tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68074751577304553652012-02-05T08:17:31.268-08:00What are you cooking today?Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.comBlogger311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-24927461103398069292011-06-28T13:14:00.000-07:002011-06-28T13:14:26.356-07:00

Hi girls!  Just popping in for a quickie post this afternoon.  Today I made basil vinaigrette, which is pretty much a summer party in yo mouth.  True story. This isn't really an actual recipe, but here's the gist: Summer Basil Vinaigrette: 2 giant hand fulls of basil leaves 1/4 c. olive oil A few Tbsp. white vinegar Salt and pepper to taste Combine all ingredients in a blender or food

Kaylanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-1533200370629963782010-06-03T19:08:00.000-07:002010-06-03T19:09:23.753-07:00

First of all, I have to say that this picture doesn't do this salad justice.  I was partway through tearing into it when I thought that you ladies might like the recipe, and oh, I guess I should photograph it. This one is an easy one to modify with summer fruit that you like best.  You can also swap out the nuts and change or omit the cheese. Ingredients: 1 package bagged

Kaylanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-53526214034304341302010-03-02T19:26:00.000-08:002010-03-02T19:26:28.670-08:00

         Hi girls! So, this recipe is SUPER easy.  The thing that takes the longest here are the onions (but caramelized onions are SO worth the effort!).   I've adapted the recipe slightly from the original.  The red wine vinegar with the prosciutto sounds really weird, but try it.  It makes the prosciutto SO good (melt-in-your-mouth, snarf-it-up, lucky-if-any-gets-on-the-pizza-good).  I

Kaylanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-51627786429544231112010-01-21T23:46:00.000-08:002010-01-22T00:10:40.571-08:00

This is one of my husband and I's FAVORITE soup recipes. If you like butternut squash you will LOVE THIS!! I typically serve it with cubed french or sourdough bread for dipping. The sweetness of the cream and squash with a little bit of a spicy "kick" really makes this soup unbelievable! :)NOTE: I would recommend adjusting the amount of cream according to your taste (I like a velvety texture

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-13281725734980655912010-01-14T13:56:00.000-08:002010-01-14T13:59:57.111-08:00

I have to start with saying that I'm a huge pie fan. I don't really like cake but I never say no to pies or fruit tarts. So when I saw this blog feature about pie in a jar I just about flipped. After reading the post myself and several friends bought the mini mason jars so we could do this ourselves. Its been a while and the mini mason jars have been hanging out in my room for months but this

Mary (Mary's Musicology)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05898885488516360583noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-77751774435973290742009-10-21T13:50:00.000-07:002009-10-21T15:04:03.565-07:00

This dish ROCKS! It's kind of like an enchilada casserole...but not. The crispy tortilla strips are layered with green chiles, Mexican red sauce, chicken, and cheese. Feel free to get creative by adding sweet corn or olives to the layers - you could tweak this recipe any which way! If you don't have time to fry your own tortilla strips, it should work fine with store-bought corn chips. OR,

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-63557791573699393812009-10-18T19:08:00.000-07:002009-10-18T19:09:37.022-07:00

This was SOOOO good!  I would probably recommend making it with fetuccini, though, because the buccatini (although a cool looking noodle) were really hard to wrap around the fork.  Also, I could not find truffle oil anywhere (even TJ's, where I swear I've seen it before).  The pasta was great without it though.  Very earthy and nutty from the Parmesan cheese.  It's worth taking the time to break

Kaylanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-59656322444530865562009-09-13T21:09:00.000-07:002009-10-02T05:58:19.311-07:00

With Corn, Bacon, & Sundried TomatoesFor Chicken:1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast strips1 cup flour1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs (regular will also work...)2 eggs, whisked1 Tbsp Emeril's Essence (Pappy's or Lawry's Season Salt will also work...)Salt & Pepper1/4 cup olive oilFor Pasta:1 lb bowtie pasta, cooked according to package7 strips bacon (about 1 cup crumbled)1 cup onion, diced4 cloves

