tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6922894285174131472011-12-09T16:52:03.242-05:00Opinions on food and travel from the life of a perfectionistCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.comBlogger2271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-75003392971783510882011-11-04T13:10:00.002-04:002011-11-04T17:15:37.075-04:00

Several months ago, I found out about the Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill near Asheville, North Carolina from the owner of Burlington’s Willis Graves Bed and Breakfast near Cincinnati, Ohio. They were both selected this year for inclusion on a Top 10 national list of romantic inns. It is fitting that they share such a distinction, because out of the twenty-one small inns and bed and breakfasts

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-6224704528785559102011-11-03T23:04:00.004-04:002011-11-03T23:07:42.844-04:00

First Impression and Room DetailsThe entire Warner Hall property makes a positive impression as you drive up the entrance. The buildings have been beautifully restored and rooms furnished with antiques and modern conveniences.We stayed in Austin’s Desire, a third floor room with a king bed, plenty of living space, and views of the surrounding acreage. An in-room thermostat provides individual

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-58078988519389031492011-06-24T12:02:00.013-04:002011-07-06T19:48:04.830-04:00

Much to my amazement, our second visit to Anguilla surpassed the first. I didn’t know it could actually get better!? No doubt this little island has cast its charm on us. After last year I wondered how we could make it an annual trip, and now I’m wondering if it’s possible to squeeze in a long weekend some time next fall so we don’t have to go a full year before we set foot on the island again.

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-38466246849606070852011-06-23T16:20:00.008-04:002011-06-23T16:56:09.637-04:00

We needed an extra itinerary on Delta to ensure our 2011 benefits, and decided to pair it with a three-night stay at the Four Seasons after reading various comments on the flyertalk.com forum and news reports about the projected effects of La Niña. Soon our segment run turned into a longer family ski vacation in mid-December. My in-laws were able to join us for part of the trip, and we extended

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-27715049084271709302011-06-23T15:57:00.002-04:002011-06-23T20:05:04.363-04:00

My thanks to those on the flyertalk.com board and others whose posts and insights helped me to plan our trip. While the vast majority of the report covers our accommodations, I do have minor commentary re: restaurants, flights/car rental, and excursions. Most of this side information is in the beginning, so you may want to fast forward to get to the main hotel information.CALIFORNIASince my

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-47872467148391570872011-06-23T15:28:00.002-04:002011-07-06T19:48:23.307-04:00

Before I launch into the report, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone on the travel forums (tripadvisor.com and anguillaforum.com). Our vacation was amazing, and it was in large part due to your advice and recommendations. We often found ourselves off the beaten path in places that I know we never would have been without your suggestions. I wish there was something more than “thanks” to

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-25434656428977607222011-06-23T04:52:00.000-04:002011-06-23T16:53:31.459-04:00

Well, this blog has been abandoned for over a year, but I am going to update it with a few trip reports that I shared on travel boards so that pictures can be displayed with commentary. Enjoy!

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-66164396475234195532010-04-14T16:18:00.006-04:002011-06-23T16:15:48.725-04:00

The good news is that this post will highlight my favorite restaurants, travel destinations, recipes, and random details from the last 2+ years. The other news is that this is my last post on this blog. I've enjoyed having a place to record food and travel adventures, but the time has come to change gears.My focus has changed and for now I feel like the reviews I have to contribute can find a

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-75327990140116989132010-04-03T13:40:00.007-04:002010-04-03T17:38:18.549-04:00

I don't know what it is like at your house, but as the trees begin to bud, leaves begin to grow, and my eyes begin to itch, I can't help but get excited about the seasonal produce ahead. The countdown to blueberry season has started and we have commenced the search for a freezer to store summer fare. In the meantime, these are some of the foods catching our attention.Oyster MushroomsThe fresh

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-56437506368123461002010-02-22T11:55:00.015-05:002010-02-23T11:32:03.826-05:00

"Are we becoming granola people?"That was a recent question uttered in our kitchen after we returned unopened gifts of fine china in exchange for a kitchen appliance and started eating more greens. As we blended whole food concoctions at lightening speed, we couldn't help but think back to the beginning of our marriage when "cooking" at home was marked by spaghetti sauce jars, scrambled eggs, or

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-91345513208957547782010-02-15T10:29:00.005-05:002010-02-22T16:12:18.068-05:00

As mentioned last year, we have a tradition that Mark (my husband) assumes chef duties on Valentine's Day. While he is a great help in the kitchen year-round, it's the one time each year when he does an Internet search for recipes and executes a meal from start to finish all on his own.This year he was adventurous and decided to tackle lamp chops and a chocolate soufflé. The entire meal was

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-25327817744658301202010-01-21T10:27:00.012-05:002010-01-21T18:25:47.682-05:00

I've been fine tuning a long post regarding first impressions of Richmond restaurants, but since it's not quite finished, these are my latest ups and downs in the kitchen and on the road...In the KitchenAt home, I've been trying new recipes that turn out to be failures. Even though the colder temperatures beckon the comfort of soup, there was nothing comforting about either of my attempts this

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-76407766574273581162010-01-03T17:35:00.005-05:002010-04-03T13:37:31.546-04:00

