Great Ideas

I went to a wedding this past weekend and took careful note of the horsd'oeuvres that were being served just before dinner.  There was crostinis with shredded portabellos topped with shaved parmesean cheese, a tuna tartar served in mini phyllo cups, and terriyaki steak on skewers.  Each item was so delicious, I could have passed on the dinner and ate more!!!  Such memories have caused me to think of a good reason to have a party!

Not Just for Breakfast

I'm from Vrginia and I love grits.  Living here in Seattle, I've been hard press to find them in the supermarket, let alone being able to share my love with someone that's eaten them.  But my oh my, I've had the great opportunity to expose some people to them and they now share the same love I have.  Just eating them plain is okay, but I'm a person of FLAVOR!   I add cheese, cheddar or pepperjack.  Cooked bulk sausage (hot), green chilies, and chopped jalapenos.  I've topped them with sauteed shrimp, scallops, crab or smoked sausage.  I'm telling you, if you've never had grits or they were cooked the wrong way ... bland and lumpy.  OR  they tasted like grit (undercooked)....then you've been short changed, bam boozeled, tricked into thinking they are bad.  But when I cook them ... THEY ARE GOOD!  And you WILL want more!!

Back in Gear

Been away in a conference and had no time to blog.  Speaking of no time ... I was making spaghetti for dinner tonight because I needed to make something quick.  But tonight it seemed a little boring so I thought, how can I make it more interesting?  Well, I made my usual sauce, cooked the pasta, and then it hit me ... pasta on plate, topped with the fabulous sauce, and my brain engaged and I remembered I had a jar of pesto.  So I topped it all off with a dollop of pesto in the middle and a sprinkling of parmesean cheese.  Try it.  My family loved it!

I Heart Wedding Treats

A few edible treats from the revival kitchen.  Here is a small token that I made for a dear friend of mine for her wedding guest grab bags.  Want to make someone smile? Try these mouthwatering buttery cookies.


Easy- Bake buttered sugar cookies with personalized icing.  


Prep Time + Bake + artistic pleasures= 1 hour

*DIY's are the best and an added touch of love for their wedding reception*




For other tips or questions send them to:
joancooking@gmail.com