What’s Cooking?

Pumpkin Muffins with Streusel

Is it too early for Pumpkin? You be the judge. With a tender, moist muffin base and a crumbly, cinnamon-infused streusel topping, this recipe brings comfort in every bite.

GRAB THE RECIPE!

Elote Dip

 The ultimate blend of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors, bringing the best of Mexican street corn straight to your table in dip form! Serve it hot or cold!

GRAB THE RECIPE!

In Season & Trending

Here’s what’s trending this month…

• White Chicken Chili– Fun fact, I won a contest with this one and I was floored because it’s the easiest recipe ever! Super versatile, dump and go. This is one of my most popular recipes on the blog!
• Pizza Casserole– A better for you option but All. The. Flavor.
• Grape Salad– Juicy grapes are wrapped in a rich cream cheese and sour cream dressing and topped with brown sugar and pecans.
• Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers– A great skillet recipe and so much easier to eat.
• But speaking of Stuffed Peppers, we love this chicken and artichoke version.
• Start drinking Kombucha now to stay healthy through the winter. I break it down for you so you can see just how easy it is to make, just takes a little patience!
• If you haven’t tried making spaghetti squash in the instant pot yet, now’s the time. It is a game changer!

In Real Life

Wow! The last month is a blur! My girls are back in school (they started August 19- too early for Michigan!) and we are getting settled in the new routine. I had a girls weekend with a friend of mine in northern Michigan- Oh I love my state! We camped (a little less than glamping in my opinion), kayaked and hiked. Spent time at the beach just relaxing. I am a beach girl through and through!!

My girls are back in school, but my son is finished with film school! We will celebrate his graduation next month. It’s also the beginning of birthday season at our house where we have 5 birthdays in 6 weeks. For a few weeks I’ll have 4 teenagers and then my son will enter the next decade. I’m in awe that I will have a 20 year old. In my mind, I’m still 30!

Favorite Finds

• I love my food chopper for nice evenly diced veggies and quick chopping. I put mine in the dishwasher for easy clean up. This one has many attachments.
• Dutch ovens are great for soups, stews, and sourdough bread! Mine get used all the time. I like a 5 or 6 quart, and I always check to make sure they can go in a 450-500 degree oven. These enameled ones are super easy to clean up.
• Check out this 2 in 1 oil sprayer! I stay away from ‘cooking’ spray when I can, I much prefer to use olive oil in a mister, but I love that you can mist or pour with this dispenser.
• I came across this chicken shredder the other day. I’ve always used my kitchenAid Mixer to shred chicken, but this has me curious. Let me know if you try this.
• If you still have a box grater for cheese, it’s time to move on! These rotary cheese graters are the best! No shredding your skin or tired muscles, this thing makes shredding cheese a cinch.
• I’m a fan of Mrs. Meyer’s products. I noticed that amazon has them for a great price right now (at least today). The hand soaps are a staple in my house, such great scents too.

Book Club

It was my turn to host book club in August. I chose “The All American” by Susie Finkbeiner. This was the perfect book to wrap up the summer. It was a fun easy read that takes place in the 50’s about women’s baseball leagues and the red scare. I love when I learn something new in a book and I wasn’t that familiar with the red scare.

The book is set in my state, which made it even more fun, and the author is local. Our library hosted her for an author talk and I went just for fun. I chatted with her after the presentation and shared with her that this was my book club pick. SHE OFFERED TO COME TO MY BOOK CLUB! WHAT?!

This made for a very memorable evening. I actually kept her a surprise for my book club. She came a little later after our discussion and I wish I could’ve captured my friends’ response when I introduced Susie. It was priceless!

I served popcorn, peanuts and cracker jacks with coke (in bottles) to drink. We finished the night with the All American dessert- Apple Pie! The table was decorated with baseball items and some classic books as one of the characters was an avid reader. For the swag bags I did a red theme to represent the red scare. Red lipstick (which they always had to wear), red nail polish, some red licorice, candy coated cherries, and big red gum. I also included some sweet pea scented items from bath and body works. The fictional team was the “Workington Sweet Peas”

What I’m reading

Here’s all the books I’ve read recently or currently reading:

The Golden Spoon by Jessa Maxwell– I just started this one and it’s pulled me in. Kind of a combination of Clue and The Great British Baking show.

The Housemaid’s Secret (book 2) by Frieda McFadden–I had to because it’s a series!

The Bakers Secret– Found this at one of those Little Libraries on the way to get my hair done. World War II and I really liked it.

The Rose Code– I absolutely loved this book! It was long, but I got through it pretty quickly and never got bored. Also historical fiction and loved all the characters and their stories. Highly recommend!

The Fury– Lots of twists and turns in this one, I was always guessing and never right. I wanted to read this because I read The Silent Patient a couple years ago and it’s the same author.

Love Unscripted– Just a light chick lit beach read and I enjoyed it. Great if you just want to escape for a bit.

Next up is The Lost Bookshop which is for September’s book club. I’ll tell you all about it after we meet.

I’d love to hear what’s on your read, listen and watch lists. Leave a comment or send me an email!

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | September 12, 2024 appeared first on Art From My Table.

What’s Cooking?

Mixed Berry Cobbler

Nothing beats a classic recipe. This Mixed Berry Cobbler is full of soft, plump berries topped with a crispy, buttery biscuit topping that has the warm flavor of cinnamon and sugar. 

GRAB THE RECIPE!

Frozen Yogurt Bark

Perfect for a healthier option that tastes like dessert! Cool and creamy to refresh you during the hot summer days. (also- technically, no cooking)

GRAB THE RECIPE!

