Pizza Beans #SundayFunday

This is a wonderful Meatless Monday meal with tons of protein from the beans and cheese, with all the pizza flavors you love.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are cooking up Lima Beans today.......

Ground Pork Fried Rice and the Weekly Menu

This colorful, delicious, semi-homemade dinner comes together quickly, starting with ground pork.  It is flavorful, tasty, and nutritious.  It is a great way to use up leftover rice, but you can also use precooked rice from those microwaveable cups or pouches with great results.  If you have leftover or fresh veggies, feel free to add them to this stir-fry. A package of frozen stir-fry vegetables makes this meal quick and easy.

H is for Haluski

This traditional Polish Dish is fantastic as a Meatless meal or as part of a buffet.  It can be used as a side dish, but is hearty enough to be the main course for non-meat-eaters.

H is for Haluski......

Overnight Focaccia #BreadBakers

This delicious bread is the perfect make-ahead recipe.  It needs to rest in the refrigerator for at least 18 hrs before being formed, and then another 2 hrs. before being baked, so you need to plan ahead, but it takes very little hands-on time.

The Bread Bakers are baking up Italian Breads this month.......

California Recap and the Weekly Menu

The Angel Face and I had a great trip to the central coastal area of California to visit my brother and his family.  We landed in San Francisco and drove down Highway 1 to my brother's house.  It adds a few hours to the drive, but it is well worth it just for the views.

We made a lot of stops along the way to enjoy the beauty of the area and explore the beaches.  Melody especially loved the Elephant Seal Vista Point.  We got to Santa Margarita around 7:30 and visited with my brother, Larry, his wife, Mary, their second son, Chad, and Chad's daughter, Molly, before falling into bed with the Angel Face, remarking that we had traveled for 17 hrs.

Day 2, I awoke early and went for a walk with Chad's wife, Natasha.  The Angel face hung out with Molly while Mary and I ran some errands.  After lunch, I took the Angel Face and Molly to Avila Beach where they explored the tide pools. 

I took a quick nap when we returned home, before preparing a pot pie for dinner.  My eldest nephew, Scott, came by for a visit and invited Melody to hang out at their pool while she's here.

Day 3 was another beautiful sunshiney day, perfect for a trip to Morro Bay.  We enjoyed the beach, the view of Morro Rock, watching the sea otters frolic, and exploring the strand.  

When we got home, we headed over to Scott and Julie's for a family dinner.  We were missing Scott's eldest, Quinn, who is off to college.  Julie coaxed the tortoises, Wilma and Willie, out of hiding with some Romaine, their favorite treat.  The girls enjoyed the hot tub, creek, and pool, while the adults caught up.

Day 4 started off quietly. Natasha and I went for a walk-and-talk while the Angel Face and Molly hung out.  Then the Angel Face went to Molly's house, watched Ice Age, and helped garden while Mary and I ran some errands.  

After lunch, I took a nap, and then we went to Avila Valley Farms, where we fed the animals, did some shopping, and got some ice cream.  On the way home, we stopped at Bubble Gum Alley in San Luis Obispo, and the Angel Face made her mark in history.

For dinner, the whole family went to Toshi 1.0,  and the Angel Face bought herself a cool t-shirt as a souvenir of the visit.  Early to bed tonight....it's been a busy few days.

Day 5 dawned cloudy and colder.  Natasha and I enjoyed our walk, and then we rested up until lunch time. The Angel Face took a 2-1/2-hour nap, and then we went to In-N-Out for burgers.  After lunch, we went to an Escape Room and finished with 13 seconds to spare.

  

Woke up to drizzling rain on Day 6.  Natasha and I took our last walk and talk, then Larry, Mary, and the girls joined us for breakfast.  The Angel Face and Uncle Larry started with a huge cup of hot chocolate.

