Shrimp Scampi Pasta
Seafood rarely makes it to my table because, well, here in Iowa and fresh seafood is expensive. Once in a while I will splurge on shrimp and one of our favorite dishes is this Shrimp Scampi Pasta. It’s super easy, ready in about 20 minutes and as good as Olive Garden’s. Well, it is if [...]
Mexican Without Meat? Yes!
We really like tacos. And burritos. And enchiladas. Chimichangas. Tostadas. You get the point- we like Mexican food. But sometimes I see another ground beef recipe and I sigh. When that happens I turn to these Empanadas. The most difficult part of the recipe is spreading the dough into circles. Just a few simple steps [...]
How Long Can Eggs Be Left Unrefrigerated?
Or, maybe more to the point,how long can they be forgotten in the back an SUV before you entertain the possibility of food poisoning? This morning as I was loading the girls into the truck after gymnastics I spied a plastic bag in the rear of the truck. My eggs! From our grocery excursion… Last [...]
Historic Hotel Reopens
The Hotel Pattee, which closed in December 2006, reopens today (July 21). This great gem of a hotel in Perry, which is listed on the national register of historic places, is known for it’s richly appointed rooms and exceptional customer service. The hotel has 40 suites,each with it’s own personality, and rates begin at $149 [...]
We’ve Got It Good In Iowa
Just last week Kiplinger’s announced it’s 2008 Best Cities list. And guess where #9 is located? Right here in Iowa! Yep, we had better watch out because people are noticing our clean air, good schools and great living standards. Pretty soon we’ll be swarmed with companies wanting to move here. Oh, wait, we already are. [...]
Be Honest. Do I Need to Call Nanny 911?
You probably think that since I’m a regular contributor to the Family & Parenting channel of IowaMoms.com, I’m an expert on the subject. I’ve got it all under control. My kids are model citizens, and my house is spotless. Well, sorry to disappoint. The truth is, I probably have far more to learn from all [...]
Triple Cheese Baked Spaghetti
I’m continuing my quest for yummy meatless recipes we can all enjoy. Last week I made this wonderful triple cheese baked spaghetti. It’s quick, it’s easy, and,most of all, it’s yummy. Posted by Jody @ Fab Food Friday
Here Come the Iowa Chops!
No, I’m not talking about a thick, beautiful piece of meat, golden from the grill and juicy when you cut in to it. Mmmmm… pork… Ahem…. Anyway, Iowa has a new NHL affiliation with the Mighty Ducks. Luckily we don’t have to use their name (as we did with the Stars) so let me introduce [...]
Get Lost! (Really!)
If you’re like my family, a “real vacation” is not in the plans this summer. Gas prices, food prices, and trying to dig out of our debt have pretty much claimed any extra penny we thought we had. But if you’re not able to fly to Florida or drive to South Dakota, that doesn’t mean [...]
Make your stainless steel sparkle.
When we started building our house, I vowed I would never have stainless steel appliances again. No way. Never. Absolutely not. Guess what? I have stainless steel appliances. And, I have stainless steel appliances for one reason only, WD-40. As I complained about cleaning our appliances during the selling process a relative told me “use [...]
