Melissa

Pan Fried Provolone Chicken Cutlets with Milk Gravy

“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”  ~Luciano Pavarotti Pan Fried Provolone Chicken Cutlets with Milk Gravy This will either have to be cooked in two separate batches, or two separate skillets. 3 large chicken…

Firecracker Sweet Potato Wedges & Cajun Dip

“… brings to mind a family dinner of pot roast and sweet potatoes during a myrtle-mad August in a Midwestern town.” ~Diane Ackerman This isn’t your every day sweet potato recipe. These little wedges are sweet and spicy and flavorful. Perfect with grilled steak or pork chops, or as an appetizer. The dipping sauce is…

Current Crush-Piccolini Pasta-Mini Bowties

Have you seen the cutest pasta in the world? I noticed this on the shelf next to the only store bought pasta I’ll use, Barilla (I prefer homemade.). Barilla also makes this adorable ‘baby’ pasta, Piccolini. My favorite are the baby bowties, and here is a good for you recipe using them. They’d also be…

Wine Tasting Notes-Zeal Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Zeal Sauvignon Blanc 2008 “A book of verses underneath the bough, A jug of wine, a loaf of bread-and thou.” ~Edward Fitzgerald I love the description on this wine’s bottle… We enjoyed glasses of this out on the deck one sunny evening last week. Very refreshing, perfect for summer. Zeal (n. enthusiastic devotion, passion) the…

Yummy Lunch Salad

Elaine: No, no. How about if you bring me back something? George: Sure, all right, what do you want? Elaine: Um, hum, I don’t know.. . . A big salad? George: What big salad? I’m going to the coffee shop. Elaine: They have big salads. George: I’ve never seen a big salad. Elaine: They have…

Book Reviews-My Favorite Garden Themed Books

“God gives all men all earth to love, but since man’s heart is small, ordains for each one spot shall prove beloved over all.” ~Rudyard Kipling My favorite garden-themed books: Two of the most beautifully illustrated books I’ve ever read are In and Out of the Garden and South of France-A Sketchbook by my friend…

Visiting Red Wing-Falconer Vineyards

We visit Falconer Vineyards several times a year… Especially during the warm months, for romantic ‘wine picnics.’ Sometimes we pack an elaborate picnic basket with brie, lavender honey, baguette, honey crisp apples, tart red grapes, anjou pears, oven roasted garlic artisan bread, marinated olives, and dark chocolate. Other times we stop at the local Sub…

Rainy Day Rituals

Yesterday I woke up to the sound of thunder, and from the looks of it we’re in for another rainy day here in Minnesota. This sudden influx of blustery weather got me thinking about rainy day rituals. I love rainy days every once in awhile. I get up and make a big pot of French…