Aglianico and Shwarma? Let's give it a try.....#ItalianFWT

The Italian Food Wine and Travel group are heading to Molise, Basilicata and Campania this month as we head up from the toe of the boot this year. I decided to showcase a wine from Campania as Aglianico is easy to source here in Michigan.

Pineapple Rice Krispie Muffins #MuffinMonday

These are not light and airy muffins.  They are dense and moist.  My husband describes them as a cross between a muffin and a cookie.  

It's time for Muffin Monday.......

Food and Wine of Patagonia and the Weekly Menu #WorldWineTravel

The World Wine Travel group has headed to South America this year to explore the wines, foods and cultures of this vast region.  

Cam of Culinary Cam is hosting this month and invited us to join her in exploring Argentina saying:

For February's #WorldWineTravel event, let's focus on Beyond Malbec from Mendoza. That can mean (1) a Malbec from elsewhere in Argentina or (2) a different variety from Mendoza.

I love Malbecs so I went on a search for one made outside of Mendoza locating a bottle made by Catena Family Wines in Patagonia.

A "Killer" Steak and a review of Murder in Tuscany

My friend Cam of Culinary Cam and I both belong to Kindle Unlimited.  We used to send each other physical books through the mail.  Now we send each other, suggestions through texts LOL.....

A few weeks ago she suggested a new series by T.A. Williams.  It is a cozy mystery series so I knew that they would be quick and easy reads.  Perfect after I have just gotten done reading some deeper, harder, historical fiction.

Celebrating Mardi Gras with an Easy Sheet Pan Dinner

Let the Good Times Roll....at least for today.  Tomorrow starts the first day of the Lenten Season for Christians as we prepare for the Easter Celebration.  We will spend the next 40 days atoning for any failures during the past year, abstaining from excess and suffering the Lord's Passion before we rise with Him in jubilation and joy.

I decided to share with you today an easy sheet pan dinner for you to celebrate Mardi Gras.  You can make a quick stop at the market and pick up all you need to make this dinner when you get home.  

Spelt, Chocolate, and Coffee Cake #CakeSliceBakers

I served up this dense, fudgy, chocolate cake for Valentine's Day but it is the perfect dessert to show your love all year long.  The fact that the recipe makes only a 9" square cake is a bonus in my book.

It's time for the Cake Slice Bakers..........

Vegetarian Samosas #SundayFunday

Phyllo pastry dough wrapped around a vegetarian samosa filling and then air fried to a crispy golden brown.  They are perfect as an appetizer, a side dish for other Indian food, or as a meal all on their own.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Indian/Pakistani foods today.....

Ham and Lentil Soup #SoupSaturdaySwappers

This soup made in the Instant Pot is delicious, nutritious and hearty enough to serve as a main course with a side salad and some good bread. 

 The Soup Saturday Swappers are sharing Lentil Soups today.......

Shrimp Cups #FishFridayFoodies

These gorgeous little shrimp cups look so elegant and taste so wonderful that nobody will guess how very easy they were to make.

It's time for Fish Friday Foodies.......

A Mardi Gras Salad and the Weekly Menu

This past Saturday we had the neighbors over for an early Valentine's Day Dinner.  I decided since Mardi Gras was right around the corner to make a Cajun Themed meal.

The table was set for Valentine Day and we started and ended with Valentine dishes but in between the Tomato Bisque and the Chocolate Cake (recipe coming soon) we enjoyed Cajun Rockfish, Cajun Spiced Sweet Potato Fries and this wonderful salad that I am sharing with you today........

Potato Dinner Rolls #BreadBakers #CooktheBooks

These soft, fluffy dinner rolls made with leftover mashed potatoes are so good that you will find yourself making extra potatoes each time so that you have them for these rolls.

It's time for Bread Bakers.......

Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crispy Treats #SundayFunday

Looking for a quick easy snack to serve up or take to the Super Bowl gathering?  This Peanut Butter and Pretzel Crispy Treats are sure to be a hit.

Not only is it Superbowl Sunday but Valentine's Day is right around the corner so the Sunday Funday Bloggers have been cooking up some sweet and salty treats for you.......

Red Velvet Pancakes inspired by 500 Days of Summer #MoviesandMunchies

These gorgeous red velvet pancakes are a great start to a wonderful Valentine's Day.  They couldn't be any easier, starting with a boxed cake mix and topped with a cream cheese sauce they are a delicious sweet treat to show your love.

I was inspired to make pancakes after watching 500 Days of Summer for our Movies and Munchies group.  The Red Velvet Pancakes were chosen because Valentine's Day is right around the corner......

Zganci and the Weekly Menu #EattheWorld

Zganci is a traditional Slovenian dish made with such common, ordinary foods it is often called Poor Man's Food.  Served with cream or yogurt it makes a quick and easy breakfast.

We are traveling to Slovenia this month as we Eat the World........

Celebrating Black History Month with #WinePW

Each year the Wine Pairing Weekend Group celebrates Black History Month by showcasing wines made by BIPOC owned wineries.  This year I am sharing a bottle of Chardonnay from Brown Estate in Napa Valley.

Celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, Chinese Hot Pot, Sticky Wings and a Book Review

 Last night we celebrated Chinese Lantern Festival that concludes the Chinese New Year.  We had family dinner featuring a Hot Pot.

Woo Dip Harr #SundayFunday

We have been celebrating Chinese New Year for the past two weeks.  Today is the final day of celebration and we are having a party.  Let's start with a dish that was probably not invented or served in China but is commonly found on Chinese Menus here in the USA.

Woo Dip Harr is butterflied shrimp with bacon served over caramelized onions that are still slightly crisp. So Good!!!!

Grilled Chicken Panini, a Book Review and the Weekly Menu

I just finished reading A Time for Mercy by John Grisham.  This novel has all the same characters that we came to love in A Time to Kill.  It starts off with a family being terrorized by an alcoholic cop who is a hero in town but has a very dark side when he gets on the wrong side of a beer bottle.  

Octopus with Polenta and a Rosato from Puglia inspired by The Food Club #italianFWT

Creamy Polenta topped with Grilled Octopus paired with a Rosato from Puglia is a great way to start a meal.

Join the Italian Food Wine Travel Group as we explore Puglia this month.......

Paloma for National Grapefruit Month #FoodieExtravaganza

I'd like to introduce to you Paloma, cousin of Margarita.  Made with Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup and club soda, served on the rocks in a salted rim glass.  I think I may prefer this over the popular Margarita.....I've always been a sucker for underdogs.  Cheers!!!

The Foodie Extravaganza Gang are celebrating National Grapefruit Month.......