Mimi’s Blog

Lemon Pasta from John Alberti

We’ve been grilling since Memorial Day. Time for a switch. It doesn’t get any easier than this. Lemon Pasta is inexpensive to make, easy and quick to prepare, and is a delicious lemony, cheesy pasta delight. Lemon Pasta is a perfect main dish or as a side dish served alongside any lightly grilled protein.

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.

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.

Mimi’s Shrimp & Cheesy Grits

I’ve blogged about my new found food love, grits. Growing up in Northern Indiana and around few southern cooks, the sound of them simply did not appeal to me. Happy for me and mine, I’ve landed on a phenomenal shrimp and grits recipe that always looks so good on cooking shows. Read the story of my grits redemption.

Brats & Onions

Brats & Onions are quintessential football comfort food. No grill? Cook them up in a cast iron skillet along with caramelized onions. Crunchy, juicy, and peppery sausage goodness!

Westward HO! Salt Lake City – Red Iguana

Westward HO! Salt Lake City – Red Iguana

Salt Lake City Tour Salt Lake City is one of my favorite places.  While we were out for a late breakfast, I asked Richard why I liked Salt Lake so much?  "It's young.  It's clean.  There's a lot of energy," he replied. And that's exactly why I love it.  It's vibrant....

Simple Chicken Curry with Sauteed Veggies

Simple Chicken Curry with Sauteed Veggies

Simple Chicken Curry – There’s nothing easier, with a palette changing array of spices. This is served with rice or rice noodles, and an array of sauteed vegetables. Put this in your recipe box for something different, quick, and satisfying.

Retro Pork Chops, Spanish Rice with Peas and Potatoes

Retro Pork Chops, Spanish Rice with Peas and Potatoes

Pork Chops, Spanish Rice with Peas & Potatoes was on of our family favorites, and one of my mother’s no fail go to dinners. Quick and inexpensive, the rice is a nice twist on traditional Spanish rice. The rice, peas and potatoes can be prepared on it’s own and served as a side dish.

Healthier Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

Healthier Chicken Broccoli Cheese Casserole

My husband loves casseroles.  I mean, he's crazy about them.  He also loves rice.  Lucky for him, I had chicken breasts in the refrigerator, some leftover shredded carrots, cheese, and 1/2 bag of broccoli florets.  I can make rice.  What I didn't have was sour cream....

Scrumptious Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

Scrumptious Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

I love cheesecakes.  They're rich.  They're decadent.  They're scrumptious!  I know I've really had dessert when I've plowed through one or two pieces.  YUM!!! My daughter and her former college roommates were having a barbecue get-together at one of the girl's...

Master Bath Remodel at 274

Master Bath Remodel at 274

OK, probably not the best pictures.  This is what the master bath looked like before we decided to remodel.  The bath was functional, but the tub needed to be replaced, and the space needed an update. Keep in mind that in all my Mimi years, I have never remodeled...

Huevos Rancheros Two Ways

Huevos Rancheros Two Ways

Everything I know about Mexican cooking, I learned from my ex-mother-in-law:  homemade flour tortillas, salsa, Mexican rice, enchiladas, tostadas, guacamole – a real fiesta! She was a patient teacher, and I was a willing student.

Mouthwatering Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Mouthwatering Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Last week, my daughter took her two younger boys and me to go strawberry picking. We landed at Spencer Farms in Noblesville, Indiana. These folks have grown strawberries and raspberries since 1982. They have lots of pie making produce in their farm store, fresh and...

Healthy Thousand Island Dressing

Healthy Thousand Island Dressing

This is one of my husband's favorite dinners/lunches. Any grilled meat will be fabulous. Most likely, we make this salad from leftover grilled steak (I always grill an extra to have on hand for this exact purpose), or if we bring home a dogie bag from our favorite...

Our Trip to Zion National Park

Our Trip to Zion National Park

Richard and I love the American West. The landscape is breathtaking and unforgettable. Within easy travel from Las Vegas is Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Zion and Bryce National Parks, and the Grand Canyon. Also in this little corner of Utah is a...

Refreshing Creamsicle Cake

Refreshing Creamsicle Cake

Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate and other rich desserts as much as anyone. But after the holidays, Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, my tastebuds need to be revitalized. I look for something lighter in a citrus-type dessert. This recipe for Refreshing...

Shrimp & Scallop Stew with Israeli Couscous Pilaf

Shrimp & Scallop Stew with Israeli Couscous Pilaf

This is a perfect dish to serve during Lent. Actually, it's great anytime, and should be added to your seafood repertoire. Shrimp and Scallop Stew is easy to make and quick. Pour it on top of Israeli Couscous Pilaf and serve with garlic bread along with a nice glass...