Dotter’s owl-themed birthday party was such fun. It seems like just yesterday we celebrated Dotter’s 16th birthday. I told her and son they must never grow up but neither one of them listened to me. Son now towers over me and Dotter celebrated her 20th birthday this weekend. Cheese Fondue – Click here for the […]
Ground Turkey Tamales With Enchilada Sauce. Tamale. Tamale. I love ya’ tamale. Only, you know, today is tamale. And tamale is today. Oh, who am I tryin’ to kid? I love tamales today. And every day. And tomorrow. And you will too… especially making them at home. Ground Turkey Tamales With Enchilada Sauce Prep Soak […]
Balsamic Fruit Salad. Fresh starts are a good thing. I’m pretty sure we don’t give ourselves enough of them. Fresh starts are a result of proper grieving. Proper grieving happens not only after big, life-changing moments but also needs to be a part of our every-single-freakin’-day processing. We need to grieve when other drivers are […]
Because you can never get enough pancake ideas. Because the weekend is almost here. Because I am on an orange and chocolate kick. I present thee with Orange Chocolate Chip Pancakes With Chocolate Sauce. Fresh and decadent. Healthy and unhealthy – my specialty. You’re welcome. I’m sorry. You’re welcome. Orange Chocolate Chip Pancakes With Chocolate […]
Blueberry Pancakes. I’ve never been one to get into food “holidays”. I mean, who celebrates Bread Machine Month? Please rise. National Pretzel Day? That’s just twisted. National Melba Toast Day? Anyone? Anyone? National Caffeine Awareness Month? Zzzzz. National Kahlua Day? Well, okay. Maybe that one is worth celebrating. But what kind of innkeeper would I […]
Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy. When I am at my normal post, you will not see biscuits and gravy at the inn… until today. Today, the gravy was made with fresh herbs. Today, the biscuits were light and fluffy and moist. Today was lovely. Yeast Biscuits and Country Gravy Serves about 10 people with leftover […]
Braised Chicken With Dried Cherry Compote is gorgeous and festive and scrumptious. She is sexy upon a plate of arugula and impressive for your guests. Doubled or tripled, she is perfect for a shindig – for she is a party on a plate and in your mouth. Braised Chicken With Dried Cherry Compote Braised Chicken […]
Dear Seared Scallops With Pan Sauce, Sizzling hot and topped with glorious sauce… a buttery wine sauce. I love you dearly, our relationship is short-lived for you are far too delicious to stick around for very long. Sin-sear-ly, Deanna Seared Scallops With Pan Sauce Makes 2 servings or appetizers for 4. 1 pound scallops 2 […]
Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad. What does one serve at a party in the fall? Why, a summer-y Mediterranean Pesto Pasta Salad, of course. Who would do such a thing? Maybe a person who just can’t let go of summer. Maybe a person who plays Christmas music in October. Maybe a confused person. Or maybe someone who […]
This classic French Dressing is even better homemade. Pair it with your favorite salad. It goes especially well with a traditional chef’s salad. French Dressing 3/4 cup olive (or sunflower or vegetable) oil 1/2 cup sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 2 tablespoons grated sweet onion 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup ketchup 1 tablespoon paprika […]
Apple Pecan Bread Pudding. I confess. I cannot stop making bread pudding for it is one of the most fascinating of all the breakfast dessert kingdom. It is economical; yet, when made correctly, glamorously even, it is far more wild than it looks. Apple Pecan Bread Pudding 1 loaf of French bread (about 1 pound) […]
Fresh Peach Salsa You don’t need a party to enjoy confetti. In the same way, you don’t need a shindig to enjoy peach salsa. For it is a party in a bowl. Fresh Peach Salsa 3 peaches 1/2 jalapeno pepper, minced 1/2 red bell pepper, minced 1 small red onion, minced 1 bunch of cilantro […]
Meat Roll With Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy. Dear Vegetarians and Vegans, Please avert your eyes for we are about to embark upon the meatiest recipe I’ve ever made. I’m sorry. Love, Deanna And all the men said, “Meat and meat and meat and meat and potatoes? Amen.” Meat Roll With Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy Preheat […]
Perhaps this should be called Indulgent Chicken Marsala. But I can’t help it. I love a breaded piece of chicken. And I love a gravy sauce. One would probably never guess I was born as far away as one can get from the south while still in America. Well, there was that one thing – […]
Fresh Balsamic Cherry Salad is my happy place. He who likes cherries soon learns to climb. – German proverb. Yes, one learns to climb when one likes cherries. Why? Because one would want to put this cherry salad into the pretty bowls which are kept up on the top shelf in the cupboard. I spent […]
I introduce to you the longest route to a Reuben sandwich… but you can call her Ruby. A Reuben sandwich can be very simple. When made traditionally, it is a lovely stack of dark rye bread, corned beef, thousand island dressing, mustard, and sauerkraut. As you can see, I have broken a few rules and […]