Best wishes to everyone as you begin 2010!For us, the new year is off to a great start when it comes to food. Last night we enjoyed a delicious meal at Acacia. Service was top notch as usual, and the food was stellar. Highlights included a homemade pasta and mushroom appetizer, seafood fritters, and the red snapper dish. After we left, the rest of the night wasn't quite as tasty. We hoped to go

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-81594670659560159562009-12-21T16:33:00.011-05:002010-08-24T09:31:25.106-04:00

I made a few grocery stops before we settled in for a long snow weekend. While Mark put the snow shovel to good use next door, I tried a Cook's Illustrated marinade (skip it), prepared a big pot of chili, and discovered apple bliss.It seemed like the right time to try Alice Waters' Apple Tart since we are down to our last bag of Gold Rush apples. I found this recipe on the Smitten Kitchen blog

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-70107559027207391022009-12-09T23:25:00.008-05:002009-12-16T11:04:51.067-05:00

Almost two years ago I posted one of my favorite family recipes. This week I decided to update the classic recipe since we had a pound of grass-fed beef from Polyface Farm and a new food processor (thanks, Santa).According to my husband, this version tasted even better than he remembered. To me, it's never been this easy. I am amazed at how much time a food processor saves me in the kitchen. I

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-41351851250820077512009-12-06T16:57:00.008-05:002011-06-23T15:52:42.617-04:00

If you missed my first post about Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast (Berryville, VA), then click here to read about our trip. I've decided against writing a detailed review since I already shared the highlights from our trip, but additional pictures with snippets of information about our stay are at the end of this post.On the absence of ratings...It is becoming increasingly difficult to rate bed

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-13104988408407939382009-11-02T19:19:00.006-05:002009-12-06T18:58:47.148-05:00

We spent part of Halloween weekend on Skyline Drive, in the Shenandoah National Park, finding numerous reasons to be grateful that Virginia is our new home. Considering Mark's natural food loving mom and outdoor enthusiast dad were in town, and I have less than fifty pages left to read in Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilemma, we spent the night at a nearby farm with an on-site bed and breakfast.

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-34319194850361750552009-10-29T23:51:00.005-04:002009-11-03T12:45:31.719-05:00

A quick post for anyone near Richmond during Restaurant Week (October 26 - November 1). Area restaurants are offering 3-course meals for $25.09, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Central Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia.We went to Acacia tonight after reading about it online. What an enjoyable evening! I called too late for reservations (they were full)

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-67357809999136196452009-10-27T21:51:00.006-04:002009-12-06T23:48:36.156-05:00

Need a good laugh? Our friend, Matt (pictured), is one of the funniest people we know. He recently relocated from Lexington to Nashville as he transitions from life as a practicing counselor to freelance editor/author. We keep waiting for his book to be finished, so it can be discovered by a big city publisher, and millions can laugh with us at his unique writing style and wit.The book isn't

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-5547064711420378162009-10-17T11:29:00.004-04:002009-10-17T11:34:59.828-04:00

We've made the following meal several times over the last month or two. While the chicken is in the oven, I usually put a batch of lima beans on the stove or assemble small salads to round out the meal. Enjoy!Individual Potato GratinsSource: Modified from a Food Network recipe1 large russet potato, roughly peeled and thinly sliced1/4 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese1 green onion, finely

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-47851716689081950542009-10-05T23:12:00.010-04:002009-10-30T10:58:41.559-04:00

Until this evening, my baking attempts with blueberries have not been successful. Our most recent disaster was a blueberry coffee cake. I found the recipe on a blog, the picture looked fantastic, and the original source was a bed and breakfast - how bad could it be? Bad enough that Mark and I picked out all the blueberries and ate them before tossing the rest of the bland, sugary

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-2718511597307738592009-09-15T13:31:00.016-04:002009-09-17T11:53:06.602-04:00

We have reached the halfway point this month in our efforts to cook at home. The good news is we are on budget for the month (yahoo!), which confirms that eating out was the culprit in previous months. The bad news is that we have more recipe disappointments than recommendations with one notable exception. My sincere thanks to the geniuses at Cook's Illustrated who helped lighten my Saturday with

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-46235360996189415342009-09-06T15:17:00.003-04:002009-09-06T15:17:00.115-04:00

When reading magazines, I often dog-ear pages to note or keep for the future. I have never dog-eared this many pages in one magazine.The MoveI haven't shared much about the big move because we are still finding our way. The best news is that Mark absolutely loves his job. For me, there are good days and bad days. But if I have learned anything from previous moves, it is that the good ones will

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-10814185013376522632009-09-05T19:20:00.006-04:002009-09-05T20:15:29.992-04:00

Tonight we fired up the grill to make Bacon-Wrapped Pork Medallions with Tomato-Corn Salsa and Grilled Lemon-Garlic Potatoes, both are easy summer recipes.We repeated a corn and basil tart recipe to round out the meal, which made the dinner a hit with Mark. I wasn't quite as impressed with the two new recipes. The tenderloin was flavorful, the salsa light and refreshing, yet something was

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-80941296052065805832009-09-02T23:44:00.009-04:002009-09-20T22:43:44.194-04:00

September 1st marked a return to our monthly budget and a commitment to getting back on track in the kitchen. After moving from one kitchen to another (tough to cook with everything in boxes), switching from one company's payroll to another (creating a budget-busting lapse in pay), finding a new bank (let's wait to start the new budget until after changing accounts), making far too many trips

