Shrimp Cocktail

I have to admit, I'm not a big seafood person, but I do know that many of you are. So, today I wanted to share Kim McDougal's shrimp cocktail. Being an artist, Kim loves food presentation as much as I do. She even takes great photos and creates some beautiful illustrations! I encourage you to visit her post at Ordinary Recipes Made Gourmet. {reserved}

Dutch Letters

Last Friday I did a presentation in Oskaloosa, Iowa - in the heart of "Dutch Country", so had to buy a Dutch Letter at the local bakery. For those unfamiliar with these, they are an "S" shaped flakey pastry filled with almond paste. The "S" stands for Sinterklaas, which is the Dutch Santa Claus. Originally they were only served during Sinterklaas Day on December 6th. Luckily they are now available year round. {available}

Fancy Goldfish Dish

For two events now I've seen goldfish crackers placed in a really pretty dish. It just shows that pretty dishes can make the simplest foods extremely special. {available}

Four Pears

Another colorful pear day. You know, I haven't even had pears in a can lately.

By the way, after much prodding I've decided to sell my original paintings from The Lunch Box Project. Its tough to give them up, but I'm sure they will all go to good homes. You can purchase them on my Etsy site.

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Let Me Draw Your Food!

So many of you have great food blogs and I need many fabulous food images to draw...so maybe we can help each other. Please send me a link to your favorite posts...with a great photo included. They can be quite simple or complex. If I pick your recipe to draw, I'll include a link back to your blog from "The Lunch Box Project". Please follow these submission guidelines before sending anything! I look forward to seeing all your fabulous creations! {available}

D is for Dumplings

My mom always made dumplings for our soup when we were kids. It was always fun watching her make the batter, spoon it out, and drop it into the hot broth. Mom, how come you don't make those anymore (or maybe you do for yourself)?

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The Potluck Theory

When there is a potluck, you want to try a little of everything. So, in order to have enough entrees, have several people bring the same thing (sloppy joes, perhaps), then there is enough of at least that for everyone. Keep the sides and desserts as chaotic as possible. That's the fun. {available}

Fresh Vegetables

With spring, I think, finally here I'm really craving fresh vegetables. I can't wait until we plant our garden and I can snatch from it daily.

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Rice Cakes

With being sick last week I was told to eat "bland" food for a day. One of my many options: rice cakes. My daughter tried one and instantly spit it out. She said it tasted like cardboard. Next time I might try the ones flavored with cheddar. {available}

Develed Eggs

From colored eggs to develed eggs... I can't tell you how much I love these little treats. We especially miss the scrumptious ones my husband's grandpa made each year for Easter dinner. {available}