Cooking Up Memories

If you have a special bride in your future, I think you'll enjoy this unique gift. One of the gifts I gave my daughter for her upcoming wedding, was a customized recipe box. I scoured the Etsy site and found one with a bicycle for two image, which is what Amy and Chris have on their wedding site. It has their names and wedding date on the top, so Chris will never have the excuse that he forgot their anniversary date. Bonus! :)

I also ordered personalized recipe cards "For the Kitchen of Amy and Chris." They had sets of pink and blue with different graphics on each--wedding dress, engagement ring, wedding cake, bouquet, heart, and so on. I sent the recipe cards along with the bridal shower invitation to family and friends on both sides. Amy seemed pleased with the gift and everyone brought recipes to the shower. And since her fiancé's family is Italian, she landed some great Italian recipes!

I wanted to add a few more recipes before I shipped the box off to Amy. While going through my special recipe "folder" (meaning post-its, napkins, yellowed envelopes, the back of grocery lists and bank receipts--all with recipes scribbled on them), I noticed several things:

• I don't cook as much as I did when I was younger.
• I had forgotten about many of my recipes.
• I need to make some of these dishes. My hubby would love it!
• Going through old recipes is nostalgic--truly, a blast from the past.
• I got completely lost while reading recipes from my mom and grandmother. I loved seeing their handwriting, which is a precious keepsake in itself.
• I grinned and chuckled when I saw recipes that Amy had scribbled and drawn on as a child.
• I loved finding recipes that had spills on them. I knew those were the good ones.

I'd encourage everyone to give sentimental gifts like this. I'm sure Amy will cherish the recipes, and it was a fun project for everyone. (The picture here is right after they got engaged!)

Finally, (and you knew I had to talk about writing!), I'm introducing a chef/caterer in the sequel to THURSDAYS AT COCONUTS, so I'll be able to use some of the recipes for the meals she prepares. Maybe I'll even include some recipes in my book. Don't you love novels that have a few recipes in them? What's your favorite recipe or special bridal gift?

Soup's On!

I love so many things about fall that it would take too long to mention them all. One is that it's soup weather. And sweater weather. And boot weather. And the gorgeous leaves, pumpkins, and cooler temperatures. Oh, my. What's not to like?

I thought I'd share my favorite fall soup--Southwestern Bean Soup. It's so easy and delicious. If you can open cans and a jar, you can make this soup!


SOUTHWESTERN BEAN SOUP

1 19 oz. can Black Bean Soup (not drained)
2 15 oz. cans Red Kidney Beans, drained
2 15 oz. cans Navy Beans, drained
1 16 oz. jar Chunky Salsa (mild or medium)
1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
Small can chopped mild Green Chiles, drained

Spray a slow cooker with cooking spray and pour the beans, salsa and vinegar into the crock pot. Stir until well blended. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. This makes 8-10 servings and freezes well.

Serve with cornbread or salad. Also good with condiments like salsa, guacamole, sour cream and chips.

Enjoy and let me know if you tried it. Also, feel free to post your favorite soup in the comments section.

Halloween Snack Mix

My treat for you this spooky day is my favorite Halloween snack mix.

HALLOWEEN SNACK MIX

6 cups caramel corn
2 cups cashews (or peanuts)
1/2 cups raisins
1-2 cups candy corn

Comine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Optional: Place in clear, individual snack bags for kids or bake sales.

This is colorful, easy and delicious! Serves 8-10. Enjoy!

Cooking My First Turkey

I remember cooking my first Thanksgiving Day turkey and inviting my entire family to dinner. I was a nervous wreck and was just 24 years old. My husband had to help with the turkey because it gagged me to get the stuff out of the inside. I just couldn't do that (still can't). Then, I called my mother to ask all sorts of questions like how long to boil the potatoes and at what temperature to cook the turkey. I tried my hand at making cinnamon apples (and have never made them since) because my head was stuck in the oven spooning sauce over those apples for what seemed like hours. When my parents, grandparents, sister and brother arrived for the big meal, everyone thankfully brought food to help out. My daughter was a year old, and I can picture her little high chair beside the dining room table. She was and still is an angel. After we sat down to eat and gave thanks, I remember my grandfather, Monroe, said something I'll never forget. "I bet the president of the United States doesn't have a Thanksgiving meal as nice as this." That made all the effort worthwhile. Every year, I think of him and fondly remember that statement. Thanks, Grandpa, for the sweet memories. Wish I could cook for you and Grandma again. May you both rest in peace. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Fave Summer Recipes

I know my blog is mainly about writing but our characters have to eat, right? And one of my characters is a chef so I love to discover interesting recipes that she can create. Below is my new, favorite burger: Green Pepper Chili Burgers 2 lbs. lean ground beef 1/2-3/4 white onion (chopped) 1/2 green pepper (chopped) 3-4 T. chili sauce Mix all together in a bowl, make patties, and grill. Yum! These are great. Here's one more: Chocolate Mint Ice Cream Pie 1 carton softened chocolate mint ice cream (I use the sugar-free Splenda kind) 1 Oreo pie crust Spoon softened ice cream into pie crust. Smooth top with a spoon and freeze. Thaw about five minutes before serving. Everyone loves this pie and always thinks it's grasshopper pie. If they only knew how easy it is! You can substitute your favorite ice cream and use a graham cracker crust as well. Do you have an easy peasy summer recipe you'd like to share?