Pine & Palm Kitchen

Recent Posts

Boozy, Brunch, Holiday Baking, Montana Kitchen

Spiced Apple Cider

It’s cold outside. All you want is sometime comforting, warm and tasty. Look no further than Spiced Apple Cider. It takes about 10 minutes to whip up and will whisk away the winter blues. I have seen many recipes calling for using your coffee maker, but even after cleaning, it’s […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen

Vegan BBQ Sloppy Joe’s –

I know what you’re thinking- Vegan Sloppy Joe’s- NO thank you. Stay with me folks… This mouth watering hot vegetable mixture is so packed full of yummy ingredients that you will not believe its not a big BBQ sandwich you’re devouring. Vegan really just means – no animal products. Nothing […]

Breads, Holiday Baking, Montana Kitchen

Sumptuous Sundays-Chocolate Babka

Bread- Homemade Bread. Is there anything better? The smell of dough rising, the aromas of yeast, flour and salt in the oven filling your home with wafts of pillowy warmth. Is there anything better than fresh bread out of the oven slathered with creamy butter- I submit there is NOT! […]

Healthy, Montana Kitchen, Side show

Vegetable Risotto

I’m laughing at these photos because they are so bad- only because my family was so hungry and there was no time for photography. But trust me- this risotto is heavenly. It is based off of Ina Garten’s Spring vegetable risotto, but I love mushrooms and my family hates peas […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Montana Kitchen, Soups and Stews

Aprés Ski- Winter Vegetable Soup- Welcome to January Clean Eating Month

In the cold, bleak winter out here in Montana, we need to take very good care of our bodies to fight off cold & flu season. Daily exercise, drinking plenty of fluids and eating lots of fruits and vegetables is the perfect way to boost the immume system. Too often, […]

Breakfast, Brunch, Montana Kitchen, Party food

Pepper & Sausage Brunch Strata

During the busy holidays, we all need simple, but show stopper dishes, we can serve to a hungry crowd. There is nothing easier than an overnight French toast casserole or a hearty egg strata for a big brunch or breakfast. Last November I posted my pumpkin french toast casserole- I […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen

Ricotta, Olive & Mushroom “One Pot” Creamy Pasta

One pot pasta meals have been all the rage this year. My daughter and her husband were recently gifted the “One Pot Pasta” cookbook. I took a look at it the other day when I was short on lunch supplies, but heavy on pantry staples. In 20 minutes, I whipped […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Main course

Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

We’ve all been indugling these past few weeks and now its time to lighten up the diet- a bit. Taking small steps is the best way to insure success. Just remove one of two things from your diet each week until you have a new healthy habit in place. Eating […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen

Mushroom Spinach Stuffed Shells

Baby, it’s cold outside… and what could be better to warm you up than pasta – especially in the frosty winter out here in Montana. These hearty stuffed shells are the perfect dinner for when you want something warm, creamy and filling, but not too heavy. This version is vegetarian, […]

Holiday Baking, Montana Kitchen, Sweet tooth

Chewy Cocoa Molasses Cookies

These Spicy, chewy and oh so yummy cookies are exactly what you should be baking this week for Santa. Warm cloves, cinnamon, and ginger paired with a bit of heat from white pepper makes for a perfect cookie. I throw in just a touch of cocoa powder and then roll […]

Boozy, Brunch

Cranberry Champagne Cocktail

It’s that time of year when we pull out the bubbly to celebrate and make merry. This year I am in love with champagne cocktails to liven up the holidays. Even if it’s just two people having an intimate dinner, I think there is nothing more wondeful than to pop […]

Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Holiday Baking, Sweet tooth

Orange Cranberry Muffins with Walnut Crumble

When looking for the perfect breakfast treat to make for family or to share with friends this holiday season, look no further than these scrumptious Orange Cranberry Muffins with a Walnut Crumble topping. The batter seems heavy, but the muffns bake up light and tender. Slather with rich European butter […]

Holiday Baking, Party food

Crispy Cocktail Smashed Potatoes

I discovered this recipe while following the instgram account of Carolina Gelen- a contibutor at Food52 and the New York Times food blog. She takes simple ingredients and cleverly elevates them- almost always creating clever Kosher and vegetarian dishes. Her videos and photography are beautiful. I love her cooking. This […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen, Soups and Stews

Classic French Onion Soup

Classic French Onion Soup provides comfort in the cold months.

