Birthdays Galore and an extended Weekly Menu

We have been busy celebrating around here. April and May are busy months for us.  Last week we had 3 children with birthdays.  

We didn't get to celebrate with Chuck this year as he lives in Virginia but his birthday was yesterday and we did get to sing to him by telephone. 

Today is our German son, Max's, birthday.  We will celebrate with him very soon when we arrive in Germany.  He will spend a few days being our tour guide while we are there.  I can't wait!!

Our daughter, Jessica's birthday was Wednesday but we are celebrating tonight with a Fish Fry and Birthday Cake at the house.

Today is also the day we celebrate being blessed with Kirsten, born into Heaven on this date.  We went to a Mass this morning in her honor. and tomorrow the choir will be singing at a Mass dedicated to her.  I cannot explain the hole left in my heart and life without her being beside me, physically, but I know she is with me constantly.

We will be going out for dinner tomorrow night after Mass.  Thursday is our Anniversary. One of our favorite places is a local steakhouse on Thursday nights.  They have great food and a wonderful woman who does a great job with vocals serenading while we eat.  I think 32 years calls for dinner and dancing.

Friday, the dogs go into the groomer, and I will be prepping for Frank's Birthday celebration on Saturday.  Sunday we head slightly north to Bay City for a few days.  This is where Frank's naval ship was built and he and his shipmates are having a reunion.  

I am sharing a slightly extended Weekly Menu to cover Frank's Birthday Celebration which is going to start off with some Fiesta foods for Cinco de Mayo.  There will be no Weekly Menu posted for  the following week as we will be out of town.

Saturday

Out for dinner after Mass for Kirsten

Sunday Supper

Grilled Steaks

Baked Potatoes

Grilled Asparagus, Mushrooms and Onions

Monday

Dinner at the Greene's

Tuesday

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

Wednesday

Grilled Hot Dogs

Macaroni Salad

Thursday-Our Anniversary

Out for Dinner and Dancing 

Friday

Grilled Pork Chops

Potato Planks

Baked Beans

Saturday-Frank's Birthday 

Cocktails and Appetizers

Assorted Margaritas

Chips with Mexican Five Layer Dip, Guac and Salsa

Mexican Chicken Wings

Dinner

Hamburgers (Both Beef and Vegan)

Grilled Stadium Kielbasa and Vegan Sausage on Buns

Condiment Bar (including Sauerkraut)

Spinach Strawberry Salad

Potato Salad by Rebecca

Macaroni Salad

Cole Slaw

Dessert

Strawberry Torte

Birthday Cake

Ice Cream

Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich and a Book Review #FoodieHolidays

Maple Glazed Bacon, Fried Egg, and Cheese sandwiched between French Bread and Grilled to a golden brown.  Breakfast has never tasted this good.

It's National Grilled Cheese Month.....

I is for Instant Pot

This delicious bean soup, made in an Instant Pot, requires no soaking or precooking of the beans making it a perfect meal for busy days.  

Honey BBQ Chicken and a Book Review

Woohoooo, it's grilling season!!!  I love summer meals.  During the Fall and Winter, we eat a lot of stews, soups, roasts, pastas, and casseroles.  Come Spring and Summer our tastes and meals get lighter. Meats are grilled and placed onto salads or served with sides of garden fresh vegetables.

Tuna Pasta Salad #SundayFunday

This is not your ordinary Tuna Pasta.  Lightly dressed with tons of veggies and extra tuna, this salad is a complete meal in itself.

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

Raspberry Jam Coffeecake #CakeSliceBakers

Tender, almond-flavored cake with a swirl of homemade raspberry jam covered in a scrumptious streusel and additional dollops of jam.  This cake is amazing!! 

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

The Cruellest Month and the Weekly Menu

I recently listened to the third book in the Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penney.  In between books 2 and 3, I watched the series, Three Pines, based on this series.  

Bougatsa inspired by My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 #MoviesandMunchies

Are you a Big Fat Greek Wedding fan?  I LOVED the first one and enjoyed the second one as well.  Here are my thoughts on Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

Stir Fry Chicken, Broccoli, and Cauliflower #SundayFunday

Tender, juicy, chicken stir-fried with onion, garlic, broccoli, and cauliflower in a delicious sauce.  Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing recipes that feature Broccoli or Cauliflower.......

So Happy We "Gotcha" and the Weekly Menu

Six years ago this 14-year-old waltzed into our lives and stole our hearts.

Enjoying the Hybrid Wines of Old Mission Peninsula #WorldWineTravel

 The World Wine Travel group is gathering this month to discuss Hybrid wines.  These are wines made by crossing two grapes to make a new varietal.  In Michigan, we have many hybrid grapes.  Native to our State are Riverbank Grapes, most often used as ground cover or as food for birds and small animals.  They can also be turned into jams and are safe for human consumption.

