Pork Chops and 4th of July Food Ideas

July 4th is coming up soon! Here are some ways to color up your food:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d30-July-4th-food-ideas

Easy crusted pork chops:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d30-Crusted-pork-chop-recipe

Candy and Kitchen Tips!

Try these chocolate covered marshmallows:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Chocolate-covered-marshmallow-recipe

Helpful tips to make life a little easier:

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d29-Holiday-tips

Weekend Review: Sunday

Summer salads:

Pasta salad:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m5d18-Easy-pasta-salad-recipe

Corn salad:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d25-Corn-salad-recipe

Avacado salad:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d30-Chunky-avocado-salad-recipe

Watermelon salad:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d16-Watermelon-salad-recipe

Easy frosting:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d13-Easy-frosting-recipe

Lemon cookies:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d13-Bisquick-cookie-recipe

Weekend Review: Saturday

Have cinnamon at the house? Check out all the things you can use it for:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d25-Cinnamon

Need a healthy snack for your family this weekend: Try this easy granola:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d2-Honey-granola-recipe

Save money on your grocery bill with these tips:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d29-Save-money-on-groceries

Organize yourself for Christmas now / Spend more time with family later:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-National-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m5d27-How-to-get-organized-for-Christmas

Try these on your family this weekend. Easy stuffed mushrooms:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m5d15-Stuffed-mushroom-recipe

Pop this in the oven and get your house smelling good:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d29-Sausage-peppers-and-onions-recipe

Beef Stroganoff and Christmas Decorating Ideas!

Here are some great Christmas decorating ideas that are very budget friendly!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d26-Easy-Christmas-decorating-ideas

This Beef Stroganoff recipe is also budget friendly and easy to prepare!

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d26-Beef-stroganoff-recipe

Jello Salad and Cheesy Cookies!

This is a recipe that I came up with when I was wanting a sweet jello salad! It went over great with the family when I brought it for our Christmas celebration!

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Jello-fruit-salad-recipe

Now, try this cheesy cookie recipe. This is great to make with children because it is so easy to prepare. It will work great with any pasta dish!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d25-Cheesy-cookie-recipe

Dip, Hot Pockets and Cards!

Here is a wonderful spinach dip recipe that you can eat hot or cold!

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d23-Easy-spinach-dip-recipe

Save money and make your own hot pockets!

Chicken and broccoli:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d24-Chicken-broccoli-hot-pocket-recipe

Do you go through this every year: Time to send Christmas cards...I need to get some!

Here are some solutions for you and you can start now!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d24-Christmas-card-ideas

Family craft and drink!

Feed the birds!

Here is a great family craft for any time of year:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d23-Bird-foof-cookies

Family drink:
http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d23-Easy-root-beer-float-recipe

Journal idea and family drink #2!

Here is a great idea about how to remember your Holidays:

This something to start now:
Christmas Journal:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d22-Christmas-journal

Here is the second in my, "family friendly drink" series:
Ginger Ale and sherbet drink:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d22-Ginger-Ale-and-sherbet-drink-recipe

Weekend Review: Sunday!

Here are some easy recipes for you to try with your family:

I know it is hot outside, but this will be a fun time together: (inside)

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d5-Prepare-for-Christmas-now

Try this on Monday or Tuesday:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d19-Crockpot-beef-casserole

Create your own family recipe:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d18-Muffins

Try this for a quick weeknight dessert:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d23-Chocolate-cream-cheese-pie-recipe

Start your week with something new:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d12-Make-you-own-flavored-coffee-at-home

Make these and freeze them to be enjoyed through the week:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d20-Banana-strawberry-pancake-recipe

Weekend Review: Saturday

Here are some great recipes to make for Dad:

Peanut butter cookies: (with new slideshow pictures)

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d21-Easy-peanut-butter-cookie-recipe

A wonderful treat, icebox cake:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d29-Ice-box-cake-recipe

Loaded scrambled eggs:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d1-Scrambled-egg-recipe

Butterscotch cheesecake:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d26-Butterscotch-cheesecake-recipe

Brownie ideas:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d12-Flavor-up-your-brownies

New Drink Recipe Series and a New Book!

Hello! I am starting a new series of drink recipes that you will find fit for the entire family!

Here is the first one:

Cherry Soda:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d19-Cherry-soda-recipe

I hope you have been enjoying my book reviews! All of these books are great! Here is the newest:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d19-Busy-peoples-fun-fast-festive-Christmas-cookbook-review

Chai Spice and Strawberry Jam

Have you ever made your own jam? After making this and tasting it, I NEVER want to buy store bought jam again!

Strawberry Jam:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d18-Strawberry-banana-freezer-jam-recipe

I came up with this spice recipe one night while watching the Food Network! It is great for baking!

Chai Spice Sugar:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d18-Chai-sugar-recipe

Cinnamon Sugar and Coconut Custard Pie!

Today I am sharing 2 easy recipes!

