A Recipe Worth All the Tea in China

You probably like Chinese food but prefer takeout from a local place rather than going through a messy hassle in the kitchen. You assume you don't have the right equipment - a rice steamer, a wok, whatever is needed, and you assume that whatever dish you concoct couldn't possibly be as good as what Hop Sing can whip up. Not so! This easy, yet tasty Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry dish requires no special cooking appliances nor any ancient Chinese secrets. And if you really want to immerse yourself in the culture, serve some hot tea with your meal in this complementary teapot from the SplendidLife website. It's actually a site promoting all things Splenda, but they also have some really cute kitchenware. Make sure you have some Splenda (or real sugar!) on hand for your beverage and enjoy your good fortune.

Spicy Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. vegetable oil, divided

1 1/4 lbs. boneless beef top sirloin steak

16 oz. bag of frozen broccoli

1 medium onion, sliced

1 red bell pepper, sliced

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

1/2 cup beef broth

Whisk together soy sauce, cornstarch and 1 tbsp. of the oil in a bowl. Cut beef into strips, add to mixture, toss to coat and refrigerate 15 minutes. Heat remaining 1 tbsp. of oil in a large skillet. Add the beef, broccoli, onion, red bell pepper and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until beef is browned and vegetables are crisp-tender. Add red pepper flakes and beef broth. Stir and cook a few minutes until sauce is slightly thickened. Serve over cooked rice and top with cashews.

Thanks for the Coffee, Pumpkin.

The middle of a sweltering summer may not be the ideal time to
think about pumpkins and all the delicious recipes you can make with this gastronomic delight, but it's always the ideal time to be thinking about yummy food! While pumpkins are usually relegated to the standard pie or requisite Halloween decoration, I like to liven things up and make this Pumpkin Walnut Bread. It's terrific as a dessert and even better as breakfast along with a piping hot cup o' joe. Speaking of joe, while there's nothing to chop for this recipe, check out this cute cutting board from USA Wallpaper. The coffee theme would be a darling addition to any art deco kitchen.


Pumpkin Walnut Bread

3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour (gotta get your fiber!)
1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. allspice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flours, salt, sugar and baking soda. Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, water and spices together. Combine with the dry ingredients but don't mix too thoroughly. Stir in the nuts. Pour into a greased loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.

Feed Your Addiction With These Spicy Nuts

I love all kinds of nuts: peanuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans, you name it. I stumbled upon this recipe for Sweet & Salty Nuts that is so addictive, there ought to be a law! It's a healthy snack that can be whipped up in a few minutes. It also makes an unusual housewarming gift or inexpensive holiday gift. If you're feeling really creative, double the recipe and serve the tasty nuts in these adorable nesting buckets from USA Wallpaper. Everyone will be dazzled with your domestic prowess.

Sweet & Salty Nuts

1/4 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 egg white

1 1/2 cups salted cashews

1 1/2 cups pecan halves

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. In a large bowl, whisk the egg white; add the nuts. Sprinkle with sugar mixture and toss to coat. Spread in a single layer on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 300 degrees for 18-20 minutes, stirring once. Let cool before storing.

Mexican Pasta Earns Cinco Stars

If you're tired of the same Italian-style pasta dishes, wake up your tastebuds with this Mexican Pasta recipe. While preparation of this dish may take a little longer than I normally prefer, it's completely worth it. The red pepper and seasonings give this recipe some kick while the creamy sauce and cheeses give it that homemade goodness. While your cooking this pasta for your little fiesta, use these lively measuring spoons from Anthropologie. They'll match the colors on your sombrero perfectly. Ole!

Mexican Pasta Bake

12 oz. macaroni

1 lb. ground beef

1 packet taco seasoning

1/2 cup chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped red pepper

2 tbsp. butter

1/3 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cumin

3 cups milk

6 oz. Colby cheese, cubed

8 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 cup salsa

Chili powder

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease 3 qt. baking dish. Brown ground beef and stir in taco seasoning according to packet directions. Cook pasta and drain. In large saucepan, cook onion and pepper in butter about 5 mins. Stir in flour, salt and cumin. Add milk. Cook and stir until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Stir in Colby cheese and 1 cup of the Monterey Jack cheese. Pour over pasta and stir. In the baking dish, layer 1/2 the pasta, 1/2 the beef and all the salsa. Layer with remaining pasta and beef. Sprinkle with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Sprinkle with chili powder. Bake uncovered 15-20 mins.

