The Pioneer Woman

Though I'd heard about the Pioneer Woman several times over the years, I only recently figured out what everyone is excited about. And boy am I excited! Her story is good... she was a city girl who wore black heels everyday, until she fell in love with a cowboy and moved to his ranch. That story is coming out as a movie in the near future, and she's written a cookbook also. I got to see her last weekend at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. She's a bit shy, but it comes across as charming. Her recipes are REALLY good, and have lots of pictures so you don't screw up. She is also not afraid to use butter, which always makes for a delicious experience! Defintely a go-to place for recipes.... http://thepioneerwoman.com

I love kitchen gadgets!

Just a little tip for you kitchen people... Check out United Restaurant Supply on S. Saunders Street in Raleigh, between the beltline and Tryon Road. Great prices on cutting boards, knives, and all sorts of fun kitchen stuff. I like the squeeze bottles for olive oil and veg oil... makes it easier to control volume for pouring and drizzling, and the are about a dollar each!

No Vampires Here!

My new favorite and easy side dish: roasted sweet potatoes with garlic honey glaze. Just cut sweet potatoes into 1 inch chunks and roast at 425 degrees for about 40 minutes. Mix of 1/2 honey, 1T olive oil, salt and pepper, and 2-3 sections of fresh pressed garlic, and toss with potatoes when they come out of the oven. So yummy, so easy, and so good for you!