Celery Jam. The looks of this post will not make you dance. If anything, it will probably have you sitting and staring at this screen in disbelief with your head tilted ever so slightly to the right. I promise you, though, when you try this you will understand. And even if after making it you […]
How to Make Sauerkraut. This post is for the daring. For those who are not scared of fermentation. For those who happen to have some Himalayan pink salts laying around the house. How to Make Sauerkraut 1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced 1 piece of horseradish root, sliced (optional) 1/4 cup Himalayan pink salt […]
If you could use a little zip and zing in your life, I have the gift of Santa Fe Burgers for you. She is spicy and zesty. She is sauce-y and sweet. She doesn’t care about long walks on the beach or sunsets. She wants to party and sit by the grill with an electric […]
The Pike Place Market Salad… with Salmon, Pear, Blackberries, and almonds. She is fresh. She is lovely and she is everything Seattle on one plate. While walking through Pike Place Market recently, I was handed some smoked salmon by a merchant. I took two steps further and was handed a piece of perfectly ripened pear […]
Fajita Pizza is the best of Italy & the best of Mexico all in one dinner. Fajita Pizza 1 recipe pizza dough 1 1/2 cups Mexican crema 2 cups jack & white cheddar cheese, grated 1 recipe Fajita chicken (below) 1 recipe Pico de Gallo Salsa 1 can black olives, sliced (optional) 1 bunch fresh […]
Coconut Shrimp in Orange Sauce. Fresh. Fried. Sweet. Savory. The gang’s all here to please you. Although this recipe takes a little effort, it brings a big payoff with delicious flavors. Coconut Shrimp in Orange Sauce Coconut Shrimp & Salad Canola oil or vegetable oil One pound shrimp 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon coarse […]
Oven Baked BBQ Pork Ribs. On a rainy day in Seattle, you can hear the raindrops fall upon the outdoor barbecue. To make things feel better and cozier and yummier, make these slow-cooked ribs and have friends over and play games. Or skip the friends and the games and just eat ribs. Oven Baked BBQ […]
Cornbread Muffins and Whipped Honey Butter. When I was little, the only thing I was allowed to order off the menu was grilled cheese and a glass of water. This was how my parents were able to take our family out to eat but still keep things within the budget. It might sound like I […]
Chicken and Spinach Lasagna With White Wine Alfredo Sauce. Does spinach get lost in the back of your refrigerator? Perhaps it’s time to just give in and make it cheesy and buttery and try for salads again next week. Chicken and Spinach Lasagna With White Wine Alfredo Sauce Makes about 8 servings. Preheat oven to […]
Was there ever a potluck where the seven-layer salad was not present when we were kids? Although similar, it seems everyone has their own special take on how a seven-layer salad should look. Mine? Well, I prefer 3 times 7 – hence an abundant 21 layers. The trifle bowl is the very best bowl for layered […]
Breaded Pork Chops With Fresh Sage Gravy. Once you grow sage in your garden, there’s pretty much no room for anything else. They are hearty plants that are thick and full of beautiful sage leaves in no time but even if you don’t happen to have a monstrous sage bush in your garden, you can […]
Meatballs with Red Wine Mushroom Gravy. What does one do after a television appearance? I suppose one writes about meatballs. One can never go wrong with meatballs. Well, unless, you know, one is feeding vegans or something like that. Gruyère Filled Meatballs with Red Wine Mushroom Gravy Preheat oven to 350°F. Gruyère Filled Meatballs 3/4 […]
How to Cook Steak Today, we shall learn to cook a steak inside. We shall make it with butter. And wine. And butter. How to Cook Steak Makes four servings. Preheat oven to 425°F. 4 filet mignon steaks Sea salt Coarse ground pepper 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup butter 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced […]
As our family has steered farther and farther away from fast food, one of our favorite take-outs has become Teriyaki Chicken and Basmati Rice. If you’ve been to enough teriyaki restaurants or store delis, you know that not all teriyakis are created equal. It’s such a treat to be able to create our favorite take-out […]
There are some recipes that we probably shouldn’t know how to make from scratch, like Fettuccine Alfredo sauce. Alas, it is my joy to bring them to you even so. You know, for special occasions. I begged a restaurant waitress to ask the chef for this recipe and, somehow, I walked out with a list […]
Chocolate Crepes With Almond Whipped Cream & Red Wine Chocolate Sauce. Since my birthday is close to Valentine’s Day, I always start celebrating the month of February quite early. Come to think of it, I don’t think there is any holiday I don’t start celebrating early. I suppose there is more chocolate involved with the […]
It’s a snow day here in the Seattle area & that calls for homemade Spaghetti Sauce. I’m thinking about hopping onto a sled later. Or maybe I’ll just write about food. Or maybe I’ll open the B&B for snacks & coffee to the people waiting on the side of the freeway for Snoqualmie Pass to […]
