tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40124021236944142922012-01-12T14:12:04.996-06:00The kitchen table is where we share meals, conversations, ideas and traditions. We come to the kitchen table for quiet times with God and to create crafts for the home. We even clip coupons and create grocery lists here. So our time around the table will be all about this and more! Thanks for pulling up a chair!Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.comBlogger1301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-62182167534326696592011-09-06T20:49:00.000-05:002011-09-06T23:16:36.456-05:00

Whether you live in Texas or not, you've most likely heard about our run of triple digit temps for the last couple of months.  For this reason you will know why I shout with joy that today.... "I turned the air conditioner off and opened up all of the windows!" The breeze was a beautiful sound as it rustled the leaves of our trees, causing many to flutter to the ground.  Yes...it even looks

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-61953546089646331492011-08-23T17:56:00.000-05:002011-08-23T17:56:15.611-05:00

Our family has been enjoying a special treat this summer.  I don't know if the unending Texas temps of 100+ degrees or the drastic budget cuts of a double-unemployed household drove us to adopt this summer sipping sensation, but it is a new family favorite that my boys can now add to their list of 'recipes they can make when mom isn't home to help'.  (this is one of my checklist goals for my 3

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-22006665964013088202011-08-08T22:41:00.000-05:002011-08-08T22:41:34.292-05:00

I had coffee with a friend this morning and I found myself having a conversation with her that I never imagined having before.   Friend: "So Tami, have you applied for unemployment yet?" Me: "Yep, but I didn't start the process until a week ago.  Darius applied about 4 weeks ago though and has his first payment on the way."  {aside: Yes, you read that right.  Remember yesterday when I said my

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-33067659538150197542011-08-07T22:00:00.000-05:002011-08-07T22:00:03.320-05:00

6 months. 1/2 of a year. That's how long it has been since I placed my fingers on the keyboard and typed my thoughts onto the pages of this blog. My absence started as a result of an overwhelmed life.  My absence was perpetuated as a result of an overturned life.   Where to begin? 6 months ago I was the founder of a company called Homemade Gourmet. Today I am...? Hmmm....I've contemplated

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-75831572226380419082011-02-21T15:08:00.000-06:002011-02-21T15:08:19.953-06:00

Today's Mother / Daughter Monday is an announcement of sorts.  As I mentioned at the first of the year, my daughter and her new hubby were not yet 'wired' for internet, so I'd be slow in starting my Monday theme until that happened.  Well, it finally happened! Allie is now wired for internet and has officially launched her personal blog... I love the concept she came up with.  It's more of a

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-58920890875701603192011-01-18T09:00:00.001-06:002011-01-18T09:00:10.131-06:00

This is the time of year that we are buying new planners, calendars and other organizational tools to help us be more organized and balanced with our time than the year before. That's why schedules, balanced life and organization of time is on my mind today!  So I thought I'd talk about TWO things on this "Talk About it Tuesday" (I still don't know how to make one of those cute little buttons...

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-34411677471691784302011-01-16T23:57:00.000-06:002011-01-16T23:57:47.689-06:00

It's Mother / Daughter Monday!  In fact...it's the first one! WooHoo!! I wanted to have a cute little button to post for this weekly theme, and even postponed starting this weekly topic with the intention of figuring out how to create said button sooner than later.  Well, sooner is gone and it is getting later and later while I still try to figure it out ~ so enough already!  It's time to just

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-1837022568983690162011-01-05T12:24:00.000-06:002011-01-05T12:24:42.359-06:00

I'm hopping on a plane for St. Louis today to join a group of amazing leaders from Homemade Gourmet.  I am so excited about speaking to them and hearing their goals and ideas for 2011! As I was sitting here waiting for hubby to come and take me to the airport, I started blog surfing and found this fun '5 Simple Ways' Project where several bloggers are sharing their top five simple tips in their

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-569162884412385452011-01-03T13:13:00.000-06:002011-01-03T13:13:43.416-06:00

No...I have not lost my mind. No...I have not slipped into a time warp where I think I still have time to wrap up my last gifts for Christmas. Yes...I am wrapping up Christmas this week!  You see, the same thing happens to me every single year.  November comes and I know I am supposed to follow my list of  'things to do' as Thanksgiving and Christmas are approaching.  I have great intentions

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-1866989086485074372010-12-31T10:17:00.000-06:002010-12-31T10:17:48.323-06:00

It's New Year's Eve.  Resolutions. New Beginnings. Fresh Start. Remembering. Just a few words that come to mind when one ponders the thought of an old year ending and a new year beginning.  I could post a list here today of my favorite 2010 moments. But I'm not.  I could post a list here of my 2011 resolutions.  But I'm not. I could post a list of things I'll do better in 2011.  But..

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-11681762422559878362010-12-16T12:52:00.001-06:002010-12-16T13:01:10.307-06:00

Every time I need to wrap a gift, the following happens:It sits on my desk for days as I dread the trip to the 'gift wrap' closet to find the right wrap, bag or supplies.  Eventually I may take the plunge and dive into that 'closet' only to find that I either don't have the right size or type of bag or paper, have wrinkled wrapping paper, or am lacking some necessary accessories like tissue or

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-1054981176110872672010-12-14T17:48:00.000-06:002010-12-14T17:48:51.411-06:00

I can only imagine your response to the title of this blog...but I am having so much fun with a new tradition that seems to be popping up at malls across this great country that I had to bring it to the table to share!  Maybe you too have seen these YouTube videos, but if you haven't I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.  There are many, many versions of these posted on YouTube, some better

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-67354415391521003082010-12-10T09:08:00.000-06:002010-12-10T09:08:47.112-06:00