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-13796890673927977862009-09-04T23:41:00.000-07:002009-09-05T00:20:23.891-07:00

This salad is AMAZING! Great with chips for an outdoor BBQ or served over an entree of chicken or fish. It's also a great burger topper! Every time I serve this to a crowd, people want the recipe. This dip will go fast, so be sure to serve with plenty of your favorite tortilla chip!INGREDIENTSFor the dressing:1 1/2 c packed fresh cilantro1/2 c good extra-virgin olive oil2 Tbsp fresh lime

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-76203216022738273922009-04-25T19:29:00.000-07:002009-04-25T19:39:18.201-07:00

Ricotta with Roasted Cherry Tomotes on CrostiniI think this is the best appetizer I have had in a long time. Super easy to make and sooooo good! I could make a meal out of this alone!Ingredients Serves 6 to 12 as a starter Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling1 pound fresh or smoked ricotta, drained1 teaspoon fresh thyme Coarse salt Rustic Crostini Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Directions

Kaylanoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-40448415733611427962009-04-08T21:23:00.000-07:002009-04-08T21:45:24.134-07:00

Oh...my....gosh...this....is....GOOOOOD.  I want to coat EVERYTHING in this spice-rub from now on!  If you don't like dark meat, you can try this recipe with chicken breasts instead, but it might not be quite as juicy.Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 2002Serving Size:  4 servingsPrep time:  5 minutesCook time:  45 -55 minutesIngredients:1/2 cup finely ground roasted peanuts1/2 cup packed light brown

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-54545142938500722972009-04-08T20:13:00.000-07:002009-04-08T21:47:27.990-07:00

You can add as much (or as little) kick to this pasta as you like - by varying the amount of red or Cayenne pepper.  I made this for a dinner with friends and we all loved it!  This quick dish is easy to make...the only downside is that you have to remove the sausage from its casings (this is kind of a gross project, but well worth it)!  Serve with an Asparagus & Green Bean Salad with

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-16987986091581078992009-03-30T11:24:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:36:56.006-07:00

No need for the canned-stuff.  Make your own!(a recipe from my awesomemom-in-law aka Gigi)1lb ground chuck1 onion, diced2T sugar2t dry mustard1T vinegar3/4c ketchup1. Cook onion until transparent2. Add meat to brown3. Add remainder of ingredients and simmer 20 minutesTop with Coleslaw and serve on toasted wheat or regular white buns.

Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Thingsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-52729429588770008282009-03-30T11:20:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:51:01.957-07:00

As a side, or put it on a sandwich - this EASY addition can enhance any bbq.  (I'm not a coleslaw fan, but this is so easy, so delish.)The key to this recipe is the ratio - you can easily double, triple, etc. this recipe to accommodate any party size!3T Mayo (I use Best Foods/Hellmans)2T Sugar1T Vinegar (I use Rice Wine)Serve with pre-shredded cabbage, carrot slaw.**Perfect on top of the Sloppy

Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Thingsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-51225078787790817972009-03-30T11:10:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:19:16.646-07:00

image from http://www.inuyaki.comThis is the closest thing you can get to a Luau...and is the EASIEST - and crowd-please-iest (word??!) .3lbs Pork Butt (bone-out)2T liquid smoke4T Lava Salt or Hawaiian Salt rubbed on all sidespepper - to seasonPut all in slow-cooker and set on low 10-12 hours, high 6-8 hours.The longer, the better.Serve with King's Hawaiian Bread rolls.No BBQ sauce necessary, but

Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Thingsnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-38488423684484004532009-03-30T09:05:00.000-07:002009-03-30T11:33:05.401-07:00

This is a borrowed recipe~For weeks, I've been salivating over this recipe - ever since I saw it in Southern Living Magazine.They have 2 versions of the recipe - one with home-made pudding, one with instant.  I haven't tried the home-made, but plan to VERY soon...it looks too good!Prep: 35 min., Cook: 20 min., Stand: 30 min., Chill: 2 hr. This homemade pudding is divine, economical, and uses

Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Thingsnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-40963708230518472352009-03-30T00:41:00.001-07:002009-03-30T10:20:20.069-07:00

My mom tells me that my father was an amazing cook but his recipes were always kept secret. He said that an Australian never shares their recipes until their death bed. He made a fabulous home made salad dressing that is still my favorite today as my mom tried her best to duplicate it. You make a whole jar of it so it will last you a while.Be green and use an old jar from pasta sauce or mustard

Mary (Mary's Musicology)http://www.blogger.com/profile/05898885488516360583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-28054169921934750192009-03-23T20:32:00.001-07:002009-03-23T21:13:14.833-07:00

Courtesy of Emeril Lagasse, 1999This tart is kind of a cross between a souffle, a pot pie, and an Au gratin-style potato dish.   Layers of potato, tomato, and onion are topped with a light egg-cream and Gruyere cheese mixture and baked in a pie-crust pastry!   It is VERY easy to make and is BEAUTIFUL right out of the oven.  It makes a nice lunch or side dish - but could easily be served as a main

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-24405141032347295772009-03-17T23:16:00.000-07:002009-03-18T00:59:07.436-07:00

This pasta is seriously gooooood.  The hint of lemon and abundance of fresh vegetables balance out the richness of the Parmesan-cream sauce.  Hints of bacon, garlic, basil, and parsley add immense flavor to the dish.  (For a healthier approach, you could always use 1/2 & 1/2 instead of heavy cream and fat-free or turkey bacon instead of the real thing...but I can't guarantee that it will taste

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-57126762416265729142009-03-17T15:06:00.000-07:002009-03-17T15:11:48.312-07:00

Ingredients1 Cup Soy Sauce1 Clove Garlic1 Tablespoon fresh ginger1/2 Teaspoon toasted sesame oil1 Cup pure maple syrup4 Fresh Salmon fillets, well rinsedDirections1. Preheat oven to 4502. Mix the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and maple syrup in a blender.3. Spread all of the soy mixture over the fish evenly in a baking dish.4. Marinate the fish for however long you want- 1hr-24hrs, the

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-72200115842748705962009-03-10T14:15:00.000-07:002009-03-11T06:31:39.113-07:00

This is the steak I made for my husband and we were "just friends." According to him, this is what bought me my ticket into his heart. I guess it's true, the way to a man's heart IS through his stomach!IngredientsFlank Steak1 16 ounce can of peach halves4 tablespoons of butter1 cup of chili sauce4 tablespoons of Worcestshire sauce2 beef bouillon cubes1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar2

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-34651199708602385412009-03-08T12:54:00.000-07:002009-03-08T17:27:39.647-07:00

This pasta dish has become a staple in our house!  This super-fast pasta makes a perfect side to a main course of meat, poultry, or fish.  It also makes great lunch leftovers - I like to add pieces of chicken which really make it a meal in itself!  Serves 4Preparation Time:  10 minutesCook Time:  9 minutes, or as directed on Pasta BoxIngredients:1 cup chopped fresh basil, plus some for garnish 2

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-89233024392212192792009-03-06T19:23:00.000-08:002009-03-07T09:19:44.716-08:00

Fish can be so intimidating to cook, but it can be the most simple to prepare!Here's a simple salmon recipe:Marinade/Sauce:1/4c Soy Sauce3T Sesame Oil1T Honey3T Spicy Brown or Dijon Mustard1T Worcestershire SauceSalt & PepperFresh lemon juice, optional1lb fresh salmon (skin on) 1. Whisk all together. Pour over salmon, marinate at least 30 minutes - up to one hour at room temp.2. Heat grill (or

Tracy is ... Loving Pretty Thingsnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-9682397961087456792009-03-05T16:47:00.001-08:002009-03-05T16:52:39.942-08:00

