A Proverbs 31 Kind of Day

While the outside temperatures may not be reminiscent of Fall, it is clear by store décor that fall is here. Well, that's not necessarily true! If you're looking at store décor, you might think it's Christmas time . . . as fall décor is practically free by the discounts that are being advertised. But contrary to commercialism, it is fall. Where the bounty of pumpkins, family gatherings, and cooler temperatures are sure to please. This got me to thinking. Truthfully, not that . . .but my dishes on the table. What is meant by "bounty." So I looked it up; like I used to tell my cherubs to do when they were younger. Bounty; "copious abundance," or "generosity evidenced by the willingness to give freely." Actually, fall bounty has nothing to do with what we have, but it's our attitude with which we share. This fall, as we set out our décor and sip our lattes, join me in moving beyond what we see, to what we have. As i

There is a "casual" Mexican restaurant that offers a cilantro lime rice. I get it, but honestly, I'm not certain there is much taste to it. I always have high hopes; zesty, cilantro-y, delicious! When my girl cherub asked for black beans, rice, and grilled chicken, I was eager to oblige! She wanted green chili rice. Honestly, I needed something just a smidge faster to put together than that recipe. My thoughts took me back to the tasteless cilantro lime rice at the restaurant. What the heck . . . I'll give it a try! What's the worst that could happen?  That it be bland? Oh well! I gathered my ingredients and set out to make some rice! Because all tastes are different, the spices should be to taste.    As in your taste!  Cilantro Lime Rice Warm cooked rice (either instant or long grain; brown or white rice) 3 TBSP fresh cilantro, chopped 3 TBSP oil 1-2 tsp. Tru Lime, garlic, and cilantro seasoning 1-2 "tru lime&quo

To try to explain the mach speed we are running right now would be futile! There is something everyday . . . and we're trying to cram in great activities before my boy cherub heads off to his first year of college. There's more about that later, but ultimately, it is such a fun time of life! Tonight, we are heading over to my mom's house to have dinner. To make it easier on her, I offered to bring a picnic supper, which would hopefully make it easier on me. I'm not too certain that I was successful with that part! However, when I asked the cherubs and the Mr. what they would like for dessert, it was clear they had forgotten that time was not readily available! You should have heard their suggestions! Needless to say, I made a mental note of what sounded good to them, and went out on my own! Since we are deep in the heat of summer, I opted for light and fruit. There are rare times that my family thinks fruit is a "dessert." Toni

It kind of sounds like a contradiction, doesn't it? Corncakes pancakes? When I think of pancakes, I think of soft, fluffy,  . . .and yummy. While the texture may be a little different with the corncake, the end result is still the same! Yummy! My boy cherub was up and out of the house early, and my girl cherub was sleeping in on Saturday morning. The Mr. and I had enjoyed a morning with a hot cup of coffee and a long rock on the patio. When the Mr. said pancakes sounded good, I went to gather the ingredients, which we didn't have what we needed. But I did have cornmeal! Sweet corncakes became a real option! Making my mix, and using my castiron griddle, we ended up with a great Saturday breakfast treat When I make pancakes, I normally make extra for a quick reheat breakfast later in the week. These tasty treats, I did not really prefer them reheated.  Corncake Pancakes 1/2 cup potato starch 3/4 cup cornmeal 3 TBSP sugar 1 1/2 tsp baking po

As a kid, I totally remember my dad eating radishes. Gross. He would wash them, maybe cut them . . .maybe not. Sometimes he would sprinkle some salt on them . . .or maybe not. But he always said they were so good. I thought, "well, maybe not!" I remember, as a kid, trying a radish. YUCK! It was hot. That's about all I remember about a radish. And that I knew enough to say I didn't like them! Well, that . . . and my dad would always put cut up radish in our salad if he was making the salad. And he normally did. Which means that I had to normally pick them out! As an adult, I have always steered clear of radishes. That was until about a year ago. The cherubs and I stopped at a taco truck. This wasn't a fancy, "all-the-rage," food truck. Let me try that again . . .it is all the rage, in that the food is ah-maz-ing! But it's not one of the popular-kind-of-food-trucks that you see these days. This is one of thos