The first grapes grown commercially in Michigan were juice grapes, Concord and Niagara. Michigan still produces much of the grapes used by Welch's in their juice.

Poached Halibut in Orange Lemon Sauce and a Cookbook Review #EattheWorld

Tender, white, flaky Halibut Fillets poached in an Orange Lemon Sauce and served over Braised Romaine Lettuce leaves.

Eat the World Challenge is traveling to Denmark this month.....

H is for Hash

Turn that leftover Corned Beef and Cabbage Boiled Dinner into breakfast the following day with this delicious Hash topped with a Fried Egg. 

You will be wishing you had more leftovers......

Multi-Grain Dinner Rolls and a Book Review #BreadBakers #LitHappens

A combination of Oat Bran, Flax Seed, Whole Wheat, and Unbleached Bread Flour topped with Everything Bagel Seasoning.

The Bread Bakers are sharing Multi-Grain bread recipes today.......

Dirty Shrimp #SundayFunday

Called "Dirty" Shrimp because the buttery beer sauce is "muddied" with herbs.  This shrimp is tender, flavorful, and scrumptious.  

It's National Beer Day and the Sunday Funday bloggers are sharing recipes made with beer.

Sharing a Delicious Cake Recipe and our Upcoming Road Trip North

You don't have to choose between Carrot Cake and Pineapple Upside Down Cake.  You can combine them into one scrumptious dessert that will have your family fighting for the last piece.

Queen Bees....The Round-up #Movies and Munchies

 I hosted our Movies and Munchies group this month and chose the movie Queen Bees an older generation rom/com that takes place in a retirement community.  It was a lot of fun and everyone who joined in had great reviews.  They were also inspired to make some wonderful recipes that I am sharing with you today.

Mastering the Art of French Hot Chocolate #CooktheBooks

I just finished reading a fun murder mystery starring chef, Julia Child. The novel was purely fiction but portrayed the chef as a good friend of the protagonist in the story.

The title of the book is, of course, a take on the title of Julia Child's world-renowned cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

Carrot Pineapple Slaw

With only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes, you have a wonderful side salad for whatever you are serving up. Shredded carrots, pineapple tidbits, raisins, mayo, and cinnamon combine for a savory, slightly sweet addition to your dinner.

Hot Beef Sundae #SundayFunday

Surprise your family with Sundaes for Dinner!!!  Tomorrow is April 1.  Turn your Sunday Pot Roast leftovers into a fun April Fools Prank with this Hot Beef Sundae......

Preparing for Easter and a Weekly Menu featuring leftovers

We are now starting the celebration of the Easter Triduum. We start with Mass tonight for Holy Thursday.  Friday is a day of sorrow and mourning as we acknowledge that our Savior died, nailed to a cross, to redeem us to everlasting life.  Saturday night we will celebrate the Easter Vigil with a Mass and then Sunday is a day of glorious celebration that we will celebrate with a Dinner with family and friends.

Roast Beef and Stilton Melt inspired by A Fatal Grace

Thinly sliced roast beef, horseradish and stilton blue cheese spread, and peppery arugula snuggled between slices of buttered French bread and grilled to perfection.

G is for Grits

Cheesy Grits topped with perfectly cooked Shrimp, Bacon, and Vegetables, this classic southern dish is comfort food at its finest.

Friends in Napa; A Book Review #sponsored

I received a pre-release copy of Friends in Napa for review purposes.  I am not receiving any monetary compensation for this post.  All writings and opinions are strictly my own.

Irish Soda Bread Muffins #MuffinMonday

I baked these muffins up as part of my St. Patrick's Day festivities but they are such a delicious combination of savory and sweet that they need to be made more than just once a year.

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

Banana Cream Pie #SundayFunday

Slices of perfectly ripe banana with homemade custard, covered in whipped cream and garnished with more banana slices in a flaky pie shell.  Such delicious childhood memories.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are having a Dinner Party......

Greek Chicken and the Weekly Menu

Tender chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs and then baked in the oven. This entree is easy, healthy, and delicious.  I served it with a side of cabbage salad and roasted baby potatoes.

The chicken remained juicy and flavorful.  I think this marinade will be revisited during the summer months with the chicken going onto the grill rather than in the oven.

Blood Orange Creamsicle Pie #Spring SweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the week's recipes. All opinions are mine alone.

 Do you have fond memories of Push Ups?  You know, those frozen orange creamsicle treats you used to get from the ice cream man.  They are wrapped up in cardboard and you push them up past the cardboard wrapper with a stick.  They used to be one of my favorites and this fun, delicious cake brought back many fond food memories.

Banana Rum Cake #CakeSliceBakers

This cake contains very ripe mashed bananas and perfectly ripe candied banana slices.  Having rum in the candied banana, cake batter, and frosting this is a rum cake like you have never enjoyed before.

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

Lemon Cream and Candied Ginger Crepes Cake #SpringSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the weeks recipes. All opinions are mine alone. 

