Spring Break Finger Food Party

Not everyone can afford to jet off to a sunny locale for spring break. In fact, with the economy tanking surveys show that more and more families are planning to stay close to home as Old Man Winter departs. But just because you’re home for the days leading up to Easter, doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the arrival of warmer temperatures. The following simple finger food recipes are ideal to serve at a spring gathering for friends and family, and the best part–you won’t break the bank or your back making them: SPRING BREAK SNACK MIX Ingredients: 2 cans (15 … Continue reading

Spring Break Menu—Aloha Hawaii

I’m continuing my Spring Break Menu theme today with selections from the string of pearls in the Pacific known as the Hawaiian Islands. Since I was born and raised in the Aloha State I toyed with the idea of sharing some of the authentic Hawaiian recipes I grew up eating, but then I realized how hard it was to get some of the local ingredients, so I opted to go with these quasi-Hawaiian recipes instead. These simple dishes still pack a Hawaiian punch (despite being generic in nature). In addition, they are wonderful party recipes, should you feel the desire … Continue reading

What to do with Leftover Super Bowl Snacks

Sunday’s Super Bowl was one for the history books. It’s not every year that viewers are treated to a nail biter that’s actually worth watching, but this year’s match-up between Arizona and Pittsburgh delivered. Ironically, the action of the field kept some from devouring my friend’s Super Bowl spread. Last night she called complaining about major leftovers. My suggestion: Put the snacks to good use in recipes that can be served as part of weeknight meals. You can use up leftover chicken to make a spicy Buffalo Chicken Wing Dip and boring baked potatoes can transformed into Kicked Up Potato … Continue reading

Sizzling Hot Super Bowl Ribs and Other Tasty Game Day Treats

The countdown to the big game is on and even if you can’t make it to Tampa in time for kick off you can still make it a Super Bowl to remember by whipping up the following mouthwatering recipes: SIZZLING HOT SUPER BOWL RIBS Ingredients: Baby back ribs Your favorite rib rub BBQ sauce Fresh lemon juice Olive oil Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Place ribs on heavy-duty foil. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top of ribs. Sprinkle generously both sides of ribs with your favorite rib rub or with a mixture of salt, … Continue reading

Healthy Summer Dips

My 4-year-old loves hummus! I feel like screaming it from the rooftops. (But, I’ll settle for announcing it in cyberspace.) Like most kids she doesn’t exactly embrace new foods, but the “smooshy” substance that sat on my plate during a rare lunch out last month intrigued her and she asked to try it. I obliged and to my surprise (make that utter shock) she announced that it was “YUMMY!” After that meal I went out and bought several containers of hummus (infused with different flavors including artichoke, lemon and smoked peppers). However, at $3 for just a few ounces I … Continue reading

What to do with Leftover Raw Vegetables

Well, I guess I won’t be cooking for a Super Bowl party after all. Now that the Green Bay Packers blew their chance to compete for the title of best team in the NFL not only am I left with a bitter taste in my mouth, I have a ton of leftover raw vegetables to boot. For those of you who haven’t been following my guest blogs here in the FOOD category, Valorie has been kind enough to allow me to share the recipes I have been furiously preparing for the numerous playoff and championship game parties I’ve attended during … Continue reading

Creating the Perfect Dip Table

A big bowl of chunky dip surrounded by chips, crackers, and veggies solves a lot of life’s entertainment problems. The quick and easy dish serves as an attractive table centerpiece, doesn’t require utensils and is one of the only ways my kid will eat raw vegetables without being bribed. If you’ve been reading my recent guest blogs in the FOOD category then you know that I’ve been on a dip kick as of late. Blame the Green Bay Packers. Our hometown football team is on the road to the Super Bowl and ever since they made the playoffs, party invitations … Continue reading

Two Hearty Crab Dips

Regis Philbin has made a point to plug the NFL match up between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Giants at the start of his syndicated talk show EVERYDAY this week. Which makes me feel less guilty about posting the recipes I am making for the NFC Championship game viewing party I’m attending on Sunday. Living in Wisconsin–where some businesses are planning to close early just so their employees can watch the game at home—-it’s hard not to get caught up in all the hoopla. But, even if you are not hosting an AFC or NFC Championship party … Continue reading

Three-Cheese Cheese Puffs and Cranberry Cracker Spread

Potlucks provide the perfect opportunity to try foods you wouldn’t ordinarily make for your own family. And if you have children a potluck is the perfect place for you to discover new ways to incorporate your kids’ favorite ingredients into daily dishes. In a previous blog I wrote about a football potluck I attended over the weekend. My daughter didn’t come, but she devoured the goodies I brought home for her. Her favorite was a simple cheesy biscuit. I make plain biscuits at home all the time and she eats them without complaint, but I have never seen her inhale … Continue reading

Football Food

Our state is in the midst of a pro football frenzy. Wisconsin’s legendary Green Bay Packers are marching towards the Super Bowl and today the entire state (I’m not exaggerating) is celebrating by hosting playoff parties. Which means I had to dig deep in my recipe archives to find some simple dishes to pass at a viewing party we’ll be attending later this afternoon. If your favorite teams are playing either today or tomorrow (I’m talking to you folks in New England, Jacksonville, San Diego, Indianapolis, Seattle, Dallas and New Jersey/NewYork) and you are in need of quick and easy … Continue reading