Posted by KarenCooking on August 12, 2012 · 4 Comments
This tasty chilled salad from author Patricia Cornwell was featured in Parade Magazine a couple of weeks ago. The mix of tangy rice and salty cashews offers a refreshing change from your typical bean, corn, potato or macaroni summer dishes. (And, I thought the leftovers were even better after the flavors had a chance to … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on May 9, 2012 · 11 Comments
I’m at the tail-end of a kitchen remodel that has, so far, lasted five weeks. For more than half that time, the kitchen has been unusable. No running water. No cupboards. No counter space. No oven or cooktop. No place to put our mail or school papers when we come home! Forget preparing food; we … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on April 25, 2012 · 10 Comments
I ran across this snack recipe recently while visiting Reini Days. The Jilb (host of Reini Days) shared photos of incredibly tasty-looking roasted chickpeas (or garbanzo beans, as they’re sometimes called). She profiled spiced, honey and sweet and salty variations, and while all three were appetizing, I found the spicy version particularly so. I followed … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on April 4, 2012 · 10 Comments
This post is for everyone who’d like to incorporate a new seasonal food into their Easter celebration. I’m recommending pickled eggs to go along with your classic hard-boiled dyed eggs. (Or better yet — dye your Easter eggs, admire them and then peel and throw them into pickling brine!) I didn’t know anything about pickled … Read more
Posted by KarenCooking on March 28, 2012 · 6 Comments
This simple recipe blends Gorgonzola with dried cranberries and toasted pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer) for a standout supper that’s ready in less than 30 minutes. With such easy preparation, it’s a handy recipe to have at-the-ready for holiday meals or other social gatherings when you want to serve a delicious meal without spending … Read more
Filed under Cooking-related, Food, Holiday, Pasta, Recipes · Tagged with cooking, cranberries, Gorgonzola, holiday meal, pasta, pecans, recipes, simple dish, walnuts
Posted by KarenCooking on February 29, 2012 · 5 Comments
In anticipation of our upcoming kitchen remodel, we’re trying something new – dining in the dining room. Our kitchen has an eating area, but with the redesign we’ll incorporate a working island into that space. The island will have a counter overhang with two or three kitchen stools, but it won’t accommodate family meals. We … Read more
Filed under Cooking-related, Food, History · Tagged with cooking, dining, Dining room, family, Furniture, holidays, Kitchen, kitchen remodel, meals, Renovation
Posted by KarenCooking on December 30, 2011 · 4 Comments
Not just for European children lost in the woods Gingerbread plays a prominent role in a fair number of children’s tales and Christmas lore, so it’s not surprising I had a very vivid image of this treat growing up. Humble peasant children nibbled it while traipsing the Black Forest of Germany. Witches could use it … Read more
Filed under Cookies, Desserts, Holiday, Recipes · Tagged with baking, Christmas, cooking, Germany, gingerbread, holiday, holiday baking, Royal icing, seasonal, spicy cookies
Posted by KarenCooking on December 9, 2011 · 4 Comments
I love these butter cookies because they: Have a great texture (slightly crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) Taste delicious Are easy to make Can match any theme or occasion They were simply red and green sugar-topped Christmas cookies when I was growing up — my mom got the recipe from Progressive Farmer … Read more
Filed under Cookies, Cooking-related, Food, Holiday, Recipes · Tagged with baking, butter cookies, Christmas cookies, cookies, cooking, holiday cookies, Progressive Farmer butter cookie recipe, recipes, sugar cookies, sugar sprinkles
Posted by KarenCooking on November 22, 2011 · Leave a Comment
My favorite day is almost here. I love the holidays, the best part being the fourth Thursday of November — the most anticipation-laden day of the year, with weeks of music, food, family and celebration stretching before us! Thanksgiving Day is a turkey-scented, gravy-coated, wine-fueled entry into the holiday season, and I enjoy each and every … Read more
Filed under Cooking-related, Food, Holiday · Tagged with cooking, holiday cooking, holiday planning, holidays, Meal, meal planning, November, recipes, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving planning
Posted by KarenCooking on February 4, 2011 · 1 Comment
This recipe ran in last week’s Cleveland Plain Dealer. The sweet potato angle sounded intriguing, so I decided to try it. Despite the interesting mix of flavors, creation was simple. Total cooking time, including prep, was about a half hour. Good for a busy weeknight. The final product was spicy, but the flavor was not … Read more
