Stuffed Burgers (aka Juicy Lucy/Jucy Lucy)

About a month ago Michael saw an episode of Food Wars on Travel Channel that featured the Juicy Lucy/Jucy Lucy burger, a Minneapolis creation with a devout following, and he knew instantly that he had to make it. I enjoy seeing him get over the moon about trying something new, and it was fun to [...]

Greek Burgers and Tzatziki

While I don’t want to sound trite, I must say the first of May caught me off guard. I can’t believe it’s May, the school year is almost over and the kids will be out for almost three months, it’s time to register Top Gun for kindergarten, and summer is almost here. But that also [...]

Steak au Poivre with Sauteed Porta Bella Mushrooms

Italian Beef Sandwiches

On Super Bowl Sunday I attempted to fulfill one of Michael’s foodie wishes. He has been craving Chicago Italian beef sandwiches, and I decided to do some research and make some for him. He got to relive some good memories, and I learned that making Italian beef is pretty easy and well worth it! Italian [...]

Italian-Style Meatloaf

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t like meatloaf and haven’t fixed it in years. We’re just not a meatloaf family, so when I announced one day last week that we would be having meatloaf for dinner I got a very strange look from Michael. “Meatloaf?” “Yes, meatloaf.” “Why?” “I found a recipe [...]

Beef and Bell Pepper with Black Bean Sauce

As I have written in previous posts, I did not grow up with Asian food, and it wasn’t until I moved to Saipan for my first overseas teaching job in 1989 that I had any exposure to the real thing. The island was (and still is) populated with a mix of nationalities and there were [...]

Slow Cooker Four Bean Baked Beans

When I was growing up, baked beans were a delicious part of all our cook outs and potlucks. Cans of pork and beans were mixed with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and onions, then baked in the oven. Sometimes strips of bacon were laid on top, creating a smoky aroma and flavor that reminds me [...]

Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

Andrea Meyers - Slow Cooker Beef Barley Soup

It’s official—we’re moving. Over the Christmas holiday we learned that Michael has a new job in the DC metro area, and now we’re in the midst of selling a home and looking for another. I’m excited about returning to that area and I think it will be very good for our family, but right now [...]

Chinese Beef and Broccoli with Tomato

I used to order this dish at China House Restaurant in Saipan, and the combination of flavors grabbed me. Admittedly this is an Americanized version of Chinese broccoli beef, but I like the extra layer of flavor the tomatoes add. Don’t add them too soon or cook them for too long; otherwise, they will turn [...]

Michael’s Spaghetti and Meatballs

We usually have some kind of pasta for Sunday dinner, and this is my husband’s favorite. He takes over the kitchen and makes the sauce and the meatballs. His philosophy is always to err on the side of more flavor, so he piles on the garlic and onions. He makes his meatballs using a pan [...]

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