This Beef & Guinness Stew is a wondrous thing – a rich, heady stew that rides the fine line between the richness of the gravy and slight bitterness of the Guinness; a stew that balances so closely neither sweet or bitter is detected; instead all melds into one glorious and delicious concoction. And of course for a special occasion like St. Paddy’s I couldn’t resist taking that stew and turning it into Beef & Guinness Pies.

Salmonchanted Evening – Asian Salmon Packets
I don’t know if I’ve told you that I’m a reformed food snob. For years, I’d only eat the best of this and that…as prices skyrocketed, my budget diminished. I found myself cutting out a lot of the expensive fish, and was missing out on a marvelous brain food. Guess what – I’m no longer a food snob and I’m eating better than ever…

Tuna Cakes with Salad & Glazed Carrots
Tuna Cakes (crab cake’s lesser cousins) are beautifully browned and crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy inside and bursting with flavor. Even my son, a notoriously picky eater when it comes to fish, eats these little gems with no problem. These are just as good made with Salmon.

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Glazed Carrots and Turnip Greens
Although it seems extravagant, Chicken Cordon Bleu is nothing more than simple ingredients transformed. One of my son’s absolute favorites, it never fails to bring him to the table (or home) when it’s on the menu.

Wild Rice & Smoked Turkey Chowder
How to describe this incredible, unusual chowder? Kind of a blend between Southwestern and “Up North,” this hearty, creamy delectable meal in a bowl is a family favorite. A quick note: while it’s wonderful with smoked turkey, I often use left over turkey or chicken in this soup and it is every bit as good.

Wild Rice & Smoked Turkey Chowder http://frugalhausfrau.com/2011/11/10/wild-rice-smoked-turkey-chowder/