Mama Mia...Here We Go Again (The Roundup) #FoodnFlix

It's time for the FoodnFlix Roundup!!  Each month one of us chooses a film.  The members of the group watch the film at their convenience any time during the month and then make a dish inspired by the film and write a blog post that shares the recipe and tells what you thought about the featured film.

Lambrusco? Really?? #ItalianFWT

This was my first thought when Jennifer of Vino Travels announced that we would be sampling Lambrusco this month.  Lambrusco wasn't even on my radar.  It seemed to me like the same thing as asking us to sample White Zinfandel.

My mother drank Lambrusco and White Zinfandel.  I used to laugh and say why not just have a glass of kool-aid and put a shot in it?

But not being one to turn down a challenge.  Or a glass of wine for that matter.  I jumped onto the bandwagon and ordered up a bottle of Sparkling Wine from Cleto Chiarli.

Step on in and I will tell you what I learned about this wine region, winery and what I thought of the wine........

Morning Glory Muffins #MuffinMonday

These tender, tasty muffins retain their moistness with the addition of carrot, apple, raisins and coconut.  What a great way to start the day.

Welcome to this month's edition of Muffin Monday......

Hawaiian Chicken in Foil #OurFamilyTable

Dinner doesn't get much easier than chicken breast slathered with Hawaiian flavors and grilled up in a packet with pineapple and red peppers.

The From Our Dinner Table group is sharing BBQ Foods today.  Come on in!!

Giving Honor and Thanks and The Weekly Menu

Memorial Day is a weird holiday to me.  Everyone gets excited about having a 3 day weekend and what is considered by many the onset of summer.  Somewhere in there we might go to a parade.  We have BBQ's and if the weather is conducive we open up the pool so the kids can swim.

But somewhere, in all the festivities, I think we need to take a moment and kneel in prayer.  I think we need to tell the children why they don't have to attend school.  Heck, I think we need to tell the adults why they don't have to go to work.

Tuscan Tuna Steaks #BBQWeek

Enjoy your next Fish Friday on the patio with a cocktail or glass of wine and these delicious herb rubbed tuna steaks grilled to a perfect medium rare in a matter of minutes.

Today is the final day of BBQ Week and we are going out with a bang........

Grilled Pork Thai Bowl #BBQWeek

A beautifully composed bowl of rice vermicelli, savoy cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro and mint topped with perfectly seasoned and grilled pork tenderloin.

It's Day 3 of BBQ Week.................................

Grilled Loaded Redskin Potatoes #BBQWeek

Tender chunks of redskin potatoes covered with melted cheese, sprinkled with crisp bacon and flavorful chives all topped with a dollop of sour cream.  Who wouldn't love these potatoes at their next meal?

Welcome to Day 2 of BBQ Week.......

Grilled Veggie Pasta #BBQ Week

Pasta tossed with fresh tomatoes, basil, grilled vegetables and olive oil makes for a quick, easy and tasty Meatless Monday meal.

Welcome to Day 1 of BBQ Week.......

Kladdkaka #TheCakeSliceBakers

Kladdkaka translates to "Sticky Cake" in Swedish. This dense, fudgy, gooey, delicious cake is quick and easy to make.  Serve it topped with whipped cream and fruit or warm with a scoop of ice cream.

This recipe is the first I am sharing with a new (to me) group that I joined called The Cake Slice Bakers.

Chicken ala King #OurFamilyTable

This fast, easy, creamy and delicious meal is perfect for weeknights.  Serve over rice, noodles, toast  or spoon into puff pastry shells for a complete, nutritious dinner.

The From Our Dinner Table Group are sharing recipes that start with Rotisserie Chicken.....

A Sad Day for Us and the Weekly Menu

As you are reading this today, we are celebrating the life of a dear man.  Rodney was part of our dive family and he will be so terribly missed. Before he left us he gifted us with his wife, Dee, less than a short 3 years ago.  Dee was such a welcome addition to our family and made our friend so very happy.  We are so glad to enfold her in our loving embrace as the Lord enfolds Rodney in His.

Rodney's legacy as a kind, funny, generous and helpful person will live on forever in our hearts and in our continued relationship with Dee.  We will never again be together with our diving family without his presence being right there in the center of the gathering.

Fasolada #SoupSaturdaySwappers #FoodnFlix

This lemony, white bean, Greek soup is perfect as a starter or paired with a good rustic bread for a hearty lunch or light dinner option.

It's time for Soup Saturday Swappers.  My soup was inspired by the film, "Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again"........

A New Wine paired with an Old Favorite #FrenchWinophiles

This creamy, comforting chicken alfredo is made into a casserole for a delicious, make ahead meal that is sure to become a family favorite.

I served up this old favorite with a new wine for our #Winophiles group.  I can't wait to tell you all about this pairing......

