Lotsa Garlic Pasta or Pasta 4444

It is one of those days-again. I haven’t gotten to the grocery so I’m left with my pantry and a few staples. My staples always include garlic and pasta. I make sure I never run out of these because then I’m guaranteed that I can eat. Actually with pasta there are many ways to go but today I’m sticking with the basics. Aglio olio as the Italians would say. I’m not sure that my recipe is

Cranberry Chipotle Wonton Cups

Ready for the tummy!







Thanksgiving is almost here and if you are like me there are always last minute things to do. This year is a quiet one for us but I still like to try new things. Of course we love all our favorites but it is always fun to try something new. Since it is the day before I wanted to try a simple appetizer that was quick and delicious and pretty. Something your friends

Pumpkin Brown Sugar Muffins

I’m lucky I’m alive. Really. I went to the grocery store today. I didn't realize it was such a dangerous place. Just be careful. It is dangerous out there. And be particularly careful of old ladies with carts. Carts can be lethal weapons. It began in the baking aisle. It was packed. Needless to say I only needed sugar so I began to maneuver around everyone congregating by the spices

Pecan or Walnut Shortbread Bars

Walnut Shortbread Bars






Just a bite. Make it a sliver. Oh, how I admire those people. I always wonder if they really mean it. I mean usually I really want a giant piece but I try to be polite. After all, I could go back for more. I guess it has to do with self control. Something I’m not particularly good at.  But I try, I promise, I really do try. And of course, some days are better than

Mushroom Lovers Pastry

Gorgeous Mushrooms


I LOVE mushrooms.  There, I said it.  My dreams are of eating fresh porcinis in Italy and gorging until I can’t take it anymore. “Make me suffer.” I would say.  Did I mention that I was being fed by the muscular, to die for model in the Ralph Lauren Polo ads?  The tall, dark and handsome one? Who I think I read was married and has two children and really plays polo. Well,

Frozen Cranberry Salad

Frozen Cranberry Salad

I’m supposed to be cleaning the house today.  Needless to say my day just isn’t working out as planned.  Instead of cleaning I’m thinking about cranberries which makes me think about Thanksgiving and then my brain wanders off to thoughts of the  Macy’s Thanksgiving’s Day Parade and then I remember about how quiet my house will be this year. Yeah, I know some years are

Bread Your 8 Year Old Can Make or 5 Minute, No Knead Artisan Bread

5 Minute Bread
 I don’t know where I’ve been but it has been some time since the book, “Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day” has been published. Well, actually it has been, like, from 2007 because I looked it up. I clipped out a recipe from the newspaper about this bread and I don’t know how long it has sat waiting for me to bake it, but my guess is it sat for maybe, oh, about 4 years. OK, I

Sloppy Jose

Sloppy Jose


When the weekend rolls around I’m ready to chill. I don’t really want to cook-I’d rather try some new restaurant but sometimes that’s just not in the cards. I don’t really want to go to the grocery along with everyone else and so I’m stuck with what is on hand. Sometimes it isn’t much, but sometimes not so bad.  But I also want something easy and soothing and maybe something with

Sugar Cake

Sugar Cake
 It was one of those days that began with a special surprise from a certain dog that shall remain nameless. I guess she was worried maybe I forgot to wake up. I didn’t...


And then my dear friend Commander Bill from the Disabled American Vets called. He’s been calling now for over 30 years and his voice never changes. I feel like saying, “Bill, if you want to come clean out my crawl

The Easiest, Most Awesome, Party Chicken in the World or Chicken Marbella

The Easiest, Most Awesome, Party Dish Chicken in the World or Chicken Marbella

(Adapted from Silver Palate)



I’m feeling really generous today. I don’t know why but I guess I can think of a few good reasons. Many of you may not know that I am a CASA volunteer which means I am appointed by the courts to be the eyes, ears and voice of a child during the court process. Often these are

Mexican Garlic Lime Shrimp

As I look outside my window again I see my world engulfed in snow. Lots of snow. Denver had one of the best fall seasons that I remember, but now Mother Nature seems to make us want to pay. Suddenly I find myself thinking of all those warm places I’ve been and have yet to go. No, I don’t want to shovel. Most likely it will melt-soon, I hope.



Which leads me to think of Mexico. Beautiful