In Season & Trending

Here’s what’s trending this month…

• Vegetable Medley Bake– This one has been around awhile and it’s perfect for this time of year when your gardens are producing all the yummy fresh veggies.
• Fresh Cherry Salsa– Sweet and spicy with fresh juicy cherries. Great on chips, chicken, pork or fish!
• Overnight Refrigerator Pickles– ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So delicious! And easy! We made these the other night and I love them” (blog reader)
• How To Freeze Peaches– The best and easiest way to preserve those peaches so you can enjoy them all year long!

In Real Life

We had a couple of annual get togethers to celebrate the 4th of July (why does that seem so long ago?), I visited a local lavender farm, called Lavender Life Company, with my daughter which was such a cool place! My favorite thing about them is they sell these sweet stuffed animals and whenever they sell one, they also donate one to a child in foster care. If you’ve been around here long, you may know that we adopted two children out of foster care, so that gesture is near and dear to my heart. They ship their products as well, if you love lavender, check it out.

We also had some fun (NOT) parenting moments. 2 of my daughters opened up a social media account (with no device of their own) which they are not allowed to have at this point. My husband and I thought it would be really fun to confront them with it by loading a picture of us on it. Oh friends! I wish I dared to show you the picture! I don’t, so I’ll just let you use your imagination. We both “made” crop top shirts and did that ever so popular pose amongst teens (that I hate) where they hold up the peace sign and also stick their tongues out of the side of their mouths. Seriously, just describing this makes me feel weird– hopefully you get the idea. Then we captioned it “coolest parents ever”.

You know what? They didn’t think it was funny at all! 🤣😂🤷‍♀️. I share that just to prove that it is not all sunshine and roses over here.

We are still enjoying glorious Michigan summers over here. I love floating in the pool, visiting Lake Michigan, and dining outdoors. Kids are heading back to school in a few weeks and the schedule will be changing.

Favorite Finds

There was few things I needed/wanted for around the house and I was kind of holding out for Prime day. Here’s what I bought

• My friend has been telling me about her Cordless Stick Vacuum for awhile now, so I went ahead and got one for myself, so far I’m loving it!
• This mini portable fan has been so great! I’m enjoying it so much more than I thought I would. I pack it right in my pickle ball bag and use it in between games. Plus, it’s pink! Don’t worry, there are several colors to choose from.
• Speaking of pickle ball, I finally upgraded to a new bag. It’s very roomy, has a hook, and a spot for your water bottle.
• Our toaster has been on the fritz for… I don’t know, years probably. It just doesn’t toast evenly, so I was on the hunt for a new one. Here’s the toaster I got, and I LOVE the color. It matches my Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer.
• My entry way needed a new rug and I found this one from Lahome. Isn’t it fun? It’s washable, my friend recommended this brand and says they wash up great. I’ll keep you posted.

Book Club

This month we discussed The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian. I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This story is set in the 1960’s, and an actress takes her closest friends on a Safari. Then there is some murders. One of the reasons I liked this book is because it’s so different from other things I read. I loved the setting, and the way it was written. I’ve never read this author before, but he has some others out there that I have my eye on. This one definitely had some gruesome scenes, which is not my norm, but I’m told his other books don’t.

Our hostess did an amazing job! She has a friend who’s husband has done loads of hunting and has so much mounted in a separate building on their property. What are the chances of this? It was so perfect! In addition to the veggie tray, we had bugles (claws), animal crackers, and chocolate covered raisins (scat 😆). She served White Russians (read the book, you’ll get it) and tonic water and lime. Our swag bags were filled with candy cigarettes, zebra cakes, matchbox landrover, some monkey toys and safari plastic animals.

July Reads

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver– I gave this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. This is a long book, I actually listened to it on Libby. It was well narrated and there are so many themes throughout the book. Here’s the description from the book:

Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, Demon Copperhead is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a single-wide trailer, with no assets beyond his dead father’s good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival. Relayed in his own unsparing voice, Demon braves the modern perils of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses. Through all of it, he reckons with his own invisibility in a popular culture where even the superheroes have abandoned rural people in favor of cities.

The Housemaid by Frieda McFadden-Okay, not my typical genre, but someone recommended to me and it’s always good to get out of my comfort zone. This one is a psychological thriller and there were definitely some twists and turns. There are 2 more in this series.

The All American by Susie Finkbeiner– A historical fiction book that takes place in the 1950’s about a a girl who dreams of playing on the All American Women’s baseball league. This is the one I picked for book club that I’ll be hosting next month, so I’ll keep you posted on that.

I’d love to hear what’s on your read, listen and watch lists. Leave a comment or send me an email!

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | July 26, 2024 appeared first on Art From My Table.

Favorite Strawberry Recipes

Fresh berries taste so… well, fresh! They are juicy and naturally sweet.

Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes

These cheesecake pancakes are delicate and flavorful, the homemade strawberry sauce is extra delicious.

GRAB THE RECIPE!

Starbucks Strawberry Lemonade

It’s been in the 90’s all week here… this is the perfect refresher!

GRAB THE RECIPE!

Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri

The whole family can enjoy these!

GRAB THE RECIPE!

The Best Way To Freeze Strawberries

So you can enjoy that fresh flavor all year long!

GRAB THE RECIPE!

June Reader Favorites

Here’s what’s trending this month…

• #1 Egg Roll In A Bowl– ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “So easy and delicious, made a great and quick mid-week meal!” (blog reader)
• #2 Grape Salad Recipe-Juicy grapes wrapped in a rich cream cheese and sour cream dressing and topped with brown sugar and pecans– YES PLEASE!
• #3 Breakfast Banana Split– ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “It’s totally amazing and very satisfying!” (blog reader). I’ve been serving this up for years now, my kids loved it when they were little, and this is one they haven’t outgrown! Ha! It’s super easy to put together, even the littles can make it themselves.