One of my favorite things to do when chatting around the table with friends is share great ideas.  So if you were sitting at my kitchent able having coffee with me today, I would be telling you that I just found a fantastic offer online for a creative and personal gift idea....and it's FREE!! (except for shipping and handling) Someone in my family is getting one of these for Christmas and I

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-25413344048534783842010-11-30T11:12:00.001-06:002010-11-30T11:14:39.559-06:00

I just returned from a wonderful visit with my daughter and new son-in-law.  It brought back great memories of when my husband and I were newlyweds.  Memories of starting new traditions from blended expectations.  Memories of learning how to compromise in a world that is no longer 'all about me'! Memories of nesting on a budget *grin* While I was in their new apartment home I kept admiring

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-74394191658054768652010-11-26T09:00:00.001-06:002010-11-26T09:00:05.413-06:00

Did you make enough turkey yesterday?  I hope not!  The plan should have been to make MORE THAN ENOUGH *grin*! If you followed the plan, here are some ideas for taking that leftover turkey and turning it into amazing meals for lunch and dinner!  ENJOY!! Turkey and Cranberry Panini Turkey Eggrolls Turkey Pot Pie Turkey Turnovers (all three above found HERE) Or just toss together a salad with

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-11129283332446273322010-11-24T09:00:00.001-06:002010-11-24T09:00:01.882-06:00

I'm in Kansas today, starting those new traditions with my daughter and her hubby.  Of course, we are also ticking off all the 'day before' things to do from our checklist, so here is one of the recipes we will be making today...ENJOY! (it's so easy...even if you have waited until today to get a plan, you too can make this and amaze family and friends!) Homemade Cranberry Sauce (probably the one

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-91906941834575469822010-11-23T11:00:00.001-06:002010-11-23T11:03:48.460-06:00

This is my first Thanksgiving where we are traveling a long distance.  It's different and exciting.  I will miss the familiar traditions that I have come to love, but I'm excited to join my daughter and son-in-law as they begin their new legacy of traditions.  (son-in-law...that still sounds so strange to me!  I'm a fledgeling member of the mother-in-law club and still getting used to the sound

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-47954419827931009362010-11-19T10:22:00.001-06:002010-11-19T10:27:08.242-06:00

Today I am pulling up a chair to the kitchen table to spend some quiet time with God.  With Thanksgiving next week, which has become the checkered flag for the frantic Christmas shopping race, I found myself sitting at the table with Him today thankful for a peace that passes understanding.  If you are a personal friend or one that communicates with me on a regular basis, you know that I've

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-13695699243689079412010-11-16T11:45:00.002-06:002010-11-16T17:15:44.627-06:00

Yesterday I shared the links to lists I passed on to my daughter to help her with her first Thanksgiving plans (hope you enjoyed!) Today I thought I'd take it a step further and share how I have coached her to not let the day sneak up on her so we can all enjoy are visit and not be stressed out *wink* MAKE A PLAN AND MAKE IT EASY!(note...there is some detail below, but if you print this and

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-51491293147183184402010-11-15T17:04:00.000-06:002010-11-15T17:04:00.441-06:00

For those that have been pulling up a chair to this table for a while, you probably noticed the visible changes to my blog right away.  Well...maybe you did.  I also realize I have been very spotty on my posts for the last few months, so you may have visited so infrequently that you didn't notice the change at all!  So ~ if you are a returning reader or a new reader, let me point out the

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-4939268138841687572010-11-04T09:41:00.000-05:002010-11-04T09:41:51.744-05:00

I've been waiting for this post for over a month and today is the day I wait no more!  As noted recently, I was mother-of-the-bride in September.  The wedding was a joyful time where friends and family pitched in to make it the wedding of my daughter's dreams.  The photographer, Hailey Erickson, is a family friend as well as an extremely gifted artist.  She submitted the photos of the wedding

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-40643295101345280312010-10-27T15:29:00.001-05:002010-10-27T15:34:02.411-05:00

With 2 teenaged boys still at home, you may think I am posting about the scary things such 'boys' might say or do at the dinner table.  Which might be a very interesting post for another day, but if your thoughts went to the fact that Halloween is this weekend...you'd be correct! First, I wanted to remind you of the fun treats we played with last year: Ghostly Potatoes I See You Cider For

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-60519566481794765132010-10-25T17:04:00.000-05:002010-10-25T17:04:40.403-05:00

After the wedding hoopla calmed down, I injured my foot and couldn't stand in the kitchen for 4 WEEKS!!! They say I was a little crabby...but I don't know what they are talking about.  I was perfectly content sitting around with my foot up and having everyone wait on me...NOT!!  One of the reasons I was so crabby  impatient to get back into the kitchen is because it's APPLE SEASON! Sure...

