Turkey Day is almost here. Then comes the decision: should we go out for dinner, or should we have a truly special dinner at home. We usually choose the traditional method of eating at home. T… Read moreAfter Thanskgiving: What to Make with Your Turkey Leftovers
Recipes
Over the holiday season our best friends made chili one evening while we were visiting them at their vacation home in Palm Springs. They just retired to Alabama and someone there taught them h… Read moreAlabama Onion Beer Chili
Over the holiday season our best friends made chili one evening while we were visiting them at their vacation home in Palm Springs. They just retired to Alabama and someone there taught them h… Read moreAlabama Onion Beer Chili
This is a simple and easy to make dessert and it is especially good in the summer. If you do not appreciate one or another of the fruits, you can always substitute to your tastes. If you use m… Read moreAmbrosia Salad
Have you ever wanted something to eat just like your mother used to make? I think we all have from time to time. I like meat loaf occasionally, and I could never make it the way good ol’ mom m… Read moreAnnie's Meat Loaf Recipe
Having guests over the holidays and you want something a little bit different for dessert? Pies sometimes seem so common and many are hard to make or take too long to prepare. I have a simple … Read moreApple Bistro Tart
One Saturday morning while I was eating breakfast and wondering what I would make for dinner I turned on the television and, lo and behold, I found my answer. This is my version of a Cook’s Co… Read moreApple Cider Chicken
Run your cube of butter or oleo over the bottom and sides of a 2 qt. casserole dish. Read moreApple Crisp or Apple Pan Dowdy
While reading the paper the other day I saw that the apple crop is starting to come in. It’s earlier than other years, but the quality of apples is much better. I present some apple desserts f… Read moreApple Pie in a Dish
You may not think you can grow much besides cacti and trees in SaddleBrooke but I want to tell you that we have citrus (lemon, lime, orange, kumquat), and this year we have apples, corn, squas… Read moreApple Sauce
So, it’s not too hot yet to use the oven and you are looking for an impressive coffeecake to serve your friends or winter visitors who will be leaving the area soon – as soon as all the snow m… Read moreApple Upside-Down Cake
As we close the holiday season, it always seems that I am looking for a new dessert. Many people are interested in finding something to take the place of cakes and pies. When I was growing up,… Read moreApple-Pear Crisp
Last year I attended many Weight Watchers meetings and I not only lost weight, but also learned a lot about healthy eating and have prepared many new recipes that will be helpful to all of us … Read moreAsian Beef Salad
Before it gets too hot to heat the oven and warm the kitchen you will love this recipe. My best friend says it is even better the second day and is a great do-ahead for a gathering or company.… Read moreBacardi Rum Cake
It’s apple season again. There are so many different kinds of apples – and colors – but what are they each best used for? I will try to help you with this quandary and then will give you an ap… Read moreBaked Apple with Cranberries and Maple Syrup
Before starting in the kitchen, any cook should know some baking basics. The following may bring to mind a long-forgotten essential ingredient to your success. These are just a few that came t… Read moreBaking Basics
There are times when you want a sweet treat, or you may be craving something chocolate. You wouldn’t want to make an entire batch of brownies or a whole cake (unless you have company coming). … Read moreBrownie for One
It’s that time of year for large gatherings of family, friends or both. We have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduations and Unit parties. I was first introduced to this special recipe when my … Read moreBrunch for a Bunch
Here it is, almost time for bathing suits, shorts, capris. It can’t come too soon for me. I no longer like the cold weather and when it does get cool I enjoy cooking, baking and preparing good… Read moreCabbage Soup
Summer is a great time for grilling, but sometimes it a lot easier and hassle-free to cook indoors. That’s where a cast iron skillet comes into the picture. Every kitchen should have one – it’… Read moreCast Iron Skillet Fajita Salad
