Every now and then, I get a night completely kid free. The stars will align and both of our children find themselves a place other than our house to crash for the night. Usually at a friend's house surrounded by junk food and video games. When those rare occasions happen, I find myself in quite the predicament...what do I cook for dinner? The answer is this quick and easy ...
lunch
Best Back to School Lunch Containers
This post contains affiliate links. The best lunch containers for back to school is probably a decision that you didn't think would be that hard, until you are staring at a wall of them in the container aisle at Target wondering if the $20 dollar lime green plastic contraption with all of the compartments and little snap lids is worth it. Especially since you are going to ...
10 Make Ahead Sandwiches for Your Lunchbox
Here in the South we start back to school at the beginning of August. Why? I guess because its too dang hot to be outside, so you might as well send the kids on back to school. But, back to school means back to early mornings and packing lunches and not just for the kiddos but for the adults, too. When it comes to packing the adult (or very open-minded teen) lunch box, a ...
Easy Macaroni Pasta Salad
Macaroni Salad is a classic summer side dish that is not only easy to make but its always a crowd pleaser. You just can't have a backyard barbecue or a pool party without it! Cold and creamy, tangy with a little bit of sweetness, and little bits of crunch from a few hidden veggies makes this macaroni salad perfect for just about any occasinon. How to Make Macaroni ...
Easy Chicken Salad with Grapes
It seems like so long ago now, but once upon a time I did a lot of catering. Not big giant events, but a lot of luncheons and meetings. Which was perfect for a one-woman show. And if you are going to cater then you have to have a chicken salad recipe. It's pretty much obligatory. My chicken salad was simple to make but oh-so-delicious. First I would roast bone-in chicken ...
Spicy Pimento Cheese
I was born and raised in the South and I love being southern. It's such a charming culture full of hot summer breezes, screen doors, grandma's cooking and a pitcher of sweet tea. Whenever I start cooking those traditionally southern dishes, I just can't help but think of my childhood that consisted mostly of climbing trees, playing in the creek and hanging out laundry. Now ...
Creamy Rotini Veggie Pasta Salad
Creamy Rotini Veggie Pasta Salad is a classic pasta salad for picnics, potlucks and barbecues. Perfectly cooked pasta is tossed with just enough veggies and lightly coated in a tangy mayo dressing. Make up a batch to liven up any lunch or dinner. I am very particular about any kind of “salad” with mayonnaise in it. I have had more than my fair share of heavy, overly sweet ...
Parmesan Popcorn
It's been forever since I have posted recipes but in that time I have successfully gotten my two five year olds started in kindergarten. My pocketbook took a final huge sigh of relief as they climbed on the bus and headed toward a free education (goodbye daycare!) Since then, lots of people have asked me if I cried their first day or if I am sad to see them growing up. I have ...
The Difference a Year can Bring
Here we are at the end of another year and I have been thinking over the last few days about how far we have come since this time last year. 2011 started with some really tough decisions for us. We made one huge leap of faith at the beginning of the year when we decided to cut our losses and move back to Tennessee. It wasn't a decision we took lightly, but one that we felt like ...
Country Garden Update and Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Salad
So 3 weeks of rain was followed by 5 days of searing heat, then... more rain. All of this wishy washy weather has been reeking havoc upon our allergies but the garden doesn't seem to mind much. Especially the broccoli and lettuce. We have been eating off of those plants for the last week or so. Especially the lettuce. I have certainly been adding more fiber in my diet. The ...
Rosemary Garlic Foccacia Bread
Life without bread would be dismal. Even those who are allergic to gluten find ways to have bread. And ask anydieter and you will find that they crave bread. Bread is just so delicious, so satisfying. Adding garlic, herbs, and olive oil to bread sends it into another realm entirely. When the heat hits those aromatics your entire house fills with the intoxicating smells of yeast ...
Tuna Tuesday: Moving Day
Let me just tell you all that I am wicked awesome with a tape gun. I can tape up a box in a matter of seconds. I know how to pick the right size box for the stuff I am packing. I can optimize space in a cube of cardboard and I can successfully wrap fine china in a protective layer of bubble wrap while resisting the urge to pop the tiny pockets of air. In short people, I have ...
Tuna Tuesday: Wasabi Tuna Sushi
It's Tuesday and that means... TUNA TUESDAY! WooHoo! I have really begun to look forward to these posts. It's a lot of fun to try to come up with different ways to use a can of meat. I have also been exploring the canned meat aisle in the grocery store to see what other kinds of options there are. It is quite surprising to see the variety that is offered. I am still ...
Tuna Panzanella Salad
If any of you follow me on Twitter, you already know what I have been up to for the last week. I have been knee deep in sick kids since last Monday. I won't elaborate too much ( although I could but this is a food blog and bodily functions are not the most appetizing conversations), but let's just say that I have run out of towels 3 times in the last week and it wasn't because ...
Cheesy Tuna Corn Chowder
The ultimate pantry meal that also happens to be pretty delicious. Keep this one in your back pocket for those cold winter months when heading to the grocery is impossible and eating out of the pantry is a must. The South is completely frozen. We are all covered in at least a couple inches of ice. School is closed, the mail hasn't run, and we are all beginning to go a little ...