what's cooking in my kitchen?

As you all know by now, I cook. A lot. Besides that I have a family that likes to eat! I have to admit I do too! I do like to put up some pictures and share what I have cooked and hope you enjoy reading it, and maybe trying some. Maybe when I have a complete flop I'll share that too, like fried zucchini, I haven't decided, but like I said, laugh everyday, even if it's at yourself. I think that is so very true of me. I find laughing at myself makes my life easier. I try not to take myself too seriously, really.  I like to check others who blog about food and get inspired to try new things. Who doesn't get tired of the same old things, and the same old grocery list? I know I do. And I do need to make a new shopping list and menu for the next week, soooooo.
 Well here are some things that I have tried. Some I've never tried before, or just a new twist on something I already make. So scroll on down and get hungry!!

bacon wrapped meat loaf! Yummy! Of course I got it  from Pioneer Woman!

pie crust, my grandmothers pie crust recipe

apple pie, my grand mothers recipe. she made the best apple pie.

I knew if I could make an apple pie and make my mom cry, that I had arrived as a pie maker. And one day I did! Thanks Mom! Sorry to make you cry!

my crazy kiddos, and a wedding cake. Part of a history lesson. We read about Pocahontas getting married, so we celebrated by making a cake! 

Cowboy Calzone. Again Pioneer Woman. These were a huge hit

OK, so the meatloaf was really good. I mean it's wrapped in bacon! Need I say more!!??
And if you were wondering why I made my mom cry and am pleased... My mother's mother was an excellent pie maker, and cook. She lived with us (back when I was in high school), and she would cook for us and with us. She also made doughnuts that were just out of this world too. I mean come home from school and see a pile of fresh doughnuts on the counter, and being a ravenously hungry teen I would devour some of them. She would take that time and ask about my day. Guess she really knew how to get a stubborn teen to talk. Just give me a doughnut! I would happily sit and chat with her over milk and doughnuts. Oh how I wish I had more of those times. She died of Alzheimer, I miss her and her wisdom. I know that there will be a day when I can visit with her again.
Anyways I would try and often fail at making pies. I made a raspberry one for Thanksgiving one year, and my friends brother was so excited to eat it, well one bite and that was it. He thought it was a cruel joke to offer raspberry pie and not put the sugar in it! Oops! He still reminds me of that from time to time when we chat!! Mom always told me that if I ever made a pie that tasted like her moms she would probably cry. So that was my goal. Sounds mean I know.
 So after getting married and making pie after pie after pie I got better. Then I made an apple pie and took it to my mom's. She took one bite and burst into tears. I had arrived! I hugged my mom and we laughed, and were both a little teary eyed. Mom, if you read this hope you don't mind me sharing that.
The wedding cake was just something fun to do and the kiddos like to help me cook. And yes we did read about Pocahontas getting married. They thought that was cool too, they LOVE history! The cake was even more fun to eat! It's a white cake with white frosting. Nothing fancy, but yummy!
The Cowboy Calzone was, like I said a huge hit. They have asked for me to make them again. I must have forgotten to take a picture of the finished product. It was great because it made a great quick breakfast the next morning!
So there you have it. A few more yummy things to try if you choose or just to look at, or just make you hungry!! I've made more things I just haven't thought to take a picture of it! I'll keep you posted on my cooking, and maybe throw in a story about my life as I go. Funny how food can jog a memory you have tucked away in your brain, and then share it as you blog about life! But food is such a personal thing and often shared with people you love, or like!