"Over rated." That was my thought about quinoa. I had tried it once, in a recipe, and I didn't like it. I had no need to try it again. Despite the fact that I had a decent supply of uncooked quinoa in my pantry. "Understated." "Under estimated." That's my new thoughts about quinoa. My boy cherub really likes quinoa. The other day, I was making a dinner the girl cherub had asked for and I thought, "I'll make pasta for those who want it and quinoa for my boy cherub." But when I told everyone of the plan, they all wanted quinoa. Except me. But I wasn't willing to mess up to pots just to make me pasta. So I made the quinoa and had every intention of just "dealing with it." I placed all the ingredients on the counter for everyone to make their own quinoa bowl. I was excited. Not. Quinoa. Roasted tomatoes. Roasted peppers and zucchini. Smoked chicken. Caramelized onions. Wilted

By the blog posts, one might think it is a dry spell of cooking around our house. That isn't really the case. However, it is the case of "new" recipes. Sometimes, those "tried and true" recipes, where you don't even have to really think about it, and no one at the table asks, "so, what is this?" are sometimes just easier when everything is feeling like it's spinning 100 miles an hour! Oh, we've been trying new things. And I have the pictures to prove post about it . . . but the "new" recipes are just a little less frequent these days! Unless it was this dinner where I put together 2 new recipes for us to try! Everything was a hit, especially these roasted potatoes. As you know, we adore roasted veggies. In my opinion, they're easier to cook and tastes simply delicious! I paired these potatoes with roasted Brussel  Sprouts and a Greek lemon chicken. It was a winner! I used Yukon gold pot

Yes!  The picture is sideways!  I can NOT get it right!   Waaaay back in 2015, we were moving from Dallas, Texas. Some sweet friends of mine made a "going away" basket for me. It was filled with darling things, that I still enjoy . . . including the cute basket! One of the things in the moving basking was a very yummy and versatile spice mix. One of the girls made it. I've used it on so many things and I'm continually impressed with how it tastes. Of course, I couldn't go without the recipe! So when I asked, she willingly gave! Which means I am willingly sharing with you too! I don't know the name of the mix and I do know she found the recipe somewhere. I've never seen a recipe just like this one . . . and I really dig this one! I didn't know the name, so I named it after my friend. I'm creative that way. This mix does take several ingredients, but would be so good to share with friends. You could give it a Chri

How many times have you read that my family loves Mexican food? Honestly, I am not underestimating the power of the love! It is our go-to, quick-fix meal at home. When we go out to eat, we usually choose something with a Mexican flair. And when we say we're craving something, it usually involves chips and salsa. What I have noticed at these newer, "fusion" taco restaurants, and the like, are the simple toppings. Where we are eating, at least, there is less about smothered cheese and gooey sauces. There's more focus on "less is more." Simple flavors. Simple ingredients. Big impact of deliciousness! Which then inspires me to duplicate it at home so that we don't have to digest the high price tag, too! For a school field trip, my boy cherub had to eat at a local restaurant. Not real sure what that had to do with learning Spanish, as everything is in English. But whatever! We did it. After all, it was apart of his grade.

We're going old school! Your mom might have called these magic cookie bars, or seven layer bars, or hello dolly bars. Regardless of what they were called, who doesn't remember these treats from your childhood? Honestly!  This was one thing my mom could . . .and would . . . whip up in a hurry! These treats are easy to make and even easier to eat! Originally, these were called magic cookie bars and the recipe was rolled out by the Eagle Brand Milk Company. Today, though, there are so many variations and possibilities, that it's crazy. But the basic of the recipe is still the starting point. And that's exactly where I started! But!  I didn't end up there, because I add a little treat of my own! While I was in the kitchen making this little dessert for dinner tonight, my girl cherub was doing school and she asked what I was making. I told her. "Have you ever made those before?" she asked. Yeah . . .but not in a long time. Like

It's January and the beginning of the month brings a new menu! If you have a renewed effort this year to have less drive-through, carry-out, or fast-food dinners as a family, Meal Thyme Meals can help you be successful with your effort. All you have to do is order the meal kit, add the amount of meat, and freeze. When you are ready to cook, just thaw the meal kit and place in your crock pot.  You'll come home to a quick and ready meal that is cheaper, tastier, and easier than anything you can drive through and pick up! I even provide you with suggestions for veggies or a starch to put with your kit to make sure you have a complete meal!  If you live in the OKC area, and you wish to order, please place a comment and I'll get you on the list. January's Menu: The 5 meal kits are $30.00.  If you would like to add on the 3 dessert kits, that is an additional $20.00. All of the kits are gluten free!