A few weeks ago I decided to make chicken stock.  To do so I needed a chicken, so I roasted a chicken and then used the bones to make a stock.  It was so easy I am not sure what took me so long.  But back to the roast chicken.  There is something comforting about it.  It is the quintessential Sunday supper.

A few weeks ago my niece and nephews lost another little friend, Beck, to cancer.  He was four years old. They have lost two friends in the last 10 months to cancer.  I stared at a poster she had made listing 5 people she knew with cancer and three of them had died. One of their friends dad’s died from cancer and their...

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There is nothing better than spreading a little roasted garlic over a piece of crunchy french bread.  As part of a new ongoing series Kitchen Basics I will share recipes that are fundamental and in many cases used in other recipes.  Roasted garlic is great alone but adds a rich flavor to many other recipes. I ended up using this recipe to make Roasted Meyer Lemon and Garlic Chicken and a delicious Garlic Potato Soup, both will be on here soon.

Garlic has such healing qualities.  It is rich in antioxidants and is believed be a natural antibiotic.  Most of all I love the flavor garlic.  Each year the city of Gilroy hosts a Garlic...

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I had a craving for Buffalo Wing something so I started looking around for inspiration.  I saw this and then this and decided to give it a try.  I made Buffalo Chicken Nachos for Two.  Of course, you can upsize for a crowd with the Super Bowl this coming weekend.

In my college days we would go to TGIFriday’s and eat chicken wings along with other not super healthy food.  I don’t have chicken wings very often  these days but had a surplus of shredded chicken. It seemed like a good idea.  It is a nice snack or light meal.

Melt the butter in a small saucepan.  Looking at these pictures I think it’s time I get a new...

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What happens when you marry two food favorites?  In my case you get Red Velvet Popovers.  My love affair with popovers started as a child at Buffum’s department store.  I was inspired by Joy’s Hot Chocolate popovers and thought why not Red Velvet? These could make someone swoon on Valentine’s Day.

Hot out of the oven they are stuffed with Hershey’s Mini Kisses and topped with a marshmallow.  Served with the Marshmallow Cream Spread schmeered (is that a word) over the warm popover puts it over the top.  The spread is a mixture of mascarpone cheese and marshmallow fluff.  My favorite little taste tasters gave it...

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I am always happy when I see Meyer Lemons return to the store.  I am a lemon fiend but these are a notch above with a sweeter flavor.  I traditionally make lemon risotto  with them but decided to try a new take on my favorite recipe.

I diced a green chile, several cloves of garlic and shallots. I placed them in a skillet over medium high heat and sauteed for a few minutes.  I added the risotto and then a splash of chardonnay.  I kept the risotto covered with chicken stock and stirred frequently.  At the end I added Parmesan cheese, lemon juice and lemon zest along with a tablespoon of mascarpone cheese.

It is a new favorite here at my...

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Did you have a nice weekend?  I finally saw Wicked and loved it.  When I was growing up I loved the Wizard of Oz but they always played it on Sunday nights.  We had church on Sunday nights so there was only one course of action.  Get sick!  I don’t recommend it but I loved that movie. It has been awhile since I had been to the theater and rediscovered my love it.  Is there anything you have lost touch with.

It’s been awhile since I shared what I have been doing else and  thought I would update you, in case you want to try a few of the recipes.

Today, over at Betty Crocker, you can find my Braised Chicken with Red Wine

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Last weekend at my niece Olivia’s party we learned how honey is made.  It was so cool. Her grandfather has four boxes of bees that Fernando is harvesting. As I write this I am positive I should have taken better notes so I could share the whole process, but the pictures will have do. These pictures are by Leanna Creel of Creel Films.

I wish I could give you a sample so that you could taste this beautiful honey. The honey is delicious and has a hint of eucalyptus. We learned the honey takes on the flavor of the trees around the bees.  It tastes so much better than what you buy at the stores.  Once you have tasted this you can’t...

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Last weekend Olivia, my dear niece, celebrated her 8th birthday in Cowgirl Style.  Her grandpa has horses, chickens and bees at house.  What more do you need to celebrate?

These cute hats became the starting point for colors. I created party printable using green checked paper with pink and black accents.

The girls descended on Pa’s ready for adventure.

He gave the girls safety instructions and they carefully listened.

Olivia took the first ride with her grandpa.

Her friends waited patiently for their turn.

The girls decorated horseshoes with rhinestones and bows.

My sister-in-law Joy created these adorable table settings.

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My morning routine is usually a protein drink.  It starts me out with protein and fiber and lots of fruit.  I find I have more energy and less cravings.

Last summer I  started using Arbonne’s Fit Kit and love the protein powder.  I do sell it on the side too, in full disclosure.  I lost 20  pounds last year on the program and continue to use it for maintenance.  If you are interested in more info you can email me for more information.

For this shake I used 1/2 cup raspberries and 1/2 cup pineapple.  You can use blueberries, strawberries, mango or bananas.  I have also added a little orange juice or a teaspoon of unsweetened...

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When you think about setting goals do you consider one’s for your family meals? Family meals can be challenging when kids are young or they have grown into sometimes sulky teenagers. Life snowballs and with all the activities going on family meals easily slips away.

One meal a day as a family can radically change your family. It is consistently listed, as one of the most important things is your children’s life. But I think it is just as important for adults.

• What would it look like if you set goals for 2012 around the family meal?
• What would you like your family meals to look like? How would you like them to feel? You can...

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