Tender crepes layered with homemade lemon curd cream and flavored with candied ginger pieces. This is a decadent, delicious spring dessert that would be perfect for Easter or Mother's Day gatherings.

Croque Monsieur and a Murder at the Matterhorn

Toasted slices of French Bread smothered with slices of Ham, Gruyere Cheese, and Bechamel.  Ooh La La......

This sandwich is a great way to use up some of your leftover Easter ham this year.......

Holiday Fruit Salad #SpringSweetsWeek

This post is sponsored in conjunction with #SpringSweetsWeek. I received product samples from sponsor companies to help in the creation of the weeks recipes. All opinions are mine alone. 

This tasty and refreshing fruit salad is the perfect addition to your Easter Brunch Table.  Fresh and canned fruits combined with cream cheese and yogurt dressing sweetened with natural honey, and flavored with warm spices and vanilla paste is a wonderful way to add some healthier sweets to your diet.

It is also the perfect start to our Spring Sweets Week event.......

Asparagus and Herbed Ricotta Tart #SundayFunday

Flaky puffed pastry filled with a creamy cheese filling and topped with crisp asparagus pieces before being draped with prosciutto and baked to a golden brown.  Perfect as a light lunch or dinner, as a first course of an elegant dinner party, or as an appetizer at a cocktail party.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Asparagus Recipes today.......

A Perfect Friday Night....Wine and a Book

I recently learned from my friend Evelyn Basile of Fine Wine Buzz that the book Let's Talk About Wine by Steve Ratliff was available for free from Kindle for a limited time.  Steve Ratliff was offering this book to any who wanted it but requested that we post a review on Amazon upon completion of the book.

I immediately ordered the book but waited to read it until last night when I finished reading another novel.  I will be reviewing it for you very shortly.

Shepherd's Pie for St. Pat's Day, A Book Review and the Weekly Menu

Ground lamb and tender vegetables in a savory gravy topped with mashed potatoes.  This dish is a great alternative for those who don't care for corned beef and cabbage this St. Patrick's Day.

Cannoli Pie for Pi Day and #MoviesandMunchies

I was originally going to make Maruya (Banana Fritters) for this month's Movies and Munchies post but then I decided to post on Pi(e) Day.  Since there was a ton of food to choose from inspired by the Netflix film Queen Bees, pie being one of the many items, I decided to celebrate Pi Day with a movie review.

F is for Fajitas

This bowl is a perfect way to enjoy Fajitas that are Gluten-Free, healthy, and colorful.  A great way to serve your family a rainbow of foods that are nutritious and delicious.

F is for Fajitas.  It is also for Favorite, Fun, and Festive.  This is one of my family's favorite dinners.  They love it because it is fun and feels like you're attending a fiesta.  I love it because it is easy, healthy and nutritious.

Hot Cross Buns Muffins and a Book Review #BreadBakers

These delicious muffins filled with warm spices and dried fruits and crossed with a citrus glaze will make a great addition to your Easter Brunch.

The Bread Bakers are sharing Easter Breads today......

Gado Gado #EattheWorld

This Indonesian Salad is dressed with a delicious peanut sauce.  It is wonderful with a stirfry or with the Beef Rendang that I am also sharing with you today.

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

Beef Rendang #SundayFunday

Chunks of Beef slow-cooked in warm spices and coconut milk until fall-apart tender, start off in the slow cooker, and finish on the stovetop thickening the sauce into a glaze.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Indonesian Recipes today......

Lemon Butter Chicken and the Weekly Menu

Chicken cutlets lightly breaded and seared to a golden brown served in a bright, lemony, butter sauce.  This delicious dinner is ready in only half an hour, making it perfect for a quick dinner before we had to run out to choir practice, last night.

Pasta, Wine, and a Cookbook Review #ItalianFWT

Homemade Fettuccine Noodles tossed with Mascarpone, Ricotta, and Fresh Herbs.  I opened a bottle of Collezione di Paolo Poggerissi 2021Chianti and a Marco Bonfante 2022 Gavi di Gavi to see which paired better with this dish.

Mexican Pizza for Taco Tuesday

Crisp Corn Tortillas covered with Refried Beans, Cheese, and chopped Tomatoes then topped with Lettuce, Avocado, and a drizzle of Ranch Dressing.

Hawaiian Pork Roast and a Book Review of Moloka'i #LitHappens

I just finished listening to our Lit Happens selection for March.  This year we are concentrating on Historical Fiction set in different areas of the USA. 

Camilla of Culinary Cam is hosting this month and chose the novel Moloka'i.

Shrimp and Asparagus Crepes ~~Recipe Redo

These easy and delicious crepes filled with shrimp and asparagus in a creamy mushroom sauce are a wonderful first course or fish course for your Easter Dinner.  

We are sharing Fresh Spring Recipes today.....