Earlier this January I went on short and sweet girls trip to Fort Lauderdale with my mom, sister and sister in law. It was a fun little getaway that was a much needed escape from the harsh Michigan cold. I needed warm air on my face and some blue sky desperately. The weather was too…
In The Kitchen
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Last week was gloomy and I was craving something warm and sweet. So I decided to whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookies. I mean what can make a day better than a good old fashioned chocolate chip cookie? I had my Cooks Illustrated cookbook sitting on the counter from a steak sauce I…
Slow Cooked Short Ribs with Buttery Mushroom Sauce
I remember the first time I found Half Baked Harvests blog. I was brand new to cooking and I was going to have some friends over for dinner and The Holland Farmers Market posted one of her recipes for a peach and polenta stacks. This was probably 8 or so years ago and I didn’t…
Sweet Jalapeno Cheese Ball Appetizer
If a party has appetizers you know I’m there. It’s my favorite section of the menu and it’s my favorite thing to make a meal of. For dinner on Christmas we have all appetizers at my in-laws after the gifts are opened and while I’m normally a hot dish kind of gal I thought I…
Simple Meatloaf Recipe
There is nothing more cozy than snuggling up by the fireplace with a hot plate of homemade comfort food. Comfort food to me has always been something hearty and starchy like meatloaf with mashed potatoes. I think it might be Joe’s death row meal. Mine would be… something with cheese, chips and dip… I’m going…
Beer Battered Shrimp Tacos with Sriracha Mayo
There is nothing I love more on cold wintery weekend that snuggling in with my family for the day. Sunday we attempted church with Otto again. We did great during the singing but he couldn’t help but yell “WE DID IT!” and “AMEN” during the advent presentations. We moved to the “cry room” and after…
Milk and Cereal Hot Chocolate Recipe
For my birthday this year Joe surprised me with a trip to the east side of the state for a weekend away full of fun activities. He planned out every stop, meal, cocktail and shopping destination for the entire time. As a major planner it felt really nice to sit back and let someone else…
Loaded Corn Pudding and Honey Roasted Spicy Brussels Sprouts
Thanksgiving is the foodie event of the year for those of us who love to cook (and eat). It’s also the best time to watch the foodie channels, read all the magazines and get inspiration for what you are bringing to the holiday table. Last year Joe and I prepared the turkey and sides for…
Winter Sangria with Homemade Cinnamon Simple Syrup
One thing Joe and I love to do together to either unwind from a busy day at work or spend some time together on the weekend is cooking together. Joe was hunting the later half of last week and all last weekend so when he came home I was ready for a little rest and…
Jalapeno Blueberry Lamb Paired with Modelo and Meiomi
This post has been sponsored by Modelo Especial® and Meiomi. All thoughts and opinions are my own. When I have guests over for a holiday gathering, I like to follow a few simple rules. Create a dinner that allows me time to connect with my guest rather than be trapped in the kitchen, greet everyone…
The best ever pumpkin muffins
I would say that I am a fan of everything pumpkin but to be honest with you i’m not a fan of pumpkin spice lattes. There I said it. It’s out in the open, I do not like PSL’s. Nor do I like those new pumpkin spice kit kat bars. They taste like potpourri. But…
Spinach Dip On the Go Cups
I come from a football obsessed family that have been Lions fans since the day they were born. This means weekend afternoons are for watching the game or for my sister, tailgating for the Michigan games. For me it has always been more about the food than the football. (shocking I know). I was always…