Mama Mia!! Here we go again! #FoodnFlix Invitation Post

This title is a double entendre today.  As I write this post we are on a flight to Cayman Brac for a scuba diving trip.  Regular readers know that we try to get in one or two dive trips each year.  I am waaaaay due for some down time and am really looking forward to this vacation.

But I am also hosting May's edition of FoodnFlix and have chosen the film Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again for us to watch and to be inspired by......

Cherry Sops Ice Cream Shortcake inspired by The Chef's Secret

Tart cherries cooked in butter and wine until it turns into syrupy goodness.  This recipe can be used as a topping for toast or, as I served it, over ice cream shortcake.

This recipe is based on one found in the Chef's Secret Cookbook written in conjunction with the novel, The Chef's Secret by Crystal King.

Vegetable Sushi and a Book Review #LitHappens

Our Lit Happens pick for this month is The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende. Lit Happens is a Facebook Book Club started by Cam of Culinary Adventures of Camilla.  Members read the same book each month and then have an online discussion about it.

Come on in and learn more about this fun book club and how to join us.......

Quick Pickled Vegetables #EarthDayRecipes

Ready in just minutes this delicious side dish is perfect for serving with Asian food or a Summer BBQ.

Today is Earth Day, please join us as we celebrate with dishes that feature vegetables and sustainable foods......

Caramelized Carrot Bisque #SoupSaturdaySwappers

Tender carrots caramelized with onions, garlic and ginger, pureed to a flavorful soup that is perfect for your first course on Easter Sunday.

Welcome to Soup Saturday Swappers.......

Chardonnay? White Burgundy? Chablis!!! #FrenchWinophiles

You're in a restaurant looking at the wine list.  You have decided to have seafood and would now like a bottle of wine that would pair well.  Under the list of white wines you see Chardonnay, White Burgundy and Chablis.  Which do you choose to pair with the seafood?

Would you be surprised if I told you that they are all the same wine?  They may taste a little different because of the terroir in which they are grown or the method used in making the wine but they all are made of 100% Chardonnay grapes.

Fish and Tots #FishFridayFoodies

This easy dish is adaptable to any fish that you want to use.  I used Michigan Walleye or Pickerel as it is sometimes called.

This recipe was shared by our Parish Priest in one of our weekly bulletins.  I think that makes it perfect for Good Friday or anytime you want a quick, easy and delicious casserole.

Candied Jalapeno Cheese Ball #FantasticalFoodFight

Four different types of cheese blended with candied jalapenos and coated with crispy panko bread crumbs.

Perfect to serve up for #NationalCheeseballDay.......

Celebration after Celebration after Celebration

So last Friday this happened..........

We attended court and our Teen officially became Marissa Klik......

The Easter Menu 2019

Easter 2019

What are you serving up for Easter Dinner?

Slow Cooker Mexican Breakfast Casserole #OurFamilyTable

Layers of potatoes, cheese, Chorizo and vegetables covered with custard and baked in a slow cooker makes this perfect to serve up after church on Mother's Day.

This easy and tasty casserole takes only minutes to prepare and put in the crock pot.  Then you can leave, pick Mom up for church and when you come home brunch is ready to be served.

Wine to Celebrate Earth Day #WinePW

Earth Day is April 22nd and is celebrated in more than 193 Countries in the World.  The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness and gratitude for the resources provided us by nature and environment.

Some things that you can do to protect the earth and the environment are easily adapted to your every day living.  Carry reusable bags in your car for shopping trips. Purchase a steel straw that you can put in your purse to use when eating out.  Use natural fertilizers instead of chemicals.  Buy local and organic whenever possible.  And, if you are a wine lover, as we are start learning about and buying bio-dynamic wines.  

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam #ImprovCookingChallenge

Celebrate Spring by making this small batch Strawberry Rhubarb jam that will be perfect to serve at your Easter or Mother's Day Brunch.

We are sharing Strawberry/Rhubarb recipes today with the crew from Improv Cooking Challenge.

Veggie Enchiladas #EattheWorld

Flour tortillas filled with delicious vegetables, rolled and smothered in cheese.  The perfect way to enjoy a Meatless Mexican Monday or for the final Friday's of Lent.

Stop in and learn why I'm feeling confident enough to share this not very authentic enchilada recipe as we visit Mexico in our Eat the World group.....

Michigan 4 Berry Pie #FoodnFlix

There is a pie company in my small town of Michigan that is owned by the Achatz family.  The Achatz family has a long history of restaurateurs, cooks and catering.  They are popular family diners throughout St. Clair County, Michigan where I live.  Grant Achatz Sr., one of 11 siblings, is known as the pie man.

There are Achatz pie companies throughout the neighboring counties now and  they are available to be shipped Nationwide.  Their most popular pie is the Crumb Michigan Four Berry Pie.  They offer free shipping.  The cost of one pie is $49.00.  They sell a ton of them.

This is my version of that pie.  Fresh frozen tart cherries from my daughter's tree, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries combine to make the perfect summer treat.

I was inspired to make this pie after watching the documentary "Spinning Plates" for this month's FoodnFlix event.......

Spring Vegetable Gratin #BakingBloggers

This rich, creamy and wonderful gratin is hearty enough to serve as a Meatless Monday meal for 4 people.  I chose to serve it up with Lemon Chicken and easily served 6.

We are celebrating Spring Vegetables with Baking Bloggers today........

Egg and Smoked Salmon Salad #OurFamilyTable

This delicious egg salad has a pleasant surprise with the addition of mesquite smoked salmon.  Perfect to set out as a spread for crackers as an appetizer or on a croissant for lunch.

We are sharing Egg-straordinary Egg Salads today with Our Dinner Table Group........

Oven Roasted Salmon with Tarragon Tartar Sauce paired with a Sicilian Grillo #ItalianFWT

This oven roasted salmon couldn't be easier to prepare or more delicious to serve.  Tatar Sauce seasoned with  fresh tarragon adds to the flavor profile.  I served this dish for a dinner party paired with a white wine from Sicily.  Perfect.

Our Italian FWT group visited the Islands of Italy this month.  Come see what we discovered.

Heading towards Holy Week and the Weekly Menu

The 40 Days of Lent are coming to a close.  Soon we will be celebrating our Lord's resurrection and conquest over death.

Tonight is our second to last Fish Fry.  We have one more next Friday and then we start preparing in earnest for the coming of our Lord.

Beignets #CooktheBooksClub

These French inspired fried pastries, similar to donuts, gained fame in the USA when served up in Creole restaurants in New Orleans.  They are served warm from the fryer and sprinkled with powdered sugar both for Breakfast and for Dessert.

I was inspired to make these after reading Buttermilk Graffiti by Edward Lee.....

BLT Pizza #FoodieExtravaganza

Enjoy your favorite sandwich in pizza form.

We are celebrating National BLT Month.  Come see what we made......

PBJ Banana Bread #NationalPB&JDay

This moist, tender, luscious bread is so rich and tasty you will feel like you are enjoying dessert for breakfast.  But not to worry, it is chock full of healthy bananas, protein rich peanut butter and includes whole wheat flour for added nutrients and fiber.

The Festive Foodies are celebrating National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day.......