Mimi’s Blog

Shirley’s Ground Beef Pot Pie

My mother, Shirley, was a pie master. She could mix up crust for a double-crust pie in a matter of seconds. It was always the same recipe: 2 cups all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (sugar if she was making a sweet pie); 2/3 cup Crisco; and 3-4 tablespoons ice-cold water. Her’s was always perfect. Perfectly flavored, perfectly crimped, and perfectly browned. Mom didn’t make savory pies often, but this recipe was one of our favorites.

Hearty & Healthy Split Pea Soup with Ham and Cornbread Croutons

Mimi’s Split Pea Soup with Cornbread Croutons is an old-timey and satisfying bowl of steamy comfort. This recipe is a good way to use up leftover ham. Add chunks of russet and sweet potatoes and top off the bowl with crunchy cornbread croutons for a filling wintry meal.

Jessica’s Outstanding Roast Turkey

Jessica’s Outstanding Roast Turkey

I have always prepared the Thanksgiving meal, even if it was cooked at my daughter's house. Last year, I roasted the turkey at my home and carted it over to Jessica's house. She prepared the side dishes. This year, Jessica decided to stuff and roast the bird herself!...

Easy Chicken and Biscuit Casserole

Easy Chicken and Biscuit Casserole

It can't get easier than this. Use leftover turkey or roasted chicken and transform it into a creamy, steamy biscuit-topped casserole. Wait - It gets easier! I cheated when I prepared this dish. I had some chicken breasts in the freezer and poached them. And then I...

Chicken Pibil Sandwich with Pickled Onions and Avocado Crema

Chicken Pibil Sandwich with Pickled Onions and Avocado Crema

Here's a Thanksgiving leftover tip! Substitute turkey to build these fabulous sandwiches! YUM!! Star of the Show! Pickled Red Onions with Jalapeno Pickling fresh vegetables seems to be all the rage these days. And there's a good reason. Pickled veggies don't take a...

Homemade Creamy Fresh Tomato Soup

Homemade Creamy Fresh Tomato Soup

Anyone who grew up in the vintage mid-century years remembers creamy tomato soup from a well-known soup canner. What a satisfying and hearty lunch or dinner served with a grilled cheese sandwich. I remember my mother would make us tumblers of tomato soup and grilled...

Pati’s Mexican Table

Pati’s Mexican Table

Pati Jinich I'm no stranger to Mexican cooking. If you've read a few of my Mexican food posts, I frequently mention my ex-mother-in-law who was my introductory mentor. Over the last 40 years, as Mexican food and cooking became an American obsession, I was increasingly...

Lakeside Ohio and the Marblehead Lighthouse

Lakeside Ohio and the Marblehead Lighthouse

I'm very fortunate to have a college roommate who owned a cottage on Lake Erie in Lakeside, Ohio. Two summers ago, my daughter, her family and I decided to rent Cynthia's cottage for a week and a lovely getaway. We enjoyed it so much that we returned in July this...

Quick Blueberry Slab Pie

Quick Blueberry Slab Pie

I adore any sort of pie. Sweet or savory, it makes no difference. And I love blueberries. My mother made the best pie crust for 60 years. For a two-crust 9" pie it was 2 cups flour, 2/3 Crisco, 2 teaspoons sugar, pinch of salt, and 4-6 Tablespoons ice water. That was...

Half Baked Harvest – Tieghan Gerard

Half Baked Harvest – Tieghan Gerard

Tieghan Gerard is one ambitious young woman with a fabulous story.I've wanted to write about her blog "Half Baked Harvest" for weeks, but once I visit her site, I can't leave. I'm captured by her stories and stellar photography.Tieghan comes from a family of nine....

Carmen’s Mexican Rice

Carmen’s Mexican Rice

Yes, this plate of Cheesy Enchiladas in Molé is scrumptous! However, the star of the show in today's post is the side dish in the upper right hand corner of the plate: Carmen's Mexican Rice. I've written frequently about my ex-mother-in-law, Carmen, and how she...

Mimi’s Fast & Easy Shrimp Fajitas

Mimi’s Fast & Easy Shrimp Fajitas

During the hot days of summer, we are all looking for a flavorful, healthy and quick meal. I frequently turn to fresh seafood as an alternative to traditional grilled burgers and dogs or dinner salad. A family favorite and crowd pleaser, you can't go wrong with are...

Mel’s Kitchen Cafe – Mel Gunnell

Mel’s Kitchen Cafe – Mel Gunnell

Mel's Kitchen CafeMel's Kitchen Cafe is one of the brightest (shining, bright, honest) blogs I've followed since I started blogging myself. Mel Gunnell is personal, unassuming, down-to-earth, and when she says "tried and true, baby" she knows of what she speaks. She's...

Salmon Filet Baked with Onions, Lemons

Salmon Filet Baked with Onions, Lemons

When Richard and I were first married, he introduced us to salmon. I'd never prepared salmon before, but over the next 20 years, a filet baked with onions and lemons has become a family staple. Even our young grandsons love it. They call it "pink fish." Salmon filet...