Today, the sun is shining. The icicles that adorned my house have all melted. The snow that covered my backyard? Well, it’s still there, but the forecast says it won’t be there forever, which is how I felt about it last week at this time. Yet the nights still dip below freezing, and I find myself curled up under an afghan my mom crocheted 13 years ago. To chase out the last days of winter, comfort food seems appropriate. Bring on the potatoes, the cream, the oven and the leeks.... more

Things have been a little crazy around here. I’ve been juggling one thing after another, starting up this and working on that. It’s exciting, encouraging and hectic. And because of this added component as I try to fit a slice of life into my already jampackedfullwithnoroomtospare schedule, I’ve been cutting some corners on dinner lately and – gasp – planning ahead. A funny thing this planning ahead on how it gets you prepared for the unexpected. I wish I could say I plan... more

My appetite changes with the season. In the winter I appreciate things that warm you up and keep you warm. Like soup. In the summer, soup takes a back seat to pasta salads, potato salads, slaws, grilled meats and fresh fruit. A warm cup of soup on a winter day makes the transition from morning coffee to lunchtime that much easier. Yes. I use coffee to keep warm. Sometimes tea too. There is something about a well-balanced soup that makes me smile on the inside. Over the years I’ve learned... more

Disclaimer by Shaina: Yep, I saw them over here on PW, and I even told Ole that she blogged his recipe that he was working on. However, you’re still getting them, and heck, maybe it’ll help you with some of the measurement amounts. The following is a post by Ole, who made baked beans last week! I’ve always taken beans for granted.  Ten minutes before the grilling is done, you open a can of beans, pour it into a bowl, stick it in the microwave for three or four minutes, then slide... more

I suppose I could think of and share a reason why it would be called Texas caviar, but the point is that there are no fish eggs in it. I like to think of it as salsa that has been kicked up a notch or two. In fact, it’s been changed so drastically, I dare call it a salsa. My sister’s friend brought this to a birthday dinner a few years ago. I was instantly hooked. It’s tasty, interesting, flavorful and packed full of protein. There are beans. There are enough beans for this... more

This recipe was requested by Adrianne when she saw it on our weekly menu. I can’t blame her. Lemon, chicken, pasta. I’d be intrigued too. I wasn’t planning on posting it originally, but I decided it was a fantastic time to share a new upgrade to the site. We started making the recipe card at the bottom of the post printable. Click HERE to see what it will look like printed out for your recipe box, folder or whatever you store recipes in. If you subscribe, you may have already... more

Sometimes the best things in life are simple. This is one of those times. There is nothing frilly or fancy about this recipe. It’s easy. If you make a good patch of pesto and stash it in your freezer, it is effortless. And the payoff is incredible. Who doesn’t love bread smothered in cheese? Every year our kids are in a Christmas program in Ole’s hometown, just under two hours from here. We spend Christmas Eve there, and it seemed fitting that they’d participate. The... more