I was first introduced to this quick and easy taco soup recipe in the teachers' lounge over thirty years ago. Each teacher brought an ingredient and dumped it into the crockpot the taco soup simmered all morning. During our lunch break, we'd ladle some hot soup into a bowl, enjoying the savory soup. I've been making taco soup for family and friends ever since. Taco Soup Highlights It's perfect for busy nights, slow weekends or whenever you're craving comfort in a bowl. And it ... VIEW POST

The house is quiet but the whirring of the dishwasher. You'd never know that just an hour earlier, the house was full of activity; laughter, conversation, and the hushed whispers of cousins sharing secrets. At one point in the evening,  I confided in my dad, "I love these get togethers." "Family is what it's all about," he answered. Indeed.That is the whole reason I started the tradition of a Fall Family Potluck. This particular year, we decided on an Italian themed meal. Mom brought ... VIEW POST

Some say foods like chili, taco soup and chicken and dumplings should be served year round. I say they are seasonal foods, best enjoyed during the cooler months. So, I traditionally wait til the first cool front before I cook a warm, hearty meal like chili. My chili recipe comes from my childhood, with a couple of additions. Growing up, my mom didn't include bell pepper or onion. Turns out, we both do now, without even knowing the other was doing it. By the way, I've heard it said Texas ... VIEW POST

I was always excited when mom cooked chicken and dumplings for dinner. Of course, when I had my own family, I passed down the recipe. It's been my daughter's favorite meal since she was about five years old. She's an adult now, and it's still her favorite. To this day, I make her a pot of chicken and dumplings on her birthday. While I've tried tweaking the recipe over the years, there's just nothing like the classic chicken and dumplings my mom used make. That's enough talking.  Let's ... VIEW POST