In Real Life

My husband and I had a quick getaway to Cincinnatti to meet up with his brother and uncle. While we were there, I got to meet a photography friend in person (we’ve only met online). We spent the day with her and her husband and they showed us sights all around the town!

We never would’ve captured the city if it weren’t for our local friends. We received a very unofficial and exclusive tour of Music Hall where we saw back stage, the basement, the attic and everything in between! But the best part was connecting with family and friends.

I’ve also had a chance to float in my pool a few times, and connect with another friend while she was camping up north. Summer in Michigan– it’s the best!

Favorite Things

Here’s some fun finds and things I find useful in and out of the kitchen.

• Do you love nugget ice? Those countertop dispensers are an awesome splurge, but for a much more reasonable cost (and a little time and effort) You can make your own small ice spheres. These are fun, and you can even add some fruit or herbs make them fancy.
• How cool is this watermelon cutting tool?
• I love this corn on the cob slicer for taking the kernels off the cob. This was a life saver for the years of braces we endured! LOL! But it’s also great if you like to freeze fresh corn. Makes the process so much faster. I like to place the ear of corn in the center of a bundt pan (where the hole is) and then slice the kernels off, they fall right into the cake pan for easy collecting.
• And while we’re on the topic of prepping fresh fruit and veggies, you definitely need to look into my favorite cherry pitter.
• Do you dehydrate anything? My favorite thing to do is apple slices in the fall. I also like to grow herbs and then dehydrate those myself as well. I have the Nesco Dehydrator, it’s an old one, works fine, and is pretty affordable, but if I were to upgrade, I’d go with this Magic Mill Commercial Food Dehydrator.

Book Club

This month we discussed The Women by Kristin Hannah. A ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!! We all loved it. I learned a lot about the Vietnam war, so much I was unaware of. I loved the characters and we had a fabulous discussion. Our hostess put together a great themed table scape and spoiled us with swag bags.

I finished The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. Another fabulous read! I would easily give that one 5 starts as well. It’s set in the 1700’s in Maine about a Midwife and healer. A body is found in the frozen river, and she is called to examine it to determine the death. The local doctor differs in opinion and because he is a man, he is reverenced. There are layers and layers of stuff here, a trial, a love story, and so much more.

I started The Lioness by Chris Bohjalian, this is our next book club read. I’ve never read anything by him before, but this book is a wild adventure so far! It’s set in the 60’s. A Hollywood actress takes her closest friends on a Safari and there’s a kidnapping and all kinds of wild things that happen. I’ll keep you posted on my rating next month.

I’d love to hear what’s on your read, listen and watch lists. Leave a comment or send me an email!

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | June 21, 2024 appeared first on Art From My Table.

I hope you had a great long Memorial Day weekend. If you served our country, thank you so much for your service. ♥️🇺🇸

In case you missed it, here are a few of our favorite patriotic recipes (bookmark these for the 4th of July):

• Red, White and Blue Salad
• Watermelon salad
• Patriotic Parfaits
• Breakfast Banana Splits (sub out the black berries for blue berries)
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Blueberry Lemonade

New Recipes

About a year ago I learned how to make sourdough bread. In my endeavors I find myself with some discard. There are 2 things we LOVE to make with discard. One is this delicious banana bread, featuring a caramel icing– yum yum yum! The other is a discard waffle recipe. I’ll make several batches to put in the freezer and then we treat them like toaster waffles.

Sourdough Banana Bread

The sourdough’s slightly tangy flavor complements the sweetness of ripe bananas beautifully! Plus, this delicious bread recipe is topped off with a sweet and rich caramel icing– so good!

GRAB THE RECIPE!

It’s Grilling Season

I love grilling because it’s just so quick and easy. You can take 10 minutes to prepare a marinade in the morning, let it soak throughout the day, and have an amazingly flavorful meal with little effort. Sign me up! Less kitchen time, more pool time.

Savory Chicken Marinade

Power packed with savory flavor. You’ll want to reserve some of the marinade and dip all the things in it.

GRAB THE RECIPE!

In Real Life

For the first time in 20 years, I did not attend our local Memorial Day parade. It was 50° and drizzly. Instead I stayed home and finished my book while the rest of my family braved it. I did however go to another parade that my daughter walked in on behalf of Chick Fil A. I had my winter coat on and a blanket. What we won’t do for the kids! 🤣

My highlight of the week was seeing Wicked. Such a fantastic show!

With summer here and school out, I’m adjusting to what that schedule will look like. It looks a little different each year as the kids get older. I plan to work less and read more. #goals! Spend time doing summer things with the kids that are at home. My son is in a 12 month program, so I’ll look forward to his visits.

Favorite Things

Here’s some fun finds and things I find useful in and out of the kitchen.

• Since sourdough baking has been in my life, I can’t live without a kitchen scale.
• We’ve had a Soda Stream Maker for the last few years and if you like bubbly water, it’s a must have!
• If you have a Blackstone or griddle, these little disposable grease cup liners are great.
• Summer fun right here– make your own snow cones. We had one of these when the kids were younger and they always had so much fun with it.
• If you’re always wondering– is my meat cooked enough? You’ll love the Thermapen thermometer by ThermoWorks. It gives instant results! It is pricey, but completely worth it. I’ve almost burned my hand holding one over a hot grill or oven because they take longer to read, but this one is so quick.
• I came across these cute jars with lids. They look perfect for overnight oats.
• These super soft make up remover cloths are the best! Super affordable and they work! Takes off all your make up with just water. You can also use your cleanser, and use it like a wash cloth. Either way, your face with thank you.
• I’m loving these athletic skirts for my pickleball games.