Seafood Stuffed Cabbage Rolls #FishFridayFoodies

Imagine the delight on the faces of your family and friends when they bite into one of these cabbage rolls and discover a filling of succulent and tasty seafood.

Step on in and join the Fish Friday Foodies today........

Calzone Bundt #BundtBakers

Pizza in a Bundt pan?  Yep this tasty Calzone is shaped into a roll, placed into a Bundt pan and baked to a golden brown with an ooey, gooey center for a fun dinner presentation.

Join the Bundt Bakers today as we explore the world of Savory Bundts........

Thai Burger #FantasticalFoodFight

Ground pork, diced bacon and Thai flavorings combine to make this juicy, flavorful burger.  Top it with a spicy coleslaw mixture and you have a complete dinner.

We are having a Burger Showdown today over at Fantastical Food Fight and I think I may have this one in the bag!!!

Hibiscus Sweet Bread #BreadBakers

This delicious lemon sweet bread has a special swirl surprise of Hibsicus flowers.  It is perfect for breakfast, a snack or even dessert.

Join the Bread Bakers today as we share bread that includes flowers for this Springtime event.......

Chocolate Orange Shortbread #BakingBloggers

Tender shortbread cookies flavored with orange zest and juice, baked to perfection and dipped in lavender chocolate melts before being decorated with sprinkles. 

The Baking Bloggers are having a Tea Party and I'm bringing these delightful little cookies.......

Salmon Salad with Fennel and Strawberries #OurFamilyTable

Pearl couscous, napa cabbage, and fennel tossed with a healthy and delicious  yogurt dressing, topped with roasted salmon and garnished with strawberries.  This is sure to become a summertime favorite.

Join the From Our Dinner Table Group as we share our favorite Summer Salads......

Dammit!! These are some great wines from Williamette. #WinePW

I received two bottles of bio dynamic wines from King Estate for tasting purposes with my Wine Pairing Weekend Group.  As always, all opinions written are 100% my own.....or maybe my husband's but I will quote him LOL....

Jill of Tasting Pour is hosting this event.  I belong to three different groups that contain wine lovers, many of us belong to all three and have grown accustomed to working with each other.   For the past few month's all three groups, French Winophiles, Italian FWT, and this group have been exploring bio-dynamic wines. 

I believe this is the first event though where we are limiting the bio dynamic wines to a specific area in the USA.  It is no surprise that Jill chose Williamette Valley.  You can learn more from her Invitation post.

I had the pleasure, many, many years ago to visit Oregon.  My husband was attending a convention and I was lucky enough to accompany him on the trip.  One of the activities provided was a gorgeous dinner cruise down the Williamette River.  It was there that I learned the proper pronunciation of the river is Will-Yam-et.  Now my title might make a little more sense to you.

King Estate is located at the tip of the Williamette Valley.  They specialize in hand grown Pinot grapes from which they produce Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris that is always certified organic and much of which is certified bio-dynamic.  You can read their website to learn why this is so very important.

I'm going to concentrate on telling you what I thought about the taste of the wines that I was lucky enough to sample.

I served both of these wines up with Easter Dinner.  There were 15 of us enjoying dinner that day so there were other wines as well, but I made sure that these 2 wines accompanied my meal.

I poured the Pinot Gris to pair with my Caramelized Carrot Bisque that I served for the first course.  The wine pours a creamy white.  It has fruit on the nose and is acidic but well rounded with a medium fullness.  It paired very well with the bisque as well as the Spinach/Strawberry Salad that was served after the soup course.

The Pinot Noir was served up with the Entree which included Baked Ham, Roasted Rack of Lamb and Roasted Kielbasa along with all the trimmings.  The wine poured deeper in color than many Pinot Noir that I have tried.  I am a big Pinot Noir fan because it is so extremely food friendly and this bottle was no exception.   

Aged in French Oak barrels this wine is also a little heavier than others I have tried.  That made me very happy.  I could easily see this wine becoming my new go to bottle.  I have yet to try to seek out this wine in Michigan but I do belong to wine.com and they are available through them at, I think, a reasonable price for the quality of this wine.

You can find out what Bio-dynamic wines the others tried from this region by following the links below and by joining us for Twitter chat today at 11 AM ET following #WinePW.  See you there.