Boozy, Brunch

Friday Cocktail Hour- Apple Cider Sangria

Fall is here and that means apple cider, cinnamon, pears and baking all weekend. Here is a fresh and flavorful cocktail that you can make tonight and enjoy all weekend. We add crisp white wine, vodka and apple cider to a mountain of fall fruits like pears and pomegranates. SO […]

Healthy, Side show

Citrus Marinated Olives

With the Holidays quickly approaching, I love to give food gifts that are homemade. There is nothing as thoughtful as a gift that is made by hand for the special people in your life. This year, I want to make something that is not only beautiful, but healthy as well. […]

Florida Kitchen, Sweet tooth

Key Lime Tiramisu

Key Lime Pie is easily my favorite dessert. I will pass on chocolate anyday over Key Lime. My native Florida roots are showing. For this recipe, I wanted several things- a no bake/ make ahead dessert, key limes, but light, tart, sour and sweet. Yikes! That’s a big bill to […]

Boozy

Pumpkin-Rum Spiced Latte

Happy Friday Everyone. In keeping with my Pumpkin Spice theme for the week, I’m making a rum spiked pumpkin spice latte- yep- another boozy coffee drink. But this one is hot, filled with pumpkin and RUM! Take a pot of steaming hot coffee, add in dark rum, whipping cream or […]

Breakfast, Brunch

Pumpkin French Toast Strata

As far as entertaining goes, one of my favorite parties to host is brunch. You can set everything up the night before, no fussing with appetizers, everyone is more relaxed and food for brunch is typically so simple to prepare. One of my favorite things to make is either an […]

Breads, Breakfast, Montana Kitchen

Spiced Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping

Welcome to a week of Fall breads. Today I am re-visiting a pumpkin bread I have made for years from Sara Foster’s “The Foster’s Market Cookbook” . Sara’s cookbook is one of my absolute favorites. It is full of homestyle cooking that is never intimidating. Her dishes that are simple […]

Boozy, Brunch, Sweet tooth

Boozy Celtic Coffee

Hunky Hubbie and I LOVE Bailey’s on ice after dinner. It is my favorite dessert. I rather have a dram of Bailey’s than almost any dessert other than Key Lime Pie. This summer I wanted to create a little after dinner dessert cocktail that had a touch of coffee, a […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen

Braised Country Style Ribs with Potatoes

Welcome to September. The fall baking and cooking season is upon us. What could be more comfortaing in the cooler months than a big pot of ribs and potatoes with a silky gravy? This recipe os so easy- just brown the ribs in a little oil, chop up some onion […]

Boozy

Friday Cocktail Hour-Classic Whiskey Sour

This summery cocktail is bright and lemony and so simple to prepare. Keep that cocktail shaker out for the weekend. You’ll want to make a big batch of these. Use any whiskey, save your good bourbon for another time, fresh lemon juice, a dash of bitters, simple syrup and frothy […]

Florida Kitchen, Main course, Party food

Southern Slow Cooker BBQ Pork with Slatherin’ Sauce

Sigh, Summer is slowly coming to an end. But, with the end of Summer come the traditions we love about the Fall: Labor Day Weekend, Pumpin Spice and College Football! Even though football is going to be VERY different from years passed, we can still cook up a tailgate worthy […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen, Party food, Uncategorized

Trout en Croute- Fish Baked in Puff Pastry with Homemade Pesto

I love baking with puff pastry. It instantly elevates anythig from a humble chicken breast to a simple piece of fruit. Wrap something in puff pastry and even the most finicky eater will like it. Be it Beef Wellington (which I did make from scratch one year- took me four […]

Clean Eating, Healthy

Friday Mocktail Hour – Cucumber Melon Aqua Fresca

Welcome to the final day of Vegetarian Week. I thought instead of a boozy send off, I would make something full of yummy, but very healthy things. Melons are in season right now and what could be more refreshing than a beautiful honeydew with cucumber, ginger and fresh, tangy lime […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Side show

