February

Spring Fever!

When Mother Nature tosses a blend of grey clouds, snow, rain, and sleet your way, it's easy to find yourself yearning for spring. And, while it might not be time for that just yet, you can easily fool your kitchen into bringing the spirit of spring to your table. Break out your skillets and take a crack at crepes filled with fresh mushrooms, chives, and smothered in a simple hollandaise sauce. Makes me think spring every time.

Beef Stew Comfort Food

The kitchen is your work room; it can be a place of stress or a place of release. However, whatever your kitchen is to you, it is a great place to make a stew for the whole family. Perhaps this sounds a little daunting, after all, stews are a serious cooking project, however, the result can calm any mood and make a would-be-boring dinner, into an extravaganza worth remembering.

Mardi Gras Feast

It's Fat Tuesday and that means it's time to make the aromas of Cajun food waft gently from my nest. Today, it's chicken and sausage jambalaya and cornbread with a Louisiana twist. It's a simple recipe that can be made in less than an hour and reheats beautifully the next day. Happy Mardi Gras!

Movie Night Snacks

Sweet peppers take center stage in a popper recipe that combines their sweetness with creamy cheese and spicy Cajun seasoning and hot pepper flakes to make an appetizer that can stand on its own, even on movie night! Who said popcorn is the only option?

Is it a Sundae Yet?

What transforms a bowl of ice cream into a sundae? For me, it's a delicious sauce. That said, the addition of banana and nuts really won't upset me. But it all boils down to the sauce and I've got a special one for you to end the week. Imagine a rich, silky caramel sauce. Now imagine it spiked with rum. Have a great weekend!

Sweetheart Breakfast

Happy Valentine's Day! Wake up to sweetness with an adorable plate of breakfast, complete with thick-cut bacon (mmmmm, love!) and a lovely egg cooked into homemade bread. Add a little extra love with a heart-shaped cookie cutter! How sweet (and savory) it is!

Melt Someone's Heart Today

Giving the gift of food dates back through the ages. People love to receive something luscious that they simply can't wait to sink their teeth into. One of the best gifts the women in this author's family like to receive is the gift of chocolate. Chocolate Truffles, to be exact.

Valentine's Day Elegant Dinner: Sandra Lee Style

If the idea of going out to a fancy restaurant, braving the crowds, and draining your wallet doesn't sound appealing for Valentine's Day, Sandra Lee has just the ticket. Why not enjoy a lovely dinner at home that saves you time, money, and effort without leaving romance on the curb.

Grey Day Pick-Me-Ups

A winter nearly devoid of snow and full of far more grey than seems necessary requires drastic action. Ideally, with something involving caramel and chocolate. Maybe a cookie crust. No, not a trip to the grocery store for a candy bar. It's time for something sweet from the kitchen!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Seasoned Cooking celebrates its 14th anniversary this month. A lot of hard work and effort by a lot of people has gone into making it what it is and there's a great big thank you for you all. Also, might we suggest this festive fruit salad as part of the celebration? Even those that aren't margarita fans will be asking for seconds!

Valentine's Day Cocktail Party: Sandra Lee Style

Sure, you can go out for an expensive dinner on Valentine's Day. But why not consider an elegant Valentine's Day party for you and your friends? Festive cocktails, elegant appetizers, and decadent desserts will have you and your guests swooning in style. What's more, it won't break the bank. How sweet it is!