Momma made beef stew in the fall and winter. It stuck to our ribs when the weather was frightful and noses were runny. It was an inexpensive meal, too, one that called for not much meat but lots of potatoes and carrots. And, it was a good way to sometimes sneak in peas, which I didn’t much like.
After days and days of eating Thanksgiving leftovers, John’s beef stew hit the spot. Giving credit where credit is due, he did most of the work. I only peeled and sautéed the veggies and cut up the potatoes. And I took lots of pictures, of course, because I could tell right off, by the aroma and sizzle and very first taste, this beef stew would be the best beef stew evah! READ MORE
Talya is a Delta girl who grew up making mudpies on her family’s cotton farm in Northeast Arkansas. She blogs at Grace, Grits and Gardening and has been published in Arkansas Review, Front Porch Magazine, and Delta Crossroads Magazine. Her debut novel, The Accidental Salvation of Gracie Lee, recently placed as a National Indie Book Award Finalist for regional southeast fiction. She loves to cook and believes most any dish can be improved with a side of collard greens.
This week’s Tasty Tuesday brings a whole stockingful of ideas for you. From all of us at Arkansas Women Bloggers, we wish you the Merriest of Christmases. Thanks for allowing us to introduce you to some of our fabulous writers each week. We appreciate you.
Jennifer Maune: Gingerbread Decorating Party Ideas
My beloved Grandmother lived on Gingerbread Lane for 45 years, so we have a family tradition to host a Gingerbread Decorating Party each year with the cousins so I thought I would share these ideas with you! This is a highlight of our holiday. It’s a great creative outlet for the kids, they get to eat sweet treats, and play with their cousins. After theyve finished decorating their houses they can either take them home to display, or eat them! We like to do a craft as well. This year the kids made gingerbread ornaments. I love that everyone has something to bring home and hang on their tree. READ MORE
Keri Bucci: Chocolate Covered Almond Cheesecake
Chocolate Covered Almond Cheesecake is a rich and decadent treat that is sure to please any cheesecake fan sitting at your table! With a rich and velvety cream cheese filling flavored with almond butter and topped with a chocolate, how could that not be delightful, right?
I am a huge fan of cheesecakes and they are always easy to adapt to the sugar-free and low carb way of baking, which makes them one of my “go to” desserts when I am having friends and family over. I cannot tell you how many times I have made a cheesecake like this one and had some of my higher carb eating friends tell me “There is no way is this sugar-free!” READ MORE
Keisha McKinney: Cowboy Ranch Chex Mix
Call it nesting or the holiday season, but I just couldn’t let Christmas come without making some of favorite treats. My husband oversees a big processing plant and I think its so fun to love on his people any chance we get. But, when you have to make a treat for 30+ and most of it are men, you have to think on a big scale. And that crew has come to be open to my experimenting.
Growing up my mom always made what we just called Texas Trash. It was basically the Chex Mix recipe with a little something added. But, my mama taught me the art of experimenting so I usually read about 4 recipes and then decide what the @bigpittstop way is going to be.
This year i decided to go a little more spicy and on the same afternoon that I was making my chex mix, Mr. McKinney decided to marinate some steaks…and used all my Worcestershire sauce. So, I had to improvise. I had 2 bottles of balsamic vinegar on my counter so it seemed like the likely suspect and it turned out great. READ MORE
Brenda Embry: Quick and Easy Crockpot Lasagna
For the most part, living in the country, out of the city lights and noise, is a wonderful dream come true.
It does, however, have some disadvantages. As our area continues to grow by leaps and bounds, the drive to work gets longer and longer. I leave my house before seven and get home around six. It makes for a long day and the older I get, the less I want to cook when I get home.
I think this is why I rely on my slow cooker for many of our meals. Most of the time, I throw in a chicken or roast, add some veggies and let them cook all day. It’s so nice to come home to a wonderful smell and a delicious meal ready to eat.
Another great meal I like to make in the winter is Slow Cooker Lasagna. It does take a little more prep time, but you can do this the night before or, if you’re an early riser like me, the morning of. Since the cooking time is a little shorter than most meals, I usually save this one for the weekend so I’m not so rushed during the week. Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures because it was devoured quickly and what was left was taken for lunches the next day. READ MORE
Keisha McKinney: Dragon Breath Fire Crackers
My dad and father-in-law love spicy snacks. And for 2 guys its sometimes hard to buy for, nothing seems better than showing up with a baggie or container full of a yummy little snack to say thank you for taking care of my dog or putting up with all of us over the weekend!
