tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75147009519229624752012-01-31T16:13:08.010-08:00Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.comBlogger2051100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-22006513157150378562012-01-27T12:55:00.000-08:002012-01-27T12:55:38.662-08:00

Pantry Recipe:don't forget to always have nuts and chocolate chips on hand The title of this recipe was screaming my name. Baking cookies is not exactly my forte. I always forget something, the eggs, the oil, the actual cookies baking in the oven. Last time I made cookies I thought for sure I had it made. I took out prefrozen cookie from the freezer and put them in the oven. 30 minutes later

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-12098860733750576002012-01-23T10:56:00.000-08:002012-01-23T10:56:03.730-08:00

Recipe Trial: I have never made a caponata. So this recipe has been on my radar for a while. I have to say I am kind of in love with it. I am a big eggplant fan (and would dedicate space in my garden to this plump purple veggie if my husband and I were not the only ones eating it) and in this recipe it is just perfect. I love the way eggplant soaks up flavors and makes them better. This

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-1708181162948606752012-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:002012-01-18T13:16:19.947-08:00

Seasonal & Pantry The seasonal side: Do you have makeshift orange street vendors on your city sidewalks? Here in Southern Utah the orange guy is hawking oranges all winter. They bring them from warmer climates. But the truth is oranges are cheap and delicious in January. I bought a giant box that was starting to go bad and so I juiced some of my oranges. For some reason the juice was a little

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-26758098240342090822012-01-14T18:43:00.000-08:002012-01-14T18:43:08.040-08:00

photo by Karynn Jorgensen Pantry Recipe Once a month I post a link to the Taste section on my Alive! Utah magazine. This month we featured 7 soups recipes from Southern Utah cooks. I have tasted most of these soups and they are fantastic. But one of my favorites is the sausage tortellini soup that is amazing and easy and very pantry friendly.  I just made it last week for our friends who watched

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-25187439281190603012012-01-11T12:01:00.000-08:002012-01-11T12:10:12.147-08:00

Recipe Trial #2 Here is how my dinner prep time goes. "Mom, when can we go buy my new shoes?" Mom I don't understand this math problem." "Mom can you sign my homework." Mom have you seen . . .  You get the picture -- everybody in my family needs me the moment I start cooking in earnest. It is kind of ridiculous. By the time I sit down to the table I am just thinking. "hurry pass me some food

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-74578349244483610492012-01-03T19:59:00.000-08:002012-01-03T19:59:47.900-08:00

Recipe Trial So, for my first new recipe of the year I tried a recipe I found on my new addiction. Pinterest. I have to try those recipes too. But I will be getting to the ones floating around my kitchen on scraps of paper as well. I stayed pretty true to the original recipe but I added a few twists. Every kitchen needs a little tweaking going on.  I buy these 4 packs of pork sirloin tip roasts

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-15070366735812998882012-01-01T19:29:00.000-08:002012-01-01T19:29:28.530-08:00

Happy NEW Year! Time for some changes. For the past few years the focus of this blog has been learning how to use food storage and pantry items in a delicious way. I have learned a lot. But by no means do I only cook out of my food storage and so I am rethinking my blog a little. I have a ridiculous amount of recipes that I have vowed to try. They are overflowing out of my recipe cabinet. My New

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-3538422299370456702011-12-12T10:38:00.000-08:002011-12-12T10:38:31.651-08:00

I am kind of addicted to the gift in a little mason jar idea this holiday season. I mean they are adorable and personal and fun to make. I think they are irresistible. I have shared all these recipes with you before in random posts. Well I rounded them all up and made them into an article for my online magazine. Tasty Gifts -- In a Jar. So if you are looking for a sweet homemade gift idea this

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-8907720602405298522011-12-09T20:44:00.000-08:002011-12-09T20:44:02.400-08:00

It's sore throat, coughing season. I have one daughter that has serious coughing issues and frankly I get sick of pouring disgusting tasting cough syrups down her throat that may or may not work. Recently we tried this home remedy and she found such relief from it that we stopped using the cough medicine at night. When my other kids get the sore throat and cough they ask for this drink because it

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-73980746671129282762011-11-29T21:26:00.000-08:002011-11-29T21:26:01.097-08:00

There are days I could eat nothing but chocolate. Today was one of those days. Good thing I had already planned on making these cupcakes. As a member of Foodbuzz I get opportunities to test drive food products as part of a Tastemakers program. Since I often stock up on cake mixes I was pretty giddy about trying the Duncan Hines mixes and Comstock Wilderness Fruit Fillings. Generally, I am not

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-47329957254831662902011-11-17T14:32:00.000-08:002011-11-17T14:32:44.531-08:00

Mason jar pies are all the rage apparently. They are cute little individual servings and they have so many possibilities. * They make amazing Christmas gifts. I am in a quandary over what flavor pie to make as gifts. * Perfect Hostess gifts * You can assemble the pie in the jars, put a lid on them and put them in the freezer until you are ready to bake or give away. You just take them out of

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-22630210149461410632011-11-14T13:39:00.000-08:002011-11-14T13:39:40.580-08:00

I work from home. Which means I eat lunch while working and if I don't have a gameplan, I eat bad fattening food. So, my new favorite lunch idea comes from one of my fave food blogs http://www.emily-malloy.com/ Yes I think you should check her out. Anyway she gave me this idea for lunch-- nutmeg butternut squash -- and I am in love with it. Once a week I go buy myself a small butternut squash.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-12808626719019182602011-11-03T20:10:00.000-07:002011-11-03T20:22:02.654-07:00