You Deserve These Girlie Treats

Need a relaxing evening with your girlfriends? Maybe you're planning to send the husband and kids packing while you ladies stay in to give each other facials and play shameless board games. Well, all that gossip and girlie talk can make you pretty hungry, so why not try this appetizing treat. These Cool as a Cucumber Tea Sandwiches are dainty yet so yummy. And for the ultimate in girlie-ness, serve the appetizer on these adorable plates from Rosanna Inc. They're so retro 50's chic. I can just imagine you girls on the party line now.

Cucumber Tea Sandwiches

1 loaf of rye cocktail bread (found near the deli section)

1 block of cream cheese

1 packet of Hidden Valley Ranch dry seasoning mix

1 or 2 cucumbers, sliced

Dried dill weed

Mix the cream cheese and seasoning mix. Spread on the cocktail bread. Place a cucumber slice on each piece. Sprinkle with dill weed. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Heavenly Graham Crackers with Fudge

This rich, chocolately dessert was handed down from our sweet (yet a little senile!) Granny. It's so rich and delicious yet couldn't be easier to make. The secret ingredient of this dessert recipe is the peanut butter. Whip up a batch for your next potluck or picnic while using these adorable measuring cups from USA Wallpaper. The retro-looking cups look like Granny handed these down as well.

Granny's Graham Crackers with Fudge

1 cup sugar

1/2 stick butter (or Oleo as my Granny called it)

1 square Baker's unsweetened chocolate

Dash of salt

1/2 cup milk

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tsp. vanilla

1 package of graham crackers

Over medium heat, stir sugar, butter, chocolate, salt and milk until the mixture boils for 1 minute. Add peanut butter and vanilla and continue stirring until mixture is spreadable. Spread fudge on graham cracker. Top with another cracker. Makes 12-24 pieces of heaven, depending on how big you make them. Enjoy!

'On the Table Chop Chop' Pork Chops

While this may be considered a fall or winter comfort food, no delicious dinner recipe is easier to get on the table lickety-split. What to do with the extra free time? Why not whip up some fresh string beans which will complement the tender pork, sweet apples and crispy stuffing? While your enjoying your yummy pork chops, use these adorable turtle placemats from USA Wallpaper. Yes, USA Wallpaper. I had no idea they offered such cute kitchen accessories. Take a look!

Pork Chops with Apples & Stuffing

6 boneless center cut pork chops

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 box StoveTop stuffing mix

1 1/2 cans (30 oz. total) apple pie filling with cinnamon

Brown pork chops in oil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, prepare stuffing according to package directions. Spread pie filling in greased 13x9 baking dish. Place pork chops on top. Spoon stuffing over pork. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 minutes longer.

This French Toast is Berry Delightful

Tired of eating cereal bars and Pop-Tarts in the chaotic morning rush? With a little prep time the night before, your family can wake up to the freshly baked goodness of this easy French Toast Casserole. Heck, the sweet smell wafting through the house may even get your surly teenagers out of bed voluntarily. And if you really want to go the extra mile, set the breakfast table with this eye-opening syrup pitcher from Sur La Table. No plastic bottles for you!

French Toast Casserole

1 16 oz. loaf of bread, cubed

1 1/2 cups half and half

3/4 cup maple syrup

8 eggs, beaten

2 cups strawberries and/or blueberries

Mix all ingredients and refrigerate overnight in a greased 11x15 pan . If you don't have a pan that large, divide into 2 8x8 pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Crabby Guests? Not with These Toasty Appetizers!

This recipe for Crab Melts requires a little time and money, but it's so worth it. I know that picking crab meat is a royal pain, but nothing ruins a good seafood dish faster than pieces of shell stabbing you in the gums. Plus, I prefer backfin crabmeat, but I'm sort of a seafood snob. Use whatever crabmeat you prefer. These appetizers must be served warm so plan on making this dish when you're entertaining at home. And if you have any English muffins leftover, make them for breakfast using this totally cute polka-dot toaster. It can be found online at My Vintage Kitchen. Here's a toast to your eclectic style!

