Mimi’s Blog

Baked Gnocchi with Bacon, Tomato & Mozzarella

It’s that time of year! Cold, rainy, and windy here in Indiana. We’re expecting snow in a few days – Baked Gnocchi with Bacon, Tomatoes, and Mozzarella is the perfect yummy bite. You’ll be all warm and cozy in no time, guaranteed. And it’s a very quick dish – 35-40 minutes.
Serve with a green salad and a warm loaf of crusty Italian bread. Heavenly!

Easy Chicken & Noodles

A family favorite quick go-to recipe try this Quick & Easy Chicken and Noodles.  Sure to please, this makes plenty, more than enough for four.  If you add two more chicken breasts or thighs, you can stretch it to serve six. Serve this with a salad or apple sauce or fresh fruit or crusty bread, and you’re all set.

Grilled Steak with Creamy, Cheesy Pasta,Tomatoes & Mushrooms

This dish is inspired by The Pioneer Woman’s Steakhouse Pasta. It’s filled with flavor from tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach and a creamy, cheesy sauce perfect for pasta. Delicious and so satisfying!

Decadently Rich and Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

Would you describe yourself as a “chocoholic?” If the smell and taste of chocolate makes your heart skip a beat, these are the brownies for you!

Westward Ho! Devils Tower National Monument

Westward Ho! Devils Tower National Monument

Richard and I love traveling in the western United States. There's just something about the huge landscapes, wide open vistas, and big, very big, blue skies. Literally, you can see for miles and miles. It's not our first trip. In fact, we've made the drive from...

Spring Break in Chicago

Spring Break in Chicago

Navy Pier was designed by architect Charles Sumner Frost and opened to the public in 1916 as “Municipal Pier”. It was the only pier to combine a shipping dock with public entertainment. This 3,000 foot pier sits just north of the mouth of the Chicago River. What to do...

Florida January Getaway – Rest and Relaxation

Florida January Getaway – Rest and Relaxation

Ah, yes. This is one reason we all want to visit Florida especially in January - breathtaking sunsets. For five days there was no snow or ice, no heavy rain, no dark dreary skyscapes when the horizon seems 100 feet above my head. This was taken at the Dunedin Beach...

Quick and Cozy Crocheted Family Room Throw

Quick and Cozy Crocheted Family Room Throw

I don't crochet, knit or sew as much as I used to, but there's something comforting sitting on the chaise of my big yellow family room sectional with some project in my hands. When we bought our condo in Noblesville, I had no idea what color to paint the rooms, and...

Chuck Roast with Peppers, Tomatoes and Cheese Grits

Chuck Roast with Peppers, Tomatoes and Cheese Grits

OMG - I simply LOVE dishes like this one.  Steamy and hardy, tender chunks of beef are stewed with slices of red bell pepper, tomatoes, onions and garlic served over a heaping helping of cheese grits - my mouth is watering. What is it about corn, like these cheese...

Giant Cornbread for a Crowd

Giant Cornbread for a Crowd

Before I dive into this post, I must tell you about this fabulous sheet cake pan I found at TJ Maxx. It's a high-sided Nordic Ware half-sheet pan fitted with a plastic lid. I just love it! This aluminum baking pan is just the right size to bake my recipe for Giant...

Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Perfect Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Who doesn't have a love affair with fried chicken?  The Midwestern  super Sunday supper. Piping hot from the fryer.  Crunchy on the outside.  Moist and steamy on the inside. Perfect picnic fare.  Ever go the Indy 500?  They won't let you in without a bucket and a...

BAM! Best Veggie Chili

BAM! Best Veggie Chili

You won't miss the meat - truly.  Trust your Mimi. Don't be skeptical.  Walk on the Wild Side with a heaping bowl of this fabulous and flavorful chili.  Take a look.  How can you resist??  I can't. UH OH! - what is that nestled among all those yummy vegetables?  OK -...

Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Pignoli & Tomatoes

Roasted Broccoli Quinoa Salad with Pignoli & Tomatoes

What's the big deal about quinoa? For one thing, quinoa is a complete protein source.  It is gluten-free.  Quinoa is a good source of fiber (One-half cup of quinoa has 14 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber.).  This mighty super-grain can help offset the risk of...

Indy Landmark – Shapiro’s Deli

Indy Landmark – Shapiro’s Deli

  Every once in a while, you need the comfort of a great deli sandwich.  Not any of the national fast food sandwich chain fare for me.  A real Kosher deli big bite. Shapiro's Deli located at 808 S. Meridian Street, Indianapolis, has been carving out great...

Delicious AND Nutritious – Salmon and French Lentils

Delicious AND Nutritious – Salmon and French Lentils

What are lentils anyway?  How are French lentils different from others?  And they're so cute, too.  Little round orange, yellow, and green legumes ready to burst forth with nutritious, yummy, creamy goodness.  Lentils are filled with fiber and nutrients.  In salads,...

Westward Ho!  Blue Plate Diner – Salt Lake City

Westward Ho! Blue Plate Diner – Salt Lake City

The acclaimed Blue Plate Diner is nestled among quaint residential/commercial buildings in the Sugar House district of Salt Lake City.  Sugar House is a very popular neighborhood.  I'd liken it to Broad Ripple, but with an updated business district. The diner is...