Salisbury Steak

Can you even hear Salisbury steak mentioned without thinking of childhood?  For me it represents the quintessential frozen dinner, that special treat that my mother rarely allowed.  But when she did finally give in and I had a choice, it was usually this one that I'd pick.

Thirsty Thursdays: Maple Daiquiri

Maple Daiquiri

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this autumn twist on a classic cocktail!

Easy Pulled Chicken Chili

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Manwich for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Today I thought I'd share my weekly meal plan with you:

Weekends - Farmer's market and grocery shopping.  Elaborate homemade meals and desserts both days.
Monday - Leftovers (we love 'em!)

Tuesday - Possible small amount of remaining leftovers supplemented by veggies and beans.

Wednesday - Eggs

Thursday - Desperate pantry scrounge

Friday - Help!

Labneh Cheesecake with Honeyed Figs

Those of you familiar with labneh are now racing to the bottom of this article to find where you can get your hands on it.  For the uninitiated, I shall explain.  Lebnah is a Middle Eastern yogurt cheese.  Basically, think Greek style yogurt but even more strained.  Thick, almost a cream cheese consistency, rich and tart and heavenly tasting.  It's usually drizzled with olive oil, seasoned with za'atar (more on this wonderful spice soon) and served as a dip with pita bread.  It was many years since I'd had it but I never forgot.

Thirsty Thursdays: Apple Pie Martini

Apple Pie Martini

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this perfect, seasonal drink!

Pumpkin Soda Bread

I was trying to hold off on the pumpkin recipes until October, I really was! But I was walking past my favorite gourmet food and produce store and there they were. Not all markets have them yet but this place did. A big display of pumpkins and squash and those little gourds that I love so much. Oh, all right, I give in. I really do love pumpkin.

Not Lazy Meatloaf

Hi, my name is Anita and I'm a recovering lazy meatloaf maker. Maybe you can relate, maybe not, but this is my story. I grew up eating and liking meatloaf. My mother made it and taught me to make it. We were a meatloaf eating family. When I grew up and began my own life, I continued to make meatloaf but that life got a little busy. Shortcuts began to creep in.

Thirsty Thursdays: The Fig and Bourbon

The Fig and Bourbon

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this delightful autumn pairing!

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Marbled Sandwich Cookies

I think you all know that I'm a big fan of OXO kitchen products and use them daily.  I've had the pleasure of getting to know some members of the OXO team and gotten the opportunity to test many of their products.  So far my only complaint is that I don't have a large enough kitchen to have all their tools because I certainly want them. And so it was my pleasure to lend them a hand in baking to raise money for a great cause.

Sweet Spiced Pear Bread

My pear obsession is getting out of control.  First there was Spiced Pear Hand Pies then came Pear Cosmos and now we have pear bread.  Actually, what we had was a couple of leftover pears and I couldn't resist putting them to good use.

Thirsty Thursdays: Pear Cosmo

Pear Cosmo

Check out today's post on A Cocktail Life for this lovely and fragrant cocktail!

Spiced Pear Hand Pies

I was out shopping recently, minding my own business, not really looking for anything in particular, when I saw a big 4 1/2" copper pear shaped cookie cutter.  I had to have it.  It's possible I may have had a need for an apple shaped one, too.  And now I had to do something with it.

The Month in Review - August 2014

Happy Labor Day!  It's a long weekend for most of us and the unofficial end of summer.  Here in New York, kids go back to school tomorrow, weekend beach house shares are over and we're starting to think about fall.  We've actually been having a little mini heat wave for the last few days but I know it won't be long now before I start pulling out the jackets and sweaters.  I may have...um...already bought a new pair of Aldo boots because...Aldo! And boots!  OK, I'm guilty, I love fall.