Happy Labor Day Weekend and the Weekly Menu

And POOF.....just like that Summer is over.  Football games have started.  School has started for many in other States, however in Michigan most of our schools don't start until after this Labor Day holiday weekend. 

The Varsity Football Team had their second game last night.  We attend each game now that we have a new daughter who has become a cheerleader.  They lost but it was a very close and exciting game.

Games are normally on Friday but they had it last night so that folks could head out for a last hurrah before summer is over.  We are staying home but we still have a busy weekend and week coming up.

The Weekly Menu that I'm sharing today reflects that business......

Back to School Recipe Round-Up and a Giveaway

Welcome to the September Recipe Round-Up! This months round-up brings you back-to-school themed recipes with fun desserts and easy dinners for the family. Our bloggers are sharing their favorite recipes with you, including breakfast, side dishes and snacks, main dishes and ((of course)) dessert. Come check out what we are bringing you this month! Plus we have another amazing GIVEAWAY that you don't want to miss!!

Fresh Peaches and Cream Cocktail

Disclosure: I received product from a sponsor for the creation of a recipe and the sharing of my honest, individual opinion and content in this post.   The addition of alcohol is intended for persons 21 years of age and older.

This creamy delicious cocktail starts with fresh peaches.  Mixed with some light cream and pure Madagascar Vanilla and you have a perfect treat for the kids.  Add a splash of Peach Schnapps and you have created the perfect, seasonal cocktail to enjoy during these last dog days of Summer.

It is peach season here in Michigan and I couldn't be more excited.......

Pork Paillards with Thai Pan Sauce #KitchenMatrixCookingProject

Pork Cutlets dredged in peanuts before being browned and finished in a Thai Pan Sauce that you family is going to love.

Join us as we explore the world of Paillards with the Kitchen Matrix Cooking Project......

Banana Maple Muffins #MuffinMonday

Naturally sweetened with banana and pure maple syrup, these muffins are perfect for back to school.  Hand them out as they run to catch the bus.  Stick one in their lunchbox as a treat.  Have a platter on the table when they walk in the door, famished, to hold them until dinner.

Welcome to Muffin Monday.........

My Birthday Celebration and the Weekly Menu

I am still celebrating my birthday.  I have been celebrating for a week.  I started receiving presents and cards last weekend and they lasted throughout the week culminating with Frank having the kids stop by today for a final celebration.

Don't these people know that I am 60!!!  I am too old for a week of celebrating LOL.......

Sourdough with Goat Cheese and Fig Jam #CooktheBooks

One of my favorite clubs to which I belong is our Cook the Books club.  No, we are not a bunch of CPA's that work for the Mafia.  We are a bunch of bloggers that love to read and love to cook.

Please join us this round as we read, review and create a recipe inspired by Sourdough by Robin Sloan.

Michigan Line Caught Pickerel with Tomatoes and Capers #KitchenMatrixCookingProject

Tender, flaky, freshly caught Pickerel from Michigan, smothered in tomatoes fresh from the garden.

I love eating locally and it doesn't get any better than this........

Tyler Pie #Pieathalon

This rich, delicious, custard pie is absolutely amazing and uses common, everyday ingredients that most cooks always have on hand.

Join us as we celebrate the 5th Annual Pieathalon.......

Still Enjoying Summertime and the Weekly Menu

For just having arrived a mere 19 days ago, our Marissa is certainly the social butterfly.   We have had at least one extra kid here, and often a whole household of them, each and every day.  It makes my heart sing.

Spanish Almond Soup #SoupSaturdaySwappers

This pureed soup is smooth, creamy, satisfying and filled with flavors of the Mediterranean.

Join the members of Soup Saturday Swappers as we share soup and stew recipes featuring Almonds...

Seafood Mini Quiches ala Sid #FishFridayFoodies

These delectable little quiches are the perfect bite to take on your next picnic.  Chock full of crab and shrimp in a cheesy custard  and baked to a golden brown, they are sure to impress.

Join us today as the Fish Friday Foodies share Picnic Fare........

