Beef & Pumpkin Chili

Pumpkin season….it’s been in full swing for over two months and yet this is the first time I’ve used it all season. Typically we eat pumpkin just a few times a year as not every one in the family is a big fan. The health benefits of pumpkin are a plus so I try to sneak it into a few recipes without anyone being the wiser! Here’s one of those meals where the addition of pumpkin boosts the Vitamin A and fiber content, adds a bit of creaminess and doesn’t compromise the wonderful flavor of this already delicious chili… Continue reading

Beef Stroganoff With Goat Cheese & Homemade Noodles

Beef Stroganoff With Goat Cheese & Homemade Noodles
I love a good hearty Stroganoff and I always equated it with my German Heritage only to find out it’s really of Russian origins.  Oh well… I make my Stroganoff with goat cheese and leave the sour cream on the table as an add in. The tang of the goat cheese gives this dish great flavor and depth. Great served with egg noodles…I made my own this time, but I also use store bought… Continue reading

Sopa de Carne


This hearty soup is a typical Latin American soup. It’s really just beef & potato soup but with a Latin flair! My mother-in-law used to make a similar soup for my oldest son when he was a little boy. She would serve everyone a big bowl but would put his in a blender and smooth it out…oh, so good! Sometimes I just wanted mine puréed too! But either way it’s comforting, warm and very hearty for a cool day such as today… Continue reading

British Classic Steak & Ale Pie

On our first afternoon in London we visited Taylor & Walker’s Silver Cross Whitehall Pub located in the heart of London right off of Trafalgar Square. We were so excited to eat our first ‘English’ meal! We chose a British Classic – Steak & Ale Pie. They describe this pie on the menu as “A British classic with a Taylor Walker spin! 100% British beef, slow cooked in our rich 1730 pale ale gravy encased in crisp pastry. Served with mashed potatoes, fresh seasonal vegetables and a jug of gravy.” Each pie was individually sized and so hearty and flavorful…

Silver Cross in Whitehall's Steak & Ale Pie

When we got home this classic made it to this week’s menu. A larger pie feeds a whole family. Everyone thought it tasted rich & hearty. The end result: Delicious! Continue reading