We said our goodbyes and headed north, meeting up with my friend, Cam, at Quail and Olive in Carmel Valley Village, a specialty food store owned by Cam's friend, Anni.  Cam collaborates with Anni and her husband to create menus featuring their products.  I had been wanting to check it out, and I was not disappointed.  We then walked over to the Big Sur tasting room, owned by her friend, Lenora.  We tasted some lovely wines.  I ordered products from both stores, so stay tuned for them to be featured in future posts.

We enjoyed dinner with Cam, her husband, Jake, and their eldest son, Riley, at Tarpy's in Monterey.  Cam ordered ceviche that came topped with an edible flower that the Angel Face enjoyed trying.  Back to the room early enough to enjoy a movie before bedtime.  

We stayed at the Olympia Lodge in Pacific Grove on our final night of the trip. This is the view from our room when we returned after dinner and when we left in the morning.

We had a wonderful breakfast at the Red House Cafe, and then we set off to explore the area via the PG Recreational Trail.  Angel Face explored down low and up high.  It was a beautiful walk with terrain as varied as you chose.  You can see the weather moving in on us in the last two photos. God is good. We stayed dry the entire hike.

It was an amazing trip, and the Angel Face suggests that it become an annual tradition.  It is so good to be home, settling back into our routine, starting with the Weekly Menu.

On Wednesday, we are attending a wine-pairing dinner at J. Baldwin's with the Luths, and Thursday evening, we are headed downtown for the Broadway in Detroit showing of Suffs.  We will have dinner out before the show.

Here is what we are eating the rest of the week.....

Monday

Pork Tenderloin

Sweet Potato Planks

Tuesday

Hamburgers

Wednesday

Wine Pairing Dinner

Thursday

Out before the Theater

Fish Friday

Salmon Packets

Egg Foo Young #SundayFunday

This popular carryout dish is a Chinese/American version of an omelet.  Chock-full of flavorful pork and vegetables, it is cooked much longer and browned much more than a French omelet, then smothered in a flavorful, savory gravy. 

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are serving up sprouts today.....

An Algerian Chicken paired with Organic Wines from South Africa #EattheWorld #WinePW

When I was visiting my friend Linda in Tucson last month,  she gifted me a packet of Ras el Hanout that she had picked up during a cruise to northern Africa.  I decided to use it to make this Algerian Chicken dish.

Then, since I am hosting our Eat the World event this month, I invited the others to visit Algeria with me.

Bocata de atún #CooktheBooks

This traditional Spanish Bocadillo (Sandwich) is stuffed with canned tuna, roasted piquillo peppers, hard-boiled egg, olives, and tomatoes with a schmear of mayonnaise, all wrapped up in parchment to keep it together as you eat.

I was inspired to make this sandwich after reading Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn.  I was inspired to use tuna as I made this sandwich on a Lenten Fish Friday...

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese #SundayFunday

This Macaroni and Cheese Casserole can be made ahead of time to be baked right before dinnertime.  Nobody will know that the creamy deliciousness is due to the inclusion of cauliflower in the sauce, packing extra nutrition, to boot.  The perfect side to that Easter ham.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Make-Ahead Easter Recipes today...

G is for Gruyere

Puffed pastry stuffed with Ham, Spinach, and Gruyere Cheese makes a delicious and fun appetizer or first course.  I enjoyed the leftovers for lunch the following day. 

G is for Gruyere........

Easy Enchiladas #SundayFunday

This easy enchilada recipe has been a staple in our household for many years.  It is not a true enchilada recipe as it uses flour tortillas instead of traditional corn tortillas, but it is easy to make,  delicious to eat, and can be made ahead of time.  

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are featuring Tortillas today......

The Holy Triduum Weekly Menu including Easter

We are heading into the Easter Triduum....We have choir practice on Wednesday, Mass on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil Mass on Saturday.  On Tuesday, we are going downtown to see &Juliet.  We will have dinner out before the show.  

courtesy of Hail

Pineapple Pistachio Cake #SpringSweetsWeek

This delicious cake starts with a boxed cake mix and is finished with instant pudding and frozen whipped topping.  I served it up for my brother's birthday, which we celebrated on St. Patrick's Day.

