tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20383964101660549482011-07-29T01:23:42.617-05:00Don't have time to plan a menu for entertaining family or friends? Natasha can help. Here you will find recipes for all occasions, as well as useful baking and party tips.Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.comBlogger201100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-26595466146131199072011-05-21T15:20:00.003-05:002011-05-21T15:31:02.868-05:00

It's just the start of rhubarb season, but we're already searching for ideas to stray from the same old rhubarb crisp recipes. We added a few ingredients to sweeten our standard recipe.Try adding ground pecans to the crumble mixture. Then add fresh strawberries, sliced apple, dark chocolate chips and a touch of honey to the rhubarb mix.What are your favorite tricks with rhubarb?

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-77965674019443878822011-05-15T19:27:00.001-05:002011-05-15T20:44:55.603-05:00

Our spring weather is so finicky. One weekend we're taking advantage of warm temps and grilling chicken and Italian sausage, the next weekend it is cold, rainy and windy. We took advantage of the opportunity to stay indoors and creat a slow cooker jambalaya using leftover grilled chicken and sausage.Slow Cooker Jambalaya2 grilled chicken breasts, cubed3 grilled Italian sausages, cubed1/2 pound

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-19234772419777908912010-08-28T15:10:00.000-05:002010-08-28T16:10:07.516-05:00

Last weekend, we entertained friends for an old-fashioned cook-out. The weather was perfect for outside dining and the food was good. So good that we didn't have any leftovers to eat during the following weekdays.Here's one of the recipes that proved a big hit. I'm not including measurements, as we really managed this one without measuring spoons or cups.Summer Potato SaladCombination fingerling

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-38501309234827841872010-08-15T20:34:00.000-05:002010-08-15T21:19:13.843-05:00

Too many State Fair cream puffs and marshmallow custard sundaes can take a toll on the waistline; so I'm all for an meal that revolves around crisp summer vegetables. Before grilling I toss mine in a mixture of olive oil (splurge on the good kind for this recipe), fresh ground pepper, sea salt and just-picked herbs.To give your veggies a sweet kick, I recommend adding thinly sliced acorn squash

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-22022706511202109262010-07-18T20:56:00.000-05:002010-07-18T21:11:23.203-05:00

Rhubarb can be a bit difficult to work with, but when you get it right, it is fabulous. It took two baking sessions to perfect this recipe, and now it it decadent. Serve this bread with chicken salad and summer fruit for a leisurely lunch or light dinner.Dark Chocolate and Almond Rhubarb Bread3/4 C light brown sugar1/3 C vegetable oil1 egg1 tsp. vanilla1 1/4 C flour1/2 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. baking

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-9667941271534195512010-06-30T21:01:00.000-05:002010-06-30T21:08:59.756-05:00

Here's a new take on a salsa that adds a unique kick to grilled chicken or fish.Ginger Lime Salsa1/3 C sour cream1 mango, peeled and diced1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced2 Tbl. fresh lime juice1 tsp. grated ginger root1/2 tsp. cumindash of cayenne pepperfresh chopped cilantro, parsley, chivesWisk together the sour cream, lime juice, ginger, and spices. Gently fold in remaining ingredients. Chill

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-73659403353936293652010-06-18T19:37:00.000-05:002010-06-18T20:00:37.788-05:00

Our herb and vegetable gardening is already starting to pay dividends. Nothing beats stepping outside the back door and selecting fresh ingredients for a perfect summer pizza. Here's a recipe for my first of the season. Please note that I constantly reference "fresh." This is paramount to success.Chicken B-Que Pizza1 large flatbread pizza crust2 Tbl. olive oil (preferably from Italy)Leftover

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-72487482444837139652010-06-05T17:48:00.000-05:002010-06-12T17:53:03.082-05:00

Dear Sirs,Sorry, your recipes can't compete with this one from our good friend, Carroll.Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake(one 9” cheesecake) 2 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (I used Famous Amos pecan chocolate chip cookies)6 Tbsp. butter, melted (could use less, esp. if using Oreos)8 oz. (about) Marzetti’s caramel dip ¾ cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted at 300º about 10 min. & lightly salted1/3 cup

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-19478740433479839272010-06-04T11:49:00.000-05:002010-06-05T18:13:40.313-05:00

Our summer got off to a great start with a delightful potluck gathering on Memorial Day.Here's an easy menu that guest will enjoy. We entertained at home, I could see adapting this for a picnic in the park.Drink: Peach SangriasAppetizer: Asperagus spears wrapped in goat cheese and prosciuttoMain Course: Pork tenderloin and chicken breast sandwiches on ciabatta rolls (we marinated and grilled the

