To acknowledge St. Patrick’s Day, Jackie and I wanted to cook something this morning that would celebrate the holiday but that would also be well received by our kids. For me, corned beef was out of the question, since I spend the dinner hour on New Jersey's Garden State Parkway on Tuesdays. (Yes, ...
When Store-Bought Won’t Cut It
Last Thursday, my son Zack had his friend Oliver over for an after-school play-date. I greeted them with cookies and, if you can imagine, they turned them down when they realized they weren’t homemade. Oliver, who is obviously used to home baked chocolate chip cookies as well, was less-than pleased ...
You Read My Mind
Every Tuesday morning before our little ones go to pre-school, Jackie and I get together to cook or bake and the boys play. It’s a quick two hours, but we often get a lot accomplished. This past Tuesday, Jackie called early in the morning wondering what we should make. She started with the usual, ...
Festive and Fruity Granola
This granola makes a yummy family breakfast or snack while you are wrapping presents. If you have holiday visitors, put some out in the morning with carafes of milk and coffee. Or enlist a friend to make the granola and pack it up in pretty bags for gifts for teachers, neighbors or co-workers. ...
Gingerbread Cookies
This is one of our favorite recipes to make with kids. Sometimes we let them help make the dough (the honey in the dough makes it super easy to work with), while other times we streamline the process by making and baking off a giant batch of cookie dough and enlisting the kids at the backend for ...
Potato Latkes
Latkes are an ideal food to make with a friend since they are best made in bulk, freeze exceptionally well and will crisp up in your oven when reheated. Get two skillets and an assembly line going to fill your freezer. They make a great hors d'oeuvres or side dishes and can even be substituted for ...
Spaghetti and Meatballs
A childhood favorite for both of us, we cook this meal with our friends with kids and adults in mind. Make a double batch of meatballs and sauce and freeze them separately, creating your own homemade take-out, ready at a moment’s notice. You’ll want to make the sauce first or ahead of time, as it ...
French Onion Soup
You don’t have to be from Paris to appreciate the sweet, caramelized onions, the wine-infused broth and the smooth melted cheese on top. But for a moment, you might feel you are there. Here’s a bit of trivia: Julia Child’s last meal was French Onion Soup. Recipe source:The Cooking With Friends ...
White Chicken Chili
This chili is one of our all-time favorites for making a big batch of on a cold day, eating some for that night’s dinner and freezing the other half for later. You’ll love to bring it out at the last minute for a hearty lunch or quick supper. Our big challenge is making it spicy for adults and mild ...
Eggplant and Zucchini Bake
This hearty yet light dish is a meal in itself or a fantastic side vegetable dish. Since it uses our Slow Simmered Tomato Basil Sauce as a base, it’s packed with flavor. You can get together with your friends and make a big batch of sauce, assemble the dish together with the sauce already made — or ...