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 have what I lovingly refer to as “canoe burn.” It’s that red knee from sitting on a big, open lake with the sun reflecting off the shimmering surface... 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. We have something we’d like to share with you. The little man here is pretty excited about it. We’ve been asked by the folks at Alexia Foods to participate in... 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. 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

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. And breathe. Valentine’s Day was a bit of a whirlwind here, what with a sick child at home and swimming lessons right in the middle of it. Here we are on the other... 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 head out this week to Nashville. I’d like to say this meant I’ve been planning ahead and making sure the family will be fed, but I really just started thinking... more