tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85805959781363046452012-01-29T10:29:03.076-05:00Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.comBlogger641100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-68663599581375775762012-01-20T01:05:00.000-05:002012-01-20T01:05:12.582-05:00

It is said that if you're going to have dessert, portion-controlled servings are the way to go. I find that logic almost interesting. Regardless, I gave it a try. And I believe this clever strategy has the potential to work! I can't  begin to tell you how many of these single-serving cakes I've had this week  plus the strong urge to swing from power lines was undeniable. However, should

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-87859034491635100542011-12-24T13:12:00.000-05:002011-12-24T13:12:33.642-05:00

I've been looking forward to this day since Dec. 26th, 2010! Haven't you? I hope you guys have been as good as me this year. Ok, so I—lightly—pushed a 'holiday shopper' out of my way the other day. But, let's face it, the guy was asking for it . . . the way he kept ringing that stupid bell, over and over, sent me right over the edge. In any case, I couldn't let this season's curtain fall

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-58430102476988029402011-11-23T19:22:00.000-05:002011-11-23T19:22:37.087-05:00

There is only one above us who truly understands. But, he spent most of the day sulking, refusing to come downstairs. And all due to my Thanksgiving menu. I planned to start out with a simple, healthy soup. Whereas, my bitter half claimed that most soups are inedible, unless there's a pound of salt pork swimming in it. So, I worked on a soup that would, hopefully, satisfy all, and disarm my

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-90836100817227908972011-10-31T15:20:00.001-04:002011-11-04T08:58:37.785-04:00

Unable to sleep last night, I tottered down toward the kitchen for a night owl special. The once overflowing refrigerator was now a safe haven for a sad little apple, which had sat in there so long, it resembled a shrunken head more than a healthy snack. Friends, you may think I’ll eat anything that isn't moving, but even I have my standards. Upon further inspection, I squealed at the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-55057060977073658612011-08-06T02:11:00.001-04:002011-08-06T02:12:12.637-04:00

“Mom! Look, I’m not sweating anymore!” shouted Mr. Man-pants, from the top of the stairs. Needless to say, after battling nearly triple digit temperatures for about a month now, you can bet I was all ears. But his comment wasn't the only thing that got my attention. As the boy walked closer, with an awkward gait and arms extended, it was the shellacked coating on his skin I found most

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-8513777781305020382011-07-08T04:17:00.000-04:002011-07-08T04:17:21.150-04:00

This time of year, some gardeners will become embroiled in a battle with the mighty zucchini. Dare to blink, and this unassuming summer squash will spread faster than a vicious rumor—if you're lucky. Are you ready? Then hold on to your bounty, my friends, because here's a plan of action to turn this prolific vegetable into soup. A damn good soup! For this recipe, I try to use zucchini

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-83851883280753524512011-06-17T02:43:00.001-04:002011-06-17T03:01:51.098-04:00

"You won't find a better-tasting strawberry in your supermarket!" boasted local berry farmer, with arms folded behind his back, as if he were about to address the parliament. His farm, a barren expanse of dirt, just weeks before, is now a canvas of perfectly red strawberries, that would rival a Cézanne painting. As I merrily romped across the field, basket in one hand and camera in the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-81861493430915662942011-06-01T13:15:00.002-04:002011-06-03T13:17:26.216-04:00

Once upon a time there was a young boy, known as Mr. Man-Pants, who maintained a typical child's view toward vegetables. His reason for avoiding most green foods? He feared he would "catch normal." Well, I fainted dead away when, after years of trials and tribulations to get the boy to eat right, I noticed him happily packing away this, unquestionably emerald-green risotto, into his

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-1854959852488437932011-05-07T04:38:00.003-04:002011-05-23T09:24:47.275-04:00

Did I ever tell you I once had my own personal chef? My chef would often create dishes with the veritable ease and skill of an Iron Chef, but with few ingredients, and even fewer, fancy gadgets. I shall refer to her as "Chef Mom," because that is who she was, and still is today. Sadly though, once mom retired to the state of Florida (as required by law), the pampering stopped. But this is

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-4584626220061219652011-04-24T00:02:00.000-04:002011-04-24T00:02:33.022-04:00

Well friends, sorry the chattering will be kept to a minimum today. I've been invited to William and Kate's royal wedding, and I couldn't say no. Call it a weakness. Jeepers on a Sunday morning! What if the queen and I end up wearing the same designer gown? I'd die! I would just die! May Easter bring you baskets full of joy!