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-38348576869121759132009-09-01T12:32:00.007-04:002009-10-27T22:08:29.395-04:00

Mark and I already had vegetables marinating before my parents got to town, so one night we resorted to our mainstay meal: Italian Chicken Skewers and a Corn and Basil Tart.To spice thing ups a bit with company, we made Ginger Limeade. While the limeade was refreshing and I would recommend giving it a try, I have since discovered Fever Tree mixers. (Which have been out for a few years now, I'm

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-83740481694218539832009-08-15T23:25:00.010-04:002009-08-20T09:26:27.314-04:00

If you missed it, you may want to check out Thursday’s post before reading this one. I shared general thoughts related to bed and breakfasts that set the stage for today’s list.Method to the MadnessI logged onto the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia website and surveyed over 200 bed and breakfasts. I visited business websites, TripAdvisor.com, BedandBreakfast.com, and other miscellaneous

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-35354037591129379952009-08-13T12:34:00.019-04:002009-08-13T17:30:08.720-04:00

I am always surprised to hear people stereotype bed and breakfasts, until I start sifting through websites on the Internet and realize their descriptions still exist in certain locations. This is most unfortunate for those who have moved beyond the clichés and operate more as small boutique inns than old school perceptions.The luxurious accommodations, standards of cleanliness, and gourmet

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-12262960347866285802009-08-05T14:41:00.003-04:002009-08-05T14:44:09.214-04:00

I'm in rural Alabama at a retreat so I won't be online for the next four to five days. Enjoy your week!

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-58315420709625514912009-08-03T18:18:00.001-04:002009-08-03T18:18:00.701-04:00

The following recipe is a regular repeat in our home. The next time you are grocery shopping for a meal that includes fresh basil and Italian parsley, pick up a few extra pork chops since you can make this recipe ahead using your leftover basil and parsley. (I am assuming that you always have olive oil, balsamic vinegar and fresh garlic on hand!) Place the marinade and pork chops in a zip lock

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-72604954965584598462009-07-27T23:39:00.014-04:002009-07-28T11:47:52.513-04:00

In between packing up our apartment in Kentucky and making the big move to Virginia, we decided to squeeze in a last-minute trip to the beach. We figured it would be awhile until Mark accrued enough vacation time for a getaway, so we might as well celebrate our fifth anniversary a little early.First Second ImpressionsIt’s no secret that I absolutely loved my first visit to the area known as

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-87744342780174127452009-07-20T12:24:00.006-04:002009-07-20T15:02:28.454-04:00

I am back in Kentucky for a quick trip and enjoyed a few of Nancy Swartzel's creations at a bed and breakfast meeting yesterday. I was there (living vicariously through innkeepers) to share basics about the Internet. It is great that so many innkeepers are creating blogs. Seems like their information will be a nice addition to online content since they have daily experience with interior

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-76372958620157566072009-07-13T11:22:00.007-04:002009-07-13T13:15:48.867-04:00

Whew, it's been a long time since I've sat at a computer. The joy of a beach vacation (reviews in the pipeline) quickly became a distant memory as we dived into a major move. Thankfully we have made some headway after several days of intensive cleaning. We are down to two rooms and four closets of boxes. They'll have to wait since the kitchen is finally unpacked and I can return to some food

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-38983253175492585572009-06-19T14:16:00.005-04:002011-06-23T16:01:34.742-04:00

It's hard to believe it has been a year since I discovered that I actually like blueberries.Before the big move, Mark and I decided to stock up on Reed Valley Orchard berries. We picked 5 gallons of blueberries and 1/2 gallon of raspberries. Not nearly enough to get us through the summer and fall, but it was the best we could do with high heat and humidity. Once we got home, we had to vacuum

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-68512491782391964802009-06-09T12:31:00.002-04:002009-06-09T12:42:28.113-04:00

It's official - later this summer we'll be packing up and moving east to Richmond, VA!Mark accepted a new job so we made a trip over the weekend to search for housing and see the city. It's all happening quickly and there is no time for my normal attention to detail. One example: I flew into Richmond on Thursday afternoon and realized (after getting on the interstate with a growling stomach)

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-74407238161683813882009-06-01T20:39:00.005-04:002009-06-09T12:27:34.221-04:00

I'll be out this week, since my beautiful niece just arrived!

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-49145323883719981282009-05-31T15:19:00.001-04:002009-06-01T20:38:33.386-04:00

I often print out online recipes or tear pages out of magazines to bookmark for future use. A long time ago I stumbled upon a Pimm's Cup blog post after seeing the photo on a food site (probably foodgawker or tastespotting). Pimm's No. 1 is gin-based alcohol that is popular in England, probably best known as the main ingredient in Pimm's Cup - a signature Wimbledon drink. The blend of sweet,

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-65843097685199872522009-05-30T10:01:00.004-04:002009-05-30T10:47:11.430-04:00

While we were in Milwaukee visiting friends last weekend, I was asked about when I became so interested in food.I wasn't the kid that cooked all the time - cookie dough and spaghetti were my only kitchen creations in high school! But I did always love to go out to eat. We'd often celebrate birthdays, report cards and other special occasions with food. Ten years ago, after a growing interest in

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-31770588325326489752009-05-28T22:15:00.003-04:002009-05-28T22:19:33.722-04:00

This side dish is a tasty way to get veggies into your main meal. Simple to make, but full of flavor since the balsamic vinegar adds a good bit of pep to the sauteed veggies.Sweet Peppers and Balsamic VinegarSource: “A Flash in the Pan” Cookbook2 tablespoons olive oil4 cups thinly sliced mixed red, yellow, orange, and/or green bell peppers1 medium onion, thinly sliced4 large garlic cloves,

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-90554862237902913702009-05-25T18:30:00.005-04:002009-05-25T18:34:26.182-04:00

Today we made one of our favorite salads, substituting fresh picked strawberries for the blueberries and apples.

