Crispy Shrimp with Scallions and Ginger

Take out Chinese food is so disappointing. Is that the Kung Pao Shrimp or the Szechaun Shrimp? Kind of taste the same. Here’s an easy and fast shrimp dish that you can make in less time than it takes to get delivery and it’s so much better. Crispy Shrimp with Scallions and Ginger  Serves: 4 […]

Béarnaise Sauce

I wish this was Julia Child’s recipe, but truthfully, I have never had great results with her hollandaise or bearnaise sauces. The fault is all mine, but fortunately, I learned a more reliable recipe from L’Academie de Cuisine: Béarnaise Sauce Serves 4-6 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes 1 small shallot 1 sprig […]

Slow Cooked Chicken Veracruz-Style

When you think Rick Bayless, you think Topolobampo or Top Chef Masters champion, but what about slow cooker recipes? Really? Yep. Bayless has a few wonderful stews that work in the slow cooker. This one is adapted from “Mexican Everyday.” It’s not too spicy—so everyone loves it—and it’s super easy. Slow Cooked Chicken Veracruz-Style Serves: […]

Spaghetti with Easy Bolognese Sauce Recipe

  Bolognese is a meat sauce from Northern Italy that takes hours to simmer. This version simplifies the steps and shortens the cooking time, but the sauce is still flavorful and delicious. Totally kid friendly. Serves: 6 Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes • 1 onion • 1 carrot, peeled • 1 celery […]

Boo Fondue

  On a night when the candy is calling, tempt your little ghouls with a cheesy fondue made with parmesan, a kid favorite. A little trick to get them to eat their veggie treats. Serves: 6 Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 15 min Ingredients 1 1/2 cups milk 1 garlic clove, smashed 2 packages […]

‘Ghost Brains’ Steamed Cauliflower Recipe

  Cauliflower becomes a much more popular vegetable when it’s served with a cheesy fondue and called “ghost brains.”   Serves: 6 Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 10-15 min. Ingredients 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets   1. Put a rack or vegetable steamer into a larger pot with a tight fitting lid. […]

Skeleton Bones Breadstick Recipe

  Another great addition to the Boo Fondue are “Skeleton Bones” breadsticks for dipping. Serves: 6 Prep time: 5 min. Cook time: 15 min. Ingredients 1 package refrigerated breadsticks (11 oz.)   1. Preheat oven to 375°. 2. Open breadstick package and separate into 12 breadsticks. Pull to elongate, then snip the ends with kitchen […]

Turkey Thighs Braised in Cider Recipe

  Fall flavors on a plate. This delicious dish uses apples and cider to turn inexpensive turkey thighs into a tender and kid-friendly entrée. Most of the cooking time is untended. While it’s tucked in the oven, you can get on with your busy day.   Serves: 6 Prep time: 20 min. Cook time: 2 […]

Kids and Money

Today’s banking industry isn’t making it easy to teach your child to save. My son’s savings account earned 20 cents in interest last year. “Pathetic,” was his response. And he’s right. But that started a family discussion about why we save and how to keep money safe. The goal is to help my kids develop […]

Thanksgiving Countdown

As you gear up for Turkey Day, there are a lot of details that need to be tended. So that you don’t forget one of the “big ticket” items, here’s our recommendation of a Thanksgiving timeline:     Now Order your fresh, local turkey.   1 week before Finalize menu Assign guests dishes to bring […]