More is Better

Katie and I attended the Metropolitan Cooking Show in DC November 14th --one of the highlights was a book signing by Rachael Ray of her new cookbook Look  and Cook --she was very nice and I got a great picture of Katie with her. Of course I did not follow Kate's instructions to turn and look at her and so hence the back of my head as she signs and I tell her how she inspired me to blog my recipes and how I blog and alter hers... (doesn't she look fascinated....) Anyhow --I decided I would do one of her recipes that night from the new cookbook as I had it all on hand...yay! Ingredients 4 (1 1/2-inch thick) bone-in pork chops Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 large clove garlic, crushed 1 teaspoon fennel seed 1 medium onion, chopped 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 sprigs fresh oregano, leaves chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1/4 cup tomato paste 1 cup red wine 2 cups chicken stock Season chops with sal...

Both kids were on their way out-got home from work late and thought quickly what am I going to serve --so here is a thrown together recipe for Chicken Cacciatore--as you can see this is a BIG batch as it was my intent to send them both home with leftover meals for their week :) Serve over rice or pasta Ingredients: 1 # (or Costco pack) of Chicken Breasts 1# (or Costco pack) of Thighs 2 large cans (28 oz each) diced tomatoes in juice 1 small can (14 oz) diced tomatoes in juice 1 can tomato paste 1/2-3/4 c red wine 2 zucchinis diced 2 green bell peppers diced 3 large carrots peeled and large dice 4 ribs celery sliced in chunks 3 onions large dice EVOO fresh basil Italian seasoning or dried oregano (or both) In large pan --heat EVOO and saute vegetables - zucchini, carrots, celery, peppers and onions *** OK did you spot the fact there is way too much in the pan --so I quickly removed half and sauted in batches--then sprinkle with 1-2 t ital seasoning Now add in can ...

Chicken Santa Fe This recipe appeared in a Cosmopolitan Magazine sometime back in the 1980's --I clipped it out as it had 8 or 10 different recipes to do with the same base recipe of pounding our chicken-flouring it and browning it up then adding the other sauce ingredients---it is very simple and most times you have the ingreds on hand...serve it over pasta... Ingredients:  ½ c red wine 1/4 c tomato puree (or spag sauce, marinara etc) ¾ t oregano ½ t chili powder (or have used 1/4 t cayenne-not both though) **pasta of choice-made up per package instructions** Finishing touches: Lime wedges ( I have used lime juice in a pinch- it just perks up the flavor) Sour cream Serving Size 2--(double the sauce for more servings) pound 2 boneless chicken breasts then flour both sides and then brown in olive oil both sides I combined my spag sauce/ wine and seasoning in measuring cup ready to go   then add to chicken  simmer covered 5-8 min  th...

Don't you just hate getting home late from work after a 10+ hour day on your feet and have no clue what to make--this happens to me a lot--so last week had no idea what to make--started rummaging through freezer , fridge and cabinets and came up with this no recipe meal--it was so good--declared Kevin--he said 'I can't believe you are not going to blog this!' Hence the picture of the ingredients as I grabbed the empty packages/containers from the trash/recycle! Ingredients: Wegmans Italian Classics Riccioli (because the shape was fun) 8 spears asparagus cut into 1 inch pieces From the freezer - 1 lb shrimp--thaw and remove tails and i cut them in half for bite size pieces                      Bag (?16 oz)of Frozen Peapods (microwave per pkg instructions) 4T sliced sundried tomatoes in oil 1 jar Classico Creamy Alfredo Sauce (look it light!!) Shredded Parmesan for topping Cook ...

Since Black Friday November 2003 my daughter Kathryn and sister-in-law Andrea celebrate cookie day together --we have improved the fun and efficiency over the years --we send all male family members -husbands and sons are sent away for the day and not allowed to return until dinner --we spend the day baking usually a dozen different cookies to give out to our friends --we enjoy baking - a nice girl lunch and white wine --this year was our best yet!! Below are pictures from our day --and the selection we made this year --please leave me a message if there is a particular recipe you want :) Of course we started our day with Champagne and Pom Cocktails!! Cookie Day Fest 2010 1 Amaretti 2 Oreo Truffles 3 Santa’s Surprise 4 Sesame Sugar Cookies with Chocolate Drizzle 5 Snickerdoodles 6 Peanut Butter Blossoms 7 Chocolate Dipped Crescents 8 Square Pretzels with Kisses and MM’s 9 Graham Squares 10 Tutti Frutti Bars 11 Pecan Balls 12 Oatmeal Cranberry White Chocolate with D...