Monthly archive October, 2008

No-Bake Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Oatmeal Cookies (aka PMS Wranglers)

Usually, I have no problem waiting for things to bake and cool. Even chill for a few hours. Usually, I love the process as much as the end result, and I can hum along as the little animated bird on my shoulder sings while as I stir, roll out my dough and bake in pure,...

Owl Cupcakes! For a Happy Owl-O-Ween.

How are you decorating your cupcakes this Halloween? I thought about all the usual suspects: skulls, eyeballs, ghosts, witches, werewolves and mummies. And then the answer became frighteningly obvious: owls. Because nothing sends a shiver down my spine like the sound of a “HoooOOOOooooot.” Or the sight of that swivel-head. Bloodcurdling! Then I found this...

Coconut Shrimp with Pineapple-Habanero Dip

With Nashville hosting tonight’s Monday Night Football game, we had to break out the big guns: Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple-Habanero Dip. Doesn’t that plate of shrimp look dainty? You’d never guess we snorted the rest straight off the paper towel. But the dip is the real star. The combination features pineapple, red bell pepper and...

Orange Chocolate Baklava. A Grown-Up Halloween Treat.

She’s gotten to me. Martha and her 1,000 Days of Halloween. First, with the severed finger invitations. Then the paper mice and the jack-o’-lanterns and the wreath covered in glittery bats. Yes, she wore me down, like water over a rock. But I don’t own a glue gun, and if I served a petit four...

The TCB Sandwich: Turkey, Cheese and Beyond!

I’m just sitting down to enjoy my beloved, oh-so-fresh TCB (Turkey, Cheese & Beyond!) Sandwich – a multigrain bagel slathered in mayo and topped with provolone, cracked pepper turkey, tomato slices, and a mix of clover and onion sprouts – when I notice the house is too quiet. Where’s-the-dog quiet. Henry the Wonderdog is still...

Pralines-and-Cream Pecan-Caramel Muffins

I wish I could tell you these Pralines-and-Cream Pecan-Caramel Muffins had flax or wheat germ or some redeeming value. They do not. The batter is loaded with the most incredibly moist mixture of butter, brown sugar and pecans. Delicious on its own. But then you add a tiny dollop of caramel sundae topping. Hide the...

How to Treat a USDA Prime Filet Mignon

Every month or so, I see my dad’s friend (and my honorary uncle), Big John. And every time I see Big John, he asks me the same question: “Is Jeff still treating you right?” Next time he asks, I’m going to show him this photo of a USDA Prime Filet Mignon (aka Tenderloin Steak) wrapped...

Lazy-Day Pound Cake

Today, Our Lady Oprah is talking about rudeness as a “serious national problem.” I could point the finger (but not THAT finger) all day long at the texters, the loud-talkers, the woman using profanity IN THE TOY SECTION and the cowboy seated in front of me who passed gas from Nashville to Boston, but then...

Lenox Holiday Biscotti

You have no idea how close I was to digging out the Lenox Holiday china for this post. Blame Lowe’s. Last weekend, the gardening section had been overtaken by an army of inflatable tractor-riding Santas with plugs of mistletoe chaw in their cheeks, and after every “Ho! Ho! Ho!,” they’d belch glitter. Kidding! I love...

Asian Noodle Salad

For lo these many months, I have carried lust in my heart for The Pioneer Woman’s Asian Noodle Salad. Noodles, cabbage, spinach, peppers, bean sprouts, scallions, cucumbers, cilantro, peanuts–all of those flavors, colors and textures in one place? Yes, yes, YES! Could I justify buying all the ingredients for a salad only I would eat?...

Barbecued Mahi-mahi

We’re supposed to be stewing and braising and roasting everything now. But Mother Nature is having a hot flash, and it’s 81 degrees F. In mid-October. So, we’ll save the apples and pumpkins and gingerbread for another day. A day when it’s chilly enough to wear something with sleeves. In the meantime, we’re taking advantage...

Butternut Squash Risotto. My New BFF!

I can’t believe I halved this recipe. Jeff was working late. I was about to watch the presidential debate. And Barefoot Contessa recipes usually make enough to fill a trough. What did I need with a trough of Butternut Squash Risotto? I NEED a trough of Butternut Squash Risotto. First, there are the sweet, peppery...