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-65455117097882456502009-05-24T10:49:00.007-04:002009-06-10T19:36:20.524-04:00

We are in Milwaukee for the weekend and have been trying several new recipes. This recipe was part of a snack lunch yesterday with vegetables, cheese and crackers.Homemade SalsaSource: Julie Lashier2 (14.5 ounce) cans fire roasted diced tomatoes1/2 to 1 bunch cilantro (discard stalks, just pick leaves off the stalk)1 medium yellow onion2 to 4 garlic cloves6 jalapeños or 10 serrano chiles (

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-55915683599694547162009-05-18T10:42:00.008-04:002009-05-19T17:28:48.948-04:00

I have been counting down the days until berries are in season. My calendar is already marked for a nearby blueberry festival next month and I called a local orchard yesterday to check on their strawberries. To my great delight, yesterday was the first you-pick day at a farm in Woodford County, Kentucky.We didn't pick our own but did buy a few quarts. After my blueberry mishaps last year I

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-30995578525382458332009-05-15T15:02:00.009-04:002009-05-15T16:33:14.672-04:00

Whew - I can't tell you how good it is to be back online! It's been a long week of doctor visits, misdiagnosis, various culture tests and prescriptions to find out that I have strep throat. One day on the new antibiotic and I feel like a new person! Tangent: Research your doctors. I came home too late from work last Thursday to go to my regular doctor and ended up at a walk-in clinic. I

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-69852762387479096252009-05-02T15:01:00.000-04:002009-05-02T19:02:00.467-04:00

- Mary’s Bluegrass Pie - Maggie Green shares a special family recipe for Derby parties.- Mint Juleps - Joy the Baker makes mint juleps and shares beautiful photos of the process.- Kentucky Hot Brown - Marsha Burton serves up this famous Louisville dish on Sunday mornings, she shares the recipe and its history on her blog.- Kentucky Bibb Salad with Strawberries and Apple Cider Vinaigrette -

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-76834572630369580782009-04-29T13:18:00.001-04:002009-04-29T13:18:00.402-04:00

Baby Cakes Bakery recently opened a store front and is a unique addition to our local food scene.After a reading the glowing review on Danielle Deskin's blog, I had to make a stop before heading out of town last week. I purchased a half dozen for a friend, so I can't report on the taste, but I trust Danielle's opinion wholeheartedly. All the cupcakes I saw looked divine. A return trip is in our

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-16175473560107727552009-04-28T22:17:00.002-04:002009-05-02T10:57:29.167-04:00

Just in case you are looking for something to serve with the spring salad, I thought I'd pass along the pork tenderloin recipe that went with it...Sautéed Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Caramelized Onion and Balsamic JamSource: Lana Shepek, Dierbergs Fresh Spring Feast2 pork tenderloins (3/4 pound each), with silver skin removed2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)2 cloves garlic, minced (

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-70234587704251366442009-04-24T15:18:00.011-04:002009-04-24T16:14:57.560-04:00

One of the benefits to staying in a small inn or bed and breakfast is that you get to enjoy their homemade creations. I've spent the last two days "innkeeping" at a property in northern Kentucky, learning the ropes behind the scenes and having fun in the kitchen. They make the following granola recipe each week. If you are looking to make something special for yourself or guests, this recipe

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-5960172070924978702009-04-21T17:53:00.018-04:002009-04-21T19:27:48.873-04:00

After celebrating a baby shower for my sister in Illinois, everyone headed down to St. Louis to support my brother-in-law while he ran in a marathon. Bad weather and traffic made for a less than stellar race day. We traversed the city and stood in the rain hoping to cheer him on, but unfortunately we misjudged his time and missed him at every check point since he had back problems during the race

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-5536016750745105392009-04-17T08:13:00.001-04:002009-04-17T08:13:00.154-04:00

The only new recipe we tried this week was Parmesan-Crusted Chicken from Cook's Illustrated. Unfortunately, it was a flop compared to the one we normally make which is slightly modified from a Barefoot Contessa recipe.Mark asked, "So why did we try this one if we already had a version we liked?" Good question.