It is not often that a son sends his mother a recipe. But mine did! I was shocked, but once I got over that feeling, I tried it and was equally shocked at how good it was. I think you will agr… Read moreCheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
This is a super easy dessert and, even though you may think it is too hot to use the oven, it is well worth it. Make it early in the morning or later in the evening and the house will not heat… Read moreCherry Pineapple Dump Cake
My daughter came for a visit shortly after the New Year began and she had only one wish, “Please show me how to make Chicken Cacciatore.” Since I got the recipe from my mother, I was anxious t… Read moreChicken Cacciatore
Whenever we visited my sister in Pennsylvania, she would prepare the following dinner for us. Much of it can be prepared ahead of time and then placed in the oven prior to sitting down to eat.… Read moreChicken Divan
Everyone has a recipe for Chicken Salad, but I don’t think too many people have this recipe. It was handed down to me from my mother-in-law, God bless her. I only use it during the warmer weat… Read moreChicken Salad Recipe
The other day I walked into the grocery store and what did I see? The best-looking peppers – large, shiny, obviously fresh, and multiple colors – green, red, orange, yellow. I started to think… Read moreChicken Stir Fry
It will soon be that time of year when we crave some hot soup or soul food. The following recipe is easy to make and, if you have a slow cooker, you can make it in the morning and it will be r… Read moreChicken Tortilla Soup
This month you are in for a treat – I am sharing an “original” recipe. I try very hard to prepare nutritious, low-cal and low-carb meals whenever possible. They can be very delicious and quick… Read moreChicken with Mushroom Sauce
It’s almost time for Cinco de Mayo, a grand celebration day. I always try to have something special that day, not only for the holiday it celebrates, but it is also my husband’s birthday. This… Read moreChili Verde
This sure has been a hot summer! And there’s still more to come. At times like this I think of looking through my Lemon and Lime Cookbook, which I received from the author, Rick Donker who hai… Read moreChili-Lime Salsa Beef
“Summertime, and the living is easy” so the song goes. And, you’re having the girls over for cards – or, your daughter just called and wants to come for a visit. Or, better yet, you just want … Read moreChinese Chicken Salad
My daughter loves to cook and bake. She sends me a lot of recipes and I am able to sample a lot of dishes when we visit. This is a new recipe I had never heard of and she makes it for all spec… Read moreChocolate Coca-Cola Cake & Frosting
I love chocolate – it has always been my downfall. Even though the weather is heating up now, you can bake early in the morning before it gets too overly hot. The tube pan (the one you use to … Read moreChocolate Pound Cake
I am always looking for the best recipes for this column. Sometimes friends and neighbors suggest a favorite recipe of theirs. I try them and, if I think my readers will appreciate the minglin… Read moreChunky Peanut Butter Cookies
This winter is really cold and when this weather hits I think of soup or stews as comfort food. This recipe can be like a soup if you do not use too much seafood but it can be like a stew as y… Read moreCioppino
There are times when you will have friends or family visit and you don’t know what to serve. You would like it to be something amazing but also doesn’t take too much time in the kitchen. Maybe… Read moreClam and Crab Salad Stuffed Avocados
I remember the first time I tasted Lentil Soup. It was about 35-years ago, and I was on my first visit to the little mining town of Jerome. It was lunchtime and we went downstairs into a littl… Read moreCook's Corner
A friend who follows this cooking column suggested this recipe. It is easy and, I think, should be used before it gets too warm to heat the kitchen. I know you will enjoy this! Read moreCook's Corner
As I have on previous occasions, I looked through my copy of “The Lemon and Lime Cookbook” to see which recipe I enjoyed a lot and wanted to share with all of you. Rick Donker lived in Modesto… Read moreCooking with Lemon
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated around the world and on that day everyone is Irish! Read moreCorned Beef and Cabbage
Recently my daughter introduced me to the Housewives of Frederick County, Maryland. She lives in West Virginia, and she has become friends with some of these housewives. They have given author… Read moreCrab Melts
