I try to cook healthy but sometimes, well, let’s just say these appetizers aren’t the healthiest foods I’ve ever made but boy are they good! And the way I look at it, an occasional “splurge” not only tastes good, but satisfies my craving for something decadent. What I like about these appetizers is that once […]
HUMMUS SKULL PLATTER & PRETZEL MUMMIES…Quick & Easy Halloween Treats
Entertaining during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to go to a lot of trouble. Sure you can throw a party or host a formal dinner, which will require more time and money, or simply invite friends over for cocktails, games, and munchies. If we’re having a large number of people over I will ask […]
Roasted Radishes…Seriously Delicious (And Easy)…Who Knew?
The radish…an edible root vegetable that while I enjoy eating, I’ve always considered more of just a garnish or something to add to a green salad for color and crunch. I’ve never even thought about the nutritional benefits of the simple, and usually very cheap, radish. Nor had I ever even thought of eating them […]
Easy Super Bowl Snacks….Quick, Inexpensive & Delicious
Chicken wings, potato skins, pigs in a blanket and tortilla roll-ups….these are basic (and easy) appetizers that you can customize to fit your budget, taste, and time.
Super Bowl Party Ham & Cheese Sliders (Or Anytime Sliders!)
Last week my husband and I were at a friend’s house with a few other friends and everyone brought a dish to share. The dish that went home empty belonged to my friend Beth, who made these Super Bowl Party Ham & Cheese Sliders. They looked and smelled amazing. I unfortunately couldn’t taste them since […]
Spicy Sausage & Kale Stew with Olive Oil Mashed Potatoes – $10 or Less Meal
This spicy sausage and kale stew is super easy, cooks in the crock pot, and most importantly, is rich and delicious. When my husband saw me putting the ingredients together he said it sounded “interesting,” but I could tell he was in no hurry to taste-test. Later I found him rummaging through the fridge and pantry, […]
Leftover Turkey Ideas
Here’s a few simple and easy ideas of how you can use it up and not waste any of your bird. And if you have time, why not spend a couple of hours creating a few dishes to freeze for later….will save you time and money in the long run.
Bourbon-Citrus Punch….I Never Have A Drop Left!
This bourbon-citrus punch is one I have been making since 1999 and everyone always asks for the recipe. It’s easy, festive looking, and delicious.
Jalapeno Popper Meatballs
I love serving meatballs as an appetizer, snack, main meal or of course with any type of pasta. These can be made ahead which makes them especially great for larger crowds. I prefer to bake my meatballs, which I feel makes them a bit more healthy and a lot more easy to clean up, with […]
Talking Turkey….What Kind, How Much, How To & More….
Ever wonder what the turkey labels really mean? And is fresh better than frozen? Organic healthier than not? Should you spend the extra dollar amount on a natural turkey?
Spooky Eggs & How To Make The Perfect Hard Boiled Egg
I make deviled eggs for any and every get-together we have. They are inexpensive and easy to make and you can add different ingredients to change things up.
Batty Cheese Balls
These homemade cheese ball bats are so easy to make and are a perfect appetizer for Halloween entertaining. I used my favorite cheese ball recipe for these but you can use your own recipe if you prefer. Because I make these when I entertain, I make a big batch which can feed up to 20 people […]
Today On FOX21 News…How to Freeze Summer Herbs & Veggies (AND Lots of Recipes!)
Make Your Own Frozen Veggies…Saves Money &Time…And Tastes Great! EASY SKILLET CORN Ready in 10 minutes Serves 4 for approx. $2.50 INGREDIENTS – 2 tablespoons butter 1-2 garlic cloves, minced 2 cups frozen corn pinch of paprika salt and pepper to taste (I sometimes add a bit of chopped jalapeno or slice […]
Father’s Day Dinner – Today on FOX21 News
Today Lauren McDonald, FOX21 News Morning Reporter, joined me in the kitchen and around the grill to whip up a delicious, easy and affordable meal perfect for Father’s Day. Here are the recipes… Frozen Boozy Arnold Palmer Crack Dip SPICY GRILLED CORN ON THE COB When I was telling Trig and Ashley […]
Crack Dip
I’ve been making this dip for years and I guarantee you there won’t be any leftovers! The recipe takes about 10 minutes to pull together and requires only 6 ingredients. In the past I could whip this up for about $5 to $6 but that was with me shopping sale prices and visiting a couple […]
Frozen Boozy Arnold Palmer
This refreshing cocktail is the perfect drink on a warm summer day and something different your dad might enjoy on Father’s Day. I actually found this recipe on one of my favorite sites (epicurious.com) and was pleased with how easy, affordable, and delicious it was. The recipe calls for store bought or homemade lemonade. We […]
Today on FOX21…Fun & Affordable St. Patrick’s Day Food, Drinks, & Crafts
Joining me in the kitchen today is my favorite morning news reporter, FOX21 Lauren McDonald. We’re whipping up everything you need for a fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Drinks, food, table decor and more. All on a budget, simple, and delicious. And if you’re looking for last-minute green anything, from clothes to dishes, check out […]
Irish Cottage Pie – Feeds 4 for About $10
This is such an easy and affordable dish for a fun Saint Patrick’s day meal, or any night of the week. And all of the ingredients are things you typically have on hand or are easily found at the grocery store. You can keep this gluten free by using gluten free Worcestershire sauce and broth. […]
Cucumber Lime Basil Sparkling Spritzer
With touches of green (lime, basil, cucumber) this sparkling wine drink is perfect for Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s light, refreshing, and super simple. This would also be delicious on a warm summer day. CUCUMBER LIME BASIL SPARKLING SPRITZER Makes 1 serving for approximately $2.35 INGREDIENTS – 1 lime, juiced 4 basil leaves 4 cucumber slices […]
Mint Chocolate Chip Popcorn
I think anything green can be served on St. Patrick’s Day, including this minty chocolate chip popcorn. Super easy and just fun! MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP POPCORN Ingredients: 4 cups popped popcorn 3 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons butter 1/8 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon mint extract few drops of green food color 1 to 2 tablespoons chocolate […]