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-78620193903501897882009-04-16T10:05:00.001-04:002009-04-16T10:05:00.240-04:00

Unfortunately I don't have a picture, but still wanted to share our favorite dish from Easter Sunday. Based on praised heard at the table, would you believe it seemed to steal the show from the hostess's delicious beef bourguignon? Everyone wanted her to pass on this side dish recipe from an old family cookbook. Brunch Cheese CasseroleSource: Stephanie/Gates family cookbook1 pound Monterey Jack

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-9397956366446181382009-04-15T11:50:00.003-04:002009-04-15T12:01:47.596-04:00

Last month I decided to break up a Wisconsin-to-Kentucky drive by staying at Songbird Prairie in Valparaiso, Indiana for one night. It is only 10-12 minutes off I-65 and provided a welcome retreat from bad weather and a boring drive. Tucked in a rural area with large residential lots, the inn’s landscaping looked well-kept even in the dead of winter. I assume the terrain and trees in the backyard

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-38477213856946123942009-04-12T21:21:00.007-04:002009-04-15T10:09:33.837-04:00

As you may know from previous posts, my sister is expecting! I've been an absent blogger since I made the trip down to Texas for one of her showers. Her friend, Shannon, is a cake genius. Self-taught except for one class at a local hobby store, she created this beautiful cake which happened to match the baby's bedding perfectly.She also made brownie pops as party favors. A google search produces

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-18221142959876501512009-04-02T13:17:00.012-04:002009-04-02T13:52:33.325-04:00

Our plans for dinner were scrapped last night when I realized that I didn't have an onion soup packet for the chicken recipe. (Three grocery stores later and I still can't find one without MSG.) Instead we made beef tacos, using a recipe from Cook's Illustrated, since it included homemade seasoning and seemed fairly simple.We were short on time to make the original recipe (below) and made a few

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-89325548113241244772009-03-31T21:43:00.015-04:002009-04-01T16:21:59.414-04:00

It's always a great night when a tried and true recipe is found. Tonight we made Quick Tomato Sauce. While the sauce didn't come together in the 15 minutes advertised, the entire dinner did come in under 45 minutes and I think with practice it could be a 30-minute meal.I used Muir Glen crushed tomatoes as recommended by the magazine; they happen to be my favorite canned tomatoes too. For the

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-15610941428495727822009-03-30T22:58:00.020-04:002009-04-21T17:33:29.557-04:00

It's hard to believe that it has been over a month since I posted a menu plan! It's been far too long and I have missed the opportunity to try new recipes. This week we are both home, but since we have play practice every night, I need to come up with quick and easy recipes. (No Academy Awards are in our future, we are just pitching in with a play next week.) I'll post pictures and reviews of the

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-38671623293155081012009-03-29T19:34:00.012-04:002009-03-30T16:21:32.103-04:00

When I sit down to write a post, bed and breakfast reviews usually take the back burner to recipes and food-related topics. They take a bit more time to write and the majority of the people that stumble upon my little dot in cyberspace are interested in food and not travel, or so the statistics say. Whatever the reason, I have procrastinated for far too long in sharing about our trip to LaGrange

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-78588412677097112362009-03-19T00:32:00.015-04:002009-03-19T14:59:29.641-04:00

I must admit that at times it seems trivial to be blogging about food and travel. In light of everything going on in the world around us, there are likely better things I could be researching and writing about, but at the end of the day I think that food and travel (even if just down the block) gives us all some relief from everyday stressors. That's why I do it. Everyone needs rest. At one time

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-47929493110104950692009-03-16T23:03:00.017-04:002009-03-17T12:45:02.206-04:00

Do you ever have a week that you wish didn't have to end?Last week somehow turned into one of my favorite weeks so far in 2009. It was one jammed packed whirlwind.It started out great in Milwaukee on Sunday, Monday was spent on the road (a bed and breakfast review is in the pipeline - I had a memorable breakfast at Songbird Prairie in Indiana), Tuesday night we had a church meeting that reminded

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-54129543430771038242009-03-12T17:09:00.007-04:002009-03-17T01:28:00.118-04:00

Last weekend I headed to Milwaukee, where I got to meet this beautiful little one for the first time since she was born. I stayed with yet another "hostess with the mostest" and had a great time in the big city. Thankfully a heat wave came through and I took the baby on one of her first strolls down the street. She lasted about two minutes before falling soundly asleep and missed all the great

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-68449799343227848552009-03-07T11:10:00.004-05:002009-03-07T14:45:43.098-05:00

I should first explain that while I contract with a few different businesses, the majority of my work is spent with a company that consults with churches/non-profits. When on-site, we tend to stay in people's homes instead of hotels in order to get to know the congregation better. (This was one aspect of the work I was most nervous about when I started, second only to public speaking.) Thankfully

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-20775166728940823482009-03-04T16:35:00.002-05:002009-03-04T18:59:01.079-05:00

After learning that Magnolia Grille in Durham, NC was ranked #11 in Gourmet Magazine’s Top 50 American Restaurants in 2001 and 2006, I was thrilled to have someone take me there as a gift. While it didn't live up to its prestigious ranking, we did have an enjoyable dinner. Previous reviews on various websites do an excellent job describing areas of improvement: acoustics, warm but not hot food,

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-1989539439460436492009-03-03T10:38:00.013-05:002009-03-07T14:47:55.717-05:00

Sorry for the delay in between posts lately. I've been an absent blogger while on the road and in the air. Instead of repeated apologies throughout March and April, I should just admit that the erratic posts will continue while I'm shuttling in different directions. I'd claim that things should level off by May/June, but I have a niece due around then and I hope to make a mad dash to Texas for

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-46980985336980144202009-02-22T22:50:00.009-05:002009-02-23T20:10:24.357-05:00

It was a quiet week. I traveled a few days for work and Mark was gone the whole week, which meant that our kitchen was closed except for a few solo meals like pancakes and soup. One thing worth sharing: meal planning when cooking for a crowd. There is a small group meeting after church for 13 weeks and we were afraid that if we didn't feed them, everyone would be distracted with growling

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-18024659202250717432009-02-17T00:41:00.009-05:002009-02-17T11:03:08.928-05:00

After dinner, I made Mark's favorite cake. Not only is the recipe easy, but it delivers excellent results each and every time. The first time I made it at a friend's house. This time around, I was halfway through the recipe before I realized that I do not own any cake pans. We improvised with a 9x9 disposable lasagna pan, but the results are not as "pretty" as when it is made using cake pans.

