Can I say it one more time? I love autumn! I don’t even like to call it fall. I love the changing leaves, the chilly breezes, the smell of crisp apples…
Which is why it seems so amazingly unfair that I have lived in Texas for most of my adult life. Lest this turn into another whine about the four states where I would prefer to hang my Calphalon pots we will move right along to the post for today..

If you make these small they are great appetizers. If you make them a little larger they are a breakfast roll. Either …read more

Honeydew is one of my favorite flavors of summer. Salsa is, well it is practically a food group here in Texas. Over the past few years salsa has come into its own, and is being made from nearly everything you can imagine. I was intrigued with the idea of honeydew salsa. I saw the original on Epicurious and knew I was going to make it. Soon.

The salsa is so unique, I think. It is sweet, spicy, warm with cilantro, and cool with the honeydew. Perfect for the Dog Days of August!

The colors were refreshing, too. Green, light green, purple…

This is …read more

I had seen the strawberry tartare in the March (maybe?) issue of Tea Times and I knew I wanted to do something similar for Erin’s shower. The strawberry mixture was mounded in silver spoons and it created a very whimsical amuse bouche.
I wasn’t sure how to make it work for the shower but I was determined to do so.  And, I am happy to say, not only did it work, it was awesome.  The flavors came together to create a refreshing palate cleanser and everyone loved them.

My son Matthew came up with the brilliant idea of placing the bowls of …read more

I know..you wonder why I have waited so long, don;t you?
Honestly, it was pure D. laziness on my part.  He sent me this awesome recipe but when I tried to publish it there was a lot of code that I needed to delete.
So I deleted the whole thing because I was in a hurry.
This Asian inspired calamari salad is incredible.  I am very picky about calamari.  I have had it at the Sardine Factory in Monterey, as well as a place that used to be on Canary Row called the Outrigger and I liked it both times…but I won’t order …read more

 
Deviled Eggs. You know you have to have them. With 4th of July coming up I am whispering one word to my chickens to get them in egg laying overdrive. Cacciatore.

One of the secrets for staying on a diet is to eat really good food. While celery may be low calorie and fill a chewing need it is really pretty mundane and doesn’t give much in the way of sensory satisfaction. Rather than a cottage cheese and broiled chicken breast lunch (again!) try a plate of small, assorted appetizers like these. Phyllo dough gives the luxury of puff pastry without the calories or fat. The intense tomato flavor and the tangy cheese just makes your mouth happy it belongs to you.

 
Yeah, it is pretty much down to the wire, isn’t it? Whether you need a few last minute things to round out the table or you need a whole buffet of last minute appetizers we have ya covered!
Here are some quick and easy appetizer ideas

Absolutely, guaranteed THE BEST New Year’s Eve Appetizers on the Internet.Seriously, have I ever led you astray? I mean besides that time…. These appetizers aren’t necessarily make ahead, or quick, or last minute, or cheap, or easy. They are, in my not so humble opinion, simply the best.Sometimes you need to serve the best. The most beautiful, the most elegant, the most unusual and delicious. Sometimes it is just fun to look at recipes you would make if you had the time or the money. These are the most beautiful, elegant, unusual of them all, perfect for the fancy …read more

We are now counting down the days until the New Year.
For us, New Year’s Eve has never been a big deal. We often play board games with the kids, or watch a movie because we are rather low key I suppose. I grew up in an alcoholic home and I dislike being around people who have had too much to drink. But there is always a place for good food in any holiday celebration so whether you are planning a big bash with 1,000 of your best and closest friends, or a quiet evening with those you …read more

Thanksgiving is this week!
This is always a busy week for me and sometimes I just want to get the kids busy doing something so that I can concentrate on other things. I don;t usually use convenience foods like slice and bake cookies, cake mix or premade frosting but here are some ideas for foods the kids can make by themselves!  The mixes just mean that they can be more independent-more time for you to get your stuff done!

1. Check out these cute Turkey Cookies from Pillsbury!
2. Let them make some Pumpkin Ice Cream

3. How cute are these Marshmallow …read more