Every now and then – okay, more like nearly every day – there is something in the news that catches my attention … and passion. Sometimes it’s about food or food-related issues, sometimes it’s about everyday life and living. If it lights a fire under me, it’ll be here for you to read!
This article was a combined effort. Thanks to Christi Mathis wit SIU News! Two Southern Illinois University Carbondale professors have advice on how to keep the popular New Year’s resolutions of eating healthier, losing weight, starting a new hobby and spending more time with family: cook at home. Cooks and dietitians don’t always see eye…
I have a rather large cookbook collection, especially if you include all the digital cookbooks I have amassed for pennies in the last few years. While I have many that I love, there are few modern cookbooks that sit at the top of my favorites list. My top 5 (okay, 6) modern cookbooks are below…
I will be hosting cooking demonstrations at the Murphysboro, Illinois Farmers’ Market two Saturdays a month this season! This is definitely something that has been on my bucket list. I enjoy helping folks learn what to do with our local produce which, in turn, entices them to shop and eat local. I am very blessed…
Over the years, I’ve tried many kitchen gadgets and tools looking for ways to make dinner prep easier or quicker. Some have been awesome while others fell short. Here is a list of my favorites – in no particular order. Some, admittedly, are on the pricier side. But I think they’re totally worth the splurge….
I have been off work for a couple weeks recovering from carpal tunnel surgery, and have had more time than usual to watch my favorite morning TV shows. This week in particular, I noticed more food TV personalities sharing memories of the food they ate during their childhood. The Chew aired an entire show about…
Good Morning America is a morning ritual for me. Sometimes I watch 15 minutes, sometimes I watch all two hours (if I’m home for the day!) This morning, they aired a segment titled “Secrets to a Better Marriage: Splitting Chores Can Help” that described how changing the traditional roles of who does what in a…
Food and history are my passions … and I love reading food blogs from around the world. The following four blogs are ones I go to over and over. Each, in some way, reflects my interest in my own heritage and the foods that have impacted it and inspired me to keep learning. Food Blog…
My friends ask me all the time what my favorite kitchen gadgets are. Gadgets have to really make sense and make my life easier for me to buy them. Sometimes, it’s easier to just pick up a good knife and do things the old fashioned way! However, I’ve found these 5 kitchen gadgets and tools…
Ever since I started using a computer, I started using recipe management software. That was a long time ago … and that first software is long gone! When I began blogging, I started looking for a recipe manager that would fit my needs to organize recipes I create for my blog as well as recipes I…
I recently discovered a cookbook titled “Fifteen Cent Dinners for Families of Six“, an 1877 version of a budget friendly cookbook for immigrants living in New York City. Originally published by Juliet Corson, this cookbook is now part of the American Antiquarian Society’s cookbook collection. Corson, the founder of the New York Cooking School, published…
I’ve never found what I considered a “black sheep” ancestor among the branches of my family tree. There have been a few that I wondered about … you know, the ones who seem to disappear into thin air, or even appear from thin air. I’ve never actually proven that scoundrels existed in my family. I’m…
When I logged on to Ancestry.com this morning, I was met with a message about their updated website. Of course, I was given the choice of keeping with the familiar website or checking out the new one. I jumped at the new one … for one reason … lifestory. Out of curiosity, I clicked on…
I received a wonderful surprise last night when I checked in on Twitter … Valerie Hughes, who writes Genealogy with Valerie, nominated me for the “One Lovely Blog Award”. I am very honored to be recognized by such a great blogger and author! Thank you, Valerie! The rules for this award are as follows: Thank…
Let me just say it out loud … I love this Coca-Cola commercial and the stance they take with its contents. I am American … but I came from somewhere, rather my family did. I have a teeny tiny drop of Native American Indian in my DNA and the rest is German, Scottish, English, French…
My mom bought me this cute little egg cooker for Christmas … it’s made by Dash. I wanted to use it for awhile before writing a review and, come to find out, they’ve release a new one! Oh, well. Amazon has the new Dash DEC005BU BLUE 6 Egg Rapid Cooker w/ Poaching Tray & Measuring…
When I first saw the clip of Megyn Kelly telling all of us that Santa is White, I thought, “Hmmm, …” and I won’t repeat what followed. I haven’t really followed the drama since her statements … it was an ill-fated piece of political satire … but this came to my attention again today while…