crab rangoon

This time of year we love to make special appetizers for our Friday night cocktail hour on the deck. Jeff is usually busy grilling something for dinner while I play in the kitchen. Here’s what I made this past Friday, and they turned out fantastic. If you’re just serving these as an appetizer, as we…

layered salad in a cake pan

I’m pretty sure most of you have encountered a layered salad, or two, in your lifetime. They’re popular for picnics and church basement potlucks. One thing that always amazes me is how silly it is to put a layered salad in a deep bowl. They’re ridiculously pretty, so I understand that part, but try to…

banh mi ~ saigon sub

Authentic or not, this is how I like my Banh Mi sandwiches. The first time I had one was at a restaurant here in Red Wing called The Norton’s (which has sadly closed it’s doors.) They called their Banh Mis “Saigon Subs.” I just love that name for this sammy, so I adopted it. Feel…

mrs. mcgregor’s carrot tea cake

It’s that time of year again. Birds are chirping, butterflies are floating from flower to flower, and May has arrived. I adore springtime tea gatherings in the garden, on the front screened-in porch, or under the little green umbrella on our deck. Nothing says spring like carrot cake, and this one is extra special because…

steak tacos

This is our favorite way to use up leftover, grilled steak but it’s also a good excuse to fire up the grill. Either way, you’re in for a treat! Two tacos will feed one hungry person. Double or triple the recipe as needed. for two tacos: 2 taco-sized flour or corn tortillas 1/2 lb. lean…