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-32304656914734935762011-03-09T12:21:00.000-05:002011-03-09T12:21:56.162-05:00

National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week is upon us. And according to Mr. Man Pants, this ought be a weekly series, rather than a yearly event. If your views are consonant with his, then you might as well take advantage of the celebration, for May is National Salad Month. ...who called me a Killjoy? You know, if I weren't afraid of Mrs. Fields declaring me an endangered species, I would probably

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-11644178290358850582011-03-02T01:43:00.000-05:002011-03-02T01:43:40.879-05:00

My paternal grandma was the first to introduce me to the wonderful world of Middle Eastern cuisine.  Many years later,  it was  a boy, Kaleel, who reignited my interest for the food...among other things.  We were young and, somewhat, in love. I was the ‘somewhat’ in that fleeting courtship. Lest you think I'm the  proprietress of Heartbreak Hotel, I'll let you in on a secret, I'm actually highly

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-38268637890089506222011-02-11T16:34:00.001-05:002011-02-11T16:35:49.459-05:00

Bedtime came late one night, as my daughter Sam, and I, tried to top our love for one another. Mom: "I love you more than all the South Sea pearls in the world." Sam: "I love you more than ice cream." Mom: "I love you more than all the stars in the sky." Sam: "I love you more than...the septic system!" Mom: "Wait—What!?" Needless to say, this nightly ritual came to a screeching halt.

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-67235755114541117672011-01-29T00:42:00.001-05:002011-01-29T00:45:50.255-05:00

Ever since I got back from Polar Bear Dipping in Northern Michigan, I’ve let my mind wander. Lured away from a winter wonderland to the spellbinding embrace of a warm, tropical breeze. And you know, sometimes, dreaming is all I have, to keep from freezing my assets off. As compensation, I treated myself to an ethereally light dessert, Panna Cotta. You might argue there's no such thing as “

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-76972472638009828612010-12-23T10:04:00.001-05:002010-12-23T10:05:24.736-05:00

Hey friends, I'm putting a lid on the chatter, this time (well, amazing things always happen through the miracle of Christmas) to wish your inner child a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year! Gingerbread Poinsettia was made using this recipe, and the petals were cut out with the teardrop-shaped cookie cutter. And glued together with royal icing. The holly leaves and doves were cut out

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-77387568100639368612010-12-03T14:49:00.002-05:002010-12-03T14:54:46.200-05:00

Thumper's birthday was  weeks ago, but I had to share with you this milestone. Although, the boy turned 12,  he's almost taller than me. And no longer shops for clothes in the boy's department. Fact is,  he's been recently spotted  wearing "man pants." So, I was not too surprised when my suggestions for his birthday cake— a Star Wars theme, or perhaps, a Little Big Planet's Sackboy cake—were

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-25494674063387277832010-11-24T15:01:00.001-05:002010-11-24T15:03:57.829-05:00

Here's something you may not know about me, I have an aversion to raw chicken livers.  Yet,  I have no trouble putting it away in its paté state. There you have it, my filthy little secret. Dears, this homemade stuff is so good, I urge you to make it, yesterday! Observe. Ok, maybe not the best example.  Chicken Liver Paté remains the ugly stepsister of the appetizer world. So,  cover up  its

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-6278615968042655482010-11-10T04:10:00.002-05:002010-11-23T09:05:04.442-05:00

...or, Cucurbita Moschata, as most kids refer to it... "Is that my favorite pumpkin bread I smell?" he asked, as he foxtrotted into the kitchen. "Uh-huh."  I craftily replied, as the fires of Hell consumed me. You see, in an attempt to convince the-one-I-hold-dear to admit fresh Butternut squash was  better than canned pumpkin,  I baked his favorite "pumpkin" bread...with some minor