This is one of my favorite treats (especially when it's cold and out of the fridge.) This is my version of soul food. Ingredients2 Cups Granulated Sugar1 Cup Butter6 Ripe Bananas, Mashed4 Eggs, well beaten2 1/2 Cups Flour1 TSP Salt2 TSP Baking sodaDirections1. In a large bowl cream together the sugar and butter until fluffy. 2. Add bananas and eggs, blend. 3. Sift together the flour, salt, and

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-38932024074583416222009-03-05T13:56:00.000-08:002009-03-05T14:04:18.410-08:00

SO easy and SO tasty!IngredientsFrozen Fish SticksCorn TortillasCabbageShredded Cheese1/2 Cup Sour Cream1/2 Cup Mayonnaise1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped & fresh1 Package of Taco Seasoning (or 1 TSP Old Bay Seasoning, 1 TSP Chili Pepper)Directions1. Heat oven to designated temperature on frozen fish stick package. Begin to bake fish sticks.2. Combine 1/2 Cup Sour Cream, 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise, 1/4 Cup

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-36768574294627523892009-03-04T20:16:00.000-08:002009-03-04T20:40:20.055-08:00

This chicken dish is SOO easy, fun to make, and tasty!  The BBQ glaze is very rich and sweet - a perfect topper for the crispy, juicy chicken nuggets.  I'd serve this with a light, fruity salad on the side.  :) Start to finish:  30 minServes:  14-20 nuggets, depending on sizeIngredients1/4 cup apple cider vinegar1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp onion powder2 tsp chili powder1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce1

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-68049594989571790412009-03-04T14:45:00.000-08:002009-03-04T14:45:01.103-08:00

I am a BIG fan of breakfast and I could eat it for ANY meal or at ANY time. This was SO easy to make and enough for a real breakfast the next day. Ingredients8 Eggs3/4 Cup Milk1.5 Cups Shredded Cheese8 Slices of diced bacon1 frozen 9-inch deep pie shellDirectionsBeat all of the ingredients togetherPour into the pie shellBake at 350 for 45 minutes or until browning

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-26946913857232004182009-03-03T23:25:00.000-08:002009-03-04T21:00:42.181-08:00

I tried this recipe for the first time tonight - it is very unique and quite tasty!  I added some extra sour cream and lingonberry jam to the sauce, as well as plenty of seasonings (at first, it was a little bit bland).  Next time, I'm going to try making a lingonberry-balsamic reduction sauce to serve on the side instead of additional jam....Prep Time:  30 minCook Time:  40 minServes:  6 to

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-15041290015995998552009-03-03T16:24:00.000-08:002009-03-03T16:36:35.460-08:00

The toughest part about this recipe is stuffing the shells and even then, it's not tough, it's time consuming. I'd set aside an hour for creating and clean up aside from the 45 minute bake time. What is great about it is that you can make it the night before, just leave the sauce off the top, and bake the next day if you just wanted to be productive.Ingredients 1 package (8 oz) Manicotti Shells 2

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-11188413840554787412009-03-01T17:32:00.000-08:002009-03-05T12:31:40.891-08:00

This recipe only seems to be really detailed and involved but it's actually really easy...not to mention DELICIOUS! Ingredients1 Cup Yellow Corn Meal6 TSP Chili Powder 1 1/2 TSP Salt3 Cups Water 1 LB Ground Turkey 1/2 Cup Chopped Red Pepper1 Clove Chopped Garlic 1 Can Chili 1 Can Peeled Tomato 1 Can Yellow Corn 1 small Can sliced black olives1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Directions1. In a

a.lovenoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6807475157730455365.post-20370713605880361292009-03-01T16:15:00.000-08:002009-03-01T19:40:57.743-08:00

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2004This soup is one of my favorites! It's very hearty - and will definitely warm you up on a cold day with it's spicy-curry flavor. It's a unique dish, but don't be afraid to try it! Valery, this one's for you! :)Prep Time: 10 minCook Time: 1 hr 0 minLevel: MediumServes: about 2 1/2 quartsIngredients2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon peanut oil, divided1 tablespoon

Melanie Knowltonnoreply@blogger.com0