"NO RECIPE'S COMPLETE 'TIL YOU ADD SOME ....LOVE!"

Do you like to cook and bake? I definitely do!

Somedays when I'm preoccupied and busy with other things, cooking might be the last thing on my mind and can be a bit of a chore. There's something comforting about a homemade meal though, regardless of what it is...from a bowl of soup to a roast beef dinner. I'm now sharing these recipes with my daughter who, in her own right, is the "official birthday dinner cook" for her friends at school. She's also sharing a few of her cooking talents with me.  And..talented she is!

I have a picture on my kitchen wall that says, "No recipe's complete 'til you add some love."  Isn't that the truth? Homemade (anything) says "Comfort and Love." Taking those few extra minutes can mean so much!

I've always liked to try new recipes.  When I make something new, it seems the first thing I ask my family is  ,"Well, what do you think, should I make it again?"  Their response is usually positive.  When it's iffy or negative, that's usually the last we see of it.

I have always loved adding my own touches to recipes and making up my own.  I think we all do that...isn't that what makes them unique and special?
Like all of you do, I have my old stand-bys and those that have stood the test of time...many from my dear Mom and Dad.
Thanksgiving is like that. We tend to serve the same foods each year because it's tradition. That's a meal that everyone enjoys and knows that their favorite something will be on the table.

I had a great opportunity recently to attend a book signing by The Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten. It was held at the Williams Sonoma store at the mall.  For all of you who may watch her on the Food Network, she has the same demeanor in person.  She was charming and took time to chat briefly while signing each book.

You were allowed to have a picture taken while she was signing your book but you weren't allowed to pose with her. Here are a few ...

After the book was signed, we were treated to a small buffet of recipes from her latest cookbook.  Everything was delicious.  The samples were bite sized but were of ample variety to say that we had our LUNCH!

I found a few goodies in her cookbook that just might join "our usual favorites" on the Thanksgiving menu this year :)

Speaking of Thanksgiving, my little turkeys  (The Gobble Couple - Aury) are calling my name.
I'd like to finish them up so they'll be ready for next week....I'm making good progress.  I'll post a pic of my progress in the next few days.

I hope your stitching projects are coming along, too. Time is getting away from me so hopefully, SOME of my Christmas stitching will be finished.

Have a good rest of the weekend dear friends! As always, I appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment :)  I look forward to seeing the inspiring stitching and finishing you are all doing ~

HUGS and STITCHES,

Mary