Thai food is so delicious but always seemed overwhelming to make. Once I tried some of IowaGirlEats Thai recipes, I knew I could make these dishes at home. Thai Coconut Shrimp Soup does not disappoint and is a quick, easy recipe. At first the ingredients may seem overwhelming, but it’s worth it. I was leary about the amount of red curry paste but 4 tablespoons yielded a mild amount of heat and added wonderful flavor. I added about 1 T. of fresh cilantro to the soup for even more flavor. Some of my family are anti-mushroom, but replacing with carrots would be delicious! IowaGirl Eats also sugge ..read more

Later in life I discovered Brussel Sprouts were actually delicious when prepared properly. This pasta recipe sounded delicious and it didn’t disappoint. Iowa Girl Eats has another winner! Sausage Brussel Sprouts Parmesan Pasta INGREDIENTS: 1/2 lb. spaghetti (gluten free of not 8oz. sweet Italian sausage 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + a few drizzles 9 oz. shredded brussels sprouts salt and pepper 1/4 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (or more or less) 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS: Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a lar ..read more

My Mother made wonderful cinnamon rolls and I can still smell the wonderful aroma of them baking in my Mothers farmhouse kitchen. Daughter, Megan, also makes wonderful cinnamon rolls that I must share. These are similar to Cinnabon rolls, rich and delicious. Megan, when can we have another cinnamon roll party? The BEST Cinnamon Rolls INGREDIENTS: For the Dough: 1 cup scalded whole milk 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 packet dry active yeast (2 1/2 teaspoons) 2 large eggs 4 cups all-purpose flour (+ for rolling) 2 teaspoons salt For the Cinnamon Roll Filling: 1 cup brown s ..read more

First, my apologies for the terrible photo. As I’ve said before, I’m not a food stylist but just enjoy sharing recipes that I’ve enjoyed. This is an easy and delicious way to prepare cod with a yummy, cheesy topping. I don’t prepare a lot of fish at home but this one was easy and something I’ll make again. Baked Cod with Boursin INGREDIENTS: 1 pound cod or haddock (try to get thick filets also called Captain’s cut) 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 tablespoons butter ¼ cup onion chopped 2 ounces crimini or porcini mushrooms, chopped 3 ounces fresh spinach Juice of  ..read more

The grandkids love chocolate chip cookies as well as peanut blossom cookies, so this recipe was a ‘must make’ for the grandkids. They were delicious and a easy way to combine our favorite flavors of peanut butter AND chocolate. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter 3/4 cup (202 grams) creamy peanut butter  1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar 1 cup (200 g ..read more

Pnang Curry has become a favorite of mine, even as I stay away from most currys. Recipes that meld the flavors of peanut butter, vegetables, fish sauce, basil, etc. are favorites. Megan altered this recipe to add sweet potato, carrot, potato, and sometimes green beans and it is delicious! Pnang Curry INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon oil 2 tablespoons Panang curry paste * (fork-lore.com: use 1 tablespoon if you like less spice) 1 tablespoon peanut butter 2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into pieces against the grain 1 small onion , sliced 1&nbs ..read more

Yummy sugar cookies compliments of daughter, Megan! How wonderful when she comes to visit and decides to bake, too. Soft & Chewy Sugar Cookies INGREDIENTS: 2½ cups (318 grams) all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 2 sticks (226 grams) unsalted butter, at cool room temperature 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar, plus ¼ cup (50 grams) for rolling 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract DIRECTIONS: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a m ..read more

Pasta with Bacon Cream Sauce is a family favorite, one I have made for well over 30 years. When I was working and the kids were at home, this was an easy weeknight dinner that pleased everyone. Now that my daughters have families of their own, this is a favorite of the next generation. Feel free to increase the amount of bacon or cheese to your liking. Pasta with Bacon Cream Sauce INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. vermicelli or very thin spaghetti 1/4 pound bacon, cut into 1/2″ pieces 2 tablespoons butter 6 scallions, trimmed and cut into strips 1 cup heavy cream ladle of pasta water 1/2 teaspoon coarse bla ..read more

Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup with Tortellini is the perfect soup for a cold autumn or winter’s night. Italian Sausage Vegetable Soup with Tortellini INGREDIENTS: 1 pound sweet Italian sausage (casings removed) 1 cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 cups beef broth 2 cups water 1/2 cup red wine 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 cups thinly sliced carrots 1/2 tablespoon packed fresh basil leaves 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1.5 cups sliced/diced zucchini 1 cup fresh spinach, cut into ribbons 24 ounces fresh tortellini pasta 3 tablespoons chopped parsley shredded mozzarella DIRECTIONS: In a ..read more

Beer Bread is so ridiculously easy and delicious. Friends tell me they made this years ago, so why have I never heard of it? It’s wonderful with soups and out of this world toasted! I’m not a beer drinker but had a few bottles in the frig from friend’s visits. Great way to use the beer and enjoy the tasty results! Beer Bread INGREDIENTS:  Unsalted butter, for greasing the pan  Cornmeal 3 cups all-purpose flour (see Tip) 3 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 1 (12-ounce) can beer (the blander the better) 2 tables ..read more