The military tends to move its service members and their families to places that the family members, particularly the spouse, may have never dreamed of living. My husband, being a United States Marine, didn’t have the ability to choose some of the glamorous locales available to the other services. At one time I found myself sobbing about how much I hated living in the middle of the Mohave Desert when another Marine Corps spouse gave me some very sound advice, “You have to grow where you are planted, honey.” That gooey, corny advice, complete with southern drawl did not sit well with this on-the-verge-of –a-complete- meltdown North Easterner. But, once I stopped feeling sorry for myself I realized she was right. I started to look around me. I discovered that the desert wasn’t a flat, one dimensional, seemingly sterile land. It was a living, breathing environment that hid its precious... Read the Rest →
These individual potato and onion tarts are the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. They look fabulous on the table. Of course, when we have large gatherings we make large portions that are placed on the dining or buffet table. But, it is always impressive to add at least one side dish that is made for each individual. These tarts are perfect. They are easy to make, look fantastic and taste even better. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of onions, you will love the buttery goodness of these potato and onion tarts. We recommend that you try to make your own puff pastry (pate feuilletee.) There is nothing like home made puff pastry. And, once you make a batch it can be kept in the freezer. The recipe below makes about two pounds of puff pastry so it will last for several recipes. Of course, with everyone busy,... Read the Rest →
These individual potato and onion tarts are the perfect accompaniment to any holiday meal. They look fabulous on the table. Of course, when we have large gatherings we make large portions that are placed on the dining or buffet table. But, it is always impressive to add at least one side dish that is made for each individual. These tarts are perfect. They are easy to make, look fantastic and taste even better. Even if you aren’t a huge fan of onions, you will love the buttery goodness of these potato and onion tarts. We recommend that you try to make your own puff pastry (pate feuilletee.) There is nothing like home made puff pastry. And, once you make a batch it can be kept in the freezer. The recipe below makes about two pounds of puff pastry so it will last for several recipes. Of course, with everyone busy,... Read the Rest →
If you are the parent of a competitive swimmer then you understand how an entire 3 days can be consumed by a swim meet. This past weekend a friend had a small dinner party. I wanted to go because I knew it would be relaxing and the food would be delicious, but the expectation from the hostess as well as guests was that I was to bring dessert. I love the opportunity to bake for a small gathering and not just my family. However, on a swim meet weekend this can be a problem. How can it be done without losing vast hours of sleep? Here are my tips on baking in a pinch: 1. Whenever you make a pie, tart, cookie or any freezable dough double the recipe and freeze the portion you do not use immediately. (Don’t forget to label the dough to be frozen!) 2. You might... Read the Rest →