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-49152135697893108092010-10-29T16:45:00.000-04:002010-10-29T16:45:46.303-04:00

I'd like you to meet my friend, Rick O. Mortis. Lately, he's been a little lonely—and dare I say—dead on his feet, since he bought the farm. So, I've asked him over...for dinner... He's mortified at the prospect because he hit a dead-end, deciding what to bring to the fete. Silly stiff. As you can tell, Rick is pretty down to earth. From his marzipan head to his fungus-y nails. You may think

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-78119160547481312322010-09-13T15:17:00.000-04:002010-09-13T15:17:25.081-04:00

As a kid, there were two things I hated, tomatoes, and my fifth-grade Math teacher (whose name escapes me. Although I'd be inclined to call her an ill bred, blustering old windbag . . . if I knew what that meant). Anyway, I have since recovered. And today...I love tomatoes. I've been guzzling this refreshing liquid salad by the gallon. It's helped get me through a very busy, very hot summer.

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-37965061534272029442010-04-22T15:37:00.001-04:002010-08-04T13:28:37.555-04:00

Well, I just finished 1½ hours on the treadmill. Oops. Typo. I meant, I just finished half a cheesecake for lunch. I developed a craving for a simple lemony dessert, something befitting my simple tastes. And on a fickle whim, I went with Lemon Curd. Then, Thumper upped the ante by claiming I hadn't made his favorite cheesecake "in like, forever." And the idea for a cheesecake, infiltrated with

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-22221381511045577462010-04-02T11:57:00.001-04:002010-04-15T13:37:27.002-04:00

This time of year I tend to reminisce about my childhood friend, Caridad (I called her Cari), who used to push me fierce hard, and even dared to  wake me up at an ungodly hour, every Sunday morning,  to drag my heathen carcass to church. “C’mon, I know you’re in there! I’m not leaving until you open the door!” Cari demanded.  One thing about Cari, she was no quitter. I would ceremoniously

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-65415046045198251652010-03-01T00:41:00.014-05:002010-03-05T11:33:02.140-05:00

Apparently, my order for a brief, mild winter got lost in the shuffle. So, while I wait for winter skies' shade of ugh to lift, I'll console myself with this stew. More precisely, Cajun Seafood Gumbo. This dish originated in Louisiana, and it is a deliciously thick and spicy pool of shrimp, crab, and my favorite vegetable, andouille sausage. However, the heart and soul of this Gumbo is the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-40046442154629526322010-02-12T02:25:00.011-05:002010-02-12T06:25:39.011-05:00

At first I was afraid, I was petrified...when I learned of Nigella Lawson’s Clementine Cake, via the singing praises of her many fans. To me, the idea of combining five, whole clementines with almond flour, seemed like a recipe for disaster.The many hurrays (with only a few harrumphs) garnered by this cake over the years, finally convinced me to try it. It was, with Open Arms, that I

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-73951194448896219322010-01-15T05:08:00.003-05:002010-01-15T05:17:26.942-05:00

For those of you braving arctic temperatures, come right in and sit by the fire. How about a slice of cake, still warm from the oven—it is to live for! Tea, perhaps?For those of you living in a warm climate, get your dirty paws off the cake and get the hell out! And take your dark tan and flip flops with you too! ...well, if it looks like somebody woke up on the wrong side of the broom, it

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-24002143816008316582009-12-24T02:50:00.008-05:002009-12-24T03:20:46.118-05:00

...and to all, a good-night!

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-70839066632335560282009-12-16T12:31:00.013-05:002010-12-01T12:18:53.041-05:00

Did the title make your toes curl? Mine too! And, thanks to other chocolate radicals out there, this is only one of many chocolate holidays celebrated throughout the year. There's also National Chocolate Day, National Milk Chocolate Day, National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, and National White Chocolate Day (seriously?), to name a few. In any case, Marsha from Marsha-Kitchen

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-86304360690416876362009-11-25T14:54:00.000-05:002009-11-25T15:05:01.310-05:00