The coconut pie recipe requires no bake time!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m5d26-Easy-coconut-custard-pie-recipe

The cinnamon sugar recipe is easy and the article includes and idea for cinnamon toast!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d17-Cinnamon-sugar-recipe

Watermelon Salad & Spices!

Would you like to save money on spices?

Here is a recipe for pumpkin pie spice:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d16-Pumpkin-pie-spice-recipe

In the mood for watermelon?

Watermelon salad:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d16-Watermelon-salad-recipe

Chocolate Mousse Pie and Kitchen Gifts Book Review!

Here is a recipe for a super easy no-bake chocolate mousse pie:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d15-Easy-chocolate-mousse-pie

Need tons of ideas about what you can make as a gift from your kitchen?

This book is for you:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d15-Gifts-from-the-Christmas-kitchen-book-review

The Weekend Review!

I have decided to post past recipes each weekend. I will call it, "The Weekend Review".

Here are this weekends recipes:

Making Brownies:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m3d12-Flavor-up-your-brownies

Girl Scout Apple Cobbler:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d13-Girl-Scout-apple-cobbler-recipe

Fruit Dip:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m5d28-Fruit-dip-recipe

Punchbowl Trifle:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d17-Cherry-pineapple-punchbowl-trifle-recipe

Breakfast Banana Splits:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m4d2-Breakfast-banana-split-recipe

NEW!!!!

Sausage Dip:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d12-Sausage-dip-recipe

Sausage dip and a book review!

Ready for an easy and delicious dip recipe?

Sausage Dip (in the crockpot):

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d12-Sausage-dip-recipe

If you want to read a good boo that will mae you laugh:

Quacker Factory Christmas:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d12-Quacker-Factory-Christmas-book-review

Scrapbooking and Chicken!

Do you keep a scrapbook? Have you set it aside to help you save money?

I have some great ideas for you on how to scrapbook on a budget!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d11-Scrapbook-on-a-budget

Do you enjoy chicken and dumplings? My dad gave me is recipe and it is wonderful!

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d11-Chicken-and-dumplings-recipe

Apple snacks and Iced Tea... Plus Scallops!

If you enjoy apples, these will be especially pleasing to you!

Apple Iced Tea:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Apple-iced-tea

Great snack to make for and with your children:

Apple Cinnamon Shakeups:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Apple-cinnamon-shakeup-recipe

Another Christmas Eve dish we make:

Scallop Kabobs:

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d10-Scallop-kabobs-recipe

Clams, Cookies and Chocolate!

Check out these new recipes:

Another seafood recipe for you:

Clam balls (that evolved from a stuffed clam recipe, the year we lost the clam shells):

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d9-Clam-ball-recipe

Russian tea cake cookies (snowballs):

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d9-Russian-Tea-Cake-recipe-snowballs

and

A chocolate brownie trifle (a chocolate lovers dream come true):

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d9-Brownie-trifle-recipe

I hope you enjoy everything!

Cookies, Scones and Lasagna!

I am sharing some family recipes with you today!

You may know that I am Italian and that I grew up celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve with fish! Over the years, we have tried some new fish / seafood recipes. Here is one for you to try:

Seafood Lasagna:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d8-Seafood-lasagna-recipe

This cookie recipe has been in my family for many years:

Italian Love Knots:

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d8-Italian-love-knot-cookie-recipe

And this recipe, I made up myself:

Pe-Cran Scones:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d8-Pecan-cranberry-scone-recipe

Nanaimo bar recipe and Getting organized!

Are you in the mood for something rich and creamy? These Nanaimo bars will be perfect for you. This is one of the best bar recipes I have ever tasted!

Nemo bar recipe (read about why I call them the Nemo bar):

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d5-Nanaimo-bar-recipe

Here is a great idea about how to get yourself organized!

Try some new recipes!

http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d5-Prepare-for-Christmas-now

New Recipes!

Are you ready to try some new recipes for you and your family? Well, I have some for you to give a try!

Here is a meatball or meatloaf recipe that you will truly enjoy:

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d3-Meatball-or-meat-loaf-recipe

This pumpkin turnover recipe you can make all year round:

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d3-Pumpkin-pie-turnover

Try out this green bean casserole recipe now! By the time Thanksgiving and Christmas comes, you will not have to try and finad a recipe you like!

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d3-Green-bean-casserole-recipe

Pecan Pie and Gifts

Ready for pecan pie? You can take this pecan pie recipe and easily turn it into a chocolate pecan pie! Check it out!

http://www.examiner.com/x-5523-Raleigh-Cooking-Examiner~y2009m6d1-Pecan-pie-recipe

Are you having company or maybe a party coming up? Here are some great ideas on how to prepare your home for your guests...

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-National-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d1-How-to-prepare-your-home-for-guests

Do you know someone who loves to bake or cook? Here are some great ideas on how to put together the perfect gift for the baker or cook in your life!

http://www.examiner.com/x-11697-National-Christmas-Examiner~y2009m6d1-Gift-ideas-for-a-baker

Enjoy!