What I’m reading/listening/watching

I just finished The Women by Kristin Hannah. This is our book club pick and I’m so looking forward to our discussion! I’ll tell you all about it next month.

I just started The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon.

I haven’t been listing to many podcasts at the moment. My son does one with his best bud and it’s called the Manwagon. I always stay up to date on that one. If you want to be entertained by a couple college guys, check it out.

Have you seen Abbot Elementary? I’m loving this one. I’m not sure if Virgin River or Sweet Magnolias is going to continue with new seasons, but those are still favorites of mine. I also started watching My Life with the Walter Boys with my daughter. We are enjoying it. The mom is Donna from Suits, fun to see her in a very different role.

I’d love to hear what’s on your read, listen and watch lists. Leave a comment or send me an email!

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | May 31, 2024 appeared first on Art From My Table.

New Recipes

This week I have two brand new recipes for you and they are just thing you need to bring to your next gathering. And I’m telling you, if you’ve got nothing to go to… don’t let that stop you from making these! Because these dishes go with ANYTHING!

Broccoli Salad

This Broccoli salad is a little lighter than your typical with less mayo, but GREAT flavor! I like it because it has sweetness, but not overly sweet. Best part- it’s super easy to make!

Broccoli Salad Recipe

Grape Salad

Can we call this healthy because it has grapes and ‘salad’ in the title? 🤣 It should be called Crack because it’s addicting! Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Feeds a crowd and is soooo good! Refreshing snappy grapes wrapped in a cream cheese dressing… I’m hungry!

Grape Salad Recipe

In Real Life

Well, it happened to me. I have become a pickle ball addict. I started taking lessons and playing at the end of March. I used to play once a week, and this week– I played 4 times! I’m not great, I have a lot more learning and practicing that needs to be done, but I’m having a ball (see what I did there 😂)! Turns out it’s a fabulous stress reliever and excellent form of exercise.

Have you jumped on this bandwagon? My son played with me last weekend and has now rounded up 3 other people to play. He also bought me a new paddle for Mother’s day. I’m liking it and if you want to try it out, use the code: JOSHUA27364 ( my son will get a little gas money if you do, no pressure though).

Last weekend was my oldest daughters first prom, a local 25k race that my husband and son participated in, and of course Mother’s day. My family appeased me with several pictures at the photo booth at church. Here’s one of my favorites.

Favorite things

These extra large storage containers are great for keeping fruit and veggies in the fridge at the ready, or, grab and go for the Track team or a picnic.

Cut down on your prep time with this Veggie Chopper. It actually does so much more than that. I especially like mine when I want something evenly diced. There is a regular dice and a fine dice. It cleans up pretty easily, sometimes I just toss it in the dishwasher.

I love Boxzie. They have these fun gift boxes for different occasions and all you have to do is order and send. They are super fun and have nice quality gifts. This one is a different brand, but I think this is a great grad gift idea.

Book Club

We had another book club gathering to talk about “The Wonderful World of James Herriot” If you are familiar with his books, he is a vet and wrote stories about being a vet in the 1930’s and 1940’s. This one is kind of like excerpts of his many different books with back stories. I actually did not read his books as a kid, but I have seen a a couple seasons of “All Creatures Great and Small” on PBS. It’s quite relaxing and enjoyable.

This was a unique book and not your typical book club read. But as usual, we have a blast when we get together. Our hostess served us bread pudding and tea (so English). We couldn’t help ourselves and had to have seconds. It was absolutely dreamy. She also sent us home with these adorable mugs.

Our June pick is The Women by Kristin Hannah. If you follow books at all, you know this one is super popular right now.

I also love to listen to books and podcasts while I’m doing dishes or driving. Last year I was hooked on “Scamanda”. I’m not really a true crime genre kind of gal, but– let me tell you! I found it FASCINATING. Check it out where ever you listen to your podcasts.

I love book and podcast recommendations, so leave a comment with your suggestions!

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | May 17, 2024 appeared first on Art From My Table.

Happy May Friends!

I feel like May is one of the busiest times of the year with spring programs, musicals, sports, field trips etc.! And let’s not forget the holidays- Cinco De Mayo, and of course Mother’s Day! If you are sharing this crazy season with me, hang in there! We’ve got this!

This week I have some Cinco De Mayo recipes for you, A delicious Frittata that’s perfect for Mother’s day, and don’t forget to serve it up with a Blood Orange Mimosa (nonalcoholic version). And speaking of Mocktails, I have two brand new ones you’re going to love: Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri, and Pineapple Ginger Beer Mocktail. Mom will love them both and the whole family can enjoy them!

In Real Life

My time is still split between creating recipes for this blog and free lance photography. Along the way Tennis elbow decided to join me (boo!) so I have had to ‘take it easy’ per doctor’s orders. So I have cut back a little on my production.

But I also picked up pickle ball and have been playing a couple times a week. I know, I know– but motion is lotion they say, so staying active with different muscles is good for the tennis elbow! 😁

And of course, my top priority is my family, and that is where most of my time is spent. This weekend my oldest daughter is in the play “High School Musical” and she is Mrs. Darbus, the drama teacher. I’m looking forward to enjoying the performance. I’ve been helping out all this week with meals for the cast and hair (putting that cosmetology license to good use, ha!).

Over the last year, I have found a love for making sourdough bread. I’m debating if that is something ya’ll would like to learn? Or maybe you’re already a pro. Send me an email, or leave a comment if you’d like to see some recipes. Here’s a snapshot of a Cheddar Dill loaf.