You can just about imagine my reaction when I learned that Kim Alexis’ diet regimen included garlic. It was, "Who?" "What?"Well, I heard it from a friend of a friend, of a friend's cousin, twice removed...so it must be true. Apparently, the 80s supermodel is a big advocate of the Italian perfume, and routinely consumes copious amounts of garlic. If I had only known that garlic was the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-48119469135738518762009-11-10T00:00:00.017-05:002009-11-10T10:39:24.622-05:00

The experts agree. A bowl of cooked oatmeal is a healthy, fiber-rich and cholesterol-lowering way to start your day. The experts have also concluded that dark chocolate (as opposed to that icky, solid white substance that tries to pass itself off as chocolate) is loaded with powerful antioxidants. It is instrumental in decreasing bad LDL cholesterol. And flavonol-rich dark chocolate

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-5449746484158735802009-10-31T00:00:00.000-04:002009-10-31T00:00:01.303-04:00

6:55 p.m. There was a chill in the country air, as a boy and his father eagerly walk out the back door of the old farmhouse, and into All Hallows’ Eve. Playfully kicking little piles of crisp, fallen leaves, they make their way to a small tent they had set up in the woods just days before. 7:00 p.m. The boys reach their tent. A structure of cheap polyester was all that stood between them

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-84108230603338342512009-09-09T13:34:00.001-04:002009-09-09T13:38:58.576-04:00

" You talk too much!” quipped Thumper, as I sat quietly, reading a book. I looked up to see my little hooligan, dimpling, ever so slyly. Completely unaware of my plot to overthrow him with oodles of maternal affection. His silly little comment got me thinking I may just be a chatterbox. Could it be?In any case, I’ve decided my posts will be a little less chatty—but not today.

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-3826282601593269732009-08-03T13:51:00.000-04:002009-08-05T20:08:41.638-04:00

It all started innocently enough. I picked up a needle. You're probably seeing the recklessness of my actions, but, at the time, I didn’t see the harm in it. An occasional fix was all I needed to get by —or so I thought.This little escapade spun out of control, progressively taking over my life, as I struggled to find a more intense rush with every line. For a while, this ineffectual road

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-23222385344269962182009-05-09T22:43:00.009-04:002009-05-09T23:28:56.807-04:00

Whether the apple of your eye is a human baby or a fur baby, may all of you doting moms have a wonderfully-relaxing day.Puddin' suggests you follow her two basic rules:Rule number one: You shall worship me, unconditionally.Rule number two: You cannot change rule #1.Enjoy your day, my friends!

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-12529173393120373672009-04-02T14:45:00.043-04:002009-07-20T03:36:06.181-04:00

Obladi, Oblada, life goes on braLa la how the life goes on…Like this song? It pops into my head whenever the stress of everyday life starts to mount. But it’s been in my head for several weeks now, so I’m passing it on to you. The song, not the stress. Catch!I wonder what it is about this Beatles song, that lifts my spirits the instant it reaches my eardrums. Which song would you say has

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-68664734204689755572009-02-20T15:15:00.006-05:002009-03-13T01:35:12.645-04:00

It’s been a while since I’ve made this family favorite. It’s a dish that makes me wish I were Italian. It never fails, every time I make it, I envision myself in a sunny Tuscany kitchen, with seven kids running around … none of which are mine, because, let’s face it, I’m a traditional Italian, therefore, a virgin. Look, as disturbing as this thought bubble may seem, it is still my

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-9940824397140547132009-02-11T13:23:00.003-05:002010-12-01T11:58:15.181-05:00

...and life has been frantically looking for me, trying to keep me busy, trying to keep me from blogging, and trying to keep me from hanging out with you guys. Quick, hide me! Why not go after the likes of Gary Busey? Now, there's a character who should never be left unsupervised. Speaking of being left unsupervised, I've been happily tasting some of the chocolate treats I've made

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-9677967624528574732009-01-09T13:41:00.031-05:002009-03-13T01:40:47.772-04:00

...if you know Sweet Melissa. No. Not the Allman Brothers 60’s hit song. Quit sniffing the patchouli, you hippies. I’m referring to the Sweet Melissa Baking Book by Melissa Murphy. I’ve only had this book for about a month, and so far, I've tried one recipe. Please, hold off on the lynching for a moment. Like most foodies, I have far more cookbooks than I have time to read them. But, I