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-28600528086099718212010-05-23T20:05:00.001-05:002010-06-05T18:13:03.373-05:00

Recipes certainly are a matter of trial and error. Unfortunately, we tried to make raspberry banana muffins last night and it turned into an error. It is so disappointing when you make an effort to purchase all of the ingredients, take time to bake and then don't like the results.To cheer myself, I turned to my favorite celebrity pets blog, and wouldn't you know it--all I see are dogs.On the plus

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-1342598309404197402010-05-14T21:47:00.000-05:002010-06-12T18:01:22.599-05:00

I'm envious. Tonight we found a cooking blog that looks beautiful and includes some luscious recipes. I encourage you to visit Seven Spoons for a great raspberry muffin recipe. Our raspberry bushes are starting to bud, but I don't think I can wait that long before trying this muffin.I also joined a blogging directory to help spread the word about my insights on dining.

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-16696783290666242102010-05-13T11:56:00.000-05:002010-06-05T18:11:58.763-05:00

For Mother's Day, we paid honor to a couple of our senior surrogate mothers. Using utensils was an issue, so we designed our menu accordingly and came up with a great dish for Mac and Cheese. We scoured the Web for recipes and adapted one from Martha Stewart. Here it is:Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese1 16 oz. package noodles of your choice (cooked aldente)1 stick butter (divided)3/4 C flour2 C

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-67124972647962577842010-05-02T18:35:00.000-05:002010-06-12T17:39:57.926-05:00

We are entertaining next weekend, and I'm in need of a really cheesy (no pun intended) recipe for mac and cheese. I'd be grateful if any of my followers could pass along their favorite homemade recipe.We're having two of our elderly surrogate mother's over for an early dinner next Saturday, in honor of Mother's Day. I think this would be a good choice for a main course.

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-43720553447775605282010-04-11T09:38:00.000-05:002010-06-05T18:10:37.039-05:00

I've talked about the importance of using fresh ingredients, but I'm adding one more criteria. When a recipe calls for meat, there is nothing that compares to the free range variety.Case in point: Chicken Soup. Mine is probably better than your mom's. That's because we started with a free-range chicken purchased at our local cooperative food store. Click here to find a store near you.Whether you

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-86005655404307510342010-03-31T20:19:00.000-05:002010-06-05T18:10:58.471-05:00

For all of you celebrity watchers, I just came across a great blog:You'll get the latest news on celebrities and their human counterparts.

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-2182570285212716652010-03-29T19:41:00.000-05:002010-06-05T18:10:13.382-05:00

Yesterday, I used a basic recipe for a cheeseburger casserole found on www.weightwatchers.com and turned it into a healthy, fun dish with a dash of spice. This recipe would work well for a casual party or potluck. Feel free to adapt with whatever veggies you've got on-hand.Cha-Cha Chili BakeA healthy chili casserole with a spicy kick1 large sweet potato or yam1 minced garlic clove1 diced onion1

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-27782620891782496512010-03-28T08:45:00.000-05:002010-06-05T18:09:27.224-05:00

Saying that you are going to "throw a dinner party" is so tacky. I don't "throw" parties. I help "host" them. Part of the hosting responsibilty is to ensure the recipes you use are top-notch. Hence, I always test them on family first.In preparation for a small dinner gathering, I tested and modified a great recipe for asparagus soup. I found it on www.allrecipes.com. If you haven't visited this

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-79243172454310386802010-03-21T10:02:00.000-05:002010-03-21T10:18:31.825-05:00

I'm not one who follows the pack when it comes to following recipes. I always like to put my own flair into them. For instance, today I chose a Weight Watchers recipe for rice pudding. Normally I wouldn't be scouring the Weight Watchers magazine, but two members of my family are dieting (one more successfully than the other), so I'm on the look-out for tempting low-fat treats.Here's my

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-46356634756763047772010-03-20T18:16:00.000-05:002010-03-20T18:34:12.594-05:00

Stay away from recipes that indicate you can substitute margarine or oil for butter. The authors of these dishes cannot be trusted.Butter adds a luxurious flavor to food that cannot be duplicated. And we all know where I stand when it comes to luxury.I'm no different than most of you when it comes to watching my weight. I know those extra calories shoot straight for the hips. But here's a tip--If

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2038396410166054948.post-83325785891945935042010-03-20T17:11:00.000-05:002010-03-20T17:20:06.142-05:00

Tashahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03448505624319438694noreply@blogger.com3