Dark Streets and Lighted Windows

All you Rear Window fans will understand why I love looking at windows. James Stewart's character watched his neighbors' lives through their windows while he sat in front of his, nursing a broken leg. But, most of the time, when I look out my own window or walk around in New York City, I can't see inside the windows. They're too high up or too far away or the shades are drawn. But they fascinate me for different reasons. I wonder, when I see a lighted window, who lives there and what their life is like.

End of Year Round-Up 2019

At the end of every year, I've been counting down the top 10 most popular recipes of the past twelve months. In 2019, you all seemed to prefer savory recipes but I can't blame you. Most of these were also some of my very favorite as well.

Holiday Gift Guide 2019

OK, boys and girls, it's gift guide time. And when I say gift, I mean stuff you probably want for yourself and can just print this out, circle the items and leave the list around for the people who might want to buy them for you. Or, if those people are unreliable, just buy them for yourself. This is not a sponsored guide since most of these items are ones I already own, use, love and highly recommend. As for the ones I don't have yet but just want? Let me know if you need my address. hahaha Happy shopping!

Some Good Eats for Wellness

This post is sponsored by Babbleboxx.com on behalf of Conagra Brands. As always, all opinions are my own.

A few months ago, I created a neighborhood cooking club and am thrilled at all the new friends I've met and great new foods I've tried. An added side benefit has been that the group includes people who follow lots of different eating plans and I've learned a lot. Newly inspired, I've been trying some new healthier options from the store and I'm sharing my opinions.

End of Year Round-Up 2018

Maybe it's just me but some years seem to move fast while others crawl by slowly. For me, 2018 went by quickly. It had its ups and downs. There were wins and there were losses. But I'm ending the year grateful for what I have and not worrying about what I don't. And it's with that attitude that I intend to approach 2019.

Memorial Day Recipe Ideas

Are you ready for the unofficial start of summer with Memorial Day weekend? Yes, the day itself is significant but, let's face it, it's also a time when friends and family gather to spend time together and start enjoying the summery weather. And that means food. So here are some of my favorite ideas this year for sides, mains, desserts and, of course, cocktails. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Quick Pickled Vegetables

At any given time, I've either had no pickles in my fridge or I've had an overly large array of them in various shapes and styles. Why? Because I never know which one I will like. Too sweet, too sour, too soft, too crunchy. And so they accumulate until I get frustrated and get rid of all of them leaving me with no pickles when I feel like having a pickle.

End of Year Round-Up 2017

Happy holidays friends! I'm taking a little break this week, by which I mean I'll be working on finishing loose ends, catching up on paperwork and doing lots of planning for 2018. Yeah, I know, but I have a hard time letting go completely. Regardless, it's a peaceful week around here and I'm getting some much needed rest.

Thanksgiving Pie Round-Up

So, it's Wednesday. The day before Thanksgiving. And you've done your shopping and set your table and prepped all the various bits and parts of the epic feast. But you haven't made the pies. Not sure what flavor to make? Nervous about becoming involved with pie dough? Hoping dearly that all your guests will declare they've given up sugar? Nah, you've got this.

Game Day Eats Ideas and Finds!

I'm back today with more game day food ideas but with an eye toward convenience. Let's face it, sometimes you've just been cooking too much and too many folks are coming and you need some shortcuts. Or, at least, recommendations for good products to buy to supplement the snacks you've made yourself. So here then are some items I've tried lately that deliver on flavor, convenience and quality. I hope some of them will find their way to your game day festivities. Enjoy!

Dinner for Two with My Furry Girl

You've met my Hadley before, right? Adorably cute? Check. Sweetest disposition ever? You bet. Fussy eater? That's my girl.

Summer in the City and Frozen Mango Bars

Summer in New York always reminds me of an old song called Summer in the City by The Lovin Spoonful. Way before my time but I'm guessing it must have been played on the radio pretty much every summer for it to be so ingrained in my head. I never remember all the lyrics but the first few lines are "Hot town, summer in the city. Back of my neck getting dirty and gritty. Been down, isn't it a pity. Doesn't seem to be a shadow in the city." And all I can say is...yup!

Of Travels and Lighthouses and Christmases Long, Long Ago

OK, not long, long ago. Just two years ago. But I'm a little obsessed with Christmas music these days and the song It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year with the line "And tales of the glories of Christmases long, long ago" was running through my head. Just like the line from The Carpenter's Home For the Holidays that reads "I met a man who lives in Tennessee and he was headin' for Pennsylvania and some homemade pumpkin pie" was looping in my brain the other day when I made pumpkin pie. I'll be over this soon, I promise.

Gratitude, Tears and Reflection

Autumn beauty in the city.

No recipe today, my friends.  Those of you cooking tomorrow’s feast already know what you’re making.  But before we break for the long weekend, I wanted to say a few personal words about life and love and this past year.

Want Some Cookies?

Little Red Kitchen Bakeshop Cookie Flavors

All week long, several of my fellow bloggers and I are celebrating Cookie Week with great recipes and an awesome giveaway.  But today I have an extra special giveaway for you. My friend Susan of The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen now has an online bakeshop and her cookies put mine to shame.

Cookie Week Sponsor and Giveaway Information

Welcome to the second annual Cookie Week, hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Susan of The Girl In the Little Red Kitchen! We've teamed together with 10 other talented bloggers to bring you 5 fantastic days of cookie recipes to get you in to the holiday spirits.  Now is the time to break out the flour, butter, sugar and eggs.  Bring your friends and family together for cookie exchanges or a giant baking party, we have got you covered!

Apple and Gorgonzola Biscuit Tarts

My good friend Renee and I are bonded over our mutual love of food, cocktails, photography and doggies. Not necessarily in that order, of course. She's also the creator of the Magnolia Days blog where she shows off her talents. But today she's on vacation, eating and drinking her way through Germany, and she asked me to keep her readers entertained with a good recipe. My pleasure, Renee! And I expect you to bring me back a strudel.

Ginger Poached Pears with Gorgonzola and Walnuts

When summer fruit season ends, I usually mourn until I hit the market and discover the autumn bounty of figs, apples and pears.  Especially the pears. For out of hand, sweet juice dripping down your chin, eating, I'm partial to Bartletts.  But for any cooking or baking, I turn to the slightly firmer Boscs. I also happen to think they're the prettiest.  What? You don't think pears are pretty?  Pfft.

Memorial Day Recipe Ideas

Happy Memorial Day!  Whether you'll be participating in patriotic celebrations or just lying on a beach or lawn chair, I hope you have a great day filled with good company and delicious food.  After such a long brutal winter, the unofficial start of summer is a very happy occasion.

Brunch Week Giveaway and Sponsor Information

Thank you so much to our wonderful sponsors for their generosity during Brunch Week.  We have an incredible giveaway below and we’d love if you would take a moment to read about them all and what you can possibly win!