My brother-in-law even sent a text this week sending his “request” for a set of his own snacks. I guess since he has brought the cutest little girl in the world to me as my niece and kept her alive for almost a year, he deserves a treat too. READ MORE
Keri Bucci: Chocolate Drop Shortbread
Cookies are such a great treat in our house. As much as I bake and cook you would think that wasn’t so. But it seems I never make it around to making cookies. But lately I have been on a mission to change that. These Chocolate Drop Shortbread Cookies are heavenly and they were my first cookie recipe of the season. The buttery taste of the low carb cookie base goes so well with the dark chocolate drop in the center.
It did take a few tries at the recipe but with some minor adjustments here and there I have finally produced a crispy buttery shortbread base that is super simple and delicious. These have really been a hit with my boys! I must admit I have loved them too. READ MORE
We have some super holiday ideas for your this week.
Lacie Ring: Cheesecake Christmas Trees
Check out this cuteness Lacie did for our #client @TysonFoods #ad.
It is the most wonderful time of the year and I love it! I’m having so much fun creating new holiday recipes. One of my favorites are these super easy 3 Ingredient Cheesecake Christmas Trees that will make you cheer! There is nothing better to get you in the holiday mood than an easy recipe. Especially one that is so much fun and colorful to make. Cheesecake Christmas Trees are the perfect 3 ingredient Christmas treat to get the kiddos involved too. READ MORE
Gina Knuppenburg: Peppermint Biscotti
Nothing screams December like…Peppermint & Chocolate. And nothing speaks louder to me than chocolate, friends! It’s that time of year once again-it’s time for searching for irresistible peppermint recipes, it’s time for jolly old St. Nick…and most importantly {okay, maybe not as important as the birth of Christ!}….it’s BIRTHDAY MONTH!! Yes…a whole month of celebrating my upcoming 19th birthday ? {don’t ask how many 19th birthdays I’ve actually celebrated} READ MORE
Gina Knuppenburg: Hot Cocoa Bar
Want a surefire way to bring surprise and a genuine, toothy smile to someone {or a group of someones}? Find a fabulous hot cocoa recipe {you’re in luck…I have the perfect one for you!}, set out a fun array of add-ins, toppings, and tasty stirrers, and sit back and enjoy the surprise and delight of your giftees. Who doesn’t get all warm and fuzzy thinking about hot cocoa? I think this would be a fun surprise to set up for kids after school, family get-togethers, or even as a gift {package it all up in a pretty package and add the hot cocoa mix with directions. I did this set-up in the lounge at work today . I was truly amazed at my co-workers delight and giddiness-kids in a candy store, I tell ya. READ MORE
BRENDA EMBRY: Homemade Peppermint Marshmallows
First of all, I’m not a huge fan of marshmallows. When I use them for cooking, I don’t feel they are all that flavorful or actually add anything other than some sweetness and texture to a recipe. Speaking of texture, I can hardly stand reaching into a bag and touching those chalky little pellets. I always hope and pray they haven’t congealed together so I can just pour them into a measuring cup without incident. And, even though I know they are an integrative part of the classic s’mores equation, I would rather forego the whole marshmallow thing and just eat the candy bar. READ MORE
DEBBIE ARNOLD: Sara Lee® Cheesecake with Caramel Apple Cider Glaze
#ad Are you feeling all stressed out about the holiday season? If we are honest, most of us have been or are there! We try to be all things to everyone: shopper of bargains that look like a $1,000,000, gift wrapper extraordinaire, party planner/caterer, gourmet cook and baker—you get the picture, right? Let Sara Lee® Cheesecake from our #client @TysonFoods help you out! #TysonMadeWithLove. READ MORE
Tis the season of endless holiday parties, family get togethers and celebrations! I don’t know about you but it seems like every time I get invited to a party I get asked to bring a dish (snack food, finger food, drink, etc). Not a big deal. but when you don’t have a lot of spare time anything you can make beforehand that will still look and taste good is a win in my book! That’s where one of the most popular posts on my blog comes in handy…Fruit Dip, Party Punch and Pinwheels!
