Sweet corn soup

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In this Summer or Fall recipe, I pay tribute to peak-season corn at its sweetest!

Ten top nutritious produce

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Today, I am off to a farmers market I do not usually go to. I am going to the Ballard Farmer's Market! On my list is not the usual Kale, I'm buying Romaine!

Fresh Basil, Corn, Tomato and Avocado Salad

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We wait for it all year long, and now we can shout from the rooftops: BASIL IS HERE!

The other day, I decided to take advantage of the overload of tomatoes, corn and basil that is over flowing in our gardens at this time of year. I decided to make this delicious salad for a dinner with my dear brother Greg and his gal friend Susie who came to spend a night with us. I could eat this salad everyday, and I think they pretty much agreed with me!! 

Transportation themed quilt- so adorable!

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This cute little quilt is very quick to make as it is pre printed! Go to Michael Miller fabrics to purchase. You can cut them apart and use them how you would like. I made this new born quilt for my grandson Cooper and a soft fabric crinkle book as well! I purchased my crinkle fabric from American Felt and Craft.

How to paint a terracotta pot- Sports team theme

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 Are you ready for some football? I can tell you I am!! I am more than excited to start another fun season! My football loving family is too!!

Minnie Mouse Party ideas!

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Recently I gave a MAGICAL Minnie Mouse Birthday party for my grand daughter, Madison. She loves "Mouse"! There are so many ideas for a fabulous party, I am giving you a couple ideas, just to get your mind going in a creative direction!

Three Amazing Sauces for burger's and fries!

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When I was young I used to dip my french fries in tartar sauce or this pink concoction of mayonnaise and ketchup. Fast forward.......

These days, I don’t eat a lot of french fries or burgers, but when I do I like a aioli or a more complex flavored sauce to dip my fries in or smear on my burger. It’s not quite as simple as my ketchup and mayo of my youth but, it’s 1000 times better and I just can't get enough of it when it's time for burgers and fries!

Double cooked French Fries

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When done well, French fries are truly remarkable—crispy on the outside, light and fluffy on the inside. Truly delightful!

About a week ago I created a Slider Bar for my 4th of July party, one of the side's was these delicious fries in which I used a double cooking process that I think is the best! This approach to preparing French fries has set a new standard by which other fries are judged, in my opinion!

Cole Slaw by JJ

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Last weeks blog showcased my "Slider Bar" , that was so much fun! I have been bombarded with e-mails for various recipes used! I didn't know where to start, so, don't be mad if this one is not "THE ONE'! I will get to all of the components of this fun event in the next few weeks, hopefully in time for your event! If you need a recipe sooner, feel free to e-mail me and I will send it to you in advance....no fee;-)

Party Trend- Food "Bar" idea's!

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Lately, some of the most popular party planning ideas seem to center around the next “bar” idea. And no, I don’t just mean alcohol and beer…I mean food too! We’ve all seen the “candy bar” idea for kids parties, weddings and the ever popular “popcorn bar", but what about some new ideas too?

Just yesterday, July 4th I hosted a really fun party for friends and family. I decided to do a "Slider Bar", oh my.....I realized how much work there is to making a really tasty slider bar! I made many of the sauces, the coleslaw, the potato salad and putting together all the cheeses, and toppings is really time consuming. I always plan ahead and do as much in advance as possible to free me up to enjoy my guests. However, in this case, much needs to be done all at the same time! My friends and family jumped in to help, NOT because I asked, but, because they were having fun participating! It was really fun!

Now here are some fun ideas I incorporated into my "Slider Bar"!

Strawberry-Blueberry Trifle

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Fourth of July Strawberry Blueberry Trifle

How to create the perfect Western Themed party!

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This picture was taken of my Mom around 1947. My Dad took the picture on one of their hunting trips. Notice there is a deer walking behind Mom. She is so beautiful, she should have been a pin up girl! I copied many of these and posted them all around at the party and blew one up to poster size on good photo paper, for a souvenir for Mom!You can download the template on Martha Stewart website for free!

Cowboy cupcakes! How to make!

