A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

When I was growing up, we called it a "meat and cheese tray."  Heck, even know, that's what it's typically called! You know, where you order a meat and cheese tray and there is a variety of meats, cheeses, and condiments, garnished with fruit? Where I live, there is a local store that does a beautiful job at making these trays. But what is growing in popularity are "Charcuterie Boards." Charcuterie; a French word, pronounced, "shar - coot - a- re"   I mean . . . sort of! What I love about a Charcuterie Board is the simplicity. I mean . . .sort of! So, if you have been to a Brazilian steakhouse, chances are you have enjoyed a very large Charcuterie Board. It's like a dissembled salad bar. Lovely cheeses. Cooked meats, served cold. Condiments. Spreads. Roasted or grilled vegetables, served cold. All the while, everything looks delightful and artisanal. After having dinner one night at this sort of steakhouse, ...

I grew up with my mom making meatloaf. I'd call it "homemade" meatloaf. What I have learned as I have grown up, everyone has "their" favorite meatloaf and nobody really eats meatloaf made by other people. It's kind of a weird thing to me, but at the same time, I totally understand it. Think about it . . . when you're having company over, do you ever think, "I'll make meatloaf." Nope. I don't! When you're taking a meal to someone recovering from an illness or surgery, do you ever think, "I bet they'll love to have a pan of my meatloaf." Nope. Me either! Meatloaf is incredibly individual, and even familial. My mom's recipe that she gave me is "hers." But truthfully, it's really the recipe from the back of the seasoning packet. Being gluten free has caused some changes in my cooking. One is meatloaf. While I have found gluten free packages of meatloaf sea...

My sweet girl cherub. Her birthday was a month ago. But we finally had time to celebrate with friends this month. Well, one month from the day, exactly! She's been a great sport about the delay. She created a plan and we were ready  . . . but then I broke my foot. Which changed the plan. Being her sweet self, she was happy with the change of plans. The girls learned to use almond bark to make different treats. Actually, I keep almond bark and simple ingredients on hand. It's super easy if you need to make something for kids coming over to the house. Or if you're having a quick gathering, and you want "a little something sweet." What about saying, "thank you" to someone who's been helpful to you? A treat bag of bark is an easy homemade gift that people love! The girls picked a partner and each "team" made a different bark. They all turned out great! The one I really wanted someone to try, didn't get ...

Lately, the Mr. and my girl cherub are having to pick up a little more of the chores around the house. OK -- so maybe all of the chores! Cooking, cleaning, laundry, packing lunches. Everything! Over the weekend, I fell and broke my foot. It didn't sound like it was any big deal with the doctor at the ER, but my Monday follow up visit shed a wee little different light on the situation. So I'm still cooking . . .from the living room. The Mr. says, "ok, what's next?" and I tell him what to do with the recipe. It's been kind of interesting, but everything, so far, has turned out just great! After dinner the other night, he kept asking if there was something he could make. I couldn't think of anything simple, but I dreamed up this little treat that I knew would be easy. This little gem of a treat has me thinking about all the things that can be created with almond bark! The girl cherub made brownie bites for a school project tom...

This is one of those desserts that honestly, I remember my mom making when I was a little kid. I also remember not being especially found of it. Not for any particular reason. But fast-forward a few years. . . ok, a lot . . . and now I like apple crisps. This dessert, though, often gets overlooked. I don't know if it is because it's too "simple." Too "homey." Doesn't "present well." And while all of those might be true, the truth is, apple crisp is a great option to offer your family and friends! Most of the time, you have the ingredients to make the dessert. It's easy enough you can throw it together, and what's even better . . .it's homemade! Like -- who doesn't like THAT! In a time when homemade is a forgotten language, this dessert is sure to please! You know me, what I love about this is the flexibility! Add in some pecans, if you wish. Or maybe some raisins or cranberries. Top...

Sometimes I amaze myself! Before Thanksgiving, the Mr. and I headed to the store to grab some necessary groceries. Sweet potatoes must have been a good price, because the Mr. stocked. us. up! He must have thought we were going to feed a small army! When we got home, I realized I already had sweet potatoes. Now -- I like sweet potatoes, but we certainly had a lot of them! I started wondering what to do with the abundance we were experiencing. Trying to think of "meatless" meals, I thought about tacos. I couldn't really sell the family on the option when I offered it. So while they were away, I started cooking. This way, they couldn't complain! It was brilliant on my part, I might add! After peeling and chopping the sweet potatoes, I set out to season and roast them to perfection. After that, the magic happened. At dinner, I told the Mr. and my girl cherub that at a trendy restaurant, these would be called, "Fall Bounty Tacos....

I've had a moment of reflection only to discover that I love cranberries. Not to pop one of the tart fruits in my mouth to savor, as that would pucker even the strongest of women. But the red-jeweled fruit is amazing, I think, and often under valued. While shopping this week, I saw the first opportunity to purchase cranberries. There were two options; the small 12 ounce bag, or the large two pound bag. It's when I took note of the thought in my head when I saw the options that I realized, "I really do love cranberries!" While shopping, I began to think of the ways I'd use the cranberries, and also wondered if I needed to grab another bag, "just in case one bag wasn't enough." Today, I made roasted cranberries. I think this will be delicious as a smear on a chicken sandwich or wrap a topping in a quinoa bowl with a bit of crumbled goat cheese, roasted butternut squash, and a few chopped pecans a sauce for a turke...