Apple Bundt with Caramel Glaze #BundtBakers

This moist, flavorful cake with a wonderful caramel glaze is the perfect seasonal dessert for this time of year.

Please join me as I host this month's version of Bundt Bakers.......

Pipérade a'la Julia Child #FantasticalFoodFight #BacktoSchool

This open faced omelette garnished with Onion, Tomatoes, Peppers and Ham was taken from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, whose birthday we are celebrating today during our Fantastical Food Fight.

This is also perfect as we get ready for Back to School, since the pipérade can be made in advance meaning a quick, delicious, healthy breakfast on those busy mornings.....

Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Salad #KitchenMatrixCookingProject

Garden Ripe Tomatoes tossed with Crunchy Romaine Lettuce and laced with Smoky Bacon Bits, this salad is like a BLT minus the bread.

Is there anything better in the world than freshly picked Tomatoes?   Not in my world........

Spice Island Breakfast Muffins #BreadBakers

These tender, muffins are made using a "spice tea" created with fresh spices from the Island of Grenada where I recently visited.

These lovely spiced puffs are the perfect offering as we celebrate Breakfast Breads with the Bread Bakers group today......

Cream Cheese Brownies starting with a Box Mix #BakingBloggers

Moist and Chocolatey with a swirl of cream cheese, nobody will ever guess that you started with a boxed mix.

Join the Baking Bloggers today as we share recipes for Brownies and Bars......

A Busy Weekend and The Weekly Menu

All of our out of town guests left on Friday morning.  This doesn't mean that life has slowed down at all though...we are busy as ever.

I think these cousins are going to miss each other now that they are on opposite sides of the Country.  Thank goodness for internet and social media.  But, life goes on so here is our upcoming week and what we will be eating and sharing with you.....

Albarino and Seafood Stew: the Perfect Pairing #WinePW

A delicious and beautiful seafood stew that tastes and looks like you spent hours is on the table and ready to eat in half an hour.

Paired with a wonderful Alabarino Wine from Spain this is a wonderful meal to share with those you love......

Charlotte de Chou et de Pommes de Terre #EattheWorld #FarmMarketWeek

Creamy, delicious, potatoes and cabbage mashed together and then enfolded in tender, bright savoy cabbage makes for a stunning presentation.

This is what happens when you decide to Eat the World during Farmer's Market Week.......

Sweet Corn Ice Cream #FarmMarketWeek

This unusual ice cream, made with sweet corn, is amazingly delicious.  If you are a sweet corn lover this is the dessert for you.

Welcome to Day 4 of Farmer's Market Week........

Green Bean Salad #FarmersMarket

Crisp-tender Green Beans blanched to a beautiful bright green and tossed with a Dijon Mustard Vinaigrette makes the perfect summer side dish.

Welcome to Day 3 of Farmer's Market Week......

Zucchini Dip #FarmersMarketWeek #KitchenMatrixCookingProject

Reminiscent of hummus, this wonderful dip made of zucchini is a great change of pace.  It is light, bright and delicious.

Join me as I celebrate Day 2 of Farmer's Market Week with a recipe from our Kitchen Matrix Cooking Project......

Potato and Pea Salad #FarmersMarketWeek

Made with a tangy buttermilk dressing, flecked with fresh herbs and wrapped around tender baby redskin potatoes this salad is sure to become a new family favorite......

Welcome to Farmer's Market Week with the Gang from Festive Foodies.......

A New Family Member, A New Tradition and The Weekly Menu

Those of you who follow my blog, know that my husband and I are in the process of adopting a couple of young ladies.  M, the eldest, moved in permanently this past Wednesday.  Her sister, M, the youngest, will begin the transition from her current residence to ours, this coming week.  We hope to have the transition complete before the coming school year.

We became licensed in foster care so that they can live with us while the adoption process is in the works....

Greek Inspired Breakfast Casserole #FoodieExtravaganza

This easy, make ahead breakfast casserole is chock full of delicious Greek flavors and fresh Farm Market veggies.  

Join us as Foodie Extravaganza explores Zucchini.......