I have been cooking for over 50-years and I’m still searching for new recipes and trying different ideas based on old and new ones. Recently, while reading an old issue of Sunset Magazine, I s… Read moreCrab Salad Cups
A friend of my daughters gave us this recipe. Thank you, Tina Borman. This is one you will make repeatedly and enjoy with friends and family or your bridge buddies or at unit parties. Hopefull… Read moreCrock-pot Beef Burgundy
When I was working (a long time ago) we exchanged recipes around the office and one of my co-workers shared the following with us. Of course, none of us had much time to bake, but now that we’… Read moreDump Cakes
The holiday season is coming to a close but we in SaddleBrooke are always celebrating something. It might be the girls coming over after a game of golf, or the card players are coming on an af… Read moreEasy Dips
I thought of so many good recipes this month that I found it hard to decide on something sensational, but I finally settled on sharing the following and I am sure you will enjoy it. The days w… Read moreEasy Pigs in a Blanket (in place of Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)
As much as I like to cook, there are times when I just want a nice easy-to-fix recipe that is delicious and colorful. Presentation is very important when serving your meals. You should try to … Read moreEasy, Delicious Pepper Steak
Are you always looking for something new to feed more than a couple of people whether it is your own company or a group getting together? I have a friend, Lori, who writes a daily blog, “More … Read moreFamily Style German Apple Pancake
A few days ago I was in the mood for a special dish that my Mother made on special occasions, especially Eastertime. My yen continued and so one Sunday afternoon I made Galumpkis. This is a Po… Read moreGalumpkis – Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
The weather will be warming up and it will be grilling time once again. Of course, with our mild winters, we can grill almost year round. A while back, before we moved to SaddleBrooke, we watc… Read moreGrilled Flank Steak Stuffed with Chile Relleno
This month I have scoured some summertime menus from The Lemon & Lime Cookbook and have chosen a delicious fish and salsa accompaniment. If you are not familiar with The Lemon & Lime C… Read moreHalibut with Lime Avocado Salsa
When my daughter visited for Thanksgiving she asked if she could make breakfast on Sunday. She told me ahead of time what I should have on hand and this is a wonderful recipe for brunch guests… Read moreHam & Cheese Brunch Squares
Here we are, getting ready for another winter season. Some days we need our comfort food and my friend Lori at More with Less Today has given me a fitting example of just such a meal. She know… Read moreHearty Minestrone Soup
This recipe is called “cupcakes” but they can be “muffins” also. I have made them with raisins and nuts and they make great breakfast cakes. Before scooping into the muffin tins, add 1/4 cup o… Read moreHeavenly Honey Banana Cupcakes
This recipe is called “cupcakes” but they can be “muffins” also. I have made them with raisins and nuts and they make great breakfast cakes. Before scooping into the muffin tins, add 1/4 cup o… Read moreHeavenly Honey Banana Cupcakes
Not only does this recipe take less than 30-minutes to prepare, but it can be served for a quick dinner or also as an “after party” breakfast. Leftovers heat in the microwave and sometimes tas… Read moreHere's One of My Favorite Recipes
Not only does this recipe take less than 30 minutes to prepare, but it can be served for a quick dinner or also as an “after party” breakfast. Leftovers heat in the microwave and sometimes tas… Read moreHere’s One of My Favorite Recipes
Over the years I spent hours making homemade gifts for relatives and friends and felt real pride in giving holiday gifts that really meant something. One year I bought a loom and made potholde… Read moreHoliday Gift Giving
It’s Holiday time again. Do you have the same problem I do – what vegetables should I serve for dinner? Not everyone likes the same thing and I like to please everyone. I have chosen two of ou… Read moreHoliday Vegetables
Recently, while on a trip to California to see some family members, my husband had dinner at a special restaurant we used to frequent. He chose an item on the menu that was unknown to him and … Read moreJerusalem Chicken