Greece calls to me. Its vivid blue waters, ancient architecture, sea breezes and amazing food. I am so excited to able to have a chance to win a trip to Greece through a contest through Foodbuzz sponsored by FAGE. So I am writing about the greek tradition of "Good Living." And guess what, at the bottom of this post you can find out how you can win a trip to Greece too. Sometimes I forget to live

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-13747922111185955302011-10-28T11:23:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:23:10.904-07:00

Where to begin? First I crave lamb stew. I crave stew every day when it gets cold and this is by far one of my favorites. But this lamb stew kind of has a story. I didn't just drive to the grocery store and buy lamb. Partly because I can almost never find lamb in my grocery stores -- which is ridiculous. I live in an area that has a livestock festival this time of year that centers around our

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-63359416283364023692011-10-17T21:04:00.000-07:002011-10-17T21:04:30.705-07:00

My daughter is an October baby through and through. She always asks for a Halloween themed birthday cake. Never mind that she is also very girly. Come October she is ready to be a little creepy. As long as it is still cute. She also loves to have a hand in decorating her own cake.  So one of our birthday activities this year was to decorate her monster cake which we designed together. It was

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-45541900992428120282011-10-12T22:06:00.000-07:002011-10-12T22:06:17.684-07:00

Ham and potatoes are serious comfort food for me. After a long busy day there is nothing like coming home to a crockpot full of this yummy stuff. Now I also love this recipe because it is so food storage and pantry friendly. Potatoes and onions are long storing items and I used my canned smoked ham instead of regular ham and this recipe turned out great. You can certainly use sliced ham for

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-71643217082117732612011-10-02T20:36:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:36:29.456-07:00

How do you love to eat peanut butter? Here is how a delicious new recipe gets born in my house. One of our favorite snacks in our house is green apples and peanut butter. We are also pie people. I am testing out some new crusts for a pie class I am helping teach next weekend.  As a foodbuzz blogger I get opportunities to test food products as part of the Tastemaker program and I

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-40926323474419615332011-09-24T09:54:00.000-07:002011-09-24T09:54:08.806-07:00

Every summer I make a Zucchini chocolate cake. You can see the recipe here. But this year I had to make some changes due to two new circumstances. 1. We discovered we had a child that was lactose intolerant. The original cake and the frosting are murder on her poor 6 year old tummy. It was not fair to make her miss out on one of her favorite treats. And so we went lactose free on the cake and

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-46935543734816289502011-09-12T10:39:00.000-07:002011-09-12T10:39:40.073-07:00

I apologize. This blog has been a little neglected. The truth is I have not been cooking. Unless you count grilled cheese sandwiches and nachos. September is always an insane month for me. And frankly I just run out of time to cook or even eat a real meal. But September is also the month for peaches. And last winter I was so disappointed because I had no canned peaches set aside. So, I promised

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-40437161204543896722011-08-23T16:13:00.000-07:002011-08-23T16:13:00.259-07:00

Blackberries are one of my favorite things about August. During the last two weeks, my blackberry and boysenberry bushes are ripe. Every day for a few weeks I have between a half pint and a pint of my little black beauties. I look forward to foraging for a good 5 to 10 minutes each day in my berry patch. Which means every day I am eating them. I am also saving them. Whatever I don't eat each day

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-22779994989458987892011-08-14T08:13:00.000-07:002011-08-14T08:13:13.280-07:00

This is a blog about storing and preserving things. I love preserving good food but I also think it is important to preserve good memories. My children often go and get photo books off the shelf to look at as if they were some fascinating novel. Now don't get the wrong idea. I am no scrapbooker. Been there tried that. Got really sick of cutting and pasting. However I love making digital

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-16542175322236397402011-08-11T21:25:00.000-07:002011-08-11T21:27:25.622-07:00

Do you store honey in your pantry -- I am talking more than that bear shaped honey jar. Well you should. Honey is amazing. It can be stored forever and it is so healthy and useful for so many things. There is a trend to buy local honey or harvest your own honey sweeping through Utah where I live. Can you buy local honey where you live? At my Southern Utah magazine this month we did a story on

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-75641558888669426522011-07-31T10:12:00.000-07:002011-07-31T15:40:35.043-07:00

This was one of my favorites growing up. And yet I can't tell you how many times I call my Mom every year to get this recipe from her. I keep losing it. So, although you may have this recipe I need to keep it somewhere safe. Like on a foodblog. Plus it is just plain delicious. I used to love it and now my kids love it too. A few tips -- unless you are going to eat it right away, wait to add

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-20169311880408698852011-07-27T13:46:00.000-07:002011-07-27T13:46:19.145-07:00

Do you ever want to go all pioneer/frontier? There is a big movement towards provident living. You know -- Raise your own chickens, canning, make your own soap, cheesemaking. My magazine Alive! Utah is partnering with Nature Hills Farms and the Willow Glen Inn to bring you a 2 day provident living retreat. http://aliveutah.com/content/bizzy-bee-provident-living-retreat or http://

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-22365307513441606402011-07-18T20:43:00.000-07:002011-07-18T20:43:39.447-07:00

Now this is how the grandpas in my family would make an apple pie. Doesn't everything taste better when cooked in an iron skillet or dutch oven? Ok the grandpas did not make this pie. I did, in honor of all the guys in my family who are seduced by anything made in cast iron. I actually saw the idea on television while watching the food show Amusement Park Eats. At Dollywood they make this 25

