Search Results for: blog recipes for special occasions

Recipes for Special Occasions

I don’t know about you, but it’s a rare night that I get to dine on steak. Most people shy away from preparing the mouth-watering meat on a nightly basis because it cost more than chicken or hamburger. However, when it comes to celebrating special occasions, studies show that steak is the number one choice for diners. With that said, you don’t have to go into debt or spend hours in the kitchen to create a succulent steak dinner. Whether you are celebrating a graduation, birthday or anniversary, the following easy, yet delicious steak recipe can’t be beat. I’ve also … Continue reading →

Thanksgiving Recipes: International Sides

Thanksgiving is one of those occasions where you don’t look like a cheapskate by asking others to contribute to the meal. This is especially true if you are hosting a ton of people from different backgrounds. My best friend of Japanese-Filipino descent married an Irish guy whose brother married a woman from Jamaica and whose sister married a half-German, half-Mexican man. Their Thanksgiving feasts are cornucopias of colorful and flavorful dishes representing various cultures. If your family is not as diverse you might consider making the following recipes. Both are easy to prepare and will go a long way to … Continue reading →

Fun and Easy Ways to Go Green

Earth Day 2013 is less than a week away.  How are you planning to celebrate? Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot of green to go green.  All you need is a little time and some motivation to recycle what you already own.  By repurposing materials you would otherwise toss in the trash, you are not only saving money and showing your kids simple ways to save the planet, but you’re also giving them an outlet to showcase their creative energy. Placemats:  Rather than spend cash on everyday placemats, consider making your own with poster board, old magazines and … Continue reading →

Last-Minute Homemade Gifts for Mom

Nothing says “I love you” more than a homemade gift from the heart. This is especially true on Mother’s Day. Think about it; moms are typically the ones nudging kids to the crayon box to craft gifts for others on special occasions, so think about how nice it would be for her to be on the receiving end of one of those handcrafted works of art made by tiny hands that developed in her womb. If you are the one in charge of getting the kiddos to work their artistic magic on mom’s gift, consider the following: RECIPE BOX Find … Continue reading →

Crazy Diets: Chocolate Diet

While the chocolate diet does not encourage eating chocolate to lose weight it is still on the fad diet list. The purpose of the diet is to help those with chocolate addictions ease that addiction and lose weight. The first week no chocolate is allowed. The subsequent weeks allow chocolate in small quantities. Basics: Diet allows for no more than 1300 calories a day. Men can eat up to 300 more. Exercise is encouraged and different types are recommended for different types of chocolate addicts. Promises you can lose 7 pounds in two weeks. Claims to alleviate chocolate cravings. (However, … Continue reading →

Order in the Pantry

Do you ever go to your pantry to get an ingredient out and you’ve got to start the big hunt to find it. What a waste of time that is. This is where it shows the advantage of an ordered pantry. It makes sense and saves a lot of time to have things that are related together. For example the top shelf of our pantry contains foods that I can’t eat because I am allergic to wheat, gluten and honey. That way Mick can reach his cereals and spreads etc easily since he is taller than me. A shelf which … Continue reading →

Yummy Mushrooms

I’m a big fan of mushrooms and try to forget the fact they really are fungi and think of them as vegetables. Unlike the Romans who believed mushrooms were a gift from God only to be used on special occasions, I use mushrooms a lot. When they are cheap I buy them in large quantities. I tend to put them in just about every casserole or crock pot meal I make as well as using them in pies, enchiladas, salads, quiche, and just about anything else I’m making or simply on their own. A trick my son-in-law taught me is … Continue reading →

Manly Meals for Father’s Day

Unless your dad is a vegetarian or on a restricted diet, he’d probably enjoy dining on a thick, juicy T-bone rather than a garden salad on Father’s Day. Serve your dad a succulent meaty meal this weekend, with help from the following recipes: GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN Ingredients: 2 pork tenderloins 1/4 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup Bourbon 1/4 cup canola oil 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 cloves garlic, chopped Ingredients for Mustard Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives Salt and pepper to taste Directions: Mix the soy sauce, bourbon, … Continue reading →

Coconut Cream Pie Makeover

Posted on by

I love coconut cream pie. I actually love anything with coconut in it. . .but I’m especially fond of cream pie. However, I am no longer young and ahem. . .I can’t eat whatever I want anymore! With that said, I offer you two coconut cream pie recipes. . .the old version with all the fat, sugar and calories a coconut cream pie could offer (you know, for special occasions), and a newer lighter version. If you’re daring–take the challenge and see if you can tell which one is the almost fat free version and which one is not. Fannie … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Chinese New Year Dishes

Mark your calendars–this year Chinese New Year begins on February 7th. Which means you have exactly one week to finalize your party menu… or make dinner reservations at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Actually, the point of this blog is to encourage the former instead of the latter, more convenient option. I grew up in Hawaii where Chinese New Year is celebrated with huge block parties featuring massive buffet tables lined with the most delicious homemade Chinese delicacies. Growing up my favorite Chinese New Year treat was Soy Zing Dan Gow, a steamed Chinese sponge cake that is specifically made for … Continue reading →