Lentil & Feta Stuffed Peppers

When researching what to put in these peppers, I could not belive the high calorie and cholesterol filled cheesy, beefy, greasy recipes out there. How did we turn these vitamin rich pockets of yumminess into vessels laden with fat and starches? So I completely remade the recipes and instead of […]

Boozy, Brunch, Uncategorized

Friday Cocktail Hour-Frosé-Two Ways: Minty Peach or Cherry

Welcome to Friday Cocktail Hour. Today I give you two cocktails for the price of one. Frosé or rather- frozen Rosé wine- mixed with either mint infused simple syrup and frozen peaches or cherries. It is late summer here in the Northwest so the cherry version is my personal favorite. […]

Florida Kitchen, Sweet tooth

Simple Mixed Berry Shortcake

Summer is all about produce and what says “Summer” more than a basket of fresh picked berries? I adore strawberry shortcake and recently made this dessert for my father. Next to Key Lime Pie, this is his favorite treat. First, whip up some heavy cream with a dash of vanilla […]

Roam to Table, Uncategorized

The Hermitage Hotel-Nashville

Nashville is one of those iconic southern cities that has absolutley everything- incredible food scene, professional sports, historical sites, one of the nation’s leading colleges and lest we forget- The Music. When you walk around downtown, there is music piped in by speakers near all the cross walks. This is […]

Boozy, Brunch

Friday Cocktail Hour- The Pink Lady

She’s frothy, flirty and fun! The Pink Lady- just like your grandmother used to drink at the Club with her bridge group. The glamourous cocktail is so much fun to have on your dressing table before you head out for a night on the town ( remember when we could […]

Breads, Breakfast, Brunch

The Ultimate Banana Bread

Follwers of my website know I am a big fan of America’s Test Kitchen. I love their inovation, testing and fantastic recipes. They often take something simple and give it a much needed boost. That is the case with this banana bread. Who here hasn’t baked a few loaves during […]

Breads, Brunch, Montana Kitchen, Party food

Sun Dried Tomato Bruschetta

My version of Bruschetta is about the simplest appetizer you can make. I use sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil- use that oil- it’s full of flavor. I mix in sliced cherry tomatoes, but really anything that is in season is fine. Slice your baguette, rub a garlic clove […]

Boozy, Montana Kitchen

The Ultimate Old Fashioned

In researching the Old Fashioned, I reached out to my newly minted son-in -law, Michael and of course, Hunky Hubbie- both big fans of Bourbon. They confirmed a truly delicious Old Fashioned (which I have come to learn is very personal) should have a slightly sweet, bourbon forward flavor with […]

Breakfast, Brunch, Montana Kitchen

Huckleberry Buttermilk Pancakes

When I have company in town for the summer, I know I am going to serve up something Huckleberry be it a huckleberry martini, huckleberry jam or best of all… huckleberry pancakes. Huckleberries are grown wild only in northern climates. Typically, you can pick them in late July to August […]

Brunch, Montana Kitchen, Side show, Sweet tooth

Bourbon -Peach Jam with Thyme

In the summer, when the days are long and lazy and I know I don’t have to cook a big dinner, filling up the day by canning the summer’s freshest fruit is, to me, pure heaven. Homeamde gifts are so appreciated and spending the day making a pantry full of […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen, Party food

Philipp’s Excellent Hamburgers

My daughter Kimmons and her good friend, Philipp have become very accomplished home cooks. While we were all together in Montana, they experimented with meringues, sour dough starter, cakes, German meatballs and most recently their version of Gordon Ramsey’s Smoky Pork Sliders. Philipp used ground beef from our local butcher- […]

Boozy, Brunch, Party food

Pomegranate Blueberry Champagne Cocktail

It’s been another long week. I don’t know about y’all , but sometimes, I need that Friday cocktail with as little muss and fuss as possible. So here it is it … A Pomegranate Blueberry Champagne Cocktail. Everyone has blueberries coming out of their well, you know. So grab a […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen

Quinoa Chicken Power Bowl

This is one of those fantastic meals that is as healthy for you as it is beautiful to look at. Tons of fiber, protein and vitamins from quinoa, chicken and crisp cabbage, peppers and edamame. Feel free to add in whatever veggies you have on hand. This is very similar […]

Montana Kitchen, Sweet tooth

Rustic Peach & Rhubarb Pie

It is pie season. Rhubarb and strawberry seem to be on everyone’s list right now with all the tart rhubarb at the farmer’s markets. I wanted to make something extra special , but strawberries just didn’t seem to fit the bill. Peaches are also in season, so I thought, I’ll […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Montana Kitchen, Party food

Roasted Salsa Verde

When hunky hubbie says, “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted,” I figure he is being his usual sweet self. But when my son-in-law (Yay!-I have a son-in-law now), daughter and hunky hubbie all say something is the best thing they’ve ever tasted, I figure I better share the […]

Boozy, Brunch, Florida Kitchen

Watermelon Fresca with Rum

Looking for something to do with all that leftover watermleon from your recent picnic? I have a fantastic recipe for you. Watermelon Aqua Fresca. It is a Mexican drink combining melon, sugar, lime and water. My version uses strained watermelon juice that I blend in my Ninja blender, a mint […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Montana Kitchen

Turkey Meatballs with Sriracha Mayo

There are some dishes that when you discover them, have the tendacy to quickly become overused because they are so incredibly delicious- this is one of those recipes. I have seen turkey meatballs on many other food websites, but decided to add my own take by combining a tangy mayo […]

Montana Kitchen, Side show

German Potato Salad

This yummy potato salad is the perfect side dish for your next picnic or summer dinner. It’s filing without being too heavy. We omit the mayo and instead use a bacon & cider vinegar dressing (with the bacon fat! – sorry Sat Fat numbers) If you do not have apple […]

Clean Eating, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Uncategorized

Panko & Herb Crusted Steelhead Trout

Steelhead trout fishing in Montana is pretty much non existent now, so in the winter months anglers head to the cold waters of Idaho and Washington state and fish the Upper Snake and Salmon rivers. The fish is so rare only one fish per day can be kept from the […]

Boozy, Brunch

Friday Cocktail Hour- Cucumber Prairie Fizz

Looking for a smashing, refreshing, fizzy crisp cocktail thats not too sweet and not too bitter? Look no further- my darlings- I give you an icy, cucumber infused vodka, lemon simple syrup topped, tonic water- “Prairie Fizz”. I know what you are thinking, “A fizz is typically made with gin.” […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen

Lentil & Sausage Soup

The Quarantine blues are really hitting everyone this week. We have all made elaborate cakes, pies and sour dough starter. We still have to make dinner, but can’t we just do something simple that will fill us up but not pack on the pounds. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you […]

Holiday Baking, Montana Kitchen, Sweet tooth

Salted Brown Butter Pecan Cookies

Sometimes, it is worth going to the trouble to make a recipe really special. This is one of those times. Browning butter, toasting pecans and adding sea salt flakes are SO important to this recipe. Yes, it takes a little extra time, but hey, who wants to serve a plain […]

Brunch, Clean Eating, Healthy, Main course

Wheat Berry, Kale & Butternut Squash Power Bowl

Today I have a little something that I worked on last week for you. It is a satisfying salad, that is packed full of hearty healthy veggies, protein and fiber rich Wheat Berries. Wheat Berries are not berries at all, but rather the edible part of a wheat kernel. They […]

Boozy, Brunch, Florida Kitchen

Ginger Mint Mojito- Zero Carbs

Yes, you read that correctly. A zero carb mojito. Actually, it’s not really too difficult because for starters, rum has no carbs and no sugar and only 96 calories per 1.5 ounces. BTW-I love my job. A traditional mojito will have a simple syrup, mint, limes, some tonic water and […]

Healthy, Main course

Spa Dinner: Baked Cod with Steamed Vegetables

I am continuing with my January clean eating month with a simple dinner that can be prepared in a flash. This is one of those, “not really a recipe” recipes. With the holidays behind us and the new year in full swing, there’s nothing I have been dreaming about more […]

