Recipes for the Body, Mind, and Soul.

First, let me admit that I have never entered or won any cooking or baking contests, nor am I a chef or professional cook, but after many a year of culinary trials and triumphs and the influence of such mentors as my grandmother, mother, and mother-in-law, each of whom could have been a real Betty Crocker, I feel more than capable of making a good meal or an even better pot of stew, not to mention the most creative of holiday treats. The exception being decorative cakes, which will never even come close to those my mother-in-law used to make, those delicious desserts and amazing creations that each of her children and grandchildren anxiously came to anticipate every holiday and birthday celebration.

I will also try to include a few recipes from my daughter as well, the real chef in the family. She cooks for all the senses, uses the freshest herbs, finest cuts of meat, and always plates to perfection. A true culinary artist. So it is with some humility that I would like to offer you those few special recipes that have either been passed on to me or those found to be the tastiest even among the most discriminating of palates, those that may remind you of your childhood or “the old country,” those which simply fill the need for some good “ole’ comfort food,” and those especially meant for family and friends during the holidays.

Remember to feed the body, mind, and soul with one or more of these favorite recipes and know that you never dine alone. Your spiritual family is always with you. Your ancestors are with you. Your friends and loved ones are with you, and I will be with you. So put your apron on, pull out the pots and pans, and set the table as we toast to good times, good health, and good food. I hope you always enjoy your meals and come to try if only a few of the recipes linked below. If you would like to share your own favorite recipe or perhaps one that has been given to you, please don’t hesitate to leave a reply with the recipe and brief story behind it. For it’s not just about the food. It’s about all the people who provide and dine upon the feast with you. Bon Appétit!

Appetizers & More:

• Crab Cakes
• Greek Spanakopita

 Soups:

• Seafood Chowder
• Portuguese Soup
• Emeril Lagasse’s Kicked Up Version
• Rachael Ray’s Version

Salads:

• A Dieter’s Delight

Main Dishes:

• My Lasagna
• Ma’s Pot Roast
• Beef Bourguignon

Breads:

• Fruit and Nut Bread
• Pumpkin/Banana Nut Bread

Desserts and Seasonal Treats:

• Homemade Apple Pie
• Pumpkin Butter
• Speculaas Cookies

New Page: More recipes and stories to come, so please check back and don’t forget to send us your own, even your favorite bread machine recipes and children’s creations.

Related Blog Articles:

• It’s Unbearable
• Mac-n-Cheese
• Ramadan
• Saint Nicholas Feast Day
• Spice Up Your Life
• Sunday Suppers
• The [Jell-O] Trade
• Weight Loss
• Which Fish to Eat

External Links:

• 3 Health Reasons to Cook with Cast-Iron
• Healthy Recipes
• The Essential New York Times Cookbook