SMASHED POTATOES: an appetizer for Dummies (and me)

Please refer to my Instagram askmehowiknowcb to see the 60 second video of this easy appetizer. In Arizona every grocery store carries baby potatoes in little packages that you can microwave for 5 minutes.  If you can’t get those just get baby red potatoes and microwave them covered with plastic and about an inch of … More SMASHED POTATOES: an appetizer for Dummies (and me)

AN OATMEAL COOKIE…and a Thanks and Tribute to Christina Tosi

I first saw Christina Tosi on Masterchef Jr. with Gordon Ramsey.  I thought she was adorable, but I didn’t know much about her until I listened to Guy Raz’s Podcast, “How I Built This” from NPR.  There’s where the Girl Crush comes in.  Her story was fascinating to me, especially her innovative approach to baking. … More AN OATMEAL COOKIE…and a Thanks and Tribute to Christina Tosi

IN A JAM? MAKE JAM!

  Tomorrow is Christmas, and believe it or not, I forgot someone.  My “Go To” is always food, and I am always looking for something easy that looks hard.   I always thought jams seemed complicated and difficult, and kind of mysterious.  But I learned that they are really pretty simple.  Just choose a vegetable … More IN A JAM? MAKE JAM!

When life gives you cheese, make a cheeseball!

If you follow me on instagram, I posted this with pictures of the ingredients.  I want to repeat my acknowledgements:  my grandson Steven, who sent this to me, correctly deducting that it was something I would like.  And Jennifer Satley, a lovely Vlogger, (like me) who does a blog called “Carlsbad Cravings”.  I’ve never met … More When life gives you cheese, make a cheeseball!

Beef Skewers/Philippino Style! And, I learned something new! You can too.

BEEF SKEWERS (marinade) 1 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup Banana Catsup (see below) 1 Tbsp. Black Pepper 1 head garlic, crushed 1 tsp. Paprika Mix all above—-WHHHAAATTT? Banana Catsup?  Believe me, I thought I had seen it all.  Never heard of this ingredient.  Welcome to Google!  It seems that this is a very popular ingredient … More Beef Skewers/Philippino Style! And, I learned something new! You can too.

BANANA PUDDIN’ (an oldie but goodie!)

Today I am very excited!  I am invited to my Philippino friends house for an “International Lunch”.  There will be many countries represented, including France, the Philippines, Portugal and West Virginia!  (that’s ME!). Tess is even printing out a flag of West Va.  When she invited me to bring a dish from my “Home Country” … More BANANA PUDDIN’ (an oldie but goodie!)

BACON/CARAMEL ROLLS….SO unhealthy! And SO yummy!!!

Here’s another recipe from the Food Network that reminded me of something I used to make a lot of years ago when I was catering.  Cinnamon Rolls and dinner rolls were my specialty, and I had lots of  unusual combinations.  Some of my favorites included a “Pina colada” version, with Pineapple, coconut and rum frosting. … More BACON/CARAMEL ROLLS….SO unhealthy! And SO yummy!!!

PESTO/CHILI JELLY. (green & red) What is this? Christmas??

Jim and Liz came over the other night for a “simple” wine and cheese.  We’ve been friends for over 40 years, and Liz and I have cooked many wonderful things together.  Some of my favorites over the years have come from her (corn tamale dip in the crockpot she served at Christmas was awesome!). And … More PESTO/CHILI JELLY. (green & red) What is this? Christmas??