Mr. Church-The Round Up #MoviesandMunchies

 I chose the 2016 film Mr. Church for the May Movie and Munchies film. Let's take a look at what everyone thought of it and what recipes it inspired.

Coniglio all'Ischitana (Rabbit Stew) and a Book Review

I just finished listening to the second in the Whimbrel House series by Charlie Holmberg.  It is the newest release in the series that started with Keeper of Enchanted Rooms that I read for our Lit Happens Book Club last November.

This second novel was just as fun and silly as the first.......

Fresh Mint Muffins with Chocolate Chips #MuffinMonday

It is mint season again here on the Farm.  My garden overflows with mint that I spend the rest of the summer trying to find new recipes for and drying for use during the winter.  

These delicious muffins start by steeping fresh mint in milk and butter.  When this mixture cools sufficiently it only takes minutes to turn them into a wonderful breakfast, snack or dessert.

Avocado Salad with Fresh Herb Dressing #SundayFunday

 Salad does not need to contain lettuce. This salad is chock full of avocados, cucumbers, tomatoes and onion tossed in a light oil and vinegar dressing that is flavored with fresh herbs.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Side Dishes perfect for your Memorial Day BBQ.......

Observing Memorial Day with a Birthday Celebration and the Weekly Menu

 

As we begin this Memorial Day Weekend let us pause a moment and give tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice that allows us to live in this great country that we call Home of the Free and Land of the Brave.....

Californio Enchiladas with a Chilean Chardonnay #WorldWineTravel

I make a lot of Enchiladas in this house as it is a favorite of our youngest child who still lives at home. This recipe, found at TASTE, is reported to have been passed down through the generations of families that arrived in California during the years of 1769 and 1833when the Missions were established.

I am sharing these enchiladas, that I paired with a Chilean Chardonnay, for our World Wine Travel event this month......

Healthier Lasagna paired with a Small Family Vineyard Pinot Noir and a Book Review #WineDownWednesday

A friend recommended the book Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave.  She knows that I love wine and that I love to read.  She had just started the novel and thought of me right away. 

I ordered it up and then I thought it might be a good choice for our new Wine-Down Wednesday group and offered to host for this month.......

Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos and What She Left Behind

I just finished the novel What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman. This was the first novel that I have read written by her.  

I need your help in determining whether it will be my last......

Couscous Salad #SundayFunday

This salad starts with Israeli Couscous also known as Pearl Couscous.  Little balls of pasta are tossed with tomatoes, cucumbers and mint in a bright lemony dressing.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing pasta/noodle salads today.....

Lavender Lemon Weekend Cake #CakeSliceBakers

This delicious lemony cake with a hint of lavender was the perfect ending to our daughter's birthday dinner.

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

Chardonnay; Old World vs New World in Today's World #Winophiles

We are approaching 2 important anniversaries in the world of wine.  May 24 is the anniversary of the Judgement of Paris and May 25 is Chardonnay Day. 

I decided to do my own blind tasting of old world vs new world wines.  Join me as I share the experience.

Apple Jack Cookies for Mr. Church and the Weekly Menu #MoviesandMunchies

Remember that Apple Jack cereal you enjoyed as a kid?  Bring back happy food memories with these delicous cookies that are an upgraded version of Snickerdoodles.

I was inspired to make these cookies after watching the film, Mr. Church.....

Corn Pone and a Look at Horse by Geraldine Brooks #LitHappens

Corn Pone is the simplest of breads containing only cornmeal, water and a pinch of salt.  They are fried up like pancakes and were common fare for slaves and the poor as they were filling and could be eaten hot or cold.

I was inspired to try these when reading the novel Horse by Geraldine Brooks for our Lit Happens book club......

Smoky Turkey Burgers #SundayFunday

Show your mom some love today by inviting her over for an al fresco meal of grilled burgers.  Show her heart some love by making them with turkey instead of beef.  

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are Firing up the Grill today......

Celebrating Livermore Valley with the #WinePW Gang and the Weekly Menu

I was given 3 bottles of wine from Livermore Valley as sponsor gifts for tasting purposes in return for an honest review.  I received no monetary compensation and all opinions and writings are strictly my own.

I did a food pairing with each of these wines for this month's Wine Pairing Weekend......

Smoked Sausage and Potato Skillet #ImprovCookingChallenge

 This wonderful one pan dinner is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table in a flash.  

The Improv Cooking Challenge this month asked us to serve up Meat and Potatoes......

Pepian de Pollo #EattheWorld

This delicious chicken stew in a red sauce is a wonderful entree that requires nothing more than simple sides of rice and a salad to make a wonderful dinner that you will be proud to serve to your family and friends.

We are traveling to Guatamala today as we Eat the World........

Texas Toast starting with Homemade English Muffin Bread and a Book Review #BreadBakers

This scrumptious English Muffin Bread was made for toasting.  I decided to slather mine with garlic butter and toast it on the grill, Texas style.  

The #BreadBakers are having a BBQ.......

Honey Garlic Wings #SundayFunday

I like cooking up wings to place out as an appetizer when having gatherings at the house.  I have many different recipes on my blog but these made with honey and garlic are one of our favorites.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Wing recipes today......

Feliz Cinco de Mayo and The Weekly Menu

We are having a Fiesta tonight.  We are having a Dive Party meeting.  We are not going to Mexico this year.  We are going to Egypt.  But I am serving Mexican as we talk about and plan our trip.

I chose to host the meeting tonight because Cinco de Mayo makes life so easy.  We are having a build your own taco bar, Cervezas and Frank's Fantastic Margaritas.  Life doesn't get much easier than that and everything can be made in advance so I don't have to be stuck in the kitchen during our discussion.

Welcoming Spring with Farinelli Rosé #ItalianFWT

As the weather warms my tastes go to lighter, crisper fare.  I start wanting salads instead of pot roast and Rosés instead of Cabernets......except for when I am grilling burgers.  When I'm eating burgers I still want a heavier red but  Rosé works with burgers as well.  Rosé works with just about anything or with nothing at all except for a nice evening on the deck with good company.

Loaded Red Potato Casserole #FoodieExtravaganza

Mashed Redskin Potatoes chock full of butter, cream, cheese, and sour cream before being placed in a casserole, sprinkled with addtional cheese and diced bacon and being warmed to a creamy, comforting side.  All the goodness of a Loaded Baked Potato with the convenience of make ahead preparation, making it perfect for your next gathering.

The Foodie Extravaganza Gang are celebrating National Loaded Potato Month.....