Roam to Table

Bright Lights, Emerald City

I love the Pacific Northwest. The salmon filled rivers, the tall timbers, the snow capped mountain ranges, the food, the people. But most of all, I love Seattle. Do you ever feel like you were born in the wrong place? I do. All the time. Don’t get me wrong. I […]

Breakfast, Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Healthy

Citrus Salad with Buffalo Burrata, Herbs & Honey

Welcome to Throwback Thursday of my Clean Eating month. If the Winter Blues have got you down and you just want carbohydrates and sugar, I have the remedy for your sickness: my bright, vitamin rich- Citrus Salad with Burrata, Honey and Herbs. This is not your typical ambrosia with hours […]

Brunch, Clean Eating, Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Main course

Lemon Couscous Salad with Raisins, Roasted Chick Peas and Avocado

Welcome to day 14 of my January Clean Eating month. Today’s post is a salad I am shared with you last year. It is one of my absolute favorites! Whenever Hunky Hubbie asks me where I want to go for dinner, pretty much my standard answer is, “I just want […]

Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen

Healthy Veggie & Bean Soup- Pasta e Fagioli

Happy New Year! How in the world can it be 2020? For my first post of the New Year, I wanted to do something a little healthier to kick off my January Clean Eating Month. Because I believe in baby steps and there is football on today, I offer you […]

Breads, Breakfast, Brunch, Holiday Baking, Sweet tooth

Cinnamon Pecan Sticky Buns

Well, here it is. The end of the calorie splurging season. You have New Year’s Day left to induldge before the New Year’s Resolutions begin. So, for my last post of the year, I’ve decide to go big. Well, actually, not so big- a slightly reduced calorie breakfast treat. These […]

Boozy, Brunch, Holiday Baking

Money’s Egg Nog

When I was growing up, every Christmas my mother’s family served this boozy, frothy, heavenly milk punch known as “Money’s Egg Nog”. Money was my great- grandmother, born in Grenada, Mississippi and moved to the west coast of Florida to raise her children with my great- grandfather, J. J. Williams, […]

Florida Kitchen, Main course, Party food

Ropa Vieja Revisited

In the early years of my marriage, every month I looked forward to one thing more than just about anything else: my monthly subscription to Southern Living Magazine. It does seem completely foreign that to have inspiration for new recipes, we had to wait each month for these culinary and […]

Holiday Baking, Sweet tooth

Pannetone Bread Pudding with Vanilla Bourbon Sauce

This is yet another one of my “I’ve been making this dish forever” recipes. But this time I am tweaking this bread pudding with sweet pannetore instead of regular Italian bread. I used to make this dish for neighborhood potlucks because it travels very well. I also love to make […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen

Marci’s London Broil

Remember the 70’s? Okay, I am certainly dating myself. But in the 70’s we ate a lot of beef. A lot. One dish my family used to eat all the time was my mom’s London Broil. It is the strangest concoction of ingredients, but I’m here to tell you- it […]

Montana Kitchen, Uncategorized

Decorating for Christmas- Montana Style

This year, we will be in Winter Park, Florida for Christmas. I’m a little sad I will not be in Montana among the forests, frozen lakes and beautiful snowy mountains. Hunky Hubbie and I recently purchased our “downsizing dream home” and we wanted to show our children the new home […]

Florida Kitchen, Holiday Baking, Sweet tooth

Frozen Peppermint Cheesecake

I did not have any plans to make a peppermint cheesecake this season until I recently saw one on an Instagram. I thought, “That thing is a hot mess! How does this girl have over 20,000 followers?” Aside from my mean girl jabs, I did think the cheesecake had way […]

Brunch, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Uncategorized

Pure Comfort Chicken Casserole

About a month or so ago, the wonderful woman who owns the best orchid and gift shop in Winter Park, Ginny’s Orchids, reached out to me to develop a chicken casserole. I loved the challenge. I have not made a casserole in years and thought this would be the perfect […]

Holiday Baking, Montana Kitchen, Sweet tooth

Gingerbread Soufflé- (or one of the best desserts I’ve ever made.)