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-24870544250738750852008-12-22T01:49:00.003-05:002010-12-23T10:07:48.861-05:00

Are you guys ready to welcome jolly old Saint Nick with open arms for breaking into your house, raiding your cookie jar, and delivering every present on your list? Yeah, me too. My heart is thumpin' with anticip . . . ation! I've been baking goodies all month long, in the hopes that my relentless kissing-up will get me back on Santa's Short, but Nice List , and I've got a few more days

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-57701344608441025912008-12-10T15:00:00.002-05:002008-12-10T16:27:39.549-05:00

...or Eddie Van Halen...Jimmy Page...Carlos Santana...Thumper?The crowd roars! Thumper it is. Without further ado, I give you our newest Guitar Hero: Thumper!Between Thumper and his sister they have a total of 6 (not all pictured) guitars in their possession.Oddly enough, that's not what our rocker dude has been favoring lately. Granted, his ability to play an actual guitar is still in the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-66008440284165091252008-12-01T14:43:00.012-05:002008-12-04T15:18:01.736-05:00

I've been busy battling Old Man Winter, and guess who's about to raise a white flag. It's been snowing since Sunday afternoon. It is now Monday, and I'm ready for Spring. This is what awaited me as I stepped out in the front porch this morning. Incidentally, that is not a picture of my cat. I stole it from one of my favorite sites, I can has cheezburger? Oh, merciful Heaven, how much more

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-74607575296732752422008-11-07T15:29:00.004-05:002008-11-09T02:47:31.007-05:00

Our weather, this fine November afternoon, is clear and sunny. With temperatures in the 70's. Birds are singing. And our president-elect is Barack Obama. So, unless I get hit by a truck today . . . it's . . . a . . . beautiful day in the neighborhood . . . I would like to apologize for my absence these past few weeks. I was TKO'd by an unholy cold that ripped right through me like an F3

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-52782024903744080312008-10-02T09:35:00.013-04:002008-10-03T10:31:03.117-04:00

Well, I stumbled onto a great sale for red and yellow bell peppers recently. So, I Minnie-Pearled myself over to the colorful store display, and elbowed my way through the competition. Most zealous shoppers were defeated. Most, that is, but for this cranky little matriarch, wearing an elegant black voile dress, lovely black pumps . . . and pink, spongy curlers in her hair. (?!) "This

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-15782886390176187052008-09-26T11:59:00.004-04:002009-02-11T00:42:12.569-05:00

Okay, so how many of you knew coconut was so incredibly healthy? Let's see a show of hands. One . . . two?Apparently this tropical wonder is highly valued for its amazing healing powers. Why, coconut water alone (which I drink like a lonely sailor on leave), provides our bodies with antioxidants, and it's loaded with vitamins and minerals. And, studies have confirmed coconut's use in

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-72699364888896614852008-09-16T10:35:00.015-04:002008-09-27T17:17:21.481-04:00

Have you been feverishly using up all your summer squash, or have you been too busy dropping them off on your neighbor's front lawn when they're not home? You know who you are.I say, repent ye zinners, for the Zucchini Kibitzer is at hand. I'm here to share with you a way to transform your plain and prolific squash into something so delectable, so healthy and so incredibly easy, it'll have

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-87019967650830155392008-09-12T11:16:00.009-04:002008-09-12T14:55:17.598-04:00

Summer's almost over, and not fast enough for me, I might add.It is time to gather my troops by the fire, serve big mugs of hot cocoa, roast marshmallows and confabulate about the day's events, until we go into a sugar coma. Yeh. Brought to you by a chick born on the Pearl of the Caribbean.So, are you as excited as I am to welcome Fall? Is that scattered applause I hear? C'mon nay sayers!

