Grilling During a Storm

This "steak on a stick" started outside on the grill...but a big wind storm kept blowing out the flame, so I had to move it indoors under the broiler.

Amish Country Rainbow Popcorn

The kiddo was excited about this, thinking it would pop in full color. Of course, it didn't, but it did pop with shades of white and yellow. We used the vintage air popper to make a batch.

Sauce Day

Spaghetti meat sauce all ready for the freezer after simmering all day. Our version: saute onions and garlic, then brown Italian sausage and hamburger. Add 4-7 cans of crushed tomatoes with Italian seasonings. Simmer all day. That's the key :)

Gumbo

Happy Mardi Gras! I used a gumbo starter from Williams-Sonoma. Saute onions and bell peppers, add sliced Andouille sausage. Cook a few minutes and then add the starter and chicken stock. Simmer for 2-3 hours. Stir in raw shrimp a few minutes before serving. This gumbo is topped with Dungeness crab meat and served over rice.

Our Favorite Girl Scout Cookies

Which ones are your favorites? Tagalongs are ours :)

Taste Test: Wild Sage 'Paris' Tea

Brewed a cup of Wild Sage 'Paris' tea this afternoon, a birthday gift from my friend Faith Proctor. This is a REALLY good tea! Tastes a bit like a breakfast tea with fruit and vanilla scents. Going to look up the company to order more.

Seven Cheese Tri-Color Tortellini

Found the "seven cheese tortellini" offering at Costco. I had only heard of four-cheese before. Tossed it with a light Alfredo sauce and slivers of Black Forest ham. Parmesan and pepper on top.