Author Archives: Joanie Simon

Sweet Potato Bacon Soup

Sweet Potato Soup

I had a single sweet potato hanging out in the miscellaneous produce bowl in the kitchen (currently being occupied by an acorn squash, a few limes, a tomato on its last leg, and a bunch of bananas, for the monkeys of course).  He was a pretty large sweet potato and on the heels of my

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Red Veggie Burger

Poobah’s Veggie Burgers

Who is Poobah?  That’s my Dad.  When my first son was born, we asked Dad what he wanted to be called.  “The Grand Poobah!” was his response.  Thinking that was wildly hilarious, we started calling him Poobah, and so far, that’s what the grandkids call him.  These veggie burgers are named for him because he’s

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Caramel Apple Shortbread Tart

Apple Shortbread Tarts

I have made some version of these tarts a bazillion times in the past month.  For the Test Kitchen, they were served a la mode.  At the Cheese 101 Class they had cheddar in the crust.  On Sonoran Living, they were drizzled with caramel.  After that many renditions, I can confidently say, we’ve got a

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graveyard pumpkin cheesecake parfait

Graveyard Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits

These Graveyard Pumpkin Cheesecake Parfaits are based on a standard no-bake cheesecake recipe and just add pumpkin and spice.  They’re a good recipe for Halloween because you can make them in advance and chill until you’re ready to serve them. The secret ingredient in the cheesecake mousse is lemon juice.  It interacts with the cream

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Albondigas

This recipe for Albondigas is a favorite during the winter months.  Albondigas are Mexican meatballs, many times served in a savory red chile broth. The Original Recipe When it comes to food festivals, the Arizona Taco Festival is definitely the biggest party.  Thinking about it conjures images of chihuahuas in tutus, tequila fueled party people

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Enchiladas

Three Cheese Enchiladas

Sunday marked my third cooking class at Luci’s Healthy Marketplace.  The theme of this class was cheese.  In addition to teaching everyone the basics of a proper cheese plate for entertaining (post on that to come sometime soon) we also cooked with cheese.  Enter, three cheese enchiladas. When I think of cheese, my brain goes

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Cabbage Rolls

It’s time again for Sun Dried Tomato Ketchup!  The latest in my Traina Foods series is a classic comfort food.  Cabbage rolls are a staple of delis, but sadly haven’t ever been on my dinner table before this recipe. I always thought these would be complicated and laborious, but with the help of my pressure

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Berry Blue Arugula Salad

This salad was inspired from my obsession with lighting berries.  Yes, I’m weird, but hey, it’s my blog.  I do what I want.  As you can see, this salad has blackberries.  They reflect light in such a ridiculously luxurious way, like light bouncing off a dozen mini mirrors.  Look at them, aren’t they dreamy!?!  This salad

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Wandering

“Control freak?  Oh yes, that’s me.  I’m here. What’s up next?  Of course, we’re going here, doing this.  The game plan is set, any potential hazards and delays anticipated.” ______________________________________________________ Control ruled my life.  If I could control circumstances, if I could dictate the flow, I would feel safe and I could finally be happy.

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