Have to confess that these aren’t original recipes, I got the fruit dip recipe from my stepmom, Charlotte, and the punch recipe from my Grandma. That is actually her Christmas Punch recipe but I think it’s good on any occasion. I have taken both to numerous baby showers, work potlucks and holiday parties and I kept getting asked for the recipes so I finally decided to bog about them and like I said, this is one of my most popular blog posts to date! They really are that good y’all!
I also have the recipe to my ham and ranch pinwheels on there. These are just super basic pinwheels made with cream cheese, ranch dressing powder and ham but they taste amazing and are always a HUGE hit at parties.
For the full recipes head over to my blog and check them out…HERE.
Ricci Ellis is an Arkansas native who has some serious love for the natural state. She loves big hair, monograms, blogging, caramel frappes from McDonalds and being the “cool” Aunt among other things. She has one spoiled rotten puppy girl, Sophie
I’ve been making these enchiladas for years, but I wrote the recipe for Taste Arkansas last year just ahead of the summer months. When I found new oregano in the garden this morning, I knew I’d be making these again.
Are you tired of pumpkin foods? Me either.
But the meat and mashed potatoes are starting to wear on me and mine. Maybe you’re totally eating turkey 101 ways until it’s all gone.
There will be more of those kinds of foods come Christmas, I bet. In the meantime, here’s a change of pace from turkey and stuffing and potato leftovers. A gap recipe, so to speak, for the space in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and all those side-dish, party items you might be making during that time. READ MORE
Debbie Arnold: Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co’s Soy Hummus
Y’all, I’ve so looked forward to sharing this recipe for Soy Hummus since I first tasted it at the kickoff dinner for Arkansas Soybean Month which was held at Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. in Little Rock. Actually, what I’ve mostly looked forward to is getting to learn from Chef Lisa Zhang just how she makes this dish, an instant favorite among attendees that evening.
Did I mention I may have tried to lick the bowl? READ MORE
Heather Wilson: Christmas Tree Baked Pears
Christmas time is almost here and families are gathering ’round to trim the tree, decorate the house and do one of my favorite things about the holidays – cook all those wonderful holiday treats!
If you’ve perused my Facebook or Instagram, you know I love baked pear recipes. Luckily, there are several varieties of pears available throughout fall and winter. They’re delicious and give you something a bit different than most traditional Christmas sweets. Of course, they’re super easy to make so have the kiddos help on this one! Today K and I sharing our favorite baked pear recipe with you. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do. READ MORE
We didn’t go to over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving this year, but we went to my brother, Brian’s, in Philadelphia. Aside from the huge stone fireplace he doesn’t have, and the walks in the dry creek beds we couldn’t take, it was just as soul-filling, since it’s time spent with my siblings that always made my holidays enjoyable. Oh, and the food. So. Much. Food.
Since we drove, I was able to pack some things from my pantry and help cook – one of my favorite things about the holidays. I took along a pie plate for the chocolate and pecan pie, and some of the ingredients for the cornbread dressing. Brian is usually in charge of the dressing at his family’s holiday fetes, but there were going to be a lot of vegans at this gathering, so we decided to take on two different recipes. He made one with chorizo for the carnivores, and I whipped up a vegan version of my cornbread dressing, but left out the sausage. READ MORE
Laurie is a fifty-something writer, maker, and Militant Optimist. On her blogs – SeeLaurieWrite.com and JunqueRethunque.com – she shares her experiences as a “late bloomer”, creative projects, the craziness of peri-menopause, and creating a “repurposed life”. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram, and look for a podcast in early 2018.
I love cooking, but all too often my work schedule, family obligations and household management chores keep me from enjoying the process. The holidays allow me the opportunity to slow down and experiment in the kitchen. I love getting lost in cookbooks and magazine pages filled with sensual and decadent looking entrees and desserts. Holidays are my favorite times to experiment, try something a little extravagant-after all the house is decked out and there are plenty of people to share in the feast!
My Chorizo & Goat Cheese Stuffed Pork Loin evolved from a holiday recipe I tried one Christmas. My family had their fill of turkey and ham and wanted something a little different. The recipe I tried that Christmas was good, but as I began to “tweak” it I landed upon this version and have to say the sweet and spicy version hit home! READ MORE
I am a wife, mother to twin daughters, sister, daughter and aunt to nine. I love faith, home and family. I grew up missionary kid livin
g in Japan and Morocco. I now live in the South. My home is my haven and I seek for it to be the same for all who enter. I have returned to full time work after 17 years as a stay at home mom. I now serve as the Deputy Chief of Community Engagement & Faith-based Partnerships. As I wait for God to unfold His plans in His time I seek to be faithful and to live life fully, keeping home my priority and sharing it with those I hold near and dear.
