A new star is born in our family galaxy of faves, inspired by my younger sister. Ellen is an amazing cook with 4 active teenagers to feed. Between busy schedules and special diets, Ellen has perfected healthy-food-in-a-hurry.
bacon
Wild Rice Soup
Every restaurant seems to have a signature dish. Grandma’s restaurant in Duluth, MN is famous for their wild rice soup.
Bourbon and Bacon Jam
Have you ever put something off because you feared failure? Maybe you delayed a difficult conversation because you might say the wrong thing. Or perhaps you avoid wedding dances for fear of looking like a klutz. Or, like me, you decide to put off that first experience of skydiving because “failure” would be quite tragic. 😂 Well, I have wanted to make bacon jam for years, but have been afraid the end result would be disappointing. But the day of boldness finally arrived.
Beef, Bacon & Kale Stuffed Acorn Squash
Even though my mind is arguing with me, some dishes don’t actually need to be topped with bubbly cheese in order to be delicious. Every moment that I was planning this recipe, chopping, browning, and assembling, I was trying to think of which wonderful cheese should be the crowning glory. Nothing. Nada. Zippo. NOT NECESSARY. This is amazing on its own.
Golden Vegetables Immune-Boosting Soup
Liquid sunshine. That’s what this is! When you’re feeling worn out, exhausted, vulnerable to every virus, this is even more therapeutic than a catnap in the sun. And the taste is so amazing that you will make it over and over again – even when it’s not soup season.
Big Batch of Bourbon Baked Beans
I never have to look far to find a reason (excuse???) to invite people over for a party. Someone’s birthday? Let’s party! The house is clean? Let’s party! It’s above zero degrees? Let’s party! Taxes are done? LET’S PARTY!
Smoked Gouda & Sundried Tomato Omelettes
I am a morning person. Always have been. A cup of coffee, sunrise or rain-spattered windows, the Word of God, complete silence, and a piece of chocolate makes a perfect morning for me.
Gorgonzola & Date Stuffed Chicken Breast
William Cowper wrote a poem titled “The Task” in 1785 that includes the idiom, “Variety is the very spice of life, that gives it all its flavour.” How that applies in cooking is obvious, and this recipe absolutely nails it.
Winter Kale Salad
Winter in Minnesota usually means sweaters, slippers, and hands wrapped around a mug of something hot. Since I am not a huge fan of typical “comfort food”, I tend to make soups and stews. But sometimes even that can feel too heavy.