Once again it’s that time of year when we have large get-togethers: Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation, summer visitors, Unit parties or “just because.” My niece sent me this recipe and it… Read moreKiller Crockpot Chili
My daughter loves to cook and, of course she learned a lot from watching and helping me as she grew up. Now we often exchange recipes and most recently she sent me this one that she got from a… Read moreLasagna Soup
Holiday time usually means tables full of great food and lively conversation. At the end of the meal, even though you may be feeling very full, a nice light dessert always hits the spot. Today… Read moreLemon Mousse
Before we know it, winter will be here – I promise. Most of the winter visitors will have returned and we will resume our friendships with some lovely people. It will be time to have coffee an… Read moreLemon-Pecan Sunburst Coffee Cake
My readers have often told me that they do not cook at home much anymore. And, when they do cook, they want a recipe that does not require too much preparation or hours spent in the kitchen. T… Read moreLinguine with White Clam Sauce
Some years ago, Low-Carb diets were all the rage. I must admit—I tried it, too. And it was successful for the time that I stuck to it. Then, I got the old sweet tooth again. And sweets are a n… Read moreLow-Carb Recipes
When I walked into the produce department of the market the other day, I could not help noticing the assortment of apples and pears. What a harvest this season! You may want to look up my arti… Read moreMake a Pear Salad this Holiday Season
Until recently, I had never had a mango. While dining at a restaurant it was served with my salmon and I fell in love with the taste and texture. After doing some research I found that they or… Read moreMango Salsa
There are a lot of recipes for New England Clam Chowder (the creamy one) but I have found only a handful for the eastern red-style Manhattan Clam Chowder. When my best friend from high school … Read moreManhattan-Style Clam Chowder
This month’s column consists of two recipes and make up, what I call, my Mediterranean Dinner. The first is an Italian Meat Loaf, and accompanying it is the recipe for a Greek Vegetable Medley… Read moreMediterranean Dinner
This month I am presenting a special breakfast or brunch item. When I am dining out and I see Eggs Benedict on the menu I usually will order it because I have a hard time making the Hollandais… Read moreMexican Egg Benedict
I was so out of ideas the other day; I did not know what to make for dinner. I looked through the pantry and the refrigerator to see what I could come up with. Several cans, spices and herbs b… Read moreMy Italian Goulash
Once upon a time, Fridays were the day of the week to have fish and chips. Now, whatever restaurant you go to, you may see that option on the menu. It usually consists of fried fish and potato… Read moreNot Your Regular Fish & Chips
If you have made plans to travel at a particular time, either by auto or by plane, you may want to be prepared by baking ahead of time and taking these cookies along with you. This is an easy … Read moreNutritious Oatmeal Cookies
Soon you will not want to heat your ovens, so I am delivering a great recipe to usher out the chilly weather and you can share as you say so long to the winter visitors. When the grandkids com… Read moreOatmeal Craisin White Chocolate Chip Cookies
September and October seem to be the months when the winter visitors will be returning to SaddleBrooke. We all love to get together and discover all the adventures our friends have had over th… Read moreOrange Creamsicle Cheesecake Bars
We are having an extremely hot summer! We need to think of some cooling drinks, especially if we are entertaining—the card group, book book club or unit party. Iced tea and lemonade are always… Read moreOrange Julius Recipe
I’m sure everyone has made a Pineapple Upside Down Cake, or you have had a serving when visiting relatives or friends. Many years ago, I found a recipe that is patterned on that recipe, but th… Read morePear Upside Down Fudge Cake
Well, here we are again; it’s almost Thanksgiving and Holiday Season. Our friends and neighbors have returned to spend the winter with us and we may wish to have something to serve as a desser… Read morePecan Tarts
