April 24th is national pigs-in-a-blanket day. Although usually they’re made with mini sausages, in the United States they’ve grown in size (surprise surprise) to become an actual meal rather than simply a small appetizer. Rolling up full size hot dogs in ‘whack-a-can’ crescent rolls, pigs in blankets are family (and kid) favorites that are easy, quick, and yummy. Plus how cute is the name? Although I don’t think I’ve ever really seen an actual pig in a blanket. What do you like with yours?

Valentine’s day is about love, and one of the things I love most about the holiday is the first meal of the day, breakfast.  It sets the mood for the day and, in our home, fills you up until that romantic dinner you’ve planned.  The theme always revolved around love inspired colors, and tastes. Comfortable, homey dishes that had a little romantic flair to them.  I’ve gathered some menu options and ideas that will help start off your day of love as deliciously as possible with a pinch of romance.

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happy chinese new year!

Here’s another recipe that will help you celebrate the lunar new year of the ox.  Almond Tofu is also known as almond jelly and is a popular dessert in Hong Kong as well as other Asian countries.  However you celebrate the new lunar year, whether it be with an authentic Chinese banquet or simply a cup-a-noodle, we hope it’s prosperous and full of luck.  Maybe you’ll even get a lucky red pocket.

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This spice, native to China and Vietnam, brings a licorice flavor to dishes and is a bit stronger than regular anise. It is used in traditional Chinese cooking, as well as Chinese medicine. Although it may seem unrelated to Christmas and the holidays, there are many traditional holiday recipes that debut this robust spice. Regardless of it’s festive shape, I’m sure you didn’t realize the taste of black licorice was so merry.

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I guess I’m being a bit facetious in saying that cookies are in season here in Utah, or that they even have one. But honestly, cookies do have a certain window of time when they are found in abundance. The holidays are that time. I want to share with you one of my favorites.

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Anywhere in the Caribbean is worth the trip, but if you’ve never been to Puerto Rico, you haven’t seen the best of the best. It’s a beautiful island with incredible people, scenery, food and of course, fabulous beaches. Ponce, Rincon, El Yunque, and La Fortaleza are only a few of the places you should be sure to visit. Don’t forget to keep your eyes open to spot a coqui frog.

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Looking for another side dish that would be perfect for your Thanksgiving meal? Here’s one that pairs a winter squash with an all time Thanksgiving original, rice.

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“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” A. A. Milne

The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving, a holiday all about food, is in two weeks. It’s time to start thinking about preparations. Think it’s too early? Well, I assure you the sooner you prepare and plan, the more relaxed and enjoyable your holiday will be. Here are a few tips and ideas for a wonderful holiday feast with family and friends.

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If you love this fungus fresh, you’ll never stop sauteing them once you start. Sauteing mushrooms is easy, and well worth the time put into them (it doesn’t take too
long). They’re a delicious accompaniment to an entrée, tossed with a salad, added to a soup or sauce, or savored one by one purely by itself.

How do you like your mushrooms?

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Alright all you Harry Potter fans, we know you’ve all dreamed about what butterbeer actually tastes like. Well luckily, you don’t have to be a witch or wizard to find out. Throughout the world wide web you’ll find an array of recipes devout to J.K. Rowling’s make believe beverage. You can even make it a Halloween tradition to try different recipes and eventually make up your own. Or, you can try our sweet tooth quenching version.
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