Roasted Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

Roasted Meatballs and Marinara Sauce 5

Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs! When making it for guests I always had this giant doubt about it. Growing up, it was the one night you never wanted dish duty! Especially when your parents paired you, (me the youngest) with the only boy. My brother had a very good system for looking very busy without doing anything… Seriously, just ask Linda. Anyway, I decided once to just roast the whole thing so I could enjoy my guests and not look at my kitchen with embarrassment as if a peck of tomatoes had just exploded. I was not sure how it would go over with some of the Italian family members who call the sauce gravy, but like I always say, nothing ventured, nothing gained… Continue reading

Parmesan Chicken Cutlet With A White Wine & Mushrooms Sauce

I think I’m kind of into chicken cutlets right now. There are times in the year when my hubby has to work really late and I always wait to eat with him. I’ve found I can prepare the cutlets in advance. They cook up super fast and are light for late evening dining. It’s so important to me that he has a home cooked meal made with love when he comes home. I serve it with a simple salad and that’s all we need. Thank you Baby for all you do. I love you!   Continue reading

Black Bean & Spanish Hot Smoked Paprika Chili

Black Bean & Spanish Hot Smoked Paprika Chili 1

This dish is so comfy on a cold day like today. And what better way to tell my Hubby how much I love him than with a hearty black bean chili. The beans are high in fiber so they are perfect to fill your belly and the smoked paprika just warms you on the inside. So delicious and excellent I can’t wait until my next bowl!    Continue reading

Honey, Lemon, Feta & Walnut Pasta

Honey, Lemon, Feta & Walnut Pasta

Today is Ash Wednesday – the beginning of the 40 days of Lent for all Christians (not counting Sundays). During these 40 days of repentance we reflect on our lives, the things we have done and our transgressions; praying for forgiveness and observing specific days of fasting and abstinence from meat. Traditionally during Ash Wednesday we fast and abstain from meat, eating just one full meal. We observe Lent to mirror Christ’s 40 days in the desert where He endured temptation.

In light of today’s abstinence and fasting I have prepared a meat-free dish that is healthy, tasty and very filling. Continue reading

Magic Cookie Squares

Magic Cookie Squares

Sometimes I like to check out restaurant menus to get ideas for dinner and desserts. The other day I was perusing the menu from Fuego Tortilla Grill in Texas – never been there but would love to visit one day…on the dessert menu I saw Magic Cookies with graham cracker crust, condensed milk, chocolate chips, shaved coconut and chopped pecans…sounded incredibly delicious! Come to find out that the original recipe came from Eagle Brand condensed milk. I’ve made a few adjustments to the original recipe, but they’re truly decadent!    Continue reading