Crab Melts

1 pack (6) English muffins

8 oz. drained, picked crab meat

1 stick butter

1 6 oz. jar Old English Sharp Cheddar Cheese (near the grated parmesan in the grocery store)

2 tbsp. mayo

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

1/2 tsp. garlic salt

Cut untoasted muffins into quarters and place on two cookie sheets. Mix ingredients well. Spread mixure on muffins and freeze uncovered for 30 minutes. Broil until brown and puffy (5-10 mins).

A Tangy Taste of the Tropics Fruit Salad

Summer's almost here, and fruit salads are being made for just about every gathering. If you would like to add a twist to this barbeque favorite, try this delish fruit dish. The secret ingredient is TANG. I know it sounds weird. I don't drink the stuff. Heck, I've even used it to clean out the inside of my dishwasher (works really well, by the way!). Trust me, the TANG gives this recipe a yummy orange sherbet flavor, and this salad comes together in a snap since it mostly calls for canned fruit. Serve this side dish in your favorite bowl along with these colorful, beaded serving spoons from Pier One.

Tangy Fruit Salad

1 3oz. box of instant vanilla pudding

6 tbsp. TANG

16 oz. can of sliced peaches

14 oz. can of pineapple chunks

8 oz. can of mandarin oranges

Pint of fresh strawberries

2 ripe bananas, sliced

Stir pudding mix & TANG together. Add peaches (with juice) and mix. Add drained pineapple and drained oranges. Add sliced strawberries & bananas.

Pretty Platter for Your Party

Tis the season - the grilling season that is. In addition to the standard fare of hamburgers and hot dogs, why not grill this healthy and delicious Summer Vegetable Medley. Bursting with summer's sweetness, this recipe is simple, and cleanup is a snap. And don't overlook presentation. Showcase your scrumptious corn, peppers and zucchini on this cool serving platter from Pier 1.

Summer Vegetable Medley

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/4 tsp. each minced fresh parsley, basil & chives

3/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. black pepper

3 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed, cut into 2-inch pieces

1 medium red pepper, cut into chunks

1 medium yellow pepper, cut into chunks

1 medium zucchini, cut into chunks

In large bowl, combine butter, parsley, basil, chives, salt & pepper. Add the vegetables and toss to coat. Place vegetables in a disposable foil pan. Grill, covered, over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Stir. Grill 5 minutes longer or until vegetables are tender.

Trying to Impress? This Dinner's a Ringer.

Every once in a while, you need a dinner recipe that will impress your guests and not be a pain in the rear to make. Well, this recipe for Smothered Beef Medallions will let you breeze through preparation and sit back to enjoy all the rave reviews. Serve this tasty fare on your best dinnerware and dress up your place settings with these attractive napkin rings from Pier 1. Your guests will dub you the latest domestic diva.

Smothered Beef Medallions

1 1/2 lbs. filet mignon

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

3 tbsp. butter

1 onion, sliced

2 red peppers, sliced

3/4 cup beef broth

1 tbsp. Worchestershire sauce

2 tsp. flour

1/4 cup heavy cream

Cut filet into bite-size pieces. Saute the beef in butter until browned. Add salt, pepper, onion & red pepper and cook until softened. In a small bowl, whisk the broth, Worchestershire sauce & flour. Add to skillet and simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in cream and simmer a few more minutes. Serve over rice if desired.

Tasty Appetizers - A Spicy Hit at Your Next Party

In this season of graduations, weddings and showers, you may find yourself being invited to several celebrations where you need to bring a dish. No worries! If you're looking for a tasty crowd-pleaser, this appetizer recipe won't disappoint. The Sausage Cups' combination of cool and spicy ingredients guarantee that you will leave the festivities with an empty plate and a fistful of requests for the recipe. And if you find yourself making this appetizer for a baby shower, consider giving this adorable baby dish set from Wrapables. This baby gift is the only thing that will get the guests to stop raving about your delicious culinary skills!

Sausage Cups

1 lb. Jimmy Dean Original Sausage Roll

1 8 oz. bottle of Hidden Valley Ranch dressing

1 10 oz. jar of roasted red peppers, drained & chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese

1 pack wonton wrappers (in the produce section)

In two regular-size muffin pans, place 2 wonton wrappers (diagonally) in each muffin cup. Bake at 300 degrees until light brown (about 10 minutes). Meanwhile, brown and drain the sausage. Mix in the dressing and red peppers. Spoon mixture into the baked cups. Top with cheese, and put back in oven until cheese is melted.

