• Happy “Challah” Day

    Bread… We love bread! I could say that again and again! We especially love fresh homemade bread – sourdough, challah, whole wheat, focaccia, pan de queso, baguettes, brioche – there are so many choices! All I can say is the taste of fresh baked bread must be one of the most delicious things we can experience. No matter what, just the idea of warm fresh bread right out of the oven brings excitement to my heart. For quite a few years now our family has made homemade fresh bread as one of the center pieces at all our holiday meals. Some of our…

  • Almond Flour Cheddar Biscuits

    Biscuits traditionally have deep roots in southern kitchens across the USA; however, they first came to America from England before evolving into what we’ve come to know and enjoy today. In American Revolution and Civil War times “beaten biscuits” (a much less fluffy version) had their place. For those in New England there were “sea biscuits”, a variety that were extra whipped and portable to keep for long journeys or lunches.  I can speak from deep experience and as Kodi’s wife that there is a special place in his heart for biscuits – the dense, flakey, and buttery kind. A…

  • Sweet Corn Guacamole

    Seasons come and go, times change, and connections can fade but the friendship between guacamole and salsa never loses its connection, haha! They can be the centerpiece at a gathering, the tasty treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face, and a food combo that always brings people together. If we’ve learned anything from a snack food, it’s that gathering together and keeping a connection with friends is vitally important in life. Guacamole and salsa are literally the perfect pairing of food. Add chips to create a dip, toss them into a burrito or salad, or whatever you fancy –…

  • Simple Strawberry Banana Crepes

    About 15 years ago I had the opportunity to go to France with my parents. I know my husband had also been to France before we were married and we’d love to make this a new family trip with our kids in the near future.  I obviously know the reputation and the grandness of going on a trip like this. I mean this is usually the trip every American household dreams to take with their family. I’ve never forgotten walking through the streets in places like Bordeaux and Paris, seeing all the sites, and experiencing the culture. I will say…

  • Simply Greek Salad

    I’ve always loved a good salad – the fresh flavors and endless delicious toppings that you can incorporate in a variety of ways. To me there seems to be no bounds to what you can create.  Lately, I’ve really had cravings for Greek flavors. You know, those little pepperoncini peppers, salty chunks of feta cheese, and that briny olive flavor. There’s nothing like it! So I dove in and started creating my ideal Greek salad recipe. A Greek salad is traditionally made with large slices of onion, tomato, feta, cucumbers, and green peppers and topped with olive oil, salt, pepper,…

  • Party Planning

    This weekend we celebrated Kodi’s birthday. We were very pleased with how much we enjoyed time with friends and family, eating, and hanging out.  Party planning is in my blood. I may not have the experience for extreme decorating or large venues but I know what is important – good food that brings comfort and has options for all guests. This past weekend we decided on chicken tacos on Friday night for friends and a Spanish meal with black beans and rice and a “1905” Colombia Restaurant inspired salad on Sunday afternoon for family.  The party planning tips that I…

  • Traveling and packing with kids

    I have tried many methods of packing for kids and keeping organized. What seems to work for me is that packing cubes and/or Ziploc bags are your best friend. I used Ziploc bags on our last trip but I have added a link to some awesome packing cubes here. I have two children and I don’t usually unpack the suitcase when we are staying in a hotel or vacation rental unless the clothing item needs to be hanged. I tend to iron most items that need ironing before folding them very neatly. I stack by outfit with socks and underwear…

  • Simply Salsa

    Chips, Salsa, and salsa music were a common theme in my home growing up. We always had a crowd at my parents home multiple times a week. We have a large family from cousins to aunts to uncles to friends that became family. My dad was an AC technician for many years. He would often go to factories for jobs. One particular job led him to a tomato plant. Let’s just say we had a lot of salsa. I mean he was blessed with cases of tomatoes! My mother’s salsa recipe was the inspiration for this simply salsa recipe. You…

  • Midnight Black Chocolate Brownies

    Dreaming of chocolate, dark chocolate, and indulgent black moist chocolatey brownies? Well these are it! This is the epitome of chocolate heaven. We really LOVE chocolate in the Sells house! Have you ever craved chocolate? Haha, that’s a joke, of course you have. Well, these brownies are not for the faint of heart. Get ready to dive into the chocolate wonderland of flavor that these brownies entail! This recipe is inspired by one ingredient: black cocoa powder. The color of these brownies is like an Oreo cookie – yes, a brownie that’s the color of an Oreo! Exciting, right? In…