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-13946562760215065982010-09-20T18:55:00.000-05:002010-09-20T18:55:35.249-05:00

As you have noticed, I have been M.I.A. lately.  You may also have noticed that I have referred to my daughter's wedding in my last few posts.  I'm sure you can figure it out from there!  Yes...I've been a little busy for the last couple of weeks so blogging took a break. But my sweet daughter was a beautiful bride! And the wedding was a joyous event! Eventually I will come back and share

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-79275254094522499002010-09-03T21:20:00.000-05:002010-09-03T21:20:56.902-05:00

This is one of my very favorite summer time salad ideas because I feel like a real 'gourmet chef' when I toss it together *wink* It's so easy to do and you can really get creative with it, depending on what you have in the fridge.  This also means it's a budget friendly recipe because it uses what you have on hand! PANZANELLA SALAD![ Italian for grilled bread salad :-) ] Start with the bread,

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-49424309060880694042010-09-02T17:43:00.000-05:002010-09-02T17:43:19.643-05:00

Maybe your grill will be graced by some steaks this Labor Day weekend, but if your budget is like mine, (see last three posts and note reference to daughter getting married this month!) it's more likely to be hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill. But that DOES NOT mean we have to settle for plain and boring.  In fact, these recipes are requested by my family more often than steaks. Let's start

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-37725926406552699352010-09-01T19:15:00.001-05:002010-09-02T17:29:14.230-05:00

Yikes...I almost missed posting today!  Did I mention I have a daughter getting married this month?  Ya...just a little distracted.  BUT...I didn't want to disappoint in my Labor Day Series, so here is menu idea #3 Potatoes!  I have 2 recipes for you: Pepper Pizzazz Grilled Steak FriesEasy Steamy Potato Salad Let's start with the one my family devoured before I could get the rest of the meal

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-74382128611129392222010-08-31T12:00:00.002-05:002010-09-02T17:28:42.698-05:00

Yesterday I started a series of posts to inspire you with my favorite things from my back yard grilling over the summer, to today is post #2 ~ side dish ideas! When I fire up the grill,I LOVE to work with whatever fresh veggies I have in the fridge and an assortment of Homemade Gourmet Seasoning  I tear out a few strips of heavy duty foil to form pouches, fill them with veggies and seasonings,

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-24469088140456551332010-08-30T16:05:00.002-05:002010-09-02T17:29:47.724-05:00

Maybe it's because my daughter is getting married in 19 days, but I completely lost sight of the fact that we have a holiday weekend coming up!  Did Labor Day sneak up on anyone else?  Well ready or not, here it comes, so I thought I'd dedicate this week to some of the favorite things I made on the grill over the summer.  As I have been reviewing the pics in preparation, I've decided I'm going

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-65943018300310608632010-08-28T11:19:00.000-05:002010-08-28T11:19:44.646-05:00

A few weeks ago I received a great recipe idea from Cassandra using our new Chipotle Cheese Straw mix.  Her idea was that we could use the mix to make a crust for a quiche and I agreed that it sounded doable AND delicious!  She sent me the 411 of how her first attempt went and I then tested it a few times to work out the kinks as well as play with some options.  Now I have a new favorite quiche

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-8066478307643759442010-08-24T10:59:00.000-05:002010-08-24T10:59:37.284-05:00

I'm pulling out all the stops this week with my after school snacks!  (which means extra 'snaps' for mom this week but I could really be setting myself up for unrealistic expectations in the coming weeks...oops!)  Today I'm preparing one of their all time favorites....homemade bite sized pizza snacks.  We used to buy the ones you can get in the freezer section until I figured out how to make

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-19994412266987714242010-08-22T21:01:00.001-05:002010-08-22T21:02:34.749-05:00

School starts tomorrow for our kiddos.  I realize some of you have school years that already started and others are starting in the near future, so I've been inspired to share some of my kid's favorite 'homemade' after school treats this week!  Starting with Milk and Cookies!  My kids have a favorite way for their cookies to be made.  It's not so much about the cookie recipe as it is about

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-56226746332849763612010-08-17T16:05:00.001-05:002010-08-17T17:07:38.857-05:00

I was saving this recipe for later in October when the air is crisp and the breezes are cool, but Homemade Gourmet put this mix on sale for 15% off this week and I decided everyone could use a little whiff of fall in their homes as a promise of cool weather to come!  (plus...now I'll just link back to this recipe in October on a day when I don't have time to write a full post! *wink*) I'm

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-10732447625497140232010-08-12T11:54:00.000-05:002010-08-12T11:54:47.553-05:00

As predicted on Tuesday, I was feeling the pain of my age after working 3 nights in a row manning the water games at our church VBS held in our local water park.  In fact, I was so exhausted (and hungry) after fighting the current in the Lazy River for about 2 hours ~ I ordered Pizza, took it home, put it on the counter, and told the family to come and get it while I took my slices, put on my

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-88914919443441424952010-08-10T16:27:00.000-05:002010-08-10T16:27:57.775-05:00

As I mentioned the other day, I'm making time to get back to blogging and I'm starting with some great meals I made over the summer months but never shared.  Today we are going back to a casual dinner party we had early in the summer to break in the grill.  One of my biggest challenges in the kitchen is MAKING DECISIONS! It's not a challenge to find something to make...it's a challenge to

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-83833587926383163032010-08-06T09:00:00.007-05:002010-08-06T09:00:05.684-05:00

Yesterday I shared how I fired up the grill inspite of the record setting heat and promised to bring my recipe for a super easy grilled steak and potato salad ~ so here we go! First I pull the ingredients from the fridge: I'm making salad for 2 here, so plan to have more steak left over if feeding more people.  The potatoes and broccoli need to be steamed, so my favorite way to do this is in

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-59576870964166195862010-08-05T11:43:00.000-05:002010-08-05T11:43:41.580-05:00

All the headlines these days are filled with declarations of record setting temperatures. Even the postings on Facebook are all about the temps rising above 100 degrees across the country.  Being from Texas, I'm always tickled by the reaction of my neighbors and family when the thermometer reaches and passes that 100 degree mark. "Oh my gosh it's soooo hot!"  "Ugh, I can't believe how hot it is

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-27916113980098622092010-08-04T22:32:00.000-05:002010-08-04T22:32:44.805-05:00

