I made chicken empanadas this weekend because it seemed like a good idea and like a good way to say goodbye, even if it’s only a temporary goodbye. A chicken filling full of love, hugged by a flaky crust. Tears optional. Lime juice recommended. Our friends are moving. To Scotland. Scotland seems awfully far away from Minnesota. So, as I sat here last week contemplating the length of 12 months and what on earth I would do without Jen at happy hour and Halloween and New Year’s Eve... 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 have been loving my garden. From tomatoes to zucchini to herbs and more, I can’t get enough of it. Over on Smithfield I shared some of the benefits we see from gardening... 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. This week’s menu is dedicated to gardens everywhere overflowing with zucchini. It is also dedicated to my love and my kids’ love for broccoli, but dressing it... 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. Summer, summer, summer. This past week was hot and sticky, proving that there’s plenty of summer left, despite all the back-to-school sales and signs and the millions... more

Yesterday I was making blueberry crumb bars for Babble when I decided I needed use up some of the produce in the fridge. We were headed up to the Boundary Waters, and I had, well, a lot of produce that wasn’t scheduled to be packed in the cooler and carted up there with us. As I stared at the cherries that had sadly been neglected as life took over and deadlines loomed, I decided they would work perfectly in the crumb bar recipe I’d just tossed into the oven. The cherries had originally been... more

Last week I had the privilege of spending some time in Scottsdale, Arizona with a group of amazing bloggers after being invited to the Thermador Showroom as they released their new Steam & Convection Oven, set to hit the market this fall. Before I even said yes to going, I knew that I was in love with Thermador. I mean, have you seen Thermador’s appliances? Gorgeous with their Star Burner and sapphire lights! Our trip to the showroom started with a gourmet breakfast offered up by Thermador’s... 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 last week in Scottsdale, Arizona with a fantastic group of bloggers courtesy of Thermador. (Like Todd from White on Rice Couple, who helped me with the above shot,... more