Mmmm Potatoes. Please Pass the Butter!

Now that carbs are coming "back in style" again, it's time to break out those recipes for the ultimate vegetable, the potato! This recipe for Pepper Jack Potatoes is absolutely delicious. It reminds me of breakfast potatoes served at the local greasy spoon. The onions give them flavor, and the chili powder gives them an unexpected kick. While your preparing this yummy side dish, use this cute butter dish from Wrapables. I love the bright colors and convenient handle. Go ahead and dazzle your friends and family with these cheesy potatoes. I guarantee they will ask you for the recipe.


Pepper Jack Potatoes

6 medium potatoes, peeled & cut into 1/4" slices
1 medium onion, sliced
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne (red) pepper
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 oz. shredded Pepper Jack cheese

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes and onion. Combine the butter and seasonings; drizzle over the potato mixture and toss to coat. Place in a greased 11x7 baking dish. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Serve with salsa for some extra kick.

Spinach Salad That'll Make Popeye Proud

Here's a delicious Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe that is healthy and super-easy to prepare. Big, fresh berries are a perfect compliment to crunchy spinach leaves and toasty pecans. If you happen to actually have any leftovers, take them to work the next day in a delightful lunch tote from Wrapables. This insulated lunch bag lets you carry your food in style. No more brown bags for you!


Strawberry Spinach Salad

10 oz. fresh spinach, torn
1 cup strawberries, halved
1 cup pecan halves, toasted
1 cup poppy seed dressing (in produce section)

Combine the first 3 ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing. Serve immediately and munch away!

Chicks & Chicken

I ran across the absolute cutest wall art ever! If I had any available space on my walls at all, I would snatch these up in a minute. These handmade painted metal wallhangings feature a trio of sassy chicks in a pickup truck and a daring duo in a convertible. They would look so cute hanging in a kitchen, a spare bedroom or even a home office. These chicks are available online from Uncommon Goods. Speaking of chicken, after you've worked up an appetite hanging these delightful creatures, whip up an easy casserole of Chicken Divan. This comfort food tastes great year-round and is a sure hit when you need to take a meal to any gathering. Enjoy. Just don't let the chicks see you!

Divine Chicken Divan

4 chicken breasts

1 14 oz can of chicken broth

1 14 oz. bag frozen broccoli florets

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 box StoveTop stuffing

Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces and boil in water, with the chicken broth added in for extra flavoring. When the chicken is no longer pink, add it to a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Cook the broccoli according to package directions and add on top of chicken. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and soup and pour over the broccoli. Sprinkle with the cheddar cheese. Prepare the stuffing according to package directions and add to the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

The Absolute Best Cole Slaw Recipe Ever

With the summer fast approaching, our minds turn to fun-filled picnics and barbeques where we can enjoy friends, beverages and some great tasting dishes. This Asian Cole Slaw recipe is a year-round winner and goes great with just about any meat dish. Every time I make it, people beg me for the recipe. If you're attending a party with a big crowd, you may want to double or triple the recipe to ensure that chaos won't ensue. And in the spirit of fresh, delicious recipes, use these adorable citrus dish towels while you're whipping up your cole slaw. They'll give you a serious hankering for some fresh-squeezed lemonade. I found these online at Crate & Barrel. Bon Appetit!


Asian Cole Slaw
1 12 oz. package of broccoli slaw mix (in the produce section)

1 pack ramen beef noodles, crumbled

1 cup toasted slivered almonds

1 cup sunflower seed kernels (in the nuts section)

Dressing:
1/3 cup vinegar
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup sugar
beef seasoning packet from noodles


Combine first 4 ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the dressing. Add the dressing to the main ingredients. Mix thoroughly and chill for 1 hour.

Spaghetti Salad Never Tasted So Pretty

Everyone has a recipe for pasta salad, but how many of these creations can WOW your tastebuds? Forget that uninspired, boring pasta salad. Here's a recipe for Spaghetti Salad that's super-easy to make, looks delicious and tastes even better. And if you really want to jazz up your next picnic or potluck, serve the salad in a beautiful Tuscan ceramic bowl with matching serving utensils. This one was found at a website called TuscanDecor.