Yesterday I promised to return with a second menu of hotel room cooking.  The plan was to make Season N Steam Fajitas for lunch and slow cooked Chili for dinner.  However...the love birds were gone all day looking at apartments, updating wedding registries and so on....so they ended up driving through for lunch to avoid coming back to the hotel, and decided tonight would be 'date night', got

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-12593175841734627962010-08-04T00:36:00.000-05:002010-08-04T00:36:04.856-05:00

I know that I've been M.I.A. for quite a while.  And you are probably thinking I am just teasing you with a quick little visit today, only to disappear again tomorrow.  I can say with all sincerity that I have every intention of posting on a regular basis once again.  Really.  I promise!  In fact, I have a computer file full of photos of things I've wanted to blog about, but have neglected to

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-53995050227402607592010-05-11T23:08:00.005-05:002010-05-12T12:48:48.975-05:00

It's been a while since I featured a  COOK ONCE / SERVE TWICE recipe, so I thought I'd share a new family favorite that incorporates 2 of our favorite food groups....Asian food and Pizza!  (you will find them in the food pyramid between grains and veggies...really...just look a little closer *wink*) If you are new to this blog and unfamiliar with the term 'cook once / serve twice',  I'll give

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-32845321262997534162010-05-06T11:41:00.003-05:002010-05-06T11:48:49.182-05:00

I served this refreshing beverage at Easter, and my mom loved it so I thought it would be a fun recipe to share as Mother's Day quickly approaches! While this can be made all year long, it's really special right now while the strawberries are fresh and in season.  You can substitute frozen strawberries during the rest of the year.  Now, the sparkling part of the tea comes from the sparkling

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-14350878298222072762010-05-03T23:47:00.001-05:002011-08-24T01:06:16.874-05:00

In honor of Cinco De Mayo, I'm sharing a new recipe for fajitas that I tried out of curiosity and then made again cause I was in love!  I saw a recipe for fajitas made with fresh pineapple over a year ago, pulled it from the magazine and kept putting it off.  Partially because I was intimidated by the idea of cutting up a fresh pineapple (but no more...see here for my pineapple cutting tips),

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-6474544531421794022010-04-29T22:11:00.005-05:002010-04-30T11:31:41.557-05:00

My Rosemary Bush is out of control!!! However...after an unusually cold winter here in East Texas.... I was just thrilled to see it survived!!(yes...it was left unattended just below this deck rail.  I was a neglectful gardner this year *sigh*) So now that my rosemary bush is thriving in spite of me, I'm looking for ways to use those aromatic leaves in my daily dinner decisions.  One of my

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-71198103755337896232010-03-04T22:34:00.002-06:002010-03-04T23:04:23.462-06:00

One of my favorite things to do is cook and write about cooking.  O.K...so that was 2 things!  My point is that I have been doing a lot of one but none of the other and it's time to get back to writing about what I have been cooking! Providentially, Hillary, over at The Other Mama has started a blogging carnival called Friday Favorites and I thought this would be the perfect time to get back

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-30004995036503096692010-01-25T16:22:00.000-06:002010-01-25T16:22:44.213-06:00

I am going to give myself a time out!  No...I haven't misbehaved (*wink*) but as you have probably noticed, I've been MIA for quite a while already.  I am entering a very busy time of travel at the same time I am crunched to deliver a new product line for the Homemade Gourmet Fall 2010 product launch.  It's just a simple issue of math: Travel + Product Development + rest of my j.o.b + reasonable

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-38846201915654539482010-01-04T02:00:00.002-06:002010-01-04T02:00:04.099-06:00

(If you missed part 1 of my tips for shopping, hop over here to catch up and then come back.  There's a dowonload of a great shopping list there too!) ABOUT THE KIDS… Most of you know that my kids are all, well, not kids anymore. They are young adults for the most part. (again...have some great updated pics, but they are stuck on my new Christmas camera cause the software has a bug in it!!)

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-79889316019280274732010-01-02T21:45:00.001-06:002010-01-04T13:50:30.769-06:00

For all the organizing junkies (like myself!) this week is better than Christmas! The stores are filled with organizational displays, enticing us to buy all kinds of containers, cartons and filing systems that promise to make our lives more efficient! That’s really what they are selling…the benefit of organization. They know that even the least organized of us all desire a little more sanity in

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-17705549956856400632009-12-21T22:59:00.001-06:002009-12-21T23:00:02.590-06:00

I have a special recipe for you today.  One that I absolutely love to serve this time of year.  I'll be making it when we go visit my son for Christmas.  It's EXTREMELY easy to make and is such an elegant side or appetizer for any Christmas meal. But before I share, I need to send out a last chance call to past giveaway winners.  If you were notified this last month that you were the winner of

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-2520033219797085042009-12-18T13:39:00.001-06:002009-12-18T13:41:28.749-06:00

Today there is no fabulous recipe or great little tip for making meals fast and fabulous.  [if you are looking for one, there are plenty archived to the right...take a look around :-) ] Today there is no great giveaway being announced [ but there is still time to enter the one launched yesterday for the $145 Homemade in a Hurry Collection] Today I just want to pause and reflect.  I follow a

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-25308250623219975852009-12-17T14:50:00.001-06:002009-12-21T11:39:05.288-06:00

UPDATE: We have a winner of the Homemade in a Hurry Collection. Random.org generated comment #23 as the giveaway recipient!  CONGRATS TO THE MILDNER FAMILY! Wait...slow down.  Somebody stop the clock!!!  Why is it that no matter how hard I try to make sure my December is not overloaded with expectations, at some point I look at the calendar, count the days left till Christmas and compare it to

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-40772843502212289942009-12-15T10:28:00.002-06:002009-12-15T10:40:01.142-06:00

