This stew is one of the easiest recipes I have and is liked by everyone in my family. It really doesn't get any simpler than this. Everything is readily available at my local grocer and putting this together is so fast you'll almost feel guilty about it.

Frozen potato wedges often come pre-seasoned and make a great addition to this stew. All herbs intensify in flavor as they cook, so the last half hour is all that is necessary… Read More

When ghouls have a tea party, what do you think they serve? Finger sandwiches! These little bites have a double meaning in a creepy sort of way. Any filling can be used, but I chose homemade pimento cheese spread for a certain effect - an icky effect. My kids thought these were especially delicious and perfectly gross all at the same time. Although the photo doesn't show it, my favorite breads to use for this are white, rye and pumpernickel.… Read More

It's apple time! I think apples are the best fruit going. They have a versatility like no other fruit; from sweet to savory and everything in between. The uses for this forbidden fruit are infinite. So, when apple-picking time comes along, I dive in and cook until the last round red beauty drops from the tree.

This recipe, known as Nana's Apple Cake here, came from my husband's maternal grandmother. She was Pennsylvania Dutch and was a wonderful cook. She passed… Read More

Pasta puttanesca is a spicy dish made up of tomatoes, anchovies, capers, red pepper flakes, garlic, olives and any pasta. I enjoy it very much, but my kids won't get within ten feet of an anchovy "hair" and capers are an acquired taste so I don't have it often. Making separate meals is a chore whether I write as Short Order Mom or not, so I came up with this idea for pasta that I think is pretty close to… Read More

This version of a lunchtime sandwich is great for kids since they are more likely to eat something that seems novel to them. The "oohs" and "ahhs" the kids will get in the lunchroom at school, from other kids and teachers alike, makes these little bites even more fun.

Change up spreads and toppings to suit your own tastes. Each single slice of bread provides 3 or 4 rolls, making 6 to 8 rolls a full sandwich-worth. We use white… Read More

Summer is nearly over and my kids go back to school next week. I had to get one last post in about summer flavors. I'm growing a nice crop of tomatoes and cucumbers (along with several other veggies) and I love combining them in a fresh and bright salsa. This is perfect over grilled chicken and uses up our garden bounty in a most delicious way.

Grilled Chicken with Tomato and Cucumber Salsa

Hands-On Time: 15 minutes
Ready In: 30 minutes
… Read More