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Cherry Almond Granola
Since I've had a few requests for this recipe lately, I thought I would make it my first post. Making granola is so easy...you wont be able to buy it after you start making it! And, its so fun to try...
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Thanksgiving Traditions
Im wondering what yours are?The Rader house is about to host Thanksgiving this year, and we want some traditions of our own...besides eating a LOT of good food and having everyone say what they are...
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A good bird
Hope your Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful in every way!Thanks to those of you who left Thanksgiving traditions...so fun to read and think about as we add to our own! We had a full house and a full...
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The Physics of Cooking
So my husband, a theoretical biophysicist, just read the article I posted on the brining process. He was thrilled to see the "How it works" section, the science of the process. Who knew that protein...
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Chicken Enchiladas
For the last few years we've had a Mexican themed dinner on Christmas Eve before the candle-light service at church. Its a refreshing break from the turkey and spiral ham meals that are so prevalent...
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Fresh Guacamole
While Im posting south-of-the-border recipes, I thought I would share my favorite guacamole with you. I've been trying to come up with the perfect recipe for years, but its always a bit off. But last...
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Christmas morning Crepes
I like to brag about being French. Truth be told, Im only a wee little bit French, despite having the maiden name of Estle, which came from the French Huguenot name deEstelle. Anyway, I will say that I...
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Stewed Lentils and Tomatoes
I got this cookbook for Christmas and read it cover to cover on our way home from northern Michigan. I am a fan of Ina- Ive never tried a recipe of hers I didnt like. However, her recipes arent always...
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Spinach Salad with Blue Cheese, Pears, and Pecans
Im home alone tonight (except for a sleeping babe), and enjoying a quiet meal after a very noisy day. Now I love our family dinner time, but tonight's gift of solitude is certainly welcome.Since Im...
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Menu planning
Its Sunday, a day or rest for us. Also the day I plan the menu for the coming week. Someone recently asked me to post some of our weekly meals, and I think they assume I cook complicated things all the...
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Learning the ropes of ice-cream making
Not too long ago, I scored a refurbished version of this ice-cream maker at Marshalls for $40. I began dreaming of the rich homemade ice cream we would enjoy all summer (ok, all year) and my list of...
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One year of bread making!
One year ago I decided to try my hand at bread-making. Im happy to say that we've bought very few loaves since then and Im really enjoying learning this new art. But an art it is, and Im still very...
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If I only do one post this year
If you're reading this post, you certainly are a patient friend. I mean, I havent posted since April. Sigh. Its not for lack of ideas or new recipes or fun topics...in fact, Ive written about 500 posts...
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Black Bean Chili
Yesterday, as you might have noted, chili was on the menu. The snow that started to fall mid-day made this warm comfort food all the more welcome!This recipe is a modified version of a recipe given to...
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Peter Reinhart's Napoletana Pizza Dough
Fridays in the Rader house are celebrated with pizza. This tradition dates back to the early years of our marriage, and my quest for the perfect crust has been, at times, obsession. Everyone is partial...
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Move over Prego: Hearty Pasta Sauce
The 15 minutes it takes to make pasta sauce is time well spent...if you ask me:)My other mother, Becky, gave me an early appreciation for home made sauce, and the secret ingredient-a wee bit of sugar....
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Peanut Butter Cup in Cake Form
Yesterday was my birthday, and since birthdays are perfect occasions to indulge, I made myself this cake. Believe me, it did not disappoint. I'm one of those people who can't understand when someone...
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Summer Meals
The other day I got into a discussion with another woman at the pool about summer cooking. We were enjoying the perfect summer day and though it was nearing dinner time, neither of us (or our kids)...
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