Mimi’s Blog

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.

Mimi’s Fried Chicken Wings and Deep Frying Tips

Richard and I love chicken wings. I mean, who doesn’t? Hot, crispy, juicy and slathered in your favorite hot sauce or dipped in any variety of dressings and sauces on-the-side, chicken wings are the perfect finger food. And Mimi’s Fried Chicken Wings deliver just that!

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!

Cauliflower Cake with Pecorino and Basil

This is a fabulous, quick and easy side dish. Serve Cauliflower Cake with Pecorino and Basil as a side dish with any protein or on its own with a salad. Slices are fabulous warmed in the microwave the next day for lunch. Or reheat leftovers served with a big, fresh salad and warm crusty bread for another simple and satisfying meal.

Gulf Shores, Alabama – Perfect Fall Break Destination

Look at how my family and I enjoyed the lovely beaches, historic sites, and fabulous food in Gulf Shores – a popular vacation destination for good reason!

John Legend Mac ‘n Cheese

John Legend Mac ‘n Cheese

Some things that happen in life are the work of fate.  I mean, for no reason, there's some unexpected connection, an unexplained event.  That's how it happened with for me tonight with John Legend and his recipe for Mac 'n Cheese. It is COLD here in Billings....

Almond Orange Cookies – Orange Sable Cookies

Almond Orange Cookies – Orange Sable Cookies

  I love these cookies!  They're crunchy, crumbly, made with ground almonds and orange zest. I found this recipe in a 2001 edition of Martha Stewart's Holiday Cookies:  100 Favorite Recipes. Don't get me wrong, I love chocolate and caramel and cheesecake as much as...

Shirley’s Christmas Walnut Roll

Shirley’s Christmas Walnut Roll

Growing up, our family was incredibly spoiled at Christmas time.  My mother, Shirley, and my paternal grandmother, Grandma Szewczyk, excelled at baking.  Because Grandma Szewczyk lived directly across an alley from us, we were doubly blessed. My mom's walnut roll was...

Turkey Enchiladas in Mole

Turkey Enchiladas in Mole

Yes, we still have turkey.  Uh oh - hope I didn't make you roll your eyes . . . Yes, another turkey recipe: Turkey Enchiladas in Mole.  Never had mole?   Boy, are you in for a treat!! I'm crazy for this recipe.  My ex-mother-in-law, who taught me everything I know...

Grandma’s Raisin Bread (Chalka)

Grandma’s Raisin Bread (Chalka)

My Polish grandmother made this traditional bread throughout the year.   We lived directly across an alley from her house, so Grandma was always bringing over freshly baked goodies.  Chalka was one of our very favorites.  It's fabulous warm out of the oven or toasted...

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

My house is smelling so good today!  And the Packers and the Vikings are in overtime!  It's a happy Sunday afternoon. It's the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Regardless of whether I'm cooking for the two of us or for a houseful of family and guests, I always manage to...

Banana Pecan Caramel Crumb Cake

Banana Pecan Caramel Crumb Cake

What to do with over ripe bananas?  Well, we all know there's lots!  Rather than banana bread or muffins, I wanted to make a cake.  I also love New York style crumb cake, so this cake was a perfect fit.  Wow!  Banana Pecan Caramel Crumb Cake is awesome.  It's a denser...

Ultimate Deluxe Sausage Vegetable Pizza

Ultimate Deluxe Sausage Vegetable Pizza

Richard and I eat pizza about twice a month.  He doesn't care what's on top, as long as there's meat.  I LOVE Italian sausage, so that's the meat default in our house.  Very, very rarely do we order pizza out.  I think it's much more economical to construct our own,...

Vegetable Chow Mein

Vegetable Chow Mein

About a month or so ago, I was shopping at World Market and found this cute package of Hong Kong Style Egg Noodles.  I don't know what makes them "Hong Kong Style," but because I love noodles of all shapes and sizes and because they were reasonably priced, I couldn't...

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken

In the mood for something different for dinner?  Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken should be in everyone's recipe quiver.  And you'll have an excuse to buy a jar of blackberry jam. Hooray! Layer chicken in the bottom of a crock pot.  Pour over the sauce.  Turn on the...

Quinoa Spinach Arugula & Cheese Casserole

Quinoa Spinach Arugula & Cheese Casserole

I've not thought about using quinoa as the vessel for a casserole, like you would rice or pasta.  But I came across this recipe a few months ago at Bakeaholic Mama, and it's become one of my favorites.  Simply said, Carrie, aka Bakeaholic Mama, is a genius.  A healthy...

Luscious Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs

Luscious Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs

 Luscious Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs These ribs are phenomenal!   I mean, who doesn't like juicy, "fall-off-the-bone," savory pork ribs?  To begin, I used a spicy dry rub called "Soul Dust" I found at Kayotic Kitchen.  I was attracted to this rub, because it...