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-2496411622704622792011-07-13T11:24:00.000-07:002011-07-13T11:24:44.211-07:00

Please forgive me, I have been away for awhile. I mean who really wants to cook in the summer? And so I bring you something so easy it almost can't be counted as cooking. This is really too simple to be a recipe. It's more like a review and a great idea. I am all about making your own pancake mix from scratch. But sometimes I am also about stocking up on a good premade pancake mix. How I love

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-23386744339732399962011-06-16T12:39:00.000-07:002011-06-16T12:42:38.514-07:00

I always feel indulged when I eat a strawberry -- It's good to know they are super healthy for you. Did you know 1 cup of strawberries gives you more than the RDA of Vitamin C. This month on Aliveutah.com we did a story on this superfood. It includes a bunch of really tasty strawberry recipes including strawberrymisu, broiled berry delight, strawberry limeade and this tasty adaption of one of my

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-3169480397424175782011-06-12T14:09:00.000-07:002011-06-12T14:09:39.087-07:00

A while ago I bought powdered eggs and powdered margarine. Today I put them to good use. I made sweet moist cornbread and everything I used was from my pantry and food storage except for the water. And no I did not use one of those gross premixed grocery cornbread mixes. Those always turn out flat and tasteless. This was completely from scratch. Even the hubby was a little shocked that the

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-36478500100321688862011-05-27T07:54:00.000-07:002011-05-27T07:54:56.013-07:00

When I was about 8 or 9 years old, I remember my Mom walking out to the deck and picking chives from the herb box that was still covered in snow. I was amazed how those bright green straws could poke up through the snow and thrive. Now I am all grown up and I grow my own chives. Despite the cold temps and snow we had all through May my chives are abundant in my own garden. They are my first

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-33759356980257494362011-05-17T13:27:00.000-07:002011-05-17T13:27:10.889-07:00

This week I am bringing you a couple DIY seasoning mixes. I know you all love your msg and your additives. But sometimes it's nice to know what your getting and it is even nicer to know that you don't have to run out of these things. You can do it yourself. So let's start with that useful onion soup mix. My favorite use for the Lipton onion soup mix is to mix it in with my hamburger meat when

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-36548227150931222532011-05-03T14:02:00.000-07:002011-05-03T14:05:31.046-07:00

Sometimes I steal borrow things from my Sister -in-law. Last week it was a book. She had it -- I needed to read it. This time I may have "borrowed" her coconut rice recipe and adapted it. You can find her original at eathehughesfoodblogspot.com I try to always keep a can of coconut milk in my pantry. It's one of those things I restock as soon as I use it. Now I am not saying you need to bulk up

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-78275197334229954632011-04-27T20:50:00.000-07:002011-04-27T20:50:22.743-07:00

We interrupt this blog for a little self promotion. My online lifestyle magazine Aliveutah.com is co-hosting a Cook and Taste Event May 12, 13 ,14. This is our second cooking class event. It is a blast and we have an amazing line up of classes. This time I even helping to teach one. SO -- If you live in Southern Utah you have a week and half to sign up for one of these amazing courses.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-44045779701053698642011-04-18T14:28:00.000-07:002011-04-18T14:33:01.883-07:00

What? How do bacon and chayotes have anything to do with a blog devoted to pantry or food storage cooking. Well hold on and I will tell you. I pretty much like to believe that I live the real life version of Food Network's Chopped. I have to make awesome food from what I get. A couple times a month I order a veggie/fruit basket from a food co-op. For $15 I get an amazing amount of produce. But

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-68635423595182340482011-04-17T14:50:00.000-07:002011-04-17T14:53:33.742-07:00

Wow, so excited about all the entries for the Thrive $50 Giveaway. It's time to pick a winner. I did have to eliminate the last two entries because they were made a day after the contest deadline. And so with 54 entries the winner chosen by random generator was drumroll please #52 True Random Number Generator Min: 1 Max: 54 Result: 52 Powered by RANDOM   Congratulations #52 AKA

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-2518457426131972772011-04-15T13:17:00.000-07:002011-04-15T13:17:57.722-07:00

A Quick Reminder: Don't forget to enter the giveaway for $50 in Thrive food products. Enter HERE Who knew tomato powder was so awesome? I am pretty sold on the Thrive tomato powder I received to review from Your Own Home Store. I am a hoarder of tomato products. I store tomato sauce, paste, pizza sauce, stewed tomatoes and now tomato powder. Tomato powder is cool because it has a ridiculously

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-50936225759768154852011-04-09T09:49:00.000-07:002011-04-09T19:15:43.347-07:00

I am so giddy for this giveway. Because this blog is all about learning to use a well stocked pantry or food storage I love giving away food storage items, especially if that means someone can get freeze dried food. I consider freeze dried food the BMW of food storage.  And so Your Own Home Store is offering one of my readers $50 in Thrive product from their store. Anything you want. I am

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-86295253824278287512011-04-08T09:04:00.000-07:002011-04-08T09:52:01.586-07:00

I do so love a challenge. So when Your Own Home Store contacted me and challenged me to recreate my saucy egg and paco dinner (see here for the original recipe) with their Thrive food storage items, I was so excited to see if I could recreate these meals with freeze dried and food storage foods. After all, Pacos (pancake tacos) are a new favorite dinner in our house. It would be good to know I

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-4868550737910975292011-03-31T15:19:00.000-07:002011-03-31T15:19:19.561-07:00

photo courtesy of athensfood.com Did you know tarts are the cupcakes of the pie world? These tarts right here are what prove to me that it is a good idea to keep sweetened condensed milk in the pantry. I love lime flavored things, especially in the spring when I am dreaming of green. I recently served these up at a St. Paddy's day luncheon. mmm mmmm they were gobbled. They were so easy to make,

