eat but never really make.   The last recipe I tried made a large pot of what can best be described as wall paper paste.  So, when I was looking at some extra potatoes that I needed to use, I decided to make some potato soup that would actually be creamy, velvety, and a delight to eat. Now, if we are going to make potato soup why not go al... Read Full Story

I’ve established that I used to be in a potato rut.  No longer, I am happy to report, and this recipe proves it. Potato soup is something I love to eat but never really make.   The last recipe I tried made a large pot of what can best be described as wall paper paste.  So, when I was looking at some extra potatoes that I needed to use, I decided to make some potato soup that would actually be creamy, velvety, and a delight to eat. Now, if we are going to make potato soup why not go al... Read Full Story