A Few Of My Favorite things

This rotary cheese grater has been a game changer! It suctions to the counter and is sooo much easier to use than a box grater!

I’m a girly girl. I remember watching my mom curl her eyelashes and spend time putting on mascara. Turns out I’ve become her. LOL! For YEARS, I’ve been heating up a metal eye lash curler, the clamp kind, with my blow dryer and then carefully curling my lashes. Recently, I came across this type of eye lash curler, and oh how I love it! It has saved me so much time, plus I’m not at risk of burning myself. 😄

Sous Vide Cooking. Hands down the best cooking method ever! This may or may not be a great gift for mom. I know you have to tread lightly when it comes to kitchen things, right? But if she loves cooking and is a foodie, she’ll love it.

A few recipes to try are this Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin, Asparagus, or go fancy with this Sous Vide Tri Tip. YUM!

Book Club

Are you a reader? You may have heard me talk about my book club in the past. It is my FAVORITE day of the month. We love to theme it up with table scapes and swag bags. I thought I’d share with you what we’re reading, and please tell me what you’re reading too. I love recommendations!

In April we read “Finding Dorothy” by Elizabeth Letts

I absolutely loved this book! The story is told from Frank L. Baum’s (author of The Wizard Of Oz) wife’s perspective on the making of the Wizard of Oz movie. It was a delightful read, I highly recommend. I gave it 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Grab Your Copy!

Here’s a snapshot of our night. Our hostess also had The Wizard Of Oz movie playing in the background. I could talk for hours about books and book club, so I won’t start that here, but if you want to chat all things books, reach out!

In May we’ll be discussing “The Wonderful World of James Herriot” if you’d like to join me.

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.
Have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

Please share

Your shares are how this site grows, and I appreciate each one. Do you know someone who would enjoy this recipe?

I’d love it if you shared it on your favorite Pinterest board or Facebook! AND…if you like this recipe, please do me a favor and give it a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating! TIA 🥰

You can also follow along on YouTube and Instagram!

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | May 3, 2024 appeared first on Art From My Table.

Hi! Remember me?

It’s been awhile since my last edition of table talk (my sincerest apologies), but today I have some updates and great recipes for you! Grab some coffee or beverage of choice, this is a long episode.

In Real Life

I’m still at it with recipe development and photography, but my time is being more split now as I’ve shifted into more free lance work. A year ago, I decided to sharpen my photography skills and signed up for a very intense course- Pretty Focused.

After graduating, I’ve been hired to help out other fabulous bloggers with their photography needs.

Speaking of fabulous bloggers…

I spent last week with my mastermind group at a gorgeous farm house in Tennessee. We ate, we got stuff done, we laughed, and we cried. These are some of my very favorite people in the whole wide world. We have become such good friends even though we live all over the U.S.

For more incredible recipes, you’ve got to check out their sites! You won’t be disappointed!

Bensa Bacon Lover’s Society -Eliza specializes in BACON. If you love bacon, you need this in your life!
The Fresh Cooky -Kathleen cooks a lot like me, real foods, nothing processes. She also lives in CO and knows all about the high altitude baking.
Life Love and Good Food – There’s no better explanation! Not too fancy, just good food. Sheila lives in the south and satisfies every appetite.
Nourish and Nestle – Lynn does SO much more than food! She has excellent home tips and the greenest thumb you’ve ever met. She’s also my go-to for all things canning.
Soulfully Made – Nikki also lives in the south and she makes delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes. Comfort food at it’s finest!

My last personal note is my first-born is graduating. Talk about an emotional bittersweet time! I can barely talk about it without tearing up… I’m at it full force planning the celebration.

Recipes

This is why we’re really here, right?!

Cinco De Mayo

In America we love to celebrate with food! And Mexican food is one of my favorites. Here are some great Mexican recipes for you to enjoy any time of the year!

I don’t know about you, but I eat Mexican food all year long.

White Chicken Chili

If you haven’t tried my Award winning white chicken chili, now is the right time! This family recipe is absolutely delicious and I promise, it's the easiest chili recipe you'll ever make! 

White Chicken Chili

Slow Cooker Carnitas

These are super easy and delicious! There are so many different ways to use this flavorful pulled pork– tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, as well as my favorite: Leftover Carnitas Casserole.

Slow Cooker Carnitas

For more Mexican food, check out my collection of the best Cinco de Mayo recipes. Enjoy!

Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, let’s celebrate it with love and gratitude… and amazing food!

Here are a few Mother’s Day recipe ideas guaranteed to make any mom sigh with delight. 

Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes

Fluffy pancakes with homemade strawberry syrup, the perfect breakfast to start the day.

Strawberry Cheesecake Pancakes

Frittata

Creamy, fluffy eggs, savory bacon, fresh vegetables, and herbs, all cooked to perfection in one pan.

Frittata Recipe

Blood Orange Mimosa Mocktail

The perfect non-alcoholic drink for Mother’s Day brunch. It tastes like the real thing!

Mimosa Recipe

Sous Vide Pork Tenderloin with Blackberry Sauce

This decadent dish is perfect for celebrating. If you have never tried using sous vide, I must warn you – you may never cook pork the same way again. I have a detailed cooking guide, so don’t worry, it’s easy!

Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Arkansas green beans

Fresh green beans combined with a tangy garlic-butter sauce and topped with crisp bacon makes this Arkansas Green Beans recipe an unforgettable side dish!

Arkansas Green Beans

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Perfectly grilled juicy chicken with amazing teriyaki sauce. A simple and delicious dish for every occasion.

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken

Rhubarb Crisp with Strawberries

A sweet ending to your Mother's day celebration and start to the summer season!