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-72944956579668942562011-03-22T13:59:00.000-07:002011-03-24T12:54:32.398-07:00

Now in my limited understanding of stocking up on grains I have been taught that three grains are essential for food storage. Wheat, rice and oatmeal. Ummm, boring. I already have all these things and nothing gives me a self sufficiency self esteem boost like grinding my own flour. But I need variety. I need things like flax and bulgur wheat and rye. One of my favorite salads of all time is

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-83233890961016695652011-03-14T13:32:00.000-07:002011-03-15T16:20:41.517-07:00

Light citrus creamy taste. So delightful and so perfect for a spring treat. This is by far my most favorite cupcake recipe. And can I just say I have fallen hard for the cupcake craze. They make me so happy -- cute little cupcakes with their dollop of frosting. I actually got this recipe by changing the coconut cream recipe I got from a master cupcake baker. I didn't have coconut extract so I

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-15068932754610811852011-03-09T09:09:00.000-08:002011-03-09T09:18:08.201-08:00

Italian Sauce Poached Eggs and Pancake Mango Tacos. National Breakfast Day yesterday. What better day to post this tasty Brinner we had the other night. . I love Breakfast for Dinner for so many reasons and these two recipes definitely portray why. I love Brinner but I like to give it a little twist some nights Eggs poached in marinara sauce are so heavenly and filling and easy. I could make

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-38216165923413242312011-03-03T08:41:00.000-08:002011-03-03T08:41:13.696-08:00

That is a mouthful. I have been experimenting with agave syrup as a sweetener. I am trying to stay off refined sugars and that includes in my jams. I never have liked a jam where I can taste more sugar than fruit anyway. I usually make reduced sugar jams. This jam was pure experiment. I have never sweetened my jam with Agave and I almost never make freezer jam. And I decided to combine mango

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-52940440475139479942011-02-24T13:54:00.000-08:002011-02-24T13:54:58.502-08:00

Sweet potatoes and cabbage usually get a bad rap at my house. There are naysayers; people (certain family members) that won't eat these foods on most occasions. This soup (chock full of cabbage) however gets eaten every time I make it and the Latkes or potato pancakes are one of my favorite sides, especially with this hearty stew. Serve on top or as a side dish with a dollop of sour cream. Both

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-72372356424111403202011-02-19T21:24:00.000-08:002011-02-19T21:24:47.917-08:00

I have an olive oil habit. I cook with it at least once a day. Until today I have been a strict user of 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I never knew what the other olive oils were for. I avoided them like the plague. So, when I got the opportunity to test run 3 different olive oils from Crisco -- I took it. I thought, maybe I have been missing something. And truth be told I have been afraid to use

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-62404763535276073052011-02-11T12:31:00.000-08:002011-02-11T12:31:15.844-08:00

Nutella Berry Brownie Bites -- Don't you just want to say that 5 times fast. Of course you do. Now I really meant to post this recipe on February 5th (World Nutella Day). But time got away from me and I got sick. But I do think that there should be a Nutella day every week. And what could be an easier or better treat for all your little Valentines. This recipe is SIMPLE. And I admit a version

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-64453376985267798052011-02-02T08:57:00.000-08:002011-02-02T08:57:08.699-08:00

Featured Food Storage or Pantry Item: Tuna Fish I am so in love with the sauce in this lasagna. It may just be my new favorite way to use canned tuna. I know it sounds scary. Tuna in lasagna? But the Italians often add tuna to their pasta dishes. Yes, canned tuna. Now granted they use tuna canned in oil and I don't buy my tuna in oil but there is an easy remedy for that in this recipe. This

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-1473946480245385292011-01-26T21:17:00.000-08:002011-01-26T21:17:53.761-08:00

I have issues with white sauces or cream based soups or sauce. Maybe, I am just a snob. I like a cream sauce to be perfect and I so rarely can get it to be perfect. So, I was pretty excited to try Shirley J's Universal Cream Sauce. They sent me a huge bag of the stuff to review, enough to try and use with several meals. I decided to try cooking a meal that has me just a tad frightened. CLAM

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-40792845024669989862011-01-19T16:09:00.000-08:002011-01-19T16:13:07.734-08:00

We have a breakfast dinner at our home at least once a month. We rarely eat more than cereal, smoothies or toast for our real breakfast. But we will still love breakfast food. So we have Brinner. One of our favorite dinners is eggs and veggies baked in ham cups. So, when I saw this recipe for Savory Egg stuffed pancake cups in the Costco cookbook I had to give it a try. Their version is way more

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-55454400859691484632011-01-12T13:02:00.000-08:002011-01-12T13:02:37.306-08:00

Just a little peek into the story on Chili Secrets at Aliveutah.com this month. I love chili in all its forms but I definitely have a favorite recipe and this is it. Of course everyone has a favorite chili recipe or a family secret and I definitely have my little "secrets" except that I tell my food secrets to everyone. As I did in this month's Taste article at http://aliveutah.com/content/

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-10898819301892880592011-01-08T21:58:00.000-08:002011-01-08T21:58:22.449-08:00

It has begun. I am going back off refined sugars. I have done it before, for 10 years in fact. And it was good for me. Somewhere along the road I decided I could gorge myself on the stuff again. But I am seriously limiting my sweets to the weekend from now on. So how do I stand the sugar craving. How do I keep my resolution? I remembered I had a couple yummy things in the pantry for a lowfat,

