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Category Archives: Comfort Foods
Tomato Risotto

Without fail every Monday I get to work, check Twitter and am reminded by foodies across the country that it’s “Meatless Monday.” I inevitably, do a big sigh and realize my lunch sitting in the office fridge contains meat. “I’ll do it next week, “I tell myself. And the circle repeats itself. I guess it’s kind of like … Continue reading
Lemon Lavender Cookies

Light, buttery, lemony and just a hint of lavender. Not too sweet almost buttery savory, this cookie is just what I need when winter has no end in sight. Do you know what I’m talking about? Spring. Maybe you’ve heard of it? Deep breath. My daughter asked me the other day how long winter is … Continue reading
Apple, Bacon and White Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
This year, Twin Cities Live got all their favorite chefs together to create a Thanksgiving dinner! What an honor to cook among such talented and absolutely wonderful people! I had such a great time! Laurie Crowell made a beautifully brined turkey Mary Jane Miller made streusel-topped squash Antigoni Sander McCloud made a cranberry, fig and pistachio chutney John Michael Lerma made pumpkin pie And for my … Continue reading
Steak Pockets
I remember when my single mom used to come home from work and she’d barely have her shoes off before all three of us kids asked in unison, “what’s for dinner?” Even at a young age, I could sense the stress my mom was under, working full time, keeping us in our house after my parent’s … Continue reading
Fast Suppers without Fast Food
Want a fast dinner that doesn’t involve delivery or going through the drive-through window? These two recipes are meals kids and “big kids” love and something you can feel good about. Chicken nuggets are something that even adults admit to secretly loving. This recipe is only 5 ingredients and makes 30 nuggets so you can have enough for … Continue reading
Twin Cities Live and Cub Foods $20 Chef Challenge
A few times a year, Twin Cities Live asks their favorite chefs to compete against each other in a food challenge. I’ve participated in their Mother’s Day Challenge, Cream of Mushroom Soup Challenge and the Minnesota State Fair Food on a Stick Challenge. I was the runner up in both the Mother’s Day and Soup contest and won the Food on … Continue reading
Ice Cream Treats
As a child I would bolt out of the house as soon as I heard the ice cream truck bell ringing and was quick to pick out the brightest bubblegum laden treat. Now almost 2, my daughter Stella is too young to know about the ice cream man but she knows she has an “ice … Continue reading
Hot Dogs
Summer is finally here in Minnesota; we’ve only waited 8 months for it to happen. I think being cooped up for so long makes us crazy for getting outdoors, especially to grill. I recently checked out Nate Dogs, you can read that post here and was inspired to come up with a creative hot dog … Continue reading
Hawaiian Pancakes
It’s not everyday a girl gets to make pancakes for a supermodel! Well I got to do just that on Friday, March 25 on Twin Cities Live for Cheryl Tiegs! Twin Cities Live was doing a spring break special and asked that I create a Hawaiian-inspired recipe. My thoughts immediately turned to the Hawaiian pancakes … Continue reading
Chicken and Dumplings

One of my favorite meals growing up was Chicken and Dumplings and I would request it every year for my birthday dinner. I think its one of the ultimate comfort foods. The beauty of this soup is that you can add whatever vegetables your family likes-corn, potatoes, beans. I love root vegetables so I added … Continue reading
Smoky Crockpot Ribs
This recipe was created for the Twin Cities Live Cream of Mushroom Soup Chef Challenge-I came in a close second! This is a great recipe for the dead of winter when you need a grilling pick-me-up. The ribs get a great texture that is just like being on the grill. The wood chips help give … Continue reading
Green Bean Casserole
Lately everyone has been asking me what I’m cooking up for Thanksgiving. The truth is I think its been close to 8 years since I last had a Thanksgiving turkey in my own oven. We always end up going to a family member’s house or traveling so we are usually in charge of a side … Continue reading
Thanksgiving Dinner on a Stick

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Minnesota State Fair!?! It’s the two best eating events of the year combined! When I was asked to compete in the Twin Cities Live Chef Competition for food on a stick, I knew exactly what I wanted to make. A couple of years ago, I was sitting poolside with my sister … Continue reading