Rhubarb Crisp

French Style Coconut Parfait

Rich, creamy, and oh-so delicious! This frozen parfait is absolutely divine. And you don’t even need an ice cream maker to make it. 

Coconut parfait

Kombucha Recipe

Have a healthy mom? Make her a batch of homemade Kombucha. I will walk you through the whole process! It does take some time, though, so this one needs to start early.

Kombucha Recipe

Fun Fact

May 6 is Sauviganon Blanc Day! So grab a friend and share a glass!

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.

Cheers to you friends, have a blessed weekend!

Chellie

Please share

Your shares are how this site grows, and I appreciate each one. Do you know someone who would enjoy this recipe?

I’d love it if you shared it on your favorite Pinterest board or Facebook! AND…if you like this recipe, please do me a favor and give it a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating! TIA 🥰

You can also follow along on YouTube and Instagram!

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | May 5, 2023 appeared first on Art From My Table.

Hello Friends!

I know most schools have started, but we are still summer-living for another day or two. As I write this, we are on week 2 of our vacation. I’m reading lots of books and sitting on the shores of Lake Michigan. The only thing better is winter in Florida!!

We’ve also enjoyed campfires, games, family activities and loads of ice cream!

I don’t normally back our vacation up to the first day of school… but oh well, that’s how it worked out this year. No easing into the new routine this year– we’re going cold turkey!

That said, here’s my best recipes for Back to School season.

Quick and Easy Breakfasts

The morning hustle to get everyone up and out the door is crazy! So the easier the breakfast prep, the better it will go. And studies have proved that kids who eat a good breakfast do better in their morning classes.

• Smoothies: Try Berry Blast, Green Monster, or maybe Orange Creamsicle. And there are plenty more you can find in my Smoothies category.
• Toast Toppers: This recipe has 4 ideas for Toast Toppers that will energize your day.
• Breakfast Banana Splits: Breakfast Banana Split The kids adore this one, don’t worry, it’s a healthy version. They’ll be calling you the best mom ever!!!

Make Ahead Breakfast

I think it goes without saying that anything worth doing is worth doing well. And I don’t know about you, but my school mornings are anything BUT “done well” if I am not deliberate about the process.

Diligence really pays off when I plan and make breakfast, snacks, and more ahead! Here are a few suggestions:

1. Breakfast Cookies– I mean, how can you resist? Again, these are healthy, so no worries!
2. Frittatas: You can choose one of these recipes for a family frittata or mini-frittatas.
3. Overnight Oats: Can’t wait for all things pumpkin? Try this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats recipe or one of the other delicious overnight oats recipes on the site.

Lunchbox Ideas

Lunchboxes are simpler than they used to be– so they do not need too much explanation.

• DIY Yogurt Tubes: Love those go-gurt tubes but not all the artificial ingredients? Make them at home with my DIY Yogurt Tubs recipe.
• BLT Avocado Wraps: These Avocado BLT Pinwheels are not just for kids, pack these in your own lunch box!

Easy Weeknight Meals

We all need easy meals. Save the dinners with multi-steps for the weekend or nights when the kids do not need to be taken all over the city for their various activities.

Here are some Kid Friendly and easy dinners you can try this year:

• Kielbasa Skillet with Apples and Onions
• Baked Ham and Cheese Sliders or French Dip Sliders
• Turkey Skillet Dinner with Sweet Potatoes
• Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef
• Slow Cooker Sesame Drumsticks

Until Next Table Talk…

Well, that was a LOT! I hope you find it helpful and you’re off to a great school year.

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.

Blessings to you,

Chellie

Please share

Your shares are how this site grows, and I appreciate each one. Do you know someone who would enjoy this recipe?

I’d love it if you shared it on your favorite Pinterest board or Facebook! AND…if you like this recipe, please do me a favor and give it a ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating! TIA 🥰

You can also follow along on YouTube and Instagram!

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter to have recipes delivered to your inbox and to stay up to date on the latest!

The post Table Talk | August 19 appeared first on Art From My Table.

How is your summer going? Here’s what’s been happening around my table…

Summer is very different this year as the kids are getting older. We still have a less regimented schedule, as summer should be, but I think in previous years, the summer days looked more similar to each other:

Get stuff done in the morning, sit by the pool in the afternoon.

This year there is more coming and going with the kids, and me getting the people to all the places, keeping track of the ones that drive and work, and still managing a little of my own work here and there.

No matter what is on our agenda, this much is true: There is nothing like summer in Michigan!!☀️

What’s cooking this week

This week I’ve been making lots of Overnight Refrigerator Pickles! We love these and could easily devour a jar at meal time! I’ve taken them to every potluck recently. So easy to make, but you do need to plan a day ahead.

To make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable, try sipping on a tasty mocktail while you cook. I love Strawberry Mojitos.

Easy Grilling Recipes

If you know me at all, you know I’m passionate about the family dinner. Even though the schedules are all over the place, I aim to have everyone at the table at least a few times a week!

Grilling is a quick and easy meal and doesn’t heat up the kitchen. Often I’ll whip up a marinade in the morning and let the meat marinate all day in the fridge. Then toss it on the grill and dinner is done!

Here are some favorites:

• Savory Grilled Chicken
• Teriyaki Chicken
• Balsamic Pork Chops

And don’t forget the veggies, I love doing Corn on the Cob on the grill. Also, have you ever tried Grilling Brie? SO DELISH!!

Freezing Fruit

I’m also carving out time for seasonal prep. I’m stocking up on all the berries and fruit and freezing it so I can taste summer all year long! Freezing fruit is actually really simple to do.