Recently I sent a box of goodies to Kristen at We are THAT Family for her to sample.  She filled her freezer with a variety of meals using our 4 meals in 4 minutes system, and today she is blogging about her success as well as giving away one of our Let's Make Dinner Collections.   So hop on over to meet Kristen and leave a comment!  I hope you win! If you are visiting here from We are THAT

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-57295742177193545092009-12-14T21:09:00.004-06:002009-12-21T22:42:47.899-06:00

UPDATE ON GIVEAWAY WINNER: The random.org drawing has awarded this giveaway to Sue D.  Sue...your comment did not leave an email address, so please email me at aroundthetablewithtame(at)gmail(dot)com.  I'd love to know where to ship our great collection of mixes! For those in the corporate world, you are looking at a lot of numbers right about now.  Year end profit and loss numbers, budget

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-84299638311753250532009-12-11T02:00:00.070-06:002009-12-11T02:00:04.010-06:00

I love chips! They are a downfall in my recent attempts at cutting back on the junk food.  However, I have found a flavor filled substitute that offers all the crunchy, salty satisfaction without all the...well...without the bad stuff!  Wonton Crisps! They are baked chips that can be any flavor I want them to be.  AND... they are super easy to make.  Let me show you... First fill a baking

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-28298076988463641422009-12-09T23:04:00.003-06:002009-12-14T18:50:40.890-06:00

UPDATED: Winner of the drawing is Shanon Heil! It's time for another gift idea from the heart of the home...the kitchen!  Last week we created flavored oils that would delight any home cook. Today....a gift that will bring the family together around the table for breakfast!  You can package these pancake and cocoa mixes in a variety of ways and give them with a note that says "This is a

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-91408623109344871202009-12-08T00:14:00.004-06:002009-12-10T08:42:09.164-06:00

UPDATE: WINNER OF THE COOKIE BUNDLE is comment #6...Lisa @ Blessed With Grace. Congratulations Lisa!! As the cookie exchange resumes this week I thought I would pick up where we left off last week and combine it with the theme I started this week... taking simple and making it elegant.  So, last week we baked cookies and put cookie dough balls up in the freezer.  Today I'll show you some easy

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-68272365829285332142009-12-07T02:00:00.021-06:002009-12-07T09:47:26.911-06:00

Did you miss it?  I threw a party on Saturday but I never sent out any invitations, so you may have missed it.  I am so sorry about that!  To make it up to you, here is a recap of what we served! Glazed Apple Pecan and Baked Brie Bites Simple Bruschetta Elegant Appetizer platter of warm and cold Wonton Cups So here is what really happened... On Friday, I was a guest on a local morning

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-50497816874801571222009-12-05T15:43:00.001-06:002009-12-05T15:45:05.456-06:00

Yesterday I was back on Good Morning Texas to demonstrate Elegant Appetizers that can be made in about the same time it takes to whip up some chips and dip!  You can see the video link here, but I wanted to share the details of the recipes with some 'and then some' info to help you make these great appetizer ideas yourself!  On the show I demonstrated ways to use wonton wrappers  to create

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-73488740582511934892009-12-05T14:44:00.001-06:002009-12-05T15:46:26.102-06:00

Brie????  Really...I'm cooking with Brie?  I grew up in a kitchen where simple, home cooking ruled.  Ingredients were simple and basic, and results were great tasting, family friendly recipes.  Using something like brie was never even considered!  Until now! As the Food Network has unleashed the inner chef in all of us, using 'gourmet' ingredients has become more 'main stream'.  And so, today

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-9029217129709087672009-12-05T14:10:00.004-06:002009-12-05T15:48:00.535-06:00

Sometimes (ok...really it's more like 'quite often' *wink*), I need to whip up a quick dish to take to a party of serve to last minute guests.  This is when I go to the fridge and pantry to see what I can create from what I have on hand.  Recently, my trip to the fridge produced a new favorite... Simple Bruschetta!  (I shared this on a local morning show, video linked here) It started with some

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-25599166358300186702009-12-03T00:15:00.002-06:002009-12-05T11:17:19.087-06:00

UPDATE: WINNER OF THE SEASONING SET BUNDLE. selected using random.org IS... Libby Wakeman.  Congrats Libby! In 1997, I turned my love of creating homemade gifts from the kitchen into a business idea that grew beyond my wildest imaginations, but my heart for homemade gifts has never changed.  I love being able to give gifts to friends and family that come from the heart of the home...my kitchen!

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-26094540860648514402009-12-02T12:34:00.002-06:002009-12-02T12:48:04.363-06:00

Whole chickens are a great buy for family meal prep, but as a busy mom, I need a way to cook it that doesn't require close attention on my part.  I just want to be able to throw it into a slow cooker and know it will be 'dinner' when we are ready for 'dinner'!  So I thought I would share with you one of my old stand by recipe ideas for Chicken In A Pot (Crock Pot that is!) I start with a

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-51997724180000851342009-12-01T10:01:00.006-06:002009-12-03T21:00:57.524-06:00

UPDATED: WINNERS FOR THE COOKIE BUNDLE ARE... Using random.org the commenter winner is Debbie @ Dining with Debbie And because we had a tie for the recipe voting, I assigned a number to every recipe entered and via random.org the winner selected was: Geri @ heart and soul cooking.  Congrats to our winners and THANKS TO EVERYONE  for participating.  We'll do it again next week.  Let's share

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-80597431940657764062009-11-30T12:25:00.001-06:002009-11-30T12:32:32.506-06:00

