Ricotta Meatballs in Creamy White Wine Sauce

Today I felt like a contestant in that popular show from the Food Network - Chopped. I had some left-over ingredients which needed to be used up but they seemed to be an odd assortment. Initially, I felt like it would be weird to merge them in one dish, much like in Chopped (though perhaps not as extreme) where contestants are supposed to come with a yummy dish using a medley of ingredients which you don't normally put together. That was my challenge for the day - how to use in one dish a few pieces of sun-dried tomatoes, a little wine, two types of cheeses and ground beef.

Slow Cooker Coconut Curry Beef Stew

Fall is the time to make delicious comfort food that will help us cope with freezing cold winter nights. I often experiment on different types and flavors of beef stew so all throughout the season we don't get tired of the same old, same old recipe. This time, I fancied something with a bit of an Asian kick. For convenience I used the slow cooker so it's just a matter of dumping all the ingredients in and then it's ready when we are.

Cranberry Pecan Bread with Apple Cider Glaze

The other day I went to the grocery for some food shopping. I got excited when I saw some fresh cranberries already being sold. You see, I love baking with cranberries! I love the tangy flavor it imparts to baked goodies particularly sweet breads and cakes. I got myself a pack and decided that I should make my favorite Cranberry Orange Bread when I get home or at least pretty soon. However, as it sometimes happen, I forgot to buy some oranges. I was frustrated because I was really craving some nutty cranberry bread at that time. What was I to do?

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

My two kids were both born in the month of October and only 3 days apart. As you can imagine, this is quite a busy month for us. Thankfully, since they are still quite young they haven't really demanded their own separate birthday parties yet. For now they are quite happy to celebrate their birthdays in their classrooms with their classmates. There's only one condition I need to fulfill - that is, they want me to make something yummy for their class on their birthday.

Fresh Apple Cake

I walk my little boy William to school everyday and we are grateful that the school is less than a 5-minute walk. In our usual route, I pass through one of our neighbor's front yard which has a big Apple tree. One day in  October I was walking back from school, I saw our neighbor picking up some apples that came from the tree. At this time she has placed a sign by the tree which asked anyone who happens to pass by to pick a bag of apples.

Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts in Garlic Butter

Ever since I made my post on Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Bacon, my family and I have totally fallen-in-love with Brussels Sprouts. Who knew this mostly-maligned and snubbed vegetable can taste truly yummy and quite more-ish! If you learn how to cook Brussels Sprouts properly, you will truly be rewarded with a delicious side dish that doesn't taste bitter or yucky but actually quite yummy and a little nutty (not the crazy kind!). :)

Beef and Beer Belgian Stew (Carbonnades a la Flamande)

Last year my family and I went to Brussels, Belgium to visit some friends and do some sightseeing. I have been to Belgium before so I was excited to go back and learn more about this beautiful country. I know Belgium is well known for its chocolates, waffles, fries and beer but beyond that I didn't know much about its culinary heritage. With influences from other neighboring countries - Netherlands to the north, Germany to the East and France to the South - its varied cuisine reflects that of its neighbors. I have read that Belgian food is served in the quantity of German cuisine but with the quality of the French! Having tested quite a few dishes there, I completely agree. The quality of food and the taste is truly superb! I can't wait to go back there again.

Gluten-free Apple Brown Betty

We went to Boston a few months ago at a time when we were considering whether or not we would move to Connecticut. Naturally, while there, we checked out some of the historical sites particularly the Old State House. There weren't many of us there as it was winter time - really just 4 of us in the museum including the tour guide. I tried to listen though I have done the tour before and occasionally nod when the guide said something to encourage her and let her know that at least one person was listening to her talk.

Country-Style Chicken Kiev

In our church in Holland, MI the ladies came up with a fantastic cook book that contained recipes that are not only family friendly and easy to make, they were also very much palate-pleasing, too. When I was just starting to learn how to cook - a little over a decade ago - this book was my companion and reference guide for meals that I prepared for hubby and the kids.

Cheddar Rosemary and Applesauce Loaf

When Fall season sets in and there's a sudden chill in the air, I can't wait to start baking again. I have given my oven a good rest last summer but it's time to crank it up again, put it in gear and let it bake me some delicious sweet and savory treats.