• David of Cooking Chat has prepared "Salmon, Farro and Mushrooms with Winderlea Pinot Noir"
• Camilla of Culinary Adventures with Camila is celebrating with "Simple Pleasures, A Birthday Cheeseboard, & Keeler Estate Vineyards' 2017 Terracotta Amphorae Riesling"
• Jill of L’Occasion writes about "Peace, Bread, Land and Wine’: A Meal With Brooks Winery"
• Jennifer of Vino Travels will share "Biodynamic Wines of the Willamette Valley with King Estate"
• Lori of Dracaena Wines will present "Continuing the Biodynamic Legacy #WinePW"
• Jane from Always Ravenous pairs "Wild Alaskan Salmon with Herbed Ricotta and Oregon Pinot Noir"
• Pinny of Chinese Food and Wine Pairings combines "Biodynamic Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Noir from Johan Vineyards Plus Surf ‘n’ Turf Dinner"
• Linda of My Full Wine Glass shares "Ode to Oregon: Johan’s Biodynamic Expression of Place (#WinePW)"
• Gwendolyn Alley from Wine Predator will present "Our land is our life and our life is our wine” — Cooper Mountain Pinot Paired with Duck #WinePW
• Deana from Asian Test Kitchen has whipped up "Oregon Orange Wine Sparkles with Indian Curry"
• Wendy Klik A Day in the Life on the Farm discovers "Dammit!! These are some great wines from Willamette.
• Lauren Walsh of The Swirling Dervish will tempt us with "Pork Loin, Mushrooms, and Fiddlehead Ferns Meet Biodynamic Pinot Noir from Bergström Wines (#WinePW)"
• Martin of Enofylz Wine Blog brings us "A Taste of Cooper Mountain Vineyards at the Table #WinePW"
• Jeff of Food Wine Click is pairing "Biodynamic Willamette Valley with Brick House and Harissa Chicken"
• Payal of Keep the Peas is presenting "Living off the Land: King Estate Pinot Noir + Mushroom Pâté"
• Rupal of Syrah Queen is sharing "Maysara Winery - Iranian Immigrants Achieving The American Dream”
• Jade of Tasting Pour will share "Thai Green Curry Rockfish and Montinore Estate Gewurztraminer #WinePW"
• Nicole of Somm's Table shares "A Hunt for a Biodynamic Williamette Valley Wine: Johan Vineyards Farmland Pinot Noir and Salmon"

Aioan Chua Noeung Phset Kretni #EattheWorld

Enjoy the flavors of Cambodia with this Stir Fried Chicken with Mushrooms.

Join us as we Eat the World........

Missing our Moms and the Weekly Menu

It's hard to believe that another Mother's Day has come around without having our Moms here to celebrate.  I am sure they are playing pinochle and having a glass of wine while smiling down upon us.

They loved each other and they loved us.  There were always a lot of laughs and fun whenever we were all together.  Happy Heavenly Mother's Day to them both.  We miss you.......

Dill Pickle Compound Butter #ImprovCookingChallenge

This combination of butter and dill relish is perfect for shmearing on a bagel with tuna salad, topping a grilled chicken breast or enfolded in ground beef for an amazing butter burger.

I am joining in the Improv Cooking Challenge to see who creates the best recipe containing Butter and Pickles......

More Cayman Brac Memories and a Taco Salad

Good Monday Morning.  I got all my laundry caught up and my groceries bought yesterday after my week long vacation while Frank mowed down the jungle that was our yard before the rains come back today.

We did find time to relax in the evening and celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Taco Salad and Margaritas for dinner.

All your favorite taco flavors combined into a Salad.  Seasoned ground beef, romaine lettuce, black beans, tomatoes, avocados, and cheese all topped with a sour cream dressing.  Delicious!

This salad is easy to make and is perfect for a main course meal or you can double the recipe and bring it along to your summer pot lucks to feed a crowd.

A couple of days in Cayman Brac and The Weekly Menu

We had an absolutely awesome time at Cayman Brac Beach Resort.  Six luxurious days of diving, relaxation, and pampering.  The staff was excellent, the food amazing and the diving superb.

We missed many members of our usual group who could not be with us this trip.  Rob and Linda, Sherry and Brad, Rodney and Dee.....all of whom were with us in spirit, especially Rodney as he fights his health battle and Dee as she struggles along with him as his caregiver.

Korean Chicken Skewers #OurFamilyTable

These deliciously spicy chicken skewers are sure to be appreciated by all the men in your life on this Father's Day or any day that you want a quick easy dinner that will impress and be loved.

We are getting ready for a #FantasticFathersDay .........

Mexican Casserole #CincodeMayo

I love making meals from planned leftovers.  In this delicious casserole your Sunday Roast Chicken is turned into the perfect meal for Mexican Monday, Taco Tuesday or, in this case, Cinco de Mayo.

Join in the fun as we share recipes to help you celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style......

Horiatki Salata (Greek Village Salad) #NationalSaladMonth

This wonderful, flavorful salad is hearty enough to serve as a light lunch or perfect as a first course or side to a Greek inspired dinner.

Welcome to National Salad Month.......

Time to Relax and Rejuvenate #SipbySip

This post was sponsored by Republic of Tea who provided me with two samples for the purposes of this post.  All opinions and writings are strictly my own.

Easy to make and beautiful to present, these open faced cucumber sandwiches are perfect to serve at your next tea party.

Please join us at our virtual #SipbySip tea party today......