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-68124128367907394262008-08-31T11:52:00.022-04:002008-08-31T19:37:25.795-04:00

Gather 'round my foodie friends. What you're about to see, is the result of my first Daring Bakers Challenge. Or, the day I broke all the rules . . . by following them. Let me splain somthin to joo. You see, I'm one of those people, who'll shamelessly tinker with a recipe, until it is nothing like the original. Well, today, I kicked my alter ego in the as I was saying, I decided to follow the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-29941811798903295242008-08-13T10:43:00.014-04:002008-08-13T13:19:56.780-04:00

And to all Spaniard friends out there, please don't post any angry comments. I'll save you the trouble by reiterating that yours truly is (half) Spaniard, as well as irremediably loca en la cabeza. Olé. You've all heard of La Tomatina, haven't you? The annual tomato fight in Valencia, Spain. Dios mío! What a waste of food that is. Don't get me wrong, I would love to find myself right in

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-72170192233612729262008-07-25T14:15:00.018-04:002009-04-03T15:10:37.463-04:00

And you know what? I never even bothered planting or watering these. Curious?Well then, get yourself some marzipan and I'll show you how to grow your own vegetable garden, the lazy-ass way.I find that kids, especially, love these vegetables ... and I can't help but wonder WHY a child who has absolutely no qualms diving into a bowl of Krap Macaroni and Cheese, or Dirt Cake with gummy

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-46238499289271122072008-07-17T14:02:00.000-04:002008-07-18T16:42:30.447-04:00

Courage! This tiny fruit with the BIG attitude is a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins A and C, iron, potassium ... and so on, and so forth.But is that really the reason why so many of us love them? Of course not. I mean, celery also contains a powerhouse of nutrients, but when was the last time you saw anybody jump up and down for joy over a celery stick? Which reminds me ... I want the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-68629552835768029172008-07-10T09:24:00.001-04:002008-07-14T12:19:42.481-04:00

Vampires won't stand a chance with this offering. Lemon Garlic Chicken is a dish I've been making for quite a few years -and just between us- I often sneak in a few extra garlic cloves. "Uhh, twenty five garlic cloves isn't enough already, dear?" argues a meddling little voice inside my head. But then, there's that other voice that shouts louder, jumping up and down in agitation, and

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-15130472717135696222008-07-08T13:20:00.000-04:002008-07-08T18:13:20.690-04:00

I have resurrected amid a few power outages, and I'm telling you those were the longest 47 minutes of my life! But that's what I get for having moved out to Green Acres. Anyway, I'm glad to be back, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Farida from Farida's Azerbaijani Cookbook for honoring me with a: You Make My Day Award. Thank you pal. I'm gushing like a teenager!I've also been

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-22830733184512724512008-06-26T12:29:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:48:20.018-04:00

"...I keep it on all the beaches of the world ... perhaps you've seen it..." Comedian Steven Wright once said that, and I still get a kick out of it.Well, I'm also the proud owner of a seashell collection. Come look...While I don't claim to be a conchologist, I dare say my seashells are better than Mr. Wright's because once you're done admiring them, you can eat'em.My seashells are very rich,

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-53627384078810365862008-06-16T10:55:00.002-04:002009-03-13T01:48:19.935-04:00

... specifically, breads. They're a weakness I often look forward to regretting. Quelle triste. But, sometimes, a bread recipe comes along that's not only delicious, but good for you too. Walnut Bread meets both criteria. Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, while Walnut Oil is a good source of alpha-lino ... alpha-linolen ... whatever. It's an oil said to boost the

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-74579949359938367562008-06-13T09:46:00.000-04:002008-06-13T10:08:05.182-04:00

It was exactly one year ago that I discovered Tastespotting, a site created for sharing our stories, cooking expertise and of course, pictures of our creations. Holy Crap, Tastespotting was like crack. I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. And now it's gone. I don't know what happened, and I don't really care, I just want to see it back.There's been talk of another site

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-30804646315621688642008-06-10T11:37:00.000-04:002008-07-14T12:45:34.123-04:00

Do any of you remember a baked spaghetti dish that was an old standby of most of your friends' moms back in the 70s? Yeah, neither do I.That was certainly before my time. But, I've been told, it was a very popular dish because it consisted of leftover spaghetti, to which you'd add bottled spaghetti sauce, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and there, by the power of Chef Boyardeeplorable, a