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-55379200111039862712010-12-31T12:02:00.000-08:002010-12-31T12:04:51.915-08:00

Yep I am going to do it. I am going to do a roundup of 2010's top viewed recipes on Pantry Eats. It always amazes me that I can never guess what my most viewed recipes will turn out to be. And some of them are from way back when I first began this blog, while some are from a couple months ago. So in case you missed these recipes the first go round and never found them later on my blog, here

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-72960289417511112552010-12-29T13:24:00.000-08:002010-12-29T13:24:36.705-08:00

It was one of those nights. My plans for dinner went awry when I realized I had no whipping cream and no sun dried tomato pesto left. I hate when that happens. I am the kind of gal who needs to plan her meals in advance or I have no desire to cook come dinner time. And so I wondered what to make at 6:30 tonight when the kids came in from their swimming, play dates and air soft gun wars. They were

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-80952858482487703272010-12-16T15:34:00.000-08:002010-12-16T15:34:39.302-08:00

I now have two favorite corn chowder recipes. The first is meant to be used with fresh corn and so I call that my summer corn chowder. This chowder is definitely my winter chowder. It is creamy and satisfying and uses ingredients easily stored or found in the pantry. I love smoked sausage and keilbasa. It is one of my favorite go to foods. It stores for quite a while and it adds richness to

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-48738567111209612232010-12-04T16:37:00.000-08:002010-12-04T16:37:23.792-08:00

This pic is by one of my favorite photographers and friends Karynn Jorgensen, BloomShoot Photography Tomorrow the annual gingerbread house process will begin. We will start cooking dough and cutting out the shape for a Santa sleigh this year. So fun. Nothing gets me in the spirit like gingerbread house building. Are you decorating gingerbread houses this weekend? Need some fun ideas and expert

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-6894401538104629592010-11-30T21:31:00.000-08:002010-11-30T21:31:33.148-08:00

Here is what happens when your first photo attempts are blurry and you make a yummy new snack. All that ends up being left is an itty bitty little bite left for a photo op. I love apple cider.Which is odd because I hate straight apple juice. Must be all those mulling spices. I am a spicy kind of gal. The 100 percent stuff is my favorite. But in a pinch I will drink the powdered mix stuff.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-73728324873455602192010-11-16T22:16:00.000-08:002010-11-16T22:22:46.898-08:00

We are soup people in the fall and winter and my family especially loves chicken noodle soup. I have a great homemade recipe they love but while it is soup season, it is also cold season. Sometimes we are too tired, too sick and too busy to do a full blown homemade soup. Now my kids and husband love Campbells chicken noodle soup. I am not a fan, unless you count how easy it is. So, I found this

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-42387096780300946562010-11-13T20:44:00.000-08:002010-11-13T20:44:51.270-08:00

The picture didn't turn out great but we've all seen a pumpkin smoothie. Now there are plenty of sweet creamy decadent recipes for pumpkin shakes full of ice cream, sugar and whip cream. That is all good and I am sure that I am going to indulge in at least one of those. But for breakfast or an afternoon healthy snack, I wanted something a little healthier -- which just a touch of decadence.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-12934324025897915192010-11-01T16:31:00.000-07:002010-11-01T16:31:25.254-07:00

My kids and I have a kind of food love affair with dried fruit. We love to snack on dried apples, pineapple, raisins, and apricots. When I tasted some dried pears my sister had packed on her latest road trip -- I knew that a good portion of my half box of pears would make its way onto the dehydrator. I love it when I get good ideas from my sisters. So this is an easy way to use up a surplus of

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-10132294286037642992010-10-27T11:58:00.000-07:002010-10-27T11:58:24.497-07:00

sorry for the worst pic ever. I am sitting here freezing and I don't feel so well. Therefore, I think a little homemade soup sounds perfect right now. I love pasta in all its playful shapes and sizes. I definitely think that every pantry or food storage should have a variety of pasta shapes. As soon as the specialty pasta boxes go on sale I am swooping them into my basket.  Ditalini is one of my

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-44835473323715938722010-10-19T21:37:00.000-07:002010-10-19T21:38:33.917-07:00

Being a devout lover of cooking out of the pantry with a dash of flavor, I love worcestershtire sauce. I use it all the time. So Lea and Perrins sent me some vouchers for the stuff and encouraged me to enter their Shine at Dinnertime Video Recipe Challenge. The grand prize is $10,000. And I am going to do it. Because I want all kinds of tasty ideas on how to use my Lea & Perrins I think you

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-11761220539760004312010-10-13T10:45:00.000-07:002010-10-13T10:45:36.582-07:00

Poor neglected blog. I have been so busy with my magazine I have neglected to post new recipes. So because it is pear season,  I am giving you my new favorite recipe for canned dessert pears. Ususally, I can my pears in 100 percent white grape juice. I am usually anti syrup in my canned fruit until I tried these honey spiced pears. They are delish. I know. I already opened a bottle on accident.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-82289173592849183142010-10-01T15:05:00.000-07:002010-10-01T15:05:25.954-07:00

It's almost too late for this recipe. So I am rushing my pie creation to you as fast as I can. Hopefully, peach season has not completely left. It is obvious from my blog that I am a pie girl. I will always choose pie over cake. Which is one of the reasons I love Fall. I love to bake pie. Well, the peaches were on their way out. They had been sitting on the counter too long and so it was time

