I’m definitely not a barbecue expert.  My father in law has gotten really into smoking and barbecuing, if I need to know something I can defer to him.  But one thing I do know is cooking to taste, and I put my tastebuds to work making an easy bbq sauce recipe.  I want to create a barbecue sauce repertoire and one day hold a taste testing to find out what kinds of flavors my family likes the best.  So far I’m quite partial to this chocolate bbq sauce that tickles the tongue with just a hint of spice. Read more

I used to work at Starbucks, and the funny thing was that I didn’t even really like coffee that much when I got the job there.  But I needed a job and it was only a 5 minute drive from my house.  Everyone seemed friendly there so I thought it would be a great place to work.  My introduction to the world of coffee started like a child entering a frigid wading pool one inch at a time. Read more

Happy Valentine’s Day!  Okay, I know it’s a couple days early, but I wanted to share some romantic Valentines Day dinner recipes for you in time to get your ingredients ready.  Guys, if you’re looking for easy romantic recipes for your loved one, this is the place!  She’ll be amazed at your prowess in the kitchen.  Oh yeah, and it’s CHEAP!  But she won’t think you’re skimping out if you make her a meal like this.

3 keys to wowing your gal with a romantic dinner: Read more

Imagine a buttery chocolate pastry crust so crisp you hear it snap as you cut into it with the side of a fork.  It’s filled with sweet yet tangy homemade raspberry jam that’s smothered in a rich chocolate ganache filling tasting  like the most expensive chocolate pudding in the world.  The creamy chocolate goodness is topped with plump and juicy raspberries that spurt juice into your mouth with every bite, and finished with the finest dusting of powdered sugar, like the sprinkling of the last snow of the season.

Now stop imagining, because I promise, you can make this!

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I was asked to try making a Safeway holiday recipe of my choice this weekend.  I decided to try out three of their recipes!  I love our local Safeway, and not just because my husband used to work there   (Yesterday was his last day!  Woo-hoo!)  Although I’m getting reimbursed for my ingredients for these three posts, I am only doing this because I shop at Safeway and Eric and I both enjoyed these dishes.  Check out Lemon Dill Marinated Shrimp and Gingerbread Cookies.

The next recipe I made was the fudge ring…that’s right…FUDGE RING!!!!

How could I not make this beautiful bounty of chocolate sweetness?  You’ve got milk chocolate, butterscotch chips, m&ms and Oreos.  Sign me up!

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