It's finally been chilly here in Texas long enough to make me want a warm bowl of Tomato Basil Soup.  Problem is...I am the only one in my family that likes Tomato Soup of any kind.  So what to do with a full pot of a creamy Tomato Soup when I just want 1 or 2 servings?  Let me show you!  This is a tip you can use for any cream based soup.  I'm using Homemade Gourmet's Tomato Basil Soup

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-54434810955230088872009-11-27T06:00:00.005-06:002009-11-27T06:00:05.397-06:00

If you are home reading this blog instead of braving the battles over bargains at the mall, then chances are you may also have plans to enjoy a well known "Day after Thanksgiving Tradition"...the turkey sandwich.  I am too, but not just any old turkey sandwich.  Oh no sirreee.  Not this chickadee!  Let me share with you my day after Thanksgiving turkey sandwich recipe.... Ingredients

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-12871381068757034812009-11-24T01:24:00.001-06:002009-11-24T01:29:14.988-06:00

That's right...put down the can opener!  Put the canned cranberry sauce back on the shelf to be used another day and step up to the best homemade cranberry sauce EVER.  Yes...even if you are reading this blog late Wednesday evening, you can make this recipe and amaze family and friends!  In fact, this might be the first year at my house that the cranberry sauce is the star!  And it is so

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-35969426906299972472009-11-22T22:33:00.003-06:002009-11-23T10:27:31.118-06:00

So did you sing the tune when you read the title?  *grin* Seriously though...as the day of Thanksgiving approaches, menus are being finalized and the finishing touches are being done to recipe selections.  You may even be planning the details down to place settings and center pieces.  How about the butter?  Have you thought about the butter for the fresh baked rolls or for topping the mashed

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-63957593550946248552009-11-20T06:00:00.003-06:002009-11-20T21:59:15.113-06:00

Today is a Fill Your Freezer Friday.  And this time of year is when I really depend on a freezer full of easy meals for my family.  These are the meals I turn to between the flurry of parties, events and long days filled with chaotic schedules.  These are the meals that let me enjoy time around the table with my family even when my 'to do' list is pressing in on my thoughts.  These are the

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-43220554077227399052009-11-19T06:00:00.004-06:002009-11-19T06:00:00.268-06:00

Quick...run to the store and buy as many turkeys as your budget will allow.  Right now, there are fantastic prices on this big bird so don't limit yourself to just the one for the Thanksgiving table!  Whether you roast your birds, smoke your birds, deep fry them or slow cook them, the cooked meat can be pulled off the bone and used in a variety of ways.  TIP: Put 2 cup portions of cooked turkey

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-71904965430037270412009-11-18T06:00:00.016-06:002009-11-18T09:18:14.674-06:00

Every year at Thanksgiving, my mom makes the turkey. It's just how it's done in our family.  No matter if the gathering is at my house or hers, it's understood that she makes the turkey, gravy and the dressing.  But truth be told, I've always been happy to have it that way for many reasons: I only have one oven, so if it is filled with a turkey, I can't make anything else. We only roast a

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-57165333409127618632009-11-17T06:00:00.003-06:002009-11-20T22:09:04.590-06:00

This may be on my Thanksgiving table this year instead of the traditional apple pie.   These little apple tarts are super delicious and super easy.  I made this batch for my boys to enjoy when they came home from school yesterday.  In a little bit I'll show you how to make them look like a fancy dessert at a gourmet restaurant, but first lets get our supplies set up.  To make this dish you will

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-53260087672825089292009-11-16T12:48:00.000-06:002009-11-16T12:48:12.140-06:00

You know the phrase "where did the time go?".  Well...that's what I am saying to you right this moment.  I mean, just 2 weeks ago I was filling this blog with fun ideas for Halloween treats from the kitchen and filling my camera phone with photos of ideas to post the next week while I would be away from my laptop, traveling down to Austin. Then my photos got stuck in my camera, so I missed that

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-24554589301537655522009-10-28T12:31:00.000-05:002009-10-28T12:31:11.297-05:00

We are experiencing DELIGHTFUL Texas weather this week.  (well... it has been delightful now that the flooding rains have gone, leaving cool breezes and brisk fall mornings to enjoy!)  I don't know about you, but something in the fall breeze always seems to blow me into the kitchen.  I wake up wondering...mmmmm.... what can I cook today?  Does that make me weird?  Are you weird that way too?  I'd

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-16014579747335461502009-10-27T10:31:00.000-05:002009-10-27T10:31:40.450-05:00

I love using holidays to build family traditions and memories they will carry with them when they start their own families.  For Halloween, in addition to our pumpkin carving tradition (a story I'll share on another day!), I like to 'play' with our food at dinner!  So this week, I'll share a few of the ideas I have learned over the years, and even a new one here and there.  In fact, today is a

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-72452093078480520202009-10-22T17:42:00.000-05:002009-10-22T17:42:16.733-05:00

I have 3 recipes to share with you, but my photos are stuck in my cell phone (a.k.a. my only camera) so I can't show you what I have been cooking this week.  I am sure this is a temporary problem, and will have things back up and running in the next 24 hours.  In fact, I will be posting some fun Halloween treat ideas and fun ways to 'spook' up your halloween family dinner in the next few days, so

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-2973108864687326212009-10-20T06:00:00.002-05:002009-10-20T15:43:36.124-05:00

On Saturday, Micah (child #4) rolled out of bed at 10:45, came into my office, looked at me and said "Did Matthew not tell you who was coming over for the game today?"  Hmmmm...what could have prompted those words to be the first words out of his mouth upon seeing me for the first time that day. a.  No food cooking in the kitchen b.  My appearance c.  All of the above While there was nothing

