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Welcome to the weekend, my friends! It’s hard to believe school starts this week. This summer has been a good one and I’m simultaneously sad to see it end and getting excited for the start of fall. We had so much rain this past week, we even lost power for a couple of days. The weather has been wild for sure.
ON THE BLOGS THIS WEEK: Made popular by the Zuppa Toscana served for as long as I can remember at Olive Garden, this Sausage Potato and Kale Soup has become an instant favorite with everyone who has tried it over the years. It is packed with tons of flavor and it’s the ultimate bowl of comfort food while the weather turns to fall.
Build your own Hot Dog Bar to celebrate the end of summer with four awesome combinations – Chicago-Style, Hawaiian, Green Chile Queso, and BBQ Sundaes! Most of the time, I’m pretty happy with a classic dog topped with just ketchup, mustard, and relish. But other times? It can be a whole lot of fun to mix things up.
Fresh greens, nutty edamame, sweet cranberries, plenty of cheese, wonton crisps, and a handful of fresh mushrooms tossed in a tangy sweet honey mustard dressing add up to this unforgettable Crunchy Spinach Salad. Inspired by one of my favorite Dion’s salads, this salad never fails to remind me of road trips with family.
Savor a delightful medley of fresh, ripe vegetables with a tangy homemade vinaigrette in this Zucchini Pasta Salad. This is a recipe you will make more than once!
Oven Roasted Cabbage with balsamic and roasted onions is nothing short of a crazy obsession for me. Try it, and you will understand why this easy, simple side has become such a staple at our dinner table.
Full of tender apples and citrusy rhubarb, and crowned with a classic brown sugar oat crisp topping, Apple Rhubarb Crisp blends summer and fall together in sweet tart harmony. Move over strawberries! I can’t get enough of this one.
Blending Oreos with cream and milk makes for a rich, smooth Oreo Ice Cream that tastes exactly like our favorite store-bought cookies. This is most definitely not your everyday cookies and cream ice cream.
After making my longtime favorite cookies and cream ice cream a while back, I had an idea for an Oreo ice cream and I couldn’t get it out of my mind. I picked up more Oreos at the store and as soon as I got home I dumped a dozen of them into the blender and went to work. (It’s a hard life, but someone has to live it.)
What I’m CRAVING: Rebecca’s Pan Pizza. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll understand. That pizza recipe is really and truly the best. And if “I” can make it at home – anyone can make it.
My FAVORITE THING this week is this simple blender. It is THE blender. I’ve tried what feels like them all. The fancy ones. The cheap ones. The trendy ones just for smoothies. I’ve come full circle. This basic blender is the same style that my grandma used, with an all glass pitcher, metal blades, and just two speeds. I couldn’t be happier.
What I’m READING: I make it a practice not to share books that I DNF, but in this case? We’re making an exception just to prevent anyone else from picking this mess up. Ugh. I kept hearing that Yesteryear was the book to read this year, so when it was finally available from the library I started reading it. Oof, just a few pages in, I knew this wasn’t the book for me. I made it maybe 30% through the book and then just stopped. I pulled up a review to see how it ended and no regrets there.
I didn’t realize it was supposed to be a psych thriller. That would’ve prevented me from ever picking this one up in the first place (that’s a full stop for me – I don’t read that genre, ever) but it never got there with what I read. I was simply bored, so very bored, and could not stand any of the characters. All of that said, if you enjoyed this book? Please feel free to email me and chat about it. I just don’t get it.
What I’m LISTENING to: Good Person by Ingrid Andress. This one is another new-to-me album this week and I’m really enjoying it. It’s a lot of fun having kids with diverse music interests as they introduce me to new artists all the time. (And who would have guessed that I’d have a son who would be into country? That one was definitely a surprise.)
“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV
Wishing you a beautiful week filled with little things that make you smile!
Mary
Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!
Your recipes are delicious, nutritious, and maybe best of all quick and easy!
Every one who has tasted these dishes you have created, is delighted!
Bless your generous Heart,
Judelon LaSalle
Central Coast of California
Thanks so much!
I love your recipes, there easy to follow and I almost always have the ingredients on hand.
I miss getting your email from you every day. I don’t know why I quit getting it. I keep look8ng in spam box and new mail and it hasn’t been in either. I was finally able to go in your website and find this one. You were alway an insuring.