Tater Tot Casserole. Once upon a time, there was a little girl who adored church potlucks. She really couldn’t decide which she loved best, hugs from snuggly grandmas, or their comforting dishes that sat upon the potluck table. One dish always stood out in the crowd, okay, maybe two. The first was blackberry crumble bars. […]
Hollandaise sauce can make the home cook cry. Don’t ask me how I know this. I just do. Here is a sure-fire recipe that will not make you cry and will have your friends & family begging for the recipe. Again, I just know. You’re welcome, friends & family. Hollandaise Sauce 6 large egg yolks […]
A favorite dish at my B&B is my rolled omelet. And because it is Christmas. And because I love you, I am posting the recipe today so you can make it for your loved ones tomorrow. This recipe plays well with Orange Blueberry Scones for the perfect brunch. Rolled Omelet Preheat oven to 350°F. 12 […]
Goat Stuffed Pig with Pear Pan Gravy. Thanksgiving is for Turkey, Christmas is for Fancy A guest post by Libbie Summers – Culinary Producer, Food & Prop Stylist, Recipe Development, Writer Even though my hog farming grandparents had a ham on the Thanksgiving table, the star of the show was always a turkey. The Thanksgiving […]
There’s just something about meals like these Individual Chicken Cottage Pies that are served in single servings that make one feel special. These individual buttery, sage chicken pies are a cozy treat that your family will appreciate after a long day of being lost in the crowds. Individual Chicken Cottage Pies With Sage 3 tablespoons […]
General Tso’s Chicken. “Tso” is pronounced “sow”. The same family favorite from your favorite Chinese restaurant, only now you’re the chef. General Tso’s Chicken Sauce 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon or Chicken Better Than Bouillon 1 tablespoon red or white wine vinegar 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce […]
Meet the dinner that knocked Joey Fatone off his feet… saucy balls. Once upon a time, a food writer ordered a burger at a restaurant. She fell in love. She had to go home and recreate the burger. But then she was too busy. And then the restaurant closed. And she was sad. So sad […]
Lasagna With White Wine Sauce is the perfect cozy dinner for a cold night. Lasagna With White Wine Sauce Makes 10-12 servings. Preheat oven to 375°F. 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 1 pound country sausage Sea salt Coarse ground pepper 1 pound ground turkey, ground chicken, or 80% or leaner ground […]
Buttermilk Ranch Salad Dressing. It is a lovely day when we learn to make something homemade that we would usually buy in a bottle or a packet. Today is a lovely day. If you do not yet know the joys of growing herbs in your garden (or even indoors) let this salad dressing be the […]
Pizza sauce might seem too difficult to make or too much work for what it’s worth but I’m here to tell you that it is, indeed, neither of these. Also, it’s so pretty. How to Make Pizza Sauce Preheat the oven to 500°F 3 medium tomatoes, cut in quarters 1/2 medium sweet onion, cut in […]
Easy Fried Chicken and a Graduation. This week was Dotter’s graduation. I am excited to see the professional’s shot of this one. Finding the kids we know in my copy is like playing Where’s Waldo. Besides the graduates tossing their caps in the air to celebrate, there were grad parties throughout the town. Parents went […]
Balsamic Strawberry Salad. Every April in the Seattle area we try with all of our might to hope spring into existence but we all know in our hearts that the truest sign of spring is the strawberry booths on the side of the roads. I’ve been known to risk my own well-being with my sudden, […]
How to Make Homemade Ketchup. The ease of store-bought ketchup is fine for most days but for special occasions, it’s kind of nice to kick things up a notch and know how to make homemade ketchup. This zesty, gorgeous ketchup will impress your friends and make over-commercialized taste buds dance with organic joy. How to […]
This chicken pot pie is one of my most popular family recipes… and it’s about to make you popular with those you love. Chicken Pot Pie Serves about 6 people. Preheat oven to 375°F. 1 recipe for Basic Pie Crust 1 medium russet or Yukon gold potato, peeled & diced 1 1/2 -2 pounds chicken legs, […]
In this post, I’m showing you how to make turkey gravy. Making lump-free gravy easier than one might think. How to Make Turkey Gravy 1 ⅛ cup turkey fat, butter, or olive oil 1 cup flour 2 quarts turkey broth or juices 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon Turkey or Chicken Base or bouillon (optional) Sea […]
One of the wonderful things about How to Make Cranberry Sauce is that you can make it ahead of time and save it in the fridge for your turkey dinner. Your friends and family might miss the can-shaped cranberry sauce but you will win them over with this easy recipe made from scratch. How to […]
Homecoming Dinner Party With Cheese Fondue. Dotter has dinner parties every year before all of the big high school shindigs. Homecoming Dinner Party With Cheese Fondue This weekend we celebrated homecoming with a fondue party. Fondue is such a fun way to have dinner together since it takes longer to eat than most meals due […]