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-78896319892054954012009-10-17T06:00:00.003-05:002009-10-17T10:14:20.173-05:00

Yesterday I walked us through the steps to make 5 meals in the time it would have taken me to make the dinner I had planned to make anyway. One of the meals was a Shepherd's Pie using the extra meatloaf and potatoes from the first meal on the 5 meal menu, and I promised to show you how that was quickly assembled today. So here we go! After our Meatloaf and Potatoes dinner the second meatloaf was

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-29225120995823405642009-10-16T06:00:00.001-05:002009-10-16T06:00:03.434-05:00

It's Friday so time for a "Filler' Up" feature! Today I'll share how I filled up my freezer this week with 5 meals in the same time it took me to make the main meal for that evening. Here is what I made:Meatloaf with potatoes and gravy (this was our dinner that night)Shepherd's Pie (this was dinner later that week)24 meatballs (these will be 2 meals in the future ~ spaghetti and subs)Another

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-85284355718480210092009-10-15T06:00:00.000-05:002009-10-15T06:00:08.451-05:00

Yep...I served this DEVINE dish to my family recently! Nope...I am not a trained chef but a simple home cooking mom ~ which means you can do this too! Let me tell you just how simple this was! Start with some turkey cutlets and coat them in egg whites. (save the yolks for our sauce we'll make later!)Then dip them in Homemade Gourmet Italian Mozzarella Meatloaf mix. (This mix is a perfect blend of

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-89020871847058151322009-10-13T22:37:00.005-05:002009-10-13T23:28:18.967-05:00

Ok...today is just for fun! I frequently visit a very clever blog called The Other Mama just to have a good laugh or escape to memories of my younger years when my kids were little and cute (ok...they are still cute but little? Not so much.) Today Hillary (the other mama) is hosting a blogger's Crazy Carnival, where we share crazy things we've done, said, have or experienced.So I thought we'd

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-52159743207320749352009-10-13T06:00:00.001-05:002009-10-20T16:21:51.344-05:00

I shared this great recipe back in July and it recieved lots of comments both here on the blog as well as my link on Facebook. Today I read a blog at Miscellaneous Musings of a 5x Mom where the mom of 5 was asking for recipes she can make easily and have waiting for her when she comes home at the end of the day. For those Homemade Gourmets out there, you are jumping out of your seat and saying "

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-74006792571258140622009-10-12T12:01:00.009-05:002009-10-12T14:16:05.876-05:00

According to the last posting date, one would think I have not been in the kitchen for 2 months! Oh, not so, but I have been a little over extended with travel and product development, so the blogging time fell by the wayside. It didn't even occur to me to post that I was taking a blogging break. Of course, that would have meant I 'planned' a blogging break instead of realizing 2 months later I

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-88414025688383396942009-08-21T13:03:00.009-05:002009-08-21T14:03:43.211-05:00

I recently saw the movie Julie and Julia and will confess outloud that I have been inspired. Not so much to make every recipe in Julia's book, but to see how many of them I can make easier using Homemade Gourmet mixes. So for those 'true to the bone' french chef wanna be's, you may want to skip today's blog...it will just be too heart breaking to see fabulous food made so fast and easy with lots

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-7593924691622762002009-08-07T10:15:00.004-05:002009-10-09T15:15:53.609-05:00

For this "Filler Up Friday" I'm gonna share how I fill up my grill instead of filling up my freezer!Fresh tomatoes are everywhere right now. Great prices and the market and home grown gardens are flourishing. I have more tomatoes from my garden than I can keep up with, so I have been looking for new ways to use them. The other day I had some things on the grill, so I threw a few whole tomatoes on

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-61254799682763045742009-08-04T17:49:00.006-05:002009-08-04T19:05:34.891-05:00

Pizza from a slow cooker! Yep! I had to finish it off in the oven, but it was just 15 minutes so the kitchen didn't even heat up and my family wants to know when we are having it again.So here is my Philly Cheesesteak Chicken Pizza Recipe for you to try. Start with a Homemade Gourmet Season n' Steam Philly Cheesesteak mix. Put all of the ingredients into the microwavable steamer bag as directed.

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-46400660203179829892009-08-03T17:17:00.013-05:002009-12-05T15:31:27.976-06:00

Last post I shared how I like to keep fresh produce ready to serve for salads, sides and other quick dinner solutions. Here is another great way to use up fresh produce that came to my rescue this afternoon! My hubby reminded me that we were having about a dozen of the foreign exchange students working at the local water park over for a late dinner tonight. I had completely forgotten about this

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-51203963884468577242009-07-30T20:28:00.005-05:002009-07-30T22:22:47.086-05:00

I had some questions after my Stir Fry post. People wanted to know more about the 'salad bar' in my fridge, so here is a closer look at what I have in my fridge!As you can see in the picture, I keep a variety of items ready to use in an instant. The biggest benefit is that I and my family eat so much healthier. Think about it...if we had to slice a potato, before we could fry it and then eat it,

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-60019366669020961642009-07-27T21:56:00.006-05:002009-10-09T15:18:11.495-05:00

I just have to share this great recipe we had over the weekend!Because of a 2 week trip to Orlando followed by a week away for our annual conference, I had not shopped in almost a month and my freezer meals were almost depleted. As I searched my freezer for an easy weekend meal that I could put in the slow cooker while I did a deep house cleaning, a 1/2 cut of beef brisket tucked back in the

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-15845459945054390272009-07-24T17:34:00.005-05:002009-10-09T15:19:04.304-05:00

