During our first interview – or date – The Bearded One (who was not yet The Bearded One due to a lack of beard) announced, “I have a corgi named Judeau, J-U-D-E-A-U.” The statement rolled out so swiftly (and in a manner that indicated frequent recitation, probably to dispel the assumption of a more straightforward…
Italian Cream Cupcakes
This is a misnomer. These cupcakes are neither Italian nor do they actually contain cream. In reality, this Southern confection is yet another gorgeous vehicle for ample amounts of cream cheese frosting, which I always support and enable whenever possible. The Italian part, faux or otherwise, does come in handy when using these to punctuate…
Havarti Party with the Black-Eyed Peas
No need to contemplate “Where is the love?” It’s right here in this soup! Yes, that was a Black Eyed Peas reference. And yes I had that specific line from that specific song playing on a loop in my head during the entire cooking process. Really any time I encounter black-eyed peas. These innocuous little…
Handpie-Five
As a child, I strongly and almost exclusively associated the definition of baking with the action of flattening dough with a rolling pin. So much so that I never truly considered making cookies baking – which ads a delightful touch of irony to my current preferences. Cooking shows were standard television viewing when my Harriet…
Smokey and the Eggplant
No smuggling or high-speed chases required to transform standard eggplant into something smoky and satisfying! Whatever vehicle you choose to transport this silky delight into your mouth, you will find it is an easy and flavorful trip worth returning to again and again. Smokey and the Eggplant Dip Ingredients 3 Eggplants 1 Can, 15 oz., Cannellini…
K9 Services German Shepherd Rescue
“These are human treats…” I specified along with my best Vana White arm wave to indicate the cookie-laden table. As the last to set up in the event room at Veterans United Craft Brewery, I ended up with a specific plot of real estate that initiated anyone’s clockwork rotation around the room. While many chuckled…
Eggplant the Seeds of Change
When I use the eggplant emoji, I am 100% actually referring to eggplant. Eggplant fries? Yes. Baba Ganoush? Yes. Fried eggplant sandwich? Yes. When my Bearded husband grills steak, for me he grills eggplant. Eggplant is the star of this dish, but each component is something I can and will consume on its own. The…
Cold Salads Galore
One of many inside jokes the Bearded one and I share involves his distaste for “cold salad.” It’s origin came forth as depicted in the following exchange: “Try this Mediterranean quinoa salad I made.” The Bearded one tries a bite. I attempt to gauge his response, though the normally expressive and outspoken individual just chews…
Poppin’ My Collard
The South sustains the reputation for serving up rich vegetable dishes that masterfully avoid the label of vegetarian. Pork is usually the culprit. Whether it be a hambone in a pot of greens, bacon on top of a green bean casserole, or lard in a salad (I am sure it is a thing…) it is…
Town Beer Co. Pop Up
Natural light gently illuminates the interior of this clean open space. Friendly cacti surround the furniture, stretching their arms in greeting. Unique, old-fashioned board games rest on the table ready for action. Fresh local beer flows from simple taps behind the counter, poured with care by the owners of Town Beer Co. On a Saturday…
Merrily Baking It 