Mini Cinnamon Rolls

My sister Rosita was the first person to introduce me to Pinterest nearly six months ago. And I have been hooked ever since. It is the latest online darling to hit the social media scene that is quickly earning its place next to Facebook and Twitter. For me, the site is a wonderful way to [...]

Baked Egg Nog French Toast

I’ve come to realize there are two reasons why my mom enjoys my visits to northern Michigan. The first is to provide the opportunity to see her ridiculously clumsy son do something that’s uncontrollably laughable. Like the time I collided into a tree that mysteriously jumped in front of me while walking on the sidewalk. [...]

Arugula Salad with Blue Cheese & Apples

Living on potato chips and Red Bull for the past two weeks was a real challenge. Balanced between my usual hectic holiday activities, I worked hard, and well into the late night hours, to finish projects for three graduate classes this semester. Now that everything is completed and grades are officially posted, preparing real food [...]

Friendsgiving Blessings

Off I go…over the river and through the woods with a picnic basket in tow. With our families scattered throughout the country, a small group of friends decided to host our own Friendsgiving festivities this year. The menu reads like a who’s who list of traditional Thanksgiving fare with each friend contributing a dish or [...]

Red Sangria

The first time I had sangria was many years ago on New Year’s Day. A group of friends decided to go to a local tapas restaurant that was running a special brunch that day. We showed up in our pajamas to receive half-off sangrias and a gift card toward a future purchase. It was actually [...]

Slow Roasted Dry Rubbed Pork Ribs

I’ve been craving ribs for weeks now but didn’t quite have the time for all the fuss required. Finally, I succumbed to my desires and decided to give them a whirl this weekend. Ribs of this caliber need to be shared. So I opted to invite a couple of friends to lend a helping hand. [...]

Grilled Steak House Pizza with Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing

Two things I was craving for dinner the other day were steak and a salad. Rather than choosing between the two or having both separately, I decided to give them try in the form of a grilled pizza. I figured the extra chunky blue cheese dressing I had in the fridge would be a perfect [...]

Spinach Spring Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

The next time you decide to have salad on your lunch or dinner menu, consider thinking beyond ranch as a dressing option. There is a whole world of delicious vinaigrette flavors just waiting for the opportunity to be paired with your farm fresh mixed greens. This vinaigrette has become my second favorite alternative to ranch [...]

Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe with Blackberries

Summer is supposed to be a time for rest, relaxation and reflection. None of those items are in my deck of cards these days. Life has been busier than ever with interesting projects coming out of the woodwork in all directions. Whether it’s writing for class, leading walking tours, digging in my front yard or [...]

6 Tips to Always Be “Party Ready”

Life is pretty busy these days with graduate classes, leading food tours and participating in a community garden program…to name a few. But that hasn’t stopped me from wanting to enjoy the summer entertaining season with friends. I’ve developed a few techniques on how to always be “party ready,” no matter when the mood might [...]

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