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-79504999115741490012010-09-23T14:54:00.000-07:002010-09-23T14:54:12.133-07:00

I have a serious pickle lover in my house -- as in she can eat a pickle a day for 30 days. Therefore, I need to pickle cucumbers every summer. And so with my sister's pickle recipe I bottled up some cukes. Now there are a few things to consider when bottling pickles. 1. I always use the cucumbers that are pickling cucumbers. This keeps your cukes crisper. A pickling cucumber is stubby with ridges

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-19132417269840611112010-09-16T11:52:00.000-07:002010-09-16T11:52:32.367-07:00

We have a winner of the Mix-A-Meal cookbook and it is my Arizona foodie friend Chef Tess. Chef Tess was picked by random.org. You can check the results at the link below. Congratulations Chef Tess. I know how you love your mixes. Soon I will be posting one recipe from the Mix-A-Meal cookbook. Until then if you didn't win but you still really want this cookbook visit their site here Mix A Meal.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-5897558276727007682010-09-13T13:55:00.000-07:002010-09-13T13:57:05.371-07:00

This pie is ridiculous good (much better than the lame photo makes it look) and it is the simplest pie to make. Chunks of oreos, nutella and a frozen ice cream like pie make this one of my new favorite go to recipes. It does require a little preplanning because it requires freeze time but other that that it is so simple to make. The new Oreo cookies n' cream pudding is delicious (I swear they

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-65683466018147590532010-09-07T14:04:00.000-07:002010-09-07T14:39:34.627-07:00

The authors of this fantastic cookbook have sent me a review book and one to giveaway! I know it looks like your Grandma's cook book. But sometimes those are the best. Grandma's always know the good cooking secrets. I am actually really excited to start using this book. The Biscuit mix looks especially intriguing. The cookbook includes all kinds of ways to use the biscuit mix -- pizza, crackers

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-26083189716868254702010-08-31T22:14:00.000-07:002010-08-31T22:14:28.535-07:00

I love a good Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. (I used to live in PA.) I also love a quick dinner solution. Which is how the Philly Roast Beef Sub was born in my house last week. There are a couple of reasons I store extra meat in my food storage. I have been in dire times before and I know its a good idea to have a back up food plan. But I also love the convenience canned roast beef brings me on a

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-80707902025474819262010-08-26T20:52:00.000-07:002010-08-26T20:52:04.514-07:00

Suggested Food Storage/Pantry Item: unflavored gelatin So let's say something crazy happens like over half a billion eggs are recalled for salmonella. I know its crazy. Who would ever imagine such a thing happening. But let's say after such a food disaster you throw out your eggs and head to the farmer's market to buy fresh local eggs. Local eggs taste better and are usually healthier but they

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-70223847117498163482010-08-25T15:49:00.000-07:002010-08-25T15:49:07.718-07:00

Hey SolDucky is the winner of the $40 gift certificate from CSN Stores. Congrats! It looks like she will be buying one of my favorite things there from the Le Crueset line. SolDucky was chosen by random.org as the winner. http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=3015 Thanks for playing everyone and check back on Friday -- I should have another fun giveaway posted.

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-81844775193258710622010-08-18T13:31:00.000-07:002010-08-18T13:31:14.508-07:00

I feel so retro everytime I make these pork chops. I almost feel as if June Cleaver from "Leave it to Beaver" is going to walk into my kitchen.  I imagine her and every June Cleaverish or "Blast from the Past" mom cooking these pork chops for her family. But that does not stop me from baking these moist saucy chops up for Sunday dinner. They are easy and I promise you have these ingredients on

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-45074897608179793992010-08-14T14:46:00.000-07:002010-08-17T20:54:50.019-07:00

It is that time of year when I feel torn between canning, freezing and storing food and being outside caring for it in the garden. Every year I dream about adding a new kitchen appliance or utensil to help me with this food bonanza. Are you dreaming of new kitchen stuff too? Are you feeling the urge to cook (despite the heat). Well, I am so excited to announce that CSN Stores contacted me to

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-89787975112815754752010-08-10T21:14:00.000-07:002010-08-10T21:15:41.837-07:00

Chocolate and raspberry, hands down or hands to mouth, one of my favorite flavor combos. These decadent, sticky and completely easy dessert quesadillas are my entry into the Nutella challenge for August. I had to join the Nutella challenge hosted by one of my fave bloggers bell'allimento. So every month I will be posting a Nutella recipe/creation. Now you may be wondering, what does Nutella

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-65308152250388091812010-07-28T20:55:00.000-07:002010-08-09T13:26:29.075-07:00

RECIPE UPDATE: Flour added to recipe. Everything is correct now. I loved these little Spanish cheese puffs. They make a tangy dinner bread that is very simple to make. However, it was a split vote in my house. Two of my kids did not love them. I think it was the undertone of Dijon mustard. However, I like the recipe because it is very pantry friendly. Plus they are pretty cute, those little

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-5969371315310151752010-07-19T14:17:00.000-07:002010-07-19T14:17:32.978-07:00

Blueberry season is here and I have once again eaten them by the handful, made jam, chilled blueberry soup and smoothies. But this sorbet is my favorite hot weather recipe for these blue gems. I realize there is a recurring theme in my posts of late -- pomegranates and ice cream. But I am still using my Pom samples and I am in love with my new ice cream maker. Seriously, I would use it everyday

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-47299478125663038072010-07-15T23:13:00.000-07:002010-07-15T23:13:54.691-07:00