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-7019328449038188632009-02-15T19:48:00.011-05:002009-02-15T20:56:54.151-05:00

It's become an unofficial tradition that Mark plans our Valentine's Dinner each year. It's the one time during the year that he does an Internet search for recipes and executes a meal from start to finish. (He is a great help in the kitchen throughout the year - he just doesn't enjoy menu planning or grocery shopping like I do!) This year he started with a steak recipe that I had planned to make

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-61792514917207145132009-02-13T19:43:00.010-05:002009-02-16T17:14:02.469-05:00

The recipe below is our standard homemade pizza recipe. To save time, I picked up dough at a local bakery instead of making my own crust, so the picture above is not exactly what the pizza normally looks like. The Cooking Light dough (below) spreads easily and can be rolled into a perfect circle as opposed to my strange shape tonight.Our Favorite Friday Night Pizza: Pepperoni, Mushroom, and

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-30696223435739170912009-02-13T18:36:00.006-05:002009-02-13T19:34:32.169-05:00

When we planned our honeymoon in 2004, I did a lot of research (no surprise!) and narrowed the field down to ten options. Soon the ten became two and I was torn between the Caribbean islands of Antigua and Anguilla. Even though we ended up on a small island off the shores of Antigua, I couldn't help but continue to read about Anguilla on travel forums. It was during this time that I learned

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-29159264875529687792009-02-12T21:05:00.006-05:002009-02-13T11:29:37.090-05:00

In 2000, my sister's mother-in-law made this salad for a family gathering and it was a big hit. When I need a tried and true salad for a potluck or holiday meal, I turn to this recipe. In an effort to become more health conscious, last night I upped the honey slightly and omitted the sugar entirely. Other than the fact that the consistency was a bit runny, I did not miss the sugar. Last night I

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-29195397430506128452009-02-11T11:10:00.008-05:002009-02-17T00:46:18.461-05:00

Back in the kitchen. Finally! Last night I felt like I was in some type of food challenge, since I was determined to make something with the sparse ingredients available in the refrigerator. I think it's the first time I've just winged it without a recipe. The results were edible, but not something I'd make again, so it isn't worth posting. I do have a plan for the rest of week:Wednesday -

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-105929415881197362009-02-08T10:33:00.020-05:002009-05-29T23:31:35.931-04:00

A few weeks ago we went on one of our favorite getaways to date. We drove up to Virginia to stay at the Inn at Vaucluse Spring, a beautiful 103-acre spread featuring six different guest houses, totaling 15 rooms/suites, located in the Shenandoah Valley. We stopped by the Manor House (above) to check-in, where we received a map of the area and directions for dinner. Our specific room (located in

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-51831185573804407842009-02-03T20:20:00.008-05:002009-02-03T21:07:04.972-05:00

During the first night of our recent trip to Virginia, we ventured to La Nicoise Cafe and had a memorable dinner. Exposed brick walls, cloth covered tables, French music, and a personable owner created a unique atmosphere.The soup du jour was a pureed vegetable soup that was so delicious that I asked the owner about it before our meal was even over. I learned that he moved to the U.S. in 1979 and

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-41870477719369915882009-01-29T00:13:00.005-05:002009-01-29T00:52:57.761-05:00

So my "Catch-up Monday" turned into Tuesday, then Wednesday, and now I guess it is technically Thursday and I still haven't posted a trip report or recipe reviews. What kind of blog is this, anyway?I could make excuses. I could tell you that like Danielle, I live in a place where the weatherman prays for snow. And that this week his prayers were answered. The sound of trees breaking went on for

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-54352632404476793992009-01-26T20:57:00.005-05:002009-01-26T21:10:47.052-05:00

We are no longer around such relaxing surroundings! I have a lot to share, but spent the day catching up on work.More details soon.

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-80592283414884065542009-01-24T15:47:00.003-05:002009-01-24T16:00:15.271-05:00

Thought I'd share a peak into life in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Snowflakes, wood burning fires, books, Scrabble, and amazing meals combine to create one relaxing getaway. More details when we return, until then I hope you are enjoying your weekend too!