I love using the produce of the season to stir up a quick dinner! This particular meal made with smoked sausage and Homemade Gourmet Garlic Lemon Seasoning is a family favorite. Not only do they all eat it without critique, whoever is home before dinner is served can help me make it. In fact, this meal is usually served when it is time to clean out the fridge. The picture below shows what my

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-42947192958905238842009-06-15T13:29:00.003-05:002009-07-24T12:18:57.930-05:00

I have another great Mission Monday story to share! An employee of Homemade Gourmet has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and is about to go for surgery and recovery for about 4-6 weeks. The staff pitched in cash and 2 of our staff members used the 4 meals in 4 minutes recipes to fill her freezer with enough meals to provide her easy solutions for feeding her family during this time. I

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-39605257813281037002009-06-01T15:44:00.002-05:002009-06-01T15:49:34.480-05:00

I have been a little covered up by a flurry of demands on my time, so the blog took a back seat for the last couple of weeks. However, since today is Mission Monday, I thought this was the perfect day to post a testimonial I received from Kristy Perry in Houston, Texas. Here is her heart warming story:I just had to write you and tell you about my experience today. It just reminded me all over

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-11445001005496770002009-04-23T12:00:00.008-05:002009-07-24T12:21:18.585-05:00

Spring is asparagus season and in Texas, it is also grilling season (by June it's too darn hot to stand at the grill!). My family's favorite veggie is Asparagus and we are big fans of grilling, so this time of year we love to combine the two and create great grilled side dishes. Here is one I wanted to share:GARLIC LEMON GRILLED ASPARAGUS WITH AN AVOCADO AND TOMATO SALSAChoose fresh asparagus

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-76490133441453836712009-04-22T12:15:00.006-05:002009-11-16T12:01:01.559-06:00

Saturday morning at my house was cold and rainy. It was the end of my week long 'staycation' and I had a house full of kids (mine and a few others) sleeping in as late as they could. If you have joined me on Facebook, you also know that my well pump went out the day before and I was still without water this cold and rainy Saturday morning and doing without water had made me a little 'unhappy'. I

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-42877796477706175782009-04-17T10:00:00.007-05:002009-04-17T21:23:42.508-05:00

Continuing with our week of 'and then some' features from our just released Kitchen Connection Magazine, today's Filler Up Friday gives you an inside look at how I filled my freezer with precooked meals...fast and easy!Normally our magazine has a 4 meals in 4 minutes planner with recipes to fill your freezer with preseasoned, uncooked meats so you can throw them into a slow cooker, on the grill

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-70446621801358300502009-04-16T07:00:00.002-05:002009-04-16T07:58:59.154-05:00

This Thursday I give a 'thumbs up' to grilled bell peppers! I have a cooks confession. I just grilled / roasted my first bell pepper! I was researching ideas for the recent Kitchen Connection Magazine and grilled peppers popped onto the idea list. Guess what... it was easier than I thought. You see, I have always been intimidated by the idea of roasting a bell pepper and then skinning it before

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-79533831101483750912009-04-14T21:30:00.011-05:002009-04-14T22:34:47.274-05:00

One of my very favorite summer foods is corn on the cob. Now, I realize that it is a little early to be talking about summer foods, HOWEVER, the newest edition of Homemade Gourmet's Kitchen Connection is hot off the press and there are some recipes I want to expand upon.In this edition of the Kitchen Connection Magazine, we have added a reference to this blog to share 'extra' bits of information

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-80076225506912069612009-04-08T12:57:00.014-05:002009-04-08T14:35:36.148-05:00

Yesterday was a fun day at the Channel 8 studios (the Dallas ABC affiliate), where I got to tape a segment on Good Morning Texas that was all about getting kids in the kitchen to create Easter goodies for the family and friends. You can see the segment clicking here and viewing the yummy Easter treats video.As you will see, we coated Homemade Gourmet Strawberry Bread that had been baked in egg

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-45809255167528879222009-04-06T09:52:00.003-05:002011-08-24T01:04:30.368-05:00

It's Mission Monday, so I thought I'd share an email I received recently that shows how our mission if fulfilled in multiple ways, doubly blessing those it touches. Below is an email from a new consultant sharing with her sponsor how the Homemade Gourmet business she started to help her meet income needs is also meeting the needs of a family in need. Here is the email:Juli,I just wanted to

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-5916749300932560282009-03-31T23:52:00.003-05:002009-04-01T00:13:17.218-05:00

HG is in the news!!This was the headline of an email sent to me by one of our consultants in Colorado as she was sharing with her team how exciting it is that Homemade Gourmet is getting a lot of attention in the media lately. I will be appearing on our local morning show, Good Morning Texas, on April 7th (ABC network). So I decided the Wild Wednesday topic this week should be to feature some

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-2654867164913364972009-03-27T12:19:00.003-05:002009-03-27T12:25:56.023-05:00

Yes...I really want to know. I was pulling out another meal from my freezer this week and as I crossed it off my list I keep on a kitchen white board I realized I am down to my last few meals. Time to restock! So inspire me! Tell me what's in your freezer. If it is too long to leave in the comments section...send me an email at tvanhoy@homemadegourmet.com I'll share it on a post or put it

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4012402123694414292.post-20860481175068217492009-03-24T19:51:00.005-05:002009-03-25T09:56:54.458-05:00

Meet Torrey! While I have never personally met her, she was introduced to me via email as the 'next generation' of Homemade Gourmet users. She is a testimony to the mission of Homemade Gourmet bringing families into the kitchen.You see, Torrey grew up on Homemade Gourmet around her family dinner table and remembers it in her mom's pantry. She now buys it and uses it herself.Years ago I shared

Tamihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06868571180134252659noreply@blogger.com2