This Jan. 5, 2015 photo shows a fondue duo of chocolate mango and five spice caramel sauces in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Want Valentine’s Day ease that still impresses?

Worried your kitchen skills may not be up to pulling together something impressively decadent for Valentine’s Day? Fear not. A pricy restaurant meal isn’t your… Continue reading

This Jan. 5, 2015 photo shows a fondue duo of chocolate mango and five spice caramel sauces in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)
This Jan. 19, 2015 photo shows chicken with tangy artichoke and mushroom sauce in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/MatthewMead)

Date night-friendly chicken that won’t tie you to the stove

Fifteen years ago, I made the first of what would become thousands of meals for my husband, Philippe. Back then, it was our fifth date,… Continue reading

  • Jan 20, 2015
  • By MELISSA D'ARABIAN
  • LifeFood
This Jan. 19, 2015 photo shows chicken with tangy artichoke and mushroom sauce in Concord, N.H. (AP Photo/MatthewMead)
Specially in January

Specially in January

My idea of the perfect meal in winter is soup. Served from a tureen set in the middle of the supper table, it can be… Continue reading

Specially in January

Family suppers or company dinners, look to versatile chicken

Because they are so versatile and nearly everyone enjoys eating them, I like to keep a stash of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the freezer.… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About.. little-little sister and little-little brother

On a farm, Northern, Colorado 1945 and 1947   I do not remember my big-little sister, Virginia Ruth being born in August of 1940- as… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About… Nick names

On The Farm In Northern Colorado 1940'S  Dads name was John Melvin McClure Sr.  Moms name was Loretta Edith Cogswell McClure Dad had a knack… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About… New Years Eve

On a farm in Northern Colorado and Daniels Lake, North Kenai Now refereed to as Nikiski, Alaska 1940s to present   Our New Years Eve on… Continue reading

Walnut Fudge and Pecan Divinity

Walnut Fudge and Pecan Divinity

A homemade treat is always a welcome holiday gift. Even folks who don’t like accepting store-bought presents, are pleased to be gifted with something as… Continue reading

Walnut Fudge and Pecan Divinity

A merry, sharing Christmas to all

During Christmastime, two years ago, I introduced you to Caroline Kennedy’s “over the moon” Cranberry-Coconut Balls Dipped in White Chocolate. Caroline recipes have appeared many… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About Christmas Eve on the Farm

At the Mcclure Home Northern Colorado 1940s and 1950s   The tree was in the corner of the living room, lights showing off all the… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About… Getting ready for the Christmas pageant

Cactus Hill Observatory Grade School 1940’s and 1950’s Dad and Mom played a big part in the Christmas party, gift giving and preparations. At one… Continue reading

Homemade fresh-baked rolls

Homemade fresh-baked rolls

As I’ve mentioned before, I only use my bread machine for making bread dough. Everything gets tossed into the machine’s canister and then the machine… Continue reading

Homemade fresh-baked rolls

Pioneer Potluck: About 2 weeks before Christmas

On a farm in northern Colorado 1940’s TO 1955   Upon the delivery of the Christmas tree to the Cactus Hill Grade School where my… Continue reading

Pioneer Potluck: About getting ready for the Christmas pageant

Cactus Hill Observatory District #101 1940 to 1950 Northern Colorado   The 4 days of Thanksgiving Holiday were over and we went back to grade… Continue reading

Christmas Cookie Decorating 101

Christmas Cookie Decorating 101

Recently, I shared my favorite recipe for rolled sugar cookies describing the ways in which I find them the ideal “canvas” for decorating. If you… Continue reading

Christmas Cookie Decorating 101

Pioneer Potluck: About getting ready for Thanksgiving

1940’s and 1950’s on a farm north of Fort Collins, Colorado The hustle-bustle of getting ready for the big Thanksgiving Day was anticipated by my… Continue reading

Lean, filling beans help you behave during holiday parties

Parties can be tricky territory for the healthy eater. If you host, you want to serve guests something tasty enough to make the occasion feel… Continue reading

  • Nov 25, 2014
  • By MELISSA D'ARABIAN
  • LifeFood
Save those leftovers for turkey pie and hearty soup

Save those leftovers for turkey pie and hearty soup

If you find yourself with a surplus of turkey after Thanksgiving, that’s a good thing. You can put those leftovers to good use by making,… Continue reading

Save those leftovers for turkey pie and hearty soup
Find a bounty of Thanksgiving desserts with apples, pumpkin, pecans and squash

Find a bounty of Thanksgiving desserts with apples, pumpkin, pecans and squash

No matter how much we indulge ourselves on Thanksgiving with turkey and all the fixings, we still seem to find room for dessert. Anything made… Continue reading

Find a bounty of Thanksgiving desserts with apples, pumpkin, pecans and squash

Pioneer Potluck: About fun with relatives

During the holidays 1940’s On a farm north of Fort collins, Colorado   Whenever there was a family get-together at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter or some… Continue reading