Portuguese Tomato Soup

Can’t believe I ate the whole thing! I didn’t but wanted to! Deliciously Simple! Not into linguica try chourico!

Still working on my garden Romas … Just a few pounds left before I need to harvest again. Any good tomatoes will do for this tasty Portuguese Soup. Romas just happen to be my favorite. The few ingredients here come together, including the hot linguica, to make this a truly satisfying lunch or dinner. (For vegetarian try this Portuguese Spicy Tomato Soup too.) Today’s recipe can easily be a 30 minute to table meal. Maybe even 20. Your family will love it so much you better double the recipe!

Continue reading


Calabrian Macaroni

The perfect Pasta Sunday meal for 5-6, the size of my usual gang. What do I know about Calabria? Not a whole lot! Lucia gave me unsolicited cautionary advice about the men but too late. Ha. I must say being friends with my guy is much easier than the romance. Oops! His love for Italian food and cooking is hard to resist. Yep, his family is from this region. So, what makes this pasta dish Calabrian … The Calabrian peppers and the long macaroni … all of it!

Continue reading


Romas

Right from my garden! When thinking of a juicy tomato this one is probably not brought to mind. These are my favorite tomato just for that reason. I love the low moisture sweet meatiness of a Roma. Great for bruschetta but when your plants are this prolific you can only eat so much bruschetta. The sweetness of this tomato is great for sauces, no added sugar needed. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a pasta Sunday. It’s time! Be on the look out for my Calabrian Macaroni. Most ingredients are already in my garden. See you Sunday!


Chocolate Cola Cake

Chocolatey goodness recipe from Southern Lady Magazine. Simple 20 minute prep (includes frosting) with a 30 minute bake. Like chocolate cake or brownies? Like easy cake recipes? You’ll love this! Enjoy!

 

Continue reading


Desserts for the Fourth

How about a special dessert for July 4th. Who turns down Chocolate Cake! I’m in the kitchen today baking this delectable Chocolate Cake for tomorrow. I’ll be posting later this afternoon. So, please return for this simple cake recipe. You’ll have time to put it together for tomorrow. In the meantime, try one or several of these great desserts. I’ve added blueberry desserts, too! July is blueberry month!


Beans

July 4th picnic without beans! Not for this family! Beans are my all time comfort food and a must for the Fourth. Any of these recipes works well. I enjoy what I experienced in my childhood. So, I opt for the sweetest of baked. Vegetarians have a recipe here too. Getting ready with 3 days to go!

Santa Maria Beans
Black Beans
Baked Beans
Country Beans
Portuguese Beans
Sweetest Baked Beans
Vegetarian Beans
Chili Beans


My July 4th Salad Choices

Asiago Pasta Salad is one of my most popular on the blog. A meal in itself with chicken. It’s quite good as a vegetarian too. I actually love all these. The 24 Hour Salad really surprised me. The Bruschetta (not technically a salad) is also a winner even if you’re not a raw tomato fan like me.

Great way to start off the Fourth!

FIRST ROW (L-R)
Bean Salad
Taco Salad
Slaw
Broccoli Chicken Salad

SECOND ROW
Asiago Pasta Salad
Cauliflower, Red Cabbage and Romaine
Bruschetta
Classic Potato Salad

THIRD ROW
Curry Cole Slaw
24 Hour Salad
Cucumber Onion Salad
Sweet and Sour Carrots

FOURTH ROW
Sour Cream and Green Onion Potato Salad
Italian Salad in a Jar
Beet and Arugula Salad
Mexicali Pasta Salad


Deep Dish Apple Pie

So many requests for birthday apple pie! I made a ‘cake’ of it this time! Used a springform pan thinking original but see it’s been done before. It’s pretty unique just the same, and worth the bit of extra time. If you don’t believe it ask your guests!

Here it is … a dozen apples peeled & cored and almost two hours of baking.

Deep Dish Apple Perfect!

Happy Birthday Deb!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue reading


Caramel Pie

“I Hate My Husband Pie,” right from the Waitress with Keri Russell. Such a sweet movie about a pie baking waitress. This is my version and not the actual recipe. I did run into a few problems along the way and have since worked out these kinks. It truly is to die for … From the gingersnap crust to the layers of pecans and bitter chocolate.

Continue reading


Portuguese Olive Oil Biscuit Cookies

These are great anytime! Just as the name implies this is a cross between a biscuit and a cookie. Have it with your breakfast coffee, afternoon tea or after dinner Port. The right amount of sweetness. Play with the flavor a bit by adding anisette or lemon zest. Or for a very subtle taste add brandy. Hope you enjoy this Portuguese pantry recipe. I love it!

Continue reading