Taco Pie

Very few dishes are as easy to put together as this one. I especially like it because it combines three things I love: Tacos, cornbread, and my iron skillet. 

I kept things simple by going with a boxed cornbread mix. You can easily switch that out for your own recipe of homemade cornbread if you like.

I have it featured here with some additional cheese and fresh cilantro. But feel free to garnish it with any kind of taco toppings you like. My daughter likes it with salsa, sour cream, and avocado. Throw a salad and maybe some pinto beans on the plate, and you've got yourself a top notch dinner! Enjoy!

Parmesan Bowls

Parmesan Bowls, also known as Frico, are a really neat way to bring a little elegance to your holiday table.

 I throw an Italian inspired dinner party each year on Christmas Eve. And no matter how spot on my Lasagna is, these little beauties seem to steal the show! I have to admit, they are pretty neat! Seriously, how often do you eat a bowl made of cheese?

Don't be intimidated! These are so simple to make! They take less than 15 minutes from start to finish. And when filled with the chilled salad of your choice, they really add that extra special something to your dinner table.

Mashed Potato Soup

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner is the leftovers. And this is an excellent way to make use of your leftover mashed potatoes. All you need is some chicken stock and cream. You could even toss in some leftover ham or turkey if you like. So simple and so yummy! Enjoy!

Glazed Carrots

Glazed carrots are about as basic a side dish as you can get. But when done right, they are really something quite special. 

I like to add a small amount of stock to mine; beef or chicken, depending on what meat I am serving. It gives a richer flavor and really compliments the meal. So, if I'm serving Beef Wellington, I add some beef stock to the carrots. Roasted Turkey, I add chicken stock. You get the idea. Trust me! It makes a difference! Enjoy!

Tuscan Meatloaf

My husband is a meat and potatoes kind of guy. I know, how cliche? (But true) So I am always trying to come up with the meatiest, most potato laden dishes I can think of. Lucky for him, I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl. (Kismet!) So these type of dishes are always on my mind. And what is more meaty than meatloaf? You're right, nothing! Except for maybe a ribeye steak...but we'll save that loveliest of lovelies for another day. Right now it's all about the meatloaf! I have a few versions of this classic dish, but my Tuscan Meatloaf  is the one that gets the most raves. As one of my friends has described it, "Plate lickin' good." Now that's a compliment! Enjoy!

Bruschetta (With Roasted Jalapeños & Cream Cheese)

This appetizer is BIG trouble for someone like me! I've already admitted to being a pushover for anything with cream cheese and jalapeños, and bacon is practically my best friend! So yeah...I could eat an ENTIRE tray of these no problem! And so could you...and so could your friends. I'm just gonna throw everyone under the bus here to lesson my guilt of over indulging. 

Huge thank you to my friend Penny, for sending this recipe over this morning. Yes, I made a mad dash into the kitchen and whipped up a batch. I was feeling spontaneous. Now I'm feeling rather chubby. And Happy. And satisfied. Sometimes you have to live a little! Thank you again, my friend! xo 

Chicken Spaghetti (Casserole)

This is my Aunt Susan's Chicken Spaghetti. She shared her recipe with me a few years back and it has been a family favorite ever since!

I always serve it just like this with some homemade cheesy bread and a salad. It's perfect as a make-ahead dinner or as a "make and take" dinner for potlucks or for a friend in need. Just recently, I brought it over to a friend who had surgery. When she was feeling better, she called and asked for the recipe so that she could bring some over for a friend who just had a baby. I love that!

Jalapeño Bites

Few appetizers out there are as incredible as this one right here! You really can't go wrong with cream cheese and jalapeños. They are a culinary match made in heaven! Up until a year ago, I thought I had tried just about every version of the two. That is until my friend, Susan, shared the recipe for these little gems with me. Can I just say kismet? (Would that be overdoing my affection for these just a tad?) Or should I say Oh My Goodness!?!  (Over doing it still, but now too vague?) Well let me say this...if you plan on making these for any party or get together, be sure to double the recipe. They will be gone in a flash! Yes, they are THAT incredible! Your guests will be asking for more! And will most certainly be asking for the recipe. Love when that happens!  Enjoy!