This spring my husband went and bought himself a flat screen TV and so I only thought it fair that I should get to buy a pressure canner. I finally used my giant kitchen toy to can some roast beef. Now the first time I ever canned meat (with a borrowed pressure canner) I was a little scared. But with a little study I discovered that as long as you follow the procedure correctly it is simple and

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-81007130207862389332010-07-12T11:46:00.000-07:002010-07-12T11:46:27.210-07:00

I have been on a breakfast smoothie diet. I have discovered that if I drink a 250-280 calorie smoothie in the morning I can make it to lunch without serious hunger pangs. If I eat cereal and milk with an equal amount of calories I am hungry in a couple hours again. Ravenously hungry. And so I have been making a new smoothie every morning. POM Wonderful offered me free 100 % pomegranate juice to

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-26660221304978168332010-07-12T11:32:00.001-07:002010-07-12T11:32:55.126-07:00

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-51281952411712764532010-07-07T15:33:00.000-07:002010-07-07T15:33:49.525-07:00

I have been neglecting this blog. But that is only because I was busy making ice cream for my Alive! Utah Taste section this month. If I had time I would make ice cream every day with my new ice cream maker. It is so much fun. The banana split ice cream I came up with for this article seriously tastes just like a banana split, which just happens to be my favorite way to eat ice cream. This recipe

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-40190803575427292972010-06-25T21:30:00.000-07:002010-06-25T21:30:20.623-07:00

I am sending out a big hurrah for this movement to retake the meaning of Homemade. Yes, I occasionally give into convenience foods. But I try hard to avoid things like Hamburger Helper (That is for when I go out of town and my husband cooks.) I believe that we can make our own better versions of these family favorites. Therefore, I am reposting this post from Pots and Plots. It's her brainchild

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-39465574541969547452010-06-21T21:24:00.000-07:002010-06-21T21:24:13.496-07:00

Creamy indulgent bites of heaven. I feel a little less guilty eating these despite the fact that the recipe is anything but low fat, because they are just little bites of indulgence. Instead of a whole plate full of the stuff. I also love them because they were the perfect use for the last can of canned cherries. I am on my last jar of canned cherries and the neighbor boys better come knocking

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-89588575374672316682010-06-15T21:48:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:24:30.766-07:00

This recipe is just one more reason to love Swiss chard. Pesto is an obsession with me. One of my favorite pestos for sandwiches is spinach pesto so it didn't take me long to wonder how a Swiss chard pesto would turn out. Of course it is yummy. I know that all you chard growers out there have copious amounts of chard. I know you are thinking how can I use up this overflowing bounty. Pesto my

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-39372238876824031932010-06-11T10:41:00.000-07:002010-06-11T10:41:28.153-07:00

Daily Special ChallengePasta is a staple in my menus and my foodstorage. However, I do not believe that pasta only comes in one shape and therefore I keep different pastas on hand in my pantry. Manicotti and Jumbo Shells are two of my favorites. They have so many storage possibilites and stuffed they are delicious. So, I am going to give you three ways to make these. First. the no boil method

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-28310578896596657902010-06-04T20:19:00.000-07:002010-06-04T20:23:31.358-07:00

Never take on a weekly posting challenge when it is deadline week for your online magazine. Just a little note to say I almost missed the Daily Special Challenge because I am more than a little overwhelmed. That said I am sharing a basic and easy recipe for Baked Butternut Squash. I have had several people ask me how to make butternut squash and so I am sharing the simple technique for a roasted

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-11891802366277853562010-05-27T08:09:00.000-07:002010-05-27T08:17:34.601-07:00

As a foodbuzz publisher I receive all kinds of fun opportunities and challenges. For the  next six weeks I get to choose a Daily Special once a week that inspires me to whip up something tasty. I post about it here and give you a handy link back to Foodbuzz Daily Special so you too can feel a little inspired or hopeful too. The daily special features some fun kitchen gadget or utensil. Today it

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-35720659578911741722010-05-25T14:05:00.000-07:002010-05-25T14:05:04.053-07:00

Let's talk pepperoni. Pepperoni is versatile and practical. It can be stored for at least 4 months on the shelf (if you buy the shelf pepperoni), in the refrigerator or longer in the freezer. It is relatively inexpensive and it is well-loved on pizzas everywhere. It is therefore a fun addition to your food storage. So, in case you are wondering what a pizza melt has in common with the theme of

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-16585452929836533822010-05-18T21:18:00.000-07:002010-05-18T21:33:58.264-07:00

I always have a few cans of refried beans stashed away. They are a great protein source, side dish and if you buy the lowfat version, healthy. I love the nonfat lime chile refried beans but my new favorite is black bean refried beans. I love black beans and I will choose them over pintos or kidneys any day. I also have a favorite recipe for those cans of refried beans. I am still looking for more

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-35626678888689345562010-05-14T21:02:00.000-07:002010-05-14T21:02:23.906-07:00

It is shameless promo time again. Yep, May's issue of Alive! Utah is up and that means we have an all new Taste section. I did not write the feature article this month. It was written by my new friend Adrianne Tawa. But she has a lovely article discussing the role of cooking as a part of our heritage. We all bring our mothers or fathers into the kitchen with us when we cook. I love when I cook my

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-4580672040811708342010-05-12T19:16:00.000-07:002010-05-12T19:16:43.529-07:00

It snowed in Southern Utah today, it snowed last week and the week before that. We are all a little ticked off here. We are cold and we want our sun back. Hey, I will even take the wind if it would just warm up and be Spring. So, that is my preface to a blog post on a creamy hearty stew recipe being offered up in May. Sometimes when you are feeling a little put out by the weather you just need