Today is the final day of Spring Sweets Week........

Sushki #SpringSweetsWeek

Sushki are traditional Russian treats served with tea or coffee.  They are a crunchy, hard, sweet bread that reminds me of the better-known Biscotti of Italy.  

These treats are traditionally placed onto a string and draped over a samovar for serving.  I did not have a samovar, so used a large coffee pot to hold the hot water needed for a Russian Tea.

Napoleon #SpringSweetsWeek

This easy-to-make, semi-homemade, elegant-looking dessert takes just a few minutes of hands-on time with delicious, stunning results.

I was making these for a crowd, so I doubled the recipe and made a batch of vanilla/strawberry and a batch of lemon/blueberry. I also omitted a layer to make more individual pieces, which served as part of a Russian Tea baby shower for my Grandson.  

Homemade Potato Chips

Thinly slice russet potatoes, fried in vegetable oil until golden and crispy, and then sprinkled with sea salt and pepper, for a great snack or side dish.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing Fries and Chips recipes today........

Turkey and Swiss on Rye, A Book Review and The Weekly Menu

When I was visiting my friend, Linda, in Tucson earlier this month, she suggested a fun series, The Althea Rose Mysteries, that she has been reading since the first one came out in 2015.  

I ordered up the first of the series as an audiobook on my library app and have been listening to it during my daily walks.

F is for Fondue

Gruyere Cheese and Apple Cider combine to make a wonderful warm dip.  A perfect start to any meal, or a wonderful snack or light dinner.

F is for Fondue........

Irish Minestrone Soup #MoviesandMunchies

Unlike Italian Minestrone, Irish Minestrone contains no beans and includes bacon.  It is perfect as a starter, a delicious lunch, or a hearty dinner when served with some soda bread and a salad.

I was inspired to make this soup after watching Leap Year, our Movies and Munchies selection for March. I am sharing it today in celebration of St. Patrick's Day.

Maple Bourbon Smash #SundayFunday

Cheers!!!  We are celebrating the birth of our first grandson, Milan, who was born yesterday morning at 6:45 AM.  When we got back from the hospital, Frank made us each a Maple Bourbon Smash to commemorate this momentous day.

We chose this particular cocktail because the Sunday Funday Bloggers are preparing to celebrate Maple Syrup Saturday on March 21st.......

Celebrating National Mulled Wine Month French Style

March is National Mulled Wine Month.  I would have expected this delicious, aromatic delight to be celebrated in the dead of winter, perhaps January or February, but it is a delightful way to welcome in Spring while the chill remains in the air.

In France, Mulled Wine is Vin Chaud, and since it is time for the French Winophiles to gather, I asked the others to join me in celebration.  Cheers.......

Perch with Crisp Parsley and the Weekly Menu #CooktheBooks

 I enjoyed our Cook the Books Club February/March selection, Miss Eliza's English Kitchen, chosen by Amy of Amy's Cooking Adventures.  

Tourshi #EattheWorld

Tourshi translates to "sour" or "pickles" and refers to any vegetables preserved in brine.  This Tourshi, also called Toorshi or Tourshou, is used as a condiment or side dish. 

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

Sourdough Blueberry Breakfast Loaf #BreadBakers

Start your day off with a smile when you bite into this tangy, sweet blueberry loaf that begins with sourdough discard.

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

Medovik #SundayFunday

Thin layers of cake sweetened with honey and drenched in a sour cream frosting, this traditional Russian cake is labor-intensive and delicious.  It is best made a day before you serve it.

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

A Tucson Recap and the Weekly Menu as we hit the ground running

We had a great time in Tucson.  The weather was perfect, and the company even better.  We spent 5 lovely days catching up with our friends and enjoying the sunshine.

E is for Eggs

One of my favorite ways to repurpose leftovers is to make quiche.  In this case, I had some leftover chicken, half a package of baby spinach, and half a package of mozzarella cheese.  The results?  A delicious dinner with leftovers for lunch the following day.

