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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
Tag: featured
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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
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
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
i’m here for the frosting
This frosting reminds me of the insides of a swiss roll (“Yodel” / “Ho Ho”) my favorite junk-food sweet. Fluffy, light, marshmallowy goodness. It only takes SEVEN minutes to make this magical frosting, and is tastes best when you make it and use it same day. Every year for my birthday my Macelleria boss, Violetta, would surprise me a with a giant swiss roll, yule … Continue reading i’m here for the frosting
weeknight bolognese
Pasta sauce should smell and taste like it’s been simmering on the stove all day long, huge wafts of garlic and red wine, woof, it’s everything a soft pants Sunday should be. Please don’t get me wrong, if you have the time to REALLY luxuriate over a pot of bolognese, please go for it, but this 45 minute “weeknight” version will give you all the … Continue reading weeknight bolognese
popovers
My first time dining at BLT Steak in New York City (2006) was extremely memorable – and this may cause some ruffled feathers, because sadly, I don’t remember whom I had dinner with – which cocktail I tried – or what I ate for dinner, and that’s pretty bonkers for me. What I do remember was the popover. The smell, the feel, the taste. Fluffy, … Continue reading popovers