Melissa

falafel with homemade pita chips and ghost pepper feta dip

This is my version of the healthy, festive middle eastern dish called falafel. It’s usually served much like the classic gyro. This time, instead of piling the ingredients into pitas or pocket bread, I decided to do something a little different. I made pita chips, and this spicy feta dip is wonderful spread on everything!…

new england clam chowder in herbed potato bread bowls

~new england clam chowder ~ “One whiff of a savory aromatic soup and appetites come to attention.  The steaming fragrance of a tempting soup is a prelude to the goodness to come.  An inspired soup puts family and guests in a receptive mood for enjoying the rest of the menu.” ~Louis P. De Gouy Yesterday,…

thrift store score!

“Ballerina” crock by Universal a well-loved vintage cookbook with lots of great looking recipes hand-painted “Indian Tree” bowl by Maruta and “Florentine” English plate by Crown Ducal two cute cookbooks by the amazing Mary Engelbreit Have you found any thrift store scores lately? ~Melissa

pink pomplamoose tea cake

~ pink pomplamoose tea cake ~ “Buddy the elf! What’s you’re favorite color?” ~Will Ferrell in “Elf” I’m a tiny bit obsessed with pink food. Pink is my second favorite color…first is red and third is orange. I love it. And when it’s added to food in the right way, it’s absolutely stunning. I’ve been…

fancy schmancy arugula salad

~ fancy schmancy arugula salad ~ I think arugula is my very favorite salad green. It has a deep, rich taste that pairs perfectly with salads containing cheese or beef. I also LOVE it on my burgers! This salad is delicious and easy to prepare and yet still fancy schmancy enough to serve at a…

elderflower water

Tea party! My two favorite words I think. I made tea and treats for Jeff, Gracie, Andie and Madeline May today. There is something so beautiful and romantic about getting up early on a Sunday morning in winter, sipping tea and making cucumber sandwiches for a tea party. If someone were to ask me what…

a new adventure

McSorley Monarch by Melissa Placzek “Following all the rules leaves a completed checklist. Following your heart achieves a completed you.” ~ Ray Davis Well, it’s the end of our “summer in January” here in Minnesota. We had a really good run though! To be able to walk uptown to get a coffee without  bundling up…

bacon lentil salad

~ lentil salad ~ “Let first the onion flourish there, Rose among roots, the maiden-fair, Wine-scented and poetic soul Of the capacious salad bowl.” ~Robert Louis Stevenson This salad has it all! The earthy flavor of lentils and fresh herbs, the sweet crunch of carrots, the tangy bite of feta cheese and French vinaigrette, and…