It’s getting a little cooler already – it’s time to start up the ovens. Winter visitors and part-time residents are arriving in SaddleBrooke and you may want to make a little surprise as a wel… Read morePecan Toffee Pastries
We have a lot of relatives in Southern California and one day, while visiting my sister-in-law, she introduced us to the following recipe. Delicious! Read morePositively Sinful Dessert
Holiday time is upon us again. I always remember a lot of baking going on at our house when I was growing up. Lots of cookies were being baked, but we couldn’t eat them just then. Mom put them… Read morePowdered Sugar Cookies
At this time of year during Halloween and Thanksgiving we notice fresh pumpkins in the stores and stands everywhere we go. The pumpkins are really nice for decorations, but then what do you do… Read morePumpkin Bread
Everyone thinks Bouillabaisse takes all day to make and is too hard for the average cook. Read moreQuick Bouillabaisse
There may be a lot of special occasions coming up soon – Father’s Day, Graduations, friends and neighbors visiting – and you will find the following recipe easy to make and sure to please any … Read moreRaspberry Crumb Cake
A long time ago when we visited Catalina Island, 26-miles off the coast of California, my mother-and-father-in-law introduced us to Catalina hot dogs. Now you may think, “So what?” They are ve… Read moreRecipe for Catalina Island Hot Dogs
Cooler weather is upon us and it’s time to start using our ovens again. I usually grill salmon fillets outdoors but I couldn’t resist this recipe given to me by my friend, Claire. I’m always g… Read moreSalmon Fillets with Horseradish, Walnuts and Herbs
Sonoran-spiced Sloppy Meatless Sandwich Filling Read moreSonoran-spiced Sloppy Meatless Sandwich Filling
Looking for something different, but with pizzazz and a little spiciness? We all crave this at some time or another. This recipe is good enough for company or that special couple joining you f… Read moreSpicy Barley Jambalaya
Seafood makes the rounds in our household on a regular basis. Recently, in a new Weight Watchers recipe book, I came across a recipe for steaming mussels in a very flavorful broth. One really … Read moreSteamed Mussels In A Spicy Broth
This is a stovetop/skillet version of a recipe found in Phoenix Home & Garden that involved oven baking. Since I rarely use the oven, especially in the summer, I created this version and m… Read moreStovetop Arroz Con Pollo
It’s strawberry time! Have you noticed the abundance in the stores this year? They are extra-large, super red, naturally sweet and juicy. Strawberries are a member of the rose family and are t… Read moreStrawberry Parfait
Fall is just around the corner and our friends from colder climates will be returning to visit with us again. Getting together to talk about all that happened in our lives this past summer is … Read moreStuffed Mushroom Caps
When it’s summer and it’s so very hot outside, we tend not to want to bake anything so this month I am giving you some ideas for new salads. Not only are they cool to eat, but they are also go… Read moreSummer Salads
We have had some especially hot days this summer and I am sure we all look for easy-to-make dinners that will help us feel good about the heat. Although I do not make many soups in the summer,… Read moreSummer Tomato Soup with Shrimp, Zucchini, and Corn
One of the “comfort” foods I enjoy the most is chili. I have tried many different recipes and some are okay, some are not my preference, but now I have found a Super Chili that I think will be… Read moreSuper Chili
Are you having trouble thinking of a great summer dinner? I found a recipe in my box of treasures and want to share it with you. If you are unable to eat some of the ingredients, just substitu… Read moreSuper Easy Shrimp Boil
Here is a recipe just right for a larger than normal group of guests, or football fans, or a unit party. With the Super Bowl coming up soon, you might want to try it then if you are having som… Read moreSuper Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna
The Lemon Lime Cookbook by Richard B. Donker has been an ongoing source for some of my recipes because the use of citrus juice and zest adds a certain lightness to chicken and fish recipes. It… Read moreTequila-Almond Chicken
When we plan fish for dinner we usually grill outside so the house does not fill with the fishy odors. Salmon is extremely good on the grill and only takes a few minutes on each side. One fish… Read moreTilapia Fillets with Pecan Butter Sauce