Chowdown Lowdown

Hey! Don’t let those strawberries or limes you bought go to waste. I’ve got the perfect recipe to use up that extra fruit with my Strawberry Lime Oatnut Bars. 🍓 Thick strawberry filling scented with fresh lime juice is baked between layers of rolled oat and pecan crust. Once baked and then cooled these bars are fruity, nutty and make a great end of dinner treat. Heck, why stop there. Bake a batch…

Need a fast and easy meal to cool the body down in these hot temperatures? I’m talking about my delightfully flavorful Easy Spicy Shrimp Pasta Salad. This recipe is quick to make and perfect on a hot summer night. This salad brings a cool heat to the table as the salad is tossed in a homemade spicy ranch dressing. The dressing is cool and creamy at first taste then a sprinkle of heat creeps in.…

Do you have a specific time of day you bake during the summer months? Or does the temperature outside not matter to you? For me, time of day really doesn’t matter. I try to bake early in the morning no matter day of the year. Like with this Coconut Pecan Rum Cake I baked late one Saturday night and finished on it Sunday morning. This cake has been around the block many times throughout the years.…

How’s the weather where you are? In Chicago, it’s like let there be rain and wind plus around 59 degrees. Yuck! I decided on this rainy day to bake. It always pays to look in your refrigerator and or freezer. That’s how my Cherry Black Currant Tart came about. This tart is something my dad would have loved this Father’s Day. Loaded with fresh cherries and tart fresh black currants made into a…

Time to get your grillin’ on! My Grilled Chipotle Honey Lime Wings are on the menu and for a darn good reason. Who doesn’t love a good chicken wang (chuckle)? This recipe is so easy and delicious. Got a family that loves chicken wings? Give this recipe a try any night of the week. The sticky, sweet heat and a zing of lime makes the perfect quick marinade for some finger-lickin’ good wings. Great…

Got 30 minutes? You have plenty of time to whip up these easy and simple Antipasti Skewers with Fig Balsamic Drizzle. The combination of dry salami, fresh mozzarella pearls, black olives, and cherry tomatoes. Then comes the flavor bomb with a drizzle of fig balsamic vinegar. The flavors are sheer magic in your mouth. These cold appetizers will be a much sought-after food item at your next…

Do you take the time to go through old recipes and find something you have totally forgotten about? Your mind goes to what the recipe tasted like and maybe who gave it to you. Maybe you think, I need to leave this recipe out to make soon. That’s how I felt when I found my Pineapple Apricot Oatmeal Bars. I feel so happy and giddy when I find something new to share with y’all (snicker). Just call…

Summertime is made for easy, refreshing salads that you can serve with about anything grilled or smoked. That’s how you’ll feel about these 4 Easy Orzo Pasta Salads to Enjoy All Summer. I’m sure one if not all 4 will fit into your rotation meal plan more often than not. I consider these salads on the health-ish side, easily adaptable to your dietary needs. Orzo pasta cooks in mere minutes, rinsed…

Summertime means various things to many of us. Do you think of family, friends, cookouts and BBQ’s, birthday parties, graduation parties, wedding and showers? There’s so much more, correct? I agree yet without the food, especially the appetizers, a party isn’t a party. Checkout these 3 Savory Cheese Logs to Get Your Party Started. The luscious flavors are unexpected yet addictive with simple…

Spring and Summer desserts are a must when celebrating special occasions, don’t you think? You break out your most trusted recipes, especially no-bake varieties. My Raspberry Custard Torte fits the bill perfectly. Easy to make, no-bake and delicious. This torte is made with crisp wafer thins, custard cream, seedless raspberry jam and covered in chocolate ganache. Don’t be intimidated by this…

GET IN THE KITCHEN NOW!!! Run, do not walk. Why, you ask? Because this Mother’s Day will not be complete without serving my Chocolate Pistachio Eclair Cake. You’ll be making this luscious no-bake dessert all summer long. Whether you’re a novice cook or advanced cook, anyone can make this cake. I think most of us are familiar with the recipe for the Original Eclair Cake made with vanilla pudding…

These Guava Marmalade Thumbprints feel like springtime. Soft shortbread cookie filled with citrusy sweetened guava. The combination of a buttery cookie and the bite of marmalade just go together. Guavas can be on the slightly sweet to very sweet which pairs beautifully with the cookie. Don’t you think mom would love these little gems to celebrate her day? I definitely do. Guava Marmalade…

Listen Up!!! I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes adapted from America’s Test Kitchen. This is my version of Arroz Con Pollo. That said, I stuck pretty close to the original recipe. As far as I’m concerned if it ain’t broke, don’t mess with it. One bite of tender chicken and creamy rice filled with sofrito, olives, capers, cilantro and other flavorful ingredients, you’re about to have an outer…

It’s time to get ready for Mother’s Day. Meke these ridiculously easy Caramel PB Pretzel Swirl Brownies to celebrate Mom on her special day. These chocolatey squares make a perfect addition to any brunch menu. Everyone loves a good brownie, and this recipe is no fuss using a box mix. That said, you can use your own favorite scratch recipe. In other words, use what you have on hand or desire to…

Nothing says spring better than a good ole pasta salad. In fact, I think you’re going to love this Kewpie Mini Elbow Pasta Salad. You may have a favorite pasta salad yet it never hurts to have another one for a change. Made with cooked mini elbow pasta (this brand) and mixed with simple ingredients. Check your local market for the small elbow pasta. Another small shape can be used if the brand I…

Do you ever think about baking a different cookie from a tried-and-true recipe? If you’re thinking about a different version of a favorite cookie, think and look no further. I’ll show you How to Bake 3 Chocolate Chip Cookies: 1 Recipe. That’s right, yes you can and the results may surprise you. Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most baked cookies and I’m sure you have a favorite. That said, I…

Today was one day you’re not sure whether to go out or stay inside. Bursts of heavy rain and gusty winds made up my mind real quick so I baked. Perfect situation because I had been wanting to use up some apples. Guess what? The creation was my Apple Walnut Tart. Made in my favorite tart pan by Fat Daddio’s and a scrumptious apple filling that will win over the pickiest dessert eater. Even better,…