Recipes for Lent

During Lent, many people commit to fasting or giving up certain types of foods as a form of prayer and repentance.  A common practice is to avoid eating beef and/or pork during the 40 days of Lent.  Although Lent  is traditionally a time of quiet introspection and meditation, your dinner menu doesn't have to be bland.  Here are some recipes for Lent that are tasty but moderate.

Broccoli Rice Casserole

Keeping your meals simple and still appetizing during Lent doesn't have to be difficult.  Employ recipes that include lots of vegetables, beans and lentils, fish and chicken.  This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a a nice example of something you can create in advance, with minimal effort once it's in the oven.

Cheddar Baked Potato Slices

As a main course, this Cheddar Baked Potato recipe might not work too well, as you may not want to load your tummy or your family up on carbs.  But paired with a fish or chicken entree, it could be just the ticket to keep things tasty and enticing.

Greek Salad Pita Sandwich

Lent can also be a great time to create or change eating habits if you are ready to make a fresh start in that area.  This Greek salad pita sandwich is a fresh and flavorful alternative to the more traditional deli roast beef or ham sandwich, and a welcome treat for your taste buds.

Enjoy!  Remember, we love feedback and photos!

Fat Tuesday or Reason to Celebrate?

In honor of Mardi Gras (next Tuesday), I thought something colorful and decadent was in order.  I selected a few recipes I thought you might enjoy, whether celebrating Fat Tuesday with a huge crowd or just a lovely evening at home.

Amish Sour Cream Apple Pie

If you can get a hold of some great looking apples, there is no better time to create this rich, tasty Amish treat.  Who says the Amish are subdued?  This apple pie recipe will knock your socks off in true Mardi Gras style!

Blueberry Crumb Cake

This recipe is the perfect purple to get your groove on for Fat Tuesday.  I can almost smell the blueberries baking right now.  How much fun would it be to share this with your family and friends on Tuesday?

Rigatoni with Fresh Tomatoes & Pancetta

In keeping with my colorful foods theme I couldn't bare to leave this one out.  Yes, I realize Mardi Gras is more or less a "French-ish" holiday, but here in America if you use an Italian dish to celebrate it...really who is going to know?  The Fat Tuesday Sheriff?  Bring on the pasta police, because this bad boy is a drooler!

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos!

Valentine's Gifts You Can Bake!

Tired of giving the same old box of chocolates (not to mention spending a small fortune on the good ones)?  Why not give a new box of some goodies this year to your valentine...Yes, I'm talking about baking some love to give to your sweetheart.  You can even put it in a pretty box if you like!

Chocolate Turtles

A chocolate and peanut lover's dream come true, these turtles are simple and easy to make, freeing up more time for you to enjoy your valentine.  Plus, the money you save on chocolates might get you into a movie!  (Or at least a matinee!)

German Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Now this is a new twist on an old world favorite!  Move over Queen Anne Chocolate Covered Cherries...we are taking German chocolate to a whole new level!  German chocolate cherry brownies will definitely be making an appearance soon at my house!

Janet's Chocolate Chip Cake

If you will be entertaining several guests on Valentine's Day, Janet may be able to help with that.  Her chocolate chip cake recipe is a great combination of moist delicious cake and enough chocolate to satisfy that valentine craving.

Enjoy!  We love feedback and photos!

Super Bowl Sensations!

As Super Bowl XLVI draws close (yes, I know what number it is) I try not to panic regarding what to fix for the big day.  Super Bowl is kind of a big deal at our house, which shouldn't surprise me as I am the only female living here, except for our dog Miss Daisy.  (And she is the silent type.) One or all of these recipes is sure to please a crowd or just a few gathered at your place on Sunday.

Crock Pot Italian Meat Balls

While selecting recipes for the blog this week, I tried to keep two things in mind.  #1 - Sunday is Super Bowl, which is requires a certain category of food...hors d'oeuvres!  (If you can spell it you are my new friend.) And #2 - simple to make and very tasty.

Sausage and Tater Tot Casserole

Dishes and finger foods you can prepare in advance via crock pot or bake in the oven, giving you time to work on other dishes or vacuum (if you are me) are a priority when you are getting ready for Super Bowl.  You don't want to be slaving away for the entire game! (Even if you are not a football fan, Super Bowl means you have 3 - 4 hours of quiet time to yourself on a Sunday afternoon, in another room of course.)

Peanut Butter Bars

And it just isn't Super Bowl Sunday without a yummy cookie or cookie bar to round off your spread.  Have I accomplished my task of compiling a few easy to make, fix and forget recipes you can duplicate for Super Bowl?  I think so.  I guess I will wait to hear from you Monday!

Enjoy!  Remember, we love feedback and photos!