Okay campers -I have worked on this recipe harder than anything I have posted so far. Multiple attempts- First attempt was the original recipe that lacked a really “spicy” flavor, next attempt failed because I had to run to the hospital for a family member having emergency bypass surgery. Final […]

Brunch, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Party food

Upside Down Puff Pastry Veggie Pizza

I am always looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables into our diet. While we know it is so important to eat healthier, translating that into a weeknight meal that is still satisfying can be a chore. One chef that inspires me to cook healthier is Jamie Oliver. His enthusiasm […]

Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Uncategorized

Roasted Tomato Soup

There is nothing as quintessentially cozy as a cup of rich & creamy tomato soup- especially a bowl that is homemade. Tomato soup is a perfect meal to curl up with on a frosty night. Add a toasted cheese sandwich made with crusty sour dough bread and you have a […]

Boozy, Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Montana Kitchen, Party food, Uncategorized

Friday Cocktail Hour : Cinnamon Apple Cider Mimosas

Happy Friday everyone. This week for Friday Cocktail Hour, I am back at the Winter Park Distilling Company. While they do not sell Champagne, the background of sweet bourbon aging in barrels made for a perfect and inspiring backdrop for mixing cocktails. I have been tasting & testing Autumnal recipes […]

Boozy, Florida Kitchen, Party food

Caramel Apple Mule- Winter Park Distilling Company Genius Drive Vodka

Happy Friday everyone. This week, I took a little field trip to the Winter Park Distilling Company- Home of The Bear and Peacock Brewing Company in Winter Park. The Distillery offers several fantastic spirts including Genius Drive Vodka which I am using today for a caramel & cider infused “Moscow […]

Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Main course, Uncategorized

Mangrove Snapper with Pineapple-Mango Salsa

One of the best things about living in Florida and Montana is the fishing. It seems no matter where I am, I have the luxury of fresh fish be it hearty Cobia, Grouper or Snapper form the Florida Gulf Coast or rich buttery Salmon or Trout from the rivers and […]

Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Main course, Uncategorized

Velveting Chicken-Cashew Chicken with Sweet Ginger Sauce

When Hunky Hubbie and I are feeling a bit lazy, our go to for take out, like most folks, is Asian Cuisine- Thai, Chinese or Vietnamese. We love the sauces, the veggies and the incredibly tender chicken. But whenever I tried to replicate a healthier version at home, my chicken […]

Breakfast, Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Uncategorized

Nutty Granola- with a low carb/ sugar free option

Today is Self Care Sunday. Each Sunday I’ll be posting a recipe that is healthy and reminds us during the holidays to slow down and take care of ourselves. Today was a beautiful day in Winter Park and my golden retreiver and I had a fantastic 3 mile walk followed […]

Boozy, Florida Kitchen, Party food, Sweet tooth, Uncategorized

Friday Cocktail Hour – Frozen Brandy Alexander

I began drinking Brandy Alexander’s back in the days when we belonged to our local Country Club. Brandy Alexander’s were the perfect frosty boozy drink to enjoy after a big Sunday Supper at The Club and no one really wanted to go home and think about Monday. You could linger […]

Brunch, Montana Kitchen, Party food, Roam to Table

Baked Goat Cheese with Peppers-

First of all, apologies to my sister, Ashley, who despises peppers, but for this show stopper appetizer to serve at the holidays- peppers are a must. I first came across this recipe over 10 years ago when I began hosting little cocktail parties for the Winter Park Crew moms each […]

Boozy, Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Uncategorized

Friday Cocktail Hour: Beachside Blackberry Crush

Happy Friday everyone. The weekend is almost here! Today I have a crisp, cool cocktail with Blackberry, lime and vodka. Since it is still so hot in Florida, I am not making mulled wine, boozy coffee or other fall drinks yet. Please Fall! We need you! Hunky Hubby and I […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Montana Kitchen, Soups and Stews

The Dowager’s Restorative Broth aka Chicken Noodle Soup

Two exciting things happened in my life last week: I received my Flu vaccination and The Downton Abbey Movie was released. I know- pretty thrilling. But in all seriousness, The Dowager Empress once remarked, “Every good maid needs to know how to make a restorative broth.” Now, granted, I do […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen, Uncategorized