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-67298618660837094812008-06-04T10:47:00.000-04:002008-07-14T12:17:47.170-04:00

Do you want to know what my favorite color is? No?Well then, pull up a chair and I'll tell you all about it.My favorite color is referred to as the color of love. It is a strong, sexy color. In some cultures this color is associated with good luck, energy, fortune, creativity and joy. And -as if you needed a bigger hint- some of my favorite fruits are intensely painted this color: Tomatoes,

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-30971973060809504732008-05-22T12:36:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:51:04.191-04:00

Hola queridos amigos. Grab your bathing suits and scuba gear, because today we're all going to the Pearl of the Caribbean, the island of Cuba. We shall dine on the beach, where the rustling of the swaying palm trees and the sounds of the sea will transcend us from the rigors of our daily lives.Stop. You know, I would love to bring this group together, and hang out at the beach and all,

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-39308135779961800332008-05-14T13:03:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:52:37.336-04:00

Here they are. Rejoice! ...the things I'll do for this blog.I've been making these Honey Rolls for several decades, and to this day, their aroma -while baking- still makes me swoon. I found the original recipe in an old cookbook, which I misplaced long ago, but -thankfully- saved the recipe before the book disappeared. However, I distinctly remember the aforementioned was written by men,

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-74241437781063929762008-05-09T13:42:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:54:18.356-04:00

What do ice creams and sorbets have to do with a blog mainly dedicated to baking? Absolutely nothing. Nothing to do with baking and everything to do with memories.Looks like I haf son splainin to thoo. You see, my mom just flew down to the Pearl of the Caribbean, Cuba (voluntarily, I might add), to spend a few weeks with her dear sister, my lovely aunt Carmelina. Mom will also

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-73038681751727500702008-04-25T22:02:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:56:06.661-04:00

It seemed like a dream. There I stood , sweaty palms, knees barely supporting my trembling body, and heart about to jump out of my chest, when I heard my name being called.“Marysol, will you come with me please?”I took a deep breath and with all the courage I could muster, I proceeded to walk down a long, narrow corridor, escorted by a polite and rather antsy-pantsy gentleman, tightly holding a

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-1289129360613977552008-04-04T16:44:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:58:00.053-04:00

Have you ever had one of those days, where everything went wrong? Well, I had one of those days, all week. And nothing you or your loved ones do in an attempt to lift your spirits is ever successful.Nothing that is, except for (as if you didn't know where I was going with this) CHOCOLATE! I know I'm screaming it. And I know it's rude. And maybe I need to go back to Kidney garden -as my young son

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-5919164173685142692008-03-24T10:03:00.000-04:002008-07-14T12:00:53.767-04:00

I was just thinking back to when I was a kid ... five, six years ago ... there was a groovy wicked dessert called No-Bake Cheesecake. Its texture was light and creamy, and so easy that just about anyone could make. Even a kid like me, whose parents -in those days- never allowed in the kitchen because it was strictly prohibited by our homeowner's insurance.One. I blew up just one lousy

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-78031723499209279172008-03-14T11:48:00.001-04:002008-08-11T14:46:59.457-04:00

It's 51°F today in my corner of the world. And being a Michigander, I consider this a freakin' heatwave, and I welcome it with open arms - fully exposed arms even.Unfortunately, tomorrow's temperatures will be back in the 30's. Wah-Wah.You know what, I'm bored playing meteorologist. Instead, I'm going to pretend it's July, which is National Blueberry Month. We all know all about blueberries'

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8580595978136304645.post-3177988331697808612008-03-09T13:37:00.000-04:002008-07-14T12:43:28.246-04:00

Budino. Sounds far more appetizing than custard, doesn't it? And this simple Italian dessert is not only decadent, it’s good for you too . . . ok, so it’s not healthy fare, it’s dessert for heaven’s sake. So, if you love coconut and caramel, then, what are you waiting for? Indulge a little.Caramelized Coconut Budino2½ cups very finely grated sweetened coconut2 cups sugar8 large eggs3 cups whole

Marysolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16988401904186271819noreply@blogger.com2