It’s Thanksgiving and I have more to be thankful for than I can express. To our community – you are incredibly generous and faithful to one another. I love you all. To my family – I’m so blessed to have all of you in my life. To my friends – my Ladies Who Lunch and Pray group – you are my rock.
It’s one of those lifelong friends I want to share with you today because I am so honored to know her and to be one of the recipients of her prayers.
Pauline with my grands at The Bowery Mission
I met Pauline Bethel about 45 years ago and my family has been blessed in innumerable ways since. Following the death of her husband, she made the decision to move, more or less, to NYC where she volunteers daily at The Bowery Mission, because she feels this is God’s purpose for her. I’d love to share just a bit of why I am so thankful for her friendship, but before you READ MORE, let me share a message from her that I just received:
“After the parade we will go to Bowery Mission. This week we have cooked 700 turkeys, 4 tons potatoes. White and sweet. Dressing from scratch. Gravy. Cranberry sauce. Frozen veggies. Home made pies. We will feed 2000 sit down meals at the mission today. Plus all the food we sent out to other locations!!”
I guarantee that her famous Coconut Pie will be on that menu! And aren’t we all thankful there are people in our world, our communities, that care so deeply for others?
These Oatmeal Chocolate Chip muffins are great for any time of day. They make a terrific breakfast, can be tucked in a lunch box, or handed out as after school treats. This batch was hardly out of the oven before they started disappearing. There’s not a designated day set aside on the calendar to honor chocolate chip muffins, so I suppose it’s okay to honor them any and every day. Just between us, we’ll call today Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffin Day. Celebrate with me today and maybe tomorrow too. Read More
Keri Bucci: Pumpkin Mousse Pie (low carb, gluten free)
The other day I was craving something sweet and pumpkin, specifically a pumpkin pie, but I didn’t want to spend all that time going through the steps it takes to make a traditional pie. So I came up with an idea for this easy Pumpkin Mousse Pie. It is like one of those creamy “no-bake” pies and it is was so good. Well, technically you do bake the crust but that only takes about 20 minutes and then no more baking. How great is that? Read More
Anita Stafford: My Mother’s Yeast Rolls
My mother has made these yeast rolls at least once a week for as long as I can remember. She also makes them for the monthly potluck dinners at her church. She has made them numerous times for bereaved families or just to help out the neighbors. She celebrated 86 years on her birthday this year, so I can’t begin to guess how many pans of these yeast rolls she has made. Read More
Brenda Embry: A Couple of Crock Pot Recipes for Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, and everyone rushing around trying to come up with the perfect Thanksgiving menu, I have to share a couple of very easy recipes I make in the crock pot. Read More
I love rosemary and grow my own, two huge bushes of it, so I will never run out.
You would find—if you were to visit me—that besides in the garden, rosemary has won a role in every act that plays in my kitchen. And I don’t mean the cute little wreath I keep hanging around, constructed from a few of its magnificent bowers. Nope.
Appearing in the salad dressing, rosemary is a bit player. In soups, it lends a dramatic melody. In meat dishes, it often has a supporting role. Veggies shine in the rosemary spotlight. And added to pasta, Brava!
The most fun role for rosemary, though, is dessert.
It’s a sweet love story!
And my latest food adventure? Creating a brand new rosemary cake recipe, of course! What fun! READ MORE
Katharine is a writer, speaker, women’s counselor, and professional mom. Happily married for 46 years to the same gorgeous guy. She loves cooking amazing homegrown food, celebrating grandbabies, her golden-egg-laying hennies, and watching old movies with popcorn. Her writing appears at Contently, The Testimony Train, Taste Arkansas, Only in Arkansas, and in several professional magazines and one anthology.
Katharine is a writer, speaker, women’s counselor, and professional mom. Happily married for 46 years to the same gorgeous guy. She loves cooking amazing homegrown food, celebrating grandbabies, her golden-egg-laying hennies, and watching old movies with popcorn. Her writing appears at Contently, The Testimony Train, Taste Arkansas, Only in Arkansas, and in several professional magazines and one anthology.