Chicken with Mushrooms & Cream Sauce (Julia Child)

 After not sleeping much this week my body gave out on Friday and I was feeling pretty miserable.  I slept most of the afternoon on Friday, all Friday night and parts of the day on Saturday…I guess my body needed it!  Unfortunately I had to miss a good friend’s air & water show party, but on the other hand, I got in some quality movie time on the couch (during the few hours I was awake).  Funny enough, Julie & Julia was on which is where I found my inspiration this week….the great Julia Child!  This is a super easy and very tasty and comforting dish…I made enough to have for left overs tomorrow night (and maybe the next).  I also had some brussel sprouts in the fridge and roasted them in the oven (similar recipe to the roasted broccoli recipe I have posted).    Bon Appetite (in my best Julia Child high pitched voice)!

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms

It’s been a whirl wind of a week.  It started off with another polar vortex and a two day off-site at the “Marketing The PepsiCo Way” training (not a fun time getting over to McCormick Place in -12 degree weather and even worse wind chills).  On the flip side though, if I ever visit Antarctica, I have learned the art of dressing in layers:  tights, winter running leggings, wool knee socks (thanks mom), wool dress, turtleneck, sweater, two scarves, fleece headband, two pairs of gloves, Uggs, long puffy jacket with hood – takes me a while to de-robe once I get to work. 

Creamy Mushroom Pasta with Caramelized Onions and Spinach

Pasta…the dish that can instantly put you in a good mood.  A few months ago I was traveling a good amount and when it finally came to an end, I went in search of a comfort food recipe.  I stumbled across this one on Pintrest and LOVED it!  Such great flavors with the caramelized onions, mushrooms and spinach.  The directions and ingredients seem a bit long, but don’t let it scare you away, it is a pretty easy dish to make.  With another blast of polar air heading to the Midwest this week, I would definitely suggest adding it to the dinner rotation this week.  Enjoy!

Portobella Mushroom Burger with Oven Fries

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!!  Seeing as Dad’s usually own the title “Master Of The Grill” I thought I would share a scrumptious (and a little healthier I might add) substitute for the tried and true burger.  Whether Mom is taking over the cooking duties tonight or you just don’t feel like firing up the grill, this recipe is a crowd pleaser and super easy.  I also loved the oven fries…so good and a healthier spin fries.  I will say that I left the fries in a little longer and put it under the broiler a few minutes to really crisp them up, but feel free to cook them according to the directions for a less crispy. 

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Man, time can fly sometimes and the past few weeks have been GREAT.  I got to hang out in Cincinnati for a weekend with friends and see the old stomping grounds.  Lots of fun, laughs, coffee,  walks, food, wine, smores  and maybe even a tear or two from me (I blame it on the wine).   Sometimes it can be hard to have your closest friends spread across the country, but when we get together it is that much more fun.  I got to see my two favorite dogs in Cinci, Hank & Lucy who gave me lots of doggy kisses.   

Crock Pot Flank Steak with Mushrooms, Onions, and Blue Cheese

Ahhhh, the joys of a three day weekend.   This weekend I packed my bags and headed to Cleveland to meet James Theodore Gibbs – it was love at first sight.  Phil swooped him up from his rock n’ play sleeper and brought him over to introduce me to him.  After about a half a second I asked if I could hold him.  I was a little nervous as I haven’t had much experience holding a baby and didn’t want to do anything wrong or wake him up.  Phil passed him off to me and like a good father does, made sure I had a squirt of hand sanitizer to rid me of germs from the plane (the flu season is a rough one this year!).   I was absolutely amazed at this little life in my arms.  The first night James did so well…I only heard him cry once.