Posted by Billie-Jean | May 16th, 2012

A New Found Use For My Popsicle Sticks

As some of you know, this past year I have struggled with a Popsicle addiction. I have eaten too many to count and would be embarrassed by the total anyway. Well, it has not all been wasted. As you can see, I have found a use for the the wooden waste that was left behind by every Popsicle eaten. Oh, by the way, you should get going and plant some herbs. If you don’t feel you have space then grow a garden...

Posted by Billie-Jean | May 15th, 2012

Just For The Munchies

Nothing satisfies my craving like a salty sweet taste treat. It recently occurred to me that I have never blogged about this yumminess that I make because I thought it was a little too simply, easy, *gasp* unsophisticated. Not anymore my fellow foodies. I am going to show you have to make the easiest snack ever that will soothe and satisfy your deepest longings for crunch, chocolate, caramel, salt, and occasional...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Feb 15th, 2012

Morning Love with the Humble Egg

There is something about a boiled egg in an egg cup. It’s consistent. With all of the modern conveniences and changing methods in cooking, the boiled egg remains that simplest of all morning egg dishes. Easter has these perfect ovals decorated and painted in beautiful pastels, but when Easter is gone and forgotten, I appreciate a colorful egg cup to bring morning cheer. I enjoy a egg medium-soft so that a...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Jan 19th, 2012

Jicama Salad with Orange and Fennel

So, yesterday, after the tutorial on how to slice jicama for salad (see here), I made a nice salad.  I decided to use all veggies that I could julienne to make it uniform and pretty.  I also added orange which I zested, juiced and sectioned into the salad.  It was so tasty and beautiful. . . . .   . List of veggies: Jicama, red pepper, yellow pepper, cucumber, carrot, red onion, fennel.  I julienned them...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Jan 18th, 2012

How to Slice Jicama for Salad

The root vegetable in the pic is jicama (hick- eh-mah).  I have always wanted to make a salad with it.  To me, it tastes like radish, pear, potato all at the same time. There is a nice sweetness and crunch to it. Jicama is actually a legume, and it grows on vines that may reach 20 feet in length. The vines hug the ground, ending in tubers that may grow up to 50 pounds in size, but most jicama roots sent to the...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Jan 14th, 2012

Best Buttermilk Pie

The first time I ever had Buttermilk pie was about 6 months ago at a friends dinner party.  One of the guest went to the Savory Island  Pie company and brought this masterpiece along.  I cannot believe it now, but I was about to pass on it when I was told I must try this pie.  Never one to miss out on a taste treat sensation I got myself  a piece.  What happened after that first bite was pure magic.  There...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Jan 9th, 2012

Quickest Gourmet Salad

I just made a quick salad for lunch.  It looked so pretty to me that i decided to take a photo.  I then thought to myself, “I wonder if other people realize how easy it is to make a beautiful, tasty quick salad?”  With my new intention to post more i decided to do a post that will take longer than it takes to make a restaurant quality salad.  I am also committing to fuss less over the photos and more...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Jan 4th, 2012

Claire’s Cake Pops

Okay, I know.  It has been way too long since i have posted.  I don’t have a good excuse.  I have been working as a private chef so I am practically cooking everyday, but I have yet to strike a balance between getting the job done and taking the time to photograph the outcome.  I have perfected mac and cheese though and a very quick and easy one at that.  My kids officially love it.  I made it last...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Oct 17th, 2011

Quinoa with Shrimp, Lime and Fresh Mint

Quinoa Salad Recipe with Fresh Mint and Lime. If you are new to making quinoa this recipe is the best first introduction. The flavors are fabulous and have a middle eastern flair. With fresh mint and lime juice it sure to make a quinoa lover out of anyone. 1 cup dry quinoa 2 tablespoons fruity extra virgin olive oil Juice from 2-3 limes 2-3 fresh mint sprigs, leaves removed and chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Aug 15th, 2011

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Butter Sage Sauce

Wow.  I am so glad that i made these.  As with most things they are easier to make than they appear.  They do however require time and patience especially if this is your first time make dough, rolling it and filling it.  I would start by just getting a handle on making dough and rolling it.  If you are anything like me, I try to do it all at once and can end up way too exhausted to eat and in a kitchen that...