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-52749848371905003432009-01-22T08:59:00.001-05:002009-01-22T09:06:21.807-05:00

This pizza does not disappoint! I loved everything about it, and that is saying a lot considering it is a pizza without marinara. (And red sauce of any variety is one of my favorite foods.)It's a breeze to prepare, which was especially nice on a busy weeknight. The combination of fresh vegetables and chicken made me (temporarily) forget that we are living in the dead of winter and I miss our

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-88366073247729479732009-01-21T13:16:00.010-05:002009-01-21T14:43:25.463-05:00

On a cold and snowy day, this recipe seemed like the perfect thing to try for lunch. With 40 positive reviews on the Cooking Light website and quick prep time, I had high hopes. Maybe the people with less than stellar results didn't take the time to post? I'm not sure how else to explain the huge divide between my experience and posted reviews.There are multiple comments that mention using

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-18943082226218138102009-01-16T22:57:00.011-05:002009-01-17T11:06:49.081-05:00

Even though I mentioned the other day that I didn't make any specific "resolutions" for a new year, I have been stepping up my exercise routine. Every week or two at the YMCA I step on the scale. Last week I noticed a pair of jeans felt a little tighter than normal, and sure enough, I had crossed the "threshold" number that I like to avoid on the scale. Go over this number and my pants start to

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-59210053146437436022009-01-15T20:36:00.006-05:002009-01-17T11:10:06.864-05:00

Even though this post is only loosely related to travel, I thought I'd share a gift idea related to flying. From time to time over the years, Mark has mentioned that he might like to get a pilot's license one day. For various reasons, not the least of which is that I worry, I have never encouraged him to act on his comments. This year, I decided to surprise him with a Discovery Flight for his

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-82540400845514712182009-01-14T16:19:00.008-05:002009-01-14T22:37:12.199-05:00

With temperatures dropping, I turned to a comfort food dish last night. I'm guessing a cup of whipping cream negates our gym visits, but as a neurotic goal-setter perfectionist 365 days/year without any specific "new year" resolutions, I made it anyway.The good news is that it fit the bill for a creamy, spicy, and easy weeknight recipe. The bad news is that I wanted to pull my hair out while

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-2343779361403292982009-01-13T10:11:00.005-05:002009-01-13T12:23:00.692-05:00

During our drive back from celebrating Christmas with my parents in Illinois, we encountered dense fog in Indiana. With visibility only one car length ahead and the sun setting, we I thought that stopping for the night might be the safest bet. Since Mark travels with his job, I surfed the web to find out his mileage balance and book a room. As someone who budgets a good bit, it is certainly less

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-90190227289473187152009-01-11T22:13:00.009-05:002009-01-12T12:08:43.187-05:00

Please forgive my absence over the last week! I went out of town for a few days and am catching up on things at home. I still have one more recipe to share from our Christmas holiday.This wasn't quite as tasty as the first time I made it. Maybe because I had to substitute green leaf lettuce (I couldn't find any Bibb) and the citrus fruits I used were not very tart. While it didn't leave a lasting

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-38303416195045387092009-01-04T14:49:00.009-05:002009-01-12T12:18:09.882-05:00

This is definitely one of my favorite Italian meals to make at home. Considering that the meatballs cook in the sauce, clean-up is a breeze since I haven't dirtied every pot and pan in the cupboard. The recipe below is modified from the original, which can be found here. The sauce was a bit bland for our taste the first time around; we now add a few herbs and decrease the size of the mozzarella

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-49293947047473201292009-01-03T15:18:00.014-05:002009-01-03T17:02:19.810-05:00

For the holidays, my mom and I bookmarked a recipe that combined two traditional desserts into one: Red Velvet Cheesecake.We had high hopes for the finished product. The scent in the kitchen made one think of success and it certainly looked the part of a decadent Christmas dessert. To replicate the snowflake detail in the magazine, I found a template online and cut out a large snowflake to use as

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-22316908179479233952009-01-02T00:14:00.001-05:002009-01-02T11:22:13.587-05:00

My mom normally prepares filet mignon for Christmas dinner. This year she switched from the grill to the oven after trying a recipe for Beef Wellington. The recipe is ideal for groups, since you can assemble everything ahead of time and then place it in the oven when you are ready for dinner. Assembly:The steak is flavorful with the mushroom topping and the finished presentation is festive. While

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-3936832253203822412009-01-01T14:03:00.008-05:002009-01-01T21:58:14.018-05:00

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable evening! We spent a low key night at home, cooking dinner with a friend for Mark's birthday. Considering it was his special day, I didn't take any pictures of what we made, so the kitchen table could be a place to eat/celebrate and not a make-shift photo shoot. We mostly prepared repeat recipes: chicken skewers, corn casserole, and Matt's green bean

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-83819935547807405712008-12-30T13:15:00.012-05:002009-09-04T10:15:58.076-04:00

Things are winding down in regards to our holiday festivities, though we have yet to tackle the tree and pack up decorations. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends!We started out last week in St. Louis, visiting with old friends and their two beautiful (and charming!) daughters. I played Wii Rock Band for the first time and now have no regrets that I was unable to

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-33567461599125054062008-12-24T13:05:00.009-05:002008-12-27T00:11:57.081-05:00

Today my mom and I are busy in the kitchen. I'll share our creations over the next week, but in the meantime, enjoy this beverage we made for Christmas brunch:Cranberry-Tangerine Christmas CoolerSlightly adapted from Bon Appétit (December 2002)48 ounces cranberry juice cocktail, chilled3 cups freshly squeezed tangerine juice or purchased tangerine juice1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice (

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-34753435302960770562008-12-20T11:46:00.010-05:002008-12-20T15:27:02.438-05:00

One of the reasons I do not post many Louisville restaurant reviews is because their local food critic, Robin Garr, does such a superb job of reviewing the restaurant scene. His forum and website provide a wealth of information when we plan a trip to the city. To date, his reviews and user comments have never steered us in the wrong direction!A few highlights...Jack Fry’s 1007 Bardstown Road,