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Last week end I hosted a "Western themed" party for my Mother who turned 95!! My large family all pitched in and helped with the decorating and set up. However, because of the size of the party, I had Carolina Smoke in Bothell, Washington cater the party. More details of the party will be in my next blog " How to throw a Western themed party"! I thought these cute little cupcakes deserved their own blog! 

Baked Baby back Ribs by Tink!

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Who ever said you needed a grill to cook good ribs? My daughter Holly (aka Tink) just relocated from the Seattle area into a beautiful home in Scottsdale, Arizona. She, her husband Nate and daughter  Madison Lee are extremely happy in their new neighborhood, and love that they no longer have to wipe their feet every time they enter the house! They love the area they chose, close to many fine restaurants, splash pads (for Madi), museums etc. However, they are still doing some remodeling to make it personally theirs! They are building an outdoor kitchen, complete with BBQ rotisserie,  outdoor burner, pizza oven, refrigerator and lots of storage for grilling utensils. In the mean time she decided to host Memorial day.....WHAT? You can't have opening day to Summer without a BBQ? She told me not to worry, she would bake baby back ribs in her new ovens......a skeptical Mom enters...

However.......

Best Ever Hot Chocolate Fudge Sauce!

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If the title "Hot Chocolate Fudge Sauce" wasn't tempting enough...maybe this photo will help!

 When I started searching around for a recipe, a few years ago, I obviously wanted something that was "The Best Ever" hot fudge sauce. Even though I live about 5 minutes from two grocery stores, I was sick of the overly sweet hot fudge of today, I wanted the fudge I used to have at the Bartell's drug store in Renton, Washington at the soda fountain.......yum! A friend of mine had made a delicious "Best Ever" hot fudge sauce for a dinner party she had. I asked her about the recipe she followed. She used a recipe in Epicurious..... luckily, I had what I needed for the  recipe. The next hurdle? This couldn’t take forever. I wanted an ice cream sundae almost immediately. This recipe takes about 10 minutes working time and 20 minutes total. Some recipes required cooking the sauce for an hour. That wasn’t going to work for me!

Pico De Gallo! Ole!! We're in Mexico!

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One of the saddest culinary sights to witness is watching pre-made salsa plop from a jar into a serving dish. The tomatoes, suffocating under a sodium-laden sauce, splat unceremoniously. You can almost smell the chemical tang in the air. The tortilla chips run to hide.....

Rosemary Flank Steak with Balsamic Glazed Onions

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Bright rosemary, tangy balsamic and sweet onions - this simple dish has it all. You can have it on the table quickly, leaving you more time to relax with your family and friends.

I was going to wait to post this recipe until Father's Day, however, some recipes are simply too good and too deserving to hold on to!

Key Lime Pie Bars

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For Mother's day or any day, these delightful bars will take you away from your home and transport you to the Florida Keys beach! These bars very simple to put together! The hardest part is waiting for them to chill in the refrigerator, before you bite into one! I use a graham cracker base for my bars, as I do with my Lemon Meringue Pie, which I have not posted (note to self!) Since Key limes are not easy to come by in most locations, I use Nellie and Joe's key west lime juice. 

Black Bean and Quinoa Tacos- Healthy Cinco de Mayo

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 "Cinco de Mayo has come to represent a celebration of the contributions that Mexican Americans and all Hispanics have made to America."

Cinco de Mayo is nearly here and guess what?.....so is bikini season!! YIKES!!! It seems there is always a celebration in the works to take you from your healthy goals.  Christmas, New Year, Valentines, St. Patricks day and let's not forget your sister's important birthday or some other event....what are we to do? Well, I have a healthy solution for you today. Black bean and quinoa tacos for Cinco de Mayo....and guess what they are easy, fast and oh so yummy!! I can hardly keep my mind off them, they are so good!

Mocha Cheese Cake Torte

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Mother's Day is coming soon and this cheese cake torte is perfect for Mom's special day! It has a rich chocolaty flavor with a hint of coffee and for that bakery finish, I garnished with whipped cream rosettes and a coffee bean! YUM!