E is for Eggs.......

Protein Packed Noodles #SundayFunday

Perfect for a Meatless Monday or Lenten Friday Meal, this noodle bowl gets a double punch of protein from peanut butter and silken tofu.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are celebrating National Noodle Month......

Sausage and Plum Traybake and a Book Review #LitHappens

Evidently, what we call a Sheet Pan Dinner, here in the States, is called a Traybake in England.  A popular traybake in England includes sausage and plums.  I have no idea if this dinner resembles what you would get if you were visiting the UK, but it was well enjoyed here.

A Russian Tea to Celebrate the pending Arrival of our Grandson

We are eagerly awaiting the newest addition to our family.  My Marina is due to have her baby boy on March 13, which is also her birthday.

Chocolate Old Fashioned Cocktail and a Book Review

Marissa's guy, Hunter, gifted Frank a bottle of Chocolate Crown Royal for Christmas.  We were telling Nicole about it, and she mentioned that it would probably make a great Old Fashioned.  She was sooooo right.

The only difference from the classic cocktail is the whiskey used. Frank adds an extra drop of bitters to mine.

D is for Dumplings

These tender Italian Dumplings are made with Ricotta cheese instead of potatoes and then coated in a delicious, comforting, and creamy Mushroom Sauce.

D is for Dumplings....

Seared Scallops with Tomatoes and Basil #MoviesandMunchies

I am hosting our Movies & Munchies group this month and chose the Netflix film Terri McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love.

Copycat Panera Thai Chicken Salad #SundayFunday

 I think that of all the fast-food options available, the one we enjoy most often is Panera.  I feel that they offer more nutritious food that is not only quick but also colorful, healthy, and delicious.  This Thai Chicken Salad was one of my favorites, but the last time I visited, it was no longer on the menu.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are sharing recipes containing Almonds today.......

J'aime partager le vin et la vie avec vous

I love sharing wine with you, and since I am visiting France today for our World Wine Travel event celebrating Valentine's Day, I thought I would let you know in French.  

Chicken Crepes, A Book Review, and The Weekly Menu

Tender crepes filled with a silky, creamy velouté containing chicken, mushrooms, and spinach can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking, if desired.

St. Lucian Rum Punch #EattheWorld

We are in the middle of a deep freeze here in Michigan.  We have been below freezing for the past 23 days here in my area.  So when St. Lucia was chosen as our destination this month, my thoughts immediately went to sunshine, beaches, and cocktails......

We are Eating the World St. Lucian Style........

Double Chocolate Muffins #BreadBakers

Greet your Valentine (s) with a cup of coffee or tea and one of these deep chocolate muffins studded with dark chocolate morsels.  They will start off the day knowing how much they are loved.

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

Instant Pot 13 Bean Soup with Ham #SundayFunday

Don't you hate it when you have a hankering for bean soup and have to wait 2 days to enjoy it?  Well, here's your solution.   Pull out your Instant Pot and enjoy a hearty, delicious bowl of soup in less than 2 hours.

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are cooking with Dried Beans today.......

Celebrations and the Weekly Menu

 Yesterday morning, we celebrated the life of our dear friend and choir member, Eleanor, who passed to eternal life last week at one hundred and one and a half years old.  Eleanor had attended our Christmas choir gathering in December and was still singing with us just 2 weeks ago.  She was an amazing lady, and she will be missed.

C is for Chicken

It's definitely Chili weather here in Michigan, and we have been enjoying a lot of it.   This version is made with lean white-meat chicken breast and white beans, flavored with green chiles and cumin.  It is scrumptious.

C is for Chicken..........

Crab and Avocado Salad #SundayFunday

Ribbons of Romaine Lettuce, topped with a delicious Crab Salad, surrounded with fresh, creamy Avocados.  

The Sunday Funday Bloggers are celebrating #National Avocado Month......