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-120167615705436672008-12-17T18:00:00.014-05:002008-12-19T12:38:14.809-05:00

Earlier this month, I talked about the cheesecake bites I made with my Grandma Lynette's cheesecake recipe (click here for original post).I originally mentioned making truffles for Christmas, but I settled on plan B since I couldn't find the right packaging.The first phase of Plan B was to make another batch of the cheesecake bites for a "Schnapps and Christmas Carols" party we attended over the

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-9968785509085879092008-12-16T14:38:00.023-05:002008-12-20T15:28:56.930-05:00

Last month I posted about some kitchen supplies and holiday discounts. While ordering kitchen supplies for holiday baking, I endeavored to complete most of my Christmas shopping online this year. What should have been a seamless process, turned into one snafu after another. It almost became humorous.1. Bundt PanThe first bundt pan I ordered arrived with scratches in the non-stick surface. They

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-4600267673091981622008-12-12T00:07:00.002-05:002008-12-19T12:45:59.648-05:00

Cold temperatures and the potential for freezing rain made it the perfect day for homemade vegetable soup and grilled cheese sandwiches! This recipe is built around what my mom made when we were kids. I made it stove top today, but I've used a crock pot too. I normally use stew meat in the soup, but this week there were small filets next to the stew meat that were not much different in price (

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-80354972603863558192008-12-08T12:51:00.005-05:002008-12-08T22:22:33.903-05:00

Saturday night was our small town's annual Christmas festival. Each year, Main Street is closed to traffic and all the businesses are lit up and open with holiday specials, complimentary cider or hot chocolate, and musicians.This year, the glass front photography and design firm was snapping Christmas photos of families coming through their door, two women peddled fresh mistletoe next to the

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-3429668890515811902008-12-06T11:28:00.013-05:002009-12-16T11:35:16.165-05:00

Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas with Easy Enchilada SauceModified from recipes by Sara Moulton and Emeril (Food Network), the original versions can be found here and here.The modified version below includes tweaks based on online cooks who posted to the Food Network. I'm afraid it would have been a flop without their suggestions, such as adding enchilada sauce, prepping the tortillas with an

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-62953361222535210202008-12-05T09:59:00.011-05:002008-12-17T19:28:10.177-05:00

This year I wanted to make homemade chocolate truffles for Christmas gifts. Since I have never made truffles before, I pulled several recipes from various blogs (found here, here, here, here, here, and here).I wanted the end result to look like these, since I loved the box and packaging. I scoured Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Kroger, Wal-Mart, Target, and various online baking retailers for some type

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-12133171588416937692008-12-04T16:44:00.012-05:002008-12-15T20:21:36.744-05:00

My first attempt at making chicken noodle soup (thanks to a great recipe) was a success at our home last night. I found the recipe on the Cooking Light message board (thanks to "Gilgamesh37"), but its origin is in a Dianne Mott Davidson cookbook. She created a delicious take on chicken soup.I made a few adjustments along the way. Since the package of dried porcini mushrooms was $7.99 and fresh

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-19165519943849803092008-12-03T23:26:00.010-05:002008-12-11T01:33:30.991-05:00

My Tuesday night plans got derailed by this pinwheel...I was picking up a few groceries at a local coop, when I noticed these pinwheels on someone's plate from the hot bar. The ingredients were listed above them, which included mushrooms, cheese, and white and black beans. (I've emailed them for the recipe, if they send it I will post it below.)I thought it would make a nice side dish option, so

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-43442968052209975672008-12-01T16:05:00.011-05:002009-01-01T14:09:30.494-05:00

A new month and clean slate! Determined to get on a plan and stick to it this month, here is our menu plan for the next two weeks:Monday – rummage through cabinets for something to eat (it’s a “catch up after being out of town” kind of evening with a trip to the grocery store and loads of laundry)Tuesday - Rainy Season Chicken SoupWednesday - Baked Chicken Cheese Enchiladas and Humita en

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-80854344316859049632008-11-30T21:40:00.009-05:002008-12-11T01:34:36.787-05:00

After a long trip up I-65, we made it back home tonight. While going through mail and a stack of papers, I discovered a few more recipes that I had set aside for post-Thanksgiving meals. Just a reminder - I haven't tried any of these recipes - they were found while looking at websites for what to do with leftover turkey. Please let me know if you try any of them. Without any leftover turkey here,

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-21760791155695021362008-11-27T21:37:00.009-05:002008-12-11T01:35:34.762-05:00

Safe and happy holiday wishes to all – I hope that your day was full of family and friends, good food, and many memories.This year we spent Thanksgiving in Mobile, Alabama at Mark’s Nanny’s home. She is ninety-six and still in the kitchen cooking up southern favorites for thirty-nine loved ones. She is a model of aging – she still drives (though limited in the distance she goes), rakes her own

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-692289428517413147.post-53572707442035831122008-11-26T16:19:00.010-05:002008-11-26T21:10:50.562-05:00

In my first post of 2008, I listed several upcoming topics. Sadly, a few of them were pushed to the back burner so often that now 2009 is in sight and I still haven't covered them. In an effort to check a few boxes off my to-do list (which brings me instant comfort as a perfectionist), I thought I'd provide some mini-reviews of the neglected topics. I'll also toss in a recent restaurant

Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14899357687999957472noreply@blogger.com0