I love a lot of things at different times; this time of year I love eggnog and hot cider, in the summer I love strawberry lemonade and cucumber juice.  But something I love anytime of year is giving.  Usually that means giving my time, there’s a reason we cook on a tight budget!  We do tithe 10% of our income to our church and give to different charities and opportunities when we can, but we often have times we wish we could give financially but just don’t have it in the budget.  That’s why I’m so excited about GiveBack.org. Read more

Saturday was our annual Johnson Gingerbread Competition with Eric’s family.  We show up at Eric’s parents’ house with only the structure done, and do all the decorating at the same time.  This year’s theme is “EPIC ADVENTURE”, and we all made our own gingerbread from scratch!  Now it’s time for you to help us determine who wins the competition.  Check out the photos below with all the special details highlighted.  Cast your vote in the survey and then please leave a comment letting us know which one you like best and why.  If you think you know who made which one, please DON’T leave that in the comments.  We’d like to keep that a surprise until the results are announced.  You can also check out the 2009 gingerbread competition and 2008 gingerbread competition. Read more

It’s true my friends, winter is officially here!  (At least if you live in Washington)  Below is a video of our first snow of the season, quite the winter storm, and a recipe for the perfect hot drink to sip while snuggled under a blanket in front of the fireplace.  This apple cider recipe is sweet, buttery and full of my favorite holiday spices.  Whether you have snow outside or not, just one sip is sure to make you feel like you’re in a winter wonderland.

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It’s happening!  This Friday, here in Auburn, Washington I’m holding a special holiday class of the Healthy Cooking on a Tight Budget Program.  If you’re free from 11am-1pm stop on by.  We’ll be canning apple butter, making a winter pear and spinach salad, trying out some stuffed pears and much, much more!  Call 253-833-2770 to register!

Are you wondering what to do with that rich and flavorful turkey stock you made with your holiday turkey carcass?  Or how in the world you’ll eat all that leftover turkey before it goes bad?  This homemade ramen recipe is so simple to make and each slurp of fresh vegetables, turkey and noodles warms both your belly and your soul. Read more