Cast Iron Roasted Chicken with Onions

I really should post this recipe on a Sunday because roasted chicken just seems like a Sunday dinner entree. But this chicken is so simple, you can serve it on a weeknight. Don’t we all need a catalog of simple weeknight dinners these days? You will need a heavy cast […]

Main course, Montana Kitchen, Uncategorized

Homemade Chicken Pot Pie with Roasted Vegetables

Is there anything that is more comforting (other than perhaps homemade chicken noodle soup- more on that later) than a made from scratch chicken pot pie? This is one of my girls’ favorite dishes. Everyone loves it: the crust, the chunks of roasted chicken, the delicate roux and delicious hearty […]

Florida Kitchen, Montana Kitchen, Sweet tooth, Uncategorized

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies with Pecans

When did cookies become so complicated? What is the deal with cookies lately? How many times have you read a recipe or seen a cooking show where the chef talks about “smoky toffee notes” or ” butterscotch caramel undertones.” Why did we complicate the simple chocolate chip cookie? Where did […]

Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Party food, Uncategorized

Buddha Bowls or How to trick your kids into to eating healthy

Are you eating Buddha Bowls? You should be. It is an ingenious way to get a healthy dinner into your family . I mean, the kids will be thinking, “how healthy can a bowl full of stuff be? There’s sauce. And a bowl. And chicken and green things . This […]

Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Main course, Montana Kitchen, Party food

Thai Chicken with Soba Noodles & Peanut Sauce

Thai chicken with Soba noodles and peanut sauce should be your go to cold supper dish for the weekend when you have time to enjoy chopping beautiful veggies from the local market and marinating chicken, shrimp or even beef. This is Hunky Hubbie’s favorite dinner right now- he loves peanut […]

Brunch, Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Montana Kitchen

Not your Grandma’s Oatmeal

I absolutely love my local Açaí -Oatmeal bowl shop here in Winter Park, but I don’t love paying $12.00 for a bowl of oatmeal when the same thing at home would only cost about $3.00. And don’t get me started on trying to find a parking spot. We are all […]

Florida Kitchen, Healthy, Party food, Uncategorized

Smokey Tropical Tinga Tacos

Taco Tuesday should NEVER be about opening up a packet of “flavorings”, dumping in water and ground beef. There are so many simple ways to up your taco game- even on a week night. I am a huge fan of pantry & fridge staples and this recipe is chock full […]

Boozy, Brunch, Florida Kitchen

Florida Pamplemousse Martini

Happy Friday everyone. For this weekend’s Friday Cocktail, I am choosing a refreshing and fun martini. My friend, Tim Varan at Tim’s Wine Market, turned me on to Pamplemousse liqueur a few years ago. Being a native Floridian, the idea of a preppy pink grapefruit martini is pure heaven in […]

Brunch, Healthy, Montana Kitchen

Big Sky Breakfast Granola- Updated

In Montana, we need a hearty stick-to-your-ribs breakfast. Big Sky Breakfast Granola fits the bill.

Uncategorized

Avocado Egg Salad

My girls are always asking me for lunch ideas that are quick & healthy. Here is one that is easy, fast and super healthy. I threw this little salad together a year or two ago when I had nothing but hard boiled eggs and a great looking avocado for lunch. […]

Clean Eating, Healthy, Montana Kitchen, Soups and Stews

Roasted Carrot Soup with Coconut Milk and Pomegranates

It is soup season. I’m going to be a happy little old lady someday because I really love soup. This is another super, simple bowl of creamy yumminess that is SO healthy and good for you. Using vegetable stock and coconut milk for a base, I roast carrots and add […]

Brunch, Montana Kitchen, Side show

Meggen’s Mac ‘n Cheese

There are only a few days left in 2020 and I don’t know about you, but I am going to carb load one last time before the “2021 diet & new me” plan starts up on New’s Year Day. This insanely good Mac and Cheese is one of my most […]

Recent Posts

Follow us

Subscribe via Email

Instagram