Supreme Spaghetti Salad

1 lb. spaghetti, broken into pieces
16 oz. Zesty Italian dressing
2 large cucumbers, diced
2 cans diced tomatoes
4 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp. McCormicks Salad Supreme Seasoning

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Mix all ingredients and chill.

Kellogg's Vintage Stoneware - It's GRRREAT!

If you're craving a little bit of nostalgia, this stoneware set is a must-have. In celebration of their 100th anniversary, Kellogg's has created a vintage-style set of plates, bowls and mugs. Each piece of stoneware has an old-time image from Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes advertising and is dishwasher and microwave safe. I found these online at Barrons. So, fill up that bowl with cereal and that mug with steaming coffee, but don't use that plate for boring toast. Whip up a warm batch of peanut butter bread and enjoy your trip back in time.

Peanut Butter Bread (Kids love this too!)

1 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup quick cooking oats
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder & salt. Cut in the peanut butter until crumbly. Combine the egg, milk & vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Transfer to a greased 9x5x3 loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack.

Yummy Oatmeal Brunch Recipe

Okay, I admit it. I always hated oatmeal. When I was a kid, I preferred the sugar-laden cereal of the 70's (remember Super Sugar Crisp?), but my mother would make me eat oatmeal. Blech! Fast forward thirty years. I happened upon a recipe for Fruity Baked Oatmeal in my Simple & Delicious cooking magazine. I'm more partial to heart attack specials like bacon and eggs, and normally I would have glossed right over it. Boy, am I glad I tried it! It's really tasty, and I love the fact that it's reasonably healthy as well. I even shared this breakfast recipe with a friend who also raved about it. Enjoy this breakfast treat and feel free to use different fruits in season. Happy brunching from a former oatmeal hater!

Fruity Baked Oatmeal

3 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 14 oz. can diced peaches, drained
1/2 pint fresh blueberries

In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, baking powder, salt & cinnamon. Combine the eggs, milk & butter; add to the dry ingredients. Stir in the peaches and blueberries. Pour into an 8 x 8 inch greased baking dish. Bake, uncovered at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas - Don't Buy Flowers!

Are you guilty of buying Mom the same unimaginative flower bouquet every year? Zzzzzzz. Wake up! The woman deserves better. Surprise her this year with a unique gift that she'll be talking about until next Mother's Day. The best part - you don't even have to put any thought into it. Here's a list of trendy gifts for Mom that will confirm, once and for all, why she loves you more than your siblings. Enjoy!



1. Does Mom love cute and dainty things? I'm not talking about doilies here. I'm talking about bows and polka dots. This stylish handbag made by J.P. Lizzy comes in a beautiful color combination of pale turquoise and chocolate brown. It features a magnetic snap-closure and small metal feet on the bottom so Mom won't get it dirty when setting it down. I own this purse and have received a TON of compliments on it. This adorable handbag is available through the eBags website.

2. Is Mom a little wild and crazy? If so, she would love the faux-cheetah print bag from the Naturalizer website. The large purse has a smooth surface (no fur here!) and an oversized patent leather buckle. This roomy bag features 3 compartments and tons of room for everything Mom needs to carry. While you're at it, fill this purse with some gift cards and score some extra bonus points with good old Mom!

3. Does Mom wear a lot of jewelry? Have you even noticed?! If you at

least know that she always wears a watch, she would love this piece of jewelry. It is the BEST conversation piece. This watch is made with vintage typewriter keys, and each one is unique. I own this watch, and people always tell me how cool they think it is. This watch along with other vintage typewriter and game-piece jewelry is available through a site called Uncommon Goods. Check it out.

4. Does your Mother like to entertain? Besides the times when you show up for a free meal? If so, she would fall in love with a colorful cake stand from Target. Part of their Big Bash collection, this colorful cake plate also has matching plates and a cake server available. This gift screams "fun" and couldn't be more thoughtful. Round out your gift with a gourmet cake from Harry and David (mmm, a pineapple macadamia cake?), and maybe you'll be invited over a little more often!

I hope this list has gotten your creative juices flowing. Don't give Mom the same tired gifts of candles and bubble bath. Show her that you're paying attention to what she likes. Show her that she didn't raise a complete gift-giving buffoon. Just don't show her this list. Happy Mother's Day!