National Taco Day!

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I have been a taco fanatic since I was a youngster. I remember begging my Mom to let me prepare dinner, and I would make tacos. My two older brother's loved my tacos too! I'm not sure when I started loving them so much, but, I remember when out with Mom and she asked where should we have lunch? My answer was always, "Taco Time"!

How to make Splattered shoes!

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Whether it is for a paint party or a gruesome blood splattered pair of shoes for Halloween, I will show you how to DIY! 

 Channel your inner Jackson Pollack and let some DIY ideas inspire hacking action! Let your imagination flow you can make a pair of old shoes new again, a pair of jeans into an art statement, even a leather chair can be transformed from basic to boldly beautiful in no time! Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Struesel Muffins

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A blast from the past worthy of a second go! Fill your home this Fall with the fragrance of these delicious spiced muffins!  Amy's post from September 2012! 

Go to


http://www.sewwhatscookingwithjoan.com/2012/09/pumpkin-cinnamon-streusel-muffins.html

Mushroom Soup- JJ style!

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This mushroom soup is the best ever......well, that's what Wee Bear says and everyone I have EVER served it to!  It is so easy and really doesn't take much time. I use Fat Free half and half, so it keeps it on the friendlier side! I think the Madeira Sherry takes this soup to another level and it is just enough to send you back for a second cup! I use just 1/4 cup of heavy cream, however, you can eliminate it, however the soup will not have the same richness.

Parmesan Pasta Salad

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Summer is in full swing, lot's of BBQ's and we are surrounded by our loving family and friends nearly every week! Reunions are happening, both family reunions and class reunions, it is a fun time of the year! 

Salmon Stir Fry

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Who doesn’t love a healthy dinner that literally takes no time at all to throw together? There are times when I just want a tasty, quick dinner that is healthy. This one can be done in 30 minutes, that includes the chopping! 

Puppy Adoption Birthday Party!

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When my daughter Holly (AKA Tink) asked Madison Lee what kind of party she wanted, Madi simply said, a puppy pawty! Madison loves her dog Maia and she loves her stuffed doggies so much they travel with her everywhere. She has a little doggy travel case that she puts her dog in for travel and a veterinarian bag to doctor her dogs. Nearly every time I visit, Madi wants to take me to her play room to show me her doggies. Yes, she loves doggies and she loves animals!!

Fruit Galette

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Are you about to make a pie? Do you have an excess of fruit? How about time....do you have just a few minutes? Let's face it, I love pie, but, I do not always have the time for all the pastry roll out, crimping, filling etc. I love a rustic galette! They do not care if they are round or square  or any shape for that matter! Requiring less of everything, they come together in about 15 minutes and bake for about 30-45 minutes depending on the fruit. It is kinda fun putting a galette together, very creative!

Blueberry Scones

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Blueberries are in season and I found myself salivating for a scone last week while on holiday with family in Chelan, Washington. I had packed flour and most of the ingredients, so, after our power walk one morning I made some of the most delicious scones I have ever tasted! Quick to make and only 20 minutes in the oven, I delivered a few to my grandson and his family next door! Wee bear was so happy, he hid one to have the next morning!

Ginger Stir Fry Chicken

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The third recipe in my series of 15 minute chicken dishes. This is my favorite! Light, figure friendly and delicious!

Mushroom Lover's Chicken

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This is the second in a series of three, non boring, fifteen minute or less chicken dishes. This one is Wee Bear's favorite of the three. Don't tell him, it only has a 1/4 cup of cream or half and half in the sauce! 

Lemon and Rosemary Golden Chicken

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Sticking with my lemon theme, this week I am offering a delicious light and figure friendly dish, that you can make in 15 minutes! This "non boring" chicken dish is the first in a series of three chicken dishes I will be posting in the next few weeks! Stay tuned.....all three chicken dishes can be made in 15 minutes or less and are NOT boring! 

Lemon Meringue Pie-JJ's famous

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The BEST ever lemon meringue pie in a graham cracker crust is topped with a billowy meringue. I could not believe I hadn't written a blog about my famous lemon meringue pie! I have been baking this pie for 45 years at least! My brother's would ask every Easter or any occasion when the sun came out and it seemed like Spring,  "please make your Lemon Meringue pie". 

Super Food Spinach Salad

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This salad has granny smith apples, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, pomegranite seeds, oranges and feta.  When you flavor it with the homemade sweet and sour poppyseed dressing, it takes it over the top into what’s now my favorite salad incorporating fruit.  If you aren’t a fan of poppy seeds, simply omit it in the dressing (it will still be fabulous!).

Maple Oatmeal Cookies

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Mothers are everything for us when we are young...our lives revolve around Mom. For everything that we need we call Mom. To protect us from all perceivable dangers we want her around us. To take us out we hold her arms. To kiss away our wounds we run to her. And for a warm hug and love we look for her. She is the focal point of our lives, the greatest human being in the world or should we say divinity on earth. On the special occasion of Mothers Day pay tribute to your mother - the greatest blessing of God on you.

Grilled Breakfast Burrito

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 Cinco de Mayo is almost here, start with a celebratory Breakfast Burrito! Yum! The kids will love as much as the adults! May 5, 2016 is just around the corner!

Baby Sprinkle Shower - How to give

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Just because you already have a child (or two… or three…) doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be showered with love for your upcoming baby. Baby “sprinkles” are becoming very popular for second, third and subsequent babies — a much lower key gathering. My niece Allie (Mother of 5) asked me, "What? A Sprinkle? What is that?" I explained and her response was, "Oh! Ryder, (her fifth born) must of been a DRIP!" Oh my gosh, how funny!

With minimal pressure and an informal feel to them, a baby sprinkle party is a lovely way to welcome a new addition.

Zucchini Pizza Pinwheels

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This is a lot like calzone, but with a beautiful presentation, these pizza pinwheels are wonderful starters for parties. Fresh zucchini blends with Spanish cheese and naturally sweet grape tomatoes! Yum!

Lemon Dream Tart

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As we turn the corner of Winter into Spring, it's time for our palate of slow cooker's and braises to fresh Spring vegetables and colorful fruits. 

Mushroom and Burrata Lasagnette

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This delicious indulgent dish is more than two consenting adults should finish, but, heh....it's so good!! 

Mississippi Pot Roast-slow cooker

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Mississippi resident Robin Chapman is the star behind the Mississippi Roast, a slow-cooking dish with surprisingly simple ingredients that has become one of the most popular recipes on the Internet. Chapman says she shares credit for the recipe's fame with her long time friend Karen Farese, who helped launch the recipe to stardom by putting it in her church's cookbook. From there, Robin says that a blogger shared it, then another blogger shared it, it made its way to Pinterest, and soon after went viral, gaining the name Mississippi Roast along the way, and making it one of the most popular recipes on the internet today.

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup-crock pot!

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 This slow cooker soup couldn't be easier, simply throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker (except cream) and like magic, six to eight hours later, you have a delicious creamy entree worthy soup! The rice is tender and the chicken is ready to be shred. I saw this on Facebook and thought, this sounds like a winner!

Mushroom and Beef Stroganoff- Spud Bar!

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You know what time it is????? It's COMFORT FOOD TIME!!! I have a delicious one pot, 30 minute meal for mid week or anytime!!  If you are putting your stroganoff over rice, this cooks in the time it takes the rice to cook! How easy is that!!

Cute as a Button Birthday Party!

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We can all agree that Madison is cute, right? (not as cute as your kids, I know, but I digress…) So when Holly decided on the “Cute as a Button” theme I knew we could all have some FUN with the details! So, fun we had. 

Rotolo Bolognaise

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Wee Bear and I just returned from a second honeymoon dream trip to South America for a BIG anniversary. Wee Bear really went all out on making it romantic, fun and full of adventure! I will post a movie I made while on our trip at the end of this post! Totally loved this trip!


This dish is my rendition of a delicious dish I had at a Italian restaurant in Buenos Aires. I thought there just couldn't be any better pasta than this!! I put together this recipe and made it for Wee Bear and my little grandchild, Madison.....they LOVED it!! I think it looks like roses! So, it brought to my mind Valentines! 

Football Food Wrap up! Or the Superbowl of food!

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Are you ready for Super Bowl? 
 

The Super Bowl is nearly here! Have you done much of anything to prepare a menu? Food is every bit as important to the Super Bowl experience as the commercials and the halftime show, so I've got you covered with some simple, straightforward dishes that will please you and your guests.

Cheesy Chili Dip

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NEVER would believe that I would post anything made with Velveeta. However, this is really good, and when I have made this....it disappears quickly! And using three ingredients and a microwave, this couldn't be easier to whip up for any informal occasion. With Super Bowl around the corner I thought this is the perfect time to post.

How to pack "Salad in a Jar"

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Photo by Kyle Jacobson

A school mate of mine, Tammy posted pictures of her weekly making of "Mason Jar Salads" for her and her husband. It looked so yummy, I asked if she's send me pictures when she had time. Not only do they look amazing, but, you can do a weeks worth of lunches, store in the refrigerator and save a lot of time! What a great idea to start the New Year out on the right foot! Whether you have started a new healthy style of eating or you want to save time and money, this is brilliant!

Champagne Custard Shooters!

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 I love champagne and if you follow my blog or Facebook page....you know that! So when New Year is about to explode with fireworks, I'm pulling a few bottles of Champagne out of the cellar and popping the cork! And.....I go one step further I'm combining my favorite bubbly with my other favorite...... "dessert"!!

Chicken Tenders with Champagne sauce!

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This delicious dish can be prepared in about 30 minutes and can be made ahead and reheated! The champagne sauce is so flavorful and presentation so beautiful, makes this a perfect dish for a small dinner party,

The cream sauce is seriously out of this world, so tangy with a hint of champagne flavor that melts in your mouth....AMAZING!! Coupled with the browned up bits from searing the chicken, this sauce is EPIC!! I may try it next time with angel hair pasta!

Chocolate Almond Torte

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On Christmas Eve or Christmas day, this is perfect— a flourless, chocolate-almond torte for dessert. I can tell you everyone went silent at the table, when I served this delicious dessert and the silence was followed by......is there any left? Can I have another slice?

John Howie Five Cheese Twice Baked Potato

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"Recently voted Readers' Choice "Best Steak" in Seattle Magazine". Chef/restaurateur John Howie's definitive NW steak house, serving custom-aged USDA Prime steaks, American Wagyu Beef, Australian "A5" Full blood Waygu beef, Japanese "A5" 100% Wagyu beef, fresh seasonal Pacific fish and seafood's, wild foraged mushrooms, and locally sourced fruits and vegetables. John Howie Steak features two wood fired grills, mesquite charcoal and apple wood that add subtle flavors to the foods. The wine list features a "Best of Award of Excellence" from Wine Spectator. You can enjoy classic and seasonal specialty cocktails, or the world’s finest single-malt scotch, bourbons and fine cognacs in the lounge. There are two beautifully appointed private dining rooms that are available for meetings or special occasions. 

Tomato Basil Crab Bisque- JJ's

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Holiday planning week two! This bisque is amazing!! Plus more options to ponder!

Beef Piroshki appetizers

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Today is December 2, and I am planning to do Holiday appropriate recipe each week until December 31!! Yay! I will also give you other options and links to think about for your Holiday planning.

JJ's favorite Cranberry Sauce

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Nothing beats the puckery-sweet jolt of cranberry sauce. It's a sharp knife that cuts through all the starchy food on the menu. 

Bacon - blanketed Turkey

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 I could not resist posting this beautiful bacon blanketed bird from the blog Runaway Spoon. I have never posted any other blog on my page, but, this one is very special and worthy. I believe my readers will love it. He has perfected this technique and with his detailed instructions, I believe you can do it too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basil mashed potatoes

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I love potatoes in every form, Wee Bear, not so much! However, when it comes to Thanksgiving, mashed potatoes are a must! My family has alway's had basic mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, but, wait a minute. Enter a puree of potatoes with basil, and Parmesan? Or, how about Horseradish mashed Potatoes or Perfect mashed Potatoes with Onion Butter? 

Boarding House- Potato Dill Soup

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 I am big fan of soup, especially in the Fall and Winter month's. During the holiday's, I always serve a soup course, and my family looks forward to tasting what I have created for them! This soup is a recreation of one of my favorite soups. In Issaquah, Washington, where I lived for 13 years a long time ago, there is a little restaurant within a historic grouping of stores called Gilman Village. For over 32 years the Boarding House Restaurant has been serving homemade soup, salads and sandwiches and the Potato Dill is the house soup...always available! I always find it hard to leave without having a piece of their signature dessert, warm granny smith apple crisp...baked daily and served with fresh whip cream!  Mmmmmm

Scary Brain Vegetable Tray!

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The Comfiest, Easiest Halloween Costume

If you’re still on the hunt for a last minute Halloween costume, I've got an idea. Go out and buy glow-in-the-dark stars and planets that are usually on a child’s ceiling and stick them onto a black shirt and black pants. Woo Hoo!! You’re the solar system. Easy, comfy, and cheap. You could literally walk around in your sweatpants.

Quick Halloween snacks for young children

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Young children  like things on the spooky side — but not too spooky.  They still have fun with plays on words and things that are not quite what they seem!   Imagination sells so you can slide in some healthy food with fun names!

Zombie Caramel Corn and more!

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Just about everyone loves 

Caramel Corn and cheesy corn, truffle corn, margarita corn.... I feel like I am always talking about weird popcorn concoctions, but I do like to test many kinds of flavored corn.  I say, no this isn't that great, and then I eat so much that I am sick. And that process will just sort of repeat itself over and over again. But pretty much everyone agrees on caramel corn and it is easy to make!

Quick Halloween Cupcakes!

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When the calendar turns to October I get a little excited....or  crazy. I love all new Halloween stuff that hits the stores, costumes, baking stuff and decorations....you name it! I can hardly wait to create some scary, cute and totally festive Halloween treats. There are so many cool things out there and I want to buy it all and start creating!!  And if you've been reading here for any period of time, you  know I consider myself the Temptress of Halloween.

Spaghetti Bolognese Sauce in the slow cooker!

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Making a good bolognese sauce is a real labor of love. Sure, you could just combine some ground beef to a tomato sauce and call it good (and heck, we often do!), but there's a certain irresistible silkiness and a deep, meaty flavor that can really only come from all-day cooking. This is a dish that takes a pork loin and turns it into something worthy of the finest dinner party. 

Easy two ingredient "Pumpkin muffins"!

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The other day, I had some unexpected company and needed a quick breakfast muffin. At first I thought I'd run to the local bakery, then I remembered "THE" pumpkin muffins. It had been years since I made them! It was back in the days BEFORE Pinterest and Facebook! Yes, my fellow internet addicts, we did have a way of exchanging recipes back then. Pumpkin muffins have two ingredients. It seems like overkill to do the step by step but, heh, why not!

Stewed Chicken Dijon

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When it comes to Fall, I love soups, stews and braising. Fireplace on and the aroma's of my Fall dish drifting throughout my home.

Sweet corn soup

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