HOW TO FREEZE:

• strawberries
• blueberries
• cherries
• rhubarb
• peaches

Frozen fruit works great in Smoothies and Desserts all year long. Store them in the proper freezer-safe containers and they’ll last good 6-12 months!

Until Next Time…

Thanks again for stopping by, I’m honored that you spent some time having a conversation at my table.

Blessings to you,

Chellie

The post Table Talk | July 15 appeared first on Art From My Table.

When we think of cooking steak, we often think about outdoor smokers and grills. However, if it’s rainy or cold and you don’t want to stand outside, this is a fantastic alternative.

Top chefs and quality restaurants rarely cook steak on a grill. The secret to making a fantastic steak that is seared to perfection and cooked through is a cast iron skillet.

Steak is one of my favorite things to cook in cast iron, but I use it often for many other recipes, such as my Frittata recipe, Kielbasa, and Deconstructed Stuffed Peppers. They are so versatile, you can use them on the stove top, in the oven, and even on your grill! Check out my Smoked Cream Cheese Recipe to see the grilling action.

Benefits To Cooking With Cast Iron

There are several advantages to using cast iron skillets. Here’s what I love about them.

• Cost effective– They are reasonably priced and if cared for properly will last you a lifetime.
  
• Even heat distribution– no hot spots give you the best result when cooking anything. If you use a normal ceramic or non-stick pan, you’ll get “hot spots” where parts of your steak will get too much heat and other parts will get too little. Having that even temperature gives you a good sear.
  
• They retain heat like no other cookware material. In addition, cast iron also has the advantage of being able to handle high temperatures of 500+ degrees. For searing steak, this is ideal.
  
• Because they’re made without coatings or synthetic chemicals, they’re a great way to keep things simple and natural when you’re cooking, and you can feel good about using them everyday.
  
• Durable– this is the best material, it’s heavy duty and as mentioned will last.
  
• They hold seasoning flavors, which infuses your cooking.
  
• Versatile– You can braise, fry, saute’, etc. Cook meats, vegetables, eggs, and so on. The versatility of moving your cast iron pan back and forth creates simplicity in cooking not only steak but other meats, savory dishes, and even desserts.  

The advantage of using a cast-iron skillet for steak is that cast iron will cook at an even temperature throughout the pan.

These reasons and more are why I love cast iron anytime I’m cooking steak. 

So now that I’ve got you thinking about cast iron, the next question becomes: Which cast iron skillet is the best option?    

Choosing The Right Skillet

When looking for a new cast iron skillet, there are a few things you’ll want to consider: Pre-seasoning, handle length, helper handle, and pour spout.

Pre-seasoning– Cast iron is unique in that the older the pan is, the better it works. A new cast iron pan will feel rough to the touch. An older cast iron pan, that has years of use, will be slick- more like Teflon. Pre-seasoning is a coating from the manufacturer that helps your pan get to that slickness, faster. The more coats, the better.

Handle Length– One advantage of cast iron is that it can go from the stove to the oven and back again without a problem. A short handle gives you better leverage as you are lifting the hot pan. It also fits in your oven better. You’re less likely to burn yourself by accidentally touching longer handles. 

Helper handle- This is the shorter handle on the opposite side from the regular handle. This makes it easier to transport whether you’re moving it to the oven or to the table. Cast iron is a heavy pan! So to me, this is an important feature. No one wants to drop dinner on the floor.

Pour Spouts- If you’re pouring drippings or anything out, especially into a smaller opening, this is helpful to keep it where it’s going and not dribble down the outside of the pan. Chances are, you’ll be cooking more than steak in your cast iron pans.

The 5 Best Cast Iron Skillets For Steak

There are so many brands to choose from! These are my top picks for the best skillets for home cooks and any of these will last you a long time.

#1 Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

I definitely recommend a Lodge skillet. It has all of my top preferences, a shorter handle, pre-seasoning, helper handle, pour spouts, and a great price.

It is the most affordable cast iron cookware with the highest quality. It’s also lighter weight by comparison. It has a pretty smooth surface to begin with, but will become even more smooth with use.

There are several different sizes to choose from and they carry all the accessories you can think of.

For steak, a 10 or 12-inch cast iron skillet is the ideal size. I use mine for all sorts of things and have a large family, so I prefer the 12 inch.

Lodge has been in business since 1896. They are an American company and create products that are durable and easy to use. You can’t go wrong with Lodge!

#2 Cuisinel Cast Iron Skillets

Cuisinel offers a great pan that is pre-seasoned, has safety covers, lids, and comes in a 2 piece set. It has a lifetime warranty and a money back guarantee. They are still quite an affordable price.

They start out with a little bit rougher surface than the lodge, but as with any of these skillets, after time, that will smooth out more.

 #3 Legend Cast Iron Skillet

Legend skillets have a “forever” warranty. They come with or without a tempered glass lid. They have a safety silicon grip and they weigh in at 4.9 pounds. The handle length is a bit longer than I’d prefer, but this pan meets all of the skillet musts and is a great option.

#4 Simple Chef Cast Iron Skillet 3-Piece Set

These skillets are slightly cheaper and come in a set of three. They are factory pre-seasoned and close to non-stick. They offer a thirty day satisfaction guarantee. They do not come with silicone covers for the handles, but you can buy them separately.  They also don’t have the helper handle.

#5 Utopia Kitchen Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet

This Utopia brand comes with a three-piece set and is the least expensive of the brands. They do not have handle covers, but you can buy them separately. The pre-seasoning they come with is soy-based and ready for immediate use.

