Better-than-takeout chicken fried rice

One Tuesday afternoon, I couldn’t stop thinking about a pressing question: Just WHAT was I going to have for dinner tonight? My husband was gone in Indianapolis for a conference and so that meant the sky was the limits. I could make all the things he hates BUT I LOVE: chicken parmesan, rice..YES. I am…

‘Out of this world’ salted caramel brownies

Ever bite into something so good that you feel like you’ve been transported to a whole new world? Let me introduce you to the delectable salted caramel brownie. And not just any one. These gems by “Brown Eyed Baker” Michelle are, by far, the best brownies I’ve ever had. And I happened to make them…

Homemade beef chili with a kick

I know, I know. I already have a chili post on here. But this recipe is so good (thanks for the base, BigOven) that I don’t even care. Plus, it’s really cold out and it has me thinking nonstop about a good bowl of chili. And yes, of course I had some for dinner the past…

Restaurant-quality sausage gravy

There are few things I enjoy more for a delicious breakfast or brunch than biscuits and gravy. I’ve always enjoyed it, but must admit that Justin’s mom sparked my craving that much more (gee, thanks, Sue!) Whenever we visited at his parent’s house, it was almost a given we’d have one of a few breakfast…

Winter Vegetable Soup

Happy 2015, everybody! As I reflected on what my New Year Resolutions would be, I came back to the one thing I vowed to do more of last year: write. I am kicking it up a notch this year and plan to also update this blog at least a couple times a week. For you…

Potato soup

Who can resist a piping hot bowl of potato soup? Certainly not me. If you can’t, either, you’ll want to read on for how to make an absolutely delicious version of a potato–and even ham–soup for those chilly fall and winter nights. Now, if you ask me what kinds of potato soup I enjoy, it’ll…

Red velvet cookies with white chocolate chips

So it’s the holiday season, and that means one thing: There will be baking. Lots of it. Okay, fine. It means two things. 2). I will also make frequent trips Starbucks. For holiday drink rewards. For entries into the big ‘Starbucks For Life’ contest. Oh, and caffeine. You can’t forget the caffeine. Anyways, back to what…

Ham & bean soup

After a long hiatus, I am back! But don’t worry – I HAVE been cooking..and baking. Definitely baking. You know how it goes: you start making something, get caught up in dishes/doing other things around the place, and you suddenly realize you are starving. Before you know it, your entire dish is gone. Vanished. Done….

‘Sweet’ Sloppy Joe and BBQ baked beans

This was one of the very first meals I remember making for Justin and myself. It was also around the time when I was just starting to learn how to cook, so I admittedly didn’t really know how to make my own barbecue sauce. Even if it was something simple for a Sloppy Joe sandwich….

Beef Stew

“Holy crap, it smells good in here!” Those were my husband’s words he texted me while I was at work one day. He was referring to how the condo smelled after I made this beef stew for the first time. The secret to this entrancing smell? Herbs. Using LOTS of herbs. In fact, at least…