akcooker
EASY AND DELICIOUS SPLIT PEA SOUP

EASY AND DELICIOUS SPLIT PEA SOUP

CROCK POT SPLIT PEA SOUP This is the time of year when I would start saying to Allen, “I’m cold…”.  In his diligence to control heating costs, he typically tried to ignore me for a while. Most people who know me are aware of the fact that I am not very...

DELICIOUS AND EASY ASPARAGUS GRINDERS

DELICIOUS AND EASY ASPARAGUS GRINDERS

After my last post featuring grinders (see it here, if you missed it), I started wondering if I could make a vegetarian version that would be as satisfying as the meat filled originals. I think I came up with something good! My daughter in law, Nichole, was a willing...

THE GRANDIOSE GRINDER: NOW THAT’S A SANDWICH!

THE GRANDIOSE GRINDER: NOW THAT’S A SANDWICH!

Long before Allen became my husband, he introduced me to the Grinder: first at Bell’s Pizza in East Lansing. Then, we moved to the Ann Arbor area (with a few stops in between for teaching jobs in Battle Creek and Alma). Allen was so happy when we discovered another...

LEMON SALMON PASTA QUICK AS A FLASH!

LEMON SALMON PASTA QUICK AS A FLASH!

Allen used to tease me about the fact that I always wanted to cook more salmon than needed for dinner just so I could have leftover salmon for breakfast.  There is nothing better than a cup of hot coffee and cold leftover salmon.  I don’t care what the flavor is....

THE BEST AUTUMN SALAD WITH CRISPY JICAMA

THE BEST AUTUMN SALAD WITH CRISPY JICAMA

“Uhh, what’s Jicama?” was Allen’s response the first time I told him we were going to have Jicama (pronounced HEE-kah-mah) in a salad.  Jicama is a globe-shaped root vegetable with a light brown, papery skin, and white interior.  I have heard it described as a cross...

THE CREAMIEST AND BEST RICE PUDDING

THE CREAMIEST AND BEST RICE PUDDING

This is the quote from Gourmet Magazine, JANUARY 2002, that compelled me to make rice pudding like no other : Francoise Joiris of New York, New York writes: "In honor of our firefighters lost on September 11, could you please rerun the article and recipes you...

NOTHIN’ BETTER THAN STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE!

NOTHIN’ BETTER THAN STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE!

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE Allen’s favorite summertime dessert was Strawberry Shortcake.  I learned early on in our marriage that he loved the biscuit type of shortcake much more than the yellow sponge cake version. Since I agreed wholeheartedly, I decided to develop a not...

VERSATILE NAAN BREAD MAKES GREAT PIZZAS

VERSATILE NAAN BREAD MAKES GREAT PIZZAS

The first time I made these for the family, they were an instant hit with adults and kids alike.  And talk about easy…about 15 minutes total work/cooking time and only three ingredients.  What’s not to like about that?! The base for these quick pizza-like...

SUMMER TIME AND THE COOKIN’ IS EASY…

SUMMER TIME AND THE COOKIN’ IS EASY…

Farro is one of my favorite grains: easy to cook, holds up well in a salad, has a great nutty flavor and chewy texture.  Personally, I think it is the most satisfying of grains that are good for us. It is also versatile, inexpensive, readily available, and sits nicely...