Italian food is a favorite around the globe, but especially, it seems, here in America. My own family is not excluded and we have Italian inspired favorites fairly often, and I don't mean pizza.

When I was in culinary school I learned to make some fabulous Italian dishes like Veal Marsala, Osso Bucco Milanese, Tiramisu and the like. Traditional Italian food is not all tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, but rather is based… Read More

If you've ever siphoned anything, or are thinking of doing so, please read this!

My husband was recently discharged from the rehabilitation hospital he had chosen for
therapy for the injuries he sustained in his fall. The discharge was given without a full 48
hours notice, though and I was running from the moment I heard it--trying to get things
ready here at home for the many needs he has. I figured he'd be there for at least… Read More

I am completely unabashed about my caffeine consumption--as it relates to coffee, at least. With seven kids and my husband now home as a full-time patient (read: hospital bed, walker--the works), I find coffee to be a necessity--a lifesaver even--lately. Even without all the neediness going on here, I'd still want my coffee in the morning.

My husband is just as much a coffee lover as I am. In fact, we like coffee so much that we've had several sets… Read More

I love tomatoes. Never is there a time when I am asked what food is my favorite that I waver from the standard answer, "Tomatoes are the food of the Gods." I love them for so many reasons. The smell of them as they are growing; a cross between marigolds and citrus with a breath of Heaven thrown in. The way they look--round and red--my favorite color and shape. The flavor of a perfectly ripe tomato is bliss… Read More

The kids are headed back to school next week here in Pennsylvania whether I'm ready or not, and beyond all the usual to-do in getting ready, one thing I know I'll need to be prepared for is the empty tummies that return home daily. They come barreling into the house ahead of me after our walk home and barely wait until my feet have crossed the threshold before asking for a snack. I'm not sure why that 3 hour stretch… Read More

High School Musical 2 is premiering at the end of this week. My kids adored the first, and I'm sure they'll adore (and, much to my chagrin, memorize each and every song of) this newest release. The kids will most likely be watching at their grandma's house this week. There's nothing like a premiere party, and since High School Musical is set in Albuquerque, I came up with these fabulous appetizers with a Southwest… Read More