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C is for cookie
Chocolate chip cookies. Simple, warm and comforting. I think we can all use a little simple and some kindness right now. Continue reading C is for cookie
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B is for baked sushi
Yikes….almost a year between blog posts. Hi, how are you? I’m good thanks. Yes, I’m still cooking- but no, I’m not planning on opening another restaurant (but, never say never, I guess), yes, I still live in Perry and yes, I commute to West Des Moines every day, but after living in NYC for so long – a little 35-minute drive is nothing, actually is … Continue reading B is for baked sushi
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A is for Anchovy
Now, before you say you hate anchovies, or you don’t really care for anchovies, or say, can you make this without anchovies please? NO! Give these little salty, briny, umami guys a break! What’s umami? It’s actually one of the five basic tastes along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Anchovies are a secret weapon. Fancy pants! Frequently asked questions. 1. Are they fishy? Well, … Continue reading A is for Anchovy
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sarcastic, sassy, sweary…let’s ketchup
Soooooooo 6 months went by quickly! Instead of the bla bla bla….let’s review in pictures. Continue reading sarcastic, sassy, sweary…let’s ketchup
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Birthday Shrimp
Recently I made birthday dinner for a dear friend, one of my favorite things to be asked. And with the pandemic, we’ve had to rethink what birthdays look like. When you cook for a living, some people hesitate to ask you for your help or to even host a birthday dinner. They don’t want to bother you. But I will say it again, it’s one … Continue reading Birthday Shrimp
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eat pasta run fasta
It’s no secret that I love pasta – LOVE PASTA. I did not get this girly figure NOT loving pasta. It’s not complicated or fussy and very rarely talks back, and it turns out perfect every time! Too thin- add more butter or cook longer. Too thick – add pasta water – too salty – add another can of tomatoes. You can fix pasta sauce…. Continue reading eat pasta run fasta
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there are games afoot
spaghetti pie
It’s my 44th trip around the sun this week, and while I’m more in-the-moment sensitive and emotional than retrospective, this year has me looking back. I’ve always had really great birthdays. I’m usually working, but that’s what made them so special. Employers, co-workers, employees, friends and my family always make the day incredible. Nothing over the top, Rick threw a surprise party for me one … Continue reading spaghetti pie
hey pumpkin
I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin – I don’t dislike it – I’m just not obsessed with the taste. I don’t PSL anything- I wouldn’t knock it out of your hands – I just wouldn’t go out of my way to order it. My friend Pat (owner and creative genius behind Salvaged Soul, Perry Iowa) LOVES pumpkin. She offered me a couple bags of … Continue reading hey pumpkin
everything BUT the bagel
I talk about New York a lot, but I lived there from 1995 until 2016 – 21 years. There are things about New York that I certainly miss (bagels), but I’m so happy I moved back home. Sunday mornings in Brooklyn were dedicated to bagels from Hot Bagel, soft pants, coffee (sometimes prosecco) and movies. Hot Bagel is owned/operated by an incredibly kind man, Yasser, … Continue reading everything BUT the bagel
bacon jam + grilled cheese
maple old fashioned
Bartenders in NYC are a bit of a celebrity. They take their craft very seriously, and there is nothing more enjoyable than having a meal – at the bar – watching the bartender make drinks for the dining room and listening to the chatter around you. Some of my most memorable dining experiences have been at a “fancy” restaurant, starting at the bar, having a … Continue reading maple old fashioned