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-75792992034583480282010-05-05T21:32:00.000-07:002010-05-05T21:32:25.743-07:00

I had to squeeze in a little Cinco de Mayo post. And that's not all  that I am having to squeeze in after the awesome pork carnitas, seafood nachos, black bean refried beans (at least these were lowfat) and peach dessert burritos I stuffed myself with tonight. Oh it was good. And although I really have no reason to celebrate Cinco de Mayo I have to eat Mexican on this day. Perhaps it is for my

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-22078952702176997322010-04-27T11:56:00.000-07:002010-04-27T11:56:47.694-07:00

I am always searching for a good recipe that uses smoked sausage. I buy the stuff thinking, this will make an easy dinner and then when I want to use it I can't seem to think of anything good to make with it. And good luck finding a good recipe. Fortunately, I had a stroke of genius this go round and looked up Hillshire Farms website, http://www.gomeat.com/ which is chock full of tasty recipes

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-21825918135396453892010-04-23T21:59:00.000-07:002010-04-23T21:59:02.716-07:00

Weekends are a cooking conundrum. We are busy or we are resting and yet, we are hungry. I don't want to cook or spend too much time in the kitchen and yet I want to treat my family to some good eats. I especially feel this way on Suday.  So here are two of our easy favorites. Chocolate Raspberry Muffins and Nutella Smore Cookies. They are so simple that they are more like tips than recipes. But

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-54095549473856253492010-04-20T09:17:00.000-07:002010-04-20T09:17:33.012-07:00

First, I need to take care of  a little contest business. Frieda won the dehydrated apple slices and the emergency kit. Yay Frieda! Frieda of Lovin' From the Oven loves food storage stuff and so I am so excited she gets this prize. Featured Food Storage: Potatoes or potato pearls and turkey gravy mix. This is one of those recipes that makes me smugly content that I decided to learn how to make

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-91345229772054960192010-04-12T15:51:00.000-07:002010-04-12T19:58:06.978-07:00

This post has so many different purposes. First I want to reveiw the Freeze dried peas I received from The Ready Store. Second, I want to give you a recipe for  a yummy pea salad and Finally, I want to give away some of the amazing bounty from The Ready Store. They gave me so much and I feel the need to share. I love fresh peas. So much so, that I have issues with canned peas. In fact, I have

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-61019358076621648802010-04-06T15:01:00.000-07:002010-04-06T15:03:04.875-07:00

I am totally cheating, AGAIN! Whoo I have been busy getting my April online magazine ready. But what I did cook up were some cupcakes. I needed pics of these yummy recipes contributed by my writer, who also happens to be a professional cake bake/decorator. Somehow we didn't get her cupcakes photographed so I ended up making 48 cupcakes one morning. Let me just say that I do not usually make

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-47892794393811109182010-03-26T15:09:00.000-07:002010-03-26T15:09:31.574-07:00

Featured Food Storage or Pantry Item: Canned Beef,onion soup mix Suggested Pantry Item: Au Jus mix. A fast fix for those busy nights. Maybe I just like to say the word "Au Jus." I did take French for six years, my grandmother was French, I have been to France. Au Jus just makes me feel special. And apparently it makes my children feel special too. Because they were just delighted to use their

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-133425807454241292010-03-22T12:05:00.000-07:002010-03-24T18:18:58.219-07:00

Calling all food storage and emergency preparedness fanatics. Before  After I am so excited to review one of the products I recieved from The Ready Store. I am really excited about this site I recently discovered online. I called and asked if I could review some of their product for this blog and you would not believe the haul of stuff they sent me. I will be doing more than one review of their

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-58298773508852605202010-03-17T19:05:00.000-07:002010-03-17T19:12:25.959-07:00

I love St. Paddy's day and every year I usher in spring with a St. Paddy's day lunch for some girl friends and family. I almost skipped it this year. I have been so busy. At the last minute I decided I needed to be with my girls. I am so grateful I kept this yearly date. It was a blast. We giggled, ate and dreamed of green. (We are a little sick of the white stuff here in Southern Utah.) I

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-524875725621171962010-03-11T15:39:00.000-08:002010-03-11T15:39:54.821-08:00

This recipe could just be the poster child for crockpot cooking with your food storage. It is tasty and pantry friendly and an easy crockpot dessert. I have had these gem jars of canned cherries sitting in my pantry waiting for a recipe like this to come along and invite them to dessert. This recipe came from another library cookbook find -- "Best Loved Slow Cooker Recipes." What happens if you

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-72773298975503275592010-03-09T16:24:00.000-08:002010-03-09T16:53:27.963-08:00

It is March and I can't help but think potatoes go with March. The Alive! magazine Taste section for March features potatoes and because I wrote the article I am going to cheat and link to it for a blog post. The article also features one of my fave foodie bloggers Lovin' From the Oven and her recipes and potato tips. Go take a peek. http://aliveutah.com/taste I'm thinking potatoes sound so good

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7514700951922962475.post-43485393562439911102010-03-06T22:16:00.000-08:002010-03-06T22:16:57.433-08:00

This baked penne turned out so addicting, I am sitting here two days later craving more. Wow it was good. Of course, I am self avowed pasta addict but this creamy cheesy pasta dish has me hooked. The surprising part for me (this recipe is the result of a sample from Bertolli courtesy of the Foodbuzz tastemaker program) is that it involves using a canned cream sauce. I actually have issues with

Rachellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05007885617065109066noreply@blogger.com3