Speaking of coffee beans, I just found a delicous boutique coffee company. A friend gave me a bag to try and boy oh boy did it go over big!! BLUECAF coffee roasters roast their beans within 24 hours of your personal order, so made to order! 

Crispy Cheddar baked Chicken!

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Put a little Spring in your step and on your plate!

Remember those envelopes for oven baked chicken and pork called Shake & Bake?  I remember in the 70's they were all the rage. Well, now you don't need them! And this is just as quick!!

Zucchini Tomato Strata

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This amazing  dish is perfect for Easter Brunch or Easter supper, my Zucchini Tomato strata can be made ahead! This strata.....really a savory bread pudding is amazingly easy and can be made the night before and baked in the morning!!

Chicken Breast with Honey mustard sauce

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Today, I’ve got two words for you: Honey and Mustard.

But not just any mustard. Don’t be confused… not all mustard's should be considered equal. You want to use good quality mustard, and definitely not the yellow kind you schmear on a burger bun or zig-zag over a hot dog. I mean whole grain, stone ground, natural mustard or good quality Dijon mustard. Mmmmmmm I love this stuff! Whoever decided to pair it with honey is just plain genius! 

St. Patrick's Day!

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SEVEN St Patrick's Day recipes for you to ponder! Enjoy!

 


The queen of Corned beef and cabbage Jane, makes this delicious dish every year for her family. We have enjoyed this yummy recipe every year!

Hungarian Goulash with spaetzles and German Red cabbage!

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Hungarian Goulash (Gulyás)

Hungarian goulash is a prime example of how a few simple ingredients, cooked properly, can yield an amazing flavor.  Though many variations of Hungarian goulash exist, I am hoping this one passes the test with my daughter-in-law and her Hungarian parents!

Making a blanket for a cancer patient

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There are many more squares on the back, I didn't take a picture.

If you have been wondering where I've been, I'll tell you. The day after arriving home from our island paradise, I went to work on a new project that I have been spearheading for our Desert Mountain community. The project came to me just before leaving and I embraced it as a community service project.

Jamaica Inn's Chef Maurice- a trip to the local market

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 When I think of Jamaica, white-sand beaches, lots of sunshine and thumping reggae first come to mind. But I also think of the delicious cuisine, the fertile soil and deep-blue Caribbean waters which provide a rich array of fresh fruits, vegetables and fish that star in dishes served here at Jamaica Inn. We stay here three weeks every February in a cottage on the sea, and today, this is where I am writing this week's blog from.

Photo credit- Jamaica Inn

 A few days ago Wee Bear and I took a trip to the Ocho Rios local Farmer's Market. It’s full of color, fresh vegetables and fruits and lot's of community spirit! Jamaica Inn set up a field trip with the Inn's Chef Maurice leading us through this interesting and beautiful market.

 Nelson our pilot drove a group of fourteen, 2 minutes away from Jamaica Inn  to the local farmers market.

Brookster's for your Valentine!!

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This Valentine’s Day, skip the store-bought heart-shaped box of chocolates. Instead, make your own delicious Brookster's! What is a Brookster you ask.....well

It's not quite a cookie, not quite a brownie, but with the best elements of both. They're called Brooksters! Are you still wondering what a Brookster is right now? It’s a mini Brookie..... which is a brownie cookie.  In other words… delicious! 

Mango Lassi Smoothie

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I should make more smoothies. They are ready in an eye blink, full with vitamins and fruit and they can easily replace dessert or be an essential part of a healthy breakfast. We are in Jamaica on our annual holiday. I always seem to eat lighter and healthier when I'm here. Lot's of fresh vegetables and fruits, Yummy! Today I am sharing a smoothie I make with my favorite of all fruits, the mango!

Superbowl Essential menu!!

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Superbowl XLIX

Five days to touchdown! With a big event like Super Bowl Sunday on the horizon, you want to make sure your snack game and half time dinner is on point. 

Wee Bear and I LOVE our SEAHAWKS!   Whether you are hosting or bringing snacks to your Super Bowl Party, I have some AMAZING noshes for you!  Warm up the couch, it's time for football and extra points for Super Food! 

Score a touchdown with my assortment of easily prepared, quick to serve yummies, and no matter who's winning, you will be a winner! Chili, sliders, cookies and more!!! Don't miss out on this TASTY MENU!!!

Pork and Black eyed pea chili!

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Seahawk's and Patriots in Superbowl XLIX! The Seahawks two years in a row! We all know where my heart is!! I had season tickets since the inception of Seahawks and waited and waited and waited! Now two years in a row!! I gave up my tickets once we moved to Winter's in Scottsdale, but I never gave up hope. Wee Bear and I are so excited!!

 I have perfected the perfect meal for your Superbowl party!!! This is so easy and delicious! 

Chicken Parmesan Meatballs

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It's January.......some of you want to cut back, some of you want to keep this party going right on through Super Bowl!! I have you both covered with this recipe!! I used ground chicken to make these meatballs light, but, for the partier's...you won't even notice!! And for that Superbowl party, make them into meatball sub sandwiches..........oh, so yummy!!

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

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My son, Dustin and daughter-in-law, Amy were the first to introduce me to this new foodie rage, brussel sprouts! I was shocked at how excited they were, and especially my son, who, hated everything green except green beans growing up. Who is this young man? This can't be my son? He would never let brussel sprouts touch his lips when growing up. Then, my daughter-in-law Eva and her mother Eva, made them for Thanksgiving and Christmas with bacon and balsamic.....Hmmmm I was slowly catching on. Next, my son came home from a trip to New York raving about how they are on every menu, in every restaurant! ......Oh, how the kid version of you guys would be disgusted!

Ten top posts! Year end!!

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Happy New Year everyone! I'd like to take a moment to thank all of you who continually visit here and make this site possible. Your presence and interaction are vital to going forward and I appreciate all the sharing of recipes you do with family and friends.

Many of you have been here since the beginning (almost 3 years ago). Together we have built quite a food community that continues to grow, flourish and only get better in 2015. 

Followers are well over 100,000 on Goggle, Goggle plus, Twitter, Facebook, Craftsy, email and Pinterest. I will compile the numbers on our third anniversary.

It's always fun to look back over the years and see which recipes have been popular.

Let's see if some of your favorites made the list!!


Number 10-


Top Healthy Companies of 2013

Looks like the masses are interested in getting into a healthy work environment! Look for top Healthy Companies of 2014 on "Sew whats cooking with Joan" in the near future.

New Years Day menu-wrap up!

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What ever you may be doing on New Years Eve, there is still time to plan your New Years Eve/ day dinner. I have an elegant dinner that will impress even your Mother-in-law! Just click on the link/title, it will take you straight to the recipe! For more ideas and recipes, go to my  "Master Recipe List"!!

Dungeness Crab Cocktail 

Cranberry Pinenut Biscotti with a white chocolate drizzle

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I love to have a biscotti with my tea in the afternoon or even first thing in the morning. Also, one of my favorite cookies to send to a few special people in my life is biscotti .....just a little bit of JJ in a neat little package tied with a red bow! When it arrives, it is intact, no breakage, perfect for shipping!

Raspberry Ribbon Pie

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This delicious and quick pie is a throw back!! Yes, it was very popular when I was growing up and everyone loved it! My Mother used to make this every Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some times she even made it in Summertime for a special treat!  With the traditional Christmas colors, ease of making and taste...it's perfect!!

Cranberry Syrup for your Holiday Breakfast!

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I have a delicious and festive topping to share with you, this week! Homemade Cranberry Syrup! A sweet cranberry syrup with a touch of true bitterness from the berry. This is so perfect with my Pumpkin pancakes, waffles, ice cream or my Granola pancakes. 

Perfect Maple Manhattan

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“A COCKTAIL IS A STIMULATING LIQUOR, COMPOSED OF SPIRITS OF ANY KIND, SUGAR, WATER & BITTERS.”

'Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! There are so many parties this time of year, so much fun!! 
 One of my favorite Winter drinks is a Manhattan. I kicked it up a notch this year and I can tell you, this is delicious! This Manhattan has a sweet fiery kick and it's the perfect way to end a day and start a Happy Hour!

Turkey Pot Pie- Left over turkey?

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Thanksgiving- Is your family standing around with the leftover stuffed refrigerator, door open, asking, "what do we have to eat?" You standing there still dazed from weeks of planning, preparing and presenting a Thanksgiving dinner fit for the King and his family? Are  they in a "Turkey Stupor"? Did they eat so much their eyes are clogged with turkey gravy? What is wrong with my family?

Perfect Mashed potatoes with Three Onion Butter - Just in time for Gobble Gobble!

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I was surprised to hear one of the trainers at my gym say that he prefers instant mashed potatoes from a box rather than the real thing! I thought to myself – he needs a few tips on how to make perfect (real) mashed potatoes!

Jamaica Inn Cheese and Potato soup

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Last February on our annual holiday to Jamaica Inn, Chef Maurice Henry served us a delicious Cheese and potato soup. I was blown away by the deliciousness of this soup and found myself licking up every last drop. I later cornered Chef Maurice and asked if he would share his recipe. He did!!! Yay!! A few months later, I received the recipe in my e-mail. Thank you Chef Maurice Henry.

Vegetarian Lasagna

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I have a lot of favorite recipes that I like to make, my Meat Lasagna is one of Wee Bears favorites. A lot of my favorites I have carefully crafted on my own, tweaking and adjusting, trying to perfect over time - adding a little something here, a little something there. I have mostly chosen these recipes based on the positive feedback that I have received from Wee Bear, family and friends. Each time I knead the dough or caramelize the onions, each time I make one of these recipes for the 10th, 15th, or 30th time, I can feel history shaping. For an actor it may be the performance of a lifetime, for a poet the perfect sonnet, for a scientist, winning the Nobel prize, but for me...... I'm assuming many others are out there! It will be my signature recipes that I am remembered for........ along with a few other things!

Spiced Apple Sidecar

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It is always a mystery to certain members of my family what cocktail I might order when we are out to dinner. Most of my family have their drink and that's it, year round.....Borrrrring! To me there are certain flavors that are really only appropriate at certain times of the year. For example, a passion fruit and coconut swizzle is just not done in November. A wonderful drink, for sure, however, not when it's cold out. On the flip side, eyebrows would be raised if you were to offer a maple and cinnamon Old-Fashioned in July. To me it's just not right. So, now that the evening is bringing us a little chill in the air and daylight's a fleeting thing, lets make a Fall drink that will warm us up. Thanksgiving is around the corner quickly followed by Christmas, this is  when those rich, warming spice flavors come in favor. 

Salted Caramel Creme Brulee

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I've written before about my Mother's love for creme brulee. She is crazy about this delicious dessert. So the last few dinner's we had together, before Wee Bear and I left for Scottsdale, I made her creme brulee. She was in heaven with delight, in fact one night she devoured TWO!! 

 Of course who wouldn't likes this? We all rejoice at the fun in cracking the sugar on top and the caramel is the quintessential trademark of smooth, creamy, vanilla custard, foiled by the ever-so-slightly bitter burnt sugar. 

Five Pepper Cookies!

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I still remember the first time I made these remarkable cookies. I was in my late 20's. My father had taken the Summer to go to Montana and find where he was born. He had given us a address to write letters to him, so, I not only wrote letters, I sent him cookies. This cookie was the one he talked about the most. He described his first bite like this, " ahhhh, this is nice- then, without warning his entire mouth was on fire!" However, he couldn't stop, he told me, "these cookies are addictive"!

Super sticky royal icing for - Haunted Ginger Bread House!

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A gingerbread house is only as good as it's glue. If you want an A+ on your gingerbread house, you need the best gingerbread house icing. When planning your gingerbread house, the icing is the most  important part. Gingerbread houses are a great way to set the scene for the holidays and WOW visitors to your home, whether it be Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas!

Penuche Frosting

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Penuche was a popular frosting when I was growing up. So last week end when my Grandchildren and I made a "Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Quick Bread" I thought the perfect frosting for it would be one of my old favorites, Penuche frosting. My Mom made a version of this recipe, however, I have changed it up, making it richer for "Julia and Emma's Spiced Pumpkin Pecan Quick bread"!