dtyrrell12014

Jar-din-air-ah (or Giardiniera)

Oh these fun to pronounce ingredients! Is it giardiniera, giardano’s, or giada?? I chose Alex Guarnaschelli’s (gwar-nah-shelly) cookbook Cook With Me for Cookbook Club. We love Alex! In my opinion she is the princess to the queen Ina Garten 🙂 The recipes in this book are all easy to follow, with simple ingredients. So let’sContinue reading “Jar-din-air-ah (or Giardiniera)”

Food and Fun in Southwest Florida

It was time to head to Florida and visit my good friend who had recently moved there. She is a fan of the blog and wanted us to do some cooking together during our visit. We’ll call her E, since she is sort of like M from James Bond – badass, totally in charge, andContinue reading “Food and Fun in Southwest Florida”

Sangria, Apples, and Wine in the Metro East

Another girls trip! The guys were busy, so just me and Sharon this time. We decided to go south again, and started at The Weingarten in Belleville. It is about a an hour and a half drive to get there (maybe a smidge longer). The last time I was in Belleville was for my highContinue reading “Sangria, Apples, and Wine in the Metro East”

You’re Shrimply The Best

Fall is just the best time of year! Leaves, bonfires, warm apple cider … I could go on and on. It’s also this time of year that our friend Jacob has his annual Shrimp Boil. You remember Jacob (see Cioppino in the Garden) – wine connoisseur, foodie, dog dad to Libby, and works part timeContinue reading “You’re Shrimply The Best”

I Like Big Buttes (in Sedona) and I Cannot Lie

Being flexible during the pandemic is really important – you should always have a Plan B and Plan C if Plan A goes awry. Our Plan A was to go to Belize for a week – but 30 days out from our trip Belize goes on the “Do Not Travel” list from the CDC andContinue reading “I Like Big Buttes (in Sedona) and I Cannot Lie”

Please Pass the Jello Salad

Doing a 1950s-themed cocktail party has long been on Nancy’s list. And since Laura was the host and had the Betty Crocker Picture Cookbook, it seemed like the perfect time to do it! Instead of a main entree, we decided to make several appetizers, a couple of salads, and dessert. But first, the cocktail –Continue reading “Please Pass the Jello Salad”

The Lincoln to Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Trail

We got a little later start on our trip than I intended due to my doctor’s appointment going a little longer – which I am not complaining about! Our plan was to head north and eat lunch in Lincoln, then head up to the Mackinaw Valley Vineyard. Now where to eat lunch … the onlyContinue reading “The Lincoln to Mackinaw Valley Vineyard Trail”

Milwaukee’s Best (Wine Bar That Is)

We headed north for our first real musical outing since 2019 – it’s really hard to believe! One of my favorite bands was playing at Summerfest in Milwaukee, and since the venue was requiring either a vaccination or a negative COVID test to get in, we thought “why not”! Milwaukee is one of my favoriteContinue reading “Milwaukee’s Best (Wine Bar That Is)”

Hidden (When They Say Hidden, They’re Not Kiddin’) Lake and Copper Dock Wineries

Some days girls just wanna have fun … and that’s the kind of day Sharon and I had when we decided to drive south of Springfield and venture to Hidden Lake and Cooper Dock Wineries. First of all, it was a beautiful day – really gorgeous! All of the heat and humidity, as well asContinue reading “Hidden (When They Say Hidden, They’re Not Kiddin’) Lake and Copper Dock Wineries”

Let There Be Brunch

Few things get me as excited as a good brunch – usually something sweet, something savory, and of course day drinking! Nancy was the hostess for this shindig, and nobody loves brunch more than her 🙂 Every good brunch needs a good drink (or two), so Nancy set up both a Mimosa and a BloodyContinue reading “Let There Be Brunch”