Expert Tips

• Unlike a stainless steel pan with a long handle, the cast iron pan gets hot everywhere, including the handle. A great accessory is a silicone grip. It’s a bit easier to work with than an oven mitt, but both work. Many of the recommended brands sell them with the skillet, but they can always be purchased separately too.

• Preseasoned from the manufacturer is a great head start on your skillet. It’s still a good idea to season it at home before the first use.

• Proper care and maintenance have a big impact on the durability and performance of your pans.

• Many people ask about enameled cast iron pans. For steak, I prefer the original. I do have a dutch oven that is enameled cast iron, and I’ve used it for braising as well as simple soups and stocks, but for the purpose of a great sear, I still prefer traditional cast iron.
  
• To get your cast iron skillet piping hot, you can easily place it in the hot oven and get it up to 500 degrees before you switch it back to the stove and vice versa. Make sure you have proper oven mitts or grips when handling as it will be screaming hot!

How To Season a Cast-Iron Pan

Make sure your skillet is clean. If you have one that has rusted, it’s okay to use a mild dish detergent on it to scrub it and get rid of the rust. You don’t want to use soap on a regular basis, but it’s okay in this instance. After seasoning it, and maintaining it, you won’t need to use soap.

1. Preheat the oven to 500°. In order to really set the seasoning, you do need it to reach beyond the smoke point, which is why the temperature is so high.
   
2. Lightly coat the pan with vegetable oil. Flaxseed oil is one of the best you can use. Avocado oil also works well, but even good ol’ Crisco works. Just avoid animal fats. See the “Best Oils To Season A Cast Iron Skillet” section below for more options.
   
3. Use paper towels to spread the oil all over the surface of the pan. Include the sides of the pan too. If you do have an old pan that you’re trying to resurrect, go ahead and spread it on the outside of the pan too.
   
4. Place it in the oven for 1 hour. Turn off the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature in the oven.

Best Oil To Season A Cast Iron Skillet

The best oil really depends on what you’re using it for—seasoning your skillet, or cooking with it. Let’s break it down:

🌿 For Seasoning Your Skillet:

When you’re initially seasoning your cast iron (or refreshing it), you want an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. This helps the oil polymerize properly and form that glossy, nonstick surface we all love. Polymerize is just a just a fancy word for when oil turns into a smooth, hard layer after it’s heated up. It kind of ‘bakes on’ to the pan and helps make it non-stick. So instead of staying oily, it becomes part of the skillet’s surface—like magic armor for your pan!

Here are some great options:

• Flaxseed oil – It’s popular because it polymerizes well and creates a hard coating. Just know it can be a little finicky and expensive.
• Grapeseed oil – Another excellent choice that’s a bit more forgiving than flaxseed.
• Avocado oil – High smoke point and neutral flavor make it a solid pick.
• Vegetable or canola oil – Budget-friendly and reliable. Not as natural as the others, but it gets the job done.

🍳 For Cooking With Cast Iron:

When it comes to actually cooking in your cast iron skillet, the oil you use can vary based on what you’re making. Here are my go-tos:

• Avocado oil – Great for searing steak or high-heat cooking because of its high smoke point.
• Ghee (clarified butter) – Amazing for flavor and also handles heat well.
• Olive oil – Totally fine for lower-temp cooking like sautéing veggies. Really shouldn’t be used for high temp cooking, but–not going to lie– I’ve done it.
• Coconut oil – A nice option if you like the flavor, though it can be more noticeable in certain dishes.

The bottom line? Choose an oil with a high smoke point for seasoning and high-heat cooking. For flavor, feel free to experiment based on what you’re making. Cast iron is super versatile—once you get the hang of it, it’ll be your best friend in the kitchen!

Proper Care and Maintenance

Some would consider the maintenance a disadvantage, but honestly, it doesn’t take much effort and it’s worth it to keep your pans nice. Follow these steps for regular maintenance and keep that pan like new!

1. Rinse– After using your pan, rinse it well in hot water while it’s still warm (but not hot). You can use a sponge or brush to gently wash away any leftover stuck on food. You can also use a plastic scraper to help release it as you are rinsing. If you have stubborn stuck on pieces, boil some water in the pan, that will help loosen it up.
   
2. Dry– Use paper towel or a kitchen towel to dry it immediately. Don’t air dry! Alternatively, you can place the pan over low heat to quickly dry it, then remove it from the heat. I always just use paper towel.
   
3. Oil- pour a drizzle of oil in the pan (you don’t need much, maybe a teaspoon), and use a paper towel to spread it all around the entire surface and up the sides. Let it set for awhile so the oil absorbs before putting it away.
   
4. Store– Lay a paper towel over it before stacking any other pans on top to prevent scratching or the oil transferring over. Store in a cool dry place.

Consider this like a mini-seasoning. With cast iron, the more you use it the better it becomes.

👉 Pro Tip: If you’re finding that you don’t use it that often and food is sticking, then do a full seasoning on it and that should help. Seasoning once a year is recommended, but you may need it more or less. It really depends on how often you use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative Skillets For Steak

Cast iron is definitely the best for cooking steak, however, there are other alternatives.

Carbon Steel

These pans are very durable but require a bit more maintenance. They are light and easy to handle, they have a smooth cooking surface which gives a great sear. They are higher priced, but worth it if you care for them properly.

Stainless Steel

These pans are light and easy to use, they cook well at high heat and have even heat distribution. Clean-up is a breeze and you can even put them in the dishwasher.

My parents gifted me with an All-Clad stainless steel cookware set when we got married. Over twenty years later they still cook like new.

Ready to cook

Now that you know what to look for, here’s a fantastic simple steak recipe to try in your new cast-iron skillet.

The post Best Cast Iron Skillet for Steak appeared first on Art From My Table.