I’m very excited about Thanksgiving this year. I am actually getting the chance to host Thanksgiving Dinner. Would you believe, I have never in my life cooked a Turkey? Up until this year, we’ve always gone to relatives’ homes for Thanksgiving, so the responsibility for the bird never fell on me. And, I’ll admit, I’m a little nervous. The plan is to brine the bird. I’ve brined chickens before and the results were always terrific. I was glued to the Food Network’s Thanksgiving episode on Saturday when they were discussing brines. They shared a great sounding concoction that I plan to use but if you are thinking about brining check out their website. There are quite a few different recipes.
»» Thanksgiving sides worth a try
Filed under: Pasta,Recipes,Side Dish,sides | buttnernut squash, Deborah Smith, Thanksgiving|1 Comment

Day two of my meal plan and I’ve already veered off of the intended path (a bit). But first, I must digress. Do you know how hard it is to get a decent picture of a bowl full of this stuff? I must have taken 20 pictures and this is the best I could get. We’re getting a new super duper camera this week though, so look for some really great pics once I figure out how to use the dang thing.
»» Whole Wheat Pasta with Salmon in Creamy Pumpkin Sauce
Filed under: Fish,Pasta | |7 Comments
Pasta is a rare treat for me these days. My kids actually can’t stand pasta unless its Kraft Mac and Cheese. I know, its a shameful admission, believe me. I blame it on the fact that we do not have one speck of Italian blood on either side of the family. My Grandfather wouldn’t even allow garlic in the house. Now that’s just sacrilege even to a non-Italian like me.
»» Pasta alla Puttanesca
Filed under: Italian,Jersey Tomatoes,Pasta | |4 Comments
How does that old Gershwin tune go? It’s summer time and the living is easy? HA! What a bunch of hooey. When you own your own business and work from home, summer time means less time to get things done. I have to get done in 3 hours what I was unable to get done in 5 1/2 hours while they were at school. Just in time for my new writing gig over at NewJerseyMomsBlog.com too. I have yet to post my first article but my bio is up on the About Us page if anyone wants to take a look. »» Hunan Noodles, a great summer side
Filed under: Pasta,Side Dish,Vegetarian | |1 Comment
This post was submitted by a fellow Jersey Biter and good friend, Jenny. Aunt Jenn as we like to call her. I can testify to the words below about her husband in addition to the fact that the man can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. And that’s not an exaggeration. Thanks for the post Jen. I hope this is the first of many.

Hi Everyone,
»» Shrimp with Alfredo Bowties and Spinach
Filed under: Guest Bites,Pasta | |No Comments
Saying goodbye to summer is never easy, especially when you live at the New Jersey Shore. This summer in particular was picture perfect. The weather was never too hot for too long, the water was crystal clear and there were no signs of jellyfish until the last week of August. What more could a Jerseygirl ask for?
»» Orzo with Basil, Tomato and Feta
Filed under: Barbecue Favorites,Cooking Tips,Pasta,Recipes,Side Dish | |2 Comments