Book Review

scenes from the past few weeks

by Melissa • July 13, 2015 • 2 Comments

The lazy days of summer time… sultry, relaxing beach days and fabulous vineyard pizza dinners at Falconer.… and so far, This book, this book and this book…. How’s your summer going? XO, ~M

by Melissa • May 2, 2015 • 5 Comments

Ally’s Kitchen ~ a passport for adventurous palates is a compendium of exotic flavors, rich textures and virtual destinations where the reader is transported “on the magic carpet ride” of gourmet cuisine. What I first noticed upon opening the cookbook were the colorful pages and unique layout. It’s simple, elegant format make following the recipes…

by Melissa • February 22, 2015 • 0 Comments

A Valentine’s Day celebration ~ a date day with the hubby: this movie and a favorite wine bar.. later: pajamas, pink champagne, roses, chocolate, and the Breakfast Club on DVD while we munched our favorite pizza…This winter I’ve been reading an eclectic mix of books. I’m thoroughly enjoying a reread of the Little House Books,…

by Melissa • December 26, 2014 • 14 Comments

When I first heard the name of this sandwich I was caught up in this beautiful romance trilogy set in Ireland. The author, Nora Roberts, had mesmerized me with the green, earthy setting of the place. One of the main characters owned and operated a charming pub and “built” bookmaker’s sandwiches for his customers, often…

by Melissa • November 11, 2014 • 0 Comments

Fairy princesses and baby cows on Halloween… backyard bonfires by the light of an October moon… Red Wing Brewery beer growlers filled with Pepie’s Porter… lattes at the Red Wing Confectionery and Coffee Shoppe with a friend… brunch at the always amazing Hell’s Kitchen in Minneapolis (salads, Peanut Butter & Bacon Burger, Venison Burger, Huevos…

by Melissa • October 26, 2014 • 3 Comments

an early morning sipping scottish breakfast with vanilla almond milk while taking photos on a very misty sorin’s bluff… anniversary flowers and sweet cards from the hubby celebrating our 19th… a few awesome, live music performances including front row seats to this gorgeous, stellar, mind-blowing concert … bbq sandwiches and gyros for lunch at the…

by Melissa • August 3, 2014 • 0 Comments

river city days, red wing mn ~ 2014 food truck spinach pizza grilling under the 118 year old oaks in our back yard jeff takes a pic of the steaks sun tea a thrifting/antiquing excursion farmer’s market produce another awesome book enjoyed with iced tea on the front porch wine and willows… a birthday happy…

by Melissa • July 22, 2014 • 0 Comments

The flavors of this salad will transport you to your favorite Japanese restaurant. It’s loosely adapted from Gwyneth Paltrow’s awesome cookbook It’s All Good. I made a few major tweaks to the recipe and I just love it. If you choose to use the Nori-Sesame Sprinkle over the top of this salad, it tastes a…

by Melissa • June 15, 2014 • 0 Comments

This is a heavenly, savory pudding with lots of gooey cheese. The cornbread and eggs puff up while it bakes and create a fluffy “feather bed” of deliciousness. Serve with freshly squeezed fruit juice (we like passion fruit-pineapple,) candied bacon, and tea. This recipe was loosely adapted from one of my favorite books, Soup &…

by Melissa • June 12, 2014 • 0 Comments

Oh my gosh! Guess what I did today. No, really, guess. 🙂 I made… JAM! For the first time ever! Can I just tell you that it really was easier than I thought it would be. I had built up the process in my head until I was kind of scared of it, and now…