One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. Don’t fall off your chair. After a self-imposed menu hiatus while traveling and dealing with the crazies, the menu is back. This week I’m celebrating the return... more

Planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or just need a fresh Mexican night to get into the warm weather season? This Cinco de Mayo menu has a little something for everyone. Ole has been out of town this week. Days seem longer when there’s no one to share in the daily duties with you, the teeth brushing, hair braiding, sheet washing, diaper changing duties that come with four kids. I instantly miss having that other person there to call on and share with. When your hands are full and you can’t... more

Last week I participated in a roaming Easter dinner. Today I’m sharing all the wonderful dishes we made and rounding them out into a complete Easter dinner from start to finish. Check out all the lovely salads, potatoes, desserts and, of course, ham. Spring Orzo Pasta Salad My pasta salad plays off the warming weather with Easter coming so late. It’s a great side for this spring feast with plenty of asparagus and artichokes brightened by the zest of lemon. Hungarian Cucumber Salad I’m... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. Starting this week I’m participating in an exciting series that was spearheaded by Jessica from LifeasMOM focusing on how we can continue to feed our family without breaking... more

Easter is coming up quick. Here’s a classic Easter dinner menu with some new flavors and ideas to get you thinking of how you can switch things up a bit for your family dinner. I’m not quite sure how we’re at the end of March, as it feels like we were just the other day making green eggs and ham. Still, here we are looking into April and the (hopefully) warmer weather it will bring. Now is also about the time we start thinking about what to do for Easter dinner. This year we... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. I spent the last two days at the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago with Hoover. My family holed up in Minnesota missing me like crazy. I think. Those bacon... more

One of the things we strive for when planning our menus is making everything fit together into one nice, neat little package. We look to use ingredients in different ways throughout the week so that we’re benefiting from the ability of do-aheads and being able to buy in bulk. We also benefit from a well-stocked pantry. You’ll have to excuse me. I think it’s Tuesday or something. The kids had Monday off for Presidents’ Day. They had yesterday off for a teacher work day.... more