by Debra Ponzek | Dec 9, 2015 | All, Holidays, Tips for the Kitchen
Throwing a holiday party means having to prepare a holiday meal. Sometimes, this can get crazy, but if you follow a few simple rules, it can be a bit easier. The number of guests, meal plans, special meal needs and more all play a role in how easy it is to throw the...
by Debra Ponzek | Nov 19, 2015 | All, Cinco de Mayo, Main Course, Side Dishes
When it comes to a great Latin-inspired dish, simple is always as good as complicated. Enchiladas are one great example of simple tasting amazing. A simple recipe also allows you to give the dish your own personality and flare. Roasted chicken enchiladas work for...
by Debra Ponzek | Nov 12, 2015 | All, Drinks, Super Bowl
Some of the best cocktails are those made from classic drinks we loved as kids. An adult take on a classic just reminds us of our childhood but keeps in mind that we are adults now, and can enjoy an adult beverage. Then there are the themed drinks adding color to make...
by Debra Ponzek | Nov 2, 2015 | All, Holidays, Main Course, Make Ahead Meals
Make and freeze this 5 cheese lasagna before you venture out on a holiday, and enjoy it upon your return. Defrost for 1-2 days in the fridge and reheat at 325 for about an hour. To save even more time, use the no-boil lasagna noodles! Five-Cheese Lasagna Serves 10...
by Debra Ponzek | Oct 13, 2015 | All, Main Course, Make Ahead Meals, Side Dishes, Super Bowl
When I say “macaroni and cheese,” I feel happy — as do most of us. Even if our adult selves rarely indulge in one of the world’s most comforting foods. We can dream, right? We all remember the mac and cheese from our childhoods when our moms and dads...
by Debra Ponzek | Oct 6, 2015 | After School Snacks, All, Appetizers, Main Course, Make Ahead Meals
Make-Ahead Parm and Cornmeal Chicken Breasts This recipe is as versatile as the day is long. You can serve it as is or add it to pasta tossed in marinara. It’s also great sliced and topping a crisp green salad or added to a wrap. Another tasty option is to coat...
by Debra Ponzek | Oct 1, 2015 | All, Appetizers, Make Ahead Meals, Side Dishes
Make-Ahead Gnocchi with Corn and Peas Gnocchi is a dish I make weekly — or nearly that often. It’s so simple that I’ve been known to serve it as a mid-week meal. The light, silken dough is a breeze to work with because it’s made with smooth ricotta rather than...
by Debra Ponzek | Sep 24, 2015 | All, Debra Ponzek, Tips for the Kitchen
There are always ways to make things easier in life. These things are frequently called “hacks”. Hacks are sometimes tricks past down from generation to generation within a family or found out by accident. Cooking is one of those things that has plenty of different...
by Debra Ponzek | Sep 2, 2015 | All, Drinks, Holidays
Halloween is the time for kids to get dressed up, get sweets and have fun. Then there’s the adult side of Halloween; where the sweets turn into cocktails and the fun is had in good conversation or parties. After all, the holidays shouldn’t just be enjoyed by the...
by Debra Ponzek | Aug 14, 2015 | All, Appetizers, Make Ahead Meals, Salads, Side Dishes
When planning an event it should be a goal to have everything prepped ahead of time, including the meals. While some parts of the meal simply can’